Abstract
A hitch receiver with four walls forming a tube that includes an integrated clamping device for immobilizing inserted accessories. A flexible tube wall acts as a pressure plate to press against the accessory as force is applied. The clamping device further utilizes a backstop attached to a rigid portion of the tube and accommodating a mechanism for generating force. Force can be generated mechanically via a threaded rod operatively connected to a threaded opening in a block located in the space between the backstop and the pressure plate. Clamping force is applied to the pressure plate by the tip of the threaded rod as it is turned in such a way as to force the threaded block against the backstop. Force is applied until the pressure plate deforms, contacts the adjacent wall of the inserted accessory, and presses the accessory against the opposite tube wall.
Claims
1. A stabilizing apparatus incorporated into a vehicle hitch receiver comprised of individual interlocking components that in concert form the body of said hitch receiver, the hitch receiver having four parallel walls connected so as to form a tube for receiving accessories, the stabilizing apparatus limiting free-play movement of an accessory inserted thereto, the stabilizing apparatus comprising: a movable or flexible pressure plate incorporated into or replacing one of the hitch receiver's four walls; an immovable backstop attached to the rigid body of the hitch; a block integrated into said immovable backstop incorporating a threaded hole; a threaded bolt screwably engageable with said threaded hole of said block so as to force said pressure plate away from the backstop and toward said inserted accessory, clamping said accessory between the pressure plate and the opposing wall of the hitch receiver.
2. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said individual interlocking components include components to enclose and secure a square tube oriented perpendicular to the tube formed by said hitch receiver.
3. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said backstop is formed by parallel plates notched to receive said block with a threaded hole, said backstop interconnected and transferring force to said hitch receiver's face plates which in turn interconnect and transfer force to said perpendicularly-oriented square tube.
4. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said backstop is formed by parallel plates notched to receive said block with a threaded hole, said backstop interconnected and transferring force to hitch receiver side plates which in turn interconnect and transfer force to hitch receiver face plates which in turn interconnect and transfer force to said perpendicularly-oriented square tube.
5. Currently amended: The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said backstop is formed by parallel plates notched to receive said block with a threaded hole, said backstop interconnected and transferring force to hitch receiver side plates which in turn interconnect and transfer force to hitch receiver face plates.
6. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said backstop is formed by parallel plates notched to receive said block with a threaded hole, said backstop interconnected and transferring force to hitch receiver face plates.
7. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 1, comprised of a single-piece body of the hitch receiver formed by a square tube with said backstop an integral component and positioned outboard of a slotted wall of said tube whereby the area of said slotted wall between the slots acts as said pressure plate when engaged by said bolt screwably engaged in a threaded hole in said integral backstop.
8. The stabilizing apparatus as recited in claim 7, whereby said square tube is attached to a vehicle's frame.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention will be better understood with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
(2) FIG. 1A is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration for mounting to a square tube;
(3) FIG. 1B is a transparent isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration for mounting to a square tube;
(4) FIG. 1C is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration mounted to a square tube with hitch receiver opening above the square tube;
(5) FIG. 1D is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration mounted to a square tube with hitch receiver opening below the square tube;
(6) FIG. 2A is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration for mounting to a square tube with an alternate interconnection of the backstop plates;
(7) FIG. 2B is a transparent isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in an assembled, multi-piece configuration for mounting to a square tube with an alternate interconnection of the backstop plates;
(8) FIG. 3A is a solid acute-angle isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in a single-piece configuration for mounting to underside of a vehicle frame component;
(9) FIG. 3B is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in a single-piece configuration for mounting to underside of a vehicle frame component;
(10) FIG. 3C is a transparent isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in a single-piece configuration for mounting to underside of a vehicle frame component;
(11) FIG. 3D is a solid isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the clamping hitch in a single-piece configuration mounted to the underside of a representative segment of a vehicle frame component;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
(12) FIG. 1A details the subcomponents integrated into final assembly 10 which is the invention. Faceplates 1 interlock with subassembly comprised of base plate 2, side plates 3, and pressure plate 5 and held together by fastener assembly 9. Side plate tabs 4 protrude above pressure plate 5 and interlock with backstop plates 6. Threaded block 7 seats across corresponding notches in backstop plates 6. Bolt 8 is placed between backstop plates 6 and threaded through threaded block 7 until tip contacts pressure plate 5 and threaded block 7 lifts backstop plates 6 until they are stopped due to interference with side plate tabs 4. Additional threading creates pressure against pressure plate 5 causing it to press downward.
(13) FIG. 1B shows a transparent view of the components in final assembly 10.
(14) FIG. 1C shows final assembly 10 mounted with hitch receiver opening above square tube segment 11.
(15) FIG. 1D shows final assembly 10 mounted with hitch receiver opening below square tube segment 11.
(16) FIG. 2A details the subcomponents integrated into final assembly 16 which is an alternate embodiment of the invention. Faceplates 12 interlock directly with backstop plates 13. Threaded nut 15 seats across corresponding notches in backstop plates 13. Bolt 14 is placed between backstop plates 13 and threaded through threaded nut 15 with subsequent operation proceeding as in previous embodiment.
(17) FIG. 2B shows a transparent view of the components in final assembly 16.
(18) FIG. 3A details the subcomponents integrated into final assembly 21 which is an alternate embodiment of the invention. Hitch body 17 has an integrated backstop 19 incorporating a threaded hole through which bolt 18 is threaded. Slots 20 are cut into hitch body 17 to create a flexible section between them to act as the pressure plate. Bolt 18 is threaded through the hole in backstop 19 until it contacts the pressure plate formed between slots 20. Further threading of bolt 18 through backstop 19 will deform the pressure plate area between slots 20, creating pressure against an accessory inserted into the hitch.
(19) FIG. 3B details the subcomponents integrated into final assembly 21 which is an alternate embodiment of the invention. Hitch body 17 has an integrated backstop 19 incorporating a threaded hole through which bolt 18 is threaded. Slots 20 are cut into hitch body 17 to create a flexible section between them to act as the pressure plate. Bolt 18 is threaded through the hole in backstop 19 until it contacts the pressure plate formed between slots 20. Further threading of bolt 18 through backstop 19 will deform the pressure plate area between slots 20, creating pressure against an accessory inserted into the hitch.
(20) FIG. 3C shows a transparent view of the components in final assembly 21.
(21) FIG. 3D shows final assembly 21 mounted to the underside of a vehicle frame component 22.
