FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of apparatuses for use in the recovery of vehicles. It particularly relates to a vertically-pivoting hitch coupling mount and to a towing assembly, which comprises the vertically-pivoting hitch coupling mount and a horizontally-pivoting hitch assembly.

BACKGROUND

[0002] During the course of operating a vehicle, it may be necessary to recover the vehicle for one reason or another, for example if the vehicle were to slide off a road into a ditch, to get stuck in mud or snow or any number of other types of terrain (i.e., as with an agricultural tractor or other heavy machinery). In these situations, it is desirable to have a means of simply and safely dislodging the vehicle if it is stuck and possibly also towing it to a desired location (i.e., to a garage, back onto the road, etc.).

[0003] It can be difficult to position the towing vehicle properly in order to perform the recovery operation, for example, where the vehicle to be towed is stuck in a difficult uneven terrain. Further, if a vehicle is to be towed on an uneven terrain for any distance, it would be desirable to use a towing assembly that has moveable, as opposed to fixed, parts to accommodate the uneven terrain.

[0004] Towing apparatus' and hitches that are movable relative to a vehicle and which facilitate coupling of one vehicle to another vehicle via a ball joint, are known. For example, US 5,322,315 to Carsten provides a towing hitch which includes a body having a pocket within which a receiver tube is pivotally mounted for side-to-side positioning of the hitch's coupling structure. US 6,502,845 to Van Vleet, describes a coupling device that is extendable in a longitudinal and lateral direction. US 2011/0101647 to Williams discloses a hitch with a towbar that is pivotable from side-to-side, relative to the housing, when it is in an extended position. [0005] WO2012/060841 to Williams discloses a hitch with a towbar that is pivotable from side-to-side, relative to the housing, and adjustable vertically. As such, the hitch member assembly has both horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities in addition to being extendable. According to the applicant the hitch member assembly overcomes misalignment between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle (e.g., a trailer, etc.) in the X, Y and Z directions by adjustment of the device.

[0006] US 2002/0003342 and to 6,286,852 to Slatten, US 6,863,294 to Bonham, and US 7,021,646 to Cheng all describe hitches that are adjustable along one or two axes. US Patent 4,714,265 to Franklin discloses a tow bar assembly that is laterally and pivotably adjustable to a limited degree.

[0007] US Patent No 7,871,097 to Sparkes describes a pivoting hitch assembly that is particularly suitable for connecting a tow strap or belt to a commercially available tubular trailer hitch receiver, for use in towing operations. This hitch assembly is strong and sturdy, safe, easy to use and lightweight and has successfully solved problems with prior art devices relating to the breaking or snapping of towing apparatuses, especially when they experience a shock load.

[0008] The pivoting hitch assembly of US Patent No 7,871,097 may be used with a conventional tubular hitch receiver. However, when it is desirable to tow or recover an extremely heavy load using this pivoting hitch assembly, conventional hitch receivers are less than ideal because they are static, and do not align the hitch assembly with the force from the towing vehicle. Therefore premature failure of the hitch assembly can occur because of stresses on the various components of the towing apparatus because the receiver is not able to align the hitch assembly with the load direction from the towing vehicle. [0009] There is a need in the art for a hitch coupling mount that has a receiver that can pivot vertically to align a hitch assembly such as that described in US Patent No.

7,871,097, with the force from the towing vehicle. Further, there is a need in the art for a towing assembly that comprises sturdy hitch components that can accommodate both vertical and horizontal loads, to align with the load direction from or to the towing vehicle and minimize stress points on the components of the towing assembly.

[0010] Further and other objects will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art when considering the summary below and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments shown and described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[001 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded side perspective view of an embodiment of the towing assembly comprising the hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the towing assembly of FIG 1, with the hitch coupling mount assembled with the hitch assembly.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded side perspective view of another embodiment of the towing assembly comprising the hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the towing assembly of FIG 3 comprising the hitch coupling mount assembled with the hitch assembly (only one frame mounting bracket is shown).

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective view of another embodiment of the hitch coupling mount comprising a tongue 68 and hitch assembly.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the hitch coupling mount of FIG 5 assembled with the hitch assembly.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the hitch coupling mount useful in combination with a towing strap.

[0018] FIG. 8 A and B are side perspective views of embodiments of the hitch coupling mount useful in combination with a hitch assembly. [0019] FIG. 9A and B are a side elevation views comparing the use of a hitch coupling mount with a receiver and towing belt mounted thereon that does not pivot vertically (A) with a pivoting hitch coupling mount that does pivot vertically (B).

[0020] FIG. 10A and B are side perspective views of alternative hitch assemblies useful in combination with the hitch coupling mount disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the hitch assembly useful in combination with the hitch coupling mount disclosed herein.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the use of a towing assembly to retrieve an agricultural tractor that has become stuck in mud. [0023] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of two towing assemblies described herein being used in combination.

SUMMARY

[0024] Described herein is an improved hitch coupling mount that provides a receiver that is able to pivot vertically. Further described herein is a combination of hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly that pivots both horizontally and vertically to align the components of the hitch with the load direction and thereby minimize the possibility of failure of the towing and recovery operation.

[0025] The pivoting hitch coupling mount may be used in combination with a pivoting hitch assembly, as a towing assembly. The hitch coupling mount is particularly useful for recovering vehicles that have slid off the road or for dislodging heavy machinery that has become stuck, for example in mud. The hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly combination may be used to connect a towing member, such as a towing belt, to either the towing vehicle, or the vehicle being towed. The other end of the towing member may in turn be connected to a second vehicle, which may be either the vehicle being towed or the towing vehicle, respectively.

[0026] In one aspect the invention is a towing assembly for use in the recovery of a vehicle, comprising a vertically-pivoting hitch coupling mount and a horizontally- pivoting hitch assembly, wherein the vertically-pivoting hitch coupling mount comprises a receiver that will pivot under load with respect to the vertical plane, and wherein the hitch assembly comprises a clevis that will pivot under load with respect to the horizontal plane. [0027] The vertically -pivoting hitch coupling mount of the towing assembly may comprise: a) a pair of opposed frame mounting brackets configured for attachment onto the frame of a motor vehicle; b) a single pivot rod or a pair of pivot rods extending horizontally between the frame mounting brackets and connected thereto; and c) a receiver connected to the pivot rod or pivot rods.

[0028] The horizontally-pivoting hitch assembly of the towing assembly may comprise a clevis that is pivotally connected to the receiver with a hitch pin

[0029] The horizontally-pivoting hitch assembly of the towing assembly may comprise a clevis and a coupling tongue with a first and second end, the first end of the coupling tongue is pivotally connected to a clevis with a hitch pin, and the second end of the coupling tongue is connected to the receiver with a coupling pin.

[0030] In one embodiment, the towing assembly comprises a single rod with a first and second end, and said first and second ends are connected to the frame mounting brackets. [0031] In another embodiment the towing assembly comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are connected to the frame mounting brackets, and wherein the second ends of the pivot rods are connected to the receiver.

[0032] In another embodiment, the towing assembly comprises a single rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are pivotally connected to the opposed frame mounting brackets, and the receiver is fixedly connected to the pivot rod.

[0033] In another embodiment the towing assembly comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets and the second ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the receiver.

[0034] In another embodiment, the towing assembly comprises a single rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the pivot rod. [0035] In another embodiment the towing assembly comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the second ends of the pivot rods.

[0036] In another embodiment, the towing assembly comprises a single rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the pivot rod.

[0037] In another embodiment the towing assembly comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the second ends of the pivot rods.

[0038] In another aspect the invention is a hitch coupling mount comprising: a) a pair of opposed frame mounting brackets configured for attachment onto the frame of a motor vehicle; b) a single pivot rod or a pair of pivot rods extending horizontally between the frame mounting brackets and connected thereto; and c) a receiver connected to the single pivot rod or pair of pivot rods, wherein said receiver pivots vertically.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a single pivot rod with a first and second end, and said first and second ends are connected to the frame mounting brackets.

[0040] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are connected to the frame mounting brackets, and wherein the second ends of the pivot rods are connected to the receiver. [0041] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a single pivot rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets, and the receiver is fixedly connected to the pivot rod.

[0042] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets and the second ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the receiver.

[0043] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a single pivot rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the pivot rod.

[0044] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the second ends of the pivot rods.

[0045] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a single pivot rod with a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends of the pivot rod are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the pivot rod.

[0046] In another embodiment, the hitch coupling mount comprises a pair of pivot rods each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the pivot rods are fixedly connected to the frame mounting brackets and the receiver is pivotally connected to the second ends of the pivot rods.

[0047] In one embodiment, the receiver comprises a socket sized to engage a horizontally-pivoting hitch assembly. The socket may be sized to engage a coupling tongue of a horizontally-pivoting hitch assembly. [0048] In another embodiment the receiver comprises a socket sized to engage a socket pin and a towing member.

[0049] In yet another embodiment the receiver is sized for insertion between a first clevis and a second clevis leg of a U-shaped clevis.

[0050] In another aspect the invention is a combination comprising the hitch coupling mount as described above and a hitch assembly, the hitch assembly comprising a clevis and a coupling tongue with a first and second end, wherein the first end of the coupling tongue is pivotally connected to the clevis with a hitch pin, and wherein the second end of the coupling tongue is connected to the receiver with a coupling pin, and wherein the clevis pivots horizontally. [0051] In another aspect the invention is a combination comprising the hitch coupling mount as described above and a hitch assembly, the hitch assembly comprising a clevis that is pivotally connected to the receiver with a hitch pin, and wherein the clevis pivots horizontally.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0052] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1-13, which show various embodiments of the towing assembly 28, which comprises a hitch coupling mount 10 and a hitch assembly 20. The hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The hitch coupling mount 10 disclosed herein, preferably used in combination with the hitch assembly 20 disclosed herein, is useful for retrieving vehicles that are stuck in a number of terrains (i.e., deep snow, mud, sand, slews), that have driven off the road (e.g., in snowy or icy conditions), or that are otherwise disabled and in need of being retrieved or towed. It is particularly useful for the recovery of heavy equipment, such as agricultural tractors or other farm machinery, or vehicles used in the construction or oil industry.

[0053] Spatially relative terms, such as up, down, left, right, vertically, horizontally (laterally), and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature' s relationship to another element or feature as shown in the Figures. Vertical pivoting or "up and down" pivoting is indicated in Figures 1 to 6 with arrow A.

Horizontal pivoting or "side-to-side" or lateral pivoting is indicated with arrow B in Figures 1 to 6. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. Thus, the hitch coupling mount may be otherwise oriented and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0054] "Vehicle" includes all types of vehicles including automobiles, trucks, agricultural vehicles e.g., tractors and combines heavy machinery, rock trucks, military vehicles, airplanes and trains, etc. and includes towed vehicles and towing(tow) vehicles. In some embodiments the term vehicles includes trailers or other devices that might be pulled by a vehicle.

[0055] The use of the words connected and coupled means that the elements may be directly connected or coupled or they may be connected or coupled through one or more intervening elements.

[0056] Shown in the Figures herein is a hitch coupling mount 10, which comprises frame mounting brackets 12 for attachment to a vehicle, a pivot rod 14 attached to the frame mounting brackets and extending therebetween, and a receiver 16 coupled to the pivot rod 14. Receiver 16 pivots vertically (up and down) when the pivot rod 14 is oriented horizontally. Receiver 16 may be configured to connect to a hitch assembly 20, as shown for example in Figure 1. The mounting brackets may be connected to each other by a support frame: above the receiver, below the receiver or both above and below the receiver. This arrangement provides a rigid hitch coupling assembly which can be fixed to the vehicle.

[0057] Hitch assembly 20 is likewise configured to connect to receiver 16. In one embodiment hitch assembly 20 comprises a clevis 22, a coupling tongue 24 and a hitch pin 26. In another embodiment, hitch assembly 20 comprises a clevis 22 and a hitch pin 26. [0058] The frame mounting brackets 12 are configured to be mounted to the underside of a vehicle, or onto the front or back of a vehicle, such as to a chassis/frame/belly pad/ engine housing etc. of the vehicle. The frame mounting brackets include one or more openings 40 formed therein to facilitate attachment of the frame mounting brackets to a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the frame mounting brackets include bosses 52, as shown in Figure 5, welded onto the inside of the bracket in order to allow longer housings for the bushing or bearings for the pivot rods. The use of bosses is preferred, in order to reduce friction.

[0059] Pivot rod 14 may be a pair of pivot rods that have a first end attached to a frame mounting bracket 12 and a second end attached to the receiver 16 of hitch coupling mount 10. Alternatively, pivot rod 14 may be a single pivot rod with the first and second ends attached to the frame mounting brackets, and which extends completely through or on the receiver as one bar or shaft. Thus, the hitch coupling mount 10 may either have paired pivot rods with a receiver 16 connected between the paired pivot rods, or it may have a single pivot rod that extends through or adjacent to the receiver 16, and which is connected thereto. As is apparent, a single pivot rod may in fact be two rods that extend one each from the frame mounting brackets and meet in the middle of the hitch coupling mount.

[0060] If paired pivot rods 14, the rods are each connected at a first end to the frame mounting brackets 12 and at the second end to the receiver 16 that is disposed between to the second ends of the paired pivot rods. The rods may be connected to the receiver, for example, by welding. If a single pivot rod 14, the first and second ends are connected to the frame mounting brackets 12, and the receiver 16 is connected to the rod, for example, by insertion of the rod through an opening that extends through the receiver. In yet another embodiment (not shown) a single pivot rod 14 is extended through both mounting brackets 12 and the receiver 16, while both ends of the rod 14 are securable outwardly to brackets 12. The ways of securing a rod outside to the brackets 12 may include protruding pins or other means known in the art.

[0061] While the pivot rods are shown in the drawings to be circular in cross section, embodiments of the rods may be circular in cross section only at the end(s) that pivot, and other portions of the rods may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as square, oval or rectangular. Thus, a single pivot rod may be square in cross section along much of its length, and circular at both ends. Also, while the pivot rods are shown in the drawings to have constant cross sectional areas along their entire length, other embodiments of the rods may not. Thus, a single pivot rod may have a greater cross sectional area along much of its length, with a smaller cross sectional area at both ends.

[0062] Receiver 16 pivots vertically (i.e., up and down when the pivot rod is oriented horizontally). It is important that receiver 16 be able to pivot, as vehicles that are in need of being towed are often not positioned in a straight line from the towing vehicle. This pivoting movement can be accomplished in a number of ways. In one embodiment, pivot rod(s) 14 are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets 12 and receiver 16 is fixed to the pivot rod(s) (as in Figure 1). In another embodiment, receiver 16 is pivotally connected to pivot rod(s) 14 and the pivot rod(s) are fixed to the frame mounting brackets (as in Figure 4). In yet another embodiment, receiver 16 is pivotally connected to the pivot rod(s) 14 and the pivot rod(s) are pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets.

[0063] In order to facilitate a smooth motion of the rod(s) 14 with the receiver or the mounting brackets, the contact points of receiver 16 with the rod 14, or brackets 12 with the rod 14, may include bushings such as Teflon steel back bushings, pillow blocks, and/or bearings, or other means known in the art to reduce friction. In addition, the load bearing ends of the pivot rod(s) can be Teflon coated.

[0064] In one embodiment, shown in Figures 1 and 2, pivot rod 14 is pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets 12. In this embodiment, one end of each of the paired pivot rods, or both ends of the single pivot rod, fit into or through openings 44 in the frame mounting brackets, which may optionally include bosses 52. The openings 44 may be lined with a bushing 46. These ends of the pivot rod or rods 14 are adapted to prevent them from sliding out of the frame mounting brackets. This may be

accomplished, for example, by welding a small plate onto the ends of the pivot rods on the outside of the frame mounting brackets, or onto the outside of the frame mounting brackets resulting in a blind hole in the end of a boss, or by using some other means such as split spacers.

[0065] If paired pivot rods are used, receiver 16 may be fixed to the other ends of each of the paired pivot rods, for example by welding 50, as is shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, openings may be drilled into the sides of the receiver for acceptance of the ends of the pivot rods and welding to the receiver. Alternatively, if a single pivot rod is used, a single opening may be drilled through receiver 16, and the single pivot rod may extend therethrough. Welding may be used to secure the single pivot rod to the receiver, as is shown in Figures 1 and 2. A single pivot rod can also be fastened to an outside surface of the receiver, for example by welding or by using a combination of brackets and welding.

[0066] In another embodiment, shown in Figures 3 and 4, receiver 16 is pivotally connected to one or two pivot rods 14, and the pivot rod(s) are fixed (i.e., non-pivotally attached) to the frame mounting brackets 12. In this embodiment, one end of each of paired pivot rods may be inserted into a side opening in the receiver 16. Preferably these openings are lined with bushings 54. Alternatively, a single opening may be bored through the entire width of the receiver, and a single pivot rod 14 inserted therethrough. This single opening may likewise be lined with a bushing 54. Or, a single bracket or multiple brackets may be fastened to a surface of the receiver (e.g., by welding) and a single pivot rod, or the paired pivot rods, inserted through the bracket or brackets. The other ends of the paired pivot rods, or the ends of the single pivot rod, are fixed, as by welding 58, to the frame mounting brackets 12, and may extend into or through openings 44 in the frame mounting brackets. [0067] In yet another embodiment, receiver 16 is pivotally connected to pivot rod(s) 14, and the pivot rod(s) 14 are further pivotally connected to the frame mounting brackets 12. Any combination of the devices described above may be used to arrive at a pivoting connection that enables vertical pivoting of the receiver.

[0068] The point of attachment of the rod(s) 14 to the receiver 16 may be positioned proximate the center of the receiver as shown in Figure 3 or closer to one of the ends of the receiver as shown in Figure 1.

[0069] Receiver 16 is configured to be connected to a hitch assembly 20. Various embodiments of the receiver are shown in Figures 1 to 6. In Figures 1 and 2, receiver 16 includes a socket 36 for insertion of the coupling tongue 24 of a hitch assembly. Socket 36 includes paired axially aligned apertures 38 that align with aperture 48 on the coupling tongue. In Figures 3 and 5, receiver 16 includes an opening 60 that aligns with paired axially aligned openings 64 on the clevis 22 of a hitch assembly.

[0070] Receiver 16 may have any of a number of shapes. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, receiver 16 may be generally square in cross section, whereas in Figures 3 and 4, receiver 16 is in the shape of a plate, significantly wider than it is thick. In Figures 5 and 6, receiver 16 is a combination of an even narrower plate than shown in Figures 3 and 4, to which is attached, as by welding, a tongue 68 that includes an opening 60 that aligns with paired openings 64 on the clevis 22 of a hitch assembly. The shape of receiver 16 may be different from those shown in Figures 1 to 6. [0071] Socket 36 of the receiver shown in Figures 1 and 2 is sized for accepting coupling tongue 24 of hitch assembly 20. Such coupling tongues 24 are well known in the art, and are available in different standard shapes and sizes, depending upon the desired towing capacity. The most common coupling tongue is square in cross section. Therefore, in one embodiment coupling tongue 24 and socket 36 are square in cross section. However they may be any of a number of other shapes in cross section, with polygonal shapes being preferred.

[0072] Coupling tongue 24 of hitch assembly 20 comprises an aperture 48, which aligns with axially aligned paired apertures 38 of socket 36. Coupling tongue 24 may be inserted into socket 36 and preferably reversibly attached to receiver 16 by the insertion of a coupling pin 32 through apertures 38 on the receiver and the corresponding aperture 48 on coupling tongue 24 followed by inserting a retainer 34, such as a locking clip, into apertures at one or both ends of the coupling pin. [0073] Clevis 22 of hitch assembly 20 may be a generally U-shaped element. In one embodiment, clevis 22 has two legs 72 that are so placed as to overlie coupling tongue 24, on opposite sides of the coupling tongue. Therefore, legs 72 of clevis 22 are spaced so as to allow clevis 22 to be inserted over, and to pivot on coupling tongue 24. Clevis 22 is pivotally attached, and preferably reversibly attached, to coupling tongue 24. Paired axially aligned apertures 64 formed in legs 72 align with a corresponding aperture 76 on the coupling tongue, to receive hitch pin 26. Therefore, clevis 22 may be mounted onto coupling tongue 24 by the insertion of coupling tongue 24 between legs 72, followed by insertion of hitch pin 26 through the apertures 64 on clevis 22 and through the corresponding aperture 76 on coupling tongue 24, thus interlinking clevis 22 with coupling tongue 24. Hitch pin 26 is held in place by use of retainer 30, such as a locking clip or ring, as is well known in the art.

[0074] The embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 6 allow for the attachment of a hitch assembly 20 directly to the receiver 16, without the need for a coupling tongue.

Accordingly, in these embodiments, clevis 22 has two legs 72 that are so spaced as to overlie receiver 16, on opposite sides of the receiver. In the embodiments shown in

Figures 3 to 6, receiver 16 is of a width that allows legs 72 of clevis 22 to fit over, and on opposite sides of the receiver.

[0075] In Figures 3 to 6, the clevis 22 is pivotally attached, and preferably reversibly attached, to receiver 16. Legs 72 of clevis 22 may be inserted over receiver 16 so as to allow paired axially aligned apertures 64 formed in legs 72 to align with a corresponding aperture 60 on the receiver, to receive hitch pin 26. Therefore, clevis 22 may be mounted onto receiver 16 by the insertion of the receiver 16 between legs 72, followed by insertion of hitch pin 26 through the apertures 64 on clevis 22 and through the corresponding aperture 60 on receiver 16, thus directly coupling clevis 22 with receiver 16. Hitch pin 26 is held in place by use of retainer 30, such as a locking clip or ring, as is well known in the art.

[0076] In another embodiment, which allows attachment of a hitch assembly 20 to the receiver without the need for a coupling tongue, clevis 22 is designed so that legs 72 fit inside of socket 36, and paired axially aligned apertures 64 of the clevis align with axially aligned apertures 98 (as shown in Figure 7) of socket 36.

[0077] When mounted onto receiver 16, clevis 22 will freely pivot horizontally (i.e., side-to-side) about hitch pin 26, so that it may be aligned with the load direction applied to it from a towing member. It is important that clevis 22 be able to pivot, as vehicles that are in need of being towed are often not positioned in a straight line from the towing vehicle. Therefore, the clevis may swivel to account for angled loads without unduly stressing the towing member at its connection location.

[0078] Another embodiment is presented in Figures 5 and 6. The attachment of coupling adaptor 68 to the receiver 16 allows reduction of the thickness of the receiver 16 while keeping other features of the embodiments of the Figures 3 and 4.

[0079] In one alternative embodiment, the towing member 84 may be attached directly to the receiver 16 without using the hitch assembly 20. In one embodiment (Figure 7), receiver 16 as shown in Figure 1 has two vertically aligned openings 98, one on the top and the other on the bottom of socket 36. These two vertically-aligned openings are sized to engage a socket pin 100 in a vertical orientation, which may be held in place by a retainer 102. The towing member 84 may be inserted into the socket 36 and locked in place with pin 100 passing through the said vertical openings, thus allowing the horizontal pivoting movement of the towing member 84 and keeping vertical pivoting movement of the receiver 16. [0080] In one alternative embodiment shown in Figure 8, receiver 16 is a ball that swivels within a housing 104 that is fixedly attached to pivot rod(s) 14. Pivot rods 14 are also fixedly attached to frame mounting brackets 12. The receiver may comprise an adaptor 70 that comprises a socket 36 sized for accepting coupling tongue 24 of hitch assembly 20, and fastened thereto by insertion of coupling pin 32 through paired axially aligned apertures 38 (Figure 8 A). The receiver may comprise a tongue 68 that includes an opening 60 that aligns with axially aligned paired openings 64 on the clevis 22 of a hitch assembly (Figure 8B). In this embodiment, the receiver is able to pivot both up and down, and from side to side, within the housing which remains fixed. [0081] As is apparent, in combination in a towing assembly 28, hitch coupling mount 10 and hitch assembly 20 will pivot along both a vertical and a horizontal axis. In a situation where the vehicle to be towed is not in a direct line (i.e., a direct vertical and/or horizontal line) with the vehicle doing the towing, bending or twisting forces may be applied to hitch assembly 20 or to hitch coupling mount 10 if used separately. By pivoting along both a vertical and horizontal axis, the towing assembly can best align with towing forces to maximize the strength of the towing assembly and the towing member.

[0082] This advantage of using a towing assembly that pivots both vertically and horizontally is shown in Figure 9. In this diagram a hitch coupling mount and hitch assembly are attached to a vehicle that has slipped into a ditch. The vehicle is thus not in a direct horizontal or vertical line with the towing vehicle. In Figure 9A, the hitch assembly 20 is attached to a receiver 108 that is not capable of pivoting vertically. In Figure 9B, hitch assembly 20 is attached to a receiver 16 that is capable of pivoting vertically. Clevis 22 of hitch assembly 20 can align itself horizontally (i.e., into and out of the page) with the applied towing force, by pivoting about hitch pin 26. However, as shown in Figure 9A, because the receiver 108 cannot pivot vertically, when a towing force is applied weakening upward stresses are placed on the hitch assembly and the receiver, as indicated by arrow C. In Figure 9B, when a towing force is applied vertical adjustment of the receiver 16 relieves the upward weakening stresses on the hitch assembly and receiver, as indicated by arrow D. The overall result is that the same hitch assembly and receiver can withstand greater towing loads and the likelihood of failure of a component of the towing assembly or the towing member is lessened.

[0083] Hitch coupling mount 10 may be formed of suitable steel bar stock-for example AISA 1018 steel. In another embodiment hitch coupling mount 10 is constructed of weldable high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel, weldable high strength alloy steel, special alloy materials, a composite material, or other metals and materials having sufficient strength and durability. In one embodiment hitch coupling mount 10 is constructed partially of aluminum alloy, and in particular receiver 16 is constructed of aluminum alloy. Aluminum alloy is lighter in weight than a similarly-sized steel assembly.

Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment, receiver 16 of hitch coupling mount 10 is constructed of aluminum alloy. Receiver 16 may be made of solid metal, or may be a thick-walled hollow structure.

[0084] The other components of the hitch coupling mount, that is, the frame mounting brackets, the pivot rods, the bosses, etc. may be constructed of steel, weldable HSLA steel, weldable high strength alloy steel, special alloy materials, a composite material, or other metals and materials having sufficient strength and durability. It is noted that the components where welding is required are preferably made of weldable HSLA steel, weldable high strength alloy steel, or a composite material.

[0085] Clevis 22 may be formed of a single piece of suitable solid metal bar stock, such as HSLA steel, alloy steel, steel, aluminum alloy, or a composite material, bent or molded into a desired shape. As such, clevis 22 is weldless and seamless, which may be desired in some applications where greater strength is required. In one embodiment, clevis 22 is formed from a solid, rectangular aluminum alloy bar bent into the desired shape.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, clevis 22 in cross section is significantly wider than it is thick, as it is made from a sheet or plate of metal. Therefore, it is flat, or planar, in cross-section. Because it is flat, or planar, in cross section, the interaction between legs 72 and the coupling tongue 24 or receiver 16 occurs over a larger surface area than with D-rings or shackles of similar length. Further, a flat or planar clevis permits larger coupling pins to be used to pivotally couple the clevis and coupling tongue, than with D- rings or shackles of similar length.

[0087] However, clevis' with alternative shapes may be used in the hitch assembly disclosed herein. Two such alternative shapes are shown in Figure 10. In the first embodiment, shown in Fig 10A, clevis 22 is a shackle. In the second embodiment, shown in Figure 10B clevis 22 is approximately square in cross section. A clevis useable in the hitch assembly described herein may have a structure other than those described herein, for example clevis 22 may be a D-ring or a hook. A clevis useable in combination with the hitch coupling mount described herein is capable of pivoting horizontally (i.e., side- to-side) when attached to receiver 16 (either directly or via coupling tongue 24) and is capable of accommodating a towing member, such as a tow rope, chain or tow belt.

[0088] Coupling tongue 24 is a tubular or a solid construction of HSLA steel, alloy steel, steel, aluminum alloy, a composite material, or another metal or material of sufficient strength. Preferably it is solid. Preferably it is made of steel or aluminum alloy. [0089] Hitch pin 26 and coupling pin 32 (and pin 100) may be made of steel that can be of varying strengths, depending on the application in which the hitch assembly 20 and hitch coupling mount 10 will be used. For some applications, hitch pin 26 and coupling pin 32 may be made of AISI 4140 heat treated carbon and alloy steel bar, or hot or cold rolled steel. Either or both of hitch pin 26 and coupling pin 32 (and pin 100) may have an annular ring 80 pressed onto the pin to aid in the positioning of pins for insertion in their respective apertures. Annular ring 80 may be welded onto the pin, in which case a weldable HSLA steel pin may used. The annular ring 80 can also be forged as part of the pin or machined out of bar stock in fabrication of the pin.

[0090] Towing member 84 is a flexible element disposed within opening 88 formed by clevis 22. Opening 88 is preferably an enclosed space that retains towing member 84, so that the towing member cannot slip out of the opening while the hitch assembly and hitch coupling mount are being used. Towing member 84 may be made of any of a number of materials including synthetic and natural polymeric materials and metal. Towing member 84 typically is a rope, chain, cable or towing belt, with towing belts (straps) and other broad towing members being preferred particularly for recovery of heavy equipment.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment particularly useful in heavy equipment recovery, a towing member adapter 92 (Figure 11) is inserted into clevis 22. Towing member adapter 92 functions to spread the load experienced by the towing member 84 over a large curved area, rather than merely at the edges of the clevis where the towing member 84 comes into contact with clevis. This embodiment may avoid breakage of the towing member 84 when very heavy loads are being recovered. Towing member adapter 92 may be welded to clevis 16, or it may be formed as part of a unitary construct with clevis 22, or it may be an insert that is positioned manually into clevis 22 just before use or secured by adhesive or by a recessed bolt attached by threading into the center bend of the clevis. This feature is particularly useful when the hitch assembly is being used in combination with a towing belt. Towing member adaptor may be comprised of metal, for example steel or aluminum alloy, or hard rubber or other polymeric material. [0092] Also disclosed herein is a method of recovering a vehicle. The method involves the use of a hitch coupling mount 10 and hitch assembly 20 to connect a towing vehicle to a vehicle needing to be recovered. According to the method, hitch coupling mount 10 is coupled to a vehicle by attaching the frame mounting brackets 12 to the vehicle. Hitch coupling mount 10 may be attached to the vehicle that is being recovered, or to the towing vehicle.

[0093] Hitch assembly 20 is then coupled to the hitch coupling mount 10, via receiver 16. Coupling tongue 24 may be coupled with receiver 16 using coupling pin 32, and then clevis 22 attached thereto using hit pin 26, as described above, or clevis 22 may be directly coupled with receiver 16 using hitch pin 26, as described above. Towing member 84 may be inserted through opening 88 either before or after hitch assembly 20 is attached to the hitch coupling mount 10.

[0094] The other end of towing member 20 may then be attached to the second vehicle- - either the vehicle being recovered or to the towing vehicle (usually the towing vehicle). For example, the towing member may comprise a hook for attachment to a bumper or frame of a towing vehicle. As is apparent, two hitch coupling mounts 10 and two hitch assemblies 20 may be used in any particular operation, one attached to the vehicle being recovered and the other attached to the towing vehicle (see Figure 13). Tension is then applied to the towing member to move the vehicle that is being recovered. The method is preferably practiced with a towing belt.

[0095] Figure 12 shows the towing assembly 28 described herein in use to retrieve an agricultural tractor 94 that has become stuck in mud. The tractor (vehicle to be towed) is equipped with the hitch coupling mount 10 described herein, that comprises the pivoting receiver 16 attached to a hitch assembly 20, that comprises a clevis 22. The towing vehicle 96 is connected to the agricultural tractor by towing member 92, and may or may not also be equipped with the towing assembly as described herein (see Figure 10, which shows two towing assemblies in use).

[0096] As shown in Figure 9, tractor 94 is at a lower elevation than the towing vehicle 96. Accordingly, because the receiver 16 is able to pivot vertically, it is able to align clevis 16 with the force from the towing member 92 that derives from the towing vehicle 96, so that loads are resolved in one orientation. If receiver 16 was not able to pivot, then clevis 22 would be subjected to additional upward stresses from the towing member that might lead to failure of one of the component parts of the coupling mount or hitch assembly. As described previously, clevis 22 also pivots horizontally (i.e., into and out of the page), and thus can align with the force from the towing member should it not be possible to position the towing vehicle directly in front of the agricultural tractor.

[0097] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternative, modifications and equivalents which may be included in within the scope of the invention.