II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hitch assemblies, and more particularly, to trailer hitch assemblies that can be variably adjusted to receive a trailer thereon.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Applicant believes that one of the closest references corresponds to:

U.S. Patent No. 6,974, 146 (B2) issued to Abair on December 13, 2005 for an adjustable hitch and method of use.

U.S. Patent No. 6,634,666 (B2) issued to Shilitz, et al. on October 21 , 2003 for a remote control towing-hitch assembly.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003-0132605 (Al) , published on July 17, 2003 to Wiers for an adjustable hitch assembly for towing trailers.

U.S. Patent No. 4,060,255 (B l) issued to Zimmerman on November 29, 1977 for a wide range bumper mounted hitch.

U.S. Patent No. 3,891 ,239 (B l) issued to Leo, et al. on June 24, 1975 for a hydraulically operated hitch for towing and positioning mobile homes. U.S. Patent No. 3, 178,203 (B l) issued to Elliott on April 13, 1965 for a tandem trailer steering mechanism.

U.S. Patent No. 4,214,772 (B l) issued to Carr, et al. on July 29, 1980 for laterally adjustable trailer hitch system.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002-0020988 (Al), published on February 21 , 2002 to Kleb, et al. for a trailer coupling.

Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a variably adjustable trailer hitch assembly, comprising a horizontal tube assembly fixedly secured onto a vehicle. A journaling tube assembly is mounted upon and journals the horizontal tube assembly. A ball assembly is mounted onto the journaling tube assembly. The ball assembly receives a trailer's hitch ball coupler. Adjustable means laterally move the journaling tube assembly mounted upon the horizontal tube assembly. A torque equalizer assembly is fixed upon the journaling tube assembly.

It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a variably adjustable trailer hitch that can be connected to a trailer without the assistance of a second person.

It is another object of this invention to provide a variably adjustable trailer hitch having means to laterally move a hitch ball to facilitate engagement of a trailer, which is electrical and/ or mechanical.

It is another object of this invention to provide a variably adjustable trailer hitch comprising a threaded rod, which rotates in two directions to further facilitate engagement of the trailer. It is another object of this invention to provide a variably adjustable trailer hitch that is of a durable and reliable construction, may be installed without obstructing the spare tire storage located below the tow vehicle, and is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.

Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 1 , wherein a horizontal tube assembly has been cross sectioned.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 1 , further comprising bellows, wherein a section of bellows has been removed for illustrative purposes.

Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 1.

Figure 5 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 1 partially exploded.

Figure 7 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the instant invention.

Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the alternate embodiment of the instant invention seen in figure 7, wherein a horizontal tube assembly has been cross sectioned.

Figure 9 is a top plan view of an alternate frame bracket assembly.

Figure 10A is a cross-section view of a journaling and horizontal tube assembly having a preferred embodiment torque equalizer assembly. Figure 10B is a cross-section view of the journaling and horizontal tube assembly having a first alternate embodiment torque equalizer assembly.

Figure IOC is a cross-section view of the journaling and horizontal tube assembly having a second embodiment torque equalizer spacers.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is generally referred to with numeral 10. It can be observed that it basically includes horizontal tube assembly 20, journaling tube assembly 80, ball assembly 180, motor assembly 260, and torque equalizer assembly 320. Instant invention 10 is mounted upon any vehicle capable of towing a trailer assembly. As seen in figure 1 , any such vehicle will comprise a frame section such as tow vehicle frame 240. Tow vehicle frame 240 has sufficient material strength and durability to tow a trailer assembly carrying a load with instant invention 10. Mounting onto tow vehicle frame 240 are at least two frame bracket assemblies 220. Each frame bracket assembly 220 comprises mounting frames 222. Mounting frames 222 each having connecting brackets 224 that are bolted thereon by bolts 226 or the like. Frame bracket assembly 220 is vertically adjustable to facilitate ease of initial installation for horizontal tube assembly 20.

Connecting brackets 224 are designed to receive ends 22 and 24 of horizontal tube assembly 20, and is noted that connecting brackets 224 are each at a predetermined distance from ends 22 and 24. It is noted that connecting brackets 224 are adjustable to facilitate ease of initial installation to different sized towing vehicles. Capping end 22 is end tube plate 34 having end tube 36. End tube 36 snuggly fits within end 22. As better seen in figure 2, end tube 36 comprises hole 38 with washer 56 biased thereon to eliminate thrust on motor assembly 260 and its parts. Similarly, capping end 24 is end tube plate 44 having end tube 42. End tube 42, having hole 42 snuggly fits within end 24. Mounted onto each end tube plates 34 and 44 are motor assemblies 260. Motor assemblies 260 comprise motors 262.

As further illustrated in figures 1 and 2, horizontal tube assembly 20 is elongated and squarely shaped, comprising top wall 26, front wall 28, bottom wall 30, and rear wall 32. Although not illustrated, it is noted that horizontal tube assembly 20 may comprise drain holes on bottom wall 30 in the event any water were to enter therein.

Journaling tube assembly 80 is mounted upon and journals horizontal tube assembly 20. Journaling tube assembly 80 comprises ends 82 and 84, and top, front, bottom, and rear walls 86, 88, 90 and 92 respectively. In addition, journaling tube assembly 80 comprises threaded internal horizontal tube 100 that receives and cooperates with threaded power transfer rod 50 to allow journaling tube assembly 80 to journal upon horizontal tube assembly 20 when activated by adjustable means. Housed within journaling tube assembly 80 is lubricant 102. Lubricant can be any such as grease. Journaling tube assembly 80 further comprises housing 110 mounted thereon, and removably secured onto housing 110 is ball assembly 180. Ball assembly 180 receives a trailer's hitch ball coupler of the trailer assembly, not shown. Threaded power transfer rod 50 laterally moves journaling tube assembly 80 mounted upon horizontal tube assembly 20 into any of the two extreme positions represented in broken lines or any intermediate position therebetween. Motor assemblies 260 define the adjustable means to laterally move journaling tube assembly 80. Specifically, in the preferred, adjustable means comprises motor assembly 260 mounted upon horizontal tube assembly 20. Motor assembly 260 has motor 262 with rotating means to rotate threaded power transfer rod 50 clockwise and counter-clockwise. The rotating means further comprises shaft 264, worm gear 266 and flexible coupling 268.

As seen in figure 3, optionally, step 200 may be mounted to ball assembly 180. As seen in figures 3, 4 and 5, horizontal tube assembly 20 also comprises bellows 70 on each side of journaling tube assembly 80. As best seen in figure 5, elongated horizontal channel 46, on rear wall 32, terminates at end holes 48. Bellows 70 operate to prevent contamination within horizontal tube assembly 20 and threaded power transfer rod 50. Such contamination as an example may enter through elongated horizontal channel 46. As seen in figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, journaling tube assembly 80 comprises housing 110 mounted thereon. Housing 110 comprises at least one center plunger assembly 140 and at least one center plunger hole 106, best seen in figures 10A, 10B, and I OC. Center plunger assembly 140 aligns with and fills center plunger hole 106 and center hole 52 of horizontal tube assembly when journaling tube assembly 80 is centrally positioned on horizontal tube assembly 20. Elongation tubes 118 and 124 are telescopically mounted to housing 110. Elongation tube 118 has first positioning means to position ball assembly 180 at a desired distance from housing 110. The first positioning means is defined by locking plunger 112, safety-locking pin 130, and guide bolt 116. Locking plunger 112 fills plunger hole 122 of elongation tube 118 when cooperatively aligned. Elongation tube 124 has second positioning means to position ball assembly 180 at a desired distance from housing 110. The second positioning means is defined by locking plunger 112 and safety-locking pin 130, whereby locking plunger 112 fills plunger holes 122 of elongation tube 118 and of elongation tube 118 when cooperatively aligned. A security pin, such as safety-locking pin 130 may fill pin holes 126 laterally disposed on housing 110 and elongation tubes 118 and 124, respectively when cooperatively aligned. Elongation tube 118 has channel 120, best seen in figure 3. Guide bolt 116, mounted to the top wall of housing 110, journals within channel 120 to guide elongation tube 118 within housing 110. Housing 110 may also comprise fastening loops 114 for securing security chains from the trailer assembly, not shown.

Ball assembly 180 comprises bracket 182. Bracket 182 has a substantially inclined L-shape. Trailer ball 188 mounts onto a base of bracket 182. Trailer ball 188 has threads 194 and it is secured to bracket 182 with lock washer 190 and fastening nut 192. Gusset 186 further strengthens bracket 182 onto elongation tube 124.

As seen in figure 6, instant invention 10 may also comprise switch 400 and/or remote control 500 to operate motor assembly 260. As best seen in this illustration, power transfer bolt 96 comprises a threaded section 97 and step-down shank 98.

In operation, power transfer bolt 96 may only be inserted or extracted through end holes 48 seen in figure 5, whereby power transfer bolt 96 is flat on a top and bottom of step-down shank 98 and round on threaded section 97. This prevents power transfer bolt 96 from unloosening when traveling within elongated horizontal channel 46. In addition, guide bolt 116 comprises a threaded section 117 and step-down shank 117'. In operation, guide bolt 116 may only be inserted or extracted through end hole 119 seen in figure 3, whereby guide bolt 116 is flat on a top and bottom of step-down shank 117' and round on threaded section 117. This prevents guide bolt 116 from unloosening when traveling within channel 120. Guide bolt 116 also functions to prevent elongation tube 118 from being fully extracted from housing 110. In addition, headless guide bolt 128 comprises a threaded step-down shank 129. In operation, headless guide bolt 128 may only be inserted or extracted through an end hole, not seen, whereby headless guide bolt 128 is flat on a top and bottom of step-down shank 129. This prevents headless guide bolt 128 from unloosening when traveling within its respective channel, not seen. Headless guide bolt 128 also functions to prevent elongation tube 124 from being fully extracted from elongation tube 118.

As seen in figures 7 and 8, alternatively mounted onto each of end tube plates 34 and 44 are crank assemblies 280. Crank assemblies 280 comprise housing 282, shaft 284, thrust washer 286, gears 288, gear crank 290 and knob 292.

Threaded power transfer rod 50 laterally moves journaling tube assembly 80 mounted upon horizontal tube assembly 20 into any of the two extreme positions represented in broken lines or any intermediate position therebetween. Crank assemblies 280 define another adjustable means to laterally move journaling tube assembly 80. Specifically, in the preferred, adjustable means comprise crank assemblies 280 mounted upon horizontal tube assembly 20. A crank assembly 280 has gear crank 290 with rotating means to rotate threaded power transfer rod 50 clockwise and counter-clockwise. The rotating means further comprises housing 282, shaft 284, thrust washer 286, gears 288, gear crank 290 and knob 292. It is noted that tools, such as a hand-held direct current electric drill, can also be used as other adjustable means to laterally move journaling tube assembly 80 to rotate threaded power transfer rod 50 clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Seen in figure 9 is an alternate frame bracket assembly. Specifically, instead of tow vehicle frame 240 and at least two frame bracket assemblies 220 being used to permanently mount instant invention 10 onto the vehicle, removable frame bracket assembly 230 is utilized. Removable frame bracket assembly 230 comprises rear wall 232, lateral walls 234, top wall 236, and mounting tube 238. Removable frame bracket assembly 230 is constructed of a durable material such as steel and is designed to receive ends 22 and 24 of horizontal tube assembly 20. Mounting tube 238 inserts into any standard receiver tube of the vehicle capable of towing the trailer assembly. It is noted that the receiver tube can be one previously mounted by others onto the vehicle and/or can be previously installed standard equipment of the vehicle.

As seen in figure 10A, torque equalizer assembly 320 has equalizing means to adjust and keep each interior face of journaling tube assembly 80 at an approximate equivalent distance to a respective exterior face of horizontal tube assembly 20. Torque equalizer assembly 320 comprises torque equalizers 326 fixedly mounted to journaling tube assembly 80. Each of torque equalizers 326 has a threaded end cap 322 that places a predetermined force upon its respective thrust insert 324 housed therein. Weld 328 keeps adjustable torque equalizers 326 rigidly mounted to journaling tube assembly 80. Torque equalizer assembly 320 allows for torque distribution on the outside corners of horizontal tube assembly 20.

Seen in figure 10B is an alternate embodiment for torque equalizer assembly 320. Torque equalizer assembly 330 consists of stationary welded torque equalizer 332 fixedly mounted to journaling tube assembly 80 with welds 338. The cooperative shape of stationary welded torque equalizer 332 place a predetermined force upon the corners of horizontal tube assembly 20, thus keeping each interior face of journaling tube assembly 80 at an approximate equivalent distance to a respective exterior face of horizontal tube assembly 20. Torque equalizer assembly 330 also allows for torque distribution on the outside corners of horizontal tube assembly 20. Seen in figure I OC is another alternate embodiment for torque equalizer assembly 320. Torque equalizer assembly 340 comprises welding 342, and torque spacers 344 that are positioned in between each interior wall of journaling tube assembly 80 and each respective exterior wall of horizontal tube assembly 20 to keep each interior wall of journaling tube assembly 20 at and approximate equivalent distance to its respective exterior wall of horizontal tube assembly 20. Torque equalizer assembly 340 also allows for torque distribution on the outside corners of horizontal tube assembly 20. Furthermore, as best seen in figures 10A, 10B, and IOC journaling tube assembly 80 also comprises a power transfer bolt 96 bolted through horizontal tube assembly 20, journaling tube assembly 80 and threaded internal horizontal tube 100. Power transfer bolt 96, mounted to threaded hole 94 of rear wall 92, journals within elongated horizontal channel 46 that extends between ends 22 and 24 when journaling tube assembly 80 journals upon horizontal tube assembly 20. In addition, grease-fitting 144 may receive a lubricant, such as grease therethrough, and through grease channel 146. Additional grease fittings may of course be installed if required.

In operation, journaling tube assembly 80 journals upon horizontal tube assembly 20 when activated by adjustable means, either electrically as seen in figure 1 with motor assembly 260, or mechanically as seen in figure 7 with crank assembly 280. In addition, ball assembly 180 may be adjusted forward and backward with elongation tubes 118 and 124. Another benefit to instant invention 10 is that it may be disassembled for maintenance or repair if required.

In one method of use, instant invention 10 is mounted upon any vehicle capable of towing a trailer assembly. After backing-up a vehicle, being a tow vehicle, within the proximity of a trailer assembly, trailer ball 188 is positioned laterally until aligned with the trailer's hitch ball coupler. Elongation tubes 118 and 124 can be extracted and positioned until trailer ball 188 is directly beneath the trailer's hitch ball coupler. The trailer is then lowered until trailer ball 188 is within the trailer's hitch ball coupler and locked / latched. The vehicle may then be moved backwardly until locking plunger 112 latches into and fills plunger holes 122. Safety-locking pin 130 is then inserted into pinholes 126. The user may then operate switch 400 or remote control 500 to actuate motor assembly 260 to cause journaling tube assembly 80 to journal, and therefore trailer ball 188, to the center of horizontal tube assembly 20, until spring-loaded center plunger assembly 140 having handle 142 latches into and fills center plunger hole 106. The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

VII. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is evident that an invention such as the variably adjustable trailer hitch claimed in the present application is quite desirable because it can be connected to a trailer without the assistance of a second person. Also, the instant invention is quite desirable because its electrical and /or mechanical means to laterally move a hitch ball to facilitate engagement of a trailer. The invention further comprises a threaded rod, which rotates in two directions to further facilitate engagement of the trailer. Further, the instant invention is quite desirable because may be installed without obstructing the spare tire storage located below the tow vehicle, and it is of a durable and reliable construction while and is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness.