IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,199,520
Granted Patent B2
US 9,199,520 · App. 12/587,179 · Granted Dec 1, 2015

Adjustable hitch assembly

Inventors: Neal Weipert (Livonia, MI); Richard W. McCoy (Granger, IN); Jacob Belinky (Carleton, MI)
Assignee: Cequent Towing Products
B60D1/07B60D1/42B60D1/46B60D1/52B60D1/54
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,199,520
App. No.
12/587,179
Granted
Dec 1, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.

Claims (50)

1. An adjustable hitch assembly comprising:

a base member having a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein said shank member extends generally perpendicularly from said connecting portion;

a guiding member located along at least one side of said shank member, wherein said guiding member includes a guiding slot;

a slot member positioned on said shank member and located generally perpendicular to said guiding slot;

a ball support member having a support rod extending generally perpendicularly from said shank member, wherein said ball support member includes an opening therethrough capable of attachment to said shank member, whereby said ball support member is rotatably adjustable about a generally vertical axis; and

a hitch ball member capable of attachment to said support rod, wherein said hitch ball member has at least one accessory aperture.

2. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 1 , wherein said shank member has at least one opening located along at least one side.

3. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 2 , wherein said ball support member includes a pin member capable of being inserted into said opening in said shank member.

4. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 2 , wherein said ball support member includes at least one key located within said opening of said ball support member.

5. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 4 , wherein said key is in slidable engagement with said guiding slot and said slot member.

6. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 1 further comprising an accessory member that is capable of being secured to said accessory aperture, said accessory member including at least one hitch ball and at least one generally horizontal surface, wherein said accessory member is rotatable to a first position whereby said hitch ball is operatively positioned and a second position whereby said horizontal surface is operatively positioned.

7. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 1 , wherein said guiding member vertically positions said ball support member and said slot member rotatably positions said ball support member along said shank member.

8. An adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle, said adjustable hitch assembly comprising:

a base member having a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein said shank member extends generally perpendicularly from said connecting portion and said connecting portion is capable of attachment to said towing vehicle and wherein said shank member includes a slot member;

a ball support member having a support rod extending generally perpendicularly from said shank member, wherein said ball support member includes an opening therethrough capable of attachment to said shank member and configured to rotate along said rotating slot member;

a hitch ball member capable of attachment to said support rod; and

an accessory member attached to said hitch ball member.

9. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 8 , wherein said shank member includes a guiding slot located along at least one side.

10. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 9 , wherein said slot member is perpendicular to said guiding slot.

11. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 10 , wherein said ball support member includes at least one key located within said opening of said ball support member.

12. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 11 , wherein said key is in slidable engagement with said guiding slot and said slot member.

13. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 8 , wherein said connecting portion includes an aperture for connecting to said towing vehicle.

14. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 8 , wherein said hitch ball member includes a pin capable of engagement with said support rod.

15. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 8 , wherein said accessory member includes at least one ball member and a step rotatably and vertically adjustable relative to said shank member, wherein said step includes a stepping surface.

16. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 15 , wherein said at least one ball member and said step are integrally formed.

17. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 15 , wherein said at least one ball member of said accessory member includes two ball members.

18. An adjustable hitch assembly comprising:

a base member having a shank;

a ball support member selectively secured to said shank;

a guide positioned on said shank, said guide includes a guiding slot;

a slot member positioned on said shank and located perpendicular to said guiding slot, wherein said ball support member is vertically adjustable relative to said base along said guide to a plurality of operating positions and rotatably adjustable about a generally vertical axis relative to said base along said slot member; and

a hitch accessory member rotatably attached to said ball support member, wherein said hitch accessory member includes a hitch ball and a stepping surface.

19. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 18 , wherein said hitch accessory member is rotatable to a first position whereby said hitch ball is operable and a second position whereby said stepping surface is operable.

20. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 19 , wherein said ball support member includes at least one key and wherein said key is in slidable engagement with said guiding slot and said slot member.

21. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 19 , wherein said hitch accessory member is rotatable about a generally vertical plane.

22. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 18 , wherein said stepping surface includes a base surface and a plurality of protrusion extending above said base surface.

23. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 18 , wherein said hitch ball and said stepping surface are integrally formed.

24. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 18 , wherein said hitch accessory member includes a second hitch ball.

25. An adjustable hitch assembly comprising:

a base member having a shank, said shank having a slot member;

a ball support member selectively secured to said shank and rotatably adjustable about a generally vertical axis relative to said base along said slot member;

a guide positioned on said shank, said guide having at least one open vertically lower most end or upper most end, wherein said ball support member is vertically adjustable relative to said base along said guide and removable from at least one of said open vertically lower or upper most ends, said slot member being located perpendicular to said guide; and

a hitch accessory member attached to said ball support member, wherein said hitch accessory member includes a hitch ball.

26. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 25 , wherein said at least one open end of said guide includes first and second open ends.

27. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 26 , wherein said ball support member is vertically adjustable relative to said base along said guide between said first and second open ends.

28. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 25 , wherein said hitch accessory member includes a step.

29. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 28 , wherein said hitch accessory member is rotatable to a first position whereby said hitch ball is operable and a second position whereby said step is operable.

30. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 29 , wherein said hitch accessory member is rotatable about a generally vertical plane.

31. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 30 , wherein said step includes a base surface and a stepping surface whereby said stepping surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending above said base surface.

32. The adjustable hitch assembly of claim 25 , wherein said ball support member is vertically adjustable relative to said base along said guide.

Assignments (23)
FIRST LIEN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jun 18, 2025
From: AIRTEX INDUSTRIES, LLC; AIRTEX PRODUCTS, LP; APC INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC; APC PARENT, LLC; ASC INDUSTRIES, INC.; AUTOLITE OPERATIONS LLC; AVM EXPORT, INC.; BPI ACQUISITION COMPANY, LLC; BPI EC, LLC; BPI HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL, LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC CHINA LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC INDIA LLC; BRAKE PARTS INC LLC; CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.; CARRAND COMPANIES, INC.; CARTER CARBURETOR HOLDINGS, LLC; CARTER CARBURETOR, LLC; CARTER FUEL EXPORT, INC.; CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS, LLC; CHAMPION LABORATORIES, INC.; CWD HOLDING, LLC; CWD INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS I, LLC; CWD INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS II, LLC; CWD, LLC; DALTON CORPORATION; DALTON CORPORATION, KENDALLVILLE; MANUFACTURING FACILITY DALTON CORPORATION, ASHLAND; MANUFACTURING FACILITY DALTON CORPORATION, STRYKER MACHINING FACILITY CO.; DALTON CORPORATION, WARSAW MANUFACTURING FACILITY; EAGLE CASTING, LLC; EAGLE MACHINING, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP INTERMEDIATE, LLC; FIRST BRANDS GROUP, LLC; FRAM GROUP IP LLC; FRAM GROUP OPERATIONS LLC; FRAMAUTO HOLDINGS, LLC; FUEL FILTER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; GLOBAL REMAN VENTURES, LLC; HEATHERTON HOLDINGS, LLC; HOPKINS ACQUISITION, INC.; HOPKINS MANUFACTURING CORPORATION; HORIZON EURO FINANCE LLC; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; HORIZON GLOBAL COMPANY LLC; HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; HORIZON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; IBI INTERNATIONAL HOLDING COMPANY, INC.; INTERNATIONAL BRAKE INDUSTRIES, INC.; JASPER ACQUISITION CORP.; JASPER RUBBER PRODUCTS, INC.; KTRI HOLDINGS, INC.; KTRI OFFSHORE HOLDINGS, LLC; LONGMAN ENTERPRISES, INC.; PHNX ACQUISITION CORP.; PREMIER MARKETING GROUP, LLC; PYLON MANUFACTURING CORP.; PYLON SOUTH BEND, INC.; QUALIS AUTOMOTIVE, L.L.C.; QUALIS ENTERPRISES, LLC; QUALITOR ACQUISITION INC.; QUALITOR AUTOMOTIVE, LLC; QUALITOR SUBSIDIARY H, INC.; QUALITOR SUBSIDIARY S, INC.; QUALITOR, INC.; REMAN MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL LLC; SDC TX, LLC; SMART CHOICE, LLC; SPECIALTY PUMPS GROUP, INC.; STRONGARM, LLC; TAE BRAKES, LLC; TAE CHINA HOLDINGS, INC.; TMD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; TMD MEXICO LLC; TOLEDO MOLDING & DIE, LLC; TRANSPORTATION AFTERMARKET ENTERPRISE, LLC; TRICO HOLDING CORPORATION; TRICO PRODUCTS CORPORATION; TRICO TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION; TRIDONEX USA LLC; UCI ACQUISITION HOLDINGS (NO. 4) LLC; UCI INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS PARENT, INC.; UCI INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; UCI INTERNATIONAL, LLC; UCI PENNSYLVANIA, INC.; UCI-AIRTEX HOLDINGS, INC.; UNITED COMPONENTS, LLC; UNIVERSAL AUTO FILTER LLC; VIPER ACQUISITION I, INC.; VIPER ACQUISITION, INC.; WALBRO LLC; WALBRO MIDCO LLC; WEM US CO.
To: GLAS USA LLC
Reel/Frame 071674/0688 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 9, 2021
From: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; C.P. WITTER LIMITED; WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
To: ATLANTIC PARK STRATEGIC CAPITAL FUND, L.P., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 055262/0949 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 9, 2021
From: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC, SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS COLLATERAL AGENT (AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.)
To: HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 055262/0842 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 11, 2020
From: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC
To: HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
Reel/Frame 053453/0229 →
ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Apr 22, 2020
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC
Reel/Frame 052463/0091 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 25, 2020
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 052224/0615 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 25, 2020
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 052918/0733 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 17, 2020
From: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
To: ENCINA BUSINESS CREDIT, LLC
Reel/Frame 052183/0590 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 25, 2019
From: HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION; HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 049872/0219 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 20, 2019
From: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.; HORIZON GLOBAL CORPORATION
To: CORTLAND CAPITAL MARKET SERVICES LLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 048648/0006 →
MERGER Recorded May 10, 2017
From: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
To: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
Reel/Frame 042435/0260 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jul 22, 2015
From: CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.
To: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036150/0317 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME (024120/0535) Recorded Jul 16, 2015
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SECOND LIEN AGENT
To: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 036125/0710 →
SECURITY INTEREST (ABL) Recorded Jul 8, 2015
From: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 036082/0668 →
SECURITY INTEREST (TERM LOAN) Recorded Jul 6, 2015
From: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 036062/0554 →
RELEASE OF REEL/FRAME 029537/0582 Recorded Nov 15, 2013
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: TRIMAS CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR TO MASCO TECH, INC.); TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; ARMINAK & ASSOCIATES LLC; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. (SUCCESSOR TO CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, INC., CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC., CEQUENT TRAILER PRODUCTS, INC., FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC., HIDDEN HITCH INTERNATIONAL, AND THEODORE BARGMAN, INC.); COMPAC CORPORATION; INNOVATIVE MOLDING; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; RIEKE-ARMINAK CORP.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE LEASING CO., INCORPORATED; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC
Reel/Frame 031645/0436 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Dec 28, 2012
From: TRIMAS CORPORATION (SUCCESSOR TO MASCOTECH, INC.); TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; ARMINAK & ASSOCIATES LLC; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC. (SUCCESSOR TO CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS, INC., CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC., CEQUENT TRAILER PRODUCTS, INC., FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC., HIDDEN HITCH INTERNATIONAL, AND THEODORE BARGMAN, INC.); COMPAC CORPORATION; INNOVATIVE MOLDING; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; RIEKE-ARMINAK CORP.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE LEASING CO., INCORPORATED; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 029537/0582 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 13, 2012
From: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
To: TRIMAS CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 029291/0265 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 5, 2011
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: TRIMAS CORPORATION; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; BEAUMONT BOLT & GASKET, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.; COMPAC CORPORATION; CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CUYAM CORPORATION; DEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; DI-RITE COMPANY; ENTEGRA FASTENER CORPORATION; FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; HAMMERBLOW ACQUISITION CORP.; THE HAMMERBLOW COMPANY, LLC; HI-VOL PRODUCTS LLC; INDUSTRIAL BOLT & GASKET, INC.; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; LAMONS METAL GASKET CO.; LOUISIANA HOSE & RUBBER CO.; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NETCONG INVESTMENTS, INC.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NI WEST, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; NORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; NORRIS INDUSTRIES, INC.; PLASTIC FORM, INC.; REESE PRODUCTS, INC.; RESKA SPLINE PRODUCTS, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE OF INDIANA, INC.; RIEKE LEASING CO., INCORPORATED; RIEKE OF MEXICO, INC.; TOWING HOLDING LLC; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; WESBAR CORPORATION; DRAW-TITE, INC.; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.
Reel/Frame 026706/0434 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 4, 2010
From: TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA K.S. DISPOSITION, INC; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; TRIMAS CORPORATION; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; BEAUMONT BOLT & GASKET, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC FKA COMMONWEALTH DISPOSITION, LLC; COMPAC CORPORATION; CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; CUYAM CORPORATION; DI-RITE COMPANY; DRAW-TITE, INC.; ENTEGRA FASTENER CORPORATION; FULTON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC. FKA HITCH 'N POST, INC.; INDUSTRIAL BOLT & GASKET, INC.; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE SCREW CORPORATION; LAMONS METAL GASKET CO.; LOUISIANA HOSE & RUBBER CO.; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC.; NETCONG INVESTMENTS, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC FKA NI FOREIGN MILITARY SALES CORP.; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NI WEST, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; NORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.; NORRIS INDUSTRIES, INC.; PLASTIC FORM, INC.; REESE PRODUCTS, INC.; RESKA SPLINE PRODUCTS, INC.; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE OF INDIANA, INC.; RIEKE OF MEXICO; RIEKE LEASING CO.; TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA TRIMAS FASTENERS, INC.; TRIMAS COMPANY, LLC FKA TRIMAS SERVICES CORP.; WESBAR CORPORATION
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 024390/0471 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 28, 2010
From: HITCH 'N POST, INC.
To: CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS, INC.
Reel/Frame 024294/0863 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 23, 2010
From: TRIMAS CORPORATION; TRIMAS COMPANY LLC; ARROW ENGINE COMPANY; CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.; CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.; COMPAC CORPORATION; DEW TECHNOLOGIES, INC.; HI-VOL PRODUCTS LLC; KEO CUTTERS, INC.; LAKE ERIE PRODUCTS CORPORATION; MONOGRAM AEROSPACE FASTENERS, INC; NI INDUSTRIES, INC.; NORRIS CYLINDER COMPANY; RICHARDS MICRO-TOOL, INC.; RIEKE CORPORATION; RIEKE LEASING CO.; RIEKE OF MEXICO, INC.; THE HAMMERBLOW COMPANY, LLC; TRIMAS INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC; LAMONS GASKET COMPANY; TOWING HOLDING LLC
To: THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., AS SECOND LIEN AGENT
Reel/Frame 024120/0535 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 3, 2010
From: WEIPERT, NEIL; MCCOY, RICHARD W.; BELINKY, JACOB
To: CEQUENT TOWING PRODUCTS
Reel/Frame 023890/0054 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61194987 · Oct 2, 2008
Related Publication 20100127479A1 · May 27, 2010