AU2017202182B2

AU2017202182B2 - Coupling hitch accessory connection system

Info

Publication number: AU2017202182B2
Application number: AU2017202182A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stephen Wotherspoon
Original assignee: Couplemate Investments Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Couplemate Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-17
Filing date: 2017-04-03
Publication date: 2019-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-05-17
Also published as: AU2017202182A1; AU2012202902A1

Abstract

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in an accessory connection system for a coupling hitch comprising a tow ball assembly including a tow ball connected by a 5 shank to a tow ball plate, the shank being curved, an accessory connector connected to the tow ball plate, wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate and a connector mount to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected thereto. 1220975v1 451 201 200

Description

Coupling Hitch Accessory Connection System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an accessory connection system for a coupling hitch. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to an accessory connection system for a European style coupling hitch.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The use of a coupling hitch to connect a vehicle to a trailer, caravan, or the like, is commonplace. The coupling hitch usually comprises a tow 10 ball attached to the vehicle and a towing hitch attached to the trailer. The towing hitch usually fits over the tow ball to allow a strong connection together with rotational movement of the towing hitch relative to the tow ball.

Difficulties can arise when using a coupling hitch, such as aligning 15 the towing hitch of the trailer to connect with the tow ball of the vehicle.

Additionally, when a tow ball is in place at the rear of the vehicle, it often prevents the possibility of connecting other items to the rear of the vehicle such as a bicycle rack or a step to allow a person to reach items which may be stowed on the roof of the vehicle.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in an accessory connection system for a coupling hitch comprising:

a tow ball assembly including a tow ball connected by a shank to a tow ball plate, the shank being curved;

an accessory connector connected to the tow ball plate;

wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate and a connector mount to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected

1220975V1

2017202182 03 Apr 2017 thereto.

In one embodiment the accessory connector includes a male connector mount.

In one embodiment the accessory connector includes a female 5 connector mount.

Suitably, the connector mount is selected from a slot, a tongue, a projecting pin, or an aperture for receiving a pin.

In one embodiment the tow ball and the tow ball plate are integrally formed. In another embodiment the tow ball assembly and the accessory 10 connector are integrally formed.

The towing accessory may be selected from a guide, a step or a bicycle rack.

In another form, the invention resides in an accessory connection system for a coupling hitch comprising:

an accessory connector connected to the tow ball plate, wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate; and a connector mount formed by the connection of the accessory connector and the tow ball plate, to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected thereto.

In another form, the invention resides in a method of connecting an accessory to a coupling hitch including the steps of:

attaching a tow ball assembly, having a tow ball connected by a curved shank to a tow ball plate, and an accessory connector to a vehicle, wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate and a connector mount; and attaching a towing accessory to the connector mount.

In another form, the invention resides in an accessory connector comprising a connector plate and a connector mount to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected thereto.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG 1 shows an accessory connection system according to a first embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a trailer guide to a slot;

FIG 2 shows an accessory connection system according to the first embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a step to a slot;

FIG 3 shows an accessory connection system according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a step to a tongue;

FIG 4 shows an accessory connection system according to a third embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a step to two pins;

FIG 5 shows an accessory connection system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a step to two receiving projections; and

FIG 6 shows an accessory connection system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, showing connection of a bicycle rack to a slot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An accessory connection system 100, as shown in FIG 1, includes a tow ball assembly 200, an accessory connector 300 and a towing accessory 400.

The tow ball assembly 200 includes a tow ball 201, a shank 202 and a tow ball plate 203.

The tow ball 201 has a generally spherical shape to receive a coupling hitch of a trailer, caravan or the like.

The shank 202 depends from the tow ball 201. The shank 202 is curved through approximately a 90^Q angle. The curvature of the shank 202 is such that the tow ball plate 203 has a substantially vertical orientation 30 when in use.

The tow ball plate 203 is connected to the tow ball 201 by the shank 202. The tow ball plate 203 is integrally formed with the tow ball 201 and the shank 202. Alternatively, the tow ball 201 and tow ball plate 203 are

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2017202182 03 Apr 2017 formed separately and subsequently joined together.

Tow ball plate apertures 204 are formed in the tow ball plate 203. There are two tow ball plate apertures 204, one adjacent each end of the tow ball plate 203. Alternatively, a greater number of tow ball plate 5 apertures 204 may be used.

The accessory connector 300 includes a connector plate 310 and a connector mount 320. The connector plate 310 is of a similar size and shape to the tow ball plate 203. Connector plate apertures 311 are located in a similar relative location on the connector plate 310 as the location of 10 the tow ball plate apertures 204 on the tow ball plate 203.

Bolts 210 pass through both the tow ball plate apertures 204 and the connector plate apertures 311 to connect the accessory connector 300 and the tow ball assembly 200 to a vehicle. The accessory connector 300 and the tow ball assembly 200 may also be attached by other fastening means 15 such as welding, rivets or screws.

The connector mount 320 is formed by a generally rectangular channel 321 located in the connector plate 310. The connector mount 320 has a generally rectangular shape. Alternatively, the channel 321 may have an irregular shape to result in an irregularly shaped connector mount 20 320.

The towing accessory 400, including an accessory coupler 450 can be removeably connected to the accessory connector 300. FIG 1 shows where the towing accessory 400 is a guide 410, which may assist in locating a coupling hitch over the tow ball 201. The guide 410 includes a 25 wing plate 411 and a back plate 414.

The wing plate 411 includes a central portion 412 and two wing portions 413. The two wing portions 413 are disposed at an angle with respect to the central portion 412.

The back plate 414 is attached to the central portion 412 and 30 depends downwardly from the central portion 412.

The accessory coupler 450 is a guide tongue 451 formed by a lower section of the back plate 414. The guide tongue 451 is sized to fit within the channel 321 of the connector mount 320 of the accessory connector 300.

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In use, the accessory connection system 100 is installed by inserting bolts 210 through the tow ball plate apertures 204 of the tow ball plate 203 and through the connector plate apertures 311 of the connector plate 310. The bolts 210 are then attached to the vehicle. The guide tongue 451 of 5 the guide 410 is then fitted into the channel 231 of the connector mount 320.

The guide 410 may be easily fitted by hand without the necessity for a tool, and can be easily removed once the towing hitch has been successfully fitted over the tow ball 201. The guide 410 can then be safely 10 stored until it is next required.

FIG 2 shows the accessory connection system 100 where the towing accessory 400 is a step 420. The step 420 includes a foot plate 421 and an accessory coupler 450.

The foot plate 421, when in use, is located over the tow ball 201, 15 and provides a secure platform for a person’s foot.

The accessory coupler 450 is in the form of a step tongue 452. The step tongue 452 depends from the foot plate 421 and is sized to fit within the channel 321 of the accessory connector 300. The step 420 may be easily fitted by hand to the accessory connector 300, whether or not a 20 trailer coupling hitch is in place over the tow ball 201.

FIG 3 shows the accessory connection system 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The accessory connector 300 has a connector plate 310, with connector plate apertures 311, and a connector mount 320.

The connector mount 320 is in the form of a connector tongue 322 extending from the connector plate 310. The connector tongue 322 has an “M” shaped cross section to provide multiple faces for a good frictional fit. Alternatively, the connector tongue 322 may be simply rectangular.

The accessory connector 300 is sized similarly to the tow ball plate 30 203 such that when in use the connector plate apertures 311 align with the tow ball plate apertures 204.

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A towing accessory 400 in the form of a step 420 includes a foot plate 421 and an accessory coupler 450. As above, the foot plate 421 provides a secure platform for a person’s foot.

The accessory coupler 450 is in the form of a step sleeve 433. The step sleeve 433 depends from the foot plate 421 and is shaped to receive the connector tongue 322. As above, the step 420 may be easily fitted by hand to the accessory connector 300.

FIG 4 shows an accessory connection system 100 according to a third embodiment of the invention. An accessory connector 300 has a 10 connector plate 310, including connector plate apertures 311, and a connector mount 320.

The accessory connector 300 is sized similarly to the tow ball plate 203, such that when in use the connector plate apertures 311 align with the tow ball plate apertures 204.

The connector mount 320 is in the form of two connector pins 323 extending from the connector plate 310. The connector pins 323 have a circular cross section, although other cross sectional shapes may be utilized. Alternatively, three or more connector pins 323 may extend from the connector plate 310.

A towing accessory 400 in the form of a step 420 includes a foot plate 421 and an accessory coupler 450. As previously discussed, the foot plate 421 provides a stable surface for a person’s foot.

The accessory coupler 450 is in the form of two step pin sleeves 454 which extend from the foot plate 421. The step pin sleeves 454 are shaped 25 to receive the connector pins 323 of the accessory connector 300.

In use, the step pin sleeves 454 of the step 420 are aligned and subsequently slid over the connector pins 323 of the accessory connector 300. The step 420 may then be removed if other items are required to be connected to the accessory connector 300.

FIG 5 shows an accessory connection system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. An accessory connector 300 includes a connector plate 310, including connector plate apertures 311, and a connector mount 320. The accessory connector 300 is sized similarly to

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2017202182 03 Apr 2017 the tow ball plate 203, such that in use the connector plate apertures 311 align with the tow ball plate apertures 204.

The connector mount 320 is in the form of two connector pin sleeves 324 which extend from the connector plate 310. The connector pin sleeves 5 324 are hollow cylinders, but other sleeve shapes may be contemplated.

Additionally, three or more connector pin sleeves 324 may be utilized.

A towing accessory 400 in the form of a step 420 includes a foot plate 421 and an accessory coupler 450.

The accessory coupler 450 is in the form of two step pins 455. The 10 step pins 455 extend from the foot plate 421 and are located and sized to fit into the connector pin sleeves 324.

An accessory locking aperture 460 is located in each step pin 455 and a corresponding connector locking aperture 330 is located in each connector pin sleeve 324. A locking pin 500 can be inserted into the 15 connector locking aperture 330 and the accessory locking aperture 460 in order to prevent the accidental removal of the towing accessory 400 from the accessory connector 300.

FIG 6 shows an accessory connection system 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. An accessory connector 300 includes a 20 connector plate 310, having connector plate apertures 311, and a connector mount 320. The connector plate apertures 311 are located to align with the tow ball plate apertures 204 of the tow ball plate 203.

The connector mount 320 is formed by a channel 321 in the connector plate 320.

A towing accessory 400 in the form of a bicycle rack 430 includes a base 431 and an accessory coupler 450.

The accessory coupler 450 is in the form of a bicycle rack tongue 456 which is sized and shaped to fit into the channel 321 of the accessory connector 300. The bicycle rack 430 may be easily fitted by hand and 30 provides a convenient location for the carriage of bicycles whilst a trailer is fitted to the tow ball 201.

In summary, the accessory connection system 100 allows a variety of towing accessories 400 to be attached to a coupling hitch simultaneously

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2017202182 03 Apr 2017 with the fitting of a coupling hitch of a trailer to the tow ball 201. The towing accessories 400 can be fitted by hand without the use of special tools, but are sufficiently secure so as to remain in place whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. For example, variations in the size and shape 10 of the slot, tongue, pin and socket arrangements will also allow connection of various accessories.

It will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An accessory connection system for a coupling hitch comprising:

a tow ball assembly including a tow ball connected by a shank to a tow ball plate, the shank being curved;

5 an accessory connector connected to the tow ball plate;

wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate and a connector mount to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected thereto, wherein the towing accessory is a guide to assist in locating the 10 coupling hitch over the tow ball, wherein the tow ball plate is connected to the connector plate by a fastener that extends transversely to the tow ball plate and the connector plate, and wherein the shank is curved through approximately 90°.

15
2. An accessory connection system for a coupling hitch comprising:

a tow ball assembly including a tow ball connected by a shank to a tow ball plate, the shank being curved;

an accessory connector connected to the tow ball plate, wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate; and

20 a connector mount formed by the connection of the accessory connector and the tow ball plate, to allow a towing accessory to be removeably connected thereto, wherein the towing accessory is a guide to assist in locating the coupling hitch over the tow ball.

25 wherein the tow ball plate is connected to the connector plate by a fastener that extends transversely to the tow ball plate and the connector plate, and wherein the shank is curved through approximately 90°.
3. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the 30 accessory connector includes a male connector mount.
4. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the accessory connector includes a female connector mount.

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5. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2, the connector mount is selected from a slot, a tongue, a projecting pin, or an aperture for receiving a pin.
6. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the tow 5 ball and the tow ball plate are integrally formed.
7. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the tow ball assembly and the accessory connector are integrally formed.
8. A method of connecting an accessory to a coupling hitch including the steps of:

10 attaching a tow ball assembly, having a tow ball connected by a curved shank to a tow ball plate, and an accessory connector to a vehicle, wherein the accessory connector includes a connector plate and a connector mount; and attaching a towing accessory to the connector mount,

15 wherein the towing accessory is a guide to assist in locating the coupling hitch over the tow ball, wherein the tow ball plate is connected to the connector plate by a fastener that extends transversely to the tow ball plate and the connector plate, and

20 wherein the shank is curved through approximately 90°.
9. The accessory connection system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the towing accessory comprises a wing plate and a back plate.
10. The accessory connection system of claim 9, wherein the wing plate comprises a central portion and two wing portions which are

25 disposed at an angle with respect to the central portion.
11. The accessory connection system of claim 10, wherein the back plate is attached to the central portion and depends downwardly from the central portion.
12. The accessory connection system of claim 11, wherein the back

30 plate has a lower section which is configured to mate with the connector mount.