Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-03
2001-09-18
DePumpo, Daniel G. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S490100, C280S491500, C280S495000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06290247
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a trailer to a bicycle.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Bicycle trailers have gained increased popularity over the years. One requirement for a bicycle trailer is that it articulate universally relative to the bicycle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,178 discloses a bicycle trailer hitch removably affixed to the chain stay portion of the bicycle frame. What is needed beyond the prior art is a trailer hitch that is rugged, that is adaptable to a variety of trailers using a universal trailer ball, that can be removed from the bicycle when not needed, and that can be quickly and easily reinstalled when required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the needs and solves the problems identified above by providing a bicycle trailer hitch employing an adjustably positioned universal hitch ball. The bicycle trailer hitch is generally “U” shaped and attaches to the a hitch receiver mounted on the bicycle frame and encompasses the rear tire of the bicycle. The trailer hitch slides into the hitch brackets and is secured by clevis pins. Height adjustments between the hitch and the trailer are made with two “L” shaped brackets. One of the brackets is attached to a mounting plate affixed to the hitch. The second bracket can then be lined up accordingly and connected using nut and bolt securement devices. The lower bracket has the ball joint attached. The trailer tongue of the trailer arm can be attached to the ball joint. A safety chain attached to the lower bracket and the trailer tongue provides a back-up connection between the trailer hitch and the trailer.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.
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Schafer Diane
Schafer Gary L.
DePumpo Daniel G.
Siegesmund Rudolf O.
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