The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 23, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 13, 1996
Richard McCoy, Granger, IN (US);
Chad A McCoige, Mishawaka, IN (US);
Marvin L Hanson, Vandalia, MI (US);
Jon L Krager, Cassopolis, MI (US);
Reese Products, Inc., Elkhart, IN (US);
Abstract
A hitch bar for a trailer hitch assembly is formed from an elongated bar including a notched proximal end and a mounting rack carried on the distal end. The notch is V-shaped and extends in a vertical plane so as to define upper and lower projecting lugs at the proximal end of the bar. The notch reduces the stiffness of the elongated bar at its proximal end allowing the bar to deflect and absorb a portion of the reaction load. The bar also redistributes that load in the hitch box, thereby reducing localized force and extending the life expectancy of the hitch.