Vehicle trailer hitch system with integrated feature for added functionality

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle trailer hitch system having an integrated feature for added functionality. The vehicle trailer hitch system may include an integrated feature for increasing functionality of the vehicle. The opener feature may be integrated as part of a hitch plate of a trailer hitch system. Thus, the integrated bottle opener feature is conveniently encapsulated on the vehicle for use during an outdoor social party while the vehicle is stationary.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to motor vehicles and, more particularly, to a vehicle trailer hitch system equipped with integrated features for providing added functionality. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles can be used as social gathering points during outdoor activities such as camping and picnics. Vehicle users often have to remember to carry various tools and convenience items, such as bottle openers, in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] A vehicle trailer hitch system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a hitch receiver and a hitch plate mounted to the hitch receiver. The hitch plate includes a slot configured to establish both a trailer chain placement feature and a bottle opener feature within the hitch plate.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch system, the hitch plate includes a first plate section, a second plate section, and an intermediate section extending between the first plate section and the second plate section.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, a slot is formed through the first plate section or the second plate section.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the first plate section or the second plate section includes a lower lip defining a first lateral edge of the slot and an upper lip defining a second lateral edge of the slot.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the bottle opener feature is established by a lower lip and an upper lip.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the lower lip or the upper lip establishes a fulcrum for the bottle opener feature, and the other of the lower lip or the upper lip is configured to engage a bottle cap of a bottle.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the trailer chain placement feature is established by a first portion of the slot and the bottle opener feature is established by a second, different portion of the slot.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the first portion is a rearmost portion of the slot.

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the control module is programmed to command the lighting system to generate a lighting effect for illuminating at least a portion of the hitch plate.

[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicle trailer hitch systems, the control module is programmed to command the lighting system to generate a lighting effect in response to receiving a signal from the sensor system indicating that an authorized user is within a threshold distance of the vehicle trailer hitch system.

[0013] A vehicle according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a trailer hitch system including a hitch plate. The hitch plate includes an integrated bottle opener feature.

[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing vehicle, the hitch plate includes a slot having a first lateral edge defined by a lower lip and a second lateral edge defined by an upper lip.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the lower lip is vertically offset from the upper lip.

[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the lower lip is laterally outboard of the upper lip.

[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the upper lip is laterally outboard of the lower lip.

[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, an integrated bottle opener feature is established by a lower lip and an upper lip.

[0019] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the integrated bottle opener feature is configured such that the lower lip is used to engage a bottle cap of a bottle and the upper lip serves as a fulcrum for applying force to remove the bottle cap from the bottle.

[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the hitch plate is mounted to a hitch receiver of a trailer hitch system.

[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the control module is programmed to command the lighting system to generate a lighting effect for illuminating at least a portion of the hitch plate.

[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing vehicles, the hitch plate establishes a trailer chain placement feature.

[0023] The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims or the following description and drawings (including any of their various aspects or corresponding individual features) may be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in conjunction with one embodiment apply to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

[0024] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a trailer hitch system.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle trailer hitch system.

[0027] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Rear view of the trailer hitch system.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Bottom view of the trailer hitch system.

[0029] Figure 5 An exemplary hitch plate of a vehicle trailer hitch system is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 Another exemplary hitch plate of a vehicle trailer hitch system is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary lighting aspects of a vehicle trailer hitch system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure details a vehicle trailer hitch system including an integrated feature for increasing the functionality of the vehicle. A bottle opener feature can be integrated as part of a hitch plate of the trailer hitch system. Thus, the integrated bottle opener feature is conveniently packaged on the vehicle for use during outdoor social gatherings when the vehicle is stationary. These and other features of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2Selected portions of a motor vehicle 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle") are shown. The vehicle 10 may include an opening and closing member 12 that can be moved between a closed position and an open position for accessing a cargo space 14 of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening and closing member 12 is a tailgate, and the cargo space 14 is a cargo box of a pickup truck. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, although a pickup truck having a cargo box is specifically depicted and referenced herein, other vehicles having other types of cargo spaces may also benefit from the trailer hitch teachings of the present disclosure. In addition, the vehicle 10 may be a vehicle powered by a conventional internal combustion engine, an electric or hybrid vehicle powered by a traction battery, an autonomous vehicle (i.e., an unmanned vehicle), and the like.

[0034] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, the illustrations are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The placement and orientation of the various components of the vehicle 10 are shown schematically and may vary within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the various drawings attached to the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to emphasize certain details of a particular component or system.

[0035] The vehicle 10 may also include a trailer hitch system 16 for towing a trailer or some other structure behind the vehicle 10. For example, the trailer hitch system 16 may include a hitch receiver 18 adapted to receive another trailer component (e.g., a hitch ball mount) such as for connecting a trailer to the vehicle 10. The hitch receiver 18 may be mounted to or otherwise integrated with a beam 20 extending in a lateral width direction of the vehicle 10. The beam 20 may be mounted to the vehicle static body structure of the vehicle 10 for supporting the trailer hitch system 16 relative to the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the beam 20 may at least partially support a bumper 25 of the vehicle 10.

[0036] The hitch plate 22 may be mounted (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to the underside 24 of the hitch receiver 18. The hitch plate 22 may include a pair of slots 26 (e.g., one slot located on each side of the hitch receiver 18). Each slot 26 may provide a means for attaching a trailer chain 28 (see FIG. Figure 2 ) to prevent the towed trailer from being separated from the vehicle 10 during a towing event. In addition, as discussed in more detail below, additional functionality (e.g., a bottle opener feature) may be integrated as part of the hitch plate 22 of the trailer hitch system 16 to increase the functionality of the vehicle 10 and promote a more pleasant user experience, for example, such as when using the vehicle 10 as a social gathering point during outdoor activities (e.g., camping, picnics, etc.).

[0037] Now the main reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5, the hitch plate 22 may include a first plate section 30 extending outwardly from a first side 36 of the hitch receiver 18, a second plate section 32 extending outwardly from a second side 38 of the hitch receiver 18, and an intermediate section 34 extending between the first plate section 30 and the second plate section 32. The intermediate section 34 may be mounted (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) directly to the underside 24 of the hitch receiver 18.

[0038] Each of the first plate section 30 and the second plate section 32 may include an upper lip 40 and a lower lip 42 that is vertically offset from the upper lip 40 such that the upper lip 40 and the lower lip 42 extend in different but substantially parallel planes. In an embodiment, the lower lip 42 is laterally outboard of the upper lip 40 and, therefore, farther from the middle section 34 than the upper lip 40. However, in another embodiment, the hitch plate 22 may be configured such that the upper lip 40 is laterally outboard of the lower lip 42 and, therefore, farther from the middle section 34 than the upper lip 40 (see, for example, FIG. 21 ). Figure 6 ) is further away from the middle section 34.

[0039] One of the slots 26 can be formed through each of the first plate section 30 and the second plate section 32 of the hitch plate 22. Each slot 26 can be an elongated opening including a first lateral edge 44 (e.g., a first long side) and a second lateral edge 46 (e.g., a second long side). The first lateral edge 44 can be defined by a portion of the lower lip 42, and the second lateral edge 46 can be defined by a portion of the upper lip 40.

[0040] The portion of the first lateral edge 44 of the lower lip 42 that defines the slot 26 and the portion of the second lateral edge 46 of the upper lip 40 that defines the slot 26 can cooperate to provide a bottle opener feature 48 (see Figure 3 ), the bottle opener feature is integrated as part of the hitch plate 22 of the trailer hitch system 16. For example, as discussed further below, the lower lip 42 can act as a tooth or raised lip configured to engage the underside of the bottle cap 58, and the upper lip 40 can act as a fulcrum on which a force can be applied to remove the bottle cap 58 from the bottle 54. Thus, in addition to providing an attachment point for receiving the trailer chain 28, the bottle opener feature 48 also provides additional functionality to the hitch plate 22.

[0041] Each slot 26 may be divided to provide both a bottle opener feature 48 and a trailer chain placement feature 50 (at Figure 426). In this manner, the bottle opener feature 48 may be utilized even when a trailer chain is attached to the slot 26. In an embodiment, the trailer chain placement feature 50 is located at the rearmost section of the hitch plate 22 (relative to the normal orientation of the vehicle 10). Thus, the trailer chain placement feature 50 may be located further away from the beam 20 of the trailer hitch system 16 than the bottle opener feature 48.

[0042] The hitch plate 22 may be constructed of high strength steel. However, other materials are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, portions of the hitch plate 22 (e.g., the lower lip 42 and / or the upper lip 40) may be coated with a protective coating 52 (at the Figure 4 Schematically shown in FIG. 1 ). The protective coating 52 may be adapted to limit wear and corrosion during the operational life of the hitch plate 22. The protective coating 52 may be a zinc nickel alloy coating and an epoxy powder coating or any other suitable protective coating. The protective coating 52 may optionally include a long afterglow phosphor that allows the hitch plate 22 to glow during nighttime conditions to better mark the location of the bottle opener feature 48 and the trailer chain placement feature 50.

[0043] Figure 3 Schematically illustrated is an exemplary use of an integrated bottle opener feature 48 for opening a bottle 54 containing a beverage 56. Prior to opening, the beverage 56 is sealed within the bottle 54 by a bottle cap 58. The bottle opener feature 48 can be used to conveniently remove the bottle cap 58 from the bottle 54 during a stationary, non-moving state of the vehicle 10. The bottle opener feature 48 can be used during outdoor social gatherings and eliminates the need for a user to remember to carry a separate bottle opener.

[0044] The bottle opener feature 48 can be used to remove the bottle cap 58 from the bottle 54 in the following exemplary manner. The user can first position the bottle 54 from below the hitch plate 22 so that the bottle cap 58 is at least partially received in one of the slots 26. The bottle 54 can be moved upward through the corresponding slot 26 until the bottle cap 58 can be received in abutting contact with the lower lip 42 of the hitch plate 22. The lower lip 42 positions the bottle cap 58 so that an inward swing path (schematically shown via arrow 60) is required to remove the bottle cap 58 from the bottle 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the inward swing path 60 extends in a direction toward the middle of the vehicle 10. However, other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] As the user moves the bottle 54 along the inward swing path 60, the bottle cap 58 moves into secure engagement with the contact surface 65 of the upper lip 40, thereby applying an opening force to remove the bottle cap 58 from the bottle 54. The upper lip 40 can support and stabilize the bottle 54 during movement of the bottle along the inward swing path 60.

[0046] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 7 is a block diagram for schematically illustrating additional functionality of the trailer hitch system 16. The trailer hitch system 16 may include a sensor system 62, a lighting system 64, and a control module 66. In response to commands from the control module 66, the lighting system 64 may be configured to illuminate portions of the hitch plate 22 and / or the hitch receiver 18 when the sensor system 62 detects the presence of a user near the vehicle 10.

[0047] The sensor system 62 may include various sensors and other components (e.g., cameras) capable of monitoring the environment around the vehicle 10, such as for inferring when a user is within a threshold distance of the vehicle 10. The lighting system 64 may include one or more lights capable of generating light near the hitch plate 22 and / or the hitch receiver 18. For example, the lighting system 64 may include one or more lights associated with a brake light, a license plate light, etc.

[0048] The control module 66 may be equipped with executable instructions for interacting with and commanding the operation of the various components of the lighting system 64. The control module 66 may include a processing unit 68 and a non-transitory memory 70 for executing various control strategies and modes of the lighting system 64. The processing unit 68 may be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory 70. The programs may be stored in the memory 70 as, for example, software code. Each program stored in the memory 70 may include an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions associated with the lighting system 64. The processing unit 68 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any device for executing software instructions. The memory 70 may include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements.

[0049] In an embodiment, the control module 66 may be programmed to command the lighting system 64 to project a lighting effect 72 for illuminating the hitch plate 22 and / or the hitch receiver 18 in response to receiving a signal 74 from the sensor system 62. The signal 74 may indicate that an authorized user has been detected or inferred within a threshold distance from the vehicle 10, thus indicating that use of the bottle opener feature 48 may be imminent. In response to receiving the signal 74, the control module 66 may transmit a lighting effect command signal 76 to the lighting system 64 for generating the lighting effect 72. Thus, one or more lights of the lighting system 64 may be activated to illuminate the hitch plate 22 and / or the hitch receiver 18.

[0050] The trailer hitch system of the present disclosure includes an integrated bottle opener feature that is packaged with the hitch components of the trailer hitch system, thereby adding functionality to the trailer hitch system without the need for additional parts or complexity. The integrated bottle opener feature is conveniently packaged adjacent to the cargo space of the vehicle and promotes a more enjoyable use and experience during outdoor social gatherings when the vehicle is stationary.

[0051] Although different non-limiting embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations.Some components or features from any one of the non-limiting embodiments may be used in combination with features or components from any one of the other non-limiting embodiments.

[0052] It should be understood that like reference numerals indicate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several drawings.It should be understood that although particular component arrangements are disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements may also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0053] The above description should be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain modifications may occur within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the attached claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle trailer hookup system, comprising: Hitch receiver; and a hitch plate mounted to the hitch receiver, Wherein the hitch plate includes a slot configured to establish both a trailer chain placement feature and a bottle opener feature within the hitch plate. 2 . The vehicle trailer hitch system of claim 1 , wherein the hitch plate includes a first plate section, a second plate section, and an intermediate section extending between the first plate section and the second plate section. 3 . The vehicle trailer hitch system of claim 2 , wherein the slot is formed through the first plate section or the second plate section. 4 . The vehicle trailer hitch system of claim 3 , wherein the first plate section or the second plate section includes a lower lip defining a first lateral edge of the slot and an upper lip defining a second lateral edge of the slot.

5. The vehicle trailer hitch system of claim 4, wherein the bottle opener feature is established by the lower lip and the upper lip.

6. The vehicle trailer hitch system of claim 5, wherein the lower lip or the upper lip establishes a fulcrum for the bottle opener feature, and the other of the lower lip or the upper lip is configured to engage a bottle cap of a bottle.

7. A vehicle trailer hitch system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the trailer chain placement feature is established by a first portion of the slot and the bottle opener feature is established by a second, different portion of the slot, and optionally wherein the first portion is the rearmost portion of the slot.

8. A vehicle trailer hitch system as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a control module programmed to command a lighting system to generate a lighting effect for illuminating at least a portion of the hitch plate, and optionally wherein the control module is programmed to command the lighting system to generate the lighting effect in response to receiving a signal from a sensor system indicating that an authorized user is within a threshold distance of the vehicle trailer hitch system.

9. A vehicle comprising: A trailer hooking system, the trailer hooking system comprising a hooking plate, Wherein the hitch plate includes an integrated bottle opener feature.

10. The vehicle of claim 9 wherein the hitch plate includes a slot having a first lateral edge defined by a lower lip and a second lateral edge defined by an upper lip, and optionally wherein the lower lip is vertically offset from the upper lip.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the lower lip is laterally outward of the upper lip, or the upper lip is laterally outward of the lower lip.

12. The vehicle of claim 9 wherein the integrated bottle opener feature is established by the lower lip and the upper lip, and optionally wherein the integrated bottle opener feature is configured such that the lower lip is used to engage a bottle cap of a bottle and the upper lip serves as a fulcrum for applying force to remove the bottle cap from the bottle.

13. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the hitch plate is mounted to a hitch receiver of the trailer hitch system.

14. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, comprising a control module programmed to command a lighting system to generate a lighting effect for illuminating at least a portion of the hitch plate.

15. The vehicle of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the hitch plate also establishes a trailer chain placement feature.

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