Apparatus, system, and method for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle

Abstract

A hitch system for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle includes an elongate shaft mounted on a towed vehicle and a hitch apparatus attached to the towing vehicle. The hitch apparatus includes a receiver tube configured to receive the shaft. The receiver tube includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough in adjacent spaced apart relationship. These apertures are aligned with an annular groove in the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube. Ball bearings are slidably seated in the plurality of apertures. A collar surrounds the receiver tube and is slidable relative to the receiver tube between a releasing position and a locking position. The ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft when the collar is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING A TOWED VEHICLE TO A TOWING VEHICLE

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 491,625, filed March 22, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates generally to vehicle towing and, more particularly, to towing apparatus, systems and methods.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A lunette ring is a type of trailer hitch that works in combination with a pintle hook on a towing vehicle. The U.S. Military, the agriculture industry, and various commercial industries utilize pintle hooks and lunette rings in various towing applications because these devices may provide a more secure coupling, particularly for heavier towed vehicles over rough terrain, as compared with conventional ball-type trailer hitches. Although a pintle hook / lunette ring connection may be suitable for towing operations where multiple personnel are present to complete the connection of the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, such a connection requires exact alignment of the lunette ring to the pintle hitch and multiple actions by operators to complete and are therefore not suitable for automated, e.g., teleoperation or autonomous connection systems.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It should be appreciated that this Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, the concepts being further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hitch apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle includes a receiver tube having an open end. A plurality of apertures extend through the receiver tube in adjacent spaced apart relationship, and a plurality of ball bearings are slidably seated in the plurality of apertures. The receiver tube is configured to matingly receive an elongate shaft mounted to the towed vehicle. The shaft has an annular groove formed therein adjacent a free end of the shaft, and the apertures in the receiver tube are aligned with the annular groove when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube. A collar surrounds the receiver tube and is slidable relative to the receiver tube between a releasing position and a locking position. The ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft when the collar is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

[0011] The hitch apparatus includes a bulkhead adjacent the open end of the receiver tube. The shaft includes a secondary retention member that is configured to abut or be positioned adjacent the bulkhead when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube. The hitch apparatus includes a secondary retention mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the secondary retention member when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube.

[0012] The shaft is connected to the towed vehicle via a universal joint, and is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation by one or more struts, for example. In some embodiments, the shaft is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation via a member having a ground-contacting foot.

[0013] In some embodiments, the hitch apparatus includes a manifold that is configured to operably connect an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube. The manifold includes a first electrical connector connected to an electrical system of the towing vehicle and a first pneumatic connector connected to a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle. The manifold is configured to matingly engage a corresponding towed vehicle manifold that includes a second electrical connector connected to an electrical system of the towed vehicle and a second pneumatic connector connected to a pneumatic system of the towed vehicle. Engagement of the towing vehicle manifold and the towed vehicle manifold causes the first electrical connector to couple with the second electrical connector and the first pneumatic connector to couple with the second pneumatic connector.

[0014] In some embodiments, each ball bearing has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the receiver tube.

[0015] In some embodiments, the collar includes a tapered portion such that, when the collar is moved to the releasing position, the tapered portion of the collar permits the ball bearings to move within the apertures (i.e., radially outward relative to the apertures) and disengage from the annular groove of the shaft.

[0016] In some embodiments, the receiver tube has a cylindrical bore, and the plurality of apertures are circumferentially spaced apart (e.g., circumferentially spaced apart equidistantly, etc.) around the bore.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a hitch system for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle includes an elongate shaft mounted to the towed vehicle, and a hitch apparatus attached to the towing vehicle, the hitch apparatus including a receiver tube configured to receive the shaft. The receiver tube includes a plurality of apertures extending therethrough in adjacent spaced apart relationship, and the apertures are configured to be aligned with an annular groove in the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube. A plurality of ball bearings are slidably seated in the plurality of apertures, and a collar surrounds the receiver tube and is slidable relative to the receiver tube between a releasing position and a locking position. The ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft when the collar is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method of connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle includes inserting an elongate shaft attached to one of the towed vehicle or towing vehicle into a receiver tube associated with the other one of the towed vehicle or towing vehicle, wherein the shaft comprises an annular groove, and wherein the receiver tube comprises a plurality of apertures extending through the receiver tube in adjacent spaced apart relationship, wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the annular groove of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube, and wherein a plurality of ball bearings are slidably seated in the plurality of apertures; and sliding a collar that surrounds the receiver tube such that the ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for at least several reasons. First, the primary connection between the receiver tube and the shaft allows for roll rotation / misalignment when connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle and during a towing operation. Second, the coaxial design (i.e., the receiver tube and shaft interconnection configuration) saves space and weight which leads to easier secondary connections of air, electrical, and safety chains, as needed. Third, the collar coupler enables remote (automated) activation that is necessary to complete the connection without human interaction.

[0020] It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and / or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail below.

[0021] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention. The drawings and description together serve to fully explain embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figs. 1 A-1C are perspective views of a hitch apparatus mounted on a towing vehicle, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figs. 2A-2B are perspective views of a shaft mounted to a towed vehicle, and that is configured to be received within the receiver tube of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1A- 1C, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 3A is a side view of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C and the shaft of Figs. 2A-2B just prior to insertion of the shaft within the receiver tube of the hitch apparatus.

[0026] Fig. 3B is a top plan view of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C and the shaft of Figs. 2A-2B just prior to insertion of the shaft within the receiver tube of the hitch apparatus.

[0027] Figs. 4A-4B are perspective views of the shaft of Figs. 2A-2B being inserted into the receiver tube of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C.

[0028] Fig. 4C is a cross-sectional view of a strut for maintaining the shaft in a generally horizontal orientation, according to some embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the shaft of Figs. 2A-2B inserted into the receiver tube of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C. Fig. 6A is a top perspective view of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C illustrating the movable collar surrounding the receiver tube.

[0030] Fig. 6B is a side perspective view of the hitch apparatus of Figs. 1 A-1C illustrating the movable collar surrounding the receiver tube.

[0031] Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of a shaft mounted to a towed vehicle, and that is configured to be received within a receiver tube of a hitch apparatus of a towing vehicle, according to some embodiments.

[0032] Fig. 7B illustrates the shaft of Fig. 7A being inserted into a receiver tube of a hitch apparatus of a towing vehicle.

[0033] Fig. 7C illustrates the shaft of Fig. 7B inserted into the receiver tube and the air / power manifold of the towing vehicle matingly engaged with the air / power manifold of the towed vehicle.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a control system that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain components or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified otherwise. In addition, the sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the figures and / or claims unless specifically indicated otherwise. Features described with respect to one figure or embodiment can be associated with another embodiment or figure although not specifically described or shown as such.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0038] When an element is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or responsive to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly coupled”, “directly responsive”, or variants thereof to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprising”, “comprises”, “include”, “including”, “includes”, “have”, “has”, “having”, or variants thereof are open-ended, and include one or more stated features, integers, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof. Furthermore, as used herein, the common abbreviation “e.g.,” which derives from the Latin phrase “exempli gratia,” may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. The common abbreviation “i.e.,” which derives from the Latin phrase “id est,” may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation.

[0040] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements / operations, these elements / operations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element / operation from another element / operation. Thus, a first element / operation in some embodiments could be termed a second element / operation in other embodiments without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The same reference numerals or the same reference designators denote the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0041] The terms “about” and “approximately”, as used herein with respect to a value or number, is meant to encompass variations of ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 1%, ± 0.5%, or even ± 0.1% of the specified value as well as the specified value. For example, “about X” where X is the measurable value, is meant to include X as well as variations of ± 10%, ± 5%, ± 1%, ± 0.5%, or even ± 0.1% of X. A range provided herein for a measurable value may include any other range and / or individual value therein.

[0042] The term “towed vehicle”, as used herein, is intended to include any type of vehicle that can be towed, including, but not limited to, trailers, automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, autonomous vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles, etc. The term “towing vehicle”, as used herein, is intended to include any type of vehicle that can tow another vehicle, including, but not limited to, automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, autonomous vehicles, semi -autonomous vehicles, etc.

[0043] A hitch apparatus 100 for coupling a trailer or other towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is illustrated in Figs. 1 A-1C. The hitch apparatus 100 is mounted to a chassis or frame F of the towing vehicle (not illustrated). The hitch apparatus 100 includes a receiver tube 102 having an open end 102a facing, in some embodiments, towards a rear of the towing vehicle. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the receiver tube 102 facing the rear of a towing vehicle. For example, in other embodiments, the receiver tube 102 may face the front of a towing vehicle, or even other orientations relative to the towing vehicle.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the open end 102a has a tapered configuration to facilitate insertion of (e.g., to help guide) the free end of a probe or shaft 200 attached to a trailer tongue (or to a hitch apparatus associated with another type of towed vehicle) into the receiver tube 102, as will be described below. The illustrated receiver tube 102 has a generally cylindrical bore 104, although other cross-sectional configurations are possible. A plurality of apertures 106 (Fig. 1 A) extend through the receiver tube 102 in adjacent, circumferentially spaced apart relationship around the bore 104 (e.g., equidistantly spaced apart around the circumference of the receiver tube 102, etc.). A plurality of ball bearings 108 (Fig. IB) are movably seated in the plurality of apertures 106. In some embodiments, each ball bearing 108 has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the receiver tube 102.

[0045] The various components of the hitch apparatus 100 can be formed from various materials known to those skilled in the art of the present invention. An exemplary material for one or more of the hitch apparatus components includes, but is not limited to, case-hardened steel. The ball bearings can be formed from various materials known to those skilled in the art of the present invention. Exemplary materials for the ball bearings include, but are not limited to, high carbon chromium steel and stainless steel, etc. The receiver tube 102 of the hitch apparatus 100 is configured to matingly receive an elongate probe or shaft 200 that is movably mounted to a tongue T of a trailer (or to a hitch apparatus associated with another type of towed vehicle), as illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B. The shaft 200 may have a conical distal free end 202 that facilitates insertion of the shaft 200 into the receiver tube 102. The tapered opening 102a of the receiver tube 102 and the conical shape of the free end of the shaft 200 help guide the shaft 200 into the receiver tube 102. The shaft 200 also includes an annular groove 204 adjacent the distal end 202, as illustrated.

[0046] The plurality of apertures 106 in the receiver tube 102, and the ball bearings 108 associated therewith, are configured to align with the annular groove 204 in the shaft 200 when the shaft 200 is properly inserted into the receiver tube 102, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The hitch apparatus 100 includes a collar 110 that surrounds the receiver tube 102 and is slidable relative to the receiver tube 102 between a releasing position and a locking position, as indicated by arrows Ai and A2 (Fig. 5). The ball bearings 108 are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube 102 and engage the annular groove 204 of the shaft 200 when the collar 110 is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft 200 within the receiver tube 102, as illustrated in Fig. 5. When locked, the collar 110 prevents the ball bearings 108 from disengaging from the annular groove 204. The ball bearings 108 are configured to take the axial / drawbar load and also allow for roll to occur (i.e., axial rotation of the shaft 200 within the receiver tube 102). When the collar 110 is moved to the releasing position, the ball bearings 108 are caused to move radially outward and disengage from the annular groove 204 in the shaft 200 under the force of the shaft 200 being removed from the receiver tube 102. The curved wall of the annular groove 204 is configured to push the ball bearings 108 radially outward from the annular groove 204 as the shaft 200 is removed from the receiver tube 102.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 110 includes a tapered end portion 110a, as shown in Fig. 5. When the collar 110 is moved to the releasing position (indicated by arrow A2), the tapered portion 110a is configured such that the ball bearings 108 are allowed to move radially outward within the apertures and disengage from the annular groove 204 of the shaft 200. When the collar is moved to the locking position (indicated by arrow Ai), the tapered portion 110a causes the ball bearings 108 to move radially inward and engage the annular groove 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 110 is movable between the releasing position and the locking position via a pair of actuators 400 attached to the frame F, as shown in Fig. 6A. Each actuator 400 may be a hydraulic actuator, an electrical actuator, or a pneumatic actuator, and each actuator 400 is controlled by a control system of the towing vehicle. In other embodiments, a single actuator 400 may be utilized to control movement of the collar 110

[0048] Referring back to Figs. 2A-2B, the shaft 200 in the illustrated embodiment is movably connected to the distal end of the trailer tongue T (however the shaft could be connected to a another type of towed vehicle) via a universal joint 206 that allows relative rotational movement about two axes, via pins 206a, 206b, as would be understood by one skilled in the art of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 200 is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation by a pair of struts or dampers 208 that are attached to the trailer tongue T (or to a hitch apparatus of a towed vehicle) via a bracket 240. It is desirable to maintain the shaft 200 in a generally horizontal orientation (i.e., generally parallel to the ground) in order to facilitate insertion of the shaft 200 into the receiver tube 102. A pair of lugs or ears 210 are attached to and extend radially outward from the shaft 200, as illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B and Figs. 4A- 4B. The distal end 212a of the piston rod 212 of each strut 208 is attached to a respective one of the ears 210, as illustrated. The strut housing 208h of each strut 208 is secured to the trailer tongue T via the bracket 240.

[0049] Each strut 208 may be a spring strut that includes a housing 208h containing a spring 213 and piston rod 212, as illustrated in Fig. 4C. The spring 213 is configured to urge the piston rod 212 outward from the housing 208h. By using two spring struts 208 in diametrical opposition, as illustrated, the springs 213 of each respective strut 208 urge the respective piston rods 212 outwardly such that the shaft 200 is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation when not secured within the receiver tube 102. By maintaining the shaft 200 in a generally horizontal orientation, the shaft 200 is in position to be inserted into receiver tube 102 in a semi-autonomous or autonomous coupling of the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the use of spring struts 208, however. For example, in other embodiments, gas struts that are configured to urge the piston rod 212 outwardly from the strut housing 208h may be utilized.

[0050] Referring back to Figs. 1 A-1C, the hitch apparatus 100 includes a bulkhead 120 adjacent the open end 102a of the receiver tube 102. The bulkhead 120 may support an air / power manifold 500 that is configured to matingly engage a corresponding air / power manifold 600 associated with the trailer (or other towed vehicle) and operably connect an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle to the trailer (or other towed vehicle) when the shaft 200 is inserted into the receiver tube 102. The illustrated air / power manifold 500 of the towing vehicle includes multiple electrical connectors 502 (e.g., conductive spring-type electrical connectors, etc.) that are connected to the electrical system(s) of the towing vehicle and a pair of pneumatic connectors or fittings 504 that are connected to the pneumatic system(s) of the towing vehicle. The pneumatic fittings 504 extend through a rear portion of the air / power manifold 500 and are configured to be connected to air lines of the towing vehicle, as would be understood by one of skill in the art of the present invention. Similarly, the electrical connectors 502 are configured to be connected to wiring of the towing vehicle, for example, through one or more electrical conduits (not shown), as would be understood by one of skill in the art of the present invention.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the air / power manifold 500 has two male pneumatic fittings 504 and twenty five spring pin-type electrical connectors 502. However, the air / power manifold 500 may have various numbers of pneumatic fittings 504, including a single pneumatic fitting. Similarly, the air / power manifold 500 may have any number of electrical connectors 502. Moreover, various types of pneumatic fittings and electrical connectors may be utilized. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular type of pneumatic fittings or electrical connectors or to the illustrated configuration of the air / power manifold 500.

[0052] In addition, although illustrated positioned beneath and adjacent to the open end 102a of the receiver tube 102, the air / power manifold 500 may be positioned at other locations on the hitch apparatus 100 relative to the receiver tube 102, and the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 may be correspondingly positioned at other locations relative to the shaft 200 so as to be able to matingly engage with the air / power manifold 500. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated location of the air / power manifold 500 or the air / power manifold 600.

[0053] In some embodiments, an air / power manifold for the towing vehicle may be integrated into the receiver tube 102 and an air / power manifold for the towed vehicle may be integrated into the structure of the shaft 200. As such, insertion of the shaft 200 into the receiver tube 102 will also connect an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle to an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towed vehicle.

[0054] Figs. 2A-2B illustrate a towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 that is configured to be connected to the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500. The illustrated towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 includes a housing 600h that contains pneumatic fittings 604 that are connected to a pneumatic system(s) of the towed vehicle, and spring-type electrical connectors 602 (e.g., conductive spring-type electrical connectors, etc.) that are connected to an electrical system(s) of the towed vehicle. The illustrated towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 is sized and configured to mate with the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500 so that at least some of the electrical connectors 502 of the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500 couple with at least some of the electrical connectors 602 of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600, and so that the pneumatic fittings 504 of the towing vehicle air / power manifold couple with the pneumatic fittings 604 of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600. Electrical connections required to be made between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle may vary depending on the type of towing vehicle and the type of towed vehicle. As such, all electrical connectors 502 of the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500 need not be connected to a respective electrical connector 602 of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic fittings 604 of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 are female connectors configured to matingly engage the male pneumatic fittings 504 of the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500. However, in other embodiments, this can be reversed wherein the pneumatic connectors 604 of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 are male connectors configured to matingly engage female pneumatic connectors 504 of the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500. The air / power manifold 600 may have various numbers and configurations of pneumatic fittings 504 and electrical connectors 502, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the illustrated configuration of the air / power manifold 600.

[0056] As illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B, the shaft 200 includes a secondary retention member 214 secured thereto that is configured to abut or be positioned closely adjacent to the bulkhead 120 of the towing vehicle hitch apparatus 100 when the shaft 200 is inserted into the receiver tube 102, as illustrated in Figs. 4B and 5. The illustrated secondary retention member 214 has an elongate configuration with an upper portion 216 and a lower portion 218. The lower portion 218 includes an opening 230 in which the air / power manifold 600 associated with the electrical system and pneumatic system of the trailer (or other towed vehicle) is positioned. The secondary retention member 214 may have various shapes and configurations and is not limited to the illustrated shape and configuration.

[0057] The shaft 200 and secondary retention member 214 can be formed from various materials known to those skilled in the art of the present invention. An exemplary material for the shaft 200 and secondary retention member 214 includes, but is not limited to, case-hardened steel.

[0058] A pair of guide members 222 extend outwardly from the lower portion 218 of the secondary retention member 214, as illustrated. Each guide member 222 has an inner wall 222w that is angled (i.e., diverges outwardly), as illustrated. These guide members 222 facilitate proper insertion and connection of the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 with the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500. For example, the guide members 222 are configured to contact the outer walls 122w of the outer side portions 122 of the bulkhead 120 (Fig. 1C), and the angled inner walls 222w of the guide members cause the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 to become aligned with the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500 as the shaft 200 is inserted into the receiver tube 102. Thus, when the shaft 200 is properly inserted into the receiver tube 102, the towed vehicle air / power manifold 600 is matingly engaged with the towing vehicle air / power manifold 500 and the electrical system and pneumatic system of the towing vehicle are connected to the electrical system and pneumatic system of the towed vehicle.

[0059] An aperture 220 is formed through the upper portion 218 of the secondary retention member 214 that is secured to the shaft 200, as illustrated in Figs. 2A-2B. The aperture 220 is configured to be engaged by a secondary retention mechanism 300 operably associated with the hitch apparatus 100 of the towing vehicle. The hitch apparatus 100 includes a secondary retention mechanism 300, as illustrated in Figs. 1A, 3B, 4B and 5. The secondary retention mechanism 300 is pivotably secured to the frame F of the towing vehicle. When the shaft 200 is properly inserted within the receiver tube 102, the secondary retention member 214 abuts or is closely adjacent to the bulkhead 120. The secondary retention mechanism 300 is then pivoted so that a lower hook portion 302 engages the aperture 220 in the secondary retention member 214, as illustrated in Fig. 4B.

[0060] Referring to Figs. 7A-7C, an alternative arrangement for a shaft 200 of a towed vehicle is illustrated. The shaft 200 is movably connected to the distal end of a trailer tongue T (however the shaft 200 could be connected to another type of towed vehicle) via a universal joint 306 that allows relative rotational movement about two axes. Different from the universal joint 206 of the embodiment of Figs. 2A-2B, the pins 306a, 306b of the universal joint 306 are spaced apart, as illustrated. The universal joint 206 may require a larger vertical pin 206a as it must be big enough to have the other pin 206b go through it. Also, the vertical pin design of the universal joint 206 is such that the highest stresses are at the center pin hole. This design may also require the shaft 200 to be larger and therefore much heavier and difficult to keep level. In contrast, the universal joint 306 allows for a much smaller footprint, and is easier to keep the shaft 200 level. Moreover, this configuration may be easier to manufacture.

[0061] The shaft 200 is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation by a member 310 that is attached to the shaft 200 and that has a lower portion or foot 312 that is configured to contact the ground when the shaft 200 is not engaged with a receiver tube 102 of a towing vehicle. An upper portion 314 of the member 310 may support the air / power manifold 600 associated with the towed vehicle, as illustrated. In this configuration, the member 310 is configured as a counterweight to the air / power manifold 600 such that the shaft 200 is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation when not secured within the receiver tube 102.

[0062] A medial portion 316 of the member includes a tube or sleeve 318 having an internal bore 318a through which the shaft 200 is inserted for attachment to the universal joint 306, as illustrated.

[0063] Fig. 7B illustrates the shaft 200 being inserted into a receiver tube 102 of a hitch 100 apparatus of a towing vehicle. Fig. 7C illustrates the shaft 200 inserted into the receiver tube 102 and the air / power manifold 500 of the towing vehicle matingly engaged with the air / power manifold 600 of the towed vehicle.

[0064] In some embodiments, a control system 700 (Fig. 8) may be operably associated with the hitch apparatus 100 and may be configured to move the towing vehicle and hitch apparatus 100 to a desired location within a three-dimensional space so that the shaft 200 can be inserted into the receiver tube 102. Referring to Fig. 8, the control system 700 is configured to move the collar 110, via actuator(s) 400, to the locking position when the shaft 200 is inserted within the receiver tube 102, and to move the collar 110 to the releasing position when it is desired to remove the shaft 200 from the receiver tube 102. Furthermore, the control system 700 is configured to control the secondary retention mechanism 300 to engage with the aperture 220 in the secondary retention member 214, as illustrated in Fig. 4B, after the shaft 200 is engaged with the receiver tube 102. The control system 700 may be a semi-autonomous (i.e., requiring some user interaction) and / or autonomous (i.e., requiring no user interaction) control system. The control system 700 may be implemented via one or more processors associated with a towing vehicle and / or a towed vehicle.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control system 700 may be further configured to control a steering system 800, powertrain system 802, and brake system 804 of the towing vehicle to position the towing vehicle adjacent to the towed vehicle and shaft 200. The control system 700 may be further configured to control the hitch apparatus 100 to engage the hitch apparatus 100 with the shaft 200 of the towed vehicle, and control the hitch apparatus 100 to disengage the hitch apparatus 100 from the shaft 200 of the towed vehicle. Example control systems that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention are described in PCT Application Publication No. WO 2023 / 211914, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] In some embodiments, the hitch system may include an imaging system, and the control system may be configured to utilize image data from the imaging system to position the towing vehicle adjacent the towed vehicle and to engage the hitch apparatus 100 with the shaft 200 of the towed vehicle. The imaging system may include at least one camera and may include a user interface that is configured to display image data from the imaging system. Example imaging systems that may be utilized with embodiments of the present invention are described in PCT Application Publication No. WO 2023 / 211914, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hitch apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the hitch apparatus, comprising: a receiver tube comprising an open end, and a plurality of apertures extending through the receiver tube in adjacent spaced apart relationship, wherein the receiver tube is configured to matingly receive a free end of an elongate shaft mounted on the towed vehicle, the shaft having an annular groove adjacent the shaft free end, and wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the annular groove when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube; a plurality of ball bearings slidably seated in the plurality of apertures; and a collar surrounding the receiver tube, the collar slidable relative to the receiver tube between a releasing position and a locking position, wherein the ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft when the collar is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

2. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, wherein each ball bearing has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the receiver tube.

3. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the collar comprises a tapered portion such that, when the collar is moved to the releasing position, the tapered portion of the collar permits the ball bearings to move within the apertures and disengage from the annular groove of the shaft.

4. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the receiver tube has a cylindrical bore, and wherein the plurality of apertures are circumferentially spaced apart around the bore.

5. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising a bulkhead adjacent the open end of the receiver tube, and wherein the shaft comprises a secondary retention member that is configured to be positioned adjacent the bulkhead when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube.

6. The hitch apparatus of Claim 5, further comprising a secondary retention mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the secondary retention member when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube.

7. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the shaft is connected to the towed vehicle via a universal joint.

8. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the shaft is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation via at least one strut associated with the towed vehicle.

9. The hitch apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising a manifold configured to operably connect an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube, wherein the manifold comprises a first electrical connector connected to the electrical system of the towing vehicle and a first pneumatic connector connected to the pneumatic system of the towing vehicle, wherein the manifold is configured to matingly engage a corresponding towed vehicle manifold, wherein the towed vehicle manifold comprises a second electrical connector connected to an electrical system of the towed vehicle and a second pneumatic connector connected to a pneumatic system of the towed vehicle, and wherein engagement of the towing vehicle manifold and the towed vehicle manifold causes the first electrical connector to couple with the second electrical connector and the first pneumatic connector to couple with the second pneumatic connector.

10. A hitch system for attaching a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the hitch system comprising: an elongate shaft mounted to the towed vehicle, the shaft having an annular groove adjacent a free end of the shaft; and a hitch apparatus attached to the towing vehicle, the hitch apparatus, comprising: a receiver tube configured to receive the free end of the shaft, the receiver tube comprising a plurality of apertures extending through the receiver tube in adjacent spaced apart relationship, wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the annular groove of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the receivertube; a plurality of ball bearings slidably seated in the plurality of apertures; and a collar surrounding the receiver tube, the collar slidable relative to the receiver tube between a releasing position and a locking position, wherein the ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft when the collar is moved to the locking position, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

11. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein each ball bearing has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the receiver tube.

12. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the collar comprises a tapered portion such that, when the collar is moved to the releasing position, the tapered portion of the collar permits the ball bearings to move within the apertures and disengage from the annular groove of the shaft.

13. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the shaft is a cylindrical shaft, wherein the receiver tube has a cylindrical bore configured to matingly receive the cylindrical shaft, and wherein the plurality of apertures are circumferentially spaced apart around the bore.

14. The hitch system of Claim 10, further comprising a bulkhead adjacent the open end of the receiver tube, and wherein the shaft comprises a secondary retention member that is configured to be positioned adjacent the bulkhead when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube.

15. The hitch system of Claim 14, further comprising a secondary retention mechanism that is configured to releasably engage the secondary retention member when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube.

16. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the shaft is connected to the towed vehicle via a universal joint.

17. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the shaft is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation via at least one strut associated with the towed vehicle.

18. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the shaft is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation via a member having a ground-contacting foot.

19. The hitch system of Claim 10, wherein the hitch apparatus comprises a manifold configured to operably connect an electrical system and a pneumatic system of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube, wherein the hitch apparatus manifold comprises a first electrical connector connected to the electrical system of the towing vehicle and a first pneumatic connector connected to the pneumatic system of the towing vehicle, wherein the towed vehicle comprises a towed vehicle manifold that is configured to matingly engage the hitch apparatus manifold, wherein the towed vehicle manifold comprises a second electrical connector connected to an electrical system of the towed vehicle and a second pneumatic connector connected to a pneumatic system of the towed vehicle, and wherein engagement of the towing vehicle manifold and the towed vehicle manifold causes the first electrical connector to couple with the second electrical connector and the first pneumatic connector to couple with the second pneumatic connector.

20. A method of connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the method comprising: inserting an elongate shaft attached to one of the towed vehicle or towing vehicle into a receiver tube attached to the other one of the towed vehicle or towing vehicle, wherein the shaft comprises an annular groove adjacent a free end of the shaft, and wherein the receiver tube comprises a plurality of apertures extending through the receiver tube in adjacent spaced apart relationship, wherein the plurality of apertures are aligned with the annular groove of the shaft when the shaft is inserted into the receiver tube, and wherein a plurality of ball bearings are slidably seated in the plurality of apertures; andmoving a collar that surrounds the receiver tube such that the ball bearings are forced to extend radially into the receiver tube and engage the annular groove of the shaft in response to movement of the collar, thereby securing the shaft within the receiver tube.

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