Patents Assigned to Curt Manufacturing, Inc.
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Publication number: 20070228694Abstract: A hitch includes a control linkage having a single handle on a control bar. The control linkage doubles to provide both a positive safety feature and a movement feature to the hitch, permitting single handed operation of both the positive safety feature and the opening of the hitch with the single handle. A release throw of four inches or less opens jaws of the hitch. A latch is included which can secure the control bar in either a secured position or in a release position. A follower is secured to one of the jaws to maintain timing between the jaws, and the follower doubles as a hitch position indicator so an operator to easily visually discern the position of the hitch. By including kingpin recesses of appropriate location and depth on the jaws, the hitch can be used with or without a lube plate over the skid plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Steven Crawley
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Patent number: 7195269Abstract: A hitch includes a hitch engagement, a hitch tongue and a connecting bridge portion which are forged or otherwise formed as a single, integral, monolithic metal structure. The hitch engagement includes a recess exposed on its bottom side which significantly reduces the weight and material cost of the hitch. The hitch includes generally uniform wall thicknesses with the exception of stress pyramids of greater thickness disposed on the side walls of the bridge portion. A front wall to the hitch engagement is provided which slopes relative to the longitudinal axis of the hitch and connects the side walls bounding the recess. An anti-vibration device can be used within the recess to prevent the hitch from rattling in the hitch receiver.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Curt Tambornino
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Publication number: 20060255561Abstract: A hitch includes a hitch engagement, a hitch tongue and a connecting bridge portion which are forged or otherwise formed as a single, integral, monolithic metal structure. The hitch engagement includes a recess exposed on its bottom side which significantly reduces the weight and material cost of the hitch. The hitch includes generally uniform wall thicknesses with the exception of stress pyramids of greater thickness disposed on the side walls of the bridge portion. A front wall to the hitch engagement is provided which slopes relative to the longitudinal axis of the hitch and connects the side walls bounding the recess. An anti-vibration device can be used within the recess to prevent the hitch from rattling in the hitch receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2005Publication date: November 16, 2006Applicant: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Curt Tambornino
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Patent number: 6935650Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James E. Grinde, Karl L. Hacken, James J. Jordan
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Publication number: 20050098980Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2004Publication date: May 12, 2005Applicant: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James Grinde, Karl Hacken, James Jordan
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Patent number: 6846000Abstract: An improved fifth wheel hitch for attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch includes an outer box support frame having two rails for mounting the trailer hitch to the towing vehicle, a spherical bearing mounted in the frame having a ball joint, and a latch assembly affixed to the spherical bearing to allow the assembly to have two degrees of movement, and a head body. The latch assembly comprises a base plate, a jaw fixed at a first elevation, and a vertically displaceable jaw. A means are provided to raise the vertically displaceable jaw above the level of the fixed jaw to allow release of the king pin latch. When the jaws are coplanar they capture the kingpin of a trailer, and safely lock the trailer to the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James E. Grinde, Karl L. Hacken, James J. Jordan
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Patent number: D519065Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Curt Tambornino
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Patent number: D530652Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Curt Tambornino
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Patent number: D537759Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Curt Tambornino