Patents by Inventor Jeff Wilkens

Jeff Wilkens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7810831
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer hitch isolation assembly that attaches to the tongue of a fifth wheel trailer and that provides a moveable connection between a tow vehicle and the trailer. The hitch assembly includes a floating hitch attachment member such as a king pin, which is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle. The hitch isolation assembly allows the hitch attachment member to move at least vertically relative to the tow vehicle to which the hitch assembly is connected. One or more air springs connect the floating hitch attachment to the frame of the trailer. These air springs permit relative movement between the attachment support member and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventors: Jeff Wilkens, Andrew Donald Browen
  • Publication number: 20090134601
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer hitch isolation assembly that attaches to the tongue of a fifth wheel trailer and that provides a moveable connection between a tow vehicle and the trailer. The hitch assembly includes a floating hitch attachment member such as a king pin, which is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle. The hitch isolation assembly allows the hitch attachment member to move at least vertically relative to the tow vehicle to which the hitch assembly is connected. One or more air springs connect the floating hitch attachment to the frame of the trailer. These air springs permit relative movement between the attachment support member and the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Jeff Wilkens, Andrew Donald Browen
  • Patent number: 7380810
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable trailer hitch that provides a suspended connection between a tow vehicle and an attached trailer. The hitch includes a support member that is adapted to be attached to a tow vehicle and a frame having first and second pivots for pivotally support a hitch plate, which is operative to connect to a trailer (e.g., engage a trailer pin). A first air spring has a first end fixedly connected to the support member and a second end fixedly connected to the frame. The air spring permits relative movement between the support member and the frame as well as transmitting towing forces therebetween. The air spring provides a pliable connection that at least partially mechanically isolates the trailer and the vehicle from each other. Instead of acting as a single unit, the vehicle and the trailer act at least partially independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Air Hitch Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Wilkens, Tim Fisher