Patents by Inventor John R. Columbia

John R. Columbia 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).

  • Publication number: 20110309599
    Abstract: The multi-function anti-rotational/anti-theft hitch ball assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100320728
    Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 7784813
    Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100207360
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100084449
    Abstract: A vehicle ball mount assembly includes a shank, an upper platform attached to the shank, and a lower platform attached to the shank and spaced from the upper platform. The lower platform extends beyond the upper platform. A first tow ball extends from the upper platform and a second tow ball extends from the lower platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100044999
    Abstract: The hitch-mounted Lawn and Garden Tractor/ATV Accessory System provides an assembly for the attachment of one or more accessories, attachments, or implements to a lawn and garden tractor and/or ATV. The hitch-mounted support base of the accessory system accommodates the attachment of numerous accessories. With no restrictions to equipment brands and models, the accessory system is easily transferable from one equipment brand to the next as well as between lawn and garden tractors and ATVs, resulting in maximum versatility in accessory choice and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20100007116
    Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20090302574
    Abstract: The Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20090079164
    Abstract: The Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20090064552
    Abstract: A hitch-mounted vehicle sign display assembly of the present invention includes a shank configured to engage a conventional trailer hitch receiver and a support member (such as a framework) attached to the shank for attaching a display, such as a conventional yard sign or rigid sign, to the hitch receiver or hitch assembly of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20080179861
    Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: John R. Columbia