Patents by Inventor Kevin McAllister

Kevin McAllister 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: 20240262139
    Abstract: A spring bar coupling device is described for coupling a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch to a trailer frame. The spring bar coupling device can include a spring bar support operable to interface with and support a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch. The spring bar support can have a vertical support arm having a first coupler opening, and a lower spring bar stop extending from the vertical support arm to provide a lower interface for the spring bar. The spring bar coupling device can also include a channel bracket having at least two opposing walls defining a vertically oriented channel operable to receive the vertical support arm, and a second coupler opening in at least one of the two walls. The first and second coupler openings can be configured to be aligned with one another at a first coupling location when the vertical support arm is located at least partially within the vertically oriented channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Publication number: 20240075776
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 11897298
    Abstract: A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Patent number: 11752815
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Publication number: 20230278380
    Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Publication number: 20230264530
    Abstract: A spring bar coupling device is described for coupling a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch to a trailer frame. The spring bar coupling device can include a spring bar support operable to interface with and support a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch. The spring bar support can have a vertical support arm having a first coupler opening, and a lower spring bar stop extending from the vertical support arm to provide a lower interface for the spring bar. The spring bar coupling device can also include a channel bracket having at least two opposing walls defining a vertically oriented channel operable to receive the vertical support arm, and a second coupler opening in at least one of the two walls. The first and second coupler openings can be configured to be aligned with one another at a first coupling location when the vertical support arm is located at least partially within the vertically oriented channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Patent number: 11701932
    Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 11565557
    Abstract: A spring bar coupling device is described for coupling a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch to a trailer frame. The spring bar coupling device can include a spring bar support operable to interface with and support a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch. The spring bar support can have a vertical support arm having a first coupler opening, and a lower spring bar stop extending from the vertical support arm to provide a lower interface for the spring bar. The spring bar coupling device can also include a channel bracket having at least two opposing walls defining a vertically oriented channel operable to receive the vertical support arm, and a second coupler opening in at least one of the two walls. The first and second coupler openings can be configured to be aligned with one another at a first coupling location when the vertical support arm is located at least partially within the vertically oriented channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Publication number: 20220250426
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Publication number: 20220176760
    Abstract: A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Patent number: 11267301
    Abstract: A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Publication number: 20210094370
    Abstract: A spring bar coupling device is described for coupling a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch to a trailer frame. The spring bar coupling device can include a spring bar support operable to interface with and support a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch. The spring bar support can have a vertical support arm having a first coupler opening, and a lower spring bar stop extending from the vertical support arm to provide a lower interface for the spring bar. The spring bar coupling device can also include a channel bracket having at least two opposing walls defining a vertically oriented channel operable to receive the vertical support arm, and a second coupler opening in at least one of the two walls. The first and second coupler openings can be configured to be aligned with one another at a first coupling location when the vertical support arm is located at least partially within the vertically oriented channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Publication number: 20210094371
    Abstract: A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Applicant: Leap Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McAllister, Morgan McAllister, Todd Mendenhall, Brandon Doman
  • Publication number: 20210053404
    Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Publication number: 20200317011
    Abstract: A ball assembly for attachment to a ball mount is described. The ball assembly can include a ball post that is securable to a ball mount. A hitch ball is slidably coupled to the ball post at a ball end of the ball post. A load gauge is disposed at the gauge end of the ball post. A load transfer element is operably associated with both the hitch ball and the load gauge so as to cause a load measurement to display on the load gauge based upon a load applied to the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 10759241
    Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can include a ball portion having a hitch ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer. The ball mount can also include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. In addition, the ball mount can include a load measurement device associated with the ball portion to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball. The load measurement device can include a reservoir having a fluid and a piston disposed therein, and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the reservoir. The hitch ball can be configured to exert a force on the piston, thereby affecting a pressure of the fluid in response to the downward force on the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 10625547
    Abstract: A ball mount for measuring tongue weight of a trailer is disclosed. The ball mount can comprise a ball portion for interfacing with a ball configured to couple with a tongue of a trailer, a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle, and a load measurement device associated with the hitch portion. The hitch portion can be configured to pivot relative to the hitch receiver about a fulcrum in response to a downward force on the ball, with the hitch receiver resisting rotation of the hitch portion about the fulcrum thereby inducing a load on the hitch portion. The load measurement device can be configured to determine a magnitude of the downward force on the ball based on the load on the hitch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 10596869
    Abstract: A ball assembly for attachment to a ball mount is described. The ball assembly can include a ball post that is securable to a ball mount. A hitch ball is slidably coupled to the ball post at a ball end of the ball post. A load gauge is disposed at the gauge end of the ball post. A load transfer element is operably associated with both the hitch ball and the load gauge so as to cause a load measurement to display on the load gauge based upon a load applied to the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Weigh Safe, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Publication number: 20190322145
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister
  • Patent number: 10106002
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Kevin McAllister