Patents by Inventor Mark Scruggs

Mark Scruggs 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).

  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH CONNECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230406422
    Abstract: A connection system for a fifth wheel hitch assembly or other vehicle accessory includes a plurality of interlocking flanges are received in corresponding ports. Additionally, a plurality of fasteners are used in combination with friction bushings. This overall combination creates a synergistic effect that enables the connection of high load components along a single shear facing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Gregoire P. MERCIER, Mark SCRUGGS, Timothy S. ARRICK
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230373257
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly is shown and described. The fifth wheel hitch system may comprise a jaw fixed about a pivot pin and a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may also include a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw, where the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Mark SCRUGGS, Curt NOWACK, Tom STALDER, Gregoire MERCIER
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH WITH LATCHING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230150590
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a fifth wheel hitch and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that is viewable to a user. In another instance, the present disclosure relates to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that permits a user to restrict movement of the fifth wheel hitch in at least two different planes of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Curt Nowack
  • Fifth wheel hitch connection system
    Patent number: 11554820
    Abstract: A connection system for a fifth wheel hitch assembly or other vehicle accessory includes a plurality of interlocking flanges are received in corresponding ports. Additionally, a plurality of fasteners are used in combination with friction bushings. This overall combination creates a synergistic effect that enables the connection of high load components along a single shear facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Gregoire P. Mercier, Mark Scruggs, Timothy S. Arrick
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH COMFORT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230001993
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly for mounting to a towing vehicle and receiving a kingpin of a trailer incorporating a comfort assembly is provided. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may comprise a kingpin receiving assembly attached to a mounting rail via a comfort assembly. The comfort assembly may include one or more pivot bushing assemblies, as well as vertically adjustable, anti-rattle attachment systems. These attachment systems may include a cam assembly and/or a T-pin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Mark SCRUGGS, Curt NOWACK, Derek JOLLY, Gregoire MERCIER
  • INTEGRATED HITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20230001992
    Abstract: A hitch mounting system integrated into to a vehicle, where the vehicle includes a frame and a body, including a load bed having an integrated mounting apparatus. The hitch mount system includes a receiving member, which may be a receiving member that is integrated with the frame of a vehicle capable of attaching to a fifth wheel or a gooseneck trailer attachment through the body or bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Henry J. Guthard, Matthew Dunlavey, Mark Scruggs, Kevin Garner, Jacob Vaillancourt
  • Fifth wheel hitch engagement system
    Patent number: 11529833
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly is shown and described. The fifth wheel hitch system may comprise a jaw fixed about a pivot pin and a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may also include a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw, where the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Curt Nowack, Tom Stalder, Gregoire Mercier
  • Fifth wheel hitch comfort system
    Patent number: 11440599
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly for mounting to a towing vehicle and receiving a kingpin of a trailer incorporating a comfort assembly is provided. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may comprise a kingpin receiving assembly attached to a mounting rail via a comfort assembly. The comfort assembly may include one or more pivot bushing assemblies, as well as vertically adjustable, anti-rattle attachment systems. These attachment systems may include a cam assembly and/or a T-pin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Curt Nowack, Derek Jolly, Gregoire Mercier
  • Fifth wheel hitch with latching system
    Patent number: 11390339
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a fifth wheel hitch and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that is viewable to a user. In another instance, the present disclosure relates to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that permits a user to restrict movement of the fifth wheel hitch in at least two different planes of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Curt Nowack
  • GOOSENECK HITCH WITH ADJUSTABLE ROTATION LOCKING MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20220111690
    Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. The gooseneck hitch assembly includes a vehicle attachment assembly that, when unlocked, rotates about an offset vertical axis relative to a body of the gooseneck hitch assembly. The gooseneck hitch assembly also includes a goose ball attachment assembly to couple to a goose ball mounted to the towing vehicle, that when unlocked, provides rotation about a towing vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventor: Mark Scruggs
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH COMFORT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200239089
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly for mounting to a towing vehicle and receiving a kingpin of a trailer incorporating a comfort assembly is provided. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may comprise a kingpin receiving assembly attached to a mounting rail via a comfort assembly. The comfort assembly may include one or more pivot bushing assemblies, as well as vertically adjustable, anti-rattle attachment systems. These attachment systems may include a cam assembly and/or a T-pin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Mark SCRUGGS, Curt NOWACK, Derek JOLLY, Gregoire MERCIER
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH WITH LATCHING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200207430
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a fifth wheel hitch and, more particularly, to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that is viewable to a user. In another instance, the present disclosure relates to a fifth wheel hitch having a latching system that permits a user to restrict movement of the fifth wheel hitch in at least two different planes of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Curt Nowack
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH CONNECTION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200156718
    Abstract: A connection system for a fifth wheel hitch assembly or other vehicle accessory includes a plurality of interlocking flanges are received in corresponding ports. Additionally, a plurality of fasteners are used in combination with friction bushings. This overall combination creates a synergistic effect that enables the connection of high load components along a single shear facing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Gregoire P. MERCIER, Mark SCRUGGS, Timothy S. ARRICK
  • FIFTH WHEEL HITCH ENGAGEMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20200094635
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly is shown and described. The fifth wheel hitch system may comprise a jaw fixed about a pivot pin and a biasing member biasing the jaw to a closed position. The fifth wheel hitch assembly may also include a kingpin guide positioned opposite the jaw, where the kingpin guide is adapted to engage and retain a kingpin against the jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Mark SCRUGGS, Curt NOWACK, Tom STALDER, Gregoire MERCIER
  • INTEGRATED HITCH SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190016183
    Abstract: A hitch receiver assembly may include a body and a hitch receiving portion comprising an opening and extending from the body. The hitch receiver assembly may also include a crossbar receiving portion extending from the body opposite the hitch receiving portion, where the crossbar receiving portion comprises opposed crossbar receiving openings, each of the crossbar receiving openings having a non-linear attachment profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Jacob Belinky, David J. Brodie, Stephen Gerald Sieczka, Brian Wayne Ward
  • Anti-rattle device with hitch cover
    Patent number: 9981513
    Abstract: An anti-rattle device is shown and described. The anti-rattle device may include a frame configured to engage a receiver hitch and to receive a draw bar. The anti-rattle device may also include a cam engaging assembly operatively engaged with the frame, where the cam engaging assembly is selectively positionable between disengaged and engaged positions whereby the cam engaging assembly is adapted to engage the draw bar against the receiver hitch in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Horizon Global Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, Russell T. Brzezinski, Gail R. Matheus, Jacob L. Hillard, Austin J. Laurer, Mark Scruggs
  • ANTI-RATTLE DEVICE WITH HITCH COVER
    Publication number: 20150076793
    Abstract: An anti-rattle device is shown and described. The anti-rattle device may include a frame configured to engage a receiver hitch and to receive a draw bar. The anti-rattle device may also include a cam engaging assembly operatively engaged with the frame, where the cam engaging assembly is selectively positionable between disengaged and engaged positions whereby the cam engaging assembly is adapted to engage the draw bar against the receiver hitch in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jacob S. Belinky, Russell T. Brzezinski, Gail R. Matheus, Jacob L. Hillard, Austin J. Laurer, Mark Scruggs
  • Adjustable towing hitch assembly
    Patent number: 7690672
    Abstract: Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Scruggs
  • Hitch receiver
    Patent number: D686954
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Scruggs, Jacob Belinky
  • Fifth wheel hitch
    Patent number: D853284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Gregoire Mercier, Russell Brzezinski, Tom Stalder, Brad Larsh, Mark Scruggs, Timothy S. Arrick, Curt Nowack