Securing device for receiver hitches

Abstract

A nut is inserted within a slot formed in the sidewall of a shank member. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the nut is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank member until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank member. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank member against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter portion of the hitch pin after it engages the nut.

1 . A method for securing a shank member to a receiver tube to minimize relative motion between the shank member and receiver tube, said method comprising the steps of: 
 providing an elongated pin;    providing a threaded portion on said elongated pin;    providing a nut having a threaded portion for engagement with said threaded portion of said elongated pin;    aligning said nut within the shank member with opposing side holes formed in the shank member;    inserting the shank member within the receiver tube until the opposing side holes of the shank member are aligned with opposing side holes of the receiver tube;    inserting said elongated pin through the opposing side holes formed in the receiver tube and through the opposing side holes formed in the shank member; and    engaging said threaded portion of said elongated pin with said threaded portion of said nut until the side wall of said shank member is firmly engaged by the inner side wall of said receiver tube.    
     
     
         1 . 2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of aligning said nut within the shank member includes: 
 providing means for maintaining the alignment of said nut within the shank member.  
 
     
     
         1 . 3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of aligning said nut within the shank member includes: 
 providing a slot in said shank member to align said nut within the shank member.  
 
     
     
         1 . 4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said method further comprises: 
 providing a locking member to prevent unauthorized removal of said pin from the shank member and the receiver tube.  
 
     
     
         5 . A hitch pin for use with a receiver hitch assembly having a receiver tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin and a shank member with a side hole and opposing slot for receiving a hitch pin, said hitch pin comprises: 
 an elongated pin;    a head portion on said elongated pin;    a threaded portion on said elongated pin; and    a nut inserted in said slot and having a threaded portion for mating engagement with said threaded portion on said elongated pin.    
     
     
         6 . The hitch pin of  claim 5  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a lock assembly on the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion.  
 
     
     
         7 . The hitch pin of  claim 5  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a groove adjacent the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion for receiving a pin.  
 
     
     
         8 . The hitch pin of  claim 5  wherein said hitch pin further includes: 
 a bushing for engaging said hitch pin adjacent said threaded portion.  
 
     
     
         9 . A receiver hitch assembly, said receiver hitch assembly comprises: 
 a receiver tube for attachment to a vehicle;    an internal cavity on said receiver tube;    opposing side holes on said receiver tube;    a shank member having external dimensions less than the internal dimensions of said internal cavity on said receiver tube;    a slot on one side of said shank member for aligning with said opposing side holes;    a side hole on said shank member opposing said slot;    an elongated pin;    a threaded portion on said elongated pin; and    a nut for engaging in said slot and having a threaded portion for engagement with said threaded portion on said elongated pin.    
     
     
         10 . The hitch pin of  claim 9  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a lock assembly on the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion.  
 
     
     
         11 . The hitch pin of  claim 9  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a groove adjacent the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion for receiving a pin.  
 
     
     
         12 . The hitch pin of  claim 9  wherein said hitch pin further includes: 
 a bushing for engaging said hitch pin adjacent said threaded portion.