Securing device for receiver hitch assemblies

Abstract

A spring nut assembly is inserted within the internal cavity of a shank tube until the nut is aligned with opposing side holes in the side walls of the shank tube. The spring maintains the nut in alignment with the opposing side walls. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the spring nut assembly is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank tube until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank tube. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank tube 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 hitch pin assembly for use with a receiver hitch assembly having a receiver tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin and a shank tube with opposing side holes 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 removable nut having a threaded portion for mating engagement with said threaded portion on said elongated pin insertable in the receiver tube for alignment with the opposing side holes of said shank tube.    
   
   
       2 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin assembly further includes: 
 a spring engaging one side of said nut and an inner side wall of the shank tube.    
   
   
       3 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin assembly further includes: 
 an elastomer member engaging one side of said nut and an inner side wall of the shank tube.    
   
   
       4 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 said threaded portion is spaced a distance from said head portion no greater than the width of the combined sidewalls of the receiver tube and the shank tube.    
   
   
       5 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin assembly includes: 
 a lock assembly on the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion.    
   
   
       6 . The hitch pin of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a groove adjacent the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion for receiving a pin.    
   
   
       7 . The hitch pin of  claim 1  wherein said hitch pin further includes: 
 a bushing for engaging said hitch pin adjacent said threaded portion.    
   
   
       8 . A hitch pin assembly for use with a receiver hitch assembly having a receiver tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin and a shank tube with opposing side holes for receiving a hitch pin, said hitch pin comprises: 
 an elongated pin;    a head portion on said elongated pin;    a non-threaded portion on said elongated pin adjacent said head portion extending a pre-determined distance;    a threaded portion on said elongated pin adjacent said non-threaded portion; and    a nut having a threaded portion for mating engagement with said threaded portion on said elongated pin insertable in the receiver tube for alignment with the opposing side holes of said shank tube.    
   
   
       9 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin assembly further includes: 
 a spring engaging one side of said nut and an inner side wall of the shank tube.    
   
   
       10 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin assembly further includes: 
 an elastomer member engaging one side of said nut and an inner side wall of the shank tube.    
   
   
       11 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 said predetermined distance extends a distance from said head portion no greater than the width of the combined sidewalls of the receiver tube and the shank tube.    
   
   
       12 . The hitch pin assembly of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin assembly includes: 
 a lock assembly on the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion.    
   
   
       13 . The hitch pin of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin includes: 
 a groove adjacent the end of said hitch pin opposing said head portion for receiving a pin.    
   
   
       14 . The hitch pin of  claim 8  wherein said hitch pin further includes: 
 a bushing for engaging said hitch pin adjacent said threaded portion.