Tow hitch

Abstract

A tow hitch comprises an elongated tubular shank of rectangular cross-section having four side walls; and at least one tow ball mounted to an adjacent side wall of the shank with a mounting shank extending from a base of the tow ball through a first hole in the adjacent side wall and a second hole in a side wall opposite the adjacent side wall.

1 . A tow hitch comprising an elongated tubular mount of rectangular cross-section, the mount having four side walls; and at least one tow ball mounted to an adjacent side wall of the mount, the tow ball having a mounting shank extending from a base of the tow ball through a first hole in the adjacent side wall and a second hole in a side wall opposite the adjacent side wall. 
   
   
       2 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second holes receive the ball shank with a close fit. 
   
   
       3 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the tow ball is secured in place by welding of the ball base and/or distal end of the ball shank to the respective side wall of the tubular mount. 
   
   
       4 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the tow ball is secured in place by a nut threaded onto a threaded distal end of the ball shank. 
   
   
       5 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the tubular mount is formed unitary with a shank configured at an end opposite the ball for receipt in a tow hitch receiver. 
   
   
       6 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising a spacer interposed between the adjacent side wall and the side wall opposite the adjacent side wall. 
   
   
       7 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the spacer has a length corresponding to the distance between opposed inner surfaces of the adjacent side wall and the side wall opposite the adjacent side wall. 
   
   
       8 . A tow hitch as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein the spacer is tubular and surrounds an intermediate portion of the ball shank.