AU2018203285B2 - Hitch pin and receiver assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A hitch pin and receiver assembly, comprising: a hitch pin (501) having a first end and a second end, including at least one lug (550) proximal to the first end, fastening means (545, 548) proximal to the second end and a shaft (560) extending between the at least one lug and the fastening means; and, a receiver (502) having two apertures (570) adapted to accommodate the shaft and second end of the hitch pin, wherein the receiver includes a complementary structure (575) that allows the at least one lug of the hitch pin to abut a receiver insert and substantially prevent translational movement of the receiver insert relative to the receiver when the fastening means are engaged. [Fig 5a] V-3836731:1 Fig 5a ~~Co\ / A FigV5h ( o 6Coo V-3836731:1

Description

HITCH PIN AND RECEIVER ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

This is a divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2014227485, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to hitch pin and receiver assemblies. In a particular aspect the invention provides a hitch pin and receiver assembly that limits relative movement and consequent audible rattle.

Background of the Invention

It is often desirable to carry or tow objects behind a vehicle. A common method of transporting such articles is by attaching the object to the vehicle using a receiver style hitch. Receiver style hitches mounted to a vehicle provide a strong connection and convenient use for such purposes as towing cargo and 15 interconnecting the vehicle to carriers. Conventional receiver trailer hitches typically include a female receiver mounted to the vehicle which receives an insert having a corresponding shape such that the insert may be slid into the receiver. The receiver insert is removably attached to the receiver by a hitch pin which passes through the receiver and the insert.

A basic form of hitch pin and receiver assembly (see Fig 1) comprises a hitch pin with a first end dimensioned or angled to prevent movement through two opposed holes in the receiver, and a second opposite end of the hitch pin dimensioned to be smaller than the holes. The second end of the hitch pin is inserted through each hole (and corresponding holes in the receiver insert) and secured into place by a clip, cotter pin, or similar located toward the second end of the hitch pin.

The fit between the receiver and the receiver insert is not absolute and often results in undesirable free play. The fit between the hitch pin and the receiver is also not absolute and may result in additional undesirable free play. The free play, whether individual or cumulative, is often audible as an undesirable rattle. As 30 modern vehicles have developed the cabin noise experienced by a driver and/or passengers has been reduced, with the result that external rattles are increasingly more noticeable and undesirable to consumers.

V-3836731:1

-22018203285 11 May 2018

Previous attempts have been made at improving the basic hitch pin and receiver assembly to prevent or minimise undesirable audible rattle with varying degrees of success. Many of the proposed ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pin and receiver assemblies are complicated and involve additional inserts, small parts, springs and/or 5 alignment of one or more additional fasteners (see examples depicted in Figs 2a and 2b). Disadvantages of the basic form of hitch pin and receiver assembly and other attempts at ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pin and receiver assemblies include that the hitch pin clip, inserts, small parts and/or springs may be easily misplaced, lost or dropped in snow, sand or grass. Installation at night may require illumination. And installation 10 in unfavourable weather conditions will likely exacerbate any difficulties with complex assemblies that require, for example, fiddly alignments and/or multiple fasteners. Some of the proposed ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pin and receiver assemblies may also compromise the structural integrity of the connection between the object and the vehicle. Further, some of the proposed ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pin and receiver assemblies 15 are not particularly effective at reducing audible rattle, or are not effective for extended j ourneys.

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a hitch pin and receiver assembly, comprising:

a hitch pin having a first end and a second end, including at least one lug proximal to the first end, fastening means proximal to the second end and a shaft 25 extending between the at least one lug and the fastening means; and, a receiver having two apertures adapted to accommodate the shaft and second end of the hitch pin, wherein the receiver includes a complementary structure that allows the at least one lug of the hitch pin to abut a receiver insert and substantially prevent 30 translational movement of the receiver insert relative to the receiver when the fastening means are engaged.

V-3836731:1

-32018203285 11 May 2018

Engagement of the complementary structure and the at least one lug of the hitch pin may also substantially prevent rotation of the hitch pin relative to the receiver when the fastening means are engaged.

It is preferred that the complementary structure is integrally formed in one of the two apertures in the receiver. Two complementary structures may be integrally formed in one of the two apertures in the receiver. In such an arrangement the complementary structures may be disposed substantially opposite each other and substantially perpendicular to the length of the receiver. Alternatively, the complementary structure may be adjacent one of the two apertures in the receiver.

The fastening means may comprise a thread about the shaft proximal to the second end of the hitch pin and a threaded nut. The fastening means may alternatively or additionally comprise an aperture proximal to the second end of the hitch pin extending through the shaft adapted to receive a pin or clip. In another arrangement, the fastening means may comprise a key-lock. In yet another arrangement, the fastening means may comprise a lock nut.

The hitch pin may comprise two or more lugs. The hitch pin may include a head proximal to the first end. The two apertures in the receiver may be adapted to not accommodate the head of the hitch pin.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a towing assembly kit comprising a hitch pin and receiver assembly according to the first aspect and a corresponding receiver insert. Preferably all the parts of the towing assembly kit are corrosion resistant.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figi is a basic hitch pin and receiver assembly;

Figs 2a and 2b depict proposed ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pins and hitch pin assemblies from US Patent Nos 5,988,667 and 5,593,172, respectively;

Fig 3a is a perspective view of a hitch pin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

V-3836731:1

-42018203285 11 May 2018

Fig 3b is a side view of a hitch pin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 3c is a top view of a hitch pin in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 4a is a perspective view of a receiver in accordance with in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 4b is a side view of a receiver in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 5a is an exploded perspective view of the hitch pin and receiver 10 assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 5b is an exploded top view of the hitch pin and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 6a is a perspective view of the assembled hitch pin and receiver 15 assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 6b is a side view of the assembled hitch pin and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 6c is a front view of the assembled hitch pin and receiver assembly 20 (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 6d is a top view of the assembled hitch pin and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig 6e is a cross-sectional view of the assembled hitch pin and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with a preferred embodiment along 25 line A-A of Fig 6d;

Fig 7a is a perspective view of a hitch pin in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Fig 7b is a side view of a hitch pin in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Fig 7c is a top view of a hitch pin in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

V-3836731:1

-52018203285 11 May 2018

Fig 8a is a perspective view of a receiver in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Fig 8b is a side view of a receiver in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Fig 9a depicts side, perspective and end views of a key-lock;

Fig 9b is a side view of the locking end of a key-lock;

Fig 10a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and a thread adapted to receive a threaded nut (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 10b is side view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and a thread adapted to receive a threaded nut (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 11a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and adapted to receive a key-lock in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

is Fig lib is side view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and adapted to receive a key-lock in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 12a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and adapted to receive a key-lock in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 12b is side view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and adapted to 20 receive a key-lock in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 13a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and an alternate head in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 13b is side view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and an alternate head in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 14a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising three lugs and a further alternate head in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 14b is an end view of a hitch pin comprising three lugs and a further alternate head in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 15a is a perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and a lock 30 nut in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 15b is side view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and a lock nut in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

V-3836731:1

-62018203285 11 May 2018

Fig 15c is a cross-sectional view of the hitch pin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention along line A-A of Fig 15b;

Fig 16a is an exploded perspective view of a hitch pin comprising a lock nut as fastening means and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with 5 an embodiment of the invention; Fig 16b is a top view of a hitch pin comprising a lock nut as fastening means and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 17 is an exploded perspective view of a hitch pin comprising two lugs and a thread adapted to receive a threaded nut as fastening means and receiver 10 assembly (with receiver insert) connected to a tow bar in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Fig 18a is a perspective view of a threaded nut comprising two lugs in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig 18b is an exploded perspective view of a hitch pin comprising a threaded nut comprising two lugs as fastening means and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

Fig 19 is a perspective view of a washer comprising two lugs in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A hitch pin 301 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figs 3a through 3c. Hitch pin 301 comprises a head 330 proximal to a first end 310, a fastening means 340 proximal to a second end 320, and a shaft 360 extending between the head 330 and the fastening means 340. The hitch pin 301 25 further comprises two lugs 350 (both shown in Fig 3b) proximal to the head 330. A hitch pin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may alternatively comprise three lugs as depicted in Figs 13a and 13b.

The hitch pin may be made of metal, composite or other suitable material or a combination of materials. Preferably the hitch pin is made of steel. The hitch pin 30 may be made of 1020 steel, 1030 steel or 1035 steel. More preferably, the hitch pin is corrosion resistant. The shaft 360 is generally cylindrical. The shaft may be wholly

V-3836731:1

-72018203285 11 May 2018 or partly tapered. The head 330 comprises two opposite concave recesses 335 which are adapted to facilitate grip of the hitch pin 301.

The two lugs 350 have a generally elliptical profile. There may only be one lug. There may be more than two lugs. Where there are two or more lugs they may 5 be of different profiles and/or dimensions. The profile of the two lugs 350 runs parallel to the shaft 360 and have front edges 355 (labelled in Fig 3b) that abut a receiver insert when assembled and the fastening means 340 (discussed below) are engaged. Alternatively, the lugs may be partly tapered. In particular, the lugs may taper away from the head towards the second end. Tapering of the lugs may assist 10 with assembly. Additionally or alternatively, tapering of the lugs may assist in achieving a tight fit between the lug(s) and their complementary structure(s) (discussed below) when assembled.

The fastening means 340 comprises a combination of a thread 345 (location indicated, but not depicted - see Figs 10a and 10b) about the shaft 360 proximal to 15 the second end 320 of the hitch pin 301 and an aperture 365 proximal to the second end 320 of the hitch pin 301 extending through the shaft 360. The thread 345 is adapted to receive a threaded nut (not shown) capable of threadingly engaging the thread 345. The aperture 365 is adapted to receive a clip or pin (not shown). The fastening means may take other forms. The fastening means may comprise a thread 20 about the shaft proximal to the second end of the hitch pin and a threaded nut without an aperture and clip. The fastening means may comprise a key-lock. A key-lock has the advantage of additional security.

Referring to Fig 9b there is depicted the locking end of a key-lock with grooves used for locking ball bearings and a sealing O-ring of the locking 25 mechanism depicted in Fig 9a. A hitch pin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with an alternate locking end of a key-lock is depicted in Figs 11a and lib. The locking mechanism of Fig 9a contains three ball bearings which are floating in a barrel and held captive by another outer cylinder, when the key lock is released the outer cylinder retracts, the ball bearings are then able to move away from the centre 30 which allows them to pass over the end of the locking end. When re-locked, the cylinder pushes over the ball bearings and forces them inwards again locking them in place and the holding the device onto the end of the pin. A hitch pin in accordance

V-3836731:1

-82018203285 11 May 2018 with an embodiment of the invention with a further alternate locking end of a keylock is depicted in Figs 11a and lib. The groove in the thread is adapted to receive ball bearings, typically in the form of a ball bearing barrel lock, allowing a single piece lock which can be wound on, locked, and then tightened to engage the 5 fastening means.

Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise a lock nut. A hitch pin comprising two lugs and a lock nut in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figs 15a through 15c. The lock nut depicted comprises a cylindrical nut with a groove and step along its outer edge. The nut has keyed holes 10 in one end which match up the mirrored key features on a socket. As the nut is cylindrical it requires a special matched keyed socket to do up or undo the lock nut helping to prevent theft. To further increase theft protection the cylinder may have a plastic cover which is free to rotate, this can only be pressed on or removed from the nut from the bolt end and so cannot be removed in situ. By being free to rotate 15 wrenches may not be used to grip the nut to unwind it. A hitch pin comprising a lock nut as fastening means and receiver assembly (with receiver insert) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figs 16a and 16b.

A receiver 402 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figs 4a and 4b. Receiver 402 comprises two apertures 470 (only one 20 aperture is shown) and complementary structures 475. The alignment of the apertures is shown by the dashed line marked Z. The apertures 470 are adapted to accommodate the shaft 360 and second end 320 of the corresponding hitch pin 301 depicted in Figs 3a through 3c but not the head 330.

The receiver may be made of metal, composite or other suitable material or 25 a combination of materials. Preferably the receiver is made of steel. The receiver may be made of low carbon steel. More preferably, the receiver is corrosion resistant. The receiver 402 is ‘female’ and of rectangular cross-section, which is common in the art. However, the receiver may be of a different profile having a corresponding shape to the intended receiver insert (see, for example, receiver insert 503 in Fig 5a).

The complementary structures 475 are integrally formed in one of the two apertures 470 in the receiver 402. The complementary structures 475 are disposed substantially opposite each other and substantially perpendicular to the length of the

V-3836731:1

-92018203285 11 May 2018 receiver 402. As receivers are commonly made of rolled steel joined by a seam running the length of the receiver, it is particularly preferred that complementary structures integrally formed in an aperture in the receiver are substantially perpendicular to the length of the receiver. In alternative embodiments, the 5 complementary structure(s) may be adjacent the aperture(s). The complementary structures 475 are adapted to engage the two lugs 350 of the corresponding hitch pin 301 depicted in Figs 3a through 3c and allow the two lugs 350 of the hitch pin 301 to abut a receiver insert.

The exploded views in Figs 5 a and 5b depict a receiver insert 503, along 10 with receiver 502 and hitch pin 501. The hitch pin 501 and receiver 502 correspond to hitch pin 301 depicted in Figs 3a through 3c and receiver 402 depicted in Figs 4a and 4c, respectively. Receiver insert 503 is of corresponding rectangular crosssection to that of receiver 502. Receiver 502 comprises two apertures 580 (only one aperture is shown). The alignment of the aperture 580 is shown by the dashed line 15 marked Y. The apertures 580 are adapted to accommodate the shaft 560 and second end 520 of the hitch pin 501.

In order to assemble, receiver insert 503 is inserted into receiver 502 in the direction of the arrow marked A until the apertures 580 of the receiver insert 503 line up with the apertures 570 of receiver 502. Hitch pin 501 is then inserted into the 20 lined up apertures 570 and 580 of the receiver 502 and receiver insert 503, respectively, in the direction of the arrow marked B. In order to complete the assembly, hitch pin 501 must be oriented (by rotation, if necessary) with the receiver 502 such that complementary structures 575 allow lugs 550 to abut the receiver insert 503, threaded nut 548 is then threadingly engaged with thread 545 (location 25 indicated, but not depicted) in order to engage fastening means 540. In this arrangement, when the fastening means (comprising thread 545 and threaded nut 548) are engaged, lugs 550 are engaged with corresponding complementary structures 575 substantially preventing rotation of the hitch pin 501 relative to the receiver 502. Engagement of the fastening means also substantially prevents 30 translational movement of the receiver insert 503 relative to the receiver 502.

Figs 6a through 6e depict various views of an assembled hitch pin 601 and receiver 602 assembly with receiver insert 603. Again, the hitch pin 601 and receiver

V-3836731:1

-102018203285 11 May 2018

602 correspond to hitch pin 301 depicted in Figs 3a through 3c and receiver 401 depicted in Figs 4a and 4c, respectively, the receiver insert 603 also corresponding to that depicted in Figs 5 a and 5b.

In particular, the cross-section view of Fig 6e clearly depicts the shaft 660 and second end 620 of hitch pin 601 (labelled ‘anti rattle pull pin’) but not the head

630 accommodated by apertures 670 in receiver 602 (labelled ‘hitch box’). Further, fastening means (comprising thread 645 - location indicated, but not depicted - and threaded nut 648) are engaged and the lugs are engaged in complementary structures 675 of the left hand aperture of the receiver 602. When the fastening means are 10 engaged, the complementary structures 675 of the left hand aperture of the receiver

602 allow the front edge of the lugs 655 (labelled ‘anti rattle pull pin pulls against the edge of the TBM’) to abut receiver insert 603 (labelled ‘TBM’) substantially preventing translational movement of the receiver 602 relative to the receiver insert 603. The engagement of lugs 650 in complementary structures 675 of the left hand 15 aperture 670 of the receiver 602 also substantially prevents rotational movement of the hitch pin 601 relative to the receiver 602.

Hitch pin 601 also provides for additional fastening means by way of an aperture 665 (labelled ‘R clip hole’) proximal to the second end 620 of the hitch pin 601 extending through the shaft 660 adapted to receive a clip (not shown).

The hitch pin 701 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention in Figs 7a through 7c comprises a head 730 proximal to a first end 710, a fastening means 740 proximal to a second end 720, and a shaft 760 extending between the head 730 and the fastening means 740. The hitch pin 701 further comprises one lug 750 proximal to the head 730. The head 730 is rounded to minimise protrusion when assembled.

The fastening means 740 comprises a combination of a thread 745 (location indicated, but not depicted) and an aperture 765 extending through the shaft 760. The thread 745 is adapted to receive a threaded nut (not shown) capable of threadingly engaging the thread 745. The aperture 765 is adapted to receive a clip (not shown).

The receiver 802 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention in Figs 8a and 8b comprises two apertures 870 (only one aperture is shown) and complementary structure 875 to engage the lug 750 of the corresponding

V-3836731:1

- 11 2018203285 11 May 2018 hitch pin 701 depicted in Figs 7a through 7c. The alignment of the apertures 870 is shown by the dashed line marked Z. The apertures 870 are adapted to accommodate the shaft 760 and second end 720 of the corresponding hitch pin 701 depicted in Figs 7a through 7c but not the head 730.

An additional feature of the receiver 802 (and the receiver 402 depicted in

Figs 4a and 4b) is that it may be reverse-compatible with a basic hitch pin. Therefore, in the event that the corresponding hitch pin in accordance with the present invention is, for example, misplaced, a basic hitch pin will enable a secure connection to a vehicle.

An additional feature of aspects of the present invention is that it may be compatible with a weight distribution receiver insert (a receiver with a series of apertures along its length) or a solid receiver insert, whereas some other ‘anti-rattle’ hitch, particularly ‘J-Pin’ arrangements, are not so compatible.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, where the fastening means comprises a removable element, that element may comprise at least one lug that abuts a receiver insert and substantially prevents translational movement of the receiver insert relative to the receiver when the fastening means are engaged. For example, where the fastening means comprises a thread about the shaft proximal to the second end of the hitch pin and a removable threaded nut, as depicted in Figs 18a and 18b, the threaded nut may comprise two lugs and the first end of the hitch pin may be hexagonal and adapted to receive a spanner or the like in order to engage the fastening means. In a further example, depicted in Fig 19, the fastening means may comprise a removable washer comprising two lugs. In an alternative arrangement, a washer comprising at least one lug may be adapted to be positioned proximal to the first end of a hitch pin. Arrangements of the present invention utilising a washer comprising at least one lug are less preferred as the washer may require an increased clamp load, relative to other preferred embodiments, to avoid loosening over time.

As can be seen from the foregoing description of the preferred and alternate embodiments, it is plain that the present invention may incorporate one or more of 30 the following advantages over the basic form of hitch pin and receiver assembly and previous attempts at other ‘anti-rattle’ hitch pin and receiver assemblies:

V-3836731:1

- 122018203285 11 May 2018

- minimal relative rotational and translational movement and little or no consequent audible rattle;

- ease and speed of installation;

- simple robust design;

- receiver is reverse-compatible with a basic hitch pin; and

- compatibility with weight distribution receiver insert.

Although preferred forms of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the preferred and alternate embodiments described above or that the invention can be 10 embodied in other forms.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or 15 group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the 20 common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (10)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1 to 4, wherein the fastening means comprises a thread about the shaft proximal to the second end of the hitch pin and a threaded nut.

1 to 3, wherein the fastening means comprises an aperture proximal to the second 20 end of the hitch pin extending through the shaft adapted to receive a clip.

1. A hitch pin and receiver assembly, comprising:

a hitch pin having a first end and a second end, including at least one lug proximal to the first end, fastening means proximal to the second end and a shaft 5 extending between the at least one lug and the fastening means; and, a receiver having two apertures adapted to accommodate the shaft and second end of the hitch pin, wherein the receiver includes a complementary structure that allows the at least one lug of the hitch pin to abut a receiver insert and substantially prevent 10 translational movement of the receiver insert relative to the receiver when the fastening means are engaged.

2. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to claim 1, wherein the complementary structure engages the at least one lug of the hitch pin and substantially prevents rotation of the hitch pin relative to the receiver when the

15 fastening means are engaged.

3. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the hitch pin includes a head proximal to the first end.

4. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims

5. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims

6. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims

25 1 to 3, wherein the fastening means comprises a key-lock.

7. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the complementary structure is integrally formed in one of the two apertures in the receiver.

8. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of 30 claims 1 to 6, wherein two complementary structures are integrally formed in one of the two apertures in the receiver.

V-3836731:1

- 142018203285 11 May 2018

9. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to claim 8, wherein the complementary structures are disposed substantially opposite each other and substantially perpendicular to the length of the receiver.

10. A hitch pin and receiver assembly according to claim 8 or claim 9, 5 wherein the hitch pin comprises two lugs.

11. A hitch pin for use in a hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A receiver for use in a hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

10 13. A towing assembly kit comprising a hitch pin and receiver assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a corresponding receiver insert.