Automatic locking and centering wide range tow hitch
US4603878A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A base portion is provided for support from the forward end of a vehicle to be towed or the rear end of a vehicle to be used to tow a second vehicle. An elongated hitch bar assembly is provided including first and second ends and mounting structure mounts the second hitch bar end, intermediate its opposite ends, from the base portion for guided front to rear lengthwise extension and retraction relative to the base portion between forward and rearward limit positions and for angular displacement of the rear hitch bar end about an upstanding axis, shiftable forward and rearward with the second hitch bar end, relative to the base portion between opposite limit positions of angular displacement. Bias structure yieldingly biases the second hitch bar end toward a central position between the front and rear limit positions and first latch structure is operative to releasably latch the hitch bar rear end relative to the base portion in a center position of angular displacement. The first end of the hitch bar assembly is mounted from the second hitch bar assembly end for front to rear shifting and oscillatory movement therewith relative to the base portion and for front to rear lengthwise g…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.