Towing hitch

US5232240A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Andrew Johnson · Stave Falls, CA

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 1992
• Grant date: Aug 3, 1993
• Expiry date: Oct 29, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60D1/167
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A towing hitch includes a frame having a forward portion selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, and a rearward portion having a pair of elongated bars pivotally connected thereto for removable connection to a vehicle to be towed. Each bar has a pivot arm connected to the rearward end thereof, said pivot arms and bars all pivotal within a single plane, so that the pivot arms may be folded into a storage position adjacent and parallel the bars. Selective locking apparatus permits the pivot arms to be extended to a towing position aligned with the bars and locked in the towing position. The bars are pivotally connected to a pivot block which is pivotally mounted to the forward portion of the frame, so as to permit the pivot block, and attached bars and arms to pivot from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical storage position. The pivot block is mounted on a rotatable yoke, such that the bars and pivot arms are rotatable, as a unit, along an axis parallel to the direction which a vehicle is being towed.