Patent · US Expired

Stowable-lock, convertible-pintle hitch

US6789815B2 · kind B2 · utility

80Cited by
81References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 31, 2002
Grant dateSep 14, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 31, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60D1/583
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A towing apparatus is provided including, in one embodiment, a pintle hitch having a retainer and an associated retainer lock. The retainer may be coupled with a mount by way of a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out one or more selected positions. The retainer may also be mounted on a guide such that it may translate relative to a mount. The apparatus may be configured to be selectively displaced between a towing position and a stowed position. Additionally, the mount of the apparatus may be adjustably coupled with the base. In such a case, the apparatus may have another guide to enable the mount to translate relative to the base. This may allow the mount to be height-adjustable and provide further versatility. In one embodiment, a swiveling mount may allow the mount to swivel relative to the base to accommodate the towing of trailers over rugged terrain.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.