Tow bar with a sliding mechanism for converting legs thereof from an aligned tubular structure to an articulated structure
US9033357B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/54
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tow bar having a towing connector for releasably connecting a first hitch arrangement of a towing vehicle to a second hitch arrangement of a towed vehicle includes a pair of opposing legs, each leg having a fore section connected to the towing connector and an aft section connected to the second hitch arrangement, a pivot connector pivotally connecting the fore section to the aft section, a locking mechanism for converting the respective leg from an aligned tubular structure for towing purposes to an articulated structure for on-vehicle storage purposes, and a hanger for retaining the tow bar in a stored configuration. An auxiliary locking mechanism operatively prevents the legs from pivoting relative to the towing connector while the towed vehicle is being towed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.