US3572765A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collapsible tow hitch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-09-12
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Granted: 1971-03-30
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Expires: 1989-09-12
Abstract
Abstract A collapsible tow hitch is provided for use in towing a vehicle, such as a truck, behind a second vehicle, such as a tractor. The tow hitch is provided with a pair of swingable branch arms pivotally connected at their forward ends to a tow bar and individually pivotally connected at their rear ends to a pair of swingable support arms which are pivotally connected to the opposite ends of a horizontal elongated frame member. When the tow hitch is not in use it is easily collapsed into a readily accessible position in which the tow bar, branch arms and support arms are horizontally stacked alongside a mounting frame attached to the vehicle to be towed.
Inventors
- 👤 James B Tieben
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 07:28
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/14; B60D1/167
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
A collapsible tow hitch comprising: a mounting frame adapted for connection with a unit to be towed and having an elongated frame member disposed horizontally and extending transversely to the path of travel of said unit; a pair of swingable extension support arms pivotally connected to the opposite ends of said elongated frame member; a pivotable tow bar having means at one end thereof for attaching a towIng medium; a pair of swingable branch arms pivotally connected at their forward ends to said tow bar and individually pivotally connected at their rear ends to said support arms so as to form an end-to-end relation with said support arms, said branch and support arms diverging rearwardly so as to define a Y-formation with said tow bar when the tow hitch is in a towing position and said branch and support arms being adapted to jackknife horizontally when the tow hitch is in a collapsed position; and a pair of spring means individually secured to said elongated frame member and to each of said branch arms to hold said support and branch arms in a Y-formation with said tow bar when the tow hitch is in a towing position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
A collapsible tow hitch comprising: a mounting frame adapted for connection with a unit to be towed and having an elongated frame member disposed horizontally and extending transversely to the path of travel of said unit; a pair of swingable extension support arms pivotally connected to the opposite ends of said elongated frame member; a pivotable tow bar having means at one end thereof for attaching a towIng medium; a pair of swingable branch arms pivotally connected at their forward ends to said tow bar and individually pivotally connected at their rear ends to said support arms so as to form an end-to-end relation with said support arms, said branch and support arms diverging rearwardly so as to define a Y-formation with said tow bar when the tow hitch is in a towing position and said branch and support arms being adapted to jackknife horizontally when the tow hitch is in a collapsed position; and a pair of spring means individually secured to said elongated frame member and to each of said branch arms to hold said support and branch arms in a Y-formation with said tow bar when the tow hitch is in a towing position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The collapsible tow hitch of claim 1 wherein a swingable stabilizer cross brace is pivotally connected to one of said branch arms and releasably connected to the second of said branch arms whereby said stabilizer brace can be secured across said branch arms to prevent movement of the branch and support arms during towing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The collapsible tow hitch of claim 1 wherein said tow bar, support arms and branch arms are swingable into a horizontally stacked position alongside said mounting frame, and wherein a locking means is secured to said elongated frame member and positioned so as to engage said pivotable tow bar and to hold said tow bar, support arms and branch arms against movement when the tow hitch is in a collapsed position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A collapsible tow hitch as defined in claim 3 wherein said locking means is a horizontal apertured clevis and said tow bar is a U-shaped bracket adapted to receive therein said clevis and a pin connecting means for maintaining said clevis within said U-shaped bracket when the tow hitch is in a collapsed position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
A collapsible tow hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein said mounting frame has two apertured angle iron brackets secured to the opposite ends of the elongated frame member, said brackets adaptable to connect said tow hitch to the unit to be towed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
161 words
A collapsible tow hitch as defined in claim 1 wherein: a. a swingable stabilizer cross brace is pivotally connected to one of said branch arms and releasably connected to the second of said branch arms whereby said stabilizer brace can be secured to said second branch arm with a pin connection so as to prevent movement of the branch and support arms during towing; b. a horizontal apertured clevis is secured to said elongated frame member and said tow bar is a U-shaped bracket adapted to receive therein said clevis and a pin-connecting means so as to maintain said clevis within said U-shaped bracket and to hold said tow bar, support arms and branch arms against movement when the tow hitch is in a collapsed position; and c. said mounting frame has two apertured angle iron brackets secured to the opposite ends of the elongated frame member, said brackets adaptable to connect the tow hitch to the unit to be towed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-29 | 1974-09-28 | 1975-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-29 | 1978-09-28 | 1979-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-29 | 1982-09-28 | 1983-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |