US3724875A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety cable for trailer hitch
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-12-30
•
Granted: 1973-04-03
•
Expires: 1991-12-30
Abstract
Abstract Safety auxiliary apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a propelling vehicle in which the primary connection is a conventional trailer hitch. The safety auxiliary apparatus includes means on the trailer tongue providing a connection to the propelling vehicle so that the trailer will remain under control in the event that the primary hitch becomes disengaged.
Inventors
- 👤 A Hillman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:14
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36; B60D1/38; B60D1/28; B60D1/30; B60D1/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
Apparatus for connecting the tongue of a towed vehicle to a propelling vehicle comprising the combination of a hitch connection and an auxiliary safety cable means, said hitch connection including a mounting bracket fixed to said propelling vehicle, ball means carried by said mounting bracket, socket means mounted on the tongue of the Towed vehicle, said socket means adapted to cooperatively receive said ball means and provide the primary hitch connection between said propelling and towed vehicles, said auxiliary safety cable means including a generally vertical axle carried by said tongue, sheave means freely rotatably mounted on said axle, cable means having a central portion cooperatively engaging said sheave means, anchor means fixed to said propelling vehicle, connecting means on opposite ends of said cable means for connecting said cable means to said anchor means, and said cable means being of a length to support the tongue of said towed vehicle above the ground if the ball and socket hitch connection becomes accidentally disengaged.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
Apparatus for connecting the tongue of a towed vehicle to a propelling vehicle comprising the combination of a hitch connection and an auxiliary safety cable means, said hitch connection including a mounting bracket fixed to said propelling vehicle, ball means carried by said mounting bracket, socket means mounted on the tongue of the Towed vehicle, said socket means adapted to cooperatively receive said ball means and provide the primary hitch connection between said propelling and towed vehicles, said auxiliary safety cable means including a generally vertical axle carried by said tongue, sheave means freely rotatably mounted on said axle, cable means having a central portion cooperatively engaging said sheave means, anchor means fixed to said propelling vehicle, connecting means on opposite ends of said cable means for connecting said cable means to said anchor means, and said cable means being of a length to support the tongue of said towed vehicle above the ground if the ball and socket hitch connection becomes accidentally disengaged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said cable connecting means includes hook means at each end of said cable means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The structure of claim 1 including U-shaped bracket means mounted on said tongue, and one end of said axle being supported by said U-shaped bracket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
107 words
In a hitch connection for connecting the tongue of a towed vehicle to a propelling vehicle, the improvement comprising an auxiliary safety cable apparatus including a U-shaped bracket mounted on said tongue adjacent to said hitch connection, sheave means freely rotatably mounted on said bracket, cable means having an intermediate portion cooperatively engaging said sheave means, anchor means mounted on said propelling vehicle, hook means connected to opposite ends of said cable means and adapted to connect said cable means to said anchor means, and said cable means being of a length to support the tongue of said towed vehicle if the hitch connection becomes accidentally disengaged.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
107 words
In a hitch connection for connecting the tongue of a towed vehicle to a propelling vehicle, the improvement comprising an auxiliary safety cable apparatus including a U-shaped bracket mounted on said tongue adjacent to said hitch connection, sheave means freely rotatably mounted on said bracket, cable means having an intermediate portion cooperatively engaging said sheave means, anchor means mounted on said propelling vehicle, hook means connected to opposite ends of said cable means and adapted to connect said cable means to said anchor means, and said cable means being of a length to support the tongue of said towed vehicle if the hitch connection becomes accidentally disengaged.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The structure of claim 4 in which said sheave means is located between a portion of said U-shaped bracket and said tongue, and the central portion of said cable means is confined within said U-shaped bracket.
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) | 1976-04-02 | 1976-10-02 | 1977-04-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-02 | 1980-10-02 | 1981-04-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-02 | 1984-10-02 | 1985-04-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |