US3791676A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer attachment
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-08-25
•
Granted: 1974-02-12
•
Expires: 1992-08-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for facilitating the rapid connection and disconnection of a trailer tongue from a vehicle tongue having a connection of the type which requires separation therebetween to achieve such coupling. The apparatus comprises a base member capable of resting on a surface, such as the ground, and an adjustable, extended member secured to the base member and having a predetermined length. Means are provided for pivotally securing the base member and the extended member to the trailer tongue so that upon lateral movement of the trailer tongue and the vehicle tongue, the extended member causes the trailer tongue to uplift relative to the vehicle tongue as a result of the rotation of the adjustable member about the base member. The length of the extended member is selected to define a length sufficient to cause separation of the respective tongues. The apparatus also includes a support member for supporting the trailer tongue in a stable position after separation from the vehicle tongue. The method of connecting and disconnecting the respective tongues is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 J Spratlen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:59
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/58; B60D1/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
268 words
An apparatus for facilitating the rapid connection and disconnection of a first member and a second member which require a generally vertical separation therebetween to achieve such connection and disconnection and for supporting said first member when free from said second member, comprising: a base member capable of resting on a surface, an extended member secured to said base member and having a predetermined adjustable length at least as great as the sum of distances between said surface and said first member and said separation, said extended member including a first elongated member defining a first elongated slot-like opening therein and a second elongated member defining a second elongated slot-like opening therein and releasable first securing means cooperating with said first and second elongated slot-like openings for securing said first and said second elongated members together to provide said predetermined length for said extended member; second securing means for pivotally securing said extended member to said first member at a pivotal location thereon so that lateral movement of said first member and said second member causes said first member to uplift relative to said second member as a result of the rotation of said extended member about said base member to an extent at least equal to said separation, the length of said extended member being sufficient to uplift and free said first member relative to said second member to an extent sufficient to achieve said separation; and stop means secured to said extended member to support said first member in a stable position on said extended member after removal of said first member from said second member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
268 words
An apparatus for facilitating the rapid connection and disconnection of a first member and a second member which require a generally vertical separation therebetween to achieve such connection and disconnection and for supporting said first member when free from said second member, comprising: a base member capable of resting on a surface, an extended member secured to said base member and having a predetermined adjustable length at least as great as the sum of distances between said surface and said first member and said separation, said extended member including a first elongated member defining a first elongated slot-like opening therein and a second elongated member defining a second elongated slot-like opening therein and releasable first securing means cooperating with said first and second elongated slot-like openings for securing said first and said second elongated members together to provide said predetermined length for said extended member; second securing means for pivotally securing said extended member to said first member at a pivotal location thereon so that lateral movement of said first member and said second member causes said first member to uplift relative to said second member as a result of the rotation of said extended member about said base member to an extent at least equal to said separation, the length of said extended member being sufficient to uplift and free said first member relative to said second member to an extent sufficient to achieve said separation; and stop means secured to said extended member to support said first member in a stable position on said extended member after removal of said first member from said second member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including third securing means for securing said base member and said extended member on said first member free from interference with said surface when said apparatus is not in use.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first member is a trailer tongue, said second member is a vehicle tongue and further including means for connecting said trailer tongue to said vehicle tongue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second securing means includes a bolt member capable of being secured to said first member at one end thereof and defining an opening near the other end thereof, and said second elongated member defines at least an opening near one end thereof and a pin member cooperatiNg with the openings in said bolt member and said second elongated member to pivotally secure one to the other.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US2078413A
Cited
US2400145A
Cited
US2474483A
Cited
US2621940A
Cited
US2865658A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |