초록 ▼

A tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to th

A tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, while the bearing element extends rearward toward the towed vehicle in one embodiment. A pair of elongated, telescopic swing arms are pivotally secured to the bearing element and extend to the towed vehicle for attachment thereto. The bearing element further includes a yoke rotatable about a ball joint having at least two degrees of freedom which allows for movement of the swing arms in both vertical and horizontal planes. The swing arms further include pivot flanges that are pivotally secured to the swing arms at an end nearest the towed vehicle. A pair of tow vehicle mounting brackets extend from the frame of the towed vehicle vertically upward, such that when not in use, the tow bar assembly may be collapsed and securely stored adjacent the rear bumper of the towing vehicle. Alternate embodiments include fifth wheel and fixed arm tow bar assemblies.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having thus described my invention, I claim:] [1.] A tow bar assembly comprising:a bearing element having a channel;means for attaching the bearing element to a towing vehicle;a column having two ends, the column passing through approximately the center of a substantially spherical ball;a yoke uni

[ Having thus described my invention, I claim:] [1.] A tow bar assembly comprising:a bearing element having a channel;means for attaching the bearing element to a towing vehicle;a column having two ends, the column passing through approximately the center of a substantially spherical ball;a yoke universally rotatable about the ball,the yoke having an upper and lower plate, said plates having at least one aperture thereon,the yoke including an outer ball race having a circular ring rotatable about the circumference of the ball thereby forming a ball joint, an outer race retainer surrounding the ball and having two upper semicircular sections welded to the upper plate and two lower semicircular sections welded to the lower plate such that the outer ball race is moveable therein;the ends of the column passing through the apertures and attached to the bearing element; andmeans for attaching the yoke to an object to be towed.