초록 ▼

A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected

A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the towing arm will automatically lock in the extended position as the towing vehicle is pulled away from the towed vehicle. The locking feature is accomplished by a slideable collar that moves between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in place between the outer leg and grooves in the inner leg, thereby locking the legs in fixed relation to each other. When in the collar is moved to the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. The catches have saddle-shaped surfaces to fit the contours of the grooves. The grooves only partially encircle the inner leg.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-locking telescoping towing arm comprising:(a) a first leg having a pair of openings;(b) a second leg telescopically connected with said first leg, said second leg having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;(c) a pair of catches, each of said catche

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A self-locking telescoping towing arm comprising:(a) a first leg having a pair of openings;(b) a second leg telescopically connected with said first leg, said second leg having a first end and a second end opposite said first end;(c) a pair of catches, each of said catches being received through a corresponding one of said openings in said first leg, each of said catches having a saddle-shaped surface;(d) a first pair of grooves in said second leg proximate to said first end of said second leg, each of said grooves only partially encircling said second leg;(e) a slideable collar received about said first leg and movable relative to said first leg between a locked position and a released position, said collar being capable of holding said saddle-shaped surfaces of said catches in engagement with said first pair of grooves to hold said second leg fixed relative to said first leg such that the towing arm is in an extended position when said collar is in said locked position, and said collar allowing said saddle-shaped surfaces to be released from engagement with said first pair of grooves to allow said second leg to move telescopically relative to said first leg when said collar is in said released position; and(f) means for biasing said collar into said locked position.