Patent ID: 6698784
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B60D,B60P,B62D

Abstract:
An apparatus for coupling a towed unit to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:a towed unit for drawing behind a vehicle; a static portion secured to the towed unit, the static portion comprising first and second sleeves spaced apart from one another; an extension comprising first and second arms fixedly secured to one another, with the first and second arms slidably positioned within the first and second sleeves, respectively; a coupler secured to the extension for selective securement to a vehicle; a lock positioned between the first and second sleeves comprising a cylinder slidably secured to the static portion between the two sleeves, a piston positioned to slide within the cylinder, a first pin secured to the piston, and a second pin secured to the cylinder, the piston being slidable outwardly from the cylinder to selectively move the first pin into engagement with the first sleeve and the first arm, the cylinder selectively slidable with respect to the static portion to move the second pin into engagement with the second sleeve and the second arm; a pressure source in selective fluid communication with the cylinder to drive the piston outwardly from the cylinder; and a return mechanism engaging the lock and the static portion, the return mechanism disengaging the lock from the extension whenever the pressure source is disconnected from the cylinder.