Patent ID: 8448972

Claim:
A towing device for towing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) behind a vehicle, the towing device comprises: (a) a first support bar and a second support bar each having a first end and a second end, the first support bar and the second support bar are positioned generally parallel to each other, the support bars function to cradle a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel of the ATV; a first wheel and a first wheel axle connector, the first wheel axle connector comprises a first connecting bar having a first end and a second end, and a first axle shaft perpendicularly attached to the first connecting bar, wherein the first end of the first support bar is removably attachable to the first end of the first connecting bar, the second end of the first support bar is removably attachable to the second end of the first connecting bar, and the first wheel engages the first axle shaft; (c) a second wheel and a second wheel axle connector, the second wheel axle connector comprises a second connecting bar having a first end and a second end, and a second axle shaft perpendicularly attached to the first connecting bar, wherein the second end of the first support bar is removably attachable to the first end of the second connecting bar, the second end of the second support bar is removably attachable to the second end of the second connecting bar, and the second wheel engages the second axle shaft; (d) a first eye ring and a second eye ring disposed on the second support bar near the first end and second end, respectively, and a third eye ring and a fourth eye ring disposed on the first support bar near the first end and second end, respectively, the eye rings are adapted to receive an end of a strap, the strap being used to secure the first rear wheel or the second rear wheel of the ATV; (e) an undercarriage bracket pivotally attached to the first support bar, the undercarriage bracket functions to support and secure a rear axle of the ATV, the undercarriage bracket can pivot between an up position wherein the bracket is oriented generally vertically with respect to a ground surface and a down position wherein the undercarriage bracket is oriented generally horizontally with respect to the ground surface, wherein the undercarriage bracket is positioned about halfway between the first end and the second end of the first support bar; and (f) a curved towing arm having a first end and a second end, wherein a ball hitch tongue for connecting the towing arm to a hitch of the vehicle is disposed on the first end of the towing arm, wherein a first connecting bracket and a second connecting bracket are each disposed on the second end of the towing arm for engaging and securing a front axle of the ATV, and wherein the towing arm is curved to lift the front axle of the ATV such that front wheels of the ATV are raised off the ground surface.