Patent ID: 7222873

Claim:
A hitch assembly for attachment to first and second tow hooks of a vehicle, the first and second tow hooks being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, each of the first and second tow hooks defining a hollow inner passage, said hitch assembly comprising: a. an elongated frame member extending between opposing first and second ends along a longitudinal axis, the elongated frame member having a length commensurate with said predetermined distance, the first end engaging the first tow hook and the second end engaging the second tow hook, the elongated frame member including a generally horizontal wall extending along the longitudinal axis and at least one generally vertical wall extending along the longitudinal axis and joined to said horizontal wall, said horizontal wall providing a first clamp surface proximate the first end of the elongated frame member and providing a second clamp surface proximate the second end of the elongated frame member; b. a first clamp member disposed proximate the first tow hook opposite the first clamp surface of the elongated frame member, the first clamp member and the first clamp surface of the elongated frame member being disposed on opposing sides of the first tow hook; c. a second clamp member disposed proximate the second tow hook opposite the second clamp surface of the elongated frame member, the second clamp member and the second clamp surface of the elongated frame member being disposed on opposing sides of the second tow hook; d. a first bolt extending through the hollow inner passage for the first tow hook for clamping the first tow hook between the first clamp surface of the elongated frame member and the first clamp member; e. a second bolt extending through the hollow inner passage of the second tow hook for clamping the second tow hook between the second clamp surface of the elongated frame member and the second clamp member; f. a first end cap secured to the first end of said elongated frame member and extending generally perpendicular to the first clamping surface, and extending at a substantial angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated frame member; g. a second end cap secured to the second end of said elongated frame member and extending generally perpendicular to the second clamping surface, and extending at a substantial angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated frame member; h. said first clamp member abutting both said first end cap and said at least one generally vertical wall to restrict rotational and lateral movement of said first clamp member relative to said elongated frame member; and i. said second clamp member abutting both said second end cap and said at least one generally vertical wall to restrict rotational and lateral movement of said second clamp member relative to said elongated frame member.