Self-aligning towing apparatus

摘要

A storable self-aligning towing assembly which allows universal pivoting about three axes between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towing assembly is self-supporting. A hitching member is releasably attached to a towing vehicle at a first end of the hitching member; a first yoke member is pivotally attached to a second end of the hitching member such that the first yoke member pivots about a first axis which is generally horizontal and is normal an extended longitudinal axis of the hitching member; a second yoke member is connected to the first yoke member such that the second yoke member is free to rotate with respect to the first yoke member about an axis that is generally parallel to an extended longitudinal axis of the hitching member; a towed vehicle attachment means is releasably attached at a first end to a towed vehicle; the towed vehicle attachment means is pivotally attached to the second yoke member such that the second yoke member pivots with respect to the towed vehicle attachment means about a second axis which is generally vertical and is normal to the extended longitudinal axis of the hitching member. The configuration allows the towing assembly to pivot from a towing position to a storage position on the rear of the towing vehicle. A latching mechanism secures the self-aligning towing assembly in the storage position on the rear of the towing vehicle. The self-aligning towing assembly may be further converted into a shipping position.