Patents by Inventor Murrell C. Clark

Murrell C. Clark has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5048854
    Abstract: A winch-driven hitch system for coupling trailers to tow vehicles. The system comprises a unitary frame pivotally mounted beneath the bumper of the vehicle by a rigid pivot shaft, which projects upwardly from the center of the frame. A rigid base defines a tubular cavity and a platform for mounting a winch adjacent of the cavity. The cavity slidably receives a rigid bar coupled to the trailer. Deflectors project angularly outwardly from the cavity to define a mouth for guiding the bar into alignment as it penetrates the mouth. The frame rotates in response to pressure applied by the cable when the trailer is drawn from either side of the tow vehicle. The bar comprises a tapered end, a locking orifice defined centrally through the bar, and an orificed end for receiving a trailer connector. A rigid travel-limiting stop projects upwardly between the locking orifice and the orificed end. The stop limits travel of the bar relative to the mouth to assure proper coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Murrell C. Clark