Abstract: A leaf spring connection assembly (200) for coupling a leaf spring (202) to a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a leaf spring having a spring eye (210) and a vehicle bracket (204) having a pair of recesses (214). The assembly further includes a pin (206) disposed through the spring eye. The pin includes end portions (224) which extend outward of the spring eye and which are at least partially received by the recesses of the vehicle bracket. Each of the end portions includes an annular groove (226). The assembly additionally includes a fastener (228) at least partially received in one of the annular grooves and coupled to the vehicle bracket to sandwich the pin between the vehicle bracket and the fastener.

Abstract: A towing device is provided including a bracket (12) and an elongate hitch rod (14). The bracket (12) includes a longitudinal bore (34) and one or more pins (36) oriented transverse to the longitudinal bore (34). An end portion of each pin extends partially into the longitudinal bore. The hitch rod (14) includes a cylindrical shaft (50) and a clevis (52) connected to the shaft's distal end. The clevis (52) is attached to the shaft (50) in a manner that weights the shaft in a desired orientation. The shaft (50) includes at least one groove (60) with a spiral portion (62) and a notch (64). The spiral portion (62) extends from the shaft's proximal end and ends with the notch (64). During use, the transverse pin (36) engages the notch (64), thereby locking the rod (14) with the bracket (12). The weighted orientation of the shaft encourages this engaged arrangement.