Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Hinte

Thomas M. Hinte 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: 5873595
    Abstract: A tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, while the bearing element extends rearward toward the towed vehicle in one embodiment. A pair of elongated, telescopic swing arms are pivotally secured to the bearing element and extend to the towed vehicle for attachment thereto. The bearing element further includes a yoke rotatable about a ball joint having at least two degrees of freedom which allows for movement of the swing arms in both vertical and horizontal planes. The swing arms further include pivot flanges that are pivotally secured to the swing arms at an end nearest the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hinte
  • Patent number: 5516140
    Abstract: A collapsible tow bar assembly adapted to extend between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle. A frame is provided which includes a bearing element secured to the front end of the frame and a mounting element secured to the rear end of the frame. The mounting element is adapted to be selectively connected to the receiver hitch of a towing vehicle, while the bearing element extends rearward toward the towed vehicle. A pair of elongated, telescopic swing arms are pivotally secured to the bearing element and extend to the towed vehicle for attachment thereto. The bearing element further includes a yoke rotatable about a ball joint having at least two degrees of freedom which allows for movement of the swing arms in both vertical and horizontal planes. The swing arms further include pivot flanges that are pivotally secured to the swing arms at an end nearest the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Hinte Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hinte