Towing loop retaining device and method of using the same to provide a step
AssigneeIntelligent Designs 2000 Corp.
InventorPaul Badillo
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is related to a device that is adapted for selective engagement with existing hardware on a vehicle to provide a step. More specifically, the present invention is a device that is engages a towing mechanism used on some sport utility and outdoor vehicles, such as the HUMMER® recovery loop that allows for interconnection with towing hardware, such as chains or straps. One embodiment of the present invention engages the loop to retain it in a generally horizontal orientation to thus provide a step that facilitates access to the roof of the vehicle that is often 5-7 feet from the ground.
Claims11
A device adapted to selectively retain a vehicle towing loop to provide a step, the towing loop being rotatably interconnected to an attachment member that is interconnected to the vehicle, comprising:
- a base member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface and a plurality of countersunk apertures integrated into said front surface, said apertures adapted to receive fasteners that are employed to interconnect the attachment member to the vehicle;
- a support member, with a left surface and a right surface, rotatably interconnected to said front surface of said base member between said upper surface and said lower surface, said support member having a first and second position of use;
- and
- wherein said left surface of said support member is generally perpendicular to the surface supporting the vehicle when said support member is in said first position of use, and wherein said left surface of said support member is generally parallel to the surface supporting the vehicle when said support member is in said second position of use, thereby providing a platform for engaging and rigidly supporting the towing loop.
A device adapted to selectively retain a vehicle towing loop to provide a step, the towing loop being rotatably interconnected to an attachment member that is interconnected to the vehicle, comprising:
- a base member with an aperture for receiving a bolt that secures the attachment member to the vehicle adapted for interconnect to the attachment member;
- a loop retention member rotatably interconnected to said base member, said loop retention member having a first position and a second position;
- and
- wherein when said loop retention member is in said second position, a surface is provided that is adapted to selectively engage the towing loop thereby supporting it in a generally horizontal plane to form a step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.