# US 9,004,557 B2 · Remote release mechanism for tow fitting > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,004,557 B2 - Document ID: US9004557B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/156,844 - Filed: 2014-01-16 - Published: 2014-07-24 - Granted: 2015-04-14 - Earliest claimed: 2013-01-22 - Assignees: Ancra International LLC - Applicants: Ancra International LLC - Inventors: H. Thomas Knox - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9004557B2 ## CPC - B60D 1/187: {characterised by the connection to the towing vehicle or to the trailer} - B60D 1/00: Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices (fifth-wheel traction couplings B62D53/08) - B60D 1/26: for remote control, e.g. for releasing - B60D 1/36: for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers - B60D 1/60: Covers, caps or guards {, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices} - B66C 1/36: with means, e.g. spring-biased detents, for preventing inadvertent disengagement of loads - E05B 67/06: Shackles; Arrangement of the shackle - Y10T 24/45581: having inserted end formed by oppositely biased surface segments - B60D: VEHICLE CONNECTIONS - B66C: CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES ({specially adapted for lifting invalids A61G7/10;} rope, cable, or chain winding mechanisms, braking or detent devices therefor B66D; specially adapted for nuclear reactors G21) - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A release fitting for an elongate strap is provided. The release fitting includes a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap. An arm is pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion. The body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position. A shaft assembly slidably is disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion. A bracket is pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A release fitting for an elongate strap, comprising: a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap; an arm pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion; the body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position; a shaft assembly slidably disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion; a bracket pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole; and an elongate cable affixed to the bracket, wherein tension within the elongate cable urges pivoting of the bracket and translation of the shaft assembly through the hole; wherein the body further comprises a flange extending from the body wherein the elongate cable is threaded through the flange. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The release fitting of claim 1, wherein the hole comprises a bearing surface and the shaft assembly comprises a second bearing surface with a biasing member disposed therebetween. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The release fitting of claim 1, wherein the shaft assembly further comprises a threaded portion at the second end thereof, the threaded portion receives a fastener disposed thereon. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The release fitting of claim 3, wherein the fastener is pivotably connected with the bracket. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The release fitting of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a longitudinal slot that receives a pin that is engaged with a second end of the shaft assembly. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The release fitting of claim 1, wherein the arcuate arm is configured to engage a second strap when the arcuate arm is in the locking position. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The release fitting of claim 1, further comprising an electro-mechanical device mounted upon the body and operatively engaged with the elongate cable, wherein operation of the electro-mechanical device urges linear motion of the elongate cable. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The release fitting of claim 7, wherein the electro-mechanical device is a solenoid operated shaft. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The release fitting of claim 7, wherein the electro-mechanical device is configured to communicate remotely with a controller, wherein the controller provides a signal to the electro-mechanical device to urge rotation of the bracket. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The release fitting of claim 9, wherein the electro-mechanical device is configured to communicate wirelessly with a controller. ### Claim 11 A release fitting for an elongate strap, comprising: a body configured to fixedly engage an end of an elongate strap; an arm pivotably connected to the body, such that the arm is configured to pivot between a locked position and a release position, a tip portion of the arm comprises a receiving portion; the body comprises a hole disposed therethrough, the hole being coaxially aligned with the receiving portion when the arm is in the locked position; a shaft assembly slidably disposed within the hole, the shaft assembly biased toward engagement with the receiving portion; a bracket pivotably mounted to the body and pivotably mounted to the shaft assembly, wherein rotation of the bracket urges linear motion of the shaft assembly within the hole; and an elongate cable affixed to the bracket, wherein tension within the elongate cable urges pivoting of the bracket and translation of the shaft assembly through the hole; wherein the body further comprises a flange extending from the body wherein the elongate cable is threaded through the flange; and an electro-mechanical device that is operatively engaged with the elongate cable, such that operation of the electro-mechanical device urges linear motion of the elongate cable. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The release fitting of claim 11, wherein the electro-mechanical device is a solenoid. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The release fitting of claim 11, wherein the electro-mechanical device urges motion of the shaft assembly within the hole in a first direction against the biasing force of a spring disposed within the hole when the electro-mechanical device is in a first state, and the electro-mechanical device allows motion of the shaft assembly in a second opposite direction when the electro-mechanical device is in the opposite second state. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The release fitting of claim 13, wherein the electro-mechanical device is energized when in the first state. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The release fitting of claim 11, wherein electro-mechanical device communicates with a remote input device, which changes a state of the electro-mechanical device from between opposite first and second states. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The release fitting of claim 15, wherein the electro-mechanical device wirelessly communicates with the remote input device.