Abstract: This invention is related to a retractable hitch-ball mechanism adapted for coupling to a frame of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism includes a support structure that is secured to the frame by a mounting-frame assembly, a housing having a tubular sleeve, a hitch ball member slidably disposed within the tubular sleeve, a drive plate, and a linkage coupled to the drive plate at one end and having a user-engageable portion at an opposed end. Upon a user exerting force on the opposed end, the hitch ball member is selectively movable between an extended use position, wherein a portion of the hitch ball member extends upwardly from the tubular sleeve, and a retracted storage position, wherein the ball portion is substantially hidden. Selective adjustment is facilitated by an inclined edge on the drive plate that slidably engages at least a portion of the hitch ball member.

Abstract: This invention is related to a retractable hitch-ball mechanism adapted for coupling to a frame of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck. The mechanism includes a support structure that is secured to the frame by a mounting-frame assembly, a housing having a tubular sleeve, a hitch ball member slidably disposed within the tubular sleeve, a drive plate, and a linkage coupled to the drive plate at one end and having a user-engageable portion at an opposed end. Upon a user exerting force on the opposed end, the hitch ball member is selectively movable between an extended use position, wherein a portion of the hitch ball member extends upwardly from the tubular sleeve, and a retracted storage position, wherein the ball portion is substantially hidden. Selective adjustment is facilitated by an inclined edge on the drive plate that slidably engages at least a portion of the hitch ball member.

Abstract: An invertible gooseneck trailer hitch mechanism is provided. A frame supports a housing having an opening therein for receiving a hitch member in an upright use position or in inverted storage position. A base portion of the hitch member has a circumscribing groove therein to permit cooperation with a pin of a retaining assembly. A user may selectively extend or retract the pin from receipt in the groove by rotating a spaced apart handle when the ball is in either the use or storage positions to retain the hitch member in the opening.

Abstract: An offset coupler device for increasing the relative distance between a tow vehicle having a fifth wheel hitch and a trailer having a kingpin during use is provided. The offset coupler has an upper plate member with an opening therein for receiving the kingpin of the trailer. A clamp member is clamped on the kingpin of the trailer and includes a means for pressing the upper plate member into abutting engagement with a skid plate of the trailer. A lower plate member of the offset coupler has a kingpin depending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. The kingpin of the offset coupler is spaced apart laterally from the opening to provide an offset. Once the offset coupler is coupled with the trailer, the trailer is coupled with the tow vehicle by receiving the kingpin of the offset coupler in the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: An invertible gooseneck trailer hitch mechanism is provided. A frame supports a housing having an opening therein for receiving a hitch member in an upright use position or in inverted storage position. A base portion of the hitch member has a circumscribing groove therein to permit cooperation with a pin of a retaining assembly. A user may selectively extend or retract the pin from receipt in the groove by rotating a spaced apart handle when the ball is in either the use or storage positions to retain the hitch member in the opening.

Abstract: An adaptor for permitting a user to couple a fifthwheel trailer having a kingpin to a tow vehicle having a gooseneck hitch mechanism with a hitch ball is provided. The adaptor includes an upper portion which receives a portion of the kingpin and is forced into abutting contact with a kingpin plate of the trailer by a clamp member. A lower portion of the adaptor mates with the upper portion in telescoping fashion to provide adjustability. A hitch ball coupler for receiving the hitch ball of the gooseneck hitch mechanism is provided at a bottom of the lower portion. Once the converter is attached to the kingpin of the fifthwheel trailer, the trailer functions as any other gooseneck trailer.

Abstract: A retractable gooseneck trailer hitch mechanism for mounting in a bed in a pickup truck. The mechanism has a housing with a generally vertical opening therein which receives a hitch member. The housing has a generally vertical slot therein through which a portion of the hitch member extends outwardly therethrough. A cam having an arcuate face is pivotally coupled with the housing and is rotatable between a first and second position. A linkage assembly is coupled with the cam and permits a user of the mechanism to move the cam between its first and second positions from a location remote to the hitch member. When the cam is in its first position, the hitch member is in a lowered or retracted position. To move the hitch member to a raised or use position, the user rotates the cam from its first position to the second position via the linkage assembly.