Abstract: A load-leveling, weight-distributing hitch system includes a hitch head, configured for attachment to a rear of a towing vehicle, a T socket, horizontally pivotally attached to the hitch head, a spring bar, having a forward end removably attached to the T socket, a tension member, connected to a rearward end of the spring bar, and a spring bar lift, configured for attachment to the tongue of a trailer. The spring bar lift is configured to apply tension to the tension member, so as to lift the rearward end of the spring bar, and thereby transmit a moment to the hitch head tending to lift the rear of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable ball hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable ball hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, a gate member and a driving mechanism. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a ball hitch coupled thereto. The gate member is configured to be coupled to the platform track and includes a gate portion extendable into the track space. The driving mechanism is configured to be operatively coupled to the gate member and is configured to automatically displace the gate portion from the track space to facilitate displacement of the displaceable platform upon manual activation from a cab of the truck.

Abstract: A load-leveling, weight-distributing hitch system includes a hitch head, configured for attachment to a rear of a towing vehicle, a T socket, horizontally pivotally attached to the hitch head, a spring bar, having a forward end removably attached to the T socket, a tension member, connected to a rearward end of the spring bar, and a spring bar lift, configured for attachment to the tongue of a trailer. The spring bar lift is configured to apply tension to the tension member, so as to lift the rearward end of the spring bar, and thereby transmit a moment to the hitch head tending to lift the rear of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable ball hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable ball hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, a gate member and a driving mechanism. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a ball hitch coupled thereto. The gate member is configured to be coupled to the platform track and includes a gate portion extendable into the track space. The driving mechanism is configured to be operatively coupled to the gate member and is configured to automatically displace the gate portion from the track space to facilitate displacement of the displaceable platform upon manual activation from a cab of the truck.

Abstract: A load leveling weight distributing hitch which provides enhanced flexibility of attachment and removal is described. This invention is directed to load leveling weight distribution hitches with enhanced strength and which are easy to install and adjust, without the use of special tools or equipment. This invention addresses the attachment of the spring bars commonly used with load leveling hitches by presenting a quick connect/quick disconnect which permits the user to easily install the spring bars without the use of special tools. Additionally, this invention provides a thumb screw adjustment for modifying the pitch angle of the ball hitch. This invention also provides a spring bar lift which provides a novel locking mechanism as well as a chain retention device for maintaining the chain tension during sway.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler which provides a simplified structure for coupling a ball hitch mounted on a towing vehicle to a coupler mounted on a trailer. This invention provides an innovative single cam pin locking mechanism, which in combination with a safety pin device and a tension spring provides a strong and secure ball coupler which has a minimum of moving parts and is designed to be easily used by a user by hand.

Abstract: An improved fifth-wheel extension adapter is described whose design provides the adaptability necessary for mating of the extension adapter with all known trailer king pin designs, which further provides improved contact with the trailer king pin and which provides structure for visually observing the relative position of the extension adapter and the hitch assembly located in the bed of the towing vehicle. The fifth-wheel extension adapter comprises a vertical column, a bottom portion designed to releasably connect to the hitch assembly and a top portion designed to adjustably mate to a wide range of trailer king pin designs. The fifth-wheel extension adapter is further designed to be easily attachable and easily removable permitting the operator maximum flexible use of the towing vehicle as well as the ability, with only one extension adapter to tow the widest variety of fifth-wheel trailers.

Abstract: A ball-type coupler is disclosed for attaching a trailer to a ball. The coupler includes a housing having an inner wall defining a void formed therein with a generally hemispherical end for receiving a ball. One or more elongate rotatable rods are disposed through the housing so that distal and proximal portions of the rods are disposed at least partially within the housing, and so that a portion of the rotatable rods are disposed so as to intersect and selectively extend into the void. The rotatable rods have a noncylindrical section, typically a curvature formed therein, such that when the rotatable rods are rotated about their central axis of rotation into a first position, the exterior surface of the rods align with the curvatures of the inner wall so as to enable a ball to be slid into the void past the rotatable rods.

Abstract: A concealed trailer hitch device for a vehicle or truck comprises a first hitch interconnect member permanently and rigidly fixed to a frame of the vehicle. The first hitch interconnect member has a coupling member integrally formed as one of its parts which is in a downward orientation and is at least partially concealed under the vehicle. The hitch device includes a second hitch interconnect member of singular construction which has (i) a first end configured for insertion onto the coupling member of the first interconnect member along the downward orientation and (ii) a receiver end configured with a hitch receiver socket as a remaining end which is in approximate horizontal orientation when the second hitch is coupled at the first interconnect member. A locking pin is provided for releasably retaining the second hitch interconnect member coupled at the first hitch interconnect member.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for installation to the frame or chassis of a pick-up truck and for use with a gooseneck trailer is herein provided, the trailer hitch assembly comprising a detachable ball hitch including a stem attached at one end thereof, a mounting frame which includes means for attaching the mounting frame to the chassis of the truck, and receiving means for securing the stem of the ball hitch to the mounting frame, and integrated locking means for locking the stem of the ball hitch in the receiving means in an operative, locked position. This invention provides the distinct advantage of using integrated locking means which do not include a lock washer, such that the tendency of the lock washer to rip and tear the mounting plate with continued tightenings and loosenings is obviated. The hitch assembly is completely concealed when not in use, leaving the truck bed with a flush floor.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel extension adapter is provided for coupling a fifth-wheel trailer to a ball hitch assembly which is mounted in the bed of a truck. The fifth-wheel extension adapter comprises generally an extension frame, a ball coupler assembly for releasably and rotatably connecting the extension frame to the ball hitch assembly through a horizontal insertion, the ball coupler assembly being integrally attached to the bottom end of the extension frame, and a fifth-wheel trailer attachment assembly for connecting the extension frame to the fifth-wheel trailer, the fifth-wheel trailer attachment assembly being integrally attached to the top end of the extension frame.