Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 280/490.1)
-
Patent number: 7198283Abstract: A cart assembly comprises an undercarriage supporting a cart frame, the undercarriage having one end and a connecting portion extending from cart frame and/or the undercarriage for connecting the cart assembly with an adjacent article, the cart frame including a handle portion disposed at an elevation for manipulation by a human operator in an upright standing position to steer or otherwise control the cart assembly, and an actuating member mounted on the handle portion for actuating the connecting portion between a first connecting position and a second disconnecting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bryan Van Den Bosch, Roy Potts, John Mariciak, Bryan Jennings, Gary Jennings
-
Patent number: 7195268Abstract: A pivoting hitch mount assembly for interconnecting a towed vehicle with towing vehicles having hitch positions at varying elevations includes a pivot arm assembly having a hitching component for coupling with a the hitch position with the towing vehicle that is selectively connected to a support assembly on the towing vehicle at plural front and rear pivot connections enabling selective inclination and elevation of the hitching component with respect to the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Inventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7101142Abstract: A hitch mountable refuse container transport device has a vertical element supporting a telescoping mount, in an exemplary embodiment, that carries engagement keys on a horizontal bracket. Each key is adapted for engagement with an upper attachment element and a lower attachment element on the refuse container. Adjustment of the telescoping mount lifts the containers for transport.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventors: Russell J. Bik, William J. Kelley
-
Patent number: 7055845Abstract: A vertically adjustable hitch having a locking latch. The hitch is quickly adjustable along a vertical hitch bar using pins to secure the hitch. The upper portion of the first end of the body is offset from the center of the mounting base for the hitch in a first direction. The first end of the latch is also offset from the center of the mounting bracket. When the offset latch is secured to the offset, upper portion of the body, the single pivot point of the latch is in the center of the mounting base. The hitch has a locking mechanism which allows the latch to be locked in the open or closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Inventor: Rex D. Putnam
-
Patent number: 7044493Abstract: The invention is a tow bar assembly used for towing trailers with vehicles. The tow bar assembly is located between the vehicle and the hitch assembly, such as a ball mount hitch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Paul Wilson
-
Patent number: 7029022Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a hitch to a vehicle. The apparatus may include a base connected to the vehicle. A mount, having a fastening portion and a main portion, may also be included. The fastening portion may receive a plurality of hitches thereon. The main portion may pivotably engage the base to provide a pivoting motion of the mount with respect to the base between a stowed position and a towing position distinct from the stowed position. A pivot may connect the main portion to the fastening portion to provide rotation therebetween. The apparatus may also include a hitch system having a first ball hitch monolithically formed to have a shank. A second hitch may be monolithically formed to have an aperture therein. The aperture of the second ball hitch may be shaped to axially receive and engage the shank of the first ball hitch.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: B & W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.Inventor: Newell Ryan Moss
-
Patent number: 7011328Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises a conveyor upon a wheeled vehicle wherein an upstream end portion of the conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork vehicle so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the roadwork vehicle, to deposit pavement markers upon the conveyor. A pair of wheel applicators are used for applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto the roadway surface. A hitch mechanism is also used to provide hinged movement between the tow bar of the towed wheeled vehicle and the mounting bar of the towing roadwork vehicle so as to permit independent elevational movement of the towed wheeled vehicle relative to the towing roadwork vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Rogers, Brad Anderson, Chad Orthaus, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens
-
Patent number: 6932375Abstract: A trailer coupling for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes two guide rails which extend vertical and parallel to each other. A support is slidingly received by horizontal extending guide grooves in the guide rails. Different couplers can be mounted on and exchanged on the support. The support may be inserted into the guides or removed from the guides.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Werner Zahn
-
Patent number: 6923475Abstract: An ATV trailer with fully-rotatable suspension is provided. The ATV trailer is formed of frame members fabricated of square, metal tubing and welded together to form a framework of rails. A downwardly sloping tongue terminates into a ball hitch coupler being mountable to a hitch of a standard ATV. An I-suspension wheel assembly is provided which includes a wheel assembly bracket with a stub axle being adapted to mountably support an I-beam suspension apparatus. The I-beam suspension apparatus includes an I-member being fully rotatable 360° about the stub axle. Spindles are mounted to the I-member for mountably supporting standard ATV wheels. A metal box-like enclosure of walls forming a water-storage tank is mounted atop the frame members.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventors: Richard K. Martin, Michael A. Raven, Gene A. Johnson
-
Patent number: 6908094Abstract: A tow hitch having a shell and a draw bar in which the draw bar fits into a channel formed on the shell such that the draw bar may be shifted along the entire length of the channel and either enter or exit on either end of the channel. The shell is adjusted for connection to a tow vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Howard E. Sellers
-
Patent number: 6902181Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch assembly which provides rapid and easy coupling by moving the ball to the tongue, rather than by moving the tongue to the ball. Adjustment is provided in each of three axes. Simultaneous movement in the lateral and vertical directions is provided, which after ball coupling, may be moved to a central locked and fixed position for towing. One embodiment provides selectable locked and fixed vertical positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Inventor: Dewey Dye
-
Patent number: 6871868Abstract: The improved power hitch of the present invention includes a first cylinder 10 has an extension 9 pivotably mounted at 54 on a transverse cylindrical pin 54 extending between vertical legs 50 and 51 to allow vertical movement, and on a vertical pin 56 to allow limited horizontal movement. Cylinder 10 receives a piston rod 13 extending outwardly therefrom which receives a universal hitch receiver 11. A second cylinder 60 is also mounted on transversely spaced vertical legs 50, 51 at 62. An electric motor 30 pumps fluid from reservoir 32 into cylinder at 64 to move cylinder 12 up and a 66 to move cylinder 12 down.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Richard Pogue
-
Patent number: 6824157Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly for mounting in the bed of a truck. The hitch assembly includes a mounting assembly for removably securing the hitch assembly in the bed of the truck. The mounting assembly has end rails and side rails with a mounting sleeve mounted between the side rails. The telescoping tower includes an inner tower and a top plate and is slidably inserted into the interior of the mounting sleeve. The inner tower of the telescoping tower has holes which can be aligned with holes in the mounting sleeve. Pins are inserted into the holes in the mounting sleeve and holes in the inner tower to secure the inner tower at a set height in the mounting sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Rex D. Putnam
-
Patent number: 6824156Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted to secure a trailer and tractor vehicle includes an elongated housing, a threaded shaft in the housing, a coupling member on the shaft, a carriage member secured to the coupling member, a rotatable drive that turns the shaft to advance the coupling member and carriage member, a first member secured to the housing for connection to one of the vehicles and a second member secured to the carriage for connection to the other vehicle. This allows the effective height of the hitch assembly to be varied so that different towing situations can be accommodated. In one embodiment, flat slide surfaces between the carriage and the housing are provided. A yoke assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
-
Patent number: 6820887Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of a dolly for towing trailers generally include a main framework, a tongue assembly, stabilizing shocks, an axle, an axle platform, a steering assembly, and/or tire-wheel assemblies. The use of these dolly embodiments reduce the probability of chassis and body damage, enable horizontal alignment of the trailer for level towing and greater weight distribution, and provide self-steering of the dollies as the towing vehicle turns or backs up.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Robert E. Riggle
-
Publication number: 20040195801Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupling assembly for use with a gooseneck trailer. The coupling assembly comprises a height-adjustment device and a coupler mechanism. The coupling assembly further comprises a locking assembly and a pair of friction fit assemblies. The height-adjustment device within the coupling assembly uses a load-bearing pin to concurrently and/or simultaneously perform two functions, namely permitting adjustablility of the coupling assembly and bearing all, or substantially all, of a vertical load (i.e., withstanding a shear force) provided by an attached gooseneck trailer, any trailer accessories, and any trailer contents. Because the load-bearing pin bears all, or substantially all, of the vertical load by resisting the shear force, conventional reliance upon a friction force to bear the vertical load is substantially eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Hector Lara
-
Publication number: 20040155430Abstract: A trailer coupling for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes two guide rails which extend vertical and parallel to each other. A support is slidingly received by horizontal extending guide grooves in the guide rails. Different couplers can be mounted on and exchanged on the support. The support may be inserted into the guides or removed from the guides.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2004Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporationInventor: Werner Zahn
-
Patent number: 6769710Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for use with a lunette eye mounting includes a housing with a lunette eye on one end. A housing has a plurality of rectangular inserts, the inserts having a recess on one face adapted to hold and enclose a lunette eye and hold the lunette eye of the trailer firmly within the housing. A retention pin extends through the apertures in the housing the lunette eye of the trailer and the apertures in the rectangular inserts to hold the adapter and parts together. For attachment to a towing truck or other vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: James G. Lim
-
Publication number: 20040084877Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted to secure a trailer and tractor vehicle includes an elongated housing, a threaded shaft in the housing, a coupling member on the shaft, a carriage member secured to the coupling member, a rotatable drive that turns the shaft to advance the coupling member and carriage member, a first member secured to the housing for connection to one of the vehicles and a second member secured to the carriage for connection to the other vehicle. This allows the effective height of the hitch assembly to be varied so that different towing situations can be accommodated. In one embodiment, flat slide surfaces between the carriage and the housing are provided. A yoke assembly is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
-
Patent number: 6729636Abstract: A utility vehicle hitch device for securing an utility attachment to a utility vehicle. The utility vehicle hitch device includes a mounting portion being designed for being coupled to the utility vehicle. A stanchion portion is coupled to the mounting portion whereby the stanchion portion is designed for being positioned in a spaced relationship to the utility vehicle. A receiver portion is coupled to the stanchion portion whereby the receiver portion extends outwardly from the stanchion portion opposite the mounting portion. The stanchion portion is designed for receiving a hitch member whereby the receiver portion secures the utility attachment to the utility vehicle when the utility attachment is coupled to the hitch member.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Inventors: Phil Lynch, Danny Scarborough
-
Patent number: 6726237Abstract: A vertically operable hitch includes a horizontal support member with the forward end journaled in the receiver of a tow vehicle. An upright post on the support member has a carrier operably mounted thereon for selective vertical movement along the post. A hitch ball is mounted on the carrier for selective connection to the tongue of a towed trailer to thereby selectively raise and lower the hitch ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Timothy J. Carrico
-
Patent number: 6712381Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a hitch to a vehicle. The apparatus may include a base connected to the vehicle. A mount, having a fastening portion and a main portion, may also be included. The fastening portion may receive a plurality of hitches thereon. The main portion may pivotably engage the base to provide a pivoting motion of the mount with respect to the base between a stowed position and a towing position distinct from the stowed position. A pivot may connect the main portion to the fastening portion to provide rotation therebetween. The apparatus may also include a hitch system having a first ball hitch monolithically formed to have a shank. A second hitch may be monolithically formed to have an aperture therein. The aperture of the second ball hitch may be shaped to axially receive and engage the shank of the first ball hitch.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Wing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Newell Ryan Moss
-
Publication number: 20040032112Abstract: According to the present invention, a hitch and receiver system provides at least an additional vertical box receiver when a conventional box receiver of the vehicle hitch is in use to provide draw bar support for the hitch ball. In a second embodiment, an additional horizontal box receiver is also provided for the hitch and receiver system. The additional box receivers are used to hold and support various accessory devices. In some cases the hitch ball can be used to tow a trailer without removal of the accessory device. The unique accessory device of this invention includes one of a hitch guide accessory device, an access platform and step accessory device, and a cargo cage accessory device. The combination of a hitch and receiver “system” and an accessory device provides the “assembly” of this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: TB&B PartnersInventors: Timothy A. Reese, Robert R. Reed
-
Patent number: 6663133Abstract: A trailer hitch elevator includes a guide unit for fixable mounting at the rear of a towing vehicle, a track unit axially vertically movable as guided by the guide unit, a jackscrew journaled at the top of the track unit and threadingly engaging the guide unit, and a lock mechanism for locking the track unit in closely vertically spaced positions relative to the guide unit without subjecting the jackscrew to shock loading. One or more rearwardly oriented hitch receiver sockets are formed on the track unit for receiving a moduler trailer hitch. A wide range of vertical travel is provided with full engagement between the guide and track units, and with generous ground clearance in raised positions of the track unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Blaine L. Rosenlund
-
Publication number: 20030222426Abstract: A trailer hitch elevator includes a guide unit for fixable mounting at the rear of a towing vehicle, a track unit axially vertically movable as guided by the guide unit, a jackscrew journaled at the top of the track unit and threadingly engaging the guide unit, and a lock mechanism for locking the track unit in closely vertically spaced positions relative to the guide unit without subjecting the jackscrew to shock loading. One or more rearwardly oriented hitch receiver sockets are formed on the track unit for receiving a moduler trailer hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Blaine L. Rosenlund
-
Patent number: 6585280Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotataly driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Thomas A. Wiers
-
Patent number: 6575488Abstract: A trailer hitch arrangement includes a support unit which is mountable to a vehicle and has a vertically elongate support plate. A hitch assembly is provided which includes a slide bracket that is slidably engaged with the support plate and includes a hitch support which supports the trailer hitch of the vehicle being towed. The hitch assembly includes upper and lower stops that define respective upper and lower limits of travel of the slide bracket as the slide bracket slides along the support plate. One of the upper and lower stops is manually disengagable to permit removal of the slide bracket from the support plate and a lock member is provided which removably secures the hitch assembly to the support unit at a selected elevation.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Inventor: Randy A. Massey
-
Patent number: 6561533Abstract: An apparatus for hitching two bicycles together including a first hitch which connects the apparatus to one of the bicycles and a second hitch which connects the apparatus to the second bicycle. The second hitch includes a stem which is slid through and secured to the head tube of the second bicycle after the front fork and wheel have been removed from the second bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: David M. Snobl
-
Publication number: 20030052472Abstract: An apparatus for securing a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The apparatus includes a base, a mount movably secured to the base and one or more hitches attached to the mount. The mount may rotate, pivot, translate, or otherwise move in relation to the base in order to move the hitch between various positions including one or more towing positions and at least one stored or stowed position. The hitch, or hitches, may also be movably secured to the mount for additional flexibility in configuring the apparatus in the towing and stowed positions. Additionally, when multiple hitches are provided, each of the multiple hitches may be configured as different size or style of hitch such that a user may select one of the hitches depending on the intended use thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Newell Ryan Moss, Jack W. Bowers, H. Arthur Wing
-
Publication number: 20030006581Abstract: An apparatus and method directed to a stowaway pintle hitch that is simple to manufacture and use having novel height adjustment means, retainer, retainer lock, and stowaway pivoting motion. The apparatus may have a swiveling mount that is free to swivel while towing a trailer. A cushioning spacer is disclosed for reducing impact forces and noise in pintle hitch towing systems. In certain embodiments an apparatus in accordance with the invention may have a trunnion for insertion into a receiver tube or cavity of a vehicle. A base may be secured to the trunnion or to the vehicle. The base may also have a mount secured thereto. The mount may have a platform that is sized and positioned to receive a hitch. The mount may also have a retainer that may be moved into position and locked in order to prevent removal of a pintle ring from around the hitch. The retainer may be mounted on a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out of position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Newell Ryan Moss, Jack W. Bowers, H. Arthur Wing
-
Publication number: 20030001362Abstract: An adjustable gooseneck coupler for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle. The trailer includes a front overhang from which the gooseneck coupler depends. The towing vehicle includes a bed having a ball selectively received within a ball housing of the coupler. The gooseneck coupler includes telescopingly adjustable inner and outer tubes to adjust the length of the gooseneck and therefore the height of the trailer overhang relative to the truck bed. The adjustable inner and outer tubes are locked against relative movement by clamping screws. The clamping screws are arranged on the outer tube in longitudinal pairs at a triangular orientation to maximize the clamping force.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Edward Wayne Ebey
-
Publication number: 20020190499Abstract: At least one limited articulating female hitch mechanism and trailer for mounting to a conventional trailer hitch male connection member mounted on a towing vehicle. The hitch mechanisms are pivotal in only the vertical plane. The combination comprises a trailer having a horizontally disposed load supporting frame mounting of swivel (or 360 degree horizontally rotating) wheel assemblies about 360 degrees. This arrangement, coupled with the hitch mechanism, assures the trailer tracks the towing vehicle so that the sides of the towing vehicle and the sides of the trailer remain constantly parallel to each other Reduced trailer size and weight, reduced storage requirements, ease of backup maneuvering and avoidance of road hazards, vehicles, pedestrians and objects is thus facilitated by such arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Steven Elliott Connor
-
Patent number: 6415475Abstract: A hitch handle for engaging and facilitating carrying of a hitch head assembly of the type which includes a substantially vertically extending adjustable hitch bar having one or more circular openings. The handle has an L-shaped portion, the elongated leg of which forms a hand grasp for the user and the shortened leg of which extends in a direction to in use bear against a part of the hitch bar. The front leg of the U member is secured to the elongated leg of the L-shaped portion, the U member being in a plane transverse to the plane of the L-shaped portion. The second leg of the U-shaped member is removably receivable in an opening in the substantially vertical hitch bar.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Inventor: Richard W. Dixon
-
Patent number: 6341795Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling device for altering the angle of the tongue of the trailer hitch with respect to the vehicle. The trailer hitch coupling device includes a rod. The rod is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The rod has a front side, a back side and a pair of lateral sides. The rod is generally hollow and has a plurality of pairs of opposed holes therein. The holes extend through the lateral sides. The front side of the rod has an elongate slot therein. A bar is integrally coupled to and extends away from the back side of the rod. The rod has a free end having a bore extending therein such that the bar is substantially hollow. The bar has a peripheral side wall having a plurality of pairs of opposed apertures therein. The bore is adapted for receiving the tongue portion of a trailer hitch. A ball engaging member for engaging a ball hitch is movably positioned in the rod and extending outwardly through the slot.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventor: Robert D. Zerkel
-
Publication number: 20010038191Abstract: A trailer hitch arrangement includes a support unit which is mountable to a vehicle and has a vertically elongate support plate. A hitch assembly is provided which includes a slide bracket that is slidably engaged with the support plate and includes a hitch support which supports the trailer hitch of the vehicle being towed. The hitch assembly includes upper and lower stops that define respective upper and lower limits of travel of the slide bracket as the slide bracket slides along the support plate. One of the upper and lower stops is manually disengagable to permit removal of the slide bracket from the support plate and a lock member is provided which removably secures the hitch assembly to the support unit at a selected elevation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventor: Randy A. Massey
-
Patent number: 6290247Abstract: A bicycle trailer hitch employs an adjustably positioned universal hitch ball. The bicycle trailer hitch attaches to a hitch receiver mounted on the bicycle frame and encompasses the rear tire of the bicycle. The trailer hitch slides into the hitch brackets and is secured by clevis pins. Height adjustments between the hitch and the trailer are made with two “L” shaped brackets. The lower bracket has the ball joint attached. The trailer tongue is attached to the ball joint.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Gary L. Schafer, Diane Schafer
-
Patent number: 6276469Abstract: An improved transporter to guide and propel heavy loads in an industry where the loads levitate upon pressurized fluid plenums. The transporter is very light weight that provides many opportunities of lower cost, small size, ease of movement to its point of use, short turn radius, etc. The transporter is able to pull or push very heavy loads with such light weight. The key is that transporter includes a vertical forcing device, such as a piston and cylinder. The forcing device pushes upward against a load hitch rigidly attached to the load. More importantly, the forcing device pushes downward on transporter drive wheels. The vertical downward force on the wheels is controllable. Force can vary from so minimal as to allow wheel slipping on the floor during steering, to extreme force facilitating maximum desired pulling or pushing wheel traction.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Jason L. Smith
-
Patent number: 6186530Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The apparatus includes a trailer mounting assembly adapted to releasably interconnect to the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly includes a hitch box mount adapted to be secured to a hitch box of the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly also includes an extension coupling which has a proximal end portion secured pivotally to the hitch box mount about a pivot axis. The extension coupling terminates in a distal end portion, and the distal end portion is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting trunnions that extend along a load axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The apparatus also includes a tow hitch assembly adapted to be secured to the bed of a tractor vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a pair of spaced apart receivers sized and oriented to engage the trunnions of the extension coupling to define an engaged state.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Zilm Research and Development, LLPInventor: William M. Zilm