Abstract: A vehicle coupling device 10 for coupling a vehicle to another vehicle. The coupling device 10 comprises a mount 12 for mounting the coupling device 10 to the vehicle. The device 10 also comprises a first coupling 14 and a second coupling 16. Each of the first and second couplings 14, 16 is connected to a support 18 and movable relative to the mount 12 between an operative position and an inoperative position.

Abstract: In order for a trailer hitch comprising a cross-member, which has its longitudinal direction extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and which can be connected to a body of a vehicle, a ball neck, which at a first end region is connected to the cross-member by means of a bearing unit and at a second end region carries a coupling ball, to be improved such that it has a lower weight, it is proposed that the cross-member is in the form of a hollow shaped body which varies in cross-sectional shape and has a central region and outer regions which adjoin the central region on both sides and extend as far as outer ends of the hollow shaped body, and that, starting from the outer ends, a cross-sectional shape of the outer regions has a cross-sectional area that increases progressively in the direction of the central region.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for attachment to a bumper beam that is concealed with a bumper fascia. In one embodiment, the hitch assembly includes a body extending through the bumper fascia and has a receiver dimensioned to receive a drawbar. To secure the drawbar to the hitch assembly, at least one pin may be provided that can move between an engaged position that secures the drawbar to the hitch assembly and a disengaged position that allows the drawbar to be released from the hitch assembly. The hitch assembly may also include a handle extending from the bumper fascia and adapted to move the pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly including a mounting collar, a hitch base with a vertical post having a plurality of alternating square sections and circular sections, a hitch ball member having at least one hitch ball and a pivot shaft extending therefrom. The vertical post is slidably and rotatably received through the mounting collar; the pivot shaft is rotatably received in the mounting collar. The mounting collar, to which the hitch ball member is attached, may slide vertically along the vertical post and may rotate about the vertical post to adjust the height and angular position of the hitch ball member. The hitch ball member may have a plurality of variously sized hitch balls that a user may select by rotating the hitch ball member about the pivot shaft. A single rotatable latch pin received by the mounting collar engages and disengages the various components of the hitch assembly to allow adjustability.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tow bar having a leg with telescoping inner and outer members, the locking mechanism including a shuttle device secured to a proximal end of the inner member and having a peripheral groove spaced between a tapered forward end and a tapered rearward end thereof. The locking mechanism also including an aft latching device for locking the tow bar leg in a deployed configuration, and a fore latching device for locking the tow bar leg in a storage configuration. Each fore and aft latching device including a pair of latch elements pivotally and biasingly mounted in a pair of opposing slots of a housing, the slots being superimposed over corresponding openings through the outer member for cooperatively, simultaneously and lockingly interacting with the peripheral groove of the shuttle device.

Abstract: A foldable trailer is disclosed having the folding means provided by a winch that operates in conjunction with a lifting member enabling the trailer to be winched into an upright position for storage. The load bearing surface can be made of one section or two sections that fold together to allow for more compact storage. Through the lifting member the winch provides upward motion of the front of the load bearing surface while simultaneously causing the hingeably attached tongue to fold downward; continued winching will result in a vertically folded and storable position. The invention may be applied to a tilting trailer.

Abstract: In a method for folding in or folding out an electrically operated trailer coupling for vehicles which can be moved electrically between a folded-out use position and a folded-in rest position with excess force limitation, an actuating device is provided for activating the trailer coupling. A brief actuation of the actuating device results in an automatic adjusting movement of the trailer coupling in the folding-in or folding-out direction. In the method, in the event of a continuous actuation of the actuating device, the excess force limitation threshold is increased during the automatic adjusting process of the trailer coupling, and after the actuating device is released, the automatic adjusting process is continued with the original excess force limitation threshold until the trailer coupling has reached its use or rest position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing bar assembly that may convert from an articulated assembly extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a trailer to transport materials or equipment, the front tongue assembly of which converts to a highway traffic arrow board, or other preferred display, and which locks the trailer securely in place. The tongue extension frame extends through and pivots on the trailer frame and is moved to vertical by rack and pinion, or other suitable means such as hydraulic cylinder. Its upper end pivotably supports a Y-shaped tongue assembly with sign affixed opposite the towbar and hitch means. Power is applied to a gear box mounted on upper end of said tongue extension frame which turns the pivot bar 180 degrees to place the sign at the top for display and the towbar with hitch means at the bottom. Flip-down legs with extended side supports give added stability in the setup positions.

Abstract: A latch arrangement for a tow bar is disclosed, the tow bar being attached to a vehicle via a hinge, and pivotable about an axis from a towing position to a stowed position, the latch mechanism comprises a primary latch for holding the tow bar in the stowed position and a secondary latch for holding the primary latch in the latched position. A tow bar arrangement for use with the latch arrangement and a mobile power unit to which the tow bar arrangement may be connected, are disclosed. Safety interlock arrangements for creating an interlock between the function of the latch arrangement and the function of the mobile power unit are described.

Abstract: A tow vehicle and tow assembly are disclosed that conceals the tow assembly underneath the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A tube is cut to form a tube-formed box with an opening on its top side. A hitch ball is pivotally mounting on the tube-formed box, so as to extend above the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the operative position and to reside within the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the inoperative, stowed position. The tube-formed hitch box is joined to and extends through an underbed plate, with the top surface of the tube-formed hitch box higher than the top surface of the underbed plate, so the bed of the truck can ride on the underbed plate up to and even with the tube-formed hitch box. In another aspect, the door of the hitch includes one or more recesses around the finger hole, such as a finger access recess on one top side and a finger grip recess on the opposite bottom side of the door.

Abstract: The invention provides space saving, locking and support features for most single pole trailer tongue, having: a support leg, which has the coupler hitch on the opposite end, pivots on the tongue into a vertical position where it acts as a support for the tongue. This leg is secured vertically, using aligned brackets on both sections, by a hitch pin or locking device, so that it can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. When in the horizontal position, the support leg is secured to the tongue by a hitch pin and may be connected to a towing vehicle. A flip-down leg, pivotally mounted on the tongue, which drops down when the securing hitch pin is removed part way, to provide temporary support for the tongue while the support leg is being moved to the vertical position.

Abstract: A tube is cut to form a tube-formed box with an opening on its top side. A hitch ball is pivotally mounting on the tube-formed box, so as to extend above the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the operative position and to reside within the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the inoperative, stowed position. The tube-formed hitch box is joined to and extends through an underbed plate, with the top surface of the tube-formed hitch box higher than the top surface of the underbed plate, so the bed of the truck can ride on the underbed plate up to and even with the tube-formed hitch box. In another aspect, the door of the hitch includes one or more recesses around the finger hole, such as a finger access recess on one top side and a finger grip recess on the opposite bottom side of the door.

Abstract: A trailer including a cargo carrier is provided. The cargo carrier may be secured to the rear of the trailer to increase the carrying capacity of the trailer. The cargo carrier may also be used independently of the trailer. The trailer may be positioned in a vertically disposed position for transport or storage.

Abstract: A low profile highway sign trailer wherein the message board positioned lengthwise resting upon the trailer frame during transport. The rear end of the sign board is fastened to and raised vertically by a rack, utilizing gearing and portable power drill or the like. The trailer tongue pivots on the frame to a vertical position utilizing a curved rack, to add support to the forward end of the sign board and locked in that position. Two handles are provided for manually positioning the trailer at a desired display angle. A rear section may house a generator and/or battery packs and solar panels are located on the roof. The trailer can store equipment accessible from both sides and the rear.

Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.

Abstract: A trailer system that is quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. The trailer components can be shipped and stored in a knockdown configuration and then quickly assembled with single wrench and little mechanical skill. A plurality of structural members are bolted onto a beam set to form the trailer bed. A simple trailer axle and wheel assembled can then be attached to the trailer bed. The shipping container is used to form the surfaces of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle coupling device 10 for coupling a vehicle to another vehicle. The coupling device 10 comprises a mount 12 for mounting the coupling device 10 to the vehicle. The device 10 also comprises a first coupling 14 and a second coupling 16. Each of the first and second couplings 14, 16 is connected to a support 18 and movable relative to the mount 12 between an operative position and an inoperative position.

Abstract: A recreational trailer assembly that includes first and second trailer members and a trailer tongue that are all detachably and removably connected to one another. Specifically the first and second trailer members and trailer tongue are detachably removed from one another allowing for multi-functional uses of each and to provide assistance in transportation and storage of the entire recreational trailer assembly.

Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping. The wheels are provided with heavy duty fenders which can be pivotally mounted on the wheel axles to function as sled runners. Support members extend from the axles to a selected point under the trailer frame at a selected angle in front of the wheels to function as brush guards so that the wheels are not caught in brush, hung on stumps, or deep gullies. A keeper can be removed to allow the fenders to be rotated forward and down to be used as sled runners when the ATV is towing a load in the snow. The wheels are also positioned under the trailer bed to extend pass the frame to allow the trailer to be backed over objects such as logs or gullies.

Abstract: A hitch attached extension for over sized cargo has a longitudinally extending frame member adapted to be removably attached to a trailer hitch of a motor vehicle. The longitudinally extending frame member including a draw bar located at a distal end adapted to be connected with the trailer hitch, a pivot member adjacent the draw bar forming a pivot axis adapted to allow the longitudinally extending frame member to be pivoted between a horizontal position and a vertical stowing position with respect to the trailer hitch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for an adjustable tow bar caddy for stowing a tow bar. The apparatus having a cross member having opposite ends; a tow bar; and a tow bar caddy selectively mounted to the cross member, the longitudinal axis of the tow bar caddy being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross member. The tow bar caddy being adjustable commensurate to the type of tow bar used and obstructions created by the vehicle frame. A method including the steps of providing a trailer hitch assembly comprising a cross member, a tow bar, and a tow bar caddy; mounting the tow bar caddy to the cross member; and selectively adjusting the longitudinal axis of the tow bar caddy to be horizontally perpendicular or vertically perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cross member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an adjustable trailer hitch which allows the ball to be adjustable laterally and longitudinally so that the tongue of the trailer can be can be more easily attached to the ball of the towing vehicle. A body portion is mounted on a slide-tube for insertion in a receiver-tube wherein the body portion has an interior pocket or space which allows the draw bar having the ball mounting thereon to move laterally inside the pocket along with a plurality of apertures so that the draw bar can be laterally adjusted using the apertures and a first locking pin. The slide-tube also has a longitudinal adjustment slot in it which allows it to slide longitudinally inside the receiver-tube wherein a second locking pin holds the slide-tube in the receiver-tube allowing the entire trailer hitch to be longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose trailer provides further utility by being easily configurable in a carrying orientation, a drive-on loading orientation, and a storage orientation. The storage orientation is capable of near vertical storage, thus taking up very limited amounts of floor space in a garage or storage area. The drive-on loading orientation provides a ramped portion which easily accommodates the loading of wheeled vehicles without the need for additional ramp components or members. Further, mechanisms are provided to easily adjust between the various orientations including hydraulically lifting from a loading orientation to a transport orientation. To provide additional utility, provisions are made on the trailer surface for the attachment of multiple modular accessories.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a wheel frame supporting a wheel, and a pivot bracket assembly secured to the wheel frame. The pivot bracket assembly is displaceable between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing mechanism is coupled with the pivot bracket assembly. The biasing mechanism urges the pivot bracket assembly toward the extended position when the pivot bracket assembly is in the extended position and urges the pivot bracket assembly toward the retracted position when the pivot bracket assembly is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A novel trailer for use in hauling loads behind a motor vehicle is disclosed, where the trailer is of the fold-up type and includes a slidable bed that can extend and retract, at least one winch with cable attached to the slidably bed for operation between a use position and a stored position, a suspension system with wheels and tires for rolling support of the trailer when being towed, a hitch for connecting the trailer to the motor vehicle, and a hinge for cooperation in allowing the rotatable transitioning of the slidable bed. In an alternate version, a trailer includes a primary bed and a secondary bed that are telescopically slidable into a stored position underneath the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The trailer hitch mount for an umbrella includes a square cross-section shaft that is adapted to slide into a standard sleeve-style trailer hitch receiver that is currently available on many vehicles. The shaft includes a series of holes along the sides thereof to receive a pin in order to secure the shaft to the trailer hitch receiver in a telescopic relationship. The series of holes allows the shaft length to be adjusted, so that the distance between the trailer hitch receiver and the opposed end of the shaft may be shortened or lengthened, as desired. The shaft includes two ends, one of which slides into the trailer hitch receiver, and the other end includes a hollow pivoting cylindrical tube that is used to receive the bottom end of an umbrella pole. The pivoting tube includes adjustment means, so that the pivoting tube may be tilted to a desired angle and secured in that position.

Abstract: A trunnion, adapted to fit in a receiver, attached to a vehicle as a receiver-type hitch system, provides selective deployment and stowage of a hitch. An optional base secured to the trunnion may receive a pivot. A mount, secured by the pivot to the base, swings between a deployed and a stowed position. Alignments are one-dimensional, typically circumferentially positioning a locking pin aperture and a corresponding locking pin about a radius with respect to a pivot axis. A platform of the mount may contain an aperture for operating as a pin hitch aperture or for receiving a stud or bolt for securing a ball hitch or two hitches. In certain embodiments, multiple ball hitches may be attached at once to the platform. Selection of ball hitch sizes and positioning of the ball hitch altitude may also be accomplished by pivots built into the mount.

Abstract: In a method for folding in or folding out an electrically operated trailer coupling for vehicles which can be moved electrically between a folded-out use position and a folded-in rest position with excess force limitation, an actuating device is provided for activating the trailer coupling. A brief actuation of the actuating device results in an automatic adjusting movement of the trailer coupling in the folding-in or folding-out direction. In the method, in the event of a continuous actuation of the actuating device, the excess force limitation threshold is increased during the automatic adjusting process of the trailer coupling, and after the actuating device is released, the automatic adjusting process is continued with the original excess force limitation threshold until the trailer coupling has reached its use or rest position.

Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.

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: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a trailer tongue pivot hinge are described herein. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly for a tongue of a towing trailer includes a trailer arm adapter, a coupler arm adapter, and a pivot member. The trailer arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupling hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the coupling hinge member is opposed to the pivot hinge member. The coupler arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupler hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the second coupling hinge member is opposed to the second pivot hinge member. The pivot member is positioned to pivotally engage the trailer arm adapter to the couple arm adapter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer (50) is attachable to a pulling vehicle (22). Attachment to the pulling vehicle (22) provides steering rigidity around a vertical axis (32), permits pivotal freedom around a horizontal transverse axis (30), and optionally permits pivotal freedom around a longitudinal axis (34). A wheel (14), which preferably is steerable, at least partially supports the trailer (50). In a preferred embodiment, a body of the trailer (50) is a clamshell body (52) that is disposed vertically and transversely for traveling, and that includes clamshell portions (54A and 54B). Optionally, the clamshell body (52) is positioned horizontally, the clamshell portions (54A and 54B) are separated, and a tent (74) is erected above one of the clamshell portions (54A or 54B).

Abstract: The present invention provides a trailer to transport materials or equipment, the front tongue assembly of which converts to a highway traffic arrow board, or other preferred display, and which locks the trailer securely in place. The tongue extension frame extends through and pivots on the trailer frame and is moved to vertical by rack and pinion, or other suitable means such as hydraulic cylinder. Its upper end pivotably supports a Y-shaped tongue assembly with sign affixed opposite the towbar and hitch means. Power is applied to a gear box mounted on upper end of said tongue extension frame which turns the pivot bar 180 degrees to place the sign at the top for display and the towbar with hitch means at the bottom. Flip-down legs with extended side supports give added stability in the setup positions.

Abstract: A frameless modular trailer for towing behind a motor vehicle is provided. The trailer is made of slidably coupled extrusions for easy assembly. The front and side panels include a protrusion on the top surface. This protrusion allows for the stacking of additional panels for vary the height of the trailer. Additionally, one of a variety of top panels may be stacked on the front and side panels to multiple configurations for securing objects within the trailer.

Abstract: In order for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a coupling ball, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit, in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device which can be driven by a drive, to be improved such that it can absorb, in constructional terms, the highest possible load moments, it is proposed that the rotation-blocking device has at least one rotation-blocking body, that the rotation-blocking body can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a holder by movement in a guide direction, that there is provided an actuating body which has a pressure-exerting surface and the movement of which allows the at least one rotation-blocking body to be moved and acted on, and that the drive is an actuating drive by means of which the actuating body can be moved between at least one rotation-blocking position and a freewheeling

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A low profile trailer hitch includes a frame for attachment to a vehicle and a draw bar pivotally attached to the frame that includes upper and lower substantially similar curved plates, a stationary stop plate and a plurality of apertures for extending stop pins through both the upper and lower plates. The draw bar has a first towing position wherein the draw bar abuts against the stationary stop plate of the frame with a trailer coupling end of the draw bar extending outwardly away from a bumper of a vehicle upon which the hitch is mounted. The draw bar may be pivoted to a storage position with the coupling end disposed at a location substantially adjacent or within a periphery of the bumper and captured in the storage position by stop pins extending through the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: A trailer coupler pivot assembly comprising a pivot mount member connected to a trailer frame member and a hinge bracket connected to a trailer tongue arm. The hinge bracket is pivotally connected to the pivot mount member so that the trailer tongue arm is pivotal relative to the trailer frame member between an open position and a closed position. However, either of the pivot mount member or the hinge bracket comprises a single, prefabricated component to make assembly more efficient and cost effective. With both the pivot mount member and the hinge bracket being single, prefabricate components, the trailer coupler pivot assembly can be more easily installed with fewer components and welds and by less skilled labor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous wheeled vehicle (100; 200) having a driver's cabin (16) and a space (18) for transporting passengers and/or objects, to a coupling procedure, to an uncoupling procedure, and to a method of managing said vehicles, and also to the resulting vehicle train. In characteristic manner, the vehicle includes: a steering front axle (12); a retractable coupling system (22) comprising a first portion (221) situated at the front of the vehicle (100; 200) and a second portion (222) situated at the rear of the vehicle (100; 200), the first portion (221) of one vehicle (100; 200) being suitable for co-operating with the second portion (222) of another vehicle (100; 200) when the coupling system (22) is extended, so as to connect the vehicles (100; 200) together by forming a coupling between them; and also protector means for protecting said coupling. The invention is applicable to buses.

Abstract: A hitch device holding assembly for organized and efficient storage of one or more hitch devices includes a panel adapted for being attached to a wall. One or more receiver hitches extend outwardly from the panel for receiving hitch devices. The hitch devices are secured by a pin extending through the hitch device and the receiver hitch of the invention.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tail end region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use.