Abstract: A trailer having retractable wheels. A lock-out mechanism is provided that prevents the trailer from being connected to a vehicle when the wheels are in the retracted position. The lock-out mechanism may also be configured to prevent movement of the wheels to the retracted position when the trailer is connected to a vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible patient supporting carrier configured as either a backboard or a stretcher for being pulled or towed behind a person, animal or vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle, snow mobile or jet ski. The carrier comprises a plurality of support sections interconnected by connecting mechanisms that are configured to selectively place the carrier in a collapsed condition having a support surface for carrying medical supplies or an extended condition for transporting an injured person. Each support section is made up of a frame and one or more support members, such as a rigid plate or a somewhat flexible material, attached to the frame. The forward end of the carrier has a tow connector member to connect to a tow member for towing. Transport members, such as wheels, skis or a floatation member, are operatively connected near the second end of the carrier to facilitate movement over a surface.

Abstract: A locking device of extendable and retractable container semi-trailers comprises four link bars, two lock pin assemblies, a crossmember, a falling tube and a pull assembly. Two ends of the pull assembly are connected with two link bars and one lock pin assembly respectively. Said pull assembly comprises an automatic locking and releasing device fixed rotatablely between a bottom plate and a top plate of said crossmember. The pull assembly is rotated round the automatic locking and releasing device to a locking place, and the automatic locking and releasing device locks said pull assembly. The falling tube acts on the automatic locking and releasing device, and the pull assembly is released.

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 mount for holding a tow-bar having pivotally attached arms, attachable to a vehicle such as a HMMWV 1114 (the up-armored HMMWV), for holding the tow-bar outside the vehicle. A kit is also provided including materials and hardware for making the mount and including hardware for attaching the mount to the front bumper of a vehicle, and in particular for attaching the mount to the front bumper of a HMMWV 1114.

Abstract: In one embodiment a detachable tow hook assembly comprises a housing defining a passageway for detachably receiving a locking end portion of a tow hook for use in towing a vehicle. Desirably, the tow hook is inserted and rotated to a locking position for retention in place during towing of a vehicle without requiring fasteners or any retaining pins to retain the tow hook in place. Exemplary configurations for tow hooks, tow hook locking portions and tow hook receiving housings are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a trailer tongue pivot hinge are described herein. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly for a towing trailer includes a first adapter and a second adapter. The first adapter is arranged to be attachable to a first trailer frame member and includes a body; an engagement face forming a front surface of the body; a pivot hinge member extending from the engagement face; and a coupling hinge member extending from the engagement face and opposed to the first pivot hinge member; and a receiver. The receiver is adapted for securing a trailer accessory to the first adapter. The second adapter is arranged to be attachable to a second trailer frame member and pivotably attachable to the first adapter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple use adjustable trailer for use in transportation, storage and housing, comprising: a substantially Y-shaped tongue (18) which pivots on a frame (2) into a perpendicular position where the lower portions of the side arms of the tongue (18) function as support legs for the frame (2), enabling the frame (2) to store and display materials or house equipment in the trailer bed. The tongue (18) is further secured vertically by hitch pins (8) in brackets (28) on the frame (2) that can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. Two flip-down legs (30) pivotably mounted on the side of the frame (2) are used as temporary support legs before the lower portions of the side arms of the tongue (18) are fully engaged. The flip-down legs (30) are engaged when a hitch pin (8) is released from a hitch means on each side of the frame (2), enabling each flip-down leg (30) to freely pivot downward to contact the ground.

Abstract: A trailer and system for use with a vehicle that allows for storing the trailer in the vehicle during non-use. The foldable trailer and a receiving arrangement mountable to the vehicle, allows eased storage of the unused trailer and requires minimized storage space. The folding of the trailer also facilitates use of the trailer in various configurations for various needs.

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: A towbar for flat-towing a vehicle, including two telescoping arms each pivotally attached at a pivot end having a heavy-gauge eyelet for attaching to a pintle hitch on the rear of a towing vehicle, with each arm having a gear element at the pivot end, in gear engagement with the gear element of the other arm. The telescoping arms automatically lock at a predetermined length.

Abstract: A pivotal fold away trailer hitch mount which comprises a mounting plate secured to an underside of a frame of a motor vehicle and adjacent to a bumper of the motor vehicle. A hitch assembly is also provided. A mechanism is for pivotally connecting an inner end of the hitch assembly to a bottom surface of the mounting plate. The hitch assembly will swing from a towing position extending outwardly from the bumper of the motor vehicle to a stowed position extending under the frame of the motor vehicle away from the bumper. A mechanism is for retaining the hitch assembly in the towing position, while another mechanism is for holding the hitch assembly in the stowed position.

Abstract: A hitch storage device for securing a hitch to a vehicle that minimizes risk of accidental painful contact between the hitch and the operator of the vehicle. The hitch storage device includes a connecting member, a male hitch member, a hitch-support bracket, and a male protrusion member. The hitch storage device incorporates an integral passive securing mechanism whereby a hitch is secured without having to use an active hitch-securing device such as a bolt to secure the hitch shaft to the hitch storage device of the present invention. In a further embodiment, the male hitch member and hitch-support bracket are integrated to provide an L-shaped bracket with an integral sidewall.

Abstract: A quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment of the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball, and a hold-down bar is used to prevent accidental detachment of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The preferred embodiment also includes an alarm to inform the operator when the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball are in correct alignment.

Abstract: A vertically stowable modular multi-purpose trailer is provided. The trailer includes a forward support section including a first tubular frame having a main body portion with a first upper platform and rear interface side, and forward trailer neck; a pair of caster wheels attached proximate said rear interface; and a first planar deck substantially covering the first upper platform. The trailer further includes a rear support section including a second tubular frame having a second upper platform and a forward interface; and a second planar deck substantially covering the second upper platform. A pair of hinge assemblies interconnecting rear interface and said forward interface. The trailer is adapted to be configured in a deployed configuration, wherein the forward support section and rear support section are longitudinally positioned next to each other forming a generally horizontally oriented common planar platform for supporting a payload.

Abstract: A tiltable trailer hitch for assisting in the loading and unloading of a trailer. The hitch includes a shank adapted to be received within a conventional trailer hitch and a ballmount pivotally mounted on the shank. An adjustment bracket is carried by the shank and is adapted to attach a ballmount. The adjustment bracket defines cooperating pairs of first openings and cooperating pairs of second openings. The second openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the first openings. The first openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the second openings. The ballmount defines first and second openings for cooperatively receiving the first and second ballmount locking pins. The trailer is tilted up or down by moving the first and second ballmount locking pins up and down within the cooperating pairs of first and second openings.

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 trailer ball raising and lowering apparatus includes vehicle attachment means, a first hitch-support unit connected to the vehicle attachment means, a raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit, continuously movable first-to-second connector means connected between the first hitch-support unit and the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit, unit-to-unit lock means for locking the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit to the first hitch-support unit, and a hitch member connected to the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit. An important feature of the present invention is that the interconnection between a trailer-mounted ball connector and a hitch ball unit on the motor vehicle is not disconnected during raising and lowering of the respective ends of the trailer.

Abstract: An animal management system provides an alley to control the handling of animals when procedures are to be performed on the animals by veterinarians or cattle producers. The alley is formed by a base frame, and included therewith are a headgate and preferably two wedge-shaped access doors rotatably mounted with the base frame. The headgate is movable between an entrapping position to a releasing position for an animal, and coordinated movement of the at least one access door ensures that a lead animal is properly positioned while other down line animals do not interfere with care given to, or procedures performed on, the lead animal in the headgate. Each access door allows convenient access for persons to the lead animal, and the selective use of one of two doors at a time facilitates the access to and movement of animals of different sizes in the alley.

Abstract: In order to provide a trailer coupling for motor vehicles comprising a bearing element, a towing element which can be pivoted in relation to the bearing element between an operative position and a rest position and displaced in the direction of the pivot axis between a pivoting position and a fixing position and a fixing device, with which the towing element can be fixed in position on the bearing element, with a simplified fixing of the towing element on the bearing element it is suggested that the towing element have a bearing member, that the bearing element have a receiving member, in which the bearing member engages at least in the fixing position and in relation to which the bearing member can be moved between the pivoting position and the fixing position in a direction of displacement and vice versa, and that the fixing device have a blocking device which blocks the bearing member with respect to any movement in the direction of displacement relative to the receiving member and has at least one blockin

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: A hitch arrangement includes a hitch member, coupled to a towing vehicle. The hitch member is positionable in a stored position and in a deployed position and conforms to a contour of the rear end of the vehicle when in the stored position.

Abstract: A hitch includes a hitch engagement, a hitch tongue and a connecting bridge portion which are forged or otherwise formed as a single, integral, monolithic metal structure. The hitch engagement includes a recess exposed on its bottom side which significantly reduces the weight and material cost of the hitch. The hitch includes generally uniform wall thicknesses with the exception of stress pyramids of greater thickness disposed on the side walls of the bridge portion. A front wall to the hitch engagement is provided which slopes relative to the longitudinal axis of the hitch and connects the side walls bounding the recess. An anti-vibration device can be used within the recess to prevent the hitch from rattling in the hitch receiver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformable utility/ATV trailer (1) that can easily be adapted to mount to a large number of different types of vehicles and trailer hitches. Moreover, the trailer (3) can rapidly be converted from a short box/bed trailer (3) to a flat bed trailer (3). The tow structure (2) comprises a frame (4) for mounting to a trailer (3) or similar implement and a draw bar (5) having a first end with a first hitch coupler (6) and a second end with a second hitch coupler (12). The draw bar (5) is mounted pivotally to the frame (4) for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4).

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a controller mounted within a vehicle cab and electrically coupled to a power supply source of the vehicle. A trailer hitch tongue section is attachable to the vehicle and provided with an elongated chamber. The tongue section has opposed end portions defining a socket and an opening. An adaptable ram includes displaceable support arms engaged within the chamber. The support arms are upwardly spaced from a ground surface. The assembly further includes a trailer for receiving and supporting a boat. The trailer is provided with wheels and a front end portion attached to the ram. An auxiliary anchor beam vertically traverses one of the support arms and is provided with end portions situated above and below one support arm. A mechanism is included for telescopically adapting the support arms such that a spatial distance between the vehicle and the boat can be biased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable king pin assembly for a trailer operable between an extended position, for engagement with a truck or tractor fifth wheel, and a retracted position, wherein the king pin is retracted to prevent engagement by a fifth wheel to permit the trailer to be left unattended without the threat of being stolen. The king pin security device includes a base member having an aperture, a king pin disposed in the base member aperture, and an actuator operatively connected to the king pin. The actuator either rotates or slides the king pin to move it in an axial direction between the extended and retracted positions. The actuator can include an electric motor, a solenoid or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for mounting to a frame assembly of a vehicle comprises a one-piece hitch mounting structure having a general U-shape with opposing end portions and a centrally disposed intermediate portion between the end portions. A hitch receiver is mounted to the intermediate portion of the hitch mounting structure. The end portions each include a mounting section with a general L-shaped cross-sectional configuration, thereby providing the end portions with horizontally extending mounting flanges structured to mount the hitch assembly to the frame assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transportable storage container assembly for transport by a tow vehicle. The assembly includes a trailer having a center rail with a two-point trailer hitch at the front end and a pivotable single wheel at the rear end. The trailer has a first cross channel adjacent the front end of the rail and a second cross channel adjacent the rear end of the rail. A storage container mounted on the trailer includes bottom support skids at each end that seat in the cross channels and are secured in the channels by casters that are attached to the skids through mounting holes in the cross channels. There is a jack on the bottom of the trailer rail movable along the length of the rail to facilitate the raising of the trailer for attachment to, and disattachment from, the tow vehicle trailer hitch.

Abstract: A vehicular collapsible trailer comprising a platform (11) made of two longitudinal sections (28, 30) hingely mounted about a third central section (20). Front and rear flanges (16, 22) abut against the longitudinal sections and maintain the platform in its load carrying position. Two flanges (64A, 64B) along the distal ends of the longitudinal sections abut against central section to provide a folded trapezoid stowage position. Suspension joints (52) are fixed about the exterior edges of the longitudinal sections, and collapsible arms (82, 84) joined to axle (66) facilitate the platforms' progression to open and closed positions. A permanent hub (70) and wheel assembly is mounted to each axle end.

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 vertically stowable modular multi-purpose trailer is provided. The trailer includes a forward support section including a first tubular frame having a main body portion with a first upper platform and rear interface side, and forward trailer neck; a pair of caster wheels attached proximate said rear interface; and a first planar deck substantially covering the first upper platform. The trailer further includes a rear support section including a second tubular frame having a second upper platform and a forward interface; and a second planar deck substantially covering the second upper platform. A pair of hinge assemblies interconnecting rear interface and said forward interface. The trailer is adapted to be configured in a deployed configuration, wherein the forward support section and rear support section are longitudinally positioned next to each other forming a generally horizontally oriented common planar platform for supporting a payload.

Abstract: A trailer towing device can be swivelled from an operative position into an inoperative position and back. During an adjusting from the operative position into the inoperative position, a socket for an electrical plug device of a trailer is continuously taken along. The coupling neck of the trailer towing device as well as the socket are covered in the vehicle in their inoperative position.

Abstract: A towing device (1) for motor vehicles includes an elongated element (2) having a length, a cross section, a first end portion (13) and a second end portion (5). The cross section of the elongated element (2) at least along a part of the length of the elongated element (2) is designed to be hollow. The first end portion (13) is designed to be connected to a motor vehicle. The towing device (1) further includes a lug (3) being connected to the second end portion (5) of the elongated element (2). Due to the hollow cross section, the mass of the towing device (1) is substantially reduced.

Abstract: The specification discloses several embodiments of an interlocking device. The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of an interlocking device having an inner bar slideable within the confines of an outer bar. The outer bar has a first end and a second end. When the inner bar slides towards the second end of the outer bar, a plug, which is attached to the inner bar, is adapted to abut a plug barrier thereby preventing the inner bar from sliding towards the second end. The outer bar of the interlocking device further defines an interlocking member passage and an interlocking member stop. The interlocking device further has an interlocking member attached to the inner bar. When the inner bar slides towards the first end of the outer bar, at least a portion of the interlocking member moves transverse to the sliding axis of the inner bar and into the interlocking member passage.

Abstract: A vertically stowable modular multi-purpose trailer is provided. The trailer includes a forward support section including a first tubular frame having a main body portion with a first upper platform and rear interface side, and forward trailer neck; a pair of caster wheels attached proximate said rear interface; and a first planar deck substantially covering the first upper platform. The trailer further includes a rear support section including a second tubular frame having a second upper platform and a forward interface; and a second planar deck substantially covering the second upper platform. A pair of hinge assemblies interconnecting rear interface and said forward interface. The trailer is adapted to be configured in a deployed configuration, wherein the forward support section and rear support section are longitudinally positioned next to each other forming a generally horizontally oriented common planar platform for supporting a payload.

Abstract: A trailer hitching apparatus comprises a trailer hitch receiver assembly, a winching device, a trailer hitch and a cable. The trailer hitch receiver assembly includes a receiver tube having a first end, a second end, an opening at the second end, and a passage extending from the opening toward the first end. The cable extends through the opening. The trailer hitch receiver assembly is mountable on a chassis of a vehicle. The winching device is mountable on at least one of the chassis of the vehicle and the trailer hitch receiver assembly. The trailer hitch includes a receiver stub configured for being engaged within the receiver tube through the opening at the second end of the receiver tube. The cable has a first end attached to a spool of the winching device and a second end attached to the receiver stub of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A retractile trailer hitch has a tube shaft fixed on a motor-vehicle frame and an arm having a tubular inner end pivotal on the shaft and an outer ball end. The arm is limitedly axially displaceable on the shaft between locked and unlocked positions. Formations on the frame and on the inner end angularly arrest the arm in its end positions in the locked position of the inner end. The formations are unengageable with each other in the unlocked position of the inner end. A bolt is axially displaceable inside the shaft between a holding position and a freeing position. Balls inside the inner end are coupled to the bolt for axially displacing the arm into the locked position on displacement of the bolt into the holding position and for displacing the arm axially into the unlocked position on displacement of the bolt into the freeing position.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is mounted beneath a bed of a truck. The hitch assembly includes a frame, a platform displaceable relative to the frame, a hitch ball carried on the platform and an expandable body carried on the frame between a portion of the frame and the platform. By expanding the expandable body the platform and hitch ball are raised into a towing position. By contracting the expandable body, the platform and hitch ball are lowered into a storage position.

Abstract: A trailer tongue assembly has a base section which is engagable with a trailer and an extension section which supports a coupler. The trailer tongue assembly also has an internal hinge positioned between the extension section and the base section. The internal hinge rotationally connects the base section and the extension section and selectively provides the trailer tongue assembly with an extended operational position and a folded storage position. The internal hinge is housed in the trailer tongue assembly and is essentially shielded from view by the trailer tongue assembly when the trailer tongue assembly is in the extended operational position. The trailer tongue assembly also has a greater length in the extended operational position than in the folded storage position.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is provided including, in one embodiment, a pintle hitch having a retainer and an associated retainer lock. The retainer may be coupled with a mount by way of a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out one or more selected positions. The retainer may also be mounted on a guide such that it may translate relative to a mount. The apparatus may be configured to be selectively displaced between a towing position and a stowed position. Additionally, the mount of the apparatus may be adjustably coupled with the base. In such a case, the apparatus may have another guide to enable the mount to translate relative to the base. This may allow the mount to be height-adjustable and provide further versatility. In one embodiment, a swiveling mount may allow the mount to swivel relative to the base to accommodate the towing of trailers over rugged terrain.

Abstract: In order to achieve as reliable a safety functioning as possible with as simple a construction as possible in the case of a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, comprising a bearing part arranged so as to be fixed on the vehicle, a ball neck which can be moved in relation to the bearing part between an operative position and a rest position and is mounted so as to be rotatable, a ball neck fixing means with form locking elements which can be transferred by way of relative movement from a fixing position into a release position and vice versa, and a mechanical positioning device, with which the relative movement of the form locking elements can be brought about for reaching the fixing position and the release position, it is suggested that form locking elements be arranged on the bearing part and form locking elements be arranged on the bearing head, that the bearing head be movable relative to the bearing part in a direction transverse to a pivoting direction in order to move the form locking elements between

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: The invention is, in one embodiment, a ball mount storage device adapted to removeably attach to a vehicle frame. The device includes a frame-mounting portion that is adapted to attach to a vehicle frame. The frame-mounting portion includes a ball mount receptacle. In addition, the device may includes as ball mount that is adapted to coupled to the ball mount receptacle.

Abstract: 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.

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: A trailer hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a generally tubular receiver configured for attachment to the vehicle, and having a central aperture formed by walls of the receiver. The receiver has a rearward end. A hitch member is slidably received within the central aperture and has an attachment portion configured for attachment to a trailer. The hitch member is movable between an extended position in which the attachment portion protrudes from the rearward end of the receiver for attachment to a trailer, and a retracted position in which the attachment portion is positioned inside the central aperture for storage.

Abstract: A transportable storage container assembly for transport by a tow vehicle. The assembly includes a trailer having a center rail with a two-point trailer hitch at the front end and a pivotable single wheel at the rear end. The trailer has a first cross channel adjacent the front end of the rail and a second cross channel adjacent the rear end of the rail. A storage container mounted on the trailer includes bottom support skids at each end that seat in the cross channels and are secured in the channels by casters that are attached to the skids through mounting holes in the cross channels. There is a jack on the bottom of the trailer rail adjacent the midpoint to facilitate the raising of the trailer for attachment to, and disattachment from, the tow vehicle trailer hitch.

Abstract: A retractile trailer hitch has a tube shaft fixed on a motor-vehicle frame and an arm having a tubular inner end pivotal on the shaft and an outer ball end. The arm is limitedly axially displaceable on the shaft between locked and unlocked positions. Formations on the frame and on the inner end angularly arrest the arm in its end positions in the locked position of the inner end. The formations are unengageable with each other in the unlocked position of the inner end. A bolt is axially displaceable inside the shaft between a holding position and a freeing position. Balls inside the inner end are coupled to the bolt for axially displacing the arm into the locked position on displacement of the bolt into the holding position and for displacing the arm axially into the unlocked position on displacement of the bolt into the freeing position.

Abstract: A side swing hitch for a rear end of an agricultural combine. The hitch includes a hitch support bracket having opposite end portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, a first of the end portions including at least one element for mounting to a rear chassis member of the combine with the other end portion suspended in a position rearward of the rear axle assembly connected to the chassis member. A draw bar is pivotally mounted to the second end portion of the hitch support bracket for pivotal movement between a rearwardly extending towing position generally perpendicular to the rear axle assembly and at least one generally transversely extending stored position at least generally perpendicular to the towing position and beside the rear axle assembly, the draw bar having an opposite end including a hitch element connectable to a tongue of a vehicle such as a trailer or cart to be towed by the combine.