Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly including a mounting frame including a tubular receiver readily attachable to a chassis of a towing vehicle and a hitch mount assembly detachably coupled to the tubular receiver for free 360° horizontal rotation therein.

Abstract: A hitch receiver has a clamp-on funnel shaped open mouth for receiving and guiding a hitch shank entry. Attached in the funnel mouth of the hitch receiver, a shank neutral position indicator includes a generally horizontal spring mounted with one end of the spring held at one side of the open mouth and an opposing end of the spring loosely held and movable within a vertical elongate slot on the other side of the open mouth. The spring is positioned such that with a hitch shank centered within the hitch receiver, the hitch shank moves the spring to a center position of the elongate slot thereby indicating that receiver and shank are mutually free for disengagement. A hitch shank engagement limiter within the hitch receiver, has an adjustable length which is selected for stopping hitch shank entry travel into the hitch receiver when receiver and shank hitch pin holes are aligned.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler for use with a towing vehicle having a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler provides an improved and simplified structure designed to make assembly and coupling to the ball hitch easy, while not compromising coupler strength or security. The ball hitch coupler comprises a coupler housing having a ball hitch cavity, a locking passageway also located in the coupler housing, and a locking rod having a keyed section. The locking rod operates as a restraining mechanism to hold the ball hitch within the ball hitch cavity, thereby resulting in a secure coupling of the ball hitch with the ball hitch coupler. In addition, the locking rod, in conjunction with the locking passageway, also serves as a theft protection feature by operating as an inherent lock-key mechanism.

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: A hitch structure for connection between a pair of elongated, laterally spaced hydroformed frame members of a vehicle chassis having preformed apertures formed therein. The hitch structure comprises a hitch base adapted to receive a hitch ball member, a pair of side plates connected respectively to opposite ends of said hitch base, a pin sized, positioned, and oriented on each of the side plates to enable reception of the pin member in the preformed aperture of an associated hydroformed frame member, and a pair of clamp members on each side plate to clamp the side plate with an associated frame member at such a location as to position the pin member in alignment with the associated preformed aperture to thereby secure said hitch base in transverse relation between the frame members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a convertible cargo rack that can be configured in one of two positions. In the first configuration, the cargo rack is suspended behind a vehicle, and in the second configuration, the cargo rack is pulled behind the vehicle in a trailer-like fashion. In the first configuration, the cargo rack has at least two tubular receivers on its underside that correspond to at least two tubular receivers attached to the rear of the vehicle. Support bars are inserted into the receivers to suspend the cargo rack behind the vehicle. In the second configuration, the cargo rack is rotated 90 degrees and wheels are attached to the sides of the cargo rack. A trailer bar then pivotably attaches the cargo receiver to the vehicle's center tubular receiver so that the cargo rack can be pulled behind the vehicle in a trailer-like fashion. The tubular receivers that are secured to the vehicle are attached using a bracket that can accommodate vehicle support frames of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises a mounting bracket defining a horizontal through for receiving a drawbar. A pin projects downwards into the through for engagement in a pin slot defined in the drawbar. A wedge is axially insertable into the through for wedging the drawbar therein. A fastener is provided for releasably securing the wedge to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A towing hitch extension is provided that is adapted to protect the rear bumper, especially a plastic bumper, of a towing vehicle. The hitch extension includes a tow bar with front ends and rear ends. The front end couples to the rear towing hitch of the towing vehicle. The rear end is mounted to a transversely extending, horizontally oriented, enlongated cross bar medially an also to a trailer hitch receiver hitch receiver that is somewhat above the tow bar. A pair of guard projections, such a pair of tow hooks for example, upstand from the cross bar on either side of the tow bar. Braces, preferably metal plate members, are preferably mounted to the tow bar and the cross bar to strengthen the position of the cross-bar relative to the tow bar.

Abstract: A tow hook replacement hitch includes a mounting plate having a top side, a bottom side, a front end, a back end and a pair of lateral sides. The plate has a threaded aperture extending therethrough. The aperture extends through the top and bottom sides and is positioned generally adjacent to the back end. A mounting tube is attached to the top side of the plate such that the aperture is between the tube and the back end. The tube has an opening extending therethrough and through a pair of open ends of the tube. An axis of the opening is orientated perpendicular to the lateral sides. Threaded bolts may be extended through the opening and aperture and into a tow hook mount. A hitch receiving housing is attached to the bottom side of the plate such that the aperture is positioned between the housing and the back end.

Abstract: A garden cart handle having a main shank having a principal axis, a first end pivotably connectable to a garden cart and a second end opposite the first end. A handgrip portion is connected to the second end of the main shank, having a principal axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the principal axis of the main shank, a first end and a second end. A hinged portion, having an inboard end and an outboard end, is connected to the handgrip portion through a pivoting connection so as to allow the hinged portion to pivot about the principal axis of the handgrip portion. A flange is disposed on the outboard end of the hinged portion, shaped and sized to connect to a trailer tongue of a tractor. A latch is disposed on the second end of the main shank, shaped and sized to secure the hinged portion against pivoting.

Abstract: A tractor having a cargo box and an axle mounted hitch ball in which the hitch ball projects upward through an opening in the cargo box floor. This arrangement enables the ball to be used when the cargo box is mounted to the tractor. Furthermore, since the ball is mounted to the axle and not the cargo box, greater load carrying capacity is achieved and the hitch can be used when the box removed from the tractor.

Abstract: A hitch attachment assembly has a female extending tube with a hollow rectangular interior and a pair of side faces. A pair of apertures are aligned with each other on the side faces of the female extending tube of the hitch attachment assembly. A hitch draw bar has a male extending tube with an outer rectangular configuration. The male extending tube is positionable within the female extending tube when in a use orientation. A cylindrical finger has an external end and an internal end coupled with respect to the male extending tube. A diametrical bore is provided through the external end. The finger is positionable within the pair of apertures when in a storage orientation. A locking pin is adapted to pass through the bore of the finger when in the storage orientation.

Abstract: An easy alignment trailer hitch comprising a conventional hitch insert to be attached to a towing vehicle and aligned holes through sidewalls thereof; an insert assembly having spaced apart slide plates connected at one end to an end plate to be inserted into the bore of the receiver, a slide block between the slide plates is attached to the receiver and means for releasably locking the slide plates to the slide block when the insert assembly is fully inserted into the receiver.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly includes first and second telescopic members. A releasable locking arrangement holds the first and second telescopic members in an extended position and includes at least one movable member to maintain the telescopic members in the locked relationship and a pivotally mounted release member mounted on one of the telescopic members to move the movable member to permit slidable movement between the first and second telescopic members. The invention provides coupling of interacting members one slidable in the other. The members define an opening for an extended and circular counterpart. The counterpart penetrates the opening and the members are held in position. The members together exert forces on the counterpart and a release device between the counterpart and the members release the members.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch including an aluminum tubular U-shaped strut and a cast aluminum receiver mounted thereto. Ends of the strut tube are flatted to form integral planar mounting flanges for mounting the hitch to a vehicle.

Abstract: A cam locking removable hitch assembly apparatus and system is described. The apparatus generally includes a hitch-ball shank in engagement with a shank sleeve that is in engagement with an outer sleeve. A nut is in threaded engagement with a lower portion of the hitch-ball shank securing the outer sleeve around the shank sleeve. Shank lugs, on a lower portion of the hitch-ball shank, engage with shear lugs internal to the shank sleeve when the hitch-ball shank is rotated with respect to the shank sleeve. Cam's on the upper portion of the hitch-ball shank engage with cam grooves on an upper portion of the shank sleeve, thereby locking the hitch-ball shank within the shank sleeve. The hitch assembly apparatus can be connected to a frame that is secured in a bed of a truck forming a cam locking removable hitch assembly system.

Abstract: A trailer system that includes a main chassis assembly including a detachable, trailer tongue assembly that is assembled from multiple trailer tongue assembly parts; a pair of detachable ramp members each detachably connectable to the main chassis assembly; multiple fasteners; and a multi-panel enclosure assembly attachable to the main chassis assembly. The fasteners are used to secure the multiple trailer tongue assembly parts together, the multi-panel enclosure assembly together and the assembled trailer tongue assembly and the assembled multi-panel enclosure assembly to the main chassis assembly.

Abstract: A holder and method of use are provided for storing a ball mount having a stem and a ball supported on the stem in a ball hitch in which the stem is slidably received within a receiver supported on a vehicle. The holder includes a pocket for slidably receiving the stem therein and mounting means for mounting the pocket on a supporting surface of the vehicle, for example a side wall of a truck box. The use of a pocket with suitable mounting means for mounting to a supporting surface of the vehicle while securing the stem of a ball mount therein provides proper storage for ball mounts which are not in use. The result is that potentially damaging or annoying sliding movement of the ball mounts within a moving vehicle can be prevented.

Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).

Abstract: A bumper system comprises a tubular roll-formed reinforcement beam. A hitch-supporting bracket has an inverted section shaped to fit downwardly onto the beam, and further has a laterally-extending second section. A hitch support tube is secured to the laterally-extending second section and has a hole for receiving a ball hitch for hauling a trailer. An energy absorber is attached to the beam, and includes a rear recess receiving the beam, a center section providing access to the hitch, and end sections that form steps on corners of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch receiver has a clamp-on funnel shaped open mouth for receiving and guiding a hitch shank entry. Attached in the funnel mouth of the hitch receiver, a shank neutral position indicator includes a generally horizontal spring mounted with one end of the spring held at one side of the open mouth and an opposing end of the spring loosely held and movable within a vertical elongate slot on the other side of the open mouth. The spring is positioned such that with a hitch shank centered within the hitch receiver, the hitch shank moves the spring to a center position of the elongate slot thereby indicating that receiver and shank are mutually free for disengagement. A hitch shank engagement limiter within the hitch receiver, has an adjustable length which is selected for stopping hitch shank entry travel into the hitch receiver when receiver and shank hitch pin holes are aligned.

Abstract: A support device is provided to accept hitch mounted bicycle carriers and other hitch accessories with the device being capable of being supported on the ground or against either a vertical or a horizontal surface. The support device is part consists firstly of a support receiver that accepts a wide range of commercial carriers built for 2 inch or 1¼ inch diameter square tongues and for those that bolt directly to fixed hitches. The support receiver connects to a frame of the support device which supports the receiver on various surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver including a cross member, a hitch receiver box carried on the cross member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement or series of apertures that secures the mounting brackets to the cross member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement or second set of mounting apertures for securing the mounting brackets to main frame member in a second position. Additionally, each mounting bracket includes a notch in the forward edge thereof which provides the necessary clearance for mounting the mounting brackets inboard of mounting flanges carried by the cross member. Accordingly, the mounting brackets may also be mounted in an inboard or outboard position as necessary to meet the needs of any particular application.

Abstract: A spring nut assembly is inserted within the internal cavity of a shank tube until the nut is aligned with opposing side holes in the side walls of the shank tube. The spring maintains the nut in alignment with the opposing side walls. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the spring nut assembly is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank tube until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank tube. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank tube against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter.

Abstract: A hitch adapter for connecting at least one accessory, such as a bicycle carrier, a motorcycle carrier, a platform for hauling cargo, a lift platform, a storage compartment, a truck bed extenders or a roof rack extender, to a receiver hitch.

Abstract: A tow hook mount is adapted to resist movement of the tow hook in a towing direction. The mount is also adapted to release the tow hook by allowing the tow hook to move in a direction opposite to the towing direction when contacted by a force in such direction. The tow hook is an elongated member having a towing end and a mounting end. The mounting end includes a front mount and a rear mount, each having a slot extending substantially opposite to the towing direction. In a low impact collision, the tow hook is arranged to move or break away from the automobile upon application of an impact force to the tow hook which is less than an activation force required to activate an airbag on the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch-mounted umbrella support is provided for use with a vehicle having a hitch receiver at the rearward end thereof. A hitch bar is selectively receivably mounted in the receiver and has a clevis secured to its rearward end. A support bar is selectively adjustably pivotally secured to the clevis and extends therefrom. The inner end of the support bar has a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed therein which are adapted to be selectively registered with a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart openings formed in the clevis. A U-shaped locking pin is extended between the clevis and the support bar to lock the support bar in various positions with respect to the hitch bar. A hollow tube is secured to the outer end of the support bar and receives the pole of the umbrella therein. The umbrella may be pivotally moved from side to side with respect to the vehicle and may be moved towards the vehicle or away from the vehicle.

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 gooseneck hitch assembly for attaching to a tow vehicle such as a pickup truck. The hitch assembly may include a cylinder attached to the vehicle frame such that the cylinder extends through the vehicle cargo bed. A ball hitch may be removably inserted in the cylinder and may include a pair of slots for receiving projections in the interior of the cylinder. A locking member may be positioned on an upper portion of the ball hitch to secure the ball hitch to the cylinder and to provide a visual indication of the locked condition of the ball hitch. Grooves may be formed in the ball hitch to receive the cylinder projections so that the ball hitch may be stored in the cylinder in an inverted position. In the stored position, the bottom of the ball hitch may be flush with the top of the cylinder to prevent the ball hitch from obstructing the cargo bed.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A combination tow hook and base plate system for connecting a tow bar to a towed vehicle. The system includes transversely opposed tow hook members, each having a closed loop configuration, connected to the towed vehicle. The system also includes base plate members configured to be operatively connected to the tow bar, each base plate member including a horizontally oriented spacer plate, a stiffener, an optional cross member interconnecting the base plate members, and a tow bar connector mechanism. The system further includes connector mechanisms configured to operatively connect the base plate members to the tow hook members, each connector mechanism including a connector plate, a spacer configured to be slidably insertable through the closed loop configuration of the respective tow hook member, and a fastening mechanism. The connector plates, spacer plates, and fastening mechanisms are configured to cooperatively and removably secure the base plate members to the tow hook members.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is provided for releasable attachment to a trailer frame. At least one aperture is defined in the trailer frame. The trailer hitch includes an elongated cross member having a first end and a second end, a first side member extending from the first end of the elongated cross member to a coupler and a second side member extending from the second end of the elongated cross member to the coupler. At least one aperture is defined in the trailer hitch in a position of coaxial alignment with the aperture defined in the frame when the trailer hitch is in a towing position A removable lock pin is adapted to extend through the apertures in the frame and the trailer hitch to secure the cross member in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver including a cross member, a hitch receiver box carried on the cross member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement or series of apertures that secures the mounting brackets to the cross member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement or second set of mounting apertures for securing the mounting brackets to main frame member in a second position. Additionally, each mounting bracket includes a notch in the forward edge thereof which provides the necessary clearance for mounting the mounting brackets inboard of mounting flanges carried by the cross member. Accordingly, the mounting brackets may also be mounted in an inboard or outboard position as necessary to meet the needs of any particular application.

Abstract: Bodies for hook lift shuttles and other roll-off loaders are fitted with trailer towing hitches, such as fifth wheels and hitch balls, so that when one of these bodies is loaded onto a shuttle or loader, the shuttle or loader can be used temporarily as a tractor for a trailer. Means are provided for connecting truck utilities such as brake air and electricity to the invention and thence to a trailer.

Abstract: A pivotable utility arm 10 for use with a vehicle receiver hitch 101 wherein the utility arm 10 includes a generally vertical support arm unit 12 pivotally connected to a horizontal beam unit 11 adapted to be releasably received in the vehicle receiver hitch 101 and a locking unit 13 that selectively captively engages the support arm unit 12 relative to the beam unit 11 to deploy the utility arm 10 in its operative disposition or releases the support arm unit 12 into a pivoting relationship relative to the beam unit 11 for storage purposes.

Abstract: A towbar for a vehicle. The towbar includes a yoke and a drawbar rotatably connected to the yoke. The drawbar is attached to the towing vehicle. A pair of connecting bars is attached to the yoke and to the vehicle being towed. A lock assembly is connected between the yoke and the to drawbar. The lock assembly is adapted to move from a first position in which the drawbar is free a to rotate and a second position in which the drawbar is retained to the yoke.

Abstract: A removable ball goose hitch system. The ball member includes a ball portion and a body portion. A plurality of locking ball bearings in the body portion are engaged by an internal plunger that is actuated by a screw that protrudes from the top of the ball portion. The locking ball bearings are adapted to be engaged with a receiver in the hitch mechanism on the vehicle. When the screw is unthreaded, the ball bearings are allowed to retract and the hitch ball can be removed. All moving parts of the mechanism are located in the ball member and improper hookups are prevented.

Abstract: A cross-country ski path tracer attachment for ATV or snowmobiles that is small, stable, lightweight and economical to run.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver including a cross member, a hitch receiver box carried on the cross member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement or series of apertures that secures the mounting brackets to the cross member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement or second set of mounting apertures for securing the mounting brackets to main frame member in a second position. Additionally, each mounting bracket includes a notch in the forward edge thereof which provides the necessary clearance for mounting the mounting brackets inboard of mounting flanges carried by the cross member. Accordingly, the mounting brackets may also be mounted in an inboard or outboard position as necessary to meet the needs of any particular application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe automobile towing structure, which contains a connecting rod with a flashing alarm at each side. On each end of the connecting rod is an extension rod, which end is installed with a rotational base. At the connection, the rotational base and the extension rod are mutually installed with a rotational axle. The rotational path between the rotational base and the extension rod is installed with corresponding bumpers. An adjusting rod is installed at the end of the rotational base. At the connection, the adjusting rod and the rotational base are mutually installed with a revolving axle that is perpendicular to the rotational axle. Besides, the vertically rotational path is installed with corresponding bumpers. The end of the adjusting rod is installed with a steel rope base.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch receiver including a main frame member, a hitch receiver box carried on the main frame member and a pair of opposed mounting brackets. Each of the opposed mounting brackets includes a first mounting arrangement or series of apertures that secures the mounting brackets to the main frame member in a first position and a second mounting arrangement or second set of mounting apertures for securing the mounting brackets to main frame member in a second position. Additionally, each mounting bracket includes a notch in the forward edge thereof which provides the necessary clearance for mounting the mounting brackets inboard of mounting flanges carried by the main frame member. Accordingly, the mounting brackets may also be mounted in an inboard or outboard position as necessary to meet the needs of any particular application.

Abstract: A one-piece pintle hitch is disclosed. The one-piece hitch utilizes an integral drawbar that may be engaged with a conventional receiver assembly such as installed along the underside of a vehicle. The one-piece pintle hitch avoids the use of prior art mounting plates that bolt to one another. Accordingly, the problems associated with threaded fasteners such as loosening, fracturing, and corrosion, are eliminated. In addition, the one-piece pintle hitch utilizes a unique configuration along its bar portion that results in a significant reduction in weight and materials.

Abstract: A tow hitch for all-terrain vehicles including an attachment leg with a hole therethrough for bolting of the attachment leg to a draw bar of the vehicle, a tow ball support leg with a pair of aligned, spaced apart holes adjacent to one end of the support leg and a tow ball having a threaded stem inserted through the one of said holes remote from the one end of the support leg to receive a nut thereon and structure to connect the attachment leg and the support leg in an offset relationship and with one structure connecting the attachment leg to the support leg comprising an insert box carried by the attachment leg and a box extension carried by the support leg and lockable into the insert box.

Abstract: An underbed gooseneck hitch assembly includes a channel housing that is secured to a pair of angle brackets. The angle brackets are secured to a pair of frame mounting brackets, which are in turn mounted to the frame rails of the vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes a ball socket for receiving a ball hitch. A pull cable handle assembly includes a spring biased retaining pin that can be retracted from and inserted into the ball hitch to secure the ball hitch for use. The ball hitch protrudes above the cargo bed and is attachable to a gooseneck trailer. Insertion of the ball hitch is accomplished by turning the handle of the pull cable handle assembly to an unlocked position, rotating the handle to a locked position, and inserting the ball hitch into the ball socket. The ball hitch is properly aligned with the retaining pin by inserting the ball hitch completely into the ball socket and aligning indicia on the ball hitch with a notch on the ball socket.

Abstract: A tow hitch for all-terrain vehicles including an attachment leg with a hole therethrough for bolting of the attachment leg to a draw bar of the vehicle, a tow ball support leg with a pair of aligned, spaced apart holes adjacent to one end of the support leg and a tow ball having a threaded stem inserted through the one of said holes remote from the one end of the support leg to receive a nut thereon and structure to connect the attachment leg and the support leg in an offset relationship and with one structure connecting the attachment leg to the support leg comprising an insert box carried by the attachment leg and a box extension carried by the support leg and lockable into the insert box.

Abstract: A coupling device which is adapted to couple a towed vehicle such as a trailer to a towing vehicle such as a truck. The coupling device is designed to be used with many conventional receiver structures that are mounted to towing vehicles, the receiver structures being of the type that normally receive an elongated square insertion member which carries a ball hitch. The coupling device of the present invention is adapted to be inserted into the same receiver structure and is designed to carry a ball hitch, but the coupling device has many advantages over the conventional receiver insertion member because it is extendable in a longitudinal as well as lateral direction so that the towing vehicle does not have to be perfectly aligned with the hitch of the towed vehicle in order to couple the two together.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch integrated with the rear bumper.

Abstract: An under-bed mounting system installed beneath a cargo bed floor of a vehicle includes both a male pin and a female receptacle. A releasable locking mechanism is defined between the pin and the receptacle to permit installation and removal of desired components such as a fifth wheel hitch. The pin including opposing first and second ends and an intermediate portion, a groove being disposed within said intermediate portion and including a stem and a base portion. A portion of the receptacle is received within said groove, selectively contacting said stem during installation and contacting at least the base portion after said installation. In one embodiment, the groove of the pin is generally L-shaped, the receptacle including a rod that is selectively received in the groove. In a second embodiment the pin is a scissor clamp with opposing jaws pivotable about a common hinge. The jaws engage the inner periphery of the receptacle.

Abstract: A rugged heavy duty construction for a pivotally mounted hitch receiver that may be pivoted to a stored position from an operating position either alone or without removing a ball mount member inserted therein is shown.