Tow Bar Patents (Class 280/493)
  • Patent number: 11891139
    Abstract: A trailer includes a trailer frame using suspension cables supported from vertically extending towers on opposite sides of the trailer frame and connected to distal ends of the trailer frame for supporting distal portions of the trailer frame. The trailer bed frame comprises a plurality of folding frame sections which can be unfolded into planar alignment to form the trailer frame and folded into an overlapping or stacked alignment for storage. Left and right wheels are rotatably mounted on left and right suspensions which are removably securable to left and right sides of the trailer frame. The suspensions may comprise quarter elliptical leaf spring suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph William Taylor
  • Patent number: 11623704
    Abstract: Embodiments of the innovation relate to a vehicle trailer, comprising a base having a set of base panels, each base panel of the set of base panels hingedly connected to an adjacent base panel of the set of base panels, the base configured to be coupled to a vehicle; and a trailer positioning assembly configured to be coupled to the vehicle and coupled to at least one base panel of the set of base panels, the trailer positioning assembly configured to position the base between a first, expanded position relative to the vehicle, and a second, compacted position relative to the vehicle while the vehicle trailer is coupled to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Taylor
  • Patent number: 11590812
    Abstract: A system for connecting trailer towing components may have a pin having a first leg and a second leg. The system may also have a torsion bar having a first set of splines, and a main beam for a trailer. The main beam may have an insert adapted to selectively receive the torsion bar therein. The main beam may also have at least one guide aperture adapted to selectively receive one of the pin legs. The system may also have a secondary beam adapted to be selectively located at least partially within the main beam. The secondary beam may have apertures adapted to receive at least one of the legs of the pin and the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Bil-Jax, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warren Reyes, Keith Raymond Bruner, Brice Melvin Knick-Koppenhofer
  • Patent number: 11220144
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a trailer coupling for a motor vehicle, comprising a carrier assembly having a transverse carrier for arranging on the rear of a motor vehicle and a retainer retained on the transverse carrier for retaining a coupling element of the trailer coupling, wherein the coupling element is provided for fastening a trailer, wherein the retainer is connected to the transverse carrier by a tension anchor of a tension anchor assembly wherein the tension anchor penetrates the transverse carrier along the tension anchor load axis of the tension anchor and loads an abutment surface of the retainer, through which abutment surface the tension anchor load axis or an axis parallel thereto passes, against the transverse carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: Kay Angermann, Hendrik Graute, Raphael Gringel, Arne Kuhlen
  • Patent number: 10118450
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tow bar assembly, which may be retrofitted to a dolly while maintaining convenient space saving properties of permanently fitted tow bars. The novel tow bar assembly includes a tow bar, a shaft and a biasing member, such as a spring, biasing the tow bar towards an upright orientation about an axis of revolution. The shaft has a first end and a second end, which opposes the first end. The shaft connects the tow bar to the dolly from the ends so as to provide rotation of the tow bar in respect to the dolly about the axis of revolution. The shaft features an inner cavity, which extends along the axis of revolution. The biasing member is arranged into the cavity of the shaft and rotationally secured thereto. The shaft also features a first end plug at the first end of the shaft for enclosing the biasing member to the cavity. The first end plug rotationally locks the biasing member to the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: K. Hartwell Oy Ab
    Inventor: Jack Grönholm
  • Patent number: 10112805
    Abstract: The pallet-pulling device is used to pull a cargo pallet from a location inside of a semi-trailer or other elevated shipping container to a location near the door of the container so that a forklift can access the pallet. The pallet-pulling device comprises a skid puller, a bridle chain, and a clevis hook. The skid puller comprises a plurality of vertical ribs coupled to a backing plate and a pull plate. The skid puller is placed in a pallet where a leading edge of the pull plate hooks onto a plank of the pallet. The skid puller rests on the backing plate, against the floor of the shipping container. The bridle chain couples the skid puller to a clevis hook. A chain coupled to a forklift is coupled to the clevis hook to allow the forklift to pull the pallet out of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Keith Joralmon
  • Patent number: 8985613
    Abstract: A towbar includes a body and a carriage assembly mounted to the body for movement between a retracted position in which wheels on the carriage assembly are elevated above the ground and a support position in which the wheels support the towbar on the ground, wherein the towbar is configured for rapid deployment of the carriage assembly from the retracted position to the support position. Rapid deployment is provided by a hydraulic actuator and an accumulator that can store fluid pressure, such that controllably discharging the accumulator drives the actuator to move the carriage assembly. A method is disclosed using the towbar to move an aircraft such that the accumulator is charged with pressure before the towbar is decoupled from nose gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel J. McElroy
  • Patent number: 8950775
    Abstract: A receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter unit with a tug. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter may include a tow bar with a neck portion between a pair of spaced arm portions. The receiver device forms a travel path boundary for the neck portion and is configured to be complementary with and to engage the neck portion. A mounting portion is provided for mounting the receiver device on the tug in an operative configuration relative to a landing gear-receiving base thereon. At least one releasable locking member is positioned along the travel path to interrupt travel of the neck portion. The locking member is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. Further, in the second locked position, the locking member is configured to lock the mounting portion in the operative configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Moore
  • Patent number: 8690181
    Abstract: A tow bar including a towing vehicle hitch; a towed vehicle hitch; a towing connector releasably connectable to the towing vehicle hitch; a swivel unit having a first portion fixedly secured to the towing connector, a second portion connected to the first portion to pivot about a transverse horizontal axis, a third portion connected to the second portion to pivot about a fore-to-aft horizontal axis; a pair of opposing tow bar legs connected to the third portion to pivot about a vertical axis; and rear leg connectors to releasably connect the aft ends of the tow bar legs to the towed vehicle hitch; wherein the first portion includes an upwardly-extending lobe enabling the tow bar legs to be pin-lessly stowed in a horizontal orientation at the rear of the towing vehicle; and a swivel device for such a tow bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Leslie Roeber
  • Patent number: 8690180
    Abstract: A towing adapter can be used during towing of an airplane. The adapter is made of rigid steel with a rubber under-coating and includes two Velcro straps. The device is strapped to two folding struts that are folded down from the wheel assembly of the aircraft. It has a specific angle that keeps the struts at a certain angle with respect to each other, so that struts are accessible to users and is prevented from falling down and injuring someone or causing damage. The device can be easily removed when the towing is finished, and the struts are folded back up onto the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: HG Aircraft Products LLC
    Inventors: Ronald R. Baade, John E. Callahan, Gary C. Good
  • Patent number: 8662523
    Abstract: A tow bar includes towing and towed hitch members; a head member with a front connector for connecting to the towing hitch member; tow bar legs connected to the head member, each tow bar leg including an outer member and an inner member telescopingly displaceable in the outer member; rear connectors to connect the inner members to the towed hitch member; and locking members each having a first portion adhesively secured to the distal end of the outer member, a second portion fixedly secured to the inner member, and a third portion including a transversely-oriented latch cavity through each inner member, biased opposing latches mounted in the latch cavity wherein the locking member automatically locks the respective inner and outer members relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David Merchant
  • Patent number: 8641076
    Abstract: A clevis pin combination comprises a clevis made of aluminum alloy; and a pin made of steel. This combination of parts and materials results in lighter weight and improved performance of maximum load carrying capacity over similar combinations of all aluminum or all steel. The clevis further comprises a first clevis leg having a first clevis aperture in a first clevis end and a second clevis leg having a second clevis aperture in a second clevis end. The second clevis end is spaced apart from the first clevis end forming an open end. A curved portion connecting the first clevis leg and the second clevis leg forms a closed end. The first clevis aperture and the second clevis aperture are axially aligned and the steel pin is sized to fit through the first clevis aperture and second clevis aperture allowing pivoting movement between the clevis and the pin. The clevis may be substantially U-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Vernon W. Sparkes, William J. D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8622429
    Abstract: A high-performance, light-duty, utility trailer that is pulled by a tow vehicle utilizing a two point coupling to the tow vehicle and a swiveling axle assembly. This novel design includes a tilting hitch assembly attached to the trailer frame and swiveling casters attached to the rear corners of the trailer frame, creating a three point “landing gear” for easy installation onto the tow vehicle and providing good un-hitched mobility allowing the trailer owner to easily move the trailer out-of-the-way when stored between each use. A wheel swiveling assembly that can be configured to provide steering geometry capable of being customized to accommodate driving habits and road conditions. A two point hitch assembly that allows the removal of adaptors when not in use for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ned Anthony Ardagna
  • Patent number: 8544867
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for offsetting a lifting or lowering weight of a tow bar attached to a trailer. The apparatus includes nitrogen accumulators coupled in series to a hydraulic cylinder. The accumulators include volumes of hydraulic fluid and a gas, such as nitrogen, which are preset to have differing nitrogen pressures to accommodate a full range of motion. After initial system pressurization, no separate power source is needed to provide hydraulic support at static conditions, oscillation of the tow bar below horizontal, and lift support from horizontal to a positive angle, allowing the user to lift and position a heavy tow bar several feet with minor user force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Perkins Motor Transport Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Perkins, John Ehr
  • Patent number: 8454032
    Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower and sulky device. The self-propelled lawn mower comprises handle bars and an operator console that are positioned between the front end and rear end of the lawn mower. A securing bar and a placement bar are designed and situated an a angle to one another to appropriately position the handle bars and operator console. The sulky device comprises an operator platform, a pair of sulky arms, a pair of caster wheels, and a hitch bar. When the sulky device is mounted to the self-propelled lawn mower, a first hinge means is used for attaching the operator platform to the hitch bar, a second hinge means is used for attaching the hitch bar to the lawn mower, and a third hinge means is used for attaching the caster wheels to the sulky arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Havener Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Havener
  • Patent number: 8439388
    Abstract: A tow bar assembly for use in connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle wherein the tow bar assembly includes at least a cylindrical knuckle connected to a draw bar that is receivable within a receiver of the towing vehicle and wherein a pair of spaced flanges of a first end of a U-joint coupler are connected to the knuckle so as to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by an elongated central axis of the draw bar and a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis and relative to a horizontal plane and where a pair of spaced flanges of a second end of the U-joint coupler are adapted to permit relative motion of the U-joint coupler about a third pivot axis with respect to a hitch mechanism that is adapted to be connected to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: NSA RV Products Inc.
    Inventor: Tod Westervelt
  • Patent number: 8376381
    Abstract: A collapsible cart-trailer includes a folding mechanism that folds the cart-trailer into a small form factor, at least two wheels, modular, and removable and compartmentalized storage. The collapsible cart-trailer is operable in a cart mode and a trailer mode. In the trailer mode, the cart-trailer may be coupled to a movable object by a collapsible, length adjustable tow bar. In the cart mode, the cart-trailer includes a collapsible handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Commonwheel Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Nadia Shalaby, Matteo Visentin
  • Patent number: 8366137
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David Merchant
  • Patent number: 8360459
    Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 8292318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar support assembly. There is a need for a drawbar support assembly which can adapt to different types of drawbars. An adaptable drawbar support assembly includes a generally U-shaped front support member for coupling to and supporting the front end of the drawbar. A front spacer member mounts in the front support member above or below the front end of the drawbar. A generally U-shaped rear support member couples to and supports the drawbar. A rear spacer member mounts in the rear support member below the drawbar. The rear spacer member is removable from the rear support member when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A ball coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A clevis coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted below the front end of the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Rodney D. Lair, Edwin R. Kreis, Michael C. Harting, Michael D. Kollath
  • Patent number: 8282118
    Abstract: The tow bar assembly apparatus is offered in more than one embodiment. The most basic embodiment provides for coupling between two balls designed for receipt of a hitch socket. The second embodiment provides the same function, with the addition of another socket assembly on one end of the bar, whereby a height choice is provided. The third embodiment of the apparatus provides either or both of the above described bar assemblies with the addition of a dolly assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Leonard De La Fuente, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8128116
    Abstract: A tow bar includes a towing hitch member including a pintle hitch and secured to a towing vehicle; a towed hitch member secured to a vehicle to the towed; a head member with a lunette ring; a pair of tow bar legs, each including a proximal end including an outer member with a distal end, and a distal end including an inner member with a proximal end telescopingly displaceable within the distal end of the outer member; a leg connector mechanism pivotally connecting the proximal ends of the tow bar legs to the head member; towed connector elements secured to the distal ends of the tow bar legs and structured to releasably connect the tow bar legs to the towed hitch member; and a locking mechanism structured to automatically and releasably lock each of the tow bar legs in either a stored configuration or a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Huston, Steven Goodman, David Merchant, Leslie Roeber, Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 8096571
    Abstract: A tractor hitch assembly comprises a drawbar with a hydraulic pump mounted to a pump mount extending below the drawbar and drawbar couplers formed thereon. A trailer tongue coupler is pivotally connected to the drawbar for pivoting about a roll axis and a yaw axis. The tongue of a trailer is removably securable to the trailer tongue coupler in a plurality of selected vertical alignments. The trailer tongue is formed integral with a main beam of the trailer frame extending the length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Dale Noe
  • Patent number: 8066299
    Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Gary Edwin Olsen
  • Patent number: 8056919
    Abstract: A tow bar having telescoping tow bar legs connected to a head member which is structured to be releasably securable to a towing hitch member of a towing vehicle; aft leg connector mechanisms structured to releasably connect the tow bar legs to a towed vehicle; and a latching mechanism, including latching portions structured to releasably retain the tow bar legs in a stored configuration, and locking portions structured to releasable lock the tow bar legs in a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Huston, David Merchant, Steven Goodman, Leslie Roeber, Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 7959179
    Abstract: A tow bar having a towing hitch member with a pintle hitch and secured to a towing vehicle; a towed hitch member secured to a towed vehicle; a head member with a lunette ring releasably connectable to the pintle hitch; first and second tow bar legs with proximal ends pivotally connected to, and extending rearwardly from, the head member; towed connector elements releasably connecting distal ends of the first and second tow bar legs to the towed hitch member; and an equalizer member structured to maintain the first and second tow bar legs at equiangular orientations relative to the head member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David Merchant
  • Patent number: 7959180
    Abstract: A tow bar including a pintle hitch, telescoping tow bar legs pivotally connected to a head member, a lunette ring fixedly or pivotally connected to the head member, leg connector mechanisms releasably connecting the tow bar legs to a vehicle to be towed, and a latching mechanism including latching portions structured to releasably retain the tow bar legs in a stored configuration and locking portions with cammed release mechanisms wherein the locking portions are structured to releasable lock the tow bar legs in a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Huston, David Merchant, Steven Goodman, Leslie Roeber, Neil Wagner
  • Patent number: 7942435
    Abstract: A tow bar includes a towing hitch member including a pintle hitch and secured to a towing vehicle; a towed hitch member secured to a vehicle to the towed; a head member with a lunette ring; a pair of tow bar legs, each including a proximal end including an outer member with a distal end, and a distal end including an inner member with a proximal end telescopingly displaceable within the distal end of the outer member; a leg connector mechanism pivotally connecting the proximal ends of the tow bar legs to the head member; towed connector elements secured to the distal ends of the tow bar legs and structured to releasably connect the tow bar legs to the towed hitch member; and a locking mechanism structured to automatically and releasably lock each of the tow bar legs in either a stored configuration or a deployed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Huston, Steven Goodman, David Merchant, Leslie Roeber, Neil Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110031719
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tow ball device adapted to connection to a tow bar of a vehicle having a substantially horizontal surface and a vertical aperture, the tow ball device including a solid ball with a shaft extending to a flange, the flange including an underside surface adapted to abut with the tow bar horizontal surface, and at least two upright, parallel flat surfaces to provide an engagement surface for a gripping tool above the tow bar. The tow ball device further includes a threaded shaft extending downwardly from the flange through said tow bar aperture, and a correspondingly threaded nut adapted for engagement with the threaded shaft below the tow bar when the flange is rotated using the gripping tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: ATHAN LEKKAS
  • Patent number: 7871097
    Abstract: A hitch assembly that comprises a coupling tongue with a first end and a second end, a substantially U-shaped clevis that is substantially flat in cross section, pivotally coupled to the second end of the coupling tongue by a hitch pin, and an opening formed by the coupling tongue and the clevis, sized to receive a towing member. The hitch assembly is particularly suited for connecting a tow strap or belt to a commercially available tubular trailer hitch receiver, for use in towing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventors: Vernon W. Sparkes, William J. D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 7766362
    Abstract: A secondary trailer hitch is provided by the present invention for allowing the lineal, straight, reverse movement of one or more vehicles in tow behind a prime mover. The secondary trailer hitch includes a housing configured for being connected with a first vehicle being towed. The secondary trailer hitch further includes an arm configured for being connected with the housing. The arm is further configured for being secured against a second vehicle when the housing is connected with the first vehicle. The secondary trailer hitch further includes a securing mechanism connected to the arm. The securing mechanism is configured for allowing a user to secure the arm against the second vehicle and is further configured for allowing a user to disconnect the apparatus from between the first vehicle and the second vehicle when the apparatus is under engagement tension from both the first vehicle and the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: SwitchQuick, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Helton, Steven R. Kunert
  • Publication number: 20100133784
    Abstract: A collapsible cart-trailer includes a folding mechanism that folds the cart-trailer into a small form factor, at least two wheels, modular, and removable and compartmentalized storage. The collapsible cart-trailer is operable in a cart mode and a trailer mode. In the trailer mode, the cart-trailer may be coupled to a movable object by a collapsible, length adjustable tow bar. In the cart mode, the cart-trailer includes a collapsible handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Nadia Shalaby, Matteo Visentin
  • Patent number: 7712751
    Abstract: An improved lawn mower sulky comprises platform 10, hitch support arm 20, first stub axle 40, first axle A-frame 41, first damper assembly 60, second stub axle 70, second axle A-frame 71, and second damper assembly 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Renn Allen Beal
  • Patent number: 7600774
    Abstract: A hitch adapter comprises an inner square tube member for receiving Class-II 1.25? drawbars and an outer U-channel member for plugging into a Class-III 2? receiver. The inner square tube and outer U-channel members are welded together such that one wall of the inner square tube bridges the gap between the distal edges on opposite legs of the outer U-channel. One such leg of the outer U-channel is longer than the other and is positioned and aligned to protrude about 1/16? beyond the adjacent outer corner of the inner square tube member. Such protrusion nests into the respective inside corner of the particular Class-III 2? receiver it is mated to. The protrusion provides a camming action to take up any looseness and slack, and thereby eliminate wobble and rattle when installed by a user. A series of hitch pin holes allows a threaded hitch pin to pass through the adapter, a Class-II 1.25? drawbar and a Class-III 2? receiver. Threads inside the Class-II 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Inventors: William W. Speer, W. Louis Speer
  • Patent number: 7540524
    Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jean Viaud
  • Patent number: 7510205
    Abstract: The semitrailer is joinable to a tractor provided with a vertical towing gudgeon, is supported at its back end by a wheeled structure, and comprises a chassis having longitudinal members and crosspieces, which define a horizontal loading platform, and further having uprights rising from its forward end. A towing bar is hinged on the uprights around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis. A compensating hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the chassis and the towing bar. A coupling is articulated to the towing bar forwardly of the first axis, for hinging around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis, and is provided with a bushing that is transversal to the second hinging axis and is rotatably engageable on the towing gudgeon of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: A.R.I.S. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Bellezza Quater, Paolo Bellezza Quater, Silvia Bellezza Quater
  • Patent number: 7506889
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: IBIS TEK
    Inventors: David T. Baltrusaitis, Mark J. Sarti
  • Patent number: 7503577
    Abstract: The invention is a tow bar adapter which is attached to the existing fittings of the commonly used tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle. The invention is a also a method for providing a tow bar adapter attached to the existing fittings of a standard tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J McEvoy
  • Patent number: 7445226
    Abstract: A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising a towing vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle; a towed vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle; and an interconnecting mechanism connecting the towing vehicle connection mechanism to the towed vehicle connection mechanism. The interconnecting mechanism defines an interconnection central point and an interconnection vertical axis spaced rearwardly from the interconnection central point. The interconnecting mechanism is structured to accommodate substantially all pitch and roll movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection central point, and to accommodate substantially all yaw movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Merton Hahne, Mark Penlerick, Anthony Crippen
  • Publication number: 20080116661
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: David T. Baltrusaitis, Mark J. Sarti
  • Patent number: 7267354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which can be attached to a vehicle, in order to tow a heavy equipment vehicle, such as a tractor. The towing device includes a towbar hitch having two ends, a first end which attaches to a towing vehicle and a second end attached to a vehicle to be towed; a holder disposed at the second end of the towbar hitch, which holds the vehicle to be towed; and an attachment mechanism which attaches the vehicle to be towed, to the holder. The attachment mechanism includes a plurality of connectors or turnbuckles; and a plurality of links or chains which are attached to the holder, and to the vehicle to be towed. The connectors and the links can be adjusted in length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: John P. Cunningham, Robert Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7131666
    Abstract: A trailer for all terrain vehicles and/or snowmobiles for transporting injured persons from remote locations. Trailer has a frame of tubing, a main axle, spring and shock suspension, flotation type tires, IV pole with multiple mounting locations, carrier area for injured personnel transport, and accessory tube for attaching miscellaneous accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Empire Welding & Fabricating, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Jenney
  • Patent number: 7032919
    Abstract: A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising a towing vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle; a towed vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle; and an interconnecting mechanism connecting the towing vehicle connection mechanism to the towed vehicle connection mechanism. The interconnecting mechanism defines an interconnection central point and an interconnection vertical axis spaced rearwardly from the interconnection central point. The interconnecting mechanism is structured to accommodate substantially all pitch and roll movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection central point, and to accommodate substantially all yaw movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection vertical axis. The interconnection mechanism includes a disk spring device for accommodating variations in manufacturing tolerances and wear during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Merton Hahne, Mark Penlerick, Anthony Crippen
  • Patent number: 7011329
    Abstract: A tow bar with a torsion spring disposed between the tow bar and a steering arm to urge the tow bar towards an operating position, the torsion spring minimizing the force required by an operator to lift the tow bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Yoder Brake & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: C. Ray Yoder
  • Patent number: 6991247
    Abstract: A tow bar for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, the tow bar comprising a towing vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towing vehicle; a towed vehicle connection mechanism connected to the towed vehicle; and an interconnecting mechanism connecting the towing vehicle connection mechanism to the towed vehicle connection mechanism. The interconnecting mechanism defines an interconnection central point and an interconnection vertical axis spaced rearwardly from the interconnection central point. The interconnecting mechanism is structured to accommodate substantially all pitch and roll movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection central point, and to accommodate substantially all yaw movements between the towing and towed vehicles at and about the interconnection vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Merton Hahne, Mark Penlerick, Anthony Crippen
  • Patent number: 6959942
    Abstract: A ball hitch is disclosed for connecting a drawbar of an agricultural vehicle to a coupling pin of a trailer. The ball hitch comprises a ball element having a part-spherical outer surface and a cylindrical bore for receiving the coupling pin of the trailer. The socket element is constructed as a sleeve that is removably mountable in the drawbar and has a part-spherical inner surface within which the ball element is received to allow the coupling pin to swivel about mutually orthogonal axes relative to the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Christiaan A. C. Lippons
  • Patent number: 6902182
    Abstract: A hitch device for use with a pulling vehicle and a trailer, including a first hitch arm and a second upwardly directed hitch arm. At a second end of the second upwardly directed hitch arm is a joint allowing rotation about at least two axes. The hitch device positions the joint a preselected vertical and horizontal distance from the pulling vehicle and a hitch receiving structure connected thereto. The hitch device may be used with a trailer having first and second diverters encouraging the trailer to move about a tree or other shrub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Mark R. Kamunen
  • Patent number: 6857651
    Abstract: A tow-bar having a skeletonized tongue portion is described. A stopper is typically includes on the bottom portion of the tongue. A head piece having handles internal to the head piece is connected to one end of the tongue. The handles are typically positioned in a triangular arrangement. The end of the tongue, opposite the end including the head piece, includes a hinging portion that can be connected to the respective cart having the tongue. The hinging portion and the head piece include “keyed” ends so that they can connect to the tongue like puzzle pieces. These keyed portions are welded to the tongue. In this way, the pull points are not straight welds but rather keyed and welded portions thereby able to withstand typical abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Innovative Peening Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Dickey, Bryan Peters
  • Publication number: 20040239075
    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 drawbar. The lock assembly is adapted to move from a first position in which the drawbar is free to rotate and a second position in which the drawbar is retained to the yoke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Jerry A. Edwards
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Klar
  • Publication number: 20040164517
    Abstract: A trash can trolley utilized to tow trash cans of the conventional, single-handle, wheeled type, with or without hinged lids. In a preferred embodiment, the trolley consists of six metal pieces welded together to form a unitary body. The trolley can be easily attached to almost any common trailer hitch (car, tractor, four wheeler). The nuts, bolts, hitch pins, washers, etc. needed to secure the trolley in position are readily available at any hardware store. The trolley is capable of towing fifty and ninety gallon trashcans. The trashcan trolley requires no maintenance, except for occasional oiling to prevent rusting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Cudahy Lewy, Diane E. Lewy