Abstract: A hitch vibration dampener assembly and method of use thereof including a tow mount member including a base portion with a vibration dampener pad affixed to the back surface such that coupling of the tow mount member by locked engagement of at least one elongated pin successively received through paired side holes disposed in flanges of a hitch platform channel compresses a vibration dampener material upon the back panel of the hitch platform to thereby reduce the movement between the tow mount member and hitch assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a fifth wheel hitch and method of using a fifth wheel hitch that is mounted to a bed of a towing vehicle, and more specifically, to a fifth wheel hitch that is vertically secured to a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer without requiring the use of adapters or extensions. One aspect of the fifth wheel hitch and method of use includes a hitch head assembly that is adjustable in height such that the fifth wheel hitch is compatible with different sizes of towing vehicles and fifth wheel trailers. The hitch head assembly also incorporates a funnel shaped design for receiving the kingpin of the fifth wheel trailer in a vertical fashion to prevent the kingpin from sliding horizontally out of the hitch head after being pulled forward by the towing vehicle. A four-way pivot joint accommodates instantaneous variations in pitch and/or roll attitudes between the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel trailer connected by the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A receiver adapter comprising: a hitch post including: (i) a stable post and (ii) a bias post that is movable relative to the stable post between a removable position and a locked position. The receiver adapter may include a bias member that extends from the stable post to the bias post and, upon movement of an adjuster, the bias post moves relative to the stable post to increase a height or a cross-sectional thickness of the hitch post.

Abstract: A structural connector comprising at least one spigot and at least one socket wherein at least a portion of the at least one spigot is tapered and at least a portion of the at least one socket is a complimentary tapered configuration.

Abstract: A coupler for use by a towing vehicle to tow a towed vehicle can have an auxiliary actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, coupled to a coupler latching element or elements to move the latching elements to a closed position, such as automatically in response to the occurrence of a vehicle condition, such as the release of the emergency brake of a towing vehicle. The auxiliary actuator can be provided with or without a actuator used to move a clamp into engagement with a draw bar eye of the towed vehicle. The auxiliary actuator can operate to cause the closing of the latching element or elements when, for example, a vehicle operator inadvertently forgets to close the latch before driving off with a towed trailer.

Abstract: A connecting device 1 of a towing vehicle 2 includes a connecting pin 13, a locking arm 22, and an actuator 23. The connecting pin 13 is provided to be rotatable between a connection position where the connecting pin 13 is brought into fitting engagement with a connecting plate 3a of a wheeled platform 3 and a disconnection position where the connecting pin 13 is taken out of the fitting engagement with the connecting plate 3a. The locking arm 22 is driven by the actuator 23 between a locking position where locking arm 22 is locked with the connecting pin 13 such that the connecting pin 13 cannot rotate out of the connection position toward the disconnection position and an unlocking position where the connecting pin 13 is unlocked in the connection position.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use with a quick coupler. The actuator assembly includes a manual actuator assembly, a control rod coupled to the manual actuator assembly, and a remote actuator assembly coupled to the control rod. The manual actuator assembly is configured to be hand actuated from outside of the quick part coupler, and configured to move the latching assembly from a locked position to an unlocked position via the control rod. The remote actuator assembly is configured to be remotely actuated from outside of the quick coupler, and configured to move the latching assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position via the control rod.

Abstract: A towing coupler for truck or other vehicle includes a body and a hook. A first latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a first pivot axis between an open and closed position. In the open position, a draw bar or other towing element of a towed vehicle can be placed on or removed from the hook while in the closed position the first latch retains the draw bar on the hook. A second latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a second pivot axis between first and second positions. The first latch is biased to pivot toward the open position and the second latch is biased to pivot in the opposite direction from the first latch. The first and second latches have surfaces configured for coupling together to retain the first latch in the position to which it is moved.

Abstract: A hook system has a mount that includes a first sidewall comprising a concave profile on a longitudinal end of the first sidewall, a second sidewall laterally offset in a fixed location relative to the first sidewall and defining a channel therebetween, the second sidewall having a second concave profile on a longitudinal end of the second sidewall. The hook system also has a first pin structure extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and a connector. The connector has a third concave profile, the third concave profile being configured to receive the first pin structure therein. The hook system also includes a second pin structure extending through the connector, wherein each of the first concave profile and the second concave profile are configured to receive the second pin structure therein. The connector is configured to be at least partially received within the channel.

Abstract: A captive fastener comprising a head, a neck, and a threaded shaft, and one or more spring loaded pins disposed within respective cavities of the shaft along at least first and second radial directions. Each spring loaded pin is located in a chamber of the shaft with an annular rim on at a proximal end of the pin that prevents the pin completely passing through an aperture and out the chamber. The distal end of the pin projects through the aperture and out of the shaft when the spring is not compressed. That is, the spring biases the pin outward such that a distal portion of the pin projects through the hole, but the spring can collapse to allow the fastener to pass through a fitted opening sized to receive the shaft of the fastener before the pin expands outward.

Abstract: A towing device for connecting an automatic guided vehicle to a carriage is disclosed. When connecting an automatic guided vehicle to a carriage, a swing arm is moved toward a connecting member by a moving device, whereby the swing arm is engaged with the connecting member to thereby regulate the swiveling (swinging) of the connecting member with respect to the automatic guided vehicle. Furthermore, after the automatic guided vehicle is connected to the carriage, the swing arm is moved in a direction away from the connecting member by the moving device, whereby the engagement between the swing arm and the connecting member is released, thereby allowing the connecting member to swivel (swing) with respect to the automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle securing apparatuses may include a main support arm. A base arm may be carried by the main support arm. A retainer assembly arm may be carried by the main support arm in spaced-apart relationship to the base arm. A retainer space may be defined by and between the base arm and the retainer assembly arm. A retainer assembly may include at least one retainer hasp pivotally carried by the retainer assembly arm. Accordingly, a structural member on an ATV, lawnmower, watercraft or other vehicle may be extended into the retainer space as the structural member pushes the retainer hasp from a retaining position to a release position. The retainer hasp may return to the retaining position to retain the structural member in the retainer space as the structural member clears or passes beyond the retainer hasp.

Abstract: An assembling structure for vehicle carrying device is provided, including: a tubular member, having an axial direction, configured to be inserted within a trailer hitch of a vehicle, a wall of the tubular member having a through hole; a first abutting member, being movable along the axial direction and disposed in the tubular member; an expansion mechanism, including a second abutting member movably disposed on the first abutting member, the second abutting member being located within the through hole and urgeable to move by the first abutting member; an actuating member, being connected with the first abutting member, configured to be externally operable to drive the first abutting member to move axially and urge the second abutting member to move radially.

Abstract: A paver mountable to a vehicle to provide propulsion and hydraulic power to the paver, wherein the paver includes: a drive system coupling for mounting the vehicle to the paver; hydraulic mounts to connect with hydraulic power from the vehicle; a solids handling assembly for receiving paving material and for delivering paving material to a paving site; a screed assembly with a screed plate which is hydraulically adjustable in extension, height and grade; wherein, paving material delivered to the paving site is shaped by the screed assembly as the paver is propelled forward to produce a paved surface.

Abstract: An interface or throttle control assembly includes a housing and first and second wheel rotatably supported by the housing adjacent to each other. The assembly also includes a pair of tabs, each projecting from a corresponding one of the wheels. The tabs are engagable with each other. The assembly also includes a latch mechanism which mounted on one of the wheels. The latch mechanism is movable to a latched position engaging the other wheel so that the wheels rotate together, and is movable to an unlatched position so that the wheels can be rotated independently of each other.

Abstract: A vehicle tow bar assembly having a latch assembly and a remotely operated actuator for unlatching the tow bar assembly from a tow line. The latch assembly may have a pivot lever that is retained by a latch pin until released. Alternatively, the latch assembly may have a pair of jaws that are opened by a linear motor and a set of cams. A method of towing a vehicle with a tow bar assembly that is unlatched and released when the vehicle is moving at a selected speed in a test procedure.

Abstract: A vehicle door panel, which can prevent a slide-openable door panel from deviating from a swing-openable door panel when the swing-openable door panel is opened, is provided. The vehicle door structure 10 includes a slide door panel 14, a swing door panel 16, a slide mechanism 18 and a hinge mechanism 20, and includes a lock mechanism 22 for locking the slide door panel 14 to the swing door panel 16 when the swing door panel 16 is opened. The lock mechanism 22 is configured by a locking portion 50 installed in the swing door panel 16 and protruding toward the slide door panel 16 when the swing door panel 16 is opened, and an opening portion 60 installed in the slide door panel 14 and locked by the locking portion 50 when the swing door panel 16 is opened.

Abstract: A coupling is provided for connecting a two-track trailer having at least one drawbar, to a non-motorized vehicle, or to a vehicle having an auxiliary drive, particularly a bicycle. The coupling has two interacting coupling parts releasable from one another and respectively connectable to the vehicle and to the drawbar. The coupling has a bolt having a cylindrical shell surface and a bushing or bolt guide, plugged onto the bolt and engaging at least partially around the bolt, as interacting coupling parts. The bushing or bolt guide has at least one opening for insertion of the bolt. The interconnected coupling parts are rotatable relative to one another about their common longitudinal axis and act as a rotary joint with one degree of freedom. The coupling parts have a lock to securely connect them together. On the drawbar, further joints impart the coupling with at least two further degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A device for adjustably and removably mounting accessory equipment to tow hooks of a vehicle without alteration to the bumper or surrounding fascia components. The device includes two angle brackets a mounting flange and a clamping plate. Each bracket has holes that align with the other bracket and with the mounting flange which attaches to accessory equipment. The assembly of the brackets and clamping plate surround the tow hook, which the mounting flange attaches to the accessory equipment. One possible piece of accessory equipment is a bumper guard, which can provide protection from debris damaging the vehicle oil cooler. Detachable brush bars provide further protection from brush harming the sides of the moving vehicle.

Abstract: A towing system for efficiently and safely pulling heavy vehicles. The towing system generally includes a first member adapted to be attached to a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, a cam unit mechanically connected to the first member and second member providing a centering force to the second member, and a third member pivotally attached to the second member wherein the third member is adapted to removably attach to a vehicle to be towed. The third member is adapted to be pivoted upwardly into a raised storage position or downwardly to a lowered position by a pivot actuator connected between the third member and the second member.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example towable power generation system. The towable power generation system includes a guide that facilitates mounting the enclosure onto a base. In some embodiments, the guide is attached to the enclosure. When enclosure is mounted on the towable power generation system, the guide on the enclosure engages another portion of the towable power generation system as the enclosure is assembled onto (or removed from) the rest of towable power generation system. The guide facilitates alignment and mounting of the enclosure relative to the towable power generation system.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for use with heavy machinery and adapted to releasably attach to a double wheeled bin. The attachment bracket has a plurality of spaced parallel elongated bracket frame members, an elongated wide plate member connected to each the bracket frame member forming a rigid connection therebetween, a pair of spaced main hook members removably and adjustably connected to the wide plate member in between the bracket frame members, and a pair of secondary hook members, each rotationally connected to a respective the main hook member and biased such that they will return to an initial position when not being forced to rotate.

Abstract: An improved system and method for positioning a sliding plate for an oversized trailer is described herein. In this embodiment, the sliding plate can comprise a plate, one or more plate guides and one or more plate walls. The plate can have a top surface and a bottom surface. Each of the plate guides can further comprise a plurality of sockets within the plate guide. The plate walls can extend from the bottom surface of the plate.

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.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitching system is disclosed which couples the gooseneck hitch of a trailer to a hitch ball of a vehicle through the use of a remotely RF controlled linear actuator which also includes a locking receptacle structure mounted on the bed of the vehicle which replaces the conventional safety chain arrangement.

Abstract: A multi-function, anti-rotational, power-sports utility hitch receiver assembly includes a four-sided hollow receiver tube having a forward end configured to attach to a tow vehicle and a rearward end configured to house an attachment of an accessory shank. Aligned apertures are present in the opposing sidewalls between the forward end and the rearward end for securing a hitch accessory shank within the receiver tube by inserting a hitch-pin through apertures. A removable, adjustable tightening bar is attachable to an underside of the hitch receiver tube for maintaining the receiver tube in a stationary position when the receiver tube is installed on a tow vehicle by abutting a surface on the tow vehicle. The assembly further includes a tow loop, e.g., for attaching tow chains, straps, bungee cords, tow hooks and the like to the receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle tow bar assembly having a latch assembly and a remotely operated actuator for unlatching the tow bar assembly from a tow line. The latch assembly may have a pivot lever that is retained by a latch pin until released. Alternatively, the latch assembly may have a pair of jaws that are opened by a linear motor and a set of cams. A method of towing a vehicle with a tow bar assembly that is unlatched and released when the vehicle is moving at a selected speed in a test procedure.

Abstract: A front tow saddle including a tie-down assembly for connecting with one or both of the spring and spring shackle of a towed truck.

Abstract: A nut member having a groove is used to replace the existing nut that holds a ball mount for a trailer to the mounting location. A sleeve is positioned over the nut member and a locking mechanism in the sleeve is engaged so that a locking arm is positioned within the groove of the nut member thereby inhibiting removal of the sleeve when the lock is engaged. Access to the nut member is inhibited by being enclosed by the sleeve.

Abstract: Provided is a tugger attachment apparatus configured for use with a pallet transport. The pallet transport has a front drive portion and a rear load portion having a pair of forks. The tugger attachment includes a body, a fork coupling member at a bottom side of the body that is configured to secure the body to the forks, and a hitch supported by the body. A linkage can be provided that opens and closes the hitch in response to raising and lowering of the forks of the pallet transport.

Abstract: A receiver assembly that attaches to a vehicles step-bumper, drop-center bumper, or other structurally sound mounting surface and provides at least an elongated horizontal box receiver to support cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories and leaves the vehicles frame mounted tow-hitch receiver available for trailer towing or additional tow-hitch receiver accessories, and in addition the receiver assembly provides at least one cargo anchor point to secure cargo, cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle towing device with a first extremity comprising a towing member, a second extremity comprising an attachment arrangement, and an elongated part extending there between is provided. The elongated part comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has a conical outer contact surface extending peripherally from the first portion towards the attachment arrangement. The conical contact surface has a first cone radius at an end of the second portion facing the first portion, and a second cone radius at an end of the second portion facing the attachment arrangement. The first cone radius is larger than the second cone radius, and a longitudinal extension of the second portion exceeds the second cone radius.

Abstract: An attachment bracket for use with heavy machinery and adapted to releasably attach to a double wheeled bin. The attachment bracket has a plurality of spaced parallel elongated bracket frame members, an elongated wide plate member connected to each the bracket frame member forming a rigid connection therebetween, a pair of spaced main hook members removably and adjustably connected to the wide plate member in between the bracket frame members, and a pair of secondary hook members, each rotationally connected to a respective the main hook member and biased such that they will return to an initial position when not being forced to rotate.

Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.

Abstract: An articulated coupler permits vertical displacement of a towed vehicle relative to a towing vehicle while preventing lateral or horizontal displacement of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. Multiple linkage arms provide coupling for special configuration towed vehicles such as short wheel-mounted lifts that experience torsional forces due to the presence and absence of loads on the lift.

Abstract: An implement hitch tongue apparatus has a nodular cast iron tongue member defining a vertical drawpin hole. A bottom recess is defined in a bottom surface of the tongue member forward of the drawpin hole, and a pin hole recess is defined in a front portion of the drawpin hole. The recesses are filled with hard surfacing welding electrode material by welding with a hard surfacing welding electrode. A grease conduit can provide grease to the bottom surface of the tongue member. A solid one-piece ball insert member can be removably installed in the drawpin hole instead of hard surfacing. The ball insert can provide different drawpin hole sizes, and can extend down below the tongue to support the tongue weight on the ball insert with the ball insert rotating with respect to the tongue during turns.

Abstract: A shock protection apparatus that include, in combination, a machine being towed, a towing vehicle coupled to and for towing the machine being towed, and an electrically insulating insert coupled between the vehicle and machine to prevent the transfer of an electrical shock from the vehicle to the machine. The machine includes a towing tongue and the electrically insulating insert is constructed and arranged in the tongue so as to provide a gap between separate metal portions of the tongue.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example towable power generation system. The towable power generation system includes a guide that facilitates mounting the enclosure onto a base. In some embodiments, the guide is attached to the enclosure. When enclosure is mounted on the towable power generation system, the guide on the enclosure engages another portion of the towable power generation system as the enclosure is assembled onto (or removed from) the rest of towable power generation system. The guide facilitates alignment and mounting of the enclosure relative to the towable power generation system.

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

Abstract: A swivel plate assembly for use with a hitch has a swivel plate having a central opening and a pair of chain openings. The swivel plate is pivotally connected to the hitch and is also connected to the tongue by a pair of chains.

Abstract: A multi-function, anti-rotational, power-sports utility hitch receiver assembly includes a four-sided hollow receiver tube having a forward end configured to attach to a tow vehicle and a rearward end configured to house an attachment of an accessory shank. Aligned apertures are present in the opposing sidewalls between the forward end and the rearward end for securing a hitch accessory shank within the receiver tube by inserting a hitch-pin through apertures. A removable, adjustable tightening bar is attachable to an underside of the hitch receiver tube for maintaining the receiver tube in a stationary position when the receiver tube is installed on a tow vehicle by abutting a surface on the tow vehicle. The assembly further includes a tow loop, e.g., for attaching tow chains, straps, bungee cords, tow hooks and the like to the receiver.

Abstract: A hook coupling with a hook body (12), which has a hook-in opening (14), and with a closure latch (16) which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position furthermore comprises: a blocking lever (26) which is displaceable between a blocking position, in which it blocks an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a release position in which it permits an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a triggering device (36) which, in its basic position, whenever blocking lever (26) is in the blocking position, prevents displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position, and which, when actuated out of its basic position, permits displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position.

Abstract: A towing hook assembly for a vehicle disposed in a bumper unit may include a stay connected to both distal rear sides of a bumper beam, a towing hook pipe provided at one inner side of the stay through the bumper beam, and a supporting member supporting an exterior circumference of the towing hook pipe, and connected to an interior circumference of the stay.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a universal pull cart attachment device and method to enhance golf play. In some cases, a universal pull cart attachment device having a displaceable member is coupled to a motorized golf cart to allow users to displace the member to interchangeably receive a handle of a conventional golf bag pull cart. A method of playing golf using such a universal pull cart attachment device is also provided.

Abstract: An improved hitch adapter allows an individual to attach a vehicle with a hook to a trailer with a ball coupler. The improved hitch adapter comprises an adapter ring mechanically coupled to a front plate. The front plate is mechanically coupled to a first parallel surface. The first parallel surface further comprises an adapter ball inset. The first parallel surface is mechanically coupled to a left plate and a right plate. The adapter ball inset is mechanically coupled to a height-adjustable ball. The right plate and the left plate are mechanically coupled to a size variable clamp. This enables a user to mechanically couple the hook to ball coupler regardless of size of the ball coupler enabling full articulation in a vertical direction and a rotational direction.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for a vehicle having a receiver for pulling an object or being pulled. The attachment assembly includes a support member for connection to the receiver and an attachment member connected to the support member to provide both pivotal and rotational movement.

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.

Abstract: A rear hitch assembly (10) for an agricultural tractor is provided. The assembly comprises a drawbar carrier element (20) mounted to the underside of a chassis (13) by a first connection which permits fore and aft movement of the carrier element relative to the chassis. A second connection includes a load sensor (30) which senses horizontal load placed upon the carrier element. Implement connector elements such as drawbars (22) and connector plates (15) are attached to the carrier in a fixed positional relationship. The horizontal load is isolated from the vertical load and measured by the load sensor to provide load information which can be utilised by brake systems for example.

Abstract: A hitch includes a vertically extending trunk portion, a first limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion and a second limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion below the first limb.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.