Abstract: A vehicle towing device and mechanism for wheelie bin and refuge containers preferably includes an interface attaching mechanism for securing the device to the vehicle using a lower horizontal component. This component can utilize the vehicle's towing receiver or be adapted for other attachment methods. The invention further comprising a tee-shaped intermediate assembly and further attaches to a refuge container to Interface attaching mechanism consisting of 2 primary parts made from a metal preferably aluminum or a polymer like material which may be effectively mirror images of each other and rotate about the horizontal round stock arm of the Tee Assembly in opposite directions to each other concurrently to surround the refuge container handle to securely attach the refuge container to the Tee Assembly.

Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly facilitates the automatic coupling and decoupling of a trailer. A trailer coupler assembly can include a main body with a frontward-facing opening for receiving a rearwardly oriented trailer ball. A locking assembly can be integrated with the main body and can allow the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to insert into the frontward-facing opening to automatically secure a trailer to a vehicle. A release assembly can interface with the locking assembly to enable the rearwardly oriented trailer ball to be decoupled from the main body.

Abstract: An assembly includes a bumper. The assembly further includes a base fixed relative to the bumper and a hook supported by the base. The hook is rotatable relative to the base between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly further includes a spring between the base and the hook positioned to bias the hook from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: An automatic securement pin system for a hitch connector includes a hitch bar having an insert end configured to be inserted into a hitch receiver, a securement pin coupled to the hitch bar, and an actuator coupled to the securement pin. The actuator is configured to engage the hitch receiver to displace the securement pin from an open position.

Abstract: A pin-drop hitch mount assembly includes a drawbar receiver that defines a drawbar cavity and a pin opening that is open to the drawbar cavity. The assembly also includes a pin that is supported for movement within the pin opening between first and second unhitched positions and a hitched position. The hitch mount assembly further includes a latch that is supported for movement relative to the drawbar receiver between a first position, an intermediate position, and a second position. The latch, in the first position, engages and supports the pin in the first unhitched position. The latch, in the second position, disengages the pin for movement toward the hitched position. The hitch mount assembly includes a biasing member that biases the latch from the intermediate position toward the first position to return the pin to the first unhitched position as the drawbar moves out of the drawbar cavity.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly for coupling a drawbar to a tongue of a towed implement includes a drawbar pin and a drawbar clevis having a bore configured to receive the drawbar pin. A locking plate is coupled to the drawbar clevis and movable between a pin-locked position in which the locking plate is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the bore, and a pin-unlock condition. An ejector mechanism is configured to dislodge the drawbar pin from the bore.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly for coupling a drawbar to a tongue of a towed implement includes a drawbar pin and a drawbar clevis having a bore configured to receive the drawbar pin. A locking plate is coupled to the drawbar clevis and movable between a pin-lock condition in which the locking plate is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the bore, and a pin-unlock condition. An ejector mechanism is configured to dislodge the drawbar pin from the bore. The ejector mechanism includes a handle utilized to operate the ejector mechanism and an ejector arm pivotably disposed in an ejector recess in the clevis. The ejector arm is movable from a home position in which the ejector arm does not interfere with the drawbar pin to an eject position in which the ejector arm forces the drawbar pin to be at least partially dislodged out of the bore.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch may include a skid plate, and a retention system that is supported by the skid plate. The retention system is also operable to receive a coupling member of a towed vehicle to retain the coupling member within the retention system, where engagement of the coupling member with the retention system selectively positions the retention system in a locked and closed position.

Abstract: A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member selectively securable to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the support member including first and second ends. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member configured to secure a portion of a towed vehicle thereto, the trailer attachment member positionable on the support member between the first and second ends of the support member, where the support member is free of a telescoping relation with the trailer attachment member.

Abstract: A gooseneck coupler is shown and described. The gooseneck coupler may include a first member having at least one aperture, a second member having at least one aperture, the second member telescopingly engaged with the first member where the aperture of the first member is generally aligned with the aperture of the second member, and a base member attached with the second member, the base member having a socket shaped to accept a hitch ball. The gooseneck coupler may also include a locking member pivotally attached with the base member, and a fastening device securing the first and second members. The fasting device may include at least one nut attached with at least one elongated member, where the nut and elongated member are positioned within the second member, and a fastener inserted into the apertures of the first and second members and selectively engaged with the nut.

Abstract: A watercraft trailer having a latching mechanism for receiving a watercraft connection member in order to secure the watercraft on the trailer is provided. The latching mechanism includes a main body having a channel for receiving the watercraft connection member in a receiving position, a latching member supported by the main body for rotational movement between the receiving position and a secured position, a plunger supported by the main body and biased generally toward the latching member, a block biased generally away from the latching member and positioned between the latching member and the plunger for engaging the latching member in the secured position whereby engagement of the latching member by the watercraft connection member causes rotational movement of the latching member which secures the watercraft.

Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a vehicle to be towed includes using an air blast typically from the brake system to automatically hitch the 2 vehicles. A three position pneumatic valve is utilized to allow for the hitching and unhitching of the 2 vehicles.

Abstract: The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.

Abstract: An improved hitch pin system for improving the speed and safety of attaching a receiver insert into a receiver on a tow vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch includes a socket adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with the socket and operable for engaging the trailer hitch ball; a sensor operatively connected with the socket and operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of the socket and an outer face of the trailer hitch ball when the trailer hitch ball is positioned within the socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with the socket and with the clamp and operable to prevent engagement of the clamp with the trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with the sensor and the clamp prevention device and operable to release the clamp prevention device to allow the clamp to engage the trailer hitch ball when the sensor communicates a desired hitch condition.

Abstract: Invention patent application for one Lock Controller (1) made in a cast casing fitted with a closure lid (2) designed with a bearing for the solenoid (3) guiding axle (3a) and one micro-processed control unit (4), being said Lock Controller (1) installed in the free niche (C) of the bottom half of the fifth wheel (5) where the hole (5b) is made through the wall (5c) in order to allow the passage of the extension (1d) of the Lock Controller (1) and one hole (6a) made into the Locking bar (6) face coinciding with the wall (5c) limits the course and one safety ring (8) is welded or glued at section (7a) of the long rod (7), to limit its course.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided that includes a body and a latch member that is movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position for securing a hitch pin to the body. A locking pin is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position for retaining the latch member in the closed position. An unlocking member is mounted to the latch member for movement between a retracted position and an extending position for preventing the locking pin from moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: A self-latching trailer coupler has a fixed body, a displaceable slide and a biasing member. The body includes a slide slot in which the slide is displaceable in reciprocating first and second displacement directions. The biasing member biases the slide in one of the displacement directions. A biasing chamber and a retention chamber are formed within a side of the slide. The biasing chamber has at least two sides enclosing the biasing member. The coupler additionally has a retention member attached to the body which extends into the biasing chamber and engages an end of the biasing member. The retention member further extends into the retention chamber to define the displacement limits of the slide.

Abstract: A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.

Abstract: A self latching trailer coupler includes a housing having a downwardly oriented ball receiver for receiving a head of a hitch ball and a latch member mounted in the housing which is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the latch member prevents the hitch ball from being withdrawn from the ball receiver. The latch member automatically moves into the closed position upon insertion of the head of the hitch ball into the ball receiver and retains the latch member in the closed position. A lock assembly is mounted in the housing and is selectively engageable to lock the latch member in the closed position.

Abstract: An aircraft tug includes a tow bar which extends from a chassis, the tow bar operable to autonomously attach with an aircraft main landing gear assembly and transfer electrical power therebetween.

Abstract: A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.

Abstract: An interchangeable hitch ball assembly that may be easily interchangeable with the hitch of a towing vehicle and that may prevent a trailer socket from being connected to the hitch ball prior to securing the hitch ball to the hitch bar. The hitch ball assembly may include a ball member, a body, a passageway, at least one locking member, an elongated member located within the passageway and biased toward the at least one locking member, and a plunger capable of being moved by the elongated member between a locked position and an unlocked or release position. The plunger may be moved toward the locking member to force at least a portion of the locking member outside of the body to lock the assembly. The plunger may be moved away from the locking member to allow the locking member to retreat into the body and unlock the assembly.

Abstract: A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the pivoting second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Described is a system, device and method for coupling of a towing vehicle to a trailer or other towed item. A skid plate provides a surface on which a tongue of the towed item slides toward alignment over a hitch such as a hitch ball or pintle hook. The tongue, when approaching the correct location, impacts a latch. Movement of the latch facilitates movement of the skid plate downward, out of the way of the tongue. The skid plate automatically drops or tilts below the level of the hitch. The tongue of the trailer then drops onto, engages, or couples to the hitch.

Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.

Abstract: A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the pivoting second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.

Abstract: A drawbar device for a tow vehicle having a vehicle body and a hood operable to open and close for covering a top surface of a rear portion of the vehicle body includes a drawbar bracket, a drawbar pin, an operation lever and a link mechanism. The drawbar bracket is provided on the vehicle body. The drawbar pin is provided at the drawbar bracket so as to be movable upward and downward. The operation lever is provided on the hood so as to be manually operated. The link mechanism is operable to move the drawbar pin upward according to operation of the operation lever.

Abstract: A quick coupler has a frame with a hook, and an operator movable control bar. The hook has a recess for receiving a hitch pin. A latch mechanism includes a latch, a one-piece trigger, a spring, and a stop fixed to the coupler frame. The latch is pivotally coupled to the frame and moves to open and closed positions permitting and preventing the hitch pin to move into and out of the hook recess. The trigger is pivotally coupled only to the latch and to the control bar. The trigger engages the hitch pin and moves the latch to the open position. When the hitch pin is in the hook recess, the stop engages the trigger and prevents the latch from moving to its open position. A central portion of the trigger is pivotally coupled to a central portion of the latch. A shoulder surface is formed in a lower end of the latch, and a tab projects from an end of the trigger. The tab engages the shoulder surface to limit pivoting of the latch to its open position when the trigger engages the stop.

Abstract: Described is a coupling system for connecting supply lines between a trailer and a tractor vehicle, comprising a socket which is arranged on the tractor vehicle and a support element, having a plug, which is arranged on the trailer. The invention is based on the problem of providing a robustly operating coupling system in which an automatic connection of all of the provided supply lines is possible. The problem is solved by means of a coupling system in which the socket is arranged in a positionally fixed manner on the tractor machine, the plug is guided in a laterally moveable manner in the support element, and the plug can be placed into a connecting position with the socket by means of an actuator which is arranged on the tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A self-locking scissor coupler, provision for holding guide poles, for attaching a trailer to a trailer hitch ball. The coupler includes a body, a pair of movable jaws, and a bail. The body attaches to the trailer. The pair of movable jaws are pivotally mounted to the body and normally biased open. The bail is pivotally mounted to the body and normally biased down so as to allow the pair of movable jaws to be normally biased open when the bail is lifted up and disengaged from the pair of movable jaws, and when the pair of movable jaws are engaged by the trailer hitch ball, the pair of jaws close causing the bail to drop, engage the pair of movable jaws, and maintain the pair of jaws closed, thereby automatically capturing the trailer hitch ball in the pair of movable jaws.

Abstract: A drawbar hammer strap assembly design achieves a low profile, and prevents rotation of the drawbar and of the cross pin. The drawbar hammer strap assembly includes a drawbar, a hammer strap member attached to the drawbar, a drawbar pin mountable to drawbar and hammer strap member and a cross pin rotatably mounted in the hammer strap for releasably holding the drawbar pin in its mounted position. The hammer strap has a pair of detent recesses formed in the sides thereof. The drawbar hammer strap assembly also includes a handle member which is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the drawbar pin. The handle member is pivotal to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the detent recess, and to a latched position wherein it is releasably received in the detent recess. The handle member is engagable with a lever arm of the cross pin to hold the cross pin in its locked position when the handle member is in its latched position.

Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.

Abstract: A coupler comprised of a coupler housing having a first opening formed therein. The opening has a concave cavity. A cylindrical socket is formed within the housing. A second opening in the housing communicates with the cylindrical socket. A lock ring is provided, the lock ring having a cylindrical portion and an arm portion extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is disposed within the cylindrical socket in the housing with the arm portion extending from the housing through the second opening. An opening is formed through the cylindrical portion of the lock ring. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is rotatable in the cylindrical socket wherein the lock ring is movable between a first position wherein the opening in the lock ring is aligned with the concave cavity to allow a tow ball to be inserted into the concave cavity through the opening in the lock ring and a second position wherein the opening is not in alignment with the concave cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a coupling an agricultural implement to an agricultural tractor, in which the operation to release the coupling between the agricultural implement and the agricultural tractor can be easily implemented. When the coupling of the agricultural tractor and the agricultural implement is released, first, a control lever of a coupling hook is slid upward against the urging force of a spring until a second guide pin reaches the lower end of a slit. Next, the control lever is turned forward around the second guide pin until a bent portion of the upper portion and the lower portion of the control lever comes into contact with a first guide pin. As a result, the rear end of a stopper is retracted into a cavity in the hook main body of the device through a second opening so as to slide to the coupling-ball-releasing position, and a groove of the stopper is hooked to a hooking pin so as to be fixed.

Abstract: Towing apparatuses suited for use with, for example, three-point hitches or quick hitches. At least some of the present towing apparatuses include a male hitch member that is positioned such that a force acting through the male hitch member (such as a force transmitted to the male hitch member through the female hitch member of the structure being towed) does not cause the particular towing apparatus to rotate about an axis along which the towing apparatus is pivotally coupled to a towing vehicle (such as through a three-point hitch or a quick hitch).

Abstract: A kingpin coupler for allowing a user to connect a trailer having a kingpin to a towing vehicle. The kingpin coupler includes a head assembly, casting, jaws and a locking slide bar. The jaws are pivotably mounted in the housing and are biased into the open position by springs. When the jaws are in the open position and the locking slide bar is unlocked, the jaws prevent the locking slide bar from moving to the closed position. When the hitch ball is moved between the jaws, the jaws move to the closed position and, the unlocked, locking slide bar automatically moves to the closed position across the front of the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling, for example, a trailer having a drawbar (2) to a tractor with a three-point linkage device, which has two height-adjustable lower steering arms (3, 4) of which one is laterally adjustable by a lateral strut (11). A first coupling element is mounted on the rear of the tractor. The drawbar (2) is provided with a second coupling element (13). The second coupling element (13) is connectable to the first coupling element (12). The coupling has a bar 14 with two ends. Each end includes a connection element (15) to connect with the lower steering arms (3, 4) of the tractor (1). A guiding mechanism comprises two guiding pins is arranged, distanced from each other, on the bar (14). The guiding bar (14) supports the drawbar (2). The drawbar (2) is guided between the guiding pins (17). The drawbar (2) is adjustable relative to the bar (14) in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The invention is an articulated frame for attachment to a trailer hitch for purposes of facilitating alignment and coupling of the trailer hitch to a vehicle hitch.

Abstract: A coupling member 2 is brought into a mouth 23 to contact a camming surface 61 of an engagement member 60. The member 60 rotates clockwise to bring the securement means 50 up to retain the coupling member. A camming surface 62 of the engagement member 60 contacts surface 72 of a restrictor 70 to cause the restrictor to first move anticlockwise and then to drop back in a clockwise direction to trap the engagement member in position and to prevent the securement means 50 from allowing the coupling member 2 to be released.

Abstract: An improvement to a fifth wheel hitch providing a pivotal pin lock to retain a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer within a front opening of the fifth wheel hitch during the loading process prior to engaging the pin in the fifth wheel hitch, the pivotal pin lock including a ramp plate pivotally engaged with the front opening of the fifth wheel hitch by extending arms of a transverse pivot rod, the ramp plate having an upper surface upon which the pin is directed towards a catch mechanism in the fifth wheel hitch, the ramp plate blocking the front opening of the fifth wheel hitch once the pin has passed the pivotal pin lock.

Abstract: A docking assembly configured to allow a first medical device to move with a second medical device includes a hitch, a base, and a connector. The hitch is configured to be coupled to the first medical device. The base is spaced apart from the hitch and is configured to be coupled to the second medical device. The connector interconnects the hitch and the base and permits movement of the hitch relative to the base.

Abstract: A selectively remotely actuated coupler which comprises a coupler for trailers, automatic locking mechanism to secure said trailer to a towing vehicle ball, a remotely actuated release assembly for unlocking said automatic locking mechanism attached to said trailer and powered by a battery. The coupler comprising an automatic locking means connected to said trailer for locking said trailer to said ball hitch as said trailer is lowered onto said ball hitch, a selectively activated unlocking means connected to said trailer for releasing said ball hitch from said trailer, and a remote control in communication with said unlocking means for selectively activating said unlocking means. It is further contemplated that said locking mechanism provides a manual release handle.

Abstract: The quick hitch drawbar assembly accepts a standard yoke hitch but simplifies the tractor/scraper connection. Holes in the drawbar are replaced with slots which are angled to prevent accidental disconnection. These slots are wider at the top to simplify alignment of the yoke pin down the slots to be seated in a pin cradle. The forward portion of the drawbar ears are raised to form a stop for the horizontal pin when positioning the tractor.

Abstract: A selectively remotely actuated coupler which comprises a coupler for trailers, automatic locking mechanism to secure said trailer to a towing vehicle ball, a remotely actuated release assembly for unlocking said automatic locking mechanism attached to said trailer and powered by a battery. The coupler comprising an automatic locking means connected to said trailer for locking said trailer to said ball hitch as said trailer is lowered onto said ball hitch, a selectively activated unlocking means connected to said trailer for releasing said ball hitch from said trailer, and a remote control in communication with said unlocking means for selectively activating said unlocking means. It is further contemplated that said locking mechanism provides a manual release handle.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

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 coupling device for connecting a first mobility platform to a second mobility platform in tandem. An example mobility platform is a robot. The coupling device has a loose link mode for normal steering conditions and a locking position, tight link mode for navigation across difficult terrain and across obstacles, for traversing chasms, and for navigating with a reduced footprint in tight steering conditions.