Draft Pin Patents (Class 280/515)
  • Publication number: 20130154236
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Shaw, Alan Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20130147158
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus has a tongue member with drawpin hole. Upper and lower clevis straps are pivotally attached to a corresponding top and bottom sides of the tongue member about vertical pivot axes, such that the clevis straps can pivot from an operating position, where the upper clevis strap is above the drawpin hole and the lower clevis strap is below the drawpin hole, to an idle position where the clevis straps extend laterally from the tongue member. When the clevis straps are in the operating position, upper and lower clevis holes in the corresponding clevis straps are vertically aligned with the drawpin hole in the tongue member, and a recess is formed between one of the upper and lower clevis straps and the tongue member. A drawpin retainer prevents upward movement of a drawpin out of engagement with the clevis and drawpin holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Brian R. Olson
  • Patent number: 8454047
    Abstract: An improved hitch pin system for improving the speed and safety of attaching a receiver insert into a receiver on a tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Scott
  • Patent number: 8444166
    Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be pushed by hand or pulled by a motor vehicle. Thus, implementations of the transport device disclosed herein may have functions akin to a wheelbarrow or a dumping trailer yet may provide easier and/or more efficient transportation and dumping functions over prior art wheelbarrows and dumping trailers. Implementation of the transport device disclosed herein also may be easier to push over an elevation or up a hill. Furthermore, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein includes four wheels and therefore can function like a cart. Still further, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein can have the functions of a wagon. In some implementations, the transport device includes a work bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Dwight Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20130076008
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking assembly and tow bar that allows for one handed locking and unlocking of the tow bar and can be easily manipulated with one person. The tow bar has a receiver joint connecting the ends of two tow bar arms, the receiver joint including upper and lower plates. The receiver joint is connected by a coupling link to a clevis hitch, which has a horizontally mounted pivot bolt mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The tow bar rotates at the receiver joint about the pivot pin from a horizontal, or deployed position, to a vertical, or stowed position. The clevis hitch is received by a tow bar receiver, which in turn is disposed in a hitch socket on the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Austin Su
  • Patent number: 8380390
    Abstract: A system and method for determining characteristics of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The trailer is coupled to the vehicle using a trailer hitch using at least one intelligent bolt or fastener. The intelligent fastener has structural characteristics similar to those of traditional bolts for fastening a trailer to a vehicle (e.g., shear strength, diameter, etc.), but the intelligent fastener is configured to sense forces at a junction between the trailer and the vehicle. An ESC system receives force readings from the intelligent fastener sensors along with signals from a plurality of other sensors and determines one or more characteristics of the trailer. The ESC system compensates the motion of the vehicle based on the forces sensed at the junction and the characteristics of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Williamson Sy, Doug Johnston, Pascal Martin, Damian Nowicki
  • Patent number: 8360460
    Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be easier and quicker than prior art systems. Furthermore, the apparatuses and method disclosed herein may be more effective over rough terrain. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a tongue attached to the conveyance, a floating hitch attached to the motor vehicle, and a compression-hitching pin. A conveyance can be hitched to a motor vehicle simply by inserting the hitching pin through the tongue of the conveyance and the floating hitch of the motor vehicle and then pushing down on the handle of the hitching pin and turning the handle to lock the hitching pin in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Dwight Jarvis
  • Patent number: 8336902
    Abstract: A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric M. Terpsma, Roger L. Jansen, III, Richard T. Polanic
  • Publication number: 20120299271
    Abstract: A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Eric M. Terpsma, Roger L. Jansen, III, Richard T. Polanic
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120256393
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-locking hitch pin for joining a hitch device to a receiver hitch in a quick and easy manner using a single, self-contained mechanism. The hitch pin is comprised of shaft with a locking member on one end and a handle and weight on the other end and a spring and retainers to keep the hitch pin in place. The self-locking hitch pin allows for single-handed installation and securing of a hitch device to a receiver hitch with no pin or locking mechanism to be lost or dropped. The self-locking hitch pin can be inserted into the hitch orifice, have pressure applied to the spring, rotate the hitch pin allowing gravity to engage the locking member and then release pressure on the spring coupling both devices together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Max M. Smoot
  • Patent number: 8272663
    Abstract: A tow assembly for a truck for high capacity loads provides independent load paths interconnected to a tow eye for bearing a towing load. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting interface having a front face and oppositely located side faces and defining an interior space, a first outer member extending from one side face of the mounting box, a second outer member extending from an opposite side face of the mounting box, an inner member disposed and extending through the first outer member, the interface, and the second outer member, and, a tow eye mounted to the front face of the interface and structurally interconnected to the inner bar. Towing loads are transmitted to the mounting interface and distributed and shared by the inner member and first and second tube structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Renie Brewer, Arthur Nalson Fowler
  • Patent number: 8267420
    Abstract: A hitch system includes a handle portion including a handle loop, a pin portion extending from the handle portion, a pair of opposite retainers and a trigger. The retainers are movable between a retracted position relative to the pin portion and an extended position relative to the pin portion. The trigger is coupled to the retainers to actuate the retainers between the retracted position and the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: M Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin
  • Publication number: 20120228853
    Abstract: A hitch pin for use in a hitch assembly is provided. The hitch pin includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a transition portion. The size of the first end portion is different relative to the size of the second end portion. The two end portions are configured to fit different size apertures defined by a hitch assembly component. In further examples, the hitch pin can include a first end portion, a second end portion, a third end portion, and a transition portion. The first end portion is of a different size relative to both the second end portion and the third end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: WINSTON PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Winston Breeden, Robert Johnson
  • Patent number: 8262121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Frog Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 8240696
    Abstract: A hitch pin assembly includes a first pin having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A second pin extends from the longitudinal axis in close proximity to the first end. A third pin extends from the longitudinal axis in close proximity to the first end. A fourth pin extends from the longitudinal axis in close proximity to the second end. The first pin is configured to be received between a hitched position and an unhitched position in a member having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a hitch area positioned between the upper portion and the lower portion. Upon installation of the second pin and the fourth pin to the first pin, travel of the first pin along the longitudinal axis is restricted in each of opposed directions so that the hitch pin assembly cannot be removed from the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Logan C. Miller, Mark Allan Renard
  • Patent number: 8210560
    Abstract: In an example embodiment a drawbar pin bore adapter includes a bushing sized to fit within a drawbar pin bore of a first size and a retainer to secure the bushing to the drawbar. The bushing may include a primary portion having an outer diameter configured for insertion into the drawbar pin bore, an inner diameter configured to receive a drawbar pin of a second diameter; and an extension portion configured to protrude from the drawbar bore and engage the retainer to secure at least a portion of the bushing within the drawbar pin bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Shaw
  • Patent number: 8205904
    Abstract: One embodiment of the vehicle mounting includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a panel member, a set of elongated members, and a bracket member. The panel member may be configured to be supported on a front part of the vehicle. The set of elongated members may extend from a surface of the panel member. The bracket member may be associated at the free end portions of the set of elongated members. The vehicle mounting may further include an arm assembly carried by the bracket member of the frame assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm member and a second arm member adapted to be telescopically received within the first arm member. The arm assembly may also include a hitch member operatively coupled with the second arm member. The hitch member may be adapted to receive a towing rod of the wheeled article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mac E. Carter, Andrea A. Carter
  • Patent number: 8191914
    Abstract: A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence H. Wulff
  • Patent number: 8186703
    Abstract: A tow cable kit is mounted to a pin support member which is attached to a frame of the vehicle. The pin support member includes an upper plate and a lower plate. Each plate has a front bore and a rear bore. The front bores receive a front towing pin, and the rear bores receive a rear towing pin. The front towing pin is received by a towing cable, the rear towing pin is received by a drawbar. The tow cable kit includes a floater plate which is spaced apart from the pin support member and is coupled to both towing pins. The floater plate has a pair of spaced apart bores for receiving the towing pins and for protecting snap rings which are mounted on the towing pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nicholas David Bruns, Shane Michael Boden
  • Publication number: 20120074669
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a pivoting joint for an articulated vehicle comprising two joint segments connected by at least one joint body, wherein the joint body comprises at least one saddle having at least one concave bowed surface, which is received by the first joint segment, wherein the joint body furthermore comprises at least one calotte disposed on the other second joint segment, wherein the calotte faces the concave bowed surface of the saddle with its convex bowed surface, wherein the calotte and saddle are connected by means of a pin to each other, wherein a bearing liner with at least one layer made of elastomer is disposed between the saddle and the calotte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Hubner GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Scharf, Robert Koch
  • Patent number: 8104783
    Abstract: A fork lift hitch receiver has a trailer attachment side and a fork lift receiving side separated by an insert guard. Top, middle and bottom structural layers on the fork lift receiving side are provided with apertures which form a rod reception path. The fork lift receiving side is inserted into a receiving cavity of the forklift where an attachment rod of the forklift is inserted through the rod reception path. The insert guard covers the receiving cavity and assists in orienting the fork lift receiving side to a location within the cavity where the attachment rod can be inserted through the reception path. A guide path formed in the top layer on the receiving side of the fork lift hitch receiver further aids in guiding the attachment rod to the reception path. A ball and a ball support member are attached to the trailer attachment side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christina Blankenship, John Michael Bush
  • Publication number: 20110316255
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INDIGO SIERRA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Gregory Staples
  • Patent number: 8079614
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a secondary locking assembly for a towmotor when the towmotor is connected to a dolly. The towmotor includes a first lever pivotally connected to a rear panel of the towmotor. The lever is connected to the rear panel of the towmotor by means of a first pivot point. A sleeve having a second extended lever covers a portion of the first lever. The sleeve abuts the first pivot point of the first lever. The sleeve is pivotally connected about a second pivot point located on the first lever. By clamping the first lever and the second lever together, the sleeve moves from the locked position abutting the first pivot point to an unlocked position wherein the first lever as a whole may be pivotally raised to an unlocked position. The locking assembly further includes an elongated rod extending between the first lever and a hitch pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy Tien Bui, Adam Douglas Brozovic, Todd Jason Hughes
  • Patent number: 8079613
    Abstract: A hitch pin securing system for receiver mounted accessories. The present invention provides a device for securely clamping a shank tube to a receiver tube. This securing device minimizes the rattling and relative movement of the shank tube and the receiver tube due to the clearance between the shank tube and the receiver tube. The securing device includes a threaded nut or bushing mounted within the shank tube. A hitch pin is inserted through the receiver tube and shank tube and engages the shank tube nut. A locking handle is used to tighten the hitch pin relative to the shank tube nut. Once the hitch pin is tight, the handle is pivoted relative to the hitch pin to cause a cam surface to tighten the shank tube nut against the shank tube which forces the shank tube in tight engagement against the receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Marty Williams
  • Publication number: 20110289692
    Abstract: A combination tool usable to couple between land vehicles or other objects is described, that is also usable to impact posts, such when constructing a fence. The combination tool can include a main body with a first end configured to impact a post, and a second end configured for coupling to a vehicle or other object. A restrainer pin detachably connected to the main body is usable to secure the combination tool to the object. The restrainer pin can also be used to engage a fence clip or similar flexible member, such as when constructing a fence. Additionally, the combination tool can include a ball hitch or similar protrusion for engagement with a tow vehicle or other object, and a platform or similar member for facilitating a user's access to the vehicles or other objects to which the combination tool is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Rick Marek
  • Publication number: 20110248474
    Abstract: A tow bar suspension system includes a tow bar pivotally connected to a trailer frame, first and second mounts coupling the suspension bar to the tow bar, an elongate connector, and a coupling link. The connector couples the coupling link and the suspension bar, while the coupling link couples the connection bracket and the trailer frame. The suspension bar is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tow bar such that the weight of the tow bar is applied as a torsion force on the suspension bar, which resists this force to suspend the tow bar off a ground surface. The coupling link is adjustable in length to modify the pitch of the tow bar with respect to the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: TRAIL KING INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chris D. Williams, Robert C. Tilton
  • Patent number: 8033563
    Abstract: A height adjustable hitch assembly. The present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly mountable to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly includes a vertically extending channel member having opposing side flanges. Each of the side flanges includes equally spaced holes. A locking member having two pins spaced from one another the same distance as the holes in the flanges secures a hitch assembly to the channel member at a desired height. The height can be quickly and easily adjusted by removing the locking member, moving the hitch assembly to the desired height and reinserting the locking member. The channel member and the dual locking pin minimize rocking, swaying and pivoting of the hitch assembly relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Engineering Group
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Good
  • Publication number: 20110221167
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin, Michael M. Potempa, Brian S. Potempa
  • Patent number: 8016314
    Abstract: An electronically controlled tow hitch assembly for a vehicle is provided which has a controller for locking and unlocking the assembly. The assembly has a locking unit with a receiving aperture into which a connector attached to a flange for holding a load or trailer is inserted. The locking unit has a locking shaft that extends through the aperture of the unit and passes through a groove in the wall of the aperture and an aligned groove in the connector for locking. An electric motor with a reduction gearbox is utilized to lock and unlock the connector from the locking unit. A spring loaded safety pin is used for locking the locking shaft with the tip of the safety pin entering the aperture and locking the locking shaft in position. The locking unit has an activation switch that determines when the connector has been fully inserted into the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Dirk Visser
  • Patent number: 8011685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Belinky, Neal Weipert
  • Publication number: 20110156372
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: PROGESS MFG. INC.
    Inventors: Jason Robert Harper, Raymond L. Conger, Joshua A. Jones, Jed Anderson
  • Patent number: 7967323
    Abstract: A drawbar protector comprising a generally rectangular plate which is positioned on the upper rearward end of a tractor drawbar so that wear on the drawbar is prevented. If the protector plate becomes excessively worn, it is easily replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: James T. Baum
  • Patent number: 7967321
    Abstract: A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence H. Wulff
  • Publication number: 20110121541
    Abstract: The carrier vehicle includes a coaxial two-wheel vehicle including two wheels arranged on the same axial centerline, a cart, and a coupling mechanism to couple the coaxial two-wheel vehicle to the cart. The coupling mechanism 4 includes a roll rotation tolerance portion that tolerates, when a traveling direction of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle is defined as a roll axis, rotation of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle in a roll direction. Further, the coupling mechanism includes a pitch rotation tolerance portion that tolerates, when a left-and-right direction of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle is defined as a pitch axis, rotation of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle in a pitch direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ikuo Yamano, Takekazu Kakinuma
  • Publication number: 20110101644
    Abstract: A convertible trailer that may be reconfigured for use with different towing hitch arrangements. The trailer includes a first deck, a second deck, and an adjustable neck configured to support the second deck substantially level with the first deck in a pintle configuration and to support the second deck above the first deck in a fifth wheel configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN FELIX SCHNEIDER
  • Patent number: 7926830
    Abstract: A hitch adapter for use with a forwardly extending tongue of an implement which enables the hitch on the forward end of the tongue to be converted from a clevis-type hitch to a hitch ball-type hitch. The hitch adapter of this invention may also be used with hitch balls having different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Curt J. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110074133
    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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Vernon W. SPARKES, William J.D. SHAW
  • Patent number: 7909349
    Abstract: An assembly for drawbar retention from a hanger bar on the rear of a tractor includes bottom and top capture plates spanning the intersection of the drawbar and hanger bar, front to back and side to side, and held together by four bolt and nut fasteners that are passed vertically through the four corners of the two plates such that there are two bolts on either lateral side of the drawbar and two on the front and back sides of the hanger bar. A pair of spacer blocks are provided across the front and back edges of the hanger bar releasably captured between the cover plates by the bolts. Cutouts in the spacer blocks can receive tongues on wear pads to permit pads to be captured between the top cover plate and hanger and/or the hanger and the drawbar by the bolts and spacers. The method is the arrangement of top and bottom cover plates with spacers and fasteners as stated, with or without wear pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: John T. Rasset, Russell Victor Stoltman
  • Publication number: 20110049840
    Abstract: In an example embodiment a drawbar pin bore adapter includes a bushing sized to fit within a drawbar pin bore of a first size and a retainer to secure the bushing to the drawbar. The bushing may include a primary portion having an outer diameter configured for insertion into the drawbar pin bore, an inner diameter configured to receive a drawbar pin of a second diameter; and an extension portion configured to protrude from the drawbar bore and engage the retainer to secure at least a portion of the bushing within the drawbar pin bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Matthew Shaw
  • Patent number: 7891693
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a hitch member defining a substantially vertical drawpin hole. A spacer member is movably mounted to the hitch member such that the spacer member is movable laterally from a working position, where the spacer extends forward to block a rear portion of the drawpin hole, to an idle position where the spacer is removed from the drawpin hole and the front end of the spacer is located lateral to the drawpin. A lock mechanism is operative to selectively maintain the spacer member in the working position and the idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Power Pin Inc.
    Inventor: Brian R. Olson
  • Patent number: 7878526
    Abstract: A trailer hitch pin of the present disclosure has a magnet disposed on an end of a shaft for coupling the shaft to an opening in a trailer hitch, the shaft for insertion into the opening to retain the trailer hitch in a receptacle coupled to a vehicle. In addition, the trailer hitch pin has a lever pivotally attached to the shaft for disengaging the magnet and decoupling the shaft from the opening to remove the trailer hitch from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: James K. Jantzen
  • Patent number: 7857342
    Abstract: The present invention is a hitch assembly for coupling a powered cart mover to a cart, wherein the cart has one of three different types of hitching elements. The hitch assembly comprises a mount and a foot. The mount secures the assembly to the mover and includes a vertically adjustable portion biased in an upward position via a biasing element. The foot is pivotally coupled to the vertically adjustable portion and includes first, second and third attachment features. Each attachment feature is configured to receive one of the three different types of hitching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Holtan, James W. Wiff
  • Publication number: 20100264627
    Abstract: A receptacle device that is attachable to a motor vehicle includes a receiving tube into which an insertion tube of an adapter having a trailer ball can be inserted. The insertion tube is held in the receptacle tube with the help of a splint. In order to eliminate play between the insertion tube and the splint, the insertion tube is pressed against the splint by a pressure piece. A first segment of the pressure piece fits the inner diameter of the receiving tube, so that the pressure piece can be held by said receiving tube, while a second segment engages precisely in the insertion tube in order to be held thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Jens Mueller
  • Publication number: 20100266376
    Abstract: A device and method for moving tilt frame and transfer bed portions of a cargo transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention may include a table and a pin secured to the transfer bed. The table may pivot on a horizontal axis allowing the transfer bed to be placed in a horizontal orientation during inclination of the tilt frame. The table may also pivot on a vertical axis so that the transfer bed may swing side-to-side, and may also pivot on a z-axis enabling the transfer bed to roll side-to-side relative to the table. An adjustable carriage with independently movable stabilizer legs may be used to level the transfer bed on uneven ground. The tilt frame may also include an extendable boom and a retractable roller system to facilitate loading and unloading of material such as flat rack platforms and pallets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: MILLER INDUSTRIES TOWING EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventors: David W. Bannon, Dean T. Mullin, John M. Cullum, Christopher L. Wilcox
  • Publication number: 20100207360
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 7735848
    Abstract: A pintle hitch adaptor enables a vehicle equipped with a drawbar or DMI bumper to tow trailers having different towing components. The pintle hitch adaptor comprises a sleeve that fits over arid is held to the drawbar. A pintle hitch is mounted to the sleeve. Aligned holes in the sleeve and the drawbar receive a hitch ball shank. A trailer tongue with a cup or eye engages the ball. A pintle hitch latch locks to prevent disengagement of the trailer tongue cup or eye from the ball. Shoulders on a pintle hitch post prevent: the latch from contacting the cup. Alternately, the ball can be removed, and a tow pin can to used between a hole in the trailer tongue and the drawbar and sleeve holes. A locking screw on the sleeve holds the sleeve and drawbar holes in alignment when the ball is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Dean Konsela
  • Patent number: 7712764
    Abstract: A draw pin hitch has a lower jaw, an upper jaw positioned above the lower jaw, and a draw pin receivable generally vertically in apertures in the upper and lower jaws for coupling elements to the hitch between the jaws. The hitch has a pin holding means which is moveable between a “pin raised” position in which the pin is supported by the pin holding means in the aperture of the upper jaw but does not project between the jaws, and a “pin lowered” position in which the holding means allows the pin to extend through both apertures between the jaws. The pin holding means at least partially encircles at least one of the jaws and is moveable between the “pin raised” and “pin lowered” positions by contact of an implement to be coupled to the hitch with a portion of the holding means. When in the “pin raised” position the holding means at least partially extends across the lower end of the aperture in the upper jaw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: AGCO SA
    Inventor: Thibaut Jean-Robert Maillet
  • Publication number: 20100013189
    Abstract: The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Concurrent Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Pollock, John E. Gover, JR., Brian S. Rose, Greg E. Holt
  • Publication number: 20100007117
    Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a shank that can slidingly engage a first hitch receiver having an interior opening with a first size, which may be a class I receiver with a one and one-quarter inch square opening and provisions for a one-half inch hitch pin. First and second adapter parts, each having two sides forming a right angle, are removably coupled to the shank on opposite sides. The drawbar assembly can slidingly engage a second hitch receiver having an interior opening with a second size, which may be a class III receiver with a two inch square opening and provisions for a five-eighths inch hitch pin. A threaded hitch pin may clamp the drawbar assembly to the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: DANIK INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: James C. Morris