Abstract: An coupling apparatus for towing is provided which in some embodiments may be a ball hitch coupler configured to accept a ball hitch which is attached to a towing vehicle. The apparatus may include one or more projections that may be flat-topped with rounded corners and separated by valleys having a tapered profile. This configuration reduces and transfers stress away from the connection point of a mounting section, such as a removable tube which is then attached the towed vehicle. The apparatus may be sized and shaped so as to accept a multitude of different styled and shaped mounting sections. The projections sit atop a flange that may be configured to reduce the compression load on the apparatus. The apparatus may utilize a clamping force style fastener to be used to attach the mounting section to the apparatus, providing for maximum versatility of said apparatus.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel hitch assembly is provided having a rotatable and slidable trailer hitch and a base with an arcuate guide along which the trailer hitch may slide rearward relative to the tow vehicle. A guide ramp directs the trailer hitch into one end of the arcuate guide depending on the relative motion of the tow vehicle to which the base is mounted. A capture mechanism is also provided on the trailer hitch which transfers rotational movement from the trailer to the base of the trailer hitch which, upon a minimum amount of travel, activates the guide ramp to guide the trailer hitch into the arcuate guide moving the trailer hitch head rearward relative to the initial position over the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The hitch assembly also provides for return travel of the trailer hitch head upon opposing rotational movement exerted on the trailer hitch head.

Abstract: A fifth wheel latching assembly is provided having first and second locking assemblies. The first locking assembly includes first and second jaw members, which are movable between open and locked configurations. In the locked configurations, at least one of the first and second jaw members locks a kingpin in place for towing. The second locking assembly includes a latch element which is movable between open and locked positions. In its closed position, the latch element locks a kingpin in place for towing. The first and second locking assemblies independently lock the kingpin in place. Kingpin insertion causes automatic locking of the first and second locking assemblies.

Abstract: An auger assembly for moving material is disclosed. The auger assembly includes a first auger section, second auger section, and joint connecting the two sections. The second auger section includes an auger assembly output for dispensing material, such as a harvested grain. The first auger section, second auger section, and joint each rotate about its own axis, thereby causing three-dimensional movement of the auger assembly and particularly the auger assembly output. The auger assembly is capable of both manual control, such as by a joystick, and automatic control, such as by an electronic controller. Also provided is a material handling apparatus employing the disclosed auger assembly and also including a container for storing material to be moved by the auger assembly.

Abstract: A fifth wheel latching assembly is provided having first and second locking assemblies. The first locking assembly includes first and second jaw members, which are movable between open and locked configurations. In the locked configurations, at least one of the first and second jaw members locks a kingpin in place for towing. The second locking assembly includes a latch element which is movable between open and locked positions. In its closed position, the latch element locks a kingpin in place for towing. The first and second locking assemblies independently lock the kingpin in place. Kingpin insertion causes automatic locking of the first and second locking assemblies.

Abstract: A self-aligning tractor axle mounted tank system for vertically mounting a tank to a tractor is provided comprising; an integrated hub and spindle, a housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the housing, and at least one housing bracket connected to the housing and adapted to mount a tank frame assembly, wherein the housing bracket is configured to align the tank frame assembly with the housing during vertical mounting. Additionally, an integrated hub and spindle assembly is provided comprising; a spindle connected to a hub, and a bearing housing connected to the spindle so that the spindle can rotate with respect to the bearing housing. Furthermore, a process for mounting a self-aligning tank to the rear axle of a tractor is provided.

Abstract: A tow bar has first and second bar elements telescopically engaged to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A latch housing mounted on the second bar element pivotally mounts a latch element. A locking sear having a sear locking surface and a sear back surface is pivotally mounted to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, a sear locking surface abuts a latch stop of the first bar element to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration. In the unlocking position, the sear locking surface disengages the latch stop, allowing the first and second bar elements to move to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A tow bar has a first bar element, a second bar element, and a latch mechanism. The first bar element has a proximal end, a first elongate body, and a latch stop opposite the proximal end. The second bar element has a distal end, a second elongate body, and a latch end opposite the distal end. The first bar element is telescopically engaged within the second bar element to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The latch mechanism is adapted to abut the latch stop to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration.

Abstract: A rotational jack assembly is provided to support a portion of a trailer. The jack assembly has a pivot mount with a pivot axis, a mounting plate rotatable about the pivot axis and a pin receptor with a first and second portion. The mounting plate carries a support assembly and a locking pin. The locking pin is engagable with the pin receptor, and adapted to move between the first and second portions of the pin receptor upon application of rotational force. A force activated locking assembly and a breakaway support assembly are also provided for supporting a portion of a trailer. A method of use for the rotational breakaway trailer jack assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tow bar apparatus has a hitch member, a pair of linkages, and a pair of tow bars. The hitch member has a receiver tube adapted to removably engage a towing vehicle, and a vertical pivot post having a vertical axis that is generally orthogonal to the surface when the hitch member is mounted on the towing vehicle. Each of the pair of linkages connects the hitch member to a proximal end of one of the pair of tow bars. Each linkage includes a vertical aperture that pivotally mounts the linkage on the vertical pivot post, and a horizontal pivot pin attached to one of the pair of tow bars. A towed vehicle attachment element of a distal end of each of the tow bars is adapted to be removably attached to the towed vehicle.

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 master cylinder having a reservoir and a cylinder formed from a single piece of molded plastic. A sight gauge is molded into a sidewall of the reservoir to permit the level of hydraulic fluid to be checked without removing the reservoir's cap. A vent hole and a replenishing hole permit hydraulic fluid to flow between the reservoir and the cylinder. A baffle is provided to deflect “geysers” that can occur during brake bleeding when hydraulic fluid is forced up through the replenishing port. In the preferred embodiment, the baffle includes an upright portion that is used to retain a float in alignment with the sight gauge.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tank to a tractor. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a drum attachable to a rear axle of the tractor, the rear axle having a longitudinal axis of rotation, a spindle connectable to the drum along the longitudinal axis of the rear axle so that the drum can rotate with respect to the spindle, and a support structure connected to the spindle and connectable to the body of the tractor, wherein the support structure is adapted to mount a tank substantially adjacent a rear wheel of the tractor.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for use with a wheeled cargo transportation cart comprised of a frame, wheels for rolling engagement with a support surface, and with cargo ramp assemblies attached to either end of the frame. The cargo ramp assemblies pivot under the weight of cargo, between a engagement position for loading and unloading of cargo, and a storage position for storage. The cart also is comprised of handles removable engagable with the frame, to allow for movement of the cart in any direction. An adjustment member is in rotatable engagement with the frame allowing for selective adjustment between a locked position thereby preventing rolling movement of the cart, and unlocked position thereby allowing rolling movement.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a wheeled transportation cart, comprising an adjustment member in rotatable engagement with the frame of the wheeled cart. The adjustment member is selectively adjustable between a locked position thereby preventing rolling movement of the wheeled cart, and an unlocked position thereby allowing rolling movement of the wheeled cart. The adjustment member contains a first knee formed by a first bent section in the adjustment member which is engaged between a first locking element and a first locking channel, and a second knee formed by a second bent section in the adjustment member which is engaged between a second locking element and a second locking channel. As the adjustment member rotates between the locked and the unlocked positions, the adjustment member forces the first and second locking elements downward toward a support surface and engages a first and second locking assembly spring means to urge the first and second locking elements into contact with the support surface.

Abstract: A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the towing arm will automatically lock in the extended position as the towing vehicle is pulled away from the towed vehicle. The locking feature is accomplished by a slideable collar that moves between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in place between the outer leg and grooves in the inner leg, thereby locking the legs in fixed relation to each other. When in the collar is moved to the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. The catches have saddle-shaped surfaces to fit the contours of the grooves. The grooves only partially encircle the inner leg.

Abstract: A cargo truck is provided having a loading ramp assembly to aid in loading and unloading items from a cargo box on the truck. The loading ramp assembly is adjustable between a loading position wherein a ramp is provided between a deck of the cargo box and the ground, and a storage position to allow transport of the cargo truck. The loading ramp fits within a pocket between the truck frame and the cargo box when in the storage position. The pocket is formed by long C-shaped box sills that support the cargo box. The ramp is formed by two side rails, a ramp floor between the side rails, and support braces between the ramp floor and the side rails to prevent buckling of the side rails upon application of a load to the ramp. The braces extend below the bottom of the box sills when the ramp is in a storage position. The braces allow for lower profile side rails, thereby reducing the amount the cargo box must be raised above the truck frame to accommodate the ramp assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic lift for raising a boat out of water into a raised storage position is proposed. Pivoting booms are connected to a frame that is supportable by a bed of a body of water. A boat rack is provided at an upper portion of the pivoting booms. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between the frame and a lower portion of the pivoting booms. The pivoting booms are selectively adjustable between a lowered position wherein the rack is submerged in the water and a raised storage position wherein the rack is raised above the water. The position of the pivoting booms is controlled by a ram of the hydraulic cylinder. Importantly, the pivoting booms are maintained in the raised storage position when the ram is in a retracted position which protects the ram from corrosion and fouling. In the preferred embodiment, the pivoting booms are rotated over center when they are in the raised storage position.

Abstract: A release tool is provided to aid in the unlocking of extending towing arms. The tool is adapted to fit a tow bar assembly that has a telescoping towing arm which is locked in an extended position by a slideable collar. The collar is moveable between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in engagement with legs of the towing arm to hold the legs fixed relative to each other. When in the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. Stress can build-up in the towing arms making it difficult to move the collar from the locked position to the released position. The release tool of the present invention provides a mechanical advantage to aid in the movement of the collar from the locked position to the released position. A cam surface on the tool engages the collar and moves it from the locked position to the released position as a handle is rotated about a fulcrum means.

Abstract: A hitching device is provided for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle. The device reduces shocks and vibrations that can be transmitted between the trailer and the towing vehicle. The hitching device mounts on the rear section of the towing vehicle. A swing plate has hitching means attached to it for connection with the trailer. The swing plate is connected to swing means which allow the plate to swing forward or rearward. As the swing plate moves forward and rearward the hitching means remain at a constant angular orientation. The swing plate has a central position wherein the swing plate is at a lowest level. As the swing plate swings forward or rearward out of the central position it moves to a higher level. Gravity tends to force the swing plate back to the central position when the swing plate is displaced from the central position. The swing of the swing plate reduces shocks that typically are transmitted between the trailer and the towing vehicle.