Abstract: A small vehicle lift of the parallelogram type is described wherein parallel pivoting legs are pivotally attached at their opposing ends to a base and a support platform, whereby the lift ranges from a lowered state wherein the support platform is in close parallel relation to the base and a raised position wherein the support platform is in spaced parallel relation to the base. Both the support platform and the base pivotally bear the legs within channels and thereby surround the legs at opposing planes adjacent the planes wherein the legs pivot. The channels within the base also have wheels rotatably mounted therein to allow the lift to be easily transported. Two opposing pivoting legs are affixed together by a bridge member which is pivotally connected to a linear actuator, which is in turn pivotally connected to the base. Actuation of the linear actuator thereby raises and lowers the support platform with respect to the base.

Abstract: A spring-biased mechanism for a trailer coupler to positively connect a trailer to a towing vehicle. The coupler is attached to a tongue of a trailer and adapted to receive a hitch ball of a towing vehicle. A locking assembly mounted within the coupler prevents withdrawal of the hitch ball from the coupler housing to prevent inadvertent separation of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The lock includes a rotatable pin extending transversely through the coupler housing to selectively prevent withdrawal of the hitch ball. The rotatable pin is connected to a spring-biased lever positioned externally of the coupler housing. In addition to pivoting between a locked and an open position to rotate the pin, the lever can be laterally shifted to be held open against the biasing of the spring allowing insertion of the ball. To lock onto the hitch ball, the lever can be pulled outwardly causing the spring to bias the lever to the locked position.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp construction to facilitate the loading and unloading of a vehicle bed such as the bed of a pick-up truck. The ramp may be deployed in conjunction with any raised surface to permit movement of a wheeled item from ground level to a raised platform. The ramp includes a ground engaging end and an upper end adapted to seat at the edge of the vehicle bed. A hinge assembly is provided to allow simple folding of the ramp for storage. The hinge assembly allows use of the folding ramp as a single unit held together by the hinge or as separated spaced apart ramps for each wheel set of the vehicle moved into the bed. The hinge assembly includes stop members which prevent separation of the ramp sections when deployed side-by-side but allow convenient separation when the ramp sections have been folded together.

Abstract: A winch strap anchor for securing the strap of a winch to the winch drum proximate the hub to maintain a low profile and eliminate crank force irregularities. The anchor is secured to the walls of the drum and is configured to lie against the winch hub thereby minimizing the eccentric winding of the strap onto the winch. The anchor includes a longitudinal slot for receiving the strap to secure the strap to the anchor. The anchor with the strap attached can be manually attached to the winch drum securing the strap.