Abstract: An apparatus 22 is provided for preventing shifting of a vehicle automatic transmission 10 between forward and reverse gears, except when the vehicle (e.g., an airport tractor) has stopped moving. The apparatus 22 preferably includes an assembly 24 operably coupled with the external shifting linkage 12 of transmission 10 for releasably locking the linkage 12 when the transmission 10 is in either a forward or reverse gear. Additionally, a sensing assembly 26 is provided for sensing braking system pressure, together with structure 28 interconnecting the sensing assembly 26 and locking assembly 24, in order to release the locking assembly 24 and permit transmission shifting via linkage 12. The apparatus 22 is advantageously completely mechanical, and includes an elongated rod 30 coupled with linkage 12 and engageable with a pivotal plate member 52, the latter being movable between a shift-locking position and a release position.

Abstract: The towing hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle is disclosed having a hitch member which is selectively shiftable throughout an area of movement thereby requiring only that the coupling element of a trailer be placed within the movement area in order to couple the trailer with the vehicle. The preferred hitch includes a framework for coupling with the towing vehicle, an elongated hitch member, and a coupling assembly coupling the member with the framework for selective axial and pivotal shifting of the hitch member throughout the movement area.