Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling brakes on a trailer being towed by a towing vehicle. The system includes an accelerometer for sensing inclination and a rate of deceleration of the towing vehicle and providing inclination and rate of deceleration control signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided that is responsive to the inclination and rate of deceleration control signals received from the accelerometer. The controller is operatively connected to an amplifier and these functions together to send a proportionate brake amperage output signal to control the brakes on the trailer.

Abstract: A hitch bar includes an integral post and mounting rack cast from ductile iron. A midline channel in the mounting rack and face cavities in the post significantly reduce the overall mass of the hitch bar. The physical properties of the cast ductile iron material serve to increase the overall towing capacity above that possible with rolled steel hitch bars of prior art design.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive and reliable latching mechanism for locking or otherwise securing a tailgate to the cargo area of a vehicle or trailer is provided comprised of a latch plate of unitary construction and a locking pin. The latch plate is further comprised of a mounting base having means for attachment to the vehicle or trailer sidewall and an offset projecting lug having a lanced tab for receiving the locking pin. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting base is attached to the vehicle side wall and the lanced tab projects through a complimentary closed slot in the tailgate and receives the locking pin thereby securing the tailgate between the offset, the projecting lug and the lanced tab. The offset projecting lug creates a space between the vehicle side wall and the projecting lug which traps a portion of the tailgate which forms the closed slot therebetween to add additional strength and stability to the attachment.

Abstract: A trailer shipping container having an exterior box for surrounding a portion of a trailer body with an upper portion of the trailer body extending upwardly out of the open end of the exterior box. Foam billets contoured to fit the shape of the lower corners of the trailer body are positioned in the bottom of the exterior box to support the trailer body and to support an interior box containing other trailer assembly components. The interior box is spaced above the floor of the exterior box and a pair of fork lift slots are provided near the bottom of the exterior box to permit the forks of a fork lift truck to contact the undersurface of the interior box to lift and maneuver the entire container. Corner slots at the upper end of the exterior box form inwardly projecting tabs to provide support and vertical alignment for the trailer body. The corner slots also locate and receive a cinch strap to tightly band the container to the trailer body.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly includes a hitch ball assembly having a hitch ball and a housing and a mounting assembly for securing the hitch ball assembly to the frame of a vehicle. The hitch ball is pivotally connected to the housing and includes a conveniently located grease fitting, a pivotally mounted security door with a torsion spring to hold the door in fully open and closed positions and a latch for securing the door in a closed position and the hitch ball in a towing position. A method of mounting the gooseneck hitch assembly to the towing vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load leveling hitch assembly is provided for towing a trailer behind a vehicle. The load leveling hitch assembly includes a drawbar for mounting to the vehicle, a ball mount secured to the drawbar, a pair of spring bar mounting brackets secured to the trailer and a pair of spring bars. Each spring bar bracket is characterized by including multiple spaced mounting points for receiving the distal ends of one of the spring bars. Each spring bar has a proximal end secured to the ball mount and a distal end that is held by one of the spring bar mounting brackets.

Abstract: A self-locking hitch ball assembly includes a hitch ball, a mounting shank extending from the hitch ball and a locking element along the shank for cutting a mating periphery in a hitch ball receiving and carrying member to which the hitch ball assembly is mounted. A fastener is provided for engaging the mounting shank so as to secure the hitch ball assembly in position.

Abstract: A hitch bar for a trailer hitch assembly is formed from an elongated bar including a notched proximal end and a mounting rack carried on the distal end. The notch is V-shaped and extends in a vertical plane so as to define upper and lower projecting lugs at the proximal end of the bar. The notch reduces the stiffness of the elongated bar at its proximal end allowing the bar to deflect and absorb a portion of the reaction load. The bar also redistributes that load in the hitch box, thereby reducing localized force and extending the life expectancy of the hitch.

Abstract: A weight distributing and sway controlling hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar and a hitch connector carried on the ball mount head. A pair of spring bar retaining brackets are mounted to and project outwardly from the trailer. A pair of friction pads are also provided. One friction pad is mounted to each spring bar retaining bracket. Additionally, the hitch assembly includes a pair of shoes, each of the shoes being received on one of the pair of friction pads while allowing relative sliding movement thereto. Still further, the hitch assembly includes a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer weight relative to the vehicle. Each of the spring bars includes a proximal end mounted to the ball mount head and a distal end for engaging one of the shoes.