Abstract: A trailer including an inner frame that is made of metal, an outer shell that is made of a non-metal and that at least partially surrounds the inner frame, and at least one wheel rotatably secured to the inner frame. In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell is made of a plastic. The inner frame includes a lower frame portion with which the at least one wheel is rotatably secured, and an upper frame portion that supports at least a portion of the weight of the outer shell. Preferably, the upper frame portion includes a middle support member that extends upwardly from the lower frame portion, and a first bar assembly that is hingedly connected to the middle support member. In another embodiment, a second bar assembly is hingedly connected to the middle support member.

Abstract: A latching system comprising a base having a first keeper secured thereto, a closable member adapted to engage the base, an elongated member rotatably secured to the closable member, said elongated member including a first connector adapted to engage the first keeper when the closable member engages the base and the elongated member is rotated, and a latch plate assembly hingedly secured to the closable member and adapted to rotate the elongated member.

Abstract: A system and methods to allow multiple stations in geographically dispersed locations to monitor and track vehicle repair record and service status information in a coordinated fashion. In a service area comprised of a number of geographically-bounded service regions, at least one regional communications terminal is provided in communication with a plurality of local communications terminals. Each local communications terminal and regional communications terminal communicates with a vehicle service status database. Vehicle service events are entered into a vehicle tracking system and maintained using the vehicle status database. Database files are exchanged between local communications terminals and regional communications terminals and with a central equipment manager in order to provide timely and accurate dissemination of service status.

Abstract: A trailer having a tongue that defines a longitudinal axis and includes a coupler portion. The coupler portion of the tongue can pivot relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby forming an angle between the coupler portion and the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the tongue includes a breakaway coupler assembly. The breakaway coupler assembly includes the coupler portion having a distal end adapted to engage a towing vehicle, and a flex-joint pivotally engaged with the coupler portion. This allows the coupler portion to pivot relative to said flex-joint when a predetermined force is placed on the flex-joint, such as in a jack-knife situation.

Abstract: A fastening device including a shaft portion having first and second sections, and at least two slide-on heads each having an opening defined therethrough and being adapted to engage the first and second sections of the shaft portion. The first and second sections each include a plurality of axially aligned, outwardly oriented locking members. The locking members of the second section are oriented oppositely of the locking members of the first section.

Abstract: A fender includes at least one element extending therefrom that is adapted to engage a mounting bracket affixed to the object to which the fender is to be attached, e.g., a trailer. The element is preferably a curved flange that extends outwardly from an inner bottom edge of the fender.

Abstract: A fender includes at least one element extending therefrom that is adapted to engage a mounting bracket affixed to the object to which the fender is to be attached, e.g., a trailer. The element is preferably a curved flange that extends outwardly from an inner bottom edge of the fender.

Abstract: A device for preventing disconnection of a coupling. The device includes a main body portion having defined therein a fastener chamber and an opening in communication with the fastener chamber. The opening is located above the fastener chamber. In a preferred embodiment, a standard size socket cannot be inserted into the opening.

Abstract: A trailer tongue includes a support and a support leg slidingly and pivotally engaged with the support. When the support leg is raised or lowered the trailer tongue moves in a substantially vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer tongue includes a rigid strut having first and second ends and a mechanism for extending and retracting the support leg pivotally connect to the support and the support leg. The first end of the rigid strut is pivotally connected to the support leg and the second end is pivotally connected to the support.

Abstract: A system and methods to allow multiple stations in geographically dispersed locations to monitor and track vehicle repair record and service status information in a coordinated fashion. In a service area comprised of a number of geographically-bounded service regions, at least one regional communications terminal is provided in communication with a plurality of local communications terminals. Each local communications terminal and regional communications terminal communicates with a vehicle service status database. Vehicle service events are entered into a vehicle tracking system and maintained using the vehicle status database. Database files are exchanged between local communications terminals and regional communications terminals and with a central equipment manager in order to provide timely and accurate dissemination of service status.

Abstract: A device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. The device includes a bracket and a pair of opposed shock absorbing members affixed to and extending outwardly from the bracket. The bracket includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions for connecting the device to a trailer tongue.

Abstract: An alarm switch assembly includes a housing having first and second surfaces and an opening defined therein that extends from one surface toward the other surface. The opening is further defined by at least four inner surfaces. A magnetic field generating device is disposed adjacent the opening and between the first and second surfaces, and a switch is disposed adjacent the opening and is opposed to the magnetic field generating device.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly in the engine compartment of a moving vehicle is provided. The assembly includes an object to be tensioned, a movable tension adjuster that when moved exerts a tensioning force and a fixed surface. Moving the tension adjuster against the fixed surface causes the object to be tensioned.

Abstract: A trailer tongue includes a support and a support leg slidingly and pivotally engaged with the support. When the support leg is raised or lowered the trailer tongue moves in a substantially vertical direction. In a preferred embodiment, the trailer tongue includes a rigid strut having first and second ends and a mechanism for extending and retracting the support leg pivotally connect to the support and the support leg. The first end of the rigid strut is pivotally connected to the support leg and the second end is pivotally connected to the support.

Abstract: A tool includes opposed drawbar engaging surfaces and opposed ball flat engaging surfaces. The tool is provided for use with a draw-bar assembly including a draw-bar having an end with a hole defined therethrough and a surface, and a hitchball having opposed ball flats and a shank extending therefrom. When the tool is engaged with the end of the draw-bar the opposed draw-bar engaging surfaces are adjacent the end and the opposed ball flat engaging surfaces are adjacent the opposed ball flats.

Abstract: A blank for forming a plurality of containers includes a sheet of material having a plurality of edges and first and second pluralities of score lines. The first plurality of score lines, together with the edges, define a first plurality of panels. The blank is foldable along the first plurality of score lines to define a primary container. The second plurality of score lines are defined within at least one of the first plurality of panels. The at least one panel is detachable from the remainder of the blank, and is foldable along the second plurality of score lines to define a secondary container.

Abstract: A device for a receiver-type hitch used on vehicles for towing a load, wherein the device acts to prevent movement and resultant rattling between a receiver tube of the hitch and a ball mount shank. In operation, the receiver tube receives the ball mount shank. The device applies a force to the ball mount shank which presses the ball mount shank against the inside of the receiver tube and therein prevents movement.

Abstract: A bracket includes a lower hasp, an upper hasp, means for securing the upper hasp to the lower hasp and means for affixing the bracket to an object. At least one of the upper hasp and the lower hasp has defined therein a concave portion, and the means for securing the upper hasp to the lower hasp is disposed between the means for affixing the bracket to an object and the concave portion.