Abstract: A clevis pin combination comprises a clevis made of aluminum alloy; and a pin made of steel. This combination of parts and materials results in lighter weight and improved performance of maximum load carrying capacity over similar combinations of all aluminum or all steel. The clevis further comprises a first clevis leg having a first clevis aperture in a first clevis end and a second clevis leg having a second clevis aperture in a second clevis end. The second clevis end is spaced apart from the first clevis end forming an open end. A curved portion connecting the first clevis leg and the second clevis leg forms a closed end. The first clevis aperture and the second clevis aperture are axially aligned and the steel pin is sized to fit through the first clevis aperture and second clevis aperture allowing pivoting movement between the clevis and the pin. The clevis may be substantially U-shaped.

Abstract: A hitch assembly that comprises a coupling tongue with a first end and a second end, a substantially U-shaped clevis that is substantially flat in cross section, pivotally coupled to the second end of the coupling tongue by a hitch pin, and an opening formed by the coupling tongue and the clevis, sized to receive a towing member. The hitch assembly is particularly suited for connecting a tow strap or belt to a commercially available tubular trailer hitch receiver, for use in towing operations.

Abstract: A polymer alloy material is produced by a process including the step of heating a powdered precursor material comprising polymer particles having an average particle size less than about 1000 .mu.m to a temperature less than the melting point of the polymer at a pressure of at least about 5 MPa to produce the polymer alloy material. Preferably the powdered precursor material is produced by mechanically milling a polymer to provide a powdered precursor material having an average particle size in the range of from about 0.5 .mu.m to about 200 .mu.m. The invention is particularly suited for processing a single polymer or a mixture of two or more polymers which are otherwise difficult to process at a temperature less than the melting point of the polymer.