Abstract: A towing coupler for truck or other vehicle includes a body and a hook. A first latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a first pivot axis between an open and closed position. In the open position, a draw bar or other towing element of a towed vehicle can be placed on or removed from the hook while in the closed position the first latch retains the draw bar on the hook. A second latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a second pivot axis between first and second positions. The first latch is biased to pivot toward the open position and the second latch is biased to pivot in the opposite direction from the first latch. The first and second latches have surfaces configured for coupling together to retain the first latch in the position to which it is moved.

Abstract: A coupler for use by a towing vehicle to tow a towed vehicle can have an auxiliary actuator, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, coupled to a coupler latching element or elements to move the latching elements to a closed position, such as automatically in response to the occurrence of a vehicle condition, such as the release of the emergency brake of a towing vehicle. The auxiliary actuator can be provided with or without a actuator used to move a clamp into engagement with a draw bar eye of the towed vehicle. The auxiliary actuator can operate to cause the closing of the latching element or elements when, for example, a vehicle operator inadvertently forgets to close the latch before driving off with a towed trailer.

Abstract: A towing coupler for truck or other vehicle includes a body and a hook. A first latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a first pivot axis between an open and closed position. In the open position, a draw bar or other towing element of a towed vehicle can be placed on or removed from the hook while in the closed position the first latch retains the draw bar on the hook. A second latch is coupled to the body for pivoting about a second pivot axis between first and second positions. The first latch is biased to pivot toward the open position and the second latch is biased to pivot in the opposite direction from the first latch. The first and second latches have surfaces configured for coupling together to retain the first latch in the position to which it is moved.

Abstract: A tightening mechanism for a hinge assembly includes a first housing having a pair of outwardly extending spaced apart ears having aligned first bores extending through them. A second housing has a length which allows it to fit between the ears and has a pair of abutting second bores which are tapered inwardly toward one another. Tapered cylindrical bushings are configured to fit within the second bores. The tapered bushings have aligned third bores which are co-axial with one another and with the second bores. A coupling mechanism extends through the third bores and holds the second housing rotatably in the first housing. A clamping mechanism urges the bushings toward one another and inwardly into the second bores against the pin.