Abstract: A combination tree stand and hand truck are herein disclosed, comprising a seat mounted on the bottom of a conventional wheeled hand truck. The rear of the hand truck comprises a plurality of cross members and is attached via a pair of hinges to an additional section of a ladder like structure that is capable of being foldable extended to form a ladder. In use, the wheeled hand truck may be used to transport items to and from a hunting location. Once at a hunting location, the hand truck may be converted into a tree stand by deploying the folding ladder section and placing the deployed stand upside down against a tree or other structure therewith a securing means. The apparatus is particularly useful in game lands and other restricted hunting areas where an all-terrain vehicle or other motorized vehicle is not permitted.

Abstract: A railway signal mast assembly including a signal mast and one or more signal light support arms for supporting a railway signal light on the mast includes a collapsible worker support cage attached to the signal mast proximate each set of signal light support arms to allow a worker to access the signal light mounted thereon for purposes of installation and maintenance. Each worker support cage includes a worker support platform and at least one side rail each pivotally attached to the signal mast and pivotal between stowed and use positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a ladder assembly consisting of a plurality of ladder segments each comprising a pair of identical rails, a third rail disposed medially between the parallel rails but not in the same plane, a plurality of rungs forming steps perpendicularly positioned and attached to the parallel rails but each diverted medially to attach to the third rail, and a plurality of joints sized to join each segment end-on-end to form the assembly, but with the proviso that in any ladder assembly having at least three segments, one of the third rails in the assembly is shorter than the other rails.

Abstract: A lambdoidal ladder comprises front struts (100), back struts (200), treads (500), a folding device) 400, a connection device (600) and a platform (300). Wherein the platform (300) is connected to the front strut (100) and the back strut (200), and the structure between the front strut and the back strut is a rotatable connection; the platform (300) comprises a body (310) and a transverse rod (320) which goes through the front strut (100), an orientation slot (314) matching to the transverse rod (320) is set under the body (310); the folding device (400) fixed to the middle part of the front strut and the back strut is constructed a hinge with a H figuration; the tread (500) is fixed to the front and back struts by the connection device (600).

Abstract: Ladders, ladder components and related methods are provided including various embodiments of a combination ladder. In some embodiments, a platform is provided that is fixedly coupled with a rail assembly of a combination ladder. The platform may pivot between a useable position or state and a stowed or stored position or state. The platform may maintain a position relative to certain rungs of the rail assembly while being displaceable relative to other rungs of the rail assembly. A hand rail may be coupled to the rail assembly and a tray may be coupled with the hand rail. The tray and the platform may be configured to maintain a constant distance between one another while the rail assembly is adjusted for height.

Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly for an extension ladder includes a platform that is rotatably connected to a rung of an extension ladder near the top. In a storage or retracted position, the platform is generally co-planar with the ladder; In a use position, the platform can be extended and directly supported by the roof. The platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder and does not deflect under load An upper portion of the side rails act as “grab rails” when the platform is in an extended position, allowing the user to hold on and walk through the top of the ladder and onto the platform when the collapsible platform assembly is in an extended position. One or more retractable hand rails are provided for added safety for use when the user moves onto the platform.

Abstract: An elevated hunting stand with a platform assembly and a collapsible ladder. The collapsible ladder includes a plurality of telescopically separating sections. The ladder sections are secured together by locking pins. The ladder rails and rungs are pivotally attached and operated as a parallelogram linkage system, so the ladder sections can be reduced in size to a compressed configuration by rotating the rungs relative to the rails. A plurality of stabilizing members are provided to hold the ladder sections in an expanded position. The platform assembly can serve as one of the stabilizing members.

Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly for an extension ladder is disclosed that can be used to support the top of an extension ladder with respect to a roof. The collapsible platform assembly includes a platform that is rotatably connected to a rung of an extension ladder near the top. In a storage or retracted position, the platform is generally co-planar with the ladder; i.e fits between the side rails of the extension ladder. In a use position, the platform can be extended and directly supported by the roof, either flat against a roof or alternatively at an acute angle relative to the roof. Since the platform is configured to be directly supported by the roof, the platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder which does not deflect under load as there is an even weight transfer from the ladder to the platform in use.

Abstract: A tree stand device for use in conjunction with an extension ladder by hunters or nature observers, capable of providing secure footing and support for a user thereon. The device comprises a platform with a tree engagement termination. The tree engagement is a V-shape tree grip that engages the outer surface of the tree and accommodates several different diameters thereof. An adjustable strap is utilized to secure the device to an abutted tree or similar rounded structure. Opposite of the tree engagement is a ladder step saddle, which secures onto the top step of a conventional ladder. An extendable arm angles downward from the stand to engage an additional ladder step with a second step saddle, securely stabilizing the device to the ladder. The strap connection around the tree, in conjunction with engagement of two steps along the ladder provide a stable stand structure for an individual to perch themselves upon for hunting, observation or work support.

Abstract: A supporting element for an object includes a first leg member and a second leg member. The first leg member is axially movable relative to the second leg member for axially extending the supporting element. The first leg member includes a house that is arranged for slidably receiving the second leg member. The house includes a locking element having a locking position for locking the relative axial movement of the first leg member with respect to the second leg member, and having an open position for enabling relative axial movement of the two members. A catch may be provided in the locking element. The catch may be tiltably movable within the house for alternately acquiring the locking position and the open position of the locking element. The catch may include a cavity receiving the second leg, wherein the cavity has a stopping surface engaging at least opposed perimeter parts of the second leg member in a locking position of the locking element.

Abstract: A ladder attachment platform is provided that includes a base for attachment to a ladder that has first and second side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between in a lateral direction. Also included is a user platform for having a user stand thereon that is carried by the base. The user platform may be positioned with respect to the ladder so that it is not located between a first plane that extends through the first side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction and a second plane that extends through the second side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.

Abstract: The tree stand has a lower rectangular platform with an extended opening from the center to an outer edge of the platform for installation around a tree trunk. An upper platform provides a secure seating area. A plurality of support members are pivotally attached to the lower surface of the lower rectangular platform and have teeth on their lower end adapted for securing into the bark of a tree. The tree stand is further secured to the tree by a plurality of angle irons that are mounted at the center of the upper and lower platforms. Adjustable tension straps attach to the angle iron and tighten the platforms to the tree preventing vertical movement of the tree stand. The support members on the lower platform have a hook on the lower end opposite the teeth, and an adjustable tension strap that engages the hooks further tightens the support members against the tree.

Abstract: A ladder attachment for use on ladder tree stands, conventional ladders and otherwise to temporarily secure the top of the ladder to a tree or post. The ladder attachment includes a pair of pivotable jaws which can be closed around a tree and locked in place while standing on the ground. The ladder is temporarily secured so the user can climb the ladder and attach a more permanent, standard anchor belt. The method includes steps for affixing the ladder attachment to a ladder, positioning the ladder and ladder attachment against a tree, securing the ladder attachment to the tree and thereafter removing the ladder attachment and later the ladder for further use.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight, packable ladder stand generally used for hunting. It is made of aluminum parts and can be folded, demounted or slid into a back pack configuration that weighs about thirty pounds with an aluminum ladder. The weight may be further reduced in alternate ladder configurations, such as reinforced plastic ladder. The ladder stand can be anchored to the tree by a single person from the ground location without having to climb the ladder. This allows the deer stand to be easily transported and installed by a lone hunter without climbing the ladder prior to securing the ladder to the tree.

Abstract: A ladder or climbing device has hollow tubular jaws at its head end that permit a rope or cable to pass around the target tree or pole. A tubular cable guide is positioned along side the vertical rail for feeding the cable to the hollow jaws. The rail is formed of extension sections that are joined together. A security clamp or clasp attached over both the head of the device and the cable to secure to the worker's safety harness.

Abstract: A lambdoidal ladder comprises front struts (100), back struts (200), treads (500), a folding device) 400, a connection device (600) and a platform (300). Wherein the platform (300) is connected to the front strut (100) and the back strut (200), and the structure between the front strut and the back strut is a rotatable connection; the platform (300) comprises a body (310) and a transverse rod (320) which goes through the front strut (100), an orientation slot (314) matching to the transverse rod (320) is set under the body (310); the folding device (400) fixed to the middle part of the front strut and the back strut is constructed a hinge with a H figuration; the tread (500) is fixed to the front and back struts by the connection device (600).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to platforms for ladders. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a platform configured to be coupled to rungs of the ladder.

Abstract: A mobile mount for attachment of a fall arrest system is provided for example for aircraft and includes a base carried on ground wheels and a support which is adjustable in height upstanding from the base and an arm cantilevered over the base. At least one receptacle is mounted on the arm of the support at a position located over the base for attachment to a personal fall arrest system including a harness for one or more persons, with the receptacle, base and support being designed and arranged to receive a loading from the personal fall arrest system sufficient to accommodate a fall of the person from the elevated structure.

Abstract: An access apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a suspension structure, a support structure adapted to suspend said suspension structure through an access opening, and a platform assembly, the platform assembly comprising a platform structure moveable between a stowed position substantially adjacent said suspension structure and a working position extending outwardly from said suspension structure, to facilitate suspension and deployment of the access apparatus in a covered cavity or reservoir through a restricted access opening.

Abstract: This is a safety rest seat for permanent attachment to a lengthy ladder. A plurality of these safety seats is installed at different intervals on the ladder to provide resting areas for the climber, as needed, as he or she climbs upward or downward. The seat in an active seating position rests upon horizontal, permanently secured seat supports. Once the climber lifts out of his or her seated position on the seat, the safety seat portion will automatically rotate upwardly into an inactive, out of the way position so that it does not obstruct the climbing path. A counterweight is located at a rear section of the seat which automatically causes the seat to rotate upwardly to an inactive position when no downward pressure (or a seated user) is no longer exerted upon the seat.

Abstract: A mobile mount for attachment of a fall arrest system is provided for example for aircraft and includes a base carried on ground wheels and a support which is adjustable in height upstanding from the base and an arm cantilevered over the base. At least one receptacle is mounted on the arm of the support at a position located over the base for attachment to a personal fall arrest system including a harness for one or more persons, with the receptacle, base and support being designed and arranged to receive a loading from the personal fall arrest system sufficient to accommodate a fall of the person from the elevated structure.

Abstract: A portable ladder stand for supporting a hunter or naturalist above the ground includes a ladder portion, an upper assembly portion and a seat portion. The ladder portion includes a plurality of components including an intermediate ladder segment, ladder extension segment and lower ladder segment. The ladder segments are include vertical rails and horizontal rungs extending between the rails, and the segments are nestingly connected together. The vertical rails include male peg connectors and female socket connectors that are configured in such a way as to limit the number of ladder extension segments that can be included in the ladder portion of the ladder stand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular bridge, typically for temporary use to enable persons to pass between upper floors of adjacent buildings during fire fighting or disaster relief operations, which can be rapidly assembled and deployed within a confined space and entirely from the “home” side of the gap to be crossed. It comprises a plurality of man-portable box section bridge modules adapted to be connected together end to end and projected in cantilever fashion from one side of the gap to the other. The assembly of modules is supported in and guided through a launch frame, with modules being added to the rear of the assembly and pushed through the frame until the gap is spanned. Removable lever arms of the frame are used to counterbalance the weight of the projected bridge modules during the course of deployment.

Abstract: A tree ladder stand tray 10 including a tray area 100 and tray supports 110, 120, 130, 140 on each of four sides with a bottom tray 150 attached to the four tray supports within the area formed by the tray supports, such that the supports form an edge to help prevent articles from falling off the tray area; and a bracket 160 including a forward and rear brace 170, 180 attached to the tray area such that the distance between the forward brace and the rear brace is such that the bracket will fit under a tree ladder stand 102 and the tree ladder stand tray may be attached with the tree ladder stand. The tree ladder stand tray may include a second tray area 200 with the tray areas on each side of the tree ladder stand. The tree ladder stand tray may be in combination with a tree ladder stand.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus may include an elevated platform and a drop platform having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent the elevated platform and operable to be positioned in a raised position and a lowered position. Two or more torsion springs are positioned to engage the drop platform and to keep the drop platform in the raised position when an external force is not applied to the drop platform. Tension of the two or more torsion springs may be individually adjusted.

Abstract: A collapsible platform assembly for an extension ladder is disclosed that can be used to support the top of an extension ladder with respect to a roof. The collapsible platform assembly includes a platform that is rotatably connected to a rung of an extension ladder near the top. In a storage or retracted position, the platform is generally co-planar with the ladder; i.e fits between the side rails of the extension ladder. In a use position, the platform can be extended and directly supported by the roof, either flat against a roof or alternatively at an acute angle relative to the roof. Since the platform is configured to be directly supported by the roof, the platform acts as a rigid support for the top of the ladder which does not deflect under load as there is an even weight transfer from the ladder to the platform in use.

Abstract: A device is provided which can be converted from a transporting cart to an erecting hoist for a hunter's tree ladder stand. The device includes components which can be assembled into the cart, disassembled, and re-assembled into the hoist which allows one person to transport the ladder stand, and to raise and lower the ladder stand to and from a position against a tree. The hoist includes a clamp with jaws which can be operated by the hunter on the ground so as to secure the hoist to the tree. A rope or cable extends through a pulley on the hoist so that the ladder stand can be raised into position by a hunter, single-handily. The hunter can then climb the ladder stand, which is secured to the hoist, which is secured to the tree, and further attach the platform of the ladder stand to the tree with one or more straps.

Abstract: A portable elevated observation chair is provided. The portable elevated observation chair has a telescopically extendable ladder and a seat attached at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder with a foot rest attached below the seat. The chair can be carried to a location with the extendable ladder in the retracted position and then used as a observation chair by extending the extendable ladder and positioning a top end of the extendable ladder against a trunk of a tree so that the extendable ladder is leaning against the tree with the seat and footrest extending substantially horizontally from the extendable ladder.

Abstract: A lightweight movable work platform includes two pairs of side rails, each side rail having a top end and a bottom end, hinge means connecting each side rail in one of the pairs of side rails in the proximity of its top end to a corresponding side rail in the other of the pairs of side rails in the proximity of its top end, wheel means connecting each side rail in said pairs of side rails at its bottom end, a plurality of spreaders, each of which connects each side rail in the pairs of side rails between its top end and its bottom end, and drive means operable in the proximity of the bottom ends of the side rails for driving the wheel means. The hinge means is operable from a closed position in which the pairs of side rails are stowed together to an open position in which the bottom ends of such pairs of side rails are spread apart in a self-supporting, working position.

Abstract: An observation stand. In one non-limiting embodiment the observation stand includes a support base, a seat, a platform, and a safety-framework. The support base defines opposite top and bottom ends and first, second and third legs configured in a tripod arrangement. The legs each define an upper end and a bottom end. The seat is attached to, and hence supported by, the upper end of each leg. The platform comprises first, second and third slots. The slots are arranged to respectively accommodate the upper ends of the first, second and third legs. The platform is located proximate to the top end of the support base and below the seat. The platform defines a perimeter. The safety-framework is attached to the perimeter, and helps prevent a user from falling off the platform. An optional ground spike can be fitted to one or more of the legs.

Abstract: A step or rung ladder is disclosed, which can be folded together into a compact unit under transport. The step or rung ladder includes two step frame sections (1, 2) connected by lockable hinges (3, 3?), and two support frame sections (9, 6) also connected by lockable hinges (8, 8?). The step frame is connected to the support frame in its upper end by hinges (15, 15?). A support or safety rail is connected to the upper end of the step frame, either rigidly or by a third set of lockable hinges (10, 10?).

Abstract: A portable tree stand for elevating a hunter or observer above the ground is described. The tree stand can be sized such that it can accommodate one or two users. The tree stand includes a frame assembly that can be reconfigured to allow a user or users to face multiple directions. The railings are adjustable to maximize the functionality of the tree stand in each of the multiple directions.

Abstract: A device supported by a ground surface and a structure for at least one of elevating and descending a user. The device includes a first guide rail having a first channel extending along a length thereof and a second guide rail having a second channel extending along the length thereof. At least one connector connects the first guide rail with the second guide rail at a predetermined location along a length thereof so that said first channel and said second channel face inwards towards each other. A platform for supporting the user having a predetermined amount of weight is connected within each of the first and second channels and between the first guide rail and second guide rail. The device further includes means for moving the platform along the length of each of the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: A portable ladder stand for supporting a hunter or naturalist above the ground includes a ladder portion, an upper assembly portion and a seat portion. The ladder portion includes a plurality of components including an intermediate ladder segment, ladder extension segment and lower ladder segment. The ladder segments are include vertical rails and horizontal rungs extending between the rails, and the segments are nestingly connected together. The vertical rails include male peg connectors and female socket connectors that are configured in such a way as to limit the number of ladder extension segments that can be included in the ladder portion of the ladder stand.

Abstract: A portable stair platform includes a planar member (i.e. a platform) having opposed sides and opposed ends. A first set of legs extends from a first end of the planar member and is movable between a first configuration generally perpendicular to the planar member (use configuration) and a second position generally parallel thereto (collapsed configuration). A second set of legs extends from an opposed end of the planar member. At least one set of legs is height adjustable. A wheel may be coupled to the planar member for easy transport of the device. The planar member includes a peripheral lip for holding items thereon. The stair platform may also include an extensible handle for operating the platform as a hand truck.

Abstract: A hunting ladder for attachment to a tree or pole includes a plurality of ladder sections that can be assembled together to form a rigid structure, including side rails and rungs extending between the side rails. In an exemplary embodiment, the side rails comprise elongate structural beams. External bolsters, shaped to match and closely abut the structural beams and adapted to be mounted to the outside of adjacent ladder sections, couple the ladder sections together. Fasteners extendable through the side bolsters and the structural beams allow adjacent ladder sections to be coupled together and uncoupled, as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, a seat is attached to an upper portion of the ladder without requiring attachment of the seat to the tree or pole.

Abstract: A tree stand hitch assembly includes a ladder assembly having a tubular base member and a top section, a platform secured to the top section of the ladder assembly, and a non-pivoting, generally rectangular hitch adapted to be secured to the rear of a vehicle. Ladder assembly may be adjustably secured to the hitch. The orientation of the platform in relation to the top section of the ladder assembly may be adjusted. The ladder assembly may be folded or collapsed when not in use.

Abstract: A fishing chair having a sand stabilizer is disclosed. The fishing chair includes a front frame, a back frame, a chair frame and a stabilization frame. The chair frame is pivotally connected to at least one of the front and back frames. The stabilization frame is pivotally connected to the back frame. The stabilization frame provides stability to the fishing chair when the fishing chair is being used in the middle of a body of water.

Abstract: An extensible, self locking platform includes a first assembly having a first plurality of substantially parallel longitudinally extending members and a second assembly having a second plurality of substantially parallel longitudinally extending members. The first and second assemblies are longitudinally, slidably coupled with each other. The platform may also include one or more catch devices. In one embodiment, at least one catch member is pivotably coupled to the first assembly with an associated stop member. The stop member is configured to maintain a rotation of the at least one catch member at less than a full revolution such that when the catch member is being abutted against an elevated support structure and the platform is being laterally displaced relative thereto, the catch member will also abut the stop member and prevent further displacement of the platform relative to the elevated support structure.

Abstract: An auto mechanic's body support apparatus is a portable framework made of steel or other durable materials attached to which are a horizontally adjustable step platform and a horizontally and vertically adjustable chest bench rest. A pair of wheels underneath one end of the base allow the apparatus to be easily rolled forward and backward. The length of the base parallel support rails is designed so as to enable the apparatus to be positioned well under the vehicle, thereby providing a high degree of balance and stability during use. The body support bench provides a comfortable, supportive and stable work environment for a mechanic working on a vehicle engine.

Abstract: A device for providing three dimensional camouflage to a hunter's ladder stand having a seat, footrest, side rails and a plurality of rungs. The device has a hollow plastic tube with a split and holes through which a plurality of stalks of artificial vegetation are inserted. The split is in the form a groove or has notches so that when the tube is attached to a rail of a ladder stand, the tube does not interfere with the rungs.

Abstract: A support device for supporting the head and/or portion of the upper body of a seated person in a forward leaning semi-reclining position includes a base to be placed on a generally horizontal surface, with support legs and an upright member, an extension tube adjustably positioned parallel to the upright member, and a head or body support connected to the upper end of the extension tube. In an alternative embodiment a pair of wheels is connected to the base and the legs are adapted to be positioned for supporting a piece of luggage, allowing the device to additionally serve as a luggage cart. In an improvement to a conventional luggage cart, an adjustable head support is added to the frame of the luggage cart so the cart may be used as a support device for a seated person.

Abstract: A portable ladder stand for outdoor use, which provides a hunter or naturalist with an elevated vantage point for viewing or harvesting game. The stand includes a pivotally attached seat to permit the hunter or naturalist to change from a seated position to a standing position or vice versa in a comfortable and secure manner. The stand further includes a plurality of adjustable rests, capable of being manipulated by the hunter or naturalist in either the seated or standing position, for convenient placement of various objects, such as a bow, pack, camera or gun.

Abstract: A ladder step platform can be mounted on any ladder having hollow rungs extending between ladder rails. This ladder step platform is especially intended for use with conventional extension ladders. The ladder step platform includes a tread or step plate extending between opposite side plates. The spacing between side plates can be adjusted so the ladder step platform will fit ladders of different width. A support rod insertable though hollow ladder rungs pivotally supports the ladder step platform with the side plates positioned on the outside of the ladder rails. A lower adjustable rod abuts the ladder rails to hold the tread or step plate in a horizontal orientation extending beyond the sloping ladder for easy access.

Abstract: A device (10) which assists a person (P) in working on the engine (E) of a vehicle (V) includes a base member (11) which rests on the ground and has a socket (17) extending upwardly therefrom. A post assembly (23) includes a stem portion (24) which is selectively positionable within the socket (17). The stem portion (24) is provided with a plurality of opposed spaced apertures (27), and a pin (28) is inserted through a selected of the opposed apertures (27) and through apertures in the socket (17) to adjust the height of the device (10). A step (29) is carried by the stem portion (24) at a selected height by a pin (31) received through the selected apertures (27) and through apertures in a flange (30) carried by the step (29).

Abstract: An elevated platform configurable for use in cooperation with a tree or pole, or as a free-standing unit. A triangular assembled configuration provides maximum safety and rigidity with a minimum complexity and weight. Interchangeable components, universal connectors, and tool-free assembly result in ease and speed for assembly and disassembly. The platform is adaptable for use in any number of configurations and is transformable into a trailer for towing by a person, ATV, or vehicle. Additionally, a gun/camera rail, bow rack, weather resistant shelter, and a swivel seat provide improved comfort for extended use.

Abstract: A cart and ladder combination includes a plurality of bars such that a first bar and a second bar are defined. A first coupler is adapted for releasably coupling the first and second bars together in a spaced relationship to each other. A second coupler is adapted for releasably coupling the first and second bars together in a spaced relationship to each other. A wheel assembly is removably attached to the first ends of the first and second bars. A cord member is selectively strung between the first and second bars. The second end of the first bar may be selectively attached to the first end of the second bar to form a ladder.

Abstract: A temporary ladder tree stand anchor for ladder stand with a ladder portion and a platform with a frame, seat and foot support. The temporary anchor includes a cord with two ends and an intermediate section for wrapping about the tree. The cord anchor is on one side of the platform to secure one end of the cord thereto. A cord catch is on the other side of the platform for slidably capturing the intermediate cord section to permit drawing of the other cord end to pull and temporary anchor the ladder tree stand to the tree while the hunter is one the ground thereby permitting climbing up and down the tree stand safely when the tree stand is not securely anchored to the tree.

Abstract: A rigid horizontal frame (A) has an access opening (B) permitting a hunter to enter an interior of the frame from a ladder (C) and a step (D) carried beneath the opening upon which the hunter may turn and sit upon a seat (E). An upright safety frame (F) is carried by the rigid frame within which a passageway (G) provides a protected entrance that extends forwardly beyond the rigid frame carrying a forward support (H) for positioning camouflage material out of the way of the hunter entering the stand through the passageway beneath the roof (I).

Abstract: A combination work and recreation cart. The cart generally includes a frame having a handle, wheels, rungs and retainer tabs. Extension rails can be connected to the frame to create cot, lounger and hunting stand. The cart also includes a tray that can be used to store the cart's components and to be made into a table. The cart further includes a vehicle carry bar that allows the cart and its components to be attached to a typical vehicle trailer hitch.