Abstract: A wheel lift vehicle lifting and towing device includes a boom mounted to a towing vehicle and having a cross bar connected to its rear end. A wheel retainer assembly mounted to each end of the cross bar includes a wheel grid having a transversely adjustable wheel chock. A wheel retainer arm is horizontally rotatably mounted above an outer end of the wheel grid and has a wheel retainer member mounted at its outer end which cooperates with the wheel chock to retain a wheel.

Abstract: A towing apparatus for a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle is provided having a support bar which slidably engages a hitch receiver connected to the towing vehicle and having a pivotally connected ramp which, when in a towing position, supports the front wheel. The towing apparatus includes two embodiments, one employing a hydraulic ram to raise the pivotable ramp and the other employing an eye bolt and nut to draw down an arm attached to the pivotable ramp. In either case, support straps are used to create a self-loading, one-person operable device which can be used for running and non-running two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycles. This device has the capability of being disassembled and, in such state, this relatively lightweight device is easily stored in its own carrying case.

Abstract: A tractor and a trailer are designed for operation in tight spaces, The tractor's wheels can each be powered and steered under user control. Preferably the frame is less than nine by nine feet, can support at least ten thousand pounds, can change direction in place, and can be operated by remote control. In some embodiments the trailer's hitch connector is a fifth wheel. In others it is mounted at the end of a powered, telescoping, horizontally swinging arm. The tractor can include connections for supplying hydraulic or electric power to one or more external devices, such as ones which can be mounted on the end of its rotable arm, instead of the hitch connector. The arm can have a double-jointed, hydraulically powered extension for extra flexibility. The tractor's engine can be non-polluting so it can be used inside. The wheel of the trailer can each be powered and steered, so the tractor-trailer combination is highly maneuverable. The trailer can receive power for its wheels from the tractor.

Abstract: A towing assembly includes a mounting member fixed to the frame of a towing vehicle. The mounting member includes two support bars in spaced relation that are fixed perpendicularly to two cross bars that are in turn fixed to the frame of the towing vehicle. Both the support bars and the cross bars take the form of angle irons, with the horizontal legs of the support bars fixed to the horizontal legs of the cross bars. A motion assembly is coupled to the vertical legs of the support bars. The motion assembly comprises a first vertical tube coupled to the support bars and a second vertical tube associated with the first vertical tube for uniform vertical translation. A pair of roller assemblies facilitate the uniform vertical translation of the second tube. The roller assemblies are offset from one another both in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. A horizontal tube is coupled to the second vertical tube and vertically translates therewith.

Abstract: A tow dolly for a vehicle having a wheel restraint which has a hold-down rotatable to engage a surface of the wheel to restrain movement of the towed vehicle. The restraint may be retrofit onto an existing trailer or may be part of a dolly including an adjustable frame attachable to a towing vehicle. The tow dolly frame has adjustable wheel-engaging members to facilitate engagement with vehicles of different sizes and types as well as for ease of loading.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer 10 for towing vehicles having a single front wheel, such as a motorcycle, behind another vehicle. The trailer 10 includes a heavy duty frame 12 having concave shaped wheel carriages which engage the front wheel tire 26 of the vehicle to be towed. The configuration of the trailer 10 permits loading of the vehicle's front tire 26 by rotating the trailer 10 about the trailer wheels axis and rolling the vehicle's front tire into the concave wheel carriage 20. The tire 26 is then secured to the carriage 20 and the trailer 10 is rotated to engage the towing vehicle 32. This rotation lifts the vehicle front tire over and in front of the trailer wheels axle axis thereby suspending the front wheel of the vehicle or vehicles being towed off the ground, while the towed vehicle(s) rear tire remains on the ground.

Abstract: A device for moving disabled vehicles in which fixed and movable jaws are carried by a self-propelled truck and function under operator control for selectively capturing coaxial vehicle tires between the jaws, and lifting the tires and vehicle so that the same may be propelled by the truck. Rollers are mounted for free rotation along the forward edges of the movable jaws for pushing engagement with the vehicle tires to propel the vehicle under control of the truck in situations where the jaws cannot be positioned beneath the vehicle tires, such as when the vehicle is on a dynamometer or inclined surface.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a wheel and axle supported frame including a pair of parallel, longitudinally extended frame portions interconnected at their rear ends, and with a longitudinally spaced pair of V-shaped bracket units mounted on each frame portion, each pair of bracket units supporting a pair of elongated, laterally spaced, parallel pair of bunks, each pair of bunks for supporting a single personal watercraft, and with an arcuate element secured to and extended forwardly from each frame portion and supporting at a forward end a winch unit.

Abstract: An improved hoist assembly 200 having a frame assembly 10 and a boom assembly 60 is described. The frame assembly is comprised of a box member 12 with channel member 12L having first and second holes 120 and 12P for mounting a first and second kingpin assembly 26 and 28. The second holes are spaced away from the first holes and allow for storage of the unused kingpin assembly. The box member has a lockable cover 12E which allows for storage of parts and other items directly within the hoist assembly. A boom 62 of the boom assembly is attached to the frame assembly and is protected on either side by cover plates 46 and 48. The boom is raised and lowered by a hydraulic pump assembly 74 electrically connected to an electrical system of a towing vehicle. A cross member support 66 supports a cross member 68 which is secured to an axle of a disabled vehicle by chains for towing the disabled vehicle.

Abstract: Lifting and towing apparatus for attachment to a towing vehicle having a winch thereon and the frame of which includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinal beams at least partially supported on a rear axle of said vehicle. The apparatus includes a support assembly extending transversely between the vehicle beams and opposite outer ends of which are attachable to opposing ones of the beams directly above the rear axle. An arm assembly extends rearwardly from the support assembly and has at least one lifting connection for connection to the winch and by which the distal end of the arm assembly may be lifted. A cradle assembly is connected to the distal end of the arm assembly for securing the front or rear wheels of a towed vehicle thereto for lifting above the ground in response to lifting of the distal end of the arm assembly by the winch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towing aid which may be easily assembled for multiple uses and disassembled for shipment, storage or transport and includes a variable width axle and a tongue with a variable height for the tongue hitch to accommodate various heights of vehicle hitches. In one assembly the towing aid becomes a car dolly with variable widths between the wheel wells and ramps which are mounted on a rotatable I shaped frame pivotal to and supported by the variable width axle. In a second assembly the I shaped frame is removed and a flatbed trailer frame is attached to the axle. Each part is removably affixed to other parts and disassembles into a compact kit.

Abstract: A towing device support is disclosed. The invention features a telescoping assembly having an inner telescoping member slidably disposed within an outer telescoping member. The invention further comprises a latching arm which, in cooperation with a plurality of dimples formed upon an outer surface of the inner telescoping member, restricts the sliding movement of the outer telescoping member relative to the inner telescoping member in at least one direction. When a towing device, fitted with the invention, is lifted, the telescoping assembly contracts. When the lifting motion is stopped, the invention suspends the towing device in the air, facilitating alignment and hitching by one person.

Abstract: A towing device for front wheel drive vehicles in which support plates are attached to the two front axle hubs, the support plates are each connected to a strut of said vehicle whereby the respective axle of said vehicle is prevented from rotating, an ancillary axle depending from each said support plate has an axle hub adapted to receive a wheel for supporting said vehicle, and draw bars secured at one end to the support plates and converging at the other end to receive a coupler permit attachment to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: This tow bar is designed for lifting the front wheel and towing a two-wheeled automotive vehicle on its rear wheel and is removable for storage. Primarily, it consists of a top section that has a tongue for fastening to the trailer hitch on the towing vehicle and a lifting device for lifting the bottom section which contains a cradle for the front wheel on the vehicle that is to be towed and the bottom section is secured to the top section by means of uprights that traverse inside the vertical members or masts on the top section.

Abstract: A load vehicle has a chassis (7) comprising a front chassis member (48) and a rear chassis member (49). These two chassis members are mutually pivotally interconnected through a hinge (51) forming a substantially vertical pivot axis. A load carrier arrangement is arranged on the rear chassis member (49). The rear chassis member (49) comprises two chassis portions (61, 62,) which are mutually pivotally interconnected through a hinge (63) forming a substantially vertical pivot axis. Each of these chassis portions (61, 62) has wheels or the like (3, 4 and 5, 6, respectively).

Abstract: An improved lifting and towing apparatus using a single hydraulic cylinder powering the rotation of a boom to lift a vehicle to be towed or to fold and store the apparatus through the use of a double pivot. The double pivot allows the apparatus to efficiently lift the towed vehicle while minimizing boom overhang when in the folded-stored position, and maximizing ground clearance. The present invention may be used with underlift equipment of various types and sizes, including light and heavy duty equipment, and both wheel and frame-lift systems.

Abstract: A towing truck incorporating both an elevated deck and an improved elevated wheel lift for towing and hauling vehicles is described. The elevated wheel lift comprises rotatable tire braces to aid in smooth loading and firm support of the towed vehicle's tires during towing.

Abstract: A system for securing the wheels of a vehicle to be towed to the cross-arm of a wheel-lift tow truck. This system is operated automatically. In the retracted position, it is compact against the cross-arm. When extended, it provides an effective retention system for securing the wheels. It allows for the use of a telescopic stinger and therefore minimizes the detrimental effect of a rearwardly suspended load on the weight distribution of the tow truck, since it can be retracted as far as space will allow to bring the towed vehicle as close as possible to the tow truck. This wheel-lift cross-arm system can be used with any stinger configuration and can be used on combination tow trucks having both recovery booms/sling systems and wheel-lift systems. It can be retrofitted to tow trucks already in use and can be used as part of a conversion system for pickup trucks and other trucks with existing beds.

Abstract: A tow dolly having both ramp loading and tilt loading capability. The dolly includes a vertical pivot bolt to allow the towed vehicle to be more easily maneuvered around turns. Additionally, the dolly has the capacity to be folded to stand on its ramps, and thus assume a substantially upright configuration for storage.

Abstract: A power operated hitch with hitch ball for towing a large trailer, and having an electrically powered hydraulic fluid pumping system and multiple hydraulic rams on a main support frame of the hitch which mounts to the top of the back frame section of a transport truck. The hitch includes an L-shaped main boom which is telescopic, with the telescopic portion generally lengthwise horizontally disposed above the truck frame. The hitch ball is attached to a bottom end of a vertically disposed downward extension of the distal end of the boom. The main boom is pivotally supported by a main spherical bearing; a horizontal main support shaft through the spherical bearing; and a horizontal support arm affixed to one side of the boom and slidably retained at the distal end thereof in a channel connected to the hitch main frame.

Abstract: A vehicle carrier with wheel lifting apparatus for a truck having an underframe and consisting of a channel 21 having ledges 22 along an opening of the channel for partially enclosing the channel, the channel mounted to the underframe of the truck between a forward mount and a tail mount, a base 23 being slidably received within the channel and being movably carried on the ledges, subtending arm 40 pivotally mounted to the base 23 at one end and secured at the other end to a rearwardly disposed housing 47, telescoping member assembly 45 mounted within the housing 47 for retracting or extending the telescoping member assembly 45, the end member of which terminates at a pivot, transverse member 61 extending laterally in opposite directions from the pivot, wheel supports mounted on the transverse member for selectively engaging and disengaging vehicular wheels from the wheel supports, first hydraulic means connectively extending between the tail mount 19 and the base 23, second hydraulic means connectively exten

Abstract: An improved lifting and towing apparatus using a single hydraulic cylinder powering the rotation of a boom to lift a vehicle to be towed or to fold and store the apparatus through the use of a double pivot. The double pivot allows the apparatus to efficiently lift the towed vehicle while minimizing boom overhang when in the folded-stored position, and maximizing ground clearance. The present invention may be used with underlift equipment of various types and sizes, including light and heavy duty equipment, and both wheel and frame-lift systems.

Abstract: A frame having a pair of vertical support posts is mounted on a pair of axles with sets of wheels. A pair of arms extend transversely from the upper ends of the vertical support posts in order to support portable fence panels. An alignment bar is attached to the forward vertical support post and extends across the front of the fence panels to keep the fence panels aligned. The alignment bar has a primary bar and two extensions for extending the length of the alignment bar. Hooks on each extension wrap around the outermost fence panels to hold the fence panels together.

Abstract: A wheel lift assembly attachable to a hydraulic bar extending rearwardly from a tow truck comprising central coupling brackets removably attachable to the hydraulic bar of a tow truck; a central support mounted to the rearward end of the coupling brackets; a plurality of intermediate extender bars, each extender bar having a laterally interior end adjustably attached to the central support and also having a laterally exterior end; a pair of corner brackets, each having a lateral component with an interior end adjustably coupled to the exterior end of an adjacent extender bar and having a rearwardly extending component secured at a right angle with respect to the laterally extending component; a pair of J-shaped brackets each having an elongated section with an end mountable in the rearward component of the corner bracket and having a transverse section and a forwardly extending end section; and a pair of tire pads located at the internal extent of each J-shaped bracket and corner bracket in facing relationshi

Abstract: Towing apparatus comprising a towing vehicle and a lifting frame that supports one end of a towed vehicle off the ground and is connected to the towing vehicle through a thrust reversal system, comprising one or more thrust reversal mechanisms, each having a rear lever arm fixed at its rear end portion to the lifting frame, a front lever arm fixed to the main frame of the towing apparatus only at a position forward of a rear wheel axle of the towing vehicle and intermeshing gears, fixed to the rear end portion of the front lever arm and the front end portion of the rear lever arm, respectively. A bracket resting on but not directly connected to the main frame of the towing vehicle near its rear wheel axle holds two pivot rods about which the intermeshing gears are rotatably mounted for simultaneous opposite rotation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for towing a pair of four wheel vehicles having handlebars for steering, e.g. an ATV, behind a van or other tractor vehicle. Such system includes an elongated tow bar that carries first and second hitchballs on its end portions. For each towed vehicle, there is a hitch unit with a cuplike forward end that rotatably engages a hitchball so that the hitch unit can be pulled forward by the hitchball while being free to oscillate behind it. The hitch units are fastened to the front ends of the four wheel vehicles and spring members are connected to each left and right handlebars of the four wheeled vehicle being towed to elastically bias them into the position that causes the respective the four wheel vehicle to move straight ahead, but momentarily allows the front wheels to momentarily move out of such position to enable the towed vehicle to accommodate itself to turning movements made by the tractor vehicle.

Abstract: A boom assembly attaches to the fifth wheel of a tractor for towing a truck or other vehicle. The assembly has a pair of uprights and a pair of pivotally mounted legs. Hydraulic cylinders are actuated to force the legs to a pivoted position which lifts the legs and the towed truck to an elevated position for towing. The legs may be supported by a collapsable wheel assembly. The vehicle is secured by a specially configured hook and a variably positionable front wheel assembly receiver. Extensions in the legs include rollers to facilitate positioning. The boom assembly may be variably vertically positioned and is collapsable to a compact storage configuration.

Abstract: Towing apparatus mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle for lifting and towing disabled vehicles includes an extendible boom assembly positionable beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle to be towed. The boom assembly is carried by a vertically and pivotably movable housing assembly mounted on the towing vehicle and is pivotable relative to the housing assembly. The boom assembly includes a number of extendible boom stages telescopically mounted within first and second stage boom members, the first stage boom member being pivotably mounted on the housing assembly. Second stage boom member is mounted within and pivotable relative to the first stage boom member about a vertical axis so as to move from side-to-side, the extendible boom stages moving with the second stage boom member. The first stage boom member has an enlarged mouth through which the second stage boom member extends, the large mouth permitting the second stage to have substantial sideways movement.

Abstract: A fully collapsible ramp trailer is disclosed which is provided with an adjustable axle for balancing the weight of a vehicle-towed motorcycle for optimum transport. In the assembled disposition, the ramp unfolds into three rigidly coupled sections with a hinged rear ramp. The forward section of the ramp trailer includes a fount wheel capturing well for receiving the front wheel of a motorcycle. The middle section of the ramp in the assembled disposition rigidly braces relative to the capturing wheel well portion at one end and rigidly braces to the axle section of the ramp at the other end to form a unitary and rigid bed upon which the motorcycle can be rolled for loading and unloading. The rear ramp hinges with respect to the three section ridged frame and moves from a ground engaged ramp position to an upwardly folded abutted position to the rear wheel of a loaded motorcycle.

Abstract: An assembly for hanging a vehicle tow trailer vertically in a stowed position on a vehicle. The assembly includes a hitch donkey which moves upward and downward along a vertical post to carry the vehicle tow trailer to its stowed or deployed position. The most common application of this assembly would be to the rear end of a motor home where towing trailers are often attached during travel.

Abstract: A dolly and a hitch attachment for towing of a tractor vehicle such as a backhoe. The hitch attachment is tied to the front of the tractor vehicle and then connected by a ball and socket type of hitch to the towing vehicle. The tractor vehicle is also fixedly mounted on a dolly with the rear wheels of the tractor vehicle located forward of the towing wheels on the dolly.

Abstract: A boom assembly attaches to the fifth wheel of a tractor for towing a truck or other vehicle. The assembly has a main frame with a pair of uprights and a pair of pivotally mounted legs. The vehicle is secured at longitudinal spaced locations to the legs. Hydraulic cylinders are actuated to force the legs to a pivoted position which lifts the legs and the towed truck to an elevated position for towing.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying a small boat and simultaneously carrying one end of a small automobile, so that the boat and automobile can be towed behind a motor home or other large motor vehicle without the combination of vehicles being so long as to be unduly difficult to handle. A boat support platform carries a boat with its bow forward, and a movable arch frame is pivoted about a transverse axis to raise the rear portion of the boat support frame high enough above the main frame of the trailer that the road wheels of one end of an automobile can be carried by the trailer within the space defined by the arch frame. The automobile can then be towed with the boat extending rearwardly above a portion of the automobile. When the automobile is not in position on the trailer the boat support frame is lowered to permit water launch and recovery of the boat as with a conventional boat trailer.

Abstract: A motorcycle towing apparatus is provided for use with a towing vehicle having a support bar which slidably engages a hitch receiver carried by the towing vehicle and having a ramp pivotally connected to the rear end of the support bar wherein the ramp is movable from a first position in which the ramp extends downwardly to the ground to a second position in which the ramp is elevated off the ground to provide clearance for towing, and also having a wheel cradle carried by the support bar to support the front wheel of the motorcycle. A single person can load and unload a motorcycle from the device.

Abstract: An adapter kit for transporting a motorcycle on the cross tube assembly of the wheel lift of a tow vehicle includes a plurality of rigid bars which form a pair of spaced cradles in cooperation with the cross tube assembly for receiving the wheels of the motorcycle therein. Two of the bars are mounted in the existing mounting members of the cross tube assembly. Certain of the other rigid bars are adjustably connected to each other and are adjustably mounted on the other cross tube mounted bars and form the cradles. Flexible straps extend between extended ends of certain of the rigid bars and the motorcycle structure for securing the motorcycle on the cradles in a conventional manner. The bars are readily removable from each other and from the cross tube assembly of the vehicle for storage when not mounted on the wheel lift for transporting a motorcycle.

Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opening and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provided at the forward endd of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.

Abstract: A dolly particularly suitable for manipulation of tail wheel aircraft is disclosed as having a wheel and axle assembly with an elongated lever extending rearwardly from the axle. A wheel-holding assembly comprised of two arms forming an open rectangle extends from the lever. The wheel-holding assembly is fitted around the tail wheel of an aircraft without manipulation of the aircraft. A handle member is supplied at the end of the elongated lever to aid in manipulation and in lifting of the lever to remove the tail wheel of the aircraft from the ground so that the plane may be manipulated through the dolly. The dolly is also provided with a hitch assembly for use with tractor vehicles.

Abstract: A combination tilting bed carrier and attached wheel lift for mounting on a chassis of a towing vehicle wherein the bed carrier is pivotably connected to the chassis and first motive devices extend between the chassis and the bed carrier for tilting the bed carrier. The wheel lift is positioned below the bed carrier and pivotably connected thereto. Second motive devices extend between the wheel lift and the bed carrier for independently tilting the wheel lift relative to the bed carrier and the chassis.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tractor of the type including a front end loader bucket and a rear mounted backhoe comprises a rear axle and ground wheels for positioning beneath the backhoe tower and attachable to the rear of the tractor by forwardly extending straps. Beneath the bucket is permanently attached a kingpin device formed by a plate and pin mounted upon a bracket which is so shaped that the pin and plate are wholly above the plane of the lower wall of the bucket so that the bucket can be normally used with the kingpin devide in place and such that when the bucket is fully retracted the kingpin is presented vertically downwardly. Thus the bucket can be positioned upon a conventional fifth wheel of a road tractor.

Abstract: A two wheeled towing trailer having a tongue for connecting to a towing vehicle, with an upright support post mounted to the center of an axle tube on which the wheels are rotatably supported. The support post has a cross arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the axle tube allowing the support post and cross arm to be lowered by swing down on the axle tube, allowing attachment of a vehicle to the cross arm by a pair of chains. A lever arm and winch are operated to raise the cross arm and hoist the vehicle to be supported on the support post. The lever arm is locked in the lowered position for towing. The cross arm pivots to improve maneuverability.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicle's wheels, for example, when the towed vehicle is positioned with two of its wheels abutting a curb. An arrangement for coupling a back-up safety line, such as a safety chain, between the towing and towed vehicles provides additional protection against accidental dislodgement of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A towing carriage includes a double H shaped frame having a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel tubular members transverse to the longitudinal axis. A pair of angle irons are affixed longitudinally between the tubular members. An axle assembly is supported by axle supports affixed to the angle irons. The axle assembly includes a pair of wheels situated so that the tubular members straddle the wheels. A channel beam is affixed to the front tubular member with a downward facing channel opening. A tow bar is pivotably mounted within the channel opeing and extends longitudinally forward toward the towing vehicle. A hitch cup is provieed at the forward end of the tow bar to mate with a trailer hitch on the towing vehicle. A pivot pin passes through the tow bar and channel beam to restrain relative rotation between the tow bar and the carriage frame. In one aspect, a pair of wheel ramps are provided with mounting posts arranged to fit within the transverse openings of the tubular members.

Abstract: A towable dolly having a wheel lift mechanism for towing a vehicle by lifting the towed vehicle by its wheels so that contact with the vehicle's bumper, undercarriage, or axle is avoided and the vehicle rides on its own suspension system. The towing dolly is provided with an inclined rail carrying a carriage with a wheel lift mechanism extending generally horizontally and rearwardly therefrom as the carriage moves along the rail. An inflatable bag may be used to assist the wheel lift, or in lieu thereof.

Abstract: In conventional towing vehicles the front wheels of the aircraft are pulled or pushed onto a lifting shovel or the like and the aircraft or the towing vehicle must be maintained in motion so that the front wheel assembly can be acted upon by undesirable forces.In order to ensure gentle and reliable retention and lifting of the front wheel assembly from a state of standstill as well as equally reliable and gentle towing away of the aircraft, there are provided for each front wheel four gripper arms which engage the periphery of the front wheel. The rear gripper arms are pivotable inwardly in a vertical plane. The idle positions of all gripper arms are selected by a computer which is programmed in dependency on the respective aircraft type.

Abstract: Apparatus for wheel lift towing vehicles for supporting the tires of a vehicle to be lifted and towed thereby includes a tire support cradle having front and rear support members for respectively engaging the front and rear surfaces of a tire of the vehicle to be towed. The front and rear members include an auxiliary foot in the form of a plate which is selectively connected to the members when operative or removed when inoperative for storage. Each plate when connected to the support members is disposed at an angular inclination for providing a support surface for engaging and aiding in supporting a respective surface of the tire. The rear plate may be connected after the rear support member has been positioned behind the tire beneath a low ground clearance disabled vehicle so that no interference with the vehicle occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing vehicles that is fixedly attached to the towing vehicle, so as to provide a longitudinally retractable load bar extension with provisions for coupling to the towed vehicle, and a vertically rotatable load bar to maintain vertical lift of the towed vehicle during movement. The vehicle to be towed is fitted with a mounting bar having inverted coupling seats compatible for towing attachment with the coupling box mounted to the rearward extending end of the load bar extension, such that the operation of the towed vehicle, when uncoupled from the towing apparatus, is not impeded by the mounting bar remaining in place.

Abstract: A trailer wheel pivoting system having provision for pivoting of a wheel assembly with respect to an attached trailer frame, accomplished by providing a wheel frame, an axle attached to the wheel frame, road tires attached to the axle, and an apertured cross-bar attached centrally to an upper part of the wheel frame. Various forms of trailer devices are then combined with the aforesaid trailer wheel assembly. In a first embodiment of the present invention, an automobile tow trailer is provided by placing a trailer frame for supporting an automobile onto the wheel assembly, the trailer support frame being provided with a pair of automobile wheel cradles. A pivot pin bolt is inserted through a central aperture in the trailer frame and the aperture in the cross-bar in order to pivotably secure the trailer support frame to the wheel assembly. In a second embodiment, the wheel assembly may serve as an aid for towing trailers.

Abstract: Wheel cradles for a wheel lift towing system are quickly and easily coupled to or uncoupled from opposing ends of a cross arm assembly associated with a towing vehicle. The cradles are coupled to the cross arm by sliding the cradles laterally in a substantially horizontal plane from outside the ends of the cross arm. Such lateral insertion facilitates coupling of the wheel cradles to the cross arm in situations of difficult access to the towed vehicle's wheels, for example, when the towed vehicle is positioned with two of its wheels abutting a curb. An arrangement for coupling a back-up safety line, such as a safety chain, between the towing and towed vehicles provides additional protection against accidental dislodgement of the towed vehicle from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A carrier for handicapped vehicle comprises a fulcrum frame which is adapted to be coupled rigidly to a trailer hitch mounted at the rear of an automobile, truck, or van. A horizontal platform is mounted on the fulcrum frame for tilting movement about a tilt axis provided by the fulcrum frame from a horizontal position to an inclined position wherein one edge engages the ground. The platform is also pivotal about a second axis perpendicular to the tilt axis and includes casters at its rear edge for engaging the ground and permitting articulation of the platform about the second axis.

Abstract: A wheel lift towing apparatus includes a crossbar with opposing end portions; two collars, one being mounted to each crossbar end portion; two wheel retainer locating struts, one being connected to each crossbar end portion via one of the collars; and two wheel retainers, one being mounted to a free end of each of the locating struts. The wheel retainers each have a central arm with first and second wheel engaging elements disposed at the opposing ends of the central arm. The wheel retainer support structure associated with each strut is configured to position each wheel retainer so that the retainers' respective first wheel engaging elements are located below a center axis of the wheels of the vehicle to be towed and so that the retainers' respective second wheel engaging elements are located above the center axis of the wheels of the vehicle.