Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar, a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar, and wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the length of the moment bar is less than 28 inches is disclosed.

Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle, and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a moment bar having a modulus of elasticity, the moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member so as to prevent rotation about a horizontal axis, and a moment bar rearward end; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end configured to support the rearward end of the moment bar; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the moment bar rearward end, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein the modulus o

Abstract: An adjustable bracket assembly for a weight distribution system is shown and described herein. The adjustable bracket assembly may include a plurality of bracket members including at least a first bracket member, a second bracket member, a third bracket member, and a fourth bracket member arranged to be adjustable relative to one another and be selectively attached to a frame of a towed vehicle. The plurality of bracket members may be coupled to a plurality of fasteners to allow the plurality of bracket members to be adjusted relative to one another and to provide clamp forces relative to the frame of the towed vehicle. An attachment assembly may be coupled to the first bracket member and be configured to be attached to a spring arm of a weight distributing system that may be coupled to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle combination having a towing vehicle and a trailer, wherein the trailer has a drive which is coupled to a wheel of the trailer, wherein a control unit is provided and is designed to receive a signal of a sensor, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the drive as a function of the signal. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a drive in a vehicle combination.

Abstract: A system for setting front axle load restoration for a load distributing trailer hitch that is used to hitch a trailer to a motor vehicle may include at least one sensor associated with a wheel of the motor vehicle. The system may further include at least one controller configured to receive signals from the at least one sensor to estimate one or more corner weights of the motor vehicle based on the signals. The at least one controller may be configured to calculate a load restoration that is required at a front axle of the motor vehicle to achieve a recommended load restoration based on the one or more estimated corner weights.

Abstract: A tractor unit (10) and a trailer unit (14) are connected by a connecting pin (33) on one unit (12, 14) which is in use received in an opening (21) in a connecting surface of the other unit, the connecting pin (33) including a sensor device (70) to sense loads imposed on the connecting pin (33) as the trailer unit (14) tends to decelerate or accelerate relative to the tractor unit (12), there being a control system, including a controller (65) which receives signals from the sensor device (70) representative of loads imposed on the connecting pin (33), and at least one electrical motive machine (50) is controlled, the machine (50) being capable of being electrically driven by power from an electrical storage device to provide drive to drive at least one ground engaging wheel (45a, 45b) and of generating electrical power for storage by an electrical storage device (58), such as to minimize the loads imposed on the connecting pin (33).

Abstract: A towed vehicle having two towing modes has a first set of wheels positioned on a first axis defining an operative position supporting a frame. A second set of wheels is positioned on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. The second set of wheels has a lowered operative position and a raised inoperative position. When the second set of wheels is in the lowered operative position, they lift the first set of wheels off the ground to an inoperative position. A first towing connection is provided for connecting the frame to a tow vehicle when the first set of wheels are in the operative position. A second towing connection is provided, perpendicular to the first towing connection, for connecting the frame to the tow vehicle when the second set of wheels are in the operative position.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distribution apparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch member may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting a large element having a longitudinal extension, such as a wind turbine nacelle. The transport system comprises a transport means having a first and a second transport unit, a base structure having a first and a second side and being adapted for supporting and connecting with the large element to be transported, and transport equipment having a first part adapted to be connected to the first side of the base structure and to the first transport unit and a second part adapted to be connected to the second transport unit. The first part engages with the second part. The invention also relates to a transport method.

Abstract: A system for providing support to an articulating trailer hitch used to interconnect a trailer and a towing vehicle. The system includes an adjustable, removable and repositionable link which interconnects the trailer frame and one or more spring bars providing load-distributing forces to the trailer and towing vehicle. The spring bars include an adjustable, rigid link which maintains the vertical position of the hitch assembly when disconnected from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap.

Abstract: A towed vehicle having two towing modes has a first set of wheels positioned on a first axis defining an operative position supporting a frame. A second set of wheels is positioned on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. The second set of wheels has a lowered operative position and a raised inoperative position. When the second set of wheels is in the lowered operative position, they lift the first set of wheels off the ground to an inoperative position. A first towing connection is provided for connecting the frame to a tow vehicle when the first set of wheels are in the operative position. A second towing connection is provided, perpendicular to the first towing connection, for connecting the frame to the tow vehicle when the second set of wheels are in the operative position.

Abstract: An anti-sway, tongue-weight equalizing hitch for a trailer having a hitch ball socket; a shank structured for releasably connecting to a towing vehicle; a hitch head secured to the shank and having a longitudinal axis, a hitch ball with a tow axis on the longitudinal axis; an elevating mechanism for adjusting the relative elevations of the hitch head and the trailer tongue; a leveling mechanism for vertically-orienting the tow axis; right and left spring bars mounted to the hitch head to pivot about opposing right and left rearwardly-tilted stabilizing axes disposed in opposing vertically-oriented pivot axis planes spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the longitudinal axis; and right and left suspension mechanisms tensionally suspending distal ends of the spring bars wherein distal ends thereof are normally spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the respective vertical-oriented pivot axis planes in an equilibrium configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for distributing the weight of a trailer to a towing vehicle and controlling the sway of that trailer relative to the towing vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a spring arm coupled to the towing vehicle and an attachment mechanism for selectively placing the spring arm in mechanical communication with the trailer. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket assembly reversibly attachable to the trailer; a shoe bracket reversibly attachable to the bracket assembly; and a friction pad coupled to the shoe bracket.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed having a spacer in the form of a fastener or stopper that limits the travel of a spring clip so as to allow complete removal of the safety pin from the associated weight distribution rod, but does not allow the clip to extend to a position where the pin's end passes the entrance of the hitch's outer surface. The fastener/stopper thus prevents the user or vibration/wear from allowing the clip to overextend to the point where the pin may become separated from the hitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transport system for transporting a large element having a longitudinal extension, such as a wind turbine nacelle. The transport system comprises a transport means having a first and a second transport unit, a base structure having a first and a second side and being adapted for supporting and connecting with the large element to be transported, and transport equipment having a first part adapted to be connected to the firstside of the base structure and to the first transport unit and a second part adapted to be connected to the second transport unit. The first part engages with the second part. The invention also relates to a transport method.

Abstract: A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a spring arm of a trailer hitch. The apparatus may include a lift, such as a jack, for attaching to a tongue of a trailer. A link member may be pivotally attached to the lift. The link member may also be pivotally attached to a bracket which may be attached to the spring arm. A brace member may be attached to the link member on an end opposite the bracket. As the lift raises the link member, the link member may pivot about the brace member such that movement of the bracket may be amplified as compared to movement of the lift. Moreover, lifting of the spring arm can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for distributing the weight of a trailer to a towing vehicle and controlling the sway of that trailer relative to the towing vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a spring arm coupled to the towing vehicle and an attachment mechanism for selectively placing the spring arm in mechanical communication with the trailer. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket assembly reversibly attachable to the trailer; a shoe bracket reversibly attachable to the bracket assembly; and a friction pad coupled to the shoe bracket.

Abstract: A modular transport vehicle includes a plurality of dollies which are removably connected to a central spine. Because the components of the present invention may be disconnected, the transport vehicle may be readily disassembled and moved from location to location using conventional transportation means. The modularity also allows the width of the transport vehicle to be adjusted using different widths of connectors to accommodate road conditions and/or governmental regulations.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch system is provided with a shank and a head which is angularly adjustable relative to the shank. The head includes a plurality of adjustment teeth which are engaged by a toothed caster having corresponding teeth. The toothed caster has a mounting hole which is offset relative to a center of the tooth configuration so as to allow the toothed caster to be rotated 180 degrees in order to allow for angular adjustment of the head relative to the shank. In addition, the head is provided with both, mounting holes for receiving round spring bars and receptor grooves on a lower surface of an upper flange for receiving a trunnion-type spring bar.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch system is provided with a shank and a head which is angularly adjustable relative to the shank. The head includes a plurality of adjustment teeth which are engaged by a toothed caster having corresponding teeth. The toothed caster has a mounting hole which is offset relative to a center of the tooth configuration so as to allow the toothed caster to be rotated 180 degrees in order to allow for angular adjustment of the head relative to the shank. In addition, the head is provided with both, mounting holes for receiving round spring bars and receptor grooves on a lower surface of an upper flange for receiving a trunnion-type spring bar.

Abstract: A load sensor is provided on a tractor to sense a load in the upper link of a three point hitch. The load sensor is fixed to the upper link, rather than the tractor to move with the upper link rather than the tractor. This arrangement permits the load sensor to always indicate the longitudinal load placed on the upper link.

Abstract: A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.