To Or From Gooseneck Patents (Class 280/417.1)
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Patent number: 11679674Abstract: An implement coupler for a work vehicle includes a support frame having a drive opening and an array of electric machine mounts arranged about the drive opening. A gearbox is mounted on the support frame and has a gearbox shaft extending through the drive opening. At least one drive pulley is coupled to the gearbox for rotation. At least one endless member is disposed about the drive pulley for rotation therewith. A first electric machine is mounted on the support frame at a first of the electric machine mounts and having a first input pulley coupled to the drive pulley by the at least one endless member.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Marc Chapman
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Patent number: 11292677Abstract: A conveyor sled assembly is utilized to supply proppant in support of oilfield hydraulic fracturing operations. The conveyor sled assembly includes precisely positioned components where tolerances between components are so small as to prevent significant spillage at component junction boundaries. This manner of fitting proppant pods onto the conveyor sled assembly increases predictability of which pods will discharge their proppant load first. This enhances reliability of the overall proppant delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Proppant Express Solutions, LLCInventors: Mark John D'Agostino, Scott Joseph D'Agostino, Chad Michael McEver, Marc Kevin Fisher
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Patent number: 10773631Abstract: A forward facing vehicle transport (“FFVT”) and return transport vehicle (“RTV”) combination is provided. The FFVT of the combination includes at least a main support member supported by an axle, and the axle in turn is supported by a wheel. The FFVT further provides a toe tongue that is secured to the main support member and extends in a first direction from the main support, and a pull tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a second direction from then main support. The RTV of the combination provides a return transport vehicle axle supporting a retracting bed, which includes a front section in sliding interaction with a rear section. The RTV further provides a return transport vehicle guide post secured to the axle, and a return transport vehicle vertical slide member attached to the rear section of the return transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ironman FFB, LLCInventor: Tommy Edmonson
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Patent number: 10773762Abstract: A forward facing vehicle transport apparatus (“FFVTA”) is provided. The FFVTA includes at least a main support member supported by an axle, and the axle in turn is supported by a wheel. The FFVTA further provides a toe tongue that is secured to the main support member and extends in a first direction from the main support. The toe tongue provides a telescopic extension member communicating with an extension mechanism, the telescopic extension member is configured to interact with a steer axle of a first vehicle, the steer axle supported by a tire of the first vehicle. The FFVTA further includes a pull tongue secured to the main support member and extending in a second direction from then main support. The pull tongue provides a sliding extension member that communicates with an expansion mechanism. The sliding extension member is configured to interact with a fifth wheel of a second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ironman FFB, LLCInventor: Tommy Edmonson
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Patent number: 10589585Abstract: An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Eric J. Stanifer, Richard W. McCoy
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Patent number: 10308161Abstract: An intermodal chassis for highway transportation of shipping containers, the chassis having a forward axle and a rear axle, and incorporating an air bag suspension that automatically deflate the air bags when the brakes are locked, preventing damage when loading a container onto the chassis. Large 53 foot long box/high cube type shipping containers may be loaded along their entire length with the chassis having a rear axle positioned under the chassis frame so that the kingpin-to-rear-axle length is no more than 40 feet, and a forward axle positioned under the frame between the gooseneck and the rear axle so that a forward-to-rear-axle length is at least 12 feet. Other features include self-scaling and load-leveling, and other weight savings include use of smaller sized aluminum wheels.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Fleet Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Keith McKibben, Mark Allen Woods
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Patent number: 10011980Abstract: A foundation floor system and associated transport apparatus for use in combination with a transport vehicle and an on-site foundation includes a frame, the frame including opposing I-beams each having an upper flange; a plurality of bar joists each extending perpendicularly between the opposing I-beams; each of the plurality of bar joists being in parallel alignment relative to each other and having first and second ends secured to corresponding ones of the opposing I-beams; first and second tube beams each being located interiorly adjacent to a respective one of the opposing I-beams beneath the upper flange, each of the first and second tube beams surrounding an end channel; and wherein the frame forms a surface that is sized and configured for receipt of a building structure; and a transport apparatus that is configured for transporting the frame thereon, and the transport apparatus including a tongue adapter and an axle adapter.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Shipps Group, LLCInventor: Peter Erickson Shipps
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Patent number: 9908453Abstract: An intermodal chassis for highway transportation of 53 foot shipping containers having a rear axle positioned under the chassis frame so that the kingpin-to-rear-axle length is no more than 40 feet, and a forward axle positioned under the frame between the gooseneck and the rear axle so that a forward-to-rear-axle length is at least 12 feet. The chassis includes air bag suspension that automatically deflate the air bags when the brakes are locked, preventing damage when loading a container onto the chassis. Other features include self-scaling and load-leveling, and other weight savings include use of smaller sized aluminum wheels.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: FLEET CONCEPTS INC.Inventors: Keith McKibben, Mark Allen Woods
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Patent number: 9834050Abstract: An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: Eric J. Stanifer, Richard W. McCoy
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Patent number: 9771012Abstract: A roll off trailer having a stepped out neck is provided. The trailer frame may be formed largely of an aluminum alloy or other metal.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: MAC TRAILER MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventor: Scott A. Kibler
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Patent number: 9758003Abstract: A hitch adapter device for a vehicle tow ball comprises a fastening device adapted to fixedly arrange the hitch adapter device to the vehicle tow ball in a releasable manner. The hitch adapter device further comprises a receiving tube adapted to receive an object to be hitched to a vehicle comprising the vehicle tow ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Kristian Vernersson, Hakan Gerdsberg, Mikael Riski
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Patent number: 9586513Abstract: An industrial tank transport system used to transport an industrial tank without the use of a trailer. The industrial tank transport system is comprised of four components; a semi-tractor truck, a removable lift system, a dolly, and a tank. When these four components are combined together, the tank can be transported without the use of a conventional semi-tractor trailer. Various combinations of these four components are used to practice the various methods of raising and lowering the tank between a horizontal position and vertical position using the semi-tractor truck, transporting the dolly using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck, attaching and removing the removable lift system to the semi-tractor truck, and attaching and removing the dolly to and from the tank using the removable lift system and semi-tractor truck.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Vertical Tank, Inc.Inventors: Stanley Ellis, Travis Ellis, Lynn Gudmundson
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Patent number: 8465040Abstract: A trailer assembly including a load deck and a detachable gooseneck. The load deck includes a rotatable shaft and latch wedge and the detachable gooseneck includes a hook. The attachment of the gooseneck to the load deck will result in the rotation of the shaft and latch wedge and engage the latch wedge and hook preventing detachment of the gooseneck and load deck. Misalignment of the gooseneck and load deck may be compensated for by a chamfer of the hook and a v-shaped groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventors: Todd Skalbeck, Gary Knudsen
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Patent number: 8430418Abstract: The present application describes apparatus for attaching or securing a fifth wheel hitch to a bed of a towing vehicle. The fifth wheel hitch may be arranged to be secured to a hitch ball, such as a gooseneck hitch ball. The fifth wheel hitch may include a chamber for accepting a hitch ball, a locking pin for securing the hitch ball in the chamber, and a handle for selectively securing and releasing the hitch ball. The locking pin may be biased towards a position for securing the hitch ball in the chamber. A damper may be included to dampen impact forces transferred from the trailer to the towing vehicle through the fifth wheel hitch. The fifth wheel hitch may include support members having wear strips that may rest on the surface of the towing vehicle bed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, William Aske
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Patent number: 8419038Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism that includes a pin that extends axially from a pivotal mounting of a platform of a trailer tow bar. The pin is preferably cylindrical and is grooved circumferentially adjacent to its bottom end for fitting into an a key way forward end lip formed in a mounting plate that is attached to a truck bed for prohibiting the pin from lifting from the key way. The pin includes a plug that, by turning a cam rod journaled through the pin, will extend or retract axially from a pin center opening to fit into a plug hole formed in the mounting plate in the center of the key way forward end, preventing, when extended, the pin from sliding therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventors: Darrel J. Burns, Brigitte Paula Strecker Burns
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Patent number: 8353521Abstract: A trailer caddy is provided for enabling a user to tow or otherwise maneuver trailers or agricultural equipment with a light-duty pickup truck that would otherwise have too great of a tongue weight for towing behind a pickup truck. The caddy includes a trailer chassis with at least one axle having wheels mounted thereon. A fifth-wheel hitch having a frame is configured so that the frame is affixed to the chassis such that the frame faces opposite the chassis. The caddy also includes a hitch assembly configured to connect to various hitch styles.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventor: Roger Leroy Seeley
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Publication number: 20120319378Abstract: A trailer chassis is described which includes a gooseneck structure at the forward end thereof to which a two-point beam hitch assembly may be secured or a front axle tongue hitch assembly may be secured. The trailer may also function as a fifth wheel hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventor: James A. HELLBUSCH
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Patent number: 8286983Abstract: A trailer chassis is described which includes a gooseneck structure at the forward end thereof to which a two-point beam hitch assembly may be secured or a front axle tongue hitch assembly may be secured. The trailer may also function as a fifth wheel hitch.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: James A. Hellbusch
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Patent number: 8267419Abstract: An extended forward tow, single rail saddlemount or tow bar is disclosed. The tow bar allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck. The tow bar allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck, rather than the much higher high wind loads and unusual stresses imposed by a rear-ward facing tow. The saddlemount is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck. Lower stress is achieved by using a pivot pin nearer the towed truck rather than the usual pivot pin or king pin on the towing truck.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: ATC Leasing Company LLCInventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg
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Patent number: 8210557Abstract: A convertible trailer that may be reconfigured for use with different towing hitch arrangements. The trailer includes a first deck, a second deck, and an adjustable neck configured to support the second deck substantially level with the first deck in a pintle configuration and to support the second deck above the first deck in a fifth wheel configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: John Felix Schneider
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Patent number: 8151426Abstract: A convertible trailer that may be reconfigured for use with different towing hitch arrangements. The trailer includes a first deck, a second deck, and an adjustable neck configured to support the second deck substantially level with the first deck in a pintle configuration and to support the second deck above the first deck in a fifth wheel configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: John Felix Schneider
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Patent number: 7988177Abstract: An adaptive displaceable fifth-wheel hitch system operable with a vehicle hitch coupling system comprising a fifth-wheel hitch, a displacement mechanism operable to couple and displace the fifth-wheel hitch in a bi-directional, an adapter configured to operably relate the displacement mechanism to a vehicle hitch coupling system, the displacement mechanism and vehicle hitch coupling system otherwise being incompatible and inoperable with one another, and the adapter comprising a first interface operable to relate the adapter to the displacement mechanism; and a second interface operable to relate and removably couple the adapter to the vehicle hitch coupling system.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Camco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Gregory J. Colibert, Jacque Colibert-Clarke
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Publication number: 20110115194Abstract: A trailer chassis is described which includes a gooseneck structure at the forward end thereof to which a two-point beam hitch assembly may be secured or a front axle tongue hitch assembly may be secured. The trailer may also function as a fifth wheel hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: James A. Hellbusch
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Publication number: 20110115195Abstract: A fifth-wheel hitch assembly is provided that converts a gooseneck hitch installed on a vehicle into a fifth-wheel hitch for receiving a kingpin. The hitch assembly generally includes a base assembly, a T-arm assembly for securing the gooseneck ball or gooseneck post of the installed gooseneck hitch, and a hitch head. The T-arm assembly includes a mechanism for pulling up on the gooseneck hitch, thus securing the base assembly against the vehicle bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: SCHULING HITCH CO.Inventors: Nick Erickson, Steven Houge
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Publication number: 20110101644Abstract: A convertible trailer that may be reconfigured for use with different towing hitch arrangements. The trailer includes a first deck, a second deck, and an adjustable neck configured to support the second deck substantially level with the first deck in a pintle configuration and to support the second deck above the first deck in a fifth wheel configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: JOHN FELIX SCHNEIDER
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Patent number: 7926832Abstract: A new and improved trailer coupler for connecting a trailer to a ball hitch mounted on a towing vehicle comprising a housing having a recessed socket, a retractable latching plate, a locking mechanism, an access port, a visual indicator, an alarm system for indicating coupling and decoupling, and a mechanical means to assist an operator to remotely attach and remove safety chains generally used in conjunction with trailers without need for the operator to climb into the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Inventor: Barry Hall
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Patent number: 7878524Abstract: A gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible to a lifting boom is disclosed. The gooseneck assembly is convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration. The gooseneck trailer hitch assembly comprises a base mount configured to mount on a trailer, a stanchion structure extending upwardly from the base mount, and a boom structure mounted on the stanchion structure above the base mount. The boom structure is movable between a tow configuration in which the boom structure functions as a gooseneck for a hitch and a boom configuration in which the boom structure functions as a lifting boom. A trailer system includes a trailer and a gooseneck trailer hitch assembly convertible between a tow configuration and a boom configuration mounted on the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Craig Robert Hemmingsen
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Patent number: 7766094Abstract: An ATV hitch attachment includes a first mounting point defined by a hitch coupling and two further mounting points defined by two brace arms inclined upwardly and outwardly to a respective connection location on the rear rack. A rigid connecting member has a pair of arms extending rearwardly for rigid connection by a sliding fit to a forward end of a pair of parallel frame members of an implement such that the rigid connection holds the implement in the operating position in a common horizontal plane with the arms. The implement can be lifted to a raised transport position by an electric actuator causing pivotal movement about a horizontal pivot axis transverse to the rear hitch. Ground wheels which are spaced from the ground in operating position which can contact the ground when the implement is raised to limit squatting movement of the ATV.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Quadivator Inc.Inventors: Darin Hubscher, Jon Close, Lyle Dueck
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Patent number: 7712761Abstract: An extension coupling for interconnecting a trailer to a tow hitch carried on a tow vehicle includes a pin box assembly having a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to the trailer. A king pin is connected to the second end. The pin box assembly includes a locking wedge that engages the tow hitch to strictly limit pivoting movement of the pin box assembly relative to the tow hitch.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Mater, Jr., Gomer B. Jones
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Patent number: 7703792Abstract: A hitch coupling assembly attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle including a hitch plate that has an upper surface and an open end for receiving a king pin. The coupling assembly has an arm with opposite ends. A skid plate is attached to one end of the arm and the skid plate has a perimeter defined by sides. The king pin extends from a surface of the skid plate. A journal pin is attached to the opposite end of the arm and is rotatable relative to the arm. The journal pin is optionally lockable or the arm relative to the hitch is optionally lockable.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: MOR/ryde International, Inc.Inventors: David E. Heitzmann, Jonathan D. Kauffman
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Patent number: 7673895Abstract: A converter apparatus for connecting a fifth wheel-type trailer to a towing vehicle having a ball hitch extending above a bed thereof, the apparatus including a horizontal first body member; a clamping mechanism releasably securing the first body member to the ball hitch; a mounting member having a horizontal second body member fixedly secured perpendicularly to and above the first body member, a pair of horizontal arm members perpendicular to and extending adjustably outwardly from opposing ends of the second body member, and a pair of horizontal arm extension members extending adjustably outwardly from opposing ends of each of the arm members; a fifth wheel hitch mechanism; and securing mechanisms releasably securing the fifth wheel hitch mechanism to the arm extension members of the arm members.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Automatic Manufacturing Equipment CompanyInventors: Jay Hesse, Kevin Robert Fendrick, Anthony S. Crippen
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Patent number: 7621551Abstract: An adaptor assembly for attaching a gooseneck assembly to a hitch plate preferably includes a hitch connection tool having a body with a first end and a second end; an adaptor plate connectable to the hitch plate, the adaptor plate having a knob; a safety chain adaptor connectable to the knob; and an attachment device to attach the adaptor plate to the hitch plate. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the body of the hitch connection tool includes a hook, and the hitch connection tool includes an arm attached between the first end and the second end of the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: The Allen R. Forbes, Jr. and Stacey L. Forbes Revocable Living TrustInventor: Allen R. Forbes, Jr.
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Patent number: 7588262Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Inventor: William M. Zilm
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Publication number: 20090115162Abstract: Pull-Rite is an add-on device that makes a tongue ball and hitch type trailer capable of being towed with a gooseneck connection. The preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a U-shaped base frame having a ball hitch and a lower support crossbar, adjustable vertical rails, an upper crossbar, upper bars, and a vertical down bar with a slide-in gooseneck mount or a fifth wheel pin. To use the preferred embodiment of Pull-Rite, an individual attaches the lower support cross bar of the base frame to the rear of the A-frame of a trailer. The ball hitch on the base frame is then connected to the A-frame in the traditional manner. The vertical rails can then be maneuvered to the appropriate height for use with a given tow vehicle. The downward vertical bar is then attached to the tow vehicle using the slide-in gooseneck mount or a fifth wheel pin to allow the trailer to be easily and safely towed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Brett J. Lybrook, Michele R. Lybrook
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Patent number: 7207587Abstract: A gooseneck for connecting a tractor to a trailer. The gooseneck has a remotely controlled unit for operating the hydraulic and pneumatic systems that provide for moving a slidable king pin plate to different loading positions so as to balance the load for over-the-road transport. The gooseneck also has a pivotal rear end to assist in connection of the gooseneck to the trailer. A pivotal gooseneck stinger arm maintains the gooseneck in position for accurate placement during connection and disconnection of the gooseneck and trailer. All of the necessary movements for connecting and disconnecting the tractor and trailer can be accomplished remotely with a minimum of effort by the tractor trailer operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: X-L Specialized Trailers Inc.Inventor: George W. Wall
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Patent number: 7121574Abstract: A pin box for connecting a trailer to a tow vehicle includes a hollow receiver tube attached to a pair of support beams positioned on opposite sides of the receiver tube. A forward mounting bracket for attaching the pin box to a frame of the trailer is disposed between the two support beams. The mounting bracket is fixedly attached to both support beams. A second mounting bracket is attached to the ends of the support beams opposite the receiver tube. The pin box also includes a hitch connector that is slideably engageable with the receiver tube. The hitch connector may be positioned within the receiver tube at a plurality of discrete predetermined locations. An attaching means is provided for securing the hitch connector to the receiver tube at each of the predetermined locations. The hitch connector may be configured to include a king pin connector or a gooseneck connector. Differently configured hitch connectors may be interchangeably connected to the receiver tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Leland Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Philip M. Bouwkamp
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Patent number: 6932372Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Birrana Engineering Pty LtdInventors: Peter John French, Michael David Nunn
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Patent number: 6808195Abstract: A hitch ball engaging assembly provides a socket to receive a hitch ball with at least one locking element. A rotatable locking collar rotates between first and second positions respectively to move the locking element between a locked state and an unlocked state. A latch can be provided to retain the collar in the first and/or second positions. The locking element(s) may be ball(s) in holes in the socket and the collar has cam surfaces to move the ball(s). The hitch ball engaging assembly may particularly be used in an adapter to interconnect a pin connector of a fifth wheel coupling to the hitch ball of a gooseneck coupling. Here, an extension member is provided with a pin connector assembly to secure the fifth wheel pin on one end and the hitch ball engaging assembly on the other end. The invention includes methods accomplished by these structures.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
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Publication number: 20030184046Abstract: The present invention is a removable hitch system adapted to couple a conventional trailer or the like to a point attachment in the bed or floor of the towing vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventors: Gaetan Bourgault, Simon Bourgault
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Publication number: 20030173757Abstract: A hitch ball engaging assembly provides a socket to receive a hitch ball with at least one locking element. A rotatable locking collar rotates between first and second positions respectively to move the locking element between a locked state and an unlocked state. A latch can be provided to retain the collar in the first and/or second positions. The locking element(s) may be ball(s) in holes in the socket and the collar has cam surfaces to move the ball(s). The hitch ball engaging assembly may particularly be used in an adapter to interconnect a pin connector of a fifth wheel coupling to the hitch ball of a gooseneck coupling. Here, an extension member is provided with a pin connector assembly to secure the fifth wheel pin on one end and the hitch ball engaging assembly on the other end. The invention includes methods accomplished by these structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
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Patent number: 6540246Abstract: A hitch adapter for coupling a first vehicle having a king pin mounted thereon to a standard ball hitch. The adapter comprises a vertically adjustable body and a remotely operated latching mechanism. The adapter may have a cone-shaped top with a serrated edge for securely attaching the adapter to a king pin box. The adapter further comprises a bell-shaped opening for receiving the ball hitch, the bell-shaped opening being larger than the ball hitch. The invention further comprises a method of coupling a first vehicle with a king pin and king pin box mounted thereon to a second vehicle with a ball hitch. A hitch adapter kit is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventors: John I. Andersen, Rick Koster
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Publication number: 20030042705Abstract: A hitch assembly for connecting a front end 21 of a low-loader trailer to a tow vehicle 10 is disclosed. The hitch assembly includes: a first mount 22 located at the front end 21 of the trailer; a second mount 25 longitudinally spaced towards the rear end of the trailer from the first mount 21; a gooseneck frame 40 having a front end and a rear end, the front end connectable to the tow vehicle 10; a latch connectable 50 to the front end 21 of the trailer by engagement with the first and second mounts 22 and 25, the latch 50 pivotally connected to the rear end of the gooseneck frame 40; and a means for rotating the latch 50 with respect to the gooseneck frame 40. The assembly is such that in use, the front end of the trailer 21 is liftable by the action of a force couple imparted entirely through the latch 50 to the first and second mounts 22 and 25.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: Birrana Engineering Pty Ltd.Inventors: Peter John French, Michael David Nunn
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Patent number: 6485045Abstract: A combination hitch for allowing a towed vehicle to be fastened to a tow vehicle. The combination hitch includes a base for being attached to the bed of the tow vehicle, the base including a ball hitch member located substantially over the centerline of the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The combination hitch also includes a superstructure movable between a first position attached to the base and second position attached to the base. The superstructure has a pin box hitch member located substantially directly over the ball hitch member and the centerline of the rear axle of the tow vehicle when the superstructure is in the first position and not located substantially directly over the ball hitch member and the centerline of the rear axle of the tow vehicle when the superstructure is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Tennessee Truck Works, L.L.C.Inventor: Robert H. King
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Patent number: 6474673Abstract: An adapter for attaching a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer hitch to a standard, V-shaped, trailer hitch. The hitch converting device contains a fifth wheel frame that attaches about the standard hitch and ball of a trailer device. The adapter provides a simple mechanism, whereby two different styles of hitches can be alternately operated by the same vehicle, with minimum securement.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Douglas Biggins
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Patent number: 6386569Abstract: An adapter includes connector elements for releasably coupling to a quick-connect coupling of a loader or other off-road vehicle, and a fifth-wheel for releasably coupling to a fifth-wheel king pin equipped trailer. The adapter is adapted for connecting to the coupling from either a resting position on the ground, or a hanging position from the fifth-wheel king pin of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Joseph Wick
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Adaptor structure for towing a trailer having a pintle eye behind a truck having a fifth wheel mount
Patent number: 6203046Abstract: Adaptor structure is provided for towing a pintle hitch trailer behind a truck having a fifth wheel ball mount. The adaptor structure includes a mounting plate constructed and arranged to be mounted to a surface of a tongue of a trailer to be towed. The mounting plate includes a mounting tab extending from opposing ends of the mounting plate. Beam structure is provided having first and second ends. The first end is removably coupled to the mounting tabs by a pin connection. The second end includes a fifth wheel ball receptacle constructed and arranged to engage a fifth wheel ball mount of a truck. A tension arm is coupled at one end thereof to the beam structure at a position between the first and second ends of the beam structure. Another end of the tension arm defines a pintle hitch coupler constructed and arranged to engage a pintle eye of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Robert Meurer