Abstract: A jackknife prevention apparatus configured to be mounted intermediate the trailer and cab of a tractor-trailer rig extending bilaterally wing-like from the tractor's frame rails to which it is hinged horizontally. The jackknife prevention apparatus can swing up or down on its hinge between lowest and highest positions by action of a motor which responds to tractor conditions so as to promote safety, maneuverability and convenience. Specifically, when the tractor is parked, the apparatus tilts down near the ground and constitutes a stairway from ground up to the frame-rail tops. When the tractor is unparked, the apparatus swings up to near horizontal, where it is inactive. If tractor speeds exceed perhaps 20 or 30 mph, the apparatus rises to its highest position where it blocks further nearing of a trailer's front corner to the tractor's cab at a tractor-trailer angle of perhaps 15 to 20 degrees, thereby preventing a jackknife accident.

Abstract: A remotely-engaging handle for a fifth wheel hitch system is provided. The remotely-engaging handle may comprise a body and a latching assembly that may be securely attached to the body and capable of engaging with a fifth wheel hitch. The latching assembly may comprise a locking member and an actuating member. The actuation of the actuating member may position a portion of the locking member from an unlocked position to a locked position. The locking member may comprise a latching arm rotating about a pivot point and a biasing member operatively attached the body. The biasing member may bias the locking member into a transitory position. In one embodiment, the actuating member may further comprise an electrically-operated button or a software-based interface. In particular embodiment, the locking member may further actuated by a solenoid and the connecting member may further comprise a wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an urban vehicle for transporting large volume and light weight cargo that is subdivided into two: a mini-tractor unit and a lightweight semi-platform. These are coupled by means of a fifth wheel with a kingpin, allowing transporting high cubic coefficient products including long formats. The mini-tractor unit of the invention is shorter between the steering and drive axles compared with a vehicle for transporting cargo of the common type. The wheelbase between the steering (front) and driving (rear) axles of the mini-tractor unit is 1.3 to 1.7 times the width of the steering axle.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for trailer load assist in a motor vehicle. In particular, the system is operative to determine a trailer connection, determine an initial tongue weight and compare the initial tongue weight with a current tongue weight. A audible and/or visual cue is generated when the current tongue weight exceeds the initial tongue weight in a ratio indicative of an optimally loaded trailer.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer includes a detection device configured to monitor a connection between a coupler attached to the trailer and a trailer hitch attached to a vehicle and generate data related to the connection, and a processing device configured to receive the data from the detection device, and analyze the data to detect whether a partial detachment condition is present. Based on detecting the partial detachment condition, the processing device is configured to generate a notification to a driver to alert the driver of the partial detachment condition and/or control operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer reverse assist (TRA) system for a tow vehicle aids in reversing an attached trailer. The TRA system includes a processor circuit; at least one camera to obtain images of the trailer; and vehicle dynamic sensors to obtain vehicle dynamics data from the vehicle. The processor circuit, while the TRA system is in a standby, non-active state and while the vehicle is in Drive and traveling forward at a speed above a threshold speed: learns parameters and/or image features of an attached trailer based on data from the at least one camera and the vehicle dynamic sensors; causes the learned parameters and/or image features of the attached trailer to be stored in a database; and informs the driver via the infotainment system that the TRA system can be activated.

Abstract: A method for identifying and/or controlling a coupling procedure between a towing vehicle and a vehicle trailer that is embodied as a semi-trailer includes determining a contact between the coupling plate of the towing vehicle and the fifth wheel plate of the semi-trailer by way of a change of an adjusting speed with which a distance between the at least one rear axle of the towing vehicle and the locking device of the coupling plate is increased. The towing vehicle comprises a coupling plate and the semi-trailer comprises a fifth wheel plate having a king pin that is fixed in the coupled state in a locking device of the coupling plate and the towing vehicle comprises a pneumatic level controlling device by way of which it is possible to set different distances between at least one rear axle of the towing vehicle and the locking device of the coupling plate.

Abstract: Multiple exemplary systems for preventing jackknifing are disclosed. The systems comprise an electric motor for extending a shaft into a fifth wheel coupling when a tractor trailer is traveling at above a predetermined speed in a forward direction, physically preventing the tractor trailer from jackknifing. In order to avoid dependence on integration with a tractor, sensors on a trailer are used to determine speed without communication with the tractor or any instruments therein, via reception of one or more emitted waves. When the trailer is determined to be traveling at below the predetermined speed in a forward direction, or at any speed in a backward direction, the shaft is retracted to allow the trailer to freely rotate with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement having: a housing, a movement sensor, the movement sensor, being mounted on a bearing element connected to the housing; a position sensor; and a position transducer, the position sensor and the position transducer being arranged relative to each other in such a way that the movement of the movement sensor can be measured. The bearing element protrudes from the housing, or the position sensor and the position transducer are eccentric relative to the bearing element.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the position of an agricultural implement being towed by an agricultural vehicle may include first and second wheels and first and second non-contact-based braking devices. As such, the first braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the first wheel, and the second braking device may be configured to apply a braking force to the second wheel. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to control an operation of the first braking device or the second braking device when it is determined that the position of the implement differs from a predetermined position for the implement such that the braking force is applied to the corresponding wheel in a manner that adjusts the position of the implement towards the predetermined position.

Abstract: A device 401 for preventing a trailer pin from disengaging from a turntable, comprising: a base 402 configured for connection to a tow unit of the type that includes a turntable, and; a pin capture means 403 connected to the base 402, the base 402 and pin capture means 403 configured so that the pin capture means 403 can move between first and second positions relative to the base 402, and so that in the first position a trailer pin can freely slide in and out of the turntable, and in the second position the pin capture means 403 will prevent the trailer pin from rolling backwards off the turntable.

Abstract: A method for controlling articulation angle during reversing of a vehicle combination, comprising a tractor motor vehicle having at least one trailer, uses a first articulation angle controller, which determines an intended steering lock from at least one steerable wheel of the tractor vehicle and controls the same via a steering actuator of the tractor motor vehicle, in order to achieve a predefined intended articulation angle of the vehicle combination. The rate of change of the articulation angle is limited in such a way that the maximum available setting speed of the steering actuator is sufficient, such that the movement of the at least one trailer follows the intended articulation angle, in particular over a predefined range of speed of travel of the vehicle combination.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling one or more side mirrors of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a trailer sensor, brake sensor, and speed sensor, a side mirror, and a processor. The processor is configured to set the side mirror in a first position responsive to determining via the trailer sensor and speed sensor that a trailer is attached, and that a vehicle speed is above a threshold speed. And the processor is further configured to transition the side mirror to a second position responsive to determining that vehicle brakes have been applied for a threshold duration.

Abstract: The invention comprises a small, easily transportable, specially programmed, wirelessly controlled camera mounting device. The camera mounting device is equipped with a ¼-20 stud, the standard type of stud used by tripods, so the user can easily mount a Go-Pro camera or any other kind of presently available small camera on the camera mounting device. Embodiments of the device can rotate the camera up to 360 degrees, left or right, at any of multiple speeds, and can pause, and rotate the camera up or down. Embodiments of the device can attach themselves to other surfaces, by several methods, and can be charged wirelessly. The invention also includes a method that eliminates the need to use multiple cameras, while making a video, and splice the video together after the fact. This invention also comprises security systems using the camera mount.

Abstract: A smart trailer coupler system includes a ball mount connectable to a vehicle, a hitch ball mechanically connected to the ball mount, a coupler selectively connectable to the hitch ball, and at least one sensor mounted to one of the ball mount, the hitch ball and the coupler. The at least one sensor detects a size compatibility between the coupler and the hitch ball. A signal system is operatively connected to the at least one sensor. The signal system provides at least one of a visual alert and an audible alert of the size compatibility between the hitch ball and the coupler.

Abstract: A trailer lock can be used as an anti-theft device to secure a mating feature of a trailer, such as a king pin, against unauthorized hookups by tractors. The trailer lock can include a base plate for mounting on a wall of the trailer; a swing bar pivotally connected to the base plate; and an engagement bar pivotally connected to the swing bar, which engagement bar includes an engagement feature, such as a ring, capable of fitting to the mating feature of the trailer. When the engagement feature is fitted to the mating feature of the trailer (for example, when a ring is placed over a king pin), it can prevent the mating feature from engaging a corresponding mating feature of a tractor, such as a fifth wheel.

Abstract: A trailer hitch with safety arm preferably includes a ball mount member, a hitch insert projection and a safety arm. The ball mount member preferably includes a ball leg and an insert leg. The ball leg extends forward and substantially horizontal from a bottom of the insert leg. A hitch ball hole is formed through the ball leg to receive a hitch ball. The hitch insert projection extends rearward and substantially horizontal from the insert leg. The hitch insert projection is preferably a square tube that has an outer perimeter, which is sized to be received by a female hitch receiver. A safety yoke is formed on an upper and front portion of the insert leg. The safety arm is retained in the yoke with a removable fastener and a quick release pin device. The safety arm pivots relative to the insert leg with the removable fastener.

Abstract: A system and method to determine trailer pose includes imaging first and second telltales affixed to a trailer to provide trailer image data. A controller is operable to determine trailer pose from the trailer image data. The trailer pose information may be provided to one or more controllers of a vehicle towing the trailer.

Abstract: A hitch assist system and method are provided herein. An imager captures one or more images of a trailer having a hitch coupler. A user-input device is provided for specifying a location of the hitch coupler in the one or more captured images. A controller generates an image patch around the user-specified location, segments the image patch to identify the hitch coupler, and estimates a trailer height based on a height and projective geometry of the imager.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a steering mechanism of a front axle of a rear carriage of a multi-part wheeled articulated vehicle includes the step of adjusting the steering mechanism to a setting corresponding to a target value of the steering deflection angle of the wheels of the front axle of the at least one rear carriage and modifying the steering deflection angle such that forces and/or moments and resulting displacements and/or torsions and/or tensions acting on the front and/or rear carriages are minimized.

Abstract: A dolly, a dolly towing system and a method of operating a dolly towing system. The dolly includes a wheeled platform with a coupled electric generator and an automated safety interlock assembly. The interlock assembly includes one or more sensors configured to wirelessly detect whether the dolly and tow motor are safely joined to one another. A controller can be powered by a battery or related onboard source of electric current while the dolly or system are stationary, as well as by the generator when the dolly or system are moving. Signals indicative of the joining that are acquired from the sensors can be received and processed by the controller such that suitable circuitry can convey the processed signal in such a way that the signal provides an audible or visual notice of an operational status of the dolly or system to an operator.

Abstract: A vehicle having a wireless power system is provided. The vehicle includes a tractor and a trailer mounted to the tractor, the tractor having a tractor frame and the trailer having a refrigeration unit. A first inductive charging pad is mounted on the trailer, the first inductive charging pad electrically connected to a portion of the refrigeration unit. A second inductive charging pad is mounted on the tractor, the second inductive charging pad electrically connected to a portion of the tractor and configured to induce an electrical current in the first inductive charging pad. The first inductive charging pad and the second inductive charging pad are configured such that the second charging pad can induce and maintain the electric current in the first inductive charging pad throughout a range of relative rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus are disclosed for vehicle connectors for monitoring connection with trailer connectors. An example connector of a vehicle for coupling a trailer to the vehicle includes a wall defining a cavity to receive a trailer connector, a seal to engage the trailer connector when the cavity receives the trailer connector, and a first trailer-connection sensor disposed in the seal to monitor engagement of the trailer connector with the seal to identify a secure connection with the trailer connector.

Abstract: A lock for a gooseneck style trailer may present a tow-ball interface on a base plate with an associated rod interface. The rod may be inserted through one of a plurality of holes along a circumference of the base plate so as to also interface with structure on the trailer. The rod then may be locked into position with a locking mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid flow sampling device comprises an elongate housing and a sleeve disposed in the housing having openings corresponding to an inlet and an outlet of the housing. The sleeve is movable relative to the housing to an open position and a closed position. The open position aligns the openings of the sleeve with the inlet and the outlet to allow fluid to flow into the inlet, through the sleeve, and out of the outlet. The closed position blocks the inlet and/or the outlet with a portion of the sleeve such that fluid is prevented from flowing through the sleeve. Additionally, a coalescent filter is disposed in the sleeve between the inlet and the outlet to allow some fluid to pass through the filter for sampling and to allow another portion of fluid to flow past the filter and out of the outlet to carry away coalescent material on the filter.

Abstract: When a brake of a tractor is released, a control unit having a computer built therein monitors the pressure of working fluid output from a trailer control valve that controls a brake of the trailer in conjunction with the brake of the tractor. When time required for a pressure of the working fluid to decrease to a predetermined pressure is a predetermined time or longer, the control unit determines that the trailer is coupled with the tractor. When the time is less than the predetermined time, the control unit determines that the trailer is not coupled with the tractor.

Abstract: In one embodiment an electronic device comprises a housing having a first section and a second section comprising a display coupled to the first section by a hinge assembly, a rotation control assembly to control rotation of the hinge assembly, and a controller to activate the rotation control assembly in response to detection of a force condition at a second section of the housing of an electronic device. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: A method for warning a back side of a vehicle provided with a rear bumper multi carrier may include determining a carrier position by determining it is in a stowed state or drawing out state of a rear bumper multi carrier when a signal Reverse (R) step of a shift lever is produced, controlling ON or OFF operation of a detector of a rear side obstacle according to the stowed state or drawing out state of the carrier, and producing a warning signal when the rear side obstacle is detected in the detector operation controlling step.

Abstract: A trailer of a semi-trailer truck includes a cargo container having affixed at a height of approximately forty-six inches from a base of the cargo container a hole that is approximately two and one half inches in diameter. A fleet pan enclosure in a form of a housing encompassing a communications circuitry, a global positioning device and an ultrasound sensor projects into an interior cavity of the cargo container through the hole. The global positioning device provides an accurate reporting of a location of the semi-trailer truck to a central server. An antenna of a communication circuitry is fully encompassed within the housing. The location at which the housing is affixed provides for an effective measuring and reliable locating of a stored transport item inside the interior cavity of the cargo container through the hole.

Abstract: A fifth wheel latching assembly is provided having first and second locking assemblies. The first locking assembly includes first and second jaw members, which are movable between open and locked configurations. In the locked configurations, at least one of the first and second jaw members locks a kingpin in place for towing. The second locking assembly includes a latch element which is movable between open and locked positions. In its closed position, the latch element locks a kingpin in place for towing. The first and second locking assemblies independently lock the kingpin in place. Kingpin insertion causes automatic locking of the first and second locking assemblies.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for stabilizing a vehicle combination made up of a tractor vehicle and a trailer in case of fishtailing motions, in which—the presence of a fishtailing motion of the tractor vehicle is detected,—after the exceeding of a first threshold value by the amplitude of an oscillating fishtailing variable characterizing the fishtailing motion, a driver-independent steering intervention in the steering actuator system of the tractor vehicle takes place and—after the exceeding of a second threshold value by the amplitude of the fishtailing variable, a driver-independent braking intervention in the brake actuator system of the tractor vehicle takes place,—the second threshold value being selected to be greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: An controller uses one of several transfer curves to map steering angle of an articulated machine to articulation angle. Because an articulated machine may have a range of steering angles that is much greater than the range of articulation angles, the controller uses one of several techniques to map the full range of steering angles to the full range of articulation angles. One technique involves multiple non-zero slope regions, another technique uses a less than one-to-one linear transfer function of steering angle to articulation angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articulated chassis system of large articulated vehicle, which comprises a front beam, a spherical hinge connecting structure, a front frame, a turnplate bearing, a rear frame, a rear beam and a turning angle sensing means, the front beam is connected with the front frame through the spherical hinge connecting structure, the turnplate bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, the front frame is connected fixedly with the outer ring/the inner ring, the rear frame is connected fixedly with the inner ring/the outer ring, the inner ring and the outer ring can rotate relatively, the rear frame is connected with the rear beam, the turning angle sensing means is arranged between the inner ring/the outer ring and the front frame/the rear frame.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: There is provided a behavior control device for the prevention of a jackknife phenomenon of a combination vehicle including a tractor and a trailer pivotably coupled with the tractor, taking into account that the relative pivoting action of the trailer and tractor varies according to the magnitudes of a vehicle speed or a deceleration. The inventive behavior control device comprises a braking-driving force control portion which controls a braking-driving force of the tractor or the trailer to reduce a difference between a yaw rate of the tractor and a yaw rate of the trailer and a judgment portion which judges whether or not a braking-driving force control of the tractor or the trailer by the braking-driving force control portion is necessary; wherein the judgment portion changes based on a vehicle speed or a deceleration of the vehicle the judgment of whether or not the braking-driving force control is necessary.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle system and method comprising a safety sensor disposed on a fifth wheel assembly to indicate an unlocked position of the fifth wheel assembly. The safety sensor is configured to transmit a signal, either hard wired or wireless, to a valve controller which maintains a valve in the brake line to a trailer parking brake in a closed position based on the unlocked position of the fifth wheel. When the fifth wheel locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the valve is maintained in a “no go” closed position so that the trailer parking brake remains engaged. The methods include steps to both operate the system and to assemble the fifth wheel safety system.

Abstract: A trailer safety device is provided having two attachment legs that are mounted to frame rails of a towing vehicle. The attachment legs are mounted behind a hitch using U-bolts. The legs continue rearward of the vehicle and meet to form a catch. Failure of the hitch causes a trailer kingpin to become disengaged from the towing vehicle and travel rearward. Rearward travel of the trailer will cause the kingpin to become ensnared on the catch.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1).

Abstract: A trailer safety assembly for preventing the trailer from jack-knifing includes an actuator coupled to the trailer. The actuator is positioned proximate a king pin on the trailer. A pin is operationally coupled to said actuator. The pin selectively engages a fifth wheel on a vehicle if the trailer begins to jack-knife. An undesired motion of the trailer is restricted.

Abstract: A safety device for use with a fifth wheel trailer hitch. The safety device is mounted to a first and second rail, these rails secure both the fifth wheel hitch and the safety device to the frame of a vehicle. The safety device is generally U-shaped and extends rearwardly of the fifth wheel hitch to a catch. The catch is defined as the base of the “U” and serves to catch the king pin of a trailer in case the king pin is loosed from the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the articulation angle between a tractor and trailer connected by a kingpin and fifth wheel include a transfer assembly associated with the kingpin and interacting with the fifth wheel such that the transfer assembly is rotationally moved relative to the kingpin by relative rotational movement between the kingpin and the fifth wheel. This rotational movement is read by an articulation sensing mechanism having one of a reader element and output element mounted to the transfer assembly and the other of the reader element and the output element operatively mounted to the trailer such that the reader element and the output element interact to provide a signal corresponding to the articulation angle between the tractor and trailer. This signal can be analyzed by a processor for any beneficial use, for example, outputting to a counter steering mechanism.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a safety chain tool for use with gooseneck trailers. Various embodiments of the tool allow the user to remotely affix the safety chains of a gooseneck trailer, and are configured so as to be left in the bed of the truck during transport so as to allow for easy removal of the chains. In certain implementations, the tool comprises an elongate shaft with a handle at one end and a coupling mechanism at the other, wherein the coupling mechanism is fixedly attached to a chain and a clasp. In certain embodiments, the shaft contains a operational mechanism configured to actuate the clasp. In certain embodiments, this actuation is achieved by extending the ends of the shaft relative to one another.

Abstract: A trailer safety device is provided having two attachment legs that are mounted to frame rails of a towing vehicle. The attachment legs are mounted behind a hitch using U-bolts. The legs continue rearward of the vehicle and meet to form a catch. Failure of the hitch causes a trailer kingpin to become disengaged from the towing vehicle and travel rearward. Rearward travel of the trailer will cause the kingpin to become ensnared on the catch.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a support bracket adapted to operably couple with a vehicle frame. The hitch assembly also has a hitch plate that includes a throat adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer and a rear portion. The hitch plate is pivotably coupled with the support bracket and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Further, the hitch assembly has a limiter linkage that includes a first end pivotably coupled with the rear portion. A second end of the limiter linkage is movable between a stowed and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end is spaced from the vehicle frame. In the deployed position the second end of the limiter linkage is detachably coupled with the vehicle frame, thereby limiting movement of the hitch plate between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle system are provided with a controller that is configured to generate output indicative of a vehicle mass estimation. The vehicle mass estimation is based on a longitudinal acceleration and a wheel torque when at least one of the longitudinal acceleration, a vehicle speed and a yaw rate indicate an occurrence of a qualified event. The controller is further configured to generate output indicative of a dynamic road gradient estimation based on the vehicle speed, the wheel torque and the vehicle mass estimation.

Abstract: An inertial braking system for a trailer has an elongated casing member defining an axis along its elongated length, and having an opening at one end of the elongated length. A movable plate housed within the casing and including at least one opening adapted to allow light to pass therethrough. A piston member including a pad member at a distal end thereof and placed inside of the one end of the casing member with the pad member facing outwards from the interior of the casing member and adapted to move along the axis, and rigidly connected at an opposite end to an adjacent end of the movable plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to trailer and towing safety devices, and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to trailer automatic braking devices that initiate braking when a trailer becomes separated from its tow vehicle.

Abstract: Upper coupler assemblies for mounting coupling devices to trailers, and methods for inspecting upper coupler assemblies. The upper coupler assemblies include a housing having first and second members that define a cavity therebetween. At least the second member has a through-hole adapted to receive a coupling device, such as a kingpin. The cavity contains at least one fluid-tight chamber, more preferably multiple gas-tight and liquid-tight chambers by walls within the cavity. The coupler assembly has at least one fluid inlet for introducing and/or withdrawing a fluid (liquid and/or gas) from one or more of the chambers. The integrity of the upper coupler assembly can be evaluated by introducing or removing a gas from the one or more chambers and detecting the presence of any gas leaks in the one or more chambers.

Abstract: The anti jackknife system has locking mechanisms which automatically lock caster type wheels at the rear of a trailer in a fixed position in the direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the trailer and to the line of direction of travel of the tow vehicle pulling the trailer forward. In this forward configuration the tongue of the trailer freely rotates on a trailer hitch insert. In a back up configuration a locking mechanism automatically locks the trailer tongue into linear alignment with the trailer hitch insert. The caster type wheels rotate freely about a vertical axis, and when the trailer is backed up by the tow vehicle the trailer will stay in linear alignment with the tow vehicle. The caster type wheels will automatically turn in a direction corresponding to the front wheels of the tow vehicle, thereby completely preventing jackknifing of the trailer.

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.