Abstract: A skid steer attachment system for efficiently increasing the functionality of a skid steer loader. The skid steer attachment system generally includes an attachment assembly to mechanically attach to a skid steer loader, a support frame mechanically attached to the attachment assembly, wherein the support frame is comprised of a U-shaped structure and at least one wheel rotatably attached to the support frame opposite the attachment assembly and wherein the wheel is positionable upon an opposing side of the skid steer loader as the attachment assembly.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved trailer for processing items. The trailer includes a frame, translating wheel assemblies and a pivoting hitch assembly. Each translating wheel assembly includes a stationary portion fixed to the frame and a translating portion for carrying at least one wheel. The translating portions of the wheel assemblies move up and down between a first extended position in which the wheels support the frame of the trailer and a second retracted position in which the frame sits on the ground. The hitch assembly includes an arm for coupling the trailer to a tractor vehicle. The arm moves between a first trailering position and a second stowed position. The arm is pivoted into the stowed position so that it does not interfere with process items entering or leaving the trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gooseneck frame trailer designed to tow recreational vehicles. Also disclosed is a recreational vehicle combined with a gooseneck frame trailer for easier and advantageous towing. The use of a gooseneck frame trailer for this purpose is beneficial over existing fifth wheel art in many respects. It is easier to use, is less expensive and provides more maneuverability and better weight distribution when towing. It also provides more storage space on both the trailer and tow vehicle than previous designs and methods available and additionally provides storage areas and at least one storage container in certain embodiments. The use of this invention also decreases the number of stairs required to access the interior of the recreational vehicle. Also disclosed is a method for towing a recreational vehicle by mounting the recreational vehicle on a gooseneck frame trailer.

Abstract: The semitrailer is joinable to a tractor provided with a vertical towing gudgeon, is supported at its back end by a wheeled structure, and comprises a chassis having longitudinal members and crosspieces, which define a horizontal loading platform, and further having uprights rising from its forward end. A towing bar is hinged on the uprights around a first horizontal and transversal hinging axis. A compensating hydraulic cylinder is articulated between the chassis and the towing bar. A coupling is articulated to the towing bar forwardly of the first axis, for hinging around a second horizontal and transversal hinging axis, and is provided with a bushing that is transversal to the second hinging axis and is rotatably engageable on the towing gudgeon of the tractor.

Abstract: A device to hasten the process of attaching a trailer, primarily a gooseneck variety, to a towing vehicle. The invention temporarily snaps on the towing ball of the vehicle and, when contacted with the trailer tongue, is activated and partially lowered. This action is observed by the vehicle driver and indicates a quick and sure position for attachment.

Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes two linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the axle. The ends of the two linkage arms are designed to engage two brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. The linkage arms may further include a pivot point near the axle attachment point that permits the arms to pivot and spread away from one another in order to facilitate the engagement of the linkage arms in their respective brackets. A novel clamping lever system may also be utilized to secure the two linkage arms into their respective brackets. An automatic alignment and attachment system may also be included to greatly simplify the attachment process of the gooseneck type trailer to the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer [12] having a gooseneck [11] and a detachable trailer deck [10] utilizes a trailer attachment assembly [13] to draw the trailer deck [10] toward the gooseneck [11] during attachment. The attachment assembly [13] includes a rotary trailer lift arm [14] powered by an electric motor [45] which attaches itself to the trailer lift pin [16] which will be raised and drawn towards the gooseneck [13] by the rotation movement of the trailer lift arm [14] to a level 1 position shown in FIG. 1 Position 2. Once in position the lock bars [15] in the gooseneck [13] powered by an air cylinder [16] and a rotating spread screw [17] will enter the trailer lockbox [18] the spread screw [17] will spread the lock bars [15] inside the trailer lockbox [18] and proceed to screw into a threaded block [19] attached to trailer [10] locking the trailer [10] to the gooseneck [13].

Abstract: A wheeled bogie unit is engageable with one end of a chassis of a treatment plant to support that end of the chassis above the ground for the suspended transport of the plant. The bogie unit has a chassis, at least one wheel set supporting the chassis, a lifting cradle mounted on the chassis and having a projecting end which is engageable with the end of the plant chassis, a support and guide surface provided on the projecting end of the cradle which is engageable with a lifting surface provided on the end of the plant chassis, in order to suspend one end of the plant chassis above the ground, and a slide mounting the cradle on the bogie chassis for relative slidable movement between a lowered position and a raised lifting position. In the lowered position, the end of the plant chassis is standing on the ground adjacent thereto. In the raised lifting position, the end of the plant chassis is lifted off the ground and is supported by the support and guide surface of the lifting cradle.

Abstract: A coupler comprised of a coupler housing having a first opening formed therein. The opening has a concave cavity. A cylindrical socket is formed within the housing. A second opening in the housing communicates with the cylindrical socket. A lock ring is provided, the lock ring having a cylindrical portion and an arm portion extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is disposed within the cylindrical socket in the housing with the arm portion extending from the housing through the second opening. An opening is formed through the cylindrical portion of the lock ring. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is rotatable in the cylindrical socket wherein the lock ring is movable between a first position wherein the opening in the lock ring is aligned with the concave cavity to allow a tow ball to be inserted into the concave cavity through the opening in the lock ring and a second position wherein the opening is not in alignment with the concave cavity.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling heavy equipment includes front end loading assembly that allows hitching and loading, a trailer bed, and a set of rear wheels. Longitudinally aligned support beams from the trailer bed, ends terminating at the front end loading assembly. The front end loading assembly comprises a low profile trailer front end section that uses a box beam positioned between the support beams and a pickup shaft of the assembly. The low profile front end section reduces the height of the front end of the trailer, thereby allowing loading of small equipment, while maintaining its load carrying and transmitting capability for heavy equipment. The trailer can be modular in design with removable ramp and trailer bed side sections.

Abstract: A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn.

Abstract: A steering damper includes a steering damper body installed in a steering system of a vehicle, and having a fluid path therein, and a pressure control valve for controlling a damping force in the steering system, and provided in the fluid path, wherein the pressure control valve controls the damping force so that an increasing rate of the damping force with respect to a steering angular velocity when the steering angular velocity is large is lower than that when the steering angular velocity is small.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A goose neck trailer with a pair of side rails has a goose neck hitch attached to the side rails and defined by two side members extending upwardly and forwardly therefrom and converging inwardly and forwardly to the hitch coupling with a series of cross-members interconnecting the side members to form an integral rigid structure. The side members are formed from two shaped plate elements including an inner plate element and an outer plate element both of which are bent to follow a generally parallel path with a space therebetween with each plate element being cut as an integral sheet portion from a sheet of metal and a varying space between the two plate elements being at least partly closed by a top cover plate and by a bottom plate each welded at its edges to the plate elements and leaving a bottom opening between the plates to receive the side rails.

Abstract: The gooseneck trailer hitch assembly includes a block tube that is fixed to a trailer frame. A top plate is fixed to the block tube. A vertical shaft is connected to the top plate. A steel spherical member is slidably mounted on the vertical shaft. Two rings are clamped to the spherical member and pivotable about the spherical member center. A tower assembly tube receives on of the two rings and is fixed to the rings. A tube positioning member is fixed to the tower assembly. The positioning member includes a wedge surface that contacts a steel ring and moves the tower assembly tube toward a vertical position as the spherical member is moved toward to the top plate. The positioning member also includes a cylindrical surface that engages the steel ring after the tower assembly tube is vertical. A vibration and force damper is provided between the steel ring and the block tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable ball hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable ball hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, a gate member and a driving mechanism. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a ball hitch coupled thereto. The gate member is configured to be coupled to the platform track and includes a gate portion extendable into the track space. The driving mechanism is configured to be operatively coupled to the gate member and is configured to automatically displace the gate portion from the track space to facilitate displacement of the displaceable platform upon manual activation from a cab of the truck.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An offset coupler device for coupling a gooseneck trailer with a gooseneck hitch ball is provided. The coupler has a first member spaced apart from a second member by an offset plate. A ball coupler is provided at a lower end of the second member. In use, the first member is partially received in a trailer coupler tube of the trailer and a gooseneck hitch ball is partially received in the ball coupler. The offset coupler effectively increases the relative distance between the gooseneck trailer and the tow vehicle during use.

Abstract: A gooseneck for connecting a tractor and a trailer for transportation includes a support arm. The support arm has a first end that is pivotally coupled to a fifth wheel of the tractor. The support arm is pivotable to raise and lower a second end of the support arm relative to a tractor bed. A generally downwardly extending portion is coupled to the second end of the support arm for releasably attaching to a forward end of the trailer. A pneumatic assembly is coupled to the support arm. The pneumatic assembly is in communication with the tractor bed to lift and lower the generally downwardly extending portion relative to the tractor bed.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch generally includes a socket adapted to lock onto a ball connected to the towing vehicle. The socket is connected to a lower support member which supports the bottom of a shock absorbing assembly. An inner tube extends up from the socket and lower tube through the shock absorbing assembly. The upper portion of the shock absorbing assembly is connected to an upper support member that is connected to the towed vehicle. A bearing is secured to the upper tube that slidably but non-rotatably receives the upper portion of the inner tube. The shock absorbing assembly includes rubber springs that absorb the forces experienced by the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A trailer for hauling heavy equipment includes front end loading assembly that allows hitching and loading, a trailer bed, and a set of rear wheels. Longitudinally aligned support beams from the trailer bed, ends terminating at the front end loading assembly. The front end loading assembly comprises a low profile trailer front end section that uses a box beam positioned between the support beams and a pickup shaft of the assembly. The low profile front end section reduces the height of the front end of the trailer, thereby allowing loading of small equipment, while maintaining its load carrying and transmitting capability for heavy equipment. The trailer can be modular in design with removable ramp and trailer bed side sections.

Abstract: A gooseneck for connecting a tractor and a trailer for transportation includes a support arm. The support arm has a first end that is pivotally coupled to a fifth wheel of the tractor. The support arm is pivotable to raise and lower a second end of the support arm relative to a tractor bed. A generally downwardly extending portion is coupled to the second end of the support arm for releasably attaching to a forward end of the trailer. A pneumatic assembly is coupled to the support arm. The pneumatic assembly is in communication with the tractor bed to lift and lower the generally downwardly extending portion relative to the tractor bed.

Abstract: An offset coupler device for coupling a gooseneck trailer with a gooseneck hitch ball is provided. The coupler has a first member spaced apart from a second member by an offset plate. A ball coupler is provided at a lower end of the second member. In use, the first member is partially received in a trailer coupler tube of the trailer and a gooseneck hitch ball is partially received in the ball coupler. The offset coupler effectively increases the relative distance between the gooseneck trailer and the tow vehicle during use.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupling assembly for use with a gooseneck trailer. The coupling assembly comprises a height-adjustment device and a coupler mechanism. Optionally, the coupling assembly further comprises a locking assembly and a friction fit assembly. The height-adjustment device within the coupling assembly uses a load-bearing pin to concurrently and/or simultaneously perform two functions, namely permitting adjustablility of the coupling assembly and bearing all, or substantially all, of a vertical load (i.e., withstanding a shear force) provided by an attached gooseneck trailer, any trailer accessories, and any trailer contents. Because the load-bearing pin bears all, or substantially all, of the vertical load by resisting the shear force, conventional reliance upon a friction force to bear the vertical load is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An adjustable gooseneck coupler for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle. The trailer includes a front overhang from which the gooseneck coupler depends. The towing vehicle includes a bed having a ball selectively received within a ball housing of the coupler. The gooseneck coupler includes telescopingly adjustable inner and outer tubes to adjust the length of the gooseneck and therefore the height of the trailer overhang relative to the truck bed. The adjustable inner and outer tubes are locked against relative movement by clamping screws. The clamping screws are arranged on the outer tube in longitudinal pairs at a triangular orientation to maximize the clamping force.

Abstract: An adjustable chassis for transporting shipping containers of different configurations. The chassis comprises at least two spaced-apart frame members, with each frame member including an upper surface for supporting a shipping container. At least two conversion members are pivotally coupled to the chassis by at least two translation members. The conversion members are configured to translate from a storage position between the frame members to a deployed position resting on the upper surface of the frame members.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of converting a refuse collection body into a semi-trailer. A refuse collection body having a front end and a rear end, and a frame extending along a bottom of the body from adjacent the front end to adjacent the rear end is provided. A king pin is mounted to the frame proximate the front end for attachment to a fifth wheel of a tractor and an axle assembly is mounted to the frame proximate the rear end.

Abstract: A gooseneck associated with a lowbed trailer. The gooseneck is hydraulically operated. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted within box beams which make up the gooseneck and are located a distance apart. The hydraulic cylinders act on a linkage assembly which linkage assembly is connected to and acts upon a push frame. The push frame interacts with the lowbed trailer thereby to raise or lower the lowbed trailer upon operation of the hydraulic cylinders. An auto steer dolly is conveniently connected to the gooseneck or directly under a long load.

Abstract: An extension coupling for releasably interconnecting a trailer to a fifth wheel tow hitch. This extension coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer, and an elongated arm that is pivotally secured to the mount and one end. A universal joint with lateral pins is attached to the other end of the arm to mate with the tow hitch. This allows the trailer to be displaced rearwardly of the tow hitch a distance equal to the length of the elongated arm while at the same time maintaining the loading point on a tractor vehicle forward of the rear axle. The assembly allows the trailer to pivot normally, without hitting the cab of short-bed pickup trucks. It also ensures that the weight of the trailer is carried forward of the rear axle for stability.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailer deck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.

Abstract: A double gooseneck trailer for hauling large, heavy loads wherein there is provided: a jeep having a connector for connecting the jeep to a hitch on a tractor and a first hitch; a dolly having a second hitch and a plurality of axles; and a load unit having a removable front gooseneck with a connector for releasably attaching the load unit to the first hitch, a removable rear gooseneck for releasably attaching the load unit to the second hitch, and a plurality of steerable wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly including a suspension hydraulic cylinder in communication with a hydraulic cylinder on either the front gooseneck or the rear gooseneck such that a portion of a load placed on the load unit will be distributed between the wheel assemblies and the goosenecks.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailer deck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer coupler is disclosed which secures a first structure such as a towing vehicle to a second structure such as a trailer. The coupler is provided with a mounting element extending from the first structure, a chuck having a top end and a base at a bottom end opposite the top end, with the chuck attached to the mounting element at the top end and adapted to receive a ball mounted to the second structure. A locking assembly is adapted to releasably secure the ball and the chuck, and comprises a ring gear mounted around the chuck and movable from a locking position where the chuck is secured with the ball and an unlocking position where the chuck is unlocked from the ball, wherein the ring gear translates from the base toward the top end of the chuck as the ring gear moves from the locking position to the unlocking position. The locking assembly can also comprise at least one jaw mounted in the chuck for engaging the ball when the ring gear is in the locked position.

Abstract: A device and method for coupling a trailer which has a trailer tongue mount attached to the trailer and a coupler attached to the trailer tongue mount. The coupler has an outer tube assembly, an inner tube assembly slidably received by the outer tube assembly, and a return spring having a first end attached to the outer tube assembly, and a second end attached to the inner tube assembly for drawing the inner tube assembly upwardly toward the first end of the return spring. The inner tube assembly may include an inner tubular member which has a plurality of height adjusting holes, a top end and a bottom end. The inner tube assembly may also include a female coupling member attached to the bottom end of the tubular member. A locking handle assembly may be attached to the inner tube assembly to prevent the coupler from disengaging from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The apparatus includes a trailer mounting assembly adapted to releasably interconnect to the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly includes a hitch box mount adapted to be secured to a hitch box of the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly also includes an extension coupling which has a proximal end portion secured pivotally to the hitch box mount about a pivot axis. The extension coupling terminates in a distal end portion, and the distal end portion is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting trunnions that extend along a load axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The apparatus also includes a tow hitch assembly adapted to be secured to the bed of a tractor vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a pair of spaced apart receivers sized and oriented to engage the trunnions of the extension coupling to define an engaged state.