Abstract: A trailer stand positionable by a shunt truck is disclosed. The trailer stand includes a leg assembly having a front pair of legs and a back pair of legs, the front pair of legs connected by a front cross support and the back pair of legs connected by a back cross support, a wheel assembly having a wheel assembly frame that has a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the back pair of legs, the second end retaining an axle, the axle rotatably retaining at least two wheels, a stepped assembly having a front end, a back end, a top, and a bottom, the front end connected to the front cross support, the back end connected to the back cross support, the top of the stepped assembly providing a plurality of landing areas for an end of the semi-trailer, and a lifting frame.

Abstract: A winch assembly for moving a first fifth wheel outwardly from a first trailer and engaging a king pin on a second trailer. The winch assembly includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart rails mounted on the underside of the first trailer. A slide out frame is mounted between the rails and attached to a front axle and a real axle, with wheels. The slide out frame includes the first fifth wheel adapted for engaging the king pin on the front of a second trailer. The first fifth wheel is attached to a pair of first cables on winch drums, driven by winch motors. The winch motors are used for rotating cable drums for retracting the first fifth wheel along a length of the trailer. Also, a pair of second cables on winch drums, driven by winch motors, are attached to the slide out frame. The second cables are used to extend the first fifth wheel outwardly from the rear of the first trailer for engaging the fifth wheel to the second trailer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle (100) comprising at least a towing vehicle (102), the towing vehicle comprising steerable wheels and is arranged to convey the vehicle in at least a major longitudinal forward direction (104) of the vehicle (100), wherein the vehicle further comprises a load handling arrangement (200) arranged to support transportation of material to or from the vehicle (100), the load handling arrangement (200) being configured to assume a material handling mode in which the load handling arrangement (200) is arranged to support transportation of the material between the vehicle (100) and a stationary ground portion (106) in the vicinity of the vehicle (100), wherein the load handling arrangement (200) extends substantially in the major longitudinal forward direction (104) of the vehicle over at least a portion of the towing vehicle (102) when assuming the material handling mode.

Abstract: A method S100 can include: determining a set of inputs Silo; determining a vehicle state estimate S120; determining a vehicle command based on the vehicle state estimate S130; and optionally controlling the vehicle based on the vehicle command S140. However, the method S100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. The method S100 functions to facilitate vehicle reversal and/or tractable vehicle control (e.g., during reversal). Additionally or alternatively, the method can function to reduce and/or eliminate unrecoverable vehicle state incidence during vehicle reversal (a.k.a., vehicle backing). Additionally or alternatively, the method can function to autonomously augment and/or assist vehicle control (e.g., during vehicle reversal).

Abstract: A stationary hitch having a flat base for installation on a flat garage floor surface, or other surface, and includes a vertical pole extending therefrom that has spaced aligned holes formed to receive pins for mounting a slide at a selected height that includes a right angle arm extending from a forward face to provide a seat for maintaining a trailer ball connector that receives a trailer tongue cup connector for mounting the trailer, at a selected height, to maintain the trailer bed in a rigid flat attitude such that, when the trailer tail gate top edge is lowered to the floor, the trailer tail gate forms a stable ramp that an ATV, or the like, can be safely moved up and onto the trailer bed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the tractor, a dolly, a first trailer, and a second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting mechanism for a large vehicle trailer comprises a square tubular metallic frame having a base and an upright support structure. A pair of pivoting wheels are disposed at a first base side of the base while a pair of wheels upon an axle are disposed upon a second base side of the base opposite the pivoting wheels. A four armed hydraulic lift is secured upon the upright support structure. At a distal end of the four armed hydraulic lift is a trailer hitch ball. The device is removably securable to a tractor.

Abstract: A trailer having a hitch assembly, a deck assembly, an axle assembly and a structural joint positioned between the deck assembly and the axle assembly is provided. The deck assembly having a first support beams and a second support beams supporting decking. The first support beam and the second support beam can have a positive camber. At least one shim plate can be rotatable between a joint position, wherein the at least one shim plate is positioned in the structural joint, and a storage position, wherein the at least one shim plate is rotated out of the structural joint to adjust the amount of camber in the support beams.

Abstract: A self-lubricating SLZ-type tow dolly assembly provides a self-lubricating bearing sleeve operable in an SLZ-type tow dolly. This serves to negate the need for grease fittings and manually greasing of the spindle bushing. The self-lubricating bearing sleeve press fit into a spindle bushing disposed in a spindle assembly to lubricate the spindle bolt. This facilitates rotational motion against the spindle bolt. In one embodiment, the self-lubricating bearing sleeve is a self-lubricating Igus M250 bearing sleeve that press fits into dolly pivot bushings. Rotational and linear motion creates pressure that discharges incremental amounts of the lubricant. Thus, self-lubricating bearing sleeve serves as a self-lubricating, pivot-point bearing sleeve. The self-lubricating bearing sleeve may be a plastic component with a lubricant integral therein. This allows for self-lubricating of bushing and spindle components during rotation of spindle assembly.

Abstract: A bicycle training aid device comprising a cantilevered handle member extending outwardly away from the bicycle and disposed laterally adjacent to the rear wheel using at least two clamping members. The clamping members may compress and extend to accommodate a range of different bicycles and to thereafter lock into place using at least two locking pins. The bicycle training aid device allows a second person, generally positioned to the rider's side or rear, to hold the bicycle steady by maneuvering the cantilevered handle member, thereby helping the person riding the bicycle maintain the proper balance needed for a smooth and continuous ride. In this way, the bicycle training aid also grants the second person a more effortless and accessible point of contact during use.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch attachable to a cross member secured to a frame below a load bed of a vehicle, the cross member having a width is shown and described. The gooseneck hitch may include a beam selectively attachable to the cross member below the load bed and a rail monolithically formed with the beam and extending from the beam. The gooseneck hitch may also include a receptacle monolithically formed with the rail, where the receptacle is capable of selectively securing a hitch ball.

Abstract: A three point connection dolly for connecting an articulating tractor to a plow includes a dolly having a three point plow hitch configured to connect to a plow. The dolly also includes a chassis frame with a tractor hitch extension configured to extend the three point plow hitch a distance from the articulating tractor sufficient to allow rear wheels of the articulating tractor to fully turn.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a first wheel carrier to which is secured without any degree of freedom a rotational shaft of a wheel and which is displaceable between a remote position and a close position. The vehicle also includes a torsion bar including a first attachment point mechanically connected to the first wheel-carrier and a coupling bar securely attached to the chassis and includes, at a free end a coupling, the torsion bar including a second attachment point mechanically connected to the coupling bar in order to move the latter towards the upper position thereof as the first wheel-carrier moves towards its close position and in order to move it downwards as the first wheel-carrier moves towards its remote position.

Abstract: A trailer dolly for joining a trailer to a towing vehicle has a frame mounted on an axle for a pair of wheels. The frame supports a hitch ball assembly that is positionable on the frame for allowing the tongue-weight of a towed trailer that is coupled to the hitch ball to be shifted from a position over the wheels of the dolly to a position that increases traction of the wheels of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for an articulated vehicle. The linkage arrangement (1) comprises a front frame (50) of the articulated vehicle, a rear frame (60) of the articulated vehicle, and a first pivot joint (10) interconnecting the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) such that the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) are pivotable relative each other about the first pivot joint (10). The linkage arrangement also comprises a link (40) having a fixed length. The link has a front end (41) pivotably connected to the front frame (50) by means of a second pivot joint (20), and a rear end (42) pivotably connected to the rear frame (60) by means of a third pivot joint (30). A projection of the first pivot joint (10) on the link (40) is positioned between the second (20) and third (30) pivot joints, at a first distance (D12) from the second (20) pivot joint and at a second distance (D13) from the third pivot joint (30).

Abstract: A connection device for pulling an aircraft. The connection device includes first and second connection portions, a connection rod and a rod retaining portion. The first and second connection portions have first and second guide spaces into which the connection arm is inserted. First and second arm receiving portions are pushed to rotate from a standby state by the connection arm inserted into the first or second guide space, and are connected by a link member. When the first arm receiving portion rotates from the standby state, the rod retaining portion rotates together with the first arm receiving portions, and enables the connection rod to pass through the second hole so that the connection rod is connected to the connection arm inserted into the first guide space or the second guide space.

Abstract: A towbar includes a body and a carriage assembly mounted to the body for movement between a retracted position in which wheels on the carriage assembly are elevated above the ground and a support position in which the wheels support the towbar on the ground, wherein the towbar is configured for rapid deployment of the carriage assembly from the retracted position to the support position. Rapid deployment is provided by a hydraulic actuator and an accumulator that can store fluid pressure, such that controllably discharging the accumulator drives the actuator to move the carriage assembly. A method is disclosed using the towbar to move an aircraft such that the accumulator is charged with pressure before the towbar is decoupled from nose gear.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a new steering control mechanism attached to a truck frame extension which permits trucks towing goose neck trailers to have more maneuverability while towing the trailer. Specifically, a steering control plate rests between two metal stops located on a tie rod connecting the two wheels of the truck frame extension. When the operator of the truck signals a turn the steering control plate is lifted off of the tie rod to a level above the metal stops which permits the tie rod to move in connection with the movement of the towing truck. After the truck completes the turn the steering control plate returns to rest on the tie rod between the two metal blocks locking the tie rod in place. This arrangement permits the trailer to faithfully follow the truck in straight line traffic. The invention disclosed herein permits the goose neck trailer to make sharper turns without putting stress on the tires and frame of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An implement transporting trailer for supporting a harvesting implement may comprise a central portion with a longitudinal spine with an uppermost support surface and a plurality of lateral members extending laterally from the spine, each of the lateral members having an uppermost support surface. The trailer may include a rearward portion with a rear frame and at least one rear wheel rotating about a rear wheel axis. The trailer may include a forward portion with a neck assembly extending forwardly from the spine of the central portion and a tongue assembly mounted on the neck assembly and being swivelable with respect to the neck assembly. At least one of the support surfaces of the members of the central portion may be located at a vertical level above a ground surface that is lower than the rear wheel axis.

Abstract: A fence netting cart assembly, suitable for both deploying and picking up a length of fence netting, including fence netting with integral posts fastened to the fence netting at regular intervals. The fence netting cart assembly includes a frame member with a pair of wheel members each on opposite sides thereof, with each wheel member rotatably attached to the frame member. The frame member includes a support section between the wheel members and a tongue section extending from the frame member. A pair of spaced apart rod members are secured to the support section. The support section with spaced apart rod members is adapted for removably supporting folded fence netting.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a new steering control mechanism attached to a truck frame extension which permits trucks towing goose neck trailers to have more maneuverability while towing the trailer. Specifically, a steering control plate rests between two metal stops located on a tie rod connecting the two wheels of the truck frame extension. When the operator of the truck signals a turn the steering control plate is lifted off of the tie rod to a level above the metal stops which permits the tie rod to move in connection with the movement of the towing truck. After the truck completes the turn the steering control plate returns to rest on the tie rod between the two metal blocks locking the tie rod in place. This arrangement permits the trailer to faithfully follow the truck in straight line traffic. The invention disclosed herein permits the goose neck trailer to make sharper turns without putting stress on the tires and frame of the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.

Abstract: A trailer converter dolly includes a frame bearing a fifth wheel supported by a suspension mechanism, an axle assembly, and a wheel assembly. A drawbar housing secured to the front of the frame moveably receives a drawbar which is configured to move toward and away from a leading truck or trailer, thus adjusting the distance between the towed trailer attached to the trailer converter dolly and a leading truck or trailer. A speed sensor determines the speed of the trailer converter dolly and provides one or more signals relating to the speed of the trailer converter dolly. An automatic adjusting mechanism associated with the moveable drawbar moves the drawbar in response to the one or more speed signals provided by the speed sensor.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer comprising a frame having mounted thereto at least a right side wheel and a left side wheel, the frame also including a hitch, a fifth wheel, and at least one of a repositionable wheel chock and a repositionable hook, the trailer stabilizing device further including a repositioning device in order to reposition at least one of the repositionable wheel chock and the repositionable hook.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a safety trailer has semi-tractor hitches at both ends and a safety wall that is fixed to one side of the trailer. That side, however, can be changed to the right or left side of the road, depending on the end to which the truck attaches. A caboose can be attached at the end of the trailer opposite the tractor to provide additional lighting and impact protection. Optionally, the trailer can be equipped with overhead protection, lighting, ventilation, onboard hydraulics, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as related fuel, water, storage and restroom facilities and other amenities.

Abstract: A mounting (10) for a jockey wheel assembly has a first member (14), a second member (18) and a locking pin (32). A release handle (42) is connected at a first location to the locking pin (32) for drawing the locking pin (32) along a generally linear path and has a contact portion (52) remote from the first location. The contact portion (52) is for engagement with a bearing surface allowing the handle (42) to be rotated relative to the locking pin (32) about the first location whilst the contact portion (52) slides relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: A powered converter trolley for movement and attachment of trailers is provided. The trolley comprises a conventional converter trolley having a drawbar. The trolley has a power supply and operates as a towing device. The trolley connects to a freight trailer and can be raised or lowered from a stored position to a ground-engaging, working position. Alternatively, the wheels of the trolley may be powered for providing motion to the trolley. The trolley further comprises several attachment devices for securing the trolley to an intermodal railcar, including alternative hydraulic, mechanical, and electrically-powered tie down devices. A trolley movable along a railcar is provided for securing the trolley or trailer to the railcar and includes a hitch component for selectively interconnecting to a hitch component on the trolley or trailer.

Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle 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.

Abstract: A powered converter dolly for movement and attachment of trailers is provided. The dolly comprises a conventional converter dolly having a retractable landing gear assembly mounting wheels attached to the drawbar. The dolly has a power supply and operates as a towing device. The landing gear assembly provides steering for the dolly as well as motive power from a motor connected to the landing gear wheels. Alternatively, the wheels of the dolly may be powered for providing motion to the dolly. The dolly further comprises several attachment devices for securing the dolly to an intermodal railcar, including alternative hydraulic, mechanical, and electrically-powered tie down devices. A trolley movable along a railcar is provided for securing the dolly or trailer to the railcar and includes a hitch component for selectively interconnecting to a hitch component on the dolly or trailer.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizing device for stabilizing a parked freight trailer comprising a frame having mounted thereto at least a right side wheel and a left side wheel, the frame also including a hitch, a fifth wheel, and at least one of a repositionable wheel chock and a repositionable hook, the trailer stabilizing device further including a repositioning device in order to reposition at least one of the repositionable wheel chock and the repositionable hook.

Abstract: A trailer movement assisting device includes a base that has a first end and a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. A pair of lateral supports is attached to the base adjacent to the first end. Each of the lateral supports has one of a pair of rear wheels attached thereto. Each of a pair of front wheels is attached to the base adjacent to the second end. A leverage bar is attached to the base adjacent to the first end. The leverage bar has an upper end and the leverage bar is angled away from the second end. A post is attached to the base adjacent to the second end. The post is angled toward the first end. A trailer engagement member extends upwardly from the post and is configured to engage a trailer to lift the trailer.

Abstract: An axle security fixture comprises one or more bracket portions configured to be secured about a rail of a truck frame, a receiving portion contiguous with the bracket portions for receiving a plurality of axles, and a cover situated atop the axles and secured to the receiving portion.

Abstract: A Universal Folding Boom Trailer for transporting multiple vehicles provides a safe and legal manner for towing. The trailer includes a winch for loading and unloading the towed vehicles and can act alone as a crane if desired. Further, this trailer arrangement backs up like a conventional trailer. The Universal Folding Boom Trailer provides a means for a driver to haul multiple vehicles in both directions. The driver is able to attach the trailer to a personal fifth wheel and tow any type of unit: a fifth wheel trailer, a ball hitch trailer, or a gooseneck, among others—instead of dead-heading.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizer and signaling system comprising: (a) a repositionable freight trailer stabilizer comprising a frame having mounted thereto a wheel, the repositionable freight trailer stabilizer including a repositionable jack; and, (b) a stabilizer signaler operatively coupled to the trailer stabilizer, the stabilizer signaler including a deployable signal configured to confirm the trailer stabilizer is secured under a parked freight trailer.

Abstract: A tail wheel transporter with a single-beam chassis in a tricycle carriage and a towing arm extending from the single beam for towing and steering. The single beam is offset on the rear two-wheel axle to pivotably support a lifting arm, or lever, that is side mounted on the chassis. The short foot of the “L” supports one or more adjustable studs for initially engaging the underside of a tail wheel from the side. The lifting arm is manually operated to lift the tail wheel off the ground. In the lifted position, the lifting arm is latched to the towing arm so that constant manual force to maintain lift is not required. The tail wheel is received between the front and rear axles and exerts force below the height of at least some of the axles, so no manual force is required to maintain balance during operation.

Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing device which utilizes a towing base, wheels, and a plurality of movable tracks, a tongue hitch attachment, and a vehicle locator swivel plate. The invention can be supplied with hydraulic surge brakes or electric brakes, as well as brake and turn lights. Tie down straps are used for securing the vehicle to the dolly. The invention features an adjustable car locator swivel plate. This allows the adjustment of the weight distribution to “fine tune” the load. The tongue weight can be adjusted to comply with the RV hitch's requirements. Using the loading ramps supplied with the invention, the automobile and the golf cart can be ready for transport quickly and easily.

Abstract: A mounting (10) for a jockey wheel assembly has a first member (14), a second member (18) and a locking pin (32). A release handle (42) is connected at a first location to the locking pin (32) for drawing the locking pin (32) along a generally linear path and has a contact portion (52) remote from the first location. The contact portion (52) is for engagement with a bearing surface allowing the handle (42) to be rotated relative to the locking pin (32) about the first location whilst the contact portion (52) slides relative to the bearing surface.

Abstract: The tow bar assembly apparatus is offered in more than one embodiment. The most basic embodiment provides for coupling between two balls designed for receipt of a hitch socket. The second embodiment provides the same function, with the addition of another socket assembly on one end of the bar, whereby a height choice is provided. The third embodiment of the apparatus provides either or both of the above described bar assemblies with the addition of a dolly assembly.

Abstract: A system including a low rider saddle mount (302) for safe and legal transportation of multiple vehicles (136, 137) is provided. The system includes a low rider saddle mount (302) having a first horizontal member (304) selectively coupled to one of a towing vehicle (132) and a second vehicle (136), and a second horizontal member (306) selectively coupled to one of the second vehicle (136) and a third vehicle (137). The second horizontal member (306) is vertically spaced apart from the first horizontal member (304). The multiple vehicles (136, 137) are towed in a forward direction. The system may further include a universal folding boom trailer (130). A method for towing multiple vehicles (136, 137) is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein is a trailer hitch adapter designed to relieve the weight of a trailer from applying directly onto the hitch of a towing vehicle. The hitch adapter features a towing bar pivotally secured to a frame with a wheel base, the towing bar resists pivotal movement by spring and damper assemblies. The frame has a hitch for receiving the trailer and the towing bar has a hitch for attachment to the towing vehicle. The wheel base of the hitch adapter is movable between a forward and rearward position.

Abstract: A baby trailer safety structure includes a safety block affixed to one sidebar of the bottom frame unit of the baby trailer opposite to the other sidebar that is mounted with a trailer bar. The safety block has a sloping peripheral wall with an arc face to prohibit a young child carrying in the baby trail from standing up on the associating sidebar to collapse the baby trailer, enhancing the safety level of the baby trailer.

Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle 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.

Abstract: A dolly to, inter alia, provide load support to a tractor trailer rig in which the dolly may be selectively attached to the tractor or the trailer as a means of engaging a second trailer. A coupling assembly in which the engaging vehicle, whether tractor or trailer, includes a transverse locking bar disposed at an acute angle to the direction of movement, which is selectively coupled to the dolly having a plate disposed at substantially a same acute angle as the transverse locking bar, wherein the plate includes a channel adapted to receive the locking bar, and the dolly having an air bag suspension system engaged with the air system of the tractor, wherein the pumping up of the air bag suspension system secures the locking bar in the channel.

Abstract: A baby trailer safety structure includes a safety block affixed to one sidebar of the bottom frame unit of the baby trailer opposite to the other sidebar that is mounted with a trailer bar. The safety block has a sloping peripheral wall with an arc face to prohibit a young child carrying in the baby trail from standing up on the associating sidebar to collapse the baby trailer, enhancing the safety level of the baby trailer.

Abstract: A trailer converter dolly includes a frame bearing a fifth wheel supported by a suspension mechanism, an axle assembly, and a wheel assembly. A drawbar housing secured to the front of the frame moveably receives a drawbar which is configured to move toward and away from a leading truck or trailer, thus adjusting the distance between the towed trailer attached to the trailer converter dolly and a leading truck or trailer. A speed sensor determines the speed of the trailer converter dolly and provides one or more signals relating to the speed of the trailer converter dolly. An automatic adjusting mechanism associated with the moveable drawbar moves the drawbar in response to the one or more speed signals provided by the speed sensor.

Abstract: An accessory towing apparatus that connects a towing vehicle to a gooseneck-type trailer. The accessory towing apparatus includes a chassis framework assembly mounted on an axle having two ground engaging wheels. The chassis assembly includes three linkage arms, which are attached to and extend from the framework. The ends of the three linkage arms are designed to engage and couple with three brackets attached to the main frame of the towing vehicle. When the respective coupling mechanism of the three linkage arms are each engaged, they are substantially parallel to one another and pivot about a substantially common axis. 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 trailer hitch carriage assembly for reducing downward force on a tow vehicle and facilitating hitching of a trailer includes an axle having pivotable distal end portions and a tow bar pivotally coupled to a central portion of the axle. The tow bar has a proximal end and a distal end. A tie rod assembly is coupled to the distal end of the tow bar and has a pair of distal end portions. Each distal end portion of the tie rod assembly is pivotally coupled to a respective one of the distal end portions of the axle. A pair of hubs is included, each hub being rotationally coupled to a respective one of the distal end portions of the axle and wheels are coupled to the hubs. A trailer hitch receiver is coupled to the proximal end of the tow bar and a ball hitch is coupled to the axle.

Abstract: A tractor dolly assembly is disclosed for use with a semi tractor or other vehicle to be towed in either a forward or reverse direction. The tractor dolly assembly is configured to be coupled to the rear frame of a semi tractor or other vehicle and lift the rear wheels off the ground for towing. In a forward tow direction, a conventional tow truck with a hydraulically operated boom for lifting the front of the semi tractor off the ground. In a reverse direction, virtually any truck with a pintle for connection to a tow bar can be used for towing the disabled vehicle. In accordance with an important feature of the invention, since the tractor dolly assembly is configured to be secured to the frame of a disabled vehicle, the dolly can be used with vehicles having a fifth wheel assembly and vehicles without a fifth wheel assembly.