Abstract: A vehicle lift jack is provided. The jack may include: a frame; a lifting arm attached to the frame; a saddle attached to an end of the lifting arm; and a video camera attached to the jack and oriented to capture video footage of an area proximate to the saddle. A method of lifting a vehicle using a jack may be provided. The method may include: positioning the jack under the vehicle; capturing an image of the vehicle; viewing the image; determining the jack is in a desired position with respect to the vehicle; and raising the vehicle with the jack.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for its use to assist an operator of a towing vehicle in backing the towing vehicle accurately into a position in which parts of a hitch can be mated to connect the towing vehicle with a trailer. A camera in a towing vehicle module provides the towing vehicle operator a video image of the trailer and a target mounted on it. A beam of light from the towing vehicle module and falling on the target is visible in the video image to show when the towing vehicle approaches and reaches a position in which the hitch can be mated.

Abstract: An apparatus is for a tool box and a vehicle having a hitch assembly. The apparatus includes a frame assembly and a powered-actuator assembly. The frame assembly is configured to be load bearing, and is also configured to facilitate secured connection with the hitch assembly of the vehicle. The powered-actuator assembly is configured to be powered by a power source, and is also configured to move the frame assembly relative to the hitch assembly of the vehicle in such a way as to facilitate secured connection between the frame assembly and the hitch assembly. The powered-actuator assembly is fixedly connected to the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to supportably receive the tool box. The frame assembly is selectively removable from the tool box.

Abstract: A receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter unit with a tug. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter may include a tow bar with a neck portion between a pair of spaced arm portions. The receiver device forms a travel path boundary for the neck portion and is configured to be complementary with and to engage the neck portion. A mounting portion is provided for mounting the receiver device on the tug in an operative configuration relative to a landing gear-receiving base thereon. At least one releasable locking member is positioned along the travel path to interrupt travel of the neck portion. The locking member is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. Further, in the second locked position, the locking member is configured to lock the mounting portion in the operative configuration.

Abstract: A hitch detecting system for a vehicle. The system includes a coupling assembly arranged to connect the vehicle to a hitchable apparatus. A sensor is operably coupled to the coupling assembly and monitors one or more parameters related to the coupling assembly. A controller is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to change, during operation of the vehicle, one or more functions of the vehicle in response to information detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A hitch coupler receiving apparatus includes a base having opposite first and second surfaces, and a pair of spaced-apart first and second openings extending through the base from the first surface to the second surface. A pair of opposing, elongated first and second walls extend outwardly from the base first surface in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each wall includes a plurality of spaced apertures formed therethrough. A hitch coupler is secured to the apparatus via a fastener that engages aligned apertures in the respective first and second walls. Each wall overlies a respective one of the first and second openings and includes an access opening. Each access opening is substantially larger than a respective opening in the base and facilitates insertion of a fastener into a respective opening in the base and rotation of the fastener via a tool.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. The first section includes an elongated slot formed through a portion thereof. A tow bar guide is attached to an interior side of the first section and includes an elongated opening formed therethrough with opposite first and second portions. The tow bar includes a first guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof, and a second guide member that extends outwardly from a medial portion of the tow bar. The first guide member extends through the first portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide and is operably engaged with the slot in the first section. The second guide member is operably engaged with the second portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for its use to assist an operator of a towing vehicle in backing the towing vehicle accurately into a position in which parts of a hitch can be mated to connect the towing vehicle with a trailer. A camera in a towing vehicle module provides the towing vehicle operator a video image of the trailer and a target mounted on it. A beam of light from the towing vehicle module and falling on the target is visible in the video image to show when the towing vehicle approaches and reaches a position in which the hitch can be mated.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for its use to assist an operator of a towing vehicle in backing the towing vehicle accurately into a position in which parts of a hitch can be mated to connect the towing vehicle with a trailer. A camera in a towing vehicle module provides the towing vehicle operator a video image of the trailer and a target mounted on it. A beam of light from the towing vehicle module and falling on the target is visible in the video image to show when the towing vehicle approaches and reaches a position in which the hitch can be mated.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.

Abstract: Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A device having a first member disposed at an angle with a second member such that the first member is integral with the second member along a first edge there between having a mounting plate attached to top edges of the first and second member respectively and a mounting spheroid attached to a portion of the mounting plate lying between the first and second members. The device further has a first extension integral with the first member and a second extension integral with the second member. Additionally, there is a first extension disposed at an angle and a second extension disposed at an angle. Finally, a first vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and a second vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and at an edge of the mounting plate.

Abstract: A trailer attachment guide assembly includes a rod that has a first end and a second end. The rod is selectively telescopically extendable along a longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The rod may be positioned in a vehicle bed so the rod abuts opposite lateral walls of the vehicle bed. A guide post has a bottom end pivotally coupled to the rod. The guide post is selectively positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly from the rod so the guide post may be viewed from a cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pull-type agricultural implement has a beam with drawbar hitch pivotable relative to the beam about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis extending in the travel direction. The drawbar hitch has a receptacle for a tractor drawbar. The receptacle enables pivoting of the drawbar about an axis that is horizontal and transverse to the travel direction relative to the drawbar hitch in a locked position. Guiding and adjusting plates in the receptacle allow adjustment of the receiving width of the receptacle to different drawbar dimensions. From a first position, in which the plates limit lateral play of a drawbar with large cross-section relative to the travel and working direction to a minimum, the guiding and adjusting plates are transferrable and lockable in a second position, in which the plates limit lateral play of a drawbar with small cross-section relative to the travel direction to a minimum.

Abstract: A trailer and hitch mounting system that includes a hitch insert assembly that is attached to a hitch attachment of a trailer and additionally has a hitch mount. A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate that is secured to the bed of a truck and has a frustoconically shaped hitch guide with an angled surface that receives and is engaged by the hitch mount in order to guide the hitch mount toward an opening within the hitch guide to place the hitch mount at a predetermined location for securing the trailer to a truck.

Abstract: A system for facilitating coupling between a trailer kingpin and a fifth wheel of a vehicle includes at least one camera mounted on the vehicle and adapted to provide an image of the kingpin. A monitor is in communication with the camera and is adapted to display the image of the kingpin.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer tire chain installation tool that includes a rod having a handle portion, a midsection, and a flattened head section configured for wielding within the wheel well of a tractor-trailer, wherein a plurality of chain hooks disposed depending from the rod are spaced apart at a correct distance along the rod to span the width of each tire of a double tire of the tractor-trailer, whereby a tire chain is releasably attachable to each of said chain hooks and positional to correctly align the tire chain for expedient installation around the double tire during inclement weather.

Abstract: An improved hitch adapter allows an individual to attach a vehicle with a hook to a trailer with a ball coupler. The improved hitch adapter comprises an adapter ring mechanically coupled to a front plate. The front plate is mechanically coupled to a first parallel surface. The first parallel surface further comprises an adapter ball inset. The first parallel surface is mechanically coupled to a left plate and a right plate. The adapter ball inset is mechanically coupled to a height-adjustable ball. The right plate and the left plate are mechanically coupled to a size variable clamp. This enables a user to mechanically couple the hook to ball coupler regardless of size of the ball coupler enabling full articulation in a vertical direction and a rotational direction.

Abstract: A trailer hitch step, integrally injection-molded of a thermoplastic polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while capable of absorbing energy from rear impacts.

Abstract: Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a vehicle to be towed includes using an air blast typically from the brake system to automatically hitch the 2 vehicles. A three position pneumatic valve is utilized to allow for the hitching and unhitching of the 2 vehicles.

Abstract: Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism.

Abstract: In one example, a jack adaptor is mounted to a trailer structure. A jack flange, which can comprise a jack flange extension, of a jack is inserted downwardly through an opening in an upper portion of the jack adaptor. The jack can be rotated to a position that misaligns the jack flange with the opening through which it has been inserted. The jack can then be actuated to raise the jack flange into engagement with the upper portion of the adaptor for use in raising the trailer structure. The process is reversed to disengage the jack flange from the adaptor to permit removal of the jack.

Abstract: A roll coupling system for roll coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes at least one load-transfer point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one load-transfer point includes a wear reducer. A yaw and/or pitch articulator is mounted between the vehicle and the trailer providing for yaw and/or pitch. The articulator has a corresponding substantially vertical yaw axis and/or substantially horizontal pitch axis.

Abstract: The trailer jack support block includes a solid rectangular parallelepiped member having surfaces for supporting the lower end of a trailer jack thereon. Attachment chains are provided for securing the support block to the trailer hitch. Grooves are provided on at least two surfaces for retaining the chains therein, if desired.

Abstract: The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch includes a socket adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with the socket and operable for engaging the trailer hitch ball; a sensor operatively connected with the socket and operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of the socket and an outer face of the trailer hitch ball when the trailer hitch ball is positioned within the socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with the socket and with the clamp and operable to prevent engagement of the clamp with the trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with the sensor and the clamp prevention device and operable to release the clamp prevention device to allow the clamp to engage the trailer hitch ball when the sensor communicates a desired hitch condition.

Abstract: Invention patent application for one Lock Controller (1) made in a cast casing fitted with a closure lid (2) designed with a bearing for the solenoid (3) guiding axle (3a) and one micro-processed control unit (4), being said Lock Controller (1) installed in the free niche (C) of the bottom half of the fifth wheel (5) where the hole (5b) is made through the wall (5c) in order to allow the passage of the extension (1d) of the Lock Controller (1) and one hole (6a) made into the Locking bar (6) face coinciding with the wall (5c) limits the course and one safety ring (8) is welded or glued at section (7a) of the long rod (7), to limit its course.

Abstract: A goose-neck trailer hitch guide uses a reference strap held by support posts attached by suction cups to opposite side walls of a truck. The reference strap is oriented in a plane between vertical and horizontal to face a driver in the tow vehicle who can then move a center indicator on the strap into alignment with a hitch pipe of the trailer until the strap touches the hitch pipe, which assuredly brings the hitch into registry with a hitch ball in the bed of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a kingpin of a gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer to a towing vehicle includes a fifth wheel hitch having a hitch platform with a hitch head slidably mounted on the rails of a base platform; an articulating mechanism to displace the hitch platform to and from a forward towing station and a rearward towing station; and a latch having a latch pin to automatically lock the hitch platform at the forward and rearward towing stations and also having a biased spider device to automatically prevent the latch pin from re-locking the hitch platform when the hitch platform is released from a towing station until after the hitch platform has been displaced away from that towing station.

Abstract: A horizontally and vertically adjustable Class IV certifiable trailer hitch assembly that has a 16 inch range of 12 vertical adjustments in the most common vertical increments. The main body of the trail hitch assembly, the trailer hitch minus the hitch ball components, has a two part connectable construction of a support member and a ball mount member, each of which can be rotated 180 degrees before connection. In any of these four configurations an optional coupling plate may be utilized.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and related methods for connecting a vehicle with a trailer. The system includes, but is not limited to, embodiments featuring (a) a docking assembly for securing to the vehicle, the docking assembly being pivotable; and (b) a coupler assembly comprising a first part operationally configured to secure to a trailer, and a second part operationally configured for releasable securement to the docking assembly.

Abstract: A trailer alignment apparatus for aligning a trailer with a hitch on a vehicle. The apparatus includes an elongated member having an upper end and an opposite lower end. A light is located on the upper end and a base is locating on the lower end. The base is attachable to a base surface of the vehicle. The elongated member is sized for a portion of the elongated member to be visible when seated on the base surface of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a contact mechanism for sensing when a portion of the elongated member is touched by the trailer. The light illuminates when the contact mechanism senses the trailer touching the contact mechanism. A driver of the vehicle laterally aligns the elongated member with the trailer and stops the vehicle when the light illuminates.

Abstract: An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide structure of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement structure of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides structure for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided.

Abstract: A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer and hitch mounting system that includes a hitch insert assembly that is attached to a hitch attachment of a trailer and additionally has a hitch mount. A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate that is secured to the bed of a truck and has a frustoconically shaped hitch guide with an angled surface that receives and is engaged by the hitch mount in order to guide the hitch mount toward an opening within the hitch guide to place the hitch mount at a predetermined location for securing the trailer to a truck.

Abstract: A tow bar having a towing portion with multiple interchangeable towing assemblies each structured to be releasably connectable to towing vehicles having different types and/or sizes of towing hitch apparatus; a towed portion with a body member connected to a pair of rearwardly-extending legs each with a rear connector releasably connectable to a baseplate connector of a towed hitch apparatus of a towed vehicle, at least one of the legs being pivotally connected to the body member; an attaching portion structured to releasably connect each interchangeable towing assembly to the body member; and a storage mechanism structured to releasable secure the tow bar to a baseplate connector of the towed hitch apparatus of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A roll coupling system for roll coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes at least one load-transfer point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one load-transfer point includes a wear reducer. A yaw and/or pitch articulator is mounted between the vehicle and the trailer providing for yaw and/or pitch. The articulator has a corresponding substantially vertical yaw axis and/or substantially horizontal pitch axis.

Abstract: A roll coupling system for roll-coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes a roll torque transfer structure wherein a cumulative combined roll resistance of the tow vehicle and the trailer resist rolling of the trailer about the drawbar. The roll torque transfer structure includes a selectively rotatable coupler, selectively rotatable about a roll axis of the drawbar, and having a remotely-controlled selectively releasable lock. The rotatable coupler thus provides remotely-controlled selectively lockable roll coupling between the tow vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer coupler which has two cameras mounted at right angles at the rear of the towing vehicle. The cameras transfer images to a monitor inside the cab of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: The trailer hitch alignment device aligns a trailer hitch onto a hitch ball from beneath both the trailer hitch and the hitch ball. The device includes an elongated strap that includes a hook, which temporarily hooks onto a bracket located beneath the hitch ball. The bracket bolts under the hitch ball. An alignment device is attached beneath the tongue of the trailer, and can rotate vertically there under and upon which the elongated strap wraps around, and in turn raises the trailer hitch to an elevation above the ball hitch. A hand crank located atop the tongue of the trailer, but behind the trailer hitch is manually wound to align the trailer hitch atop the hitch ball.

Abstract: A self-latching pin assembly that allows for the insertion of a hitch ball assembly comprising: a square tubing, where the square tubing extends horizontally from a vehicle chassis; a horizontally retracting bumper within the square tubing, where the bumper allows for the insertion of a hitch assembly; a vertical tube, where the vertical tube enables the retraction and extension of a round bar; flat bars, where the flat bars extend horizontally from the square tubing; and holes in the flat bars, where the holes are aligned with the round bar and allow for the insertion of the round bar into the hitch ball assembly. In one particular embodiment, the vertical tube may include a cap and a vertical compression spring, where the vertical compression spring enables the vertical retraction and extension of the round bar to secure the hitch ball assembly.

Abstract: The electric controlled trailer hitch is a new approach to connecting to a boat, trailer, etc. with only one person. This will enable one person to back up a vehicle to a boat, trailer, etc. and with a switch activate the moveable chain. The chain can sway from right to left and the electric motor works the chain backwards and forwards in order to align with the tongue of the boat, trailer, etc. The old method of needing another person to navigate or one person having to keep backing up or moving from right to left in order to get aligned is no longer necessary.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for mechanically and electrically coupling a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle includes: a receiver and a trailer mount. The receiver has a receiver tube with an open end; a first electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts for attaching to the towing vehicle electrical system; and a second electrical connector having a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the plurality of electrical contacts of the first electrical connector.

Abstract: One embodiment of the vehicle mounting includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a panel member, a set of elongated members, and a bracket member. The panel member may be configured to be supported on a front part of the vehicle. The set of elongated members may extend from a surface of the panel member. The bracket member may be associated at the free end portions of the set of elongated members. The vehicle mounting may further include an arm assembly carried by the bracket member of the frame assembly. The arm assembly may include a first arm member and a second arm member adapted to be telescopically received within the first arm member. The arm assembly may also include a hitch member operatively coupled with the second arm member. The hitch member may be adapted to receive a towing rod of the wheeled article.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a trailer hitch system, for attaching a trailer to a vehicle having a winch attached to the frame of a vehicle, a hollow receiver attached to the frame of a vehicle, where the receiver has a receiver opening, which is defined by a top guide, bottom guide and at least two side beams. The winch wire attaches to the winch, travels through the receiver, out of the receiver opening and attaches to a hitch bar at a tab. When the winch is activated the winch wire pulls hitch bar and thus, the attached trailer, into the receiver opening. A bearing located on the forward facing side of the hitch bar reduces friction between the hitch bar and the receiver as the hitch bar enters the receiver opening.

Abstract: A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another.