Abstract: A universal trailer-hitch mirror system has an attachment configuration (1, 20) with a system fastener that includes a suction cup (2), a tailgate hook (3) and a base (4) for fastening the attachment configuration universally to a support object that is accessible for support of a system mirror (7) for mirror viewing of tow components (18) of a tow vehicle and trailer components (19) of a trailerable vehicle with the tow vehicle being within hitching-steerable proximity to the trailerable vehicle. The system mirror can be positioned for viewing from either a rearview mirror (14) or a side-view mirror (22). A mirror holder (5, 21) is attached orientationally to the attachment configuration with an orientation controller (6). The system mirror is attached orientationally to the mirror holder with a system-mirror joint (8).

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment hitch system uses height adjustable stanchions with length adjustable arms terminating in mirrors. The stanchions are respectively connectible to a tow vehicle and a trailer and placed so that the mirror is aligned vertically over the hitch connection component of the tow vehicle and the trailer and adjusted so that the respective mirrors are at different heights. The tow vehicle operator backs the tow vehicle until the mirrors visually indicate vertical alignment by one mirror coming into place below the other mirror and obstructing the view of the hitch component.

Abstract: A dolly is disclosed and includes a pair of wheels; a frame mounted to the wheels and movable to an engagement position beneath the forward end of a trailer; a fifth wheel assembly; a mounting assembly and a clamp system. The fifth wheel assembly includes a track and a fifth wheel mounted thereto for movement parallel to a translation axis defined by the track. The mounting assembly connects the fifth wheel assembly to the frame for movement between a raised position, whereat the fifth wheel is positioned to receive the trailer kingpin upon movement of the frame to the engagement position, and a lowered position, whereat the forward end of the trailer is supported on the frame. The clamp system is mounted to the frame and selectively locks same against rotation relative to the trailer, to permit the trailer to be towed from its rearward end.

Abstract: A wagon-linking structure comprises a fastening seat and a connection rod. The fastening seat is provided with a first stepped hole and a second stepped hole smaller in hole diameter than the first stepped hole. The connection rod has a shank and a semicircular body. The connection rod is engaged with the fastening seat such that the semicircular boy is rotatably received in the first stepped hole of the fastening seat, and that the shank of the connection rod is jutted out of the fastening seat via the second stepped hole of the fastening seat. The fastening seat is fixed with the front end of a wagon.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment system for properly aligning a vehicle with respect to a trailer without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle. The vehicle alignment system includes a first telescoping rod having a first base attachable to a hitch of a trailer, and a pair of telescoping rods extending from a cross member with a center magnet attached thereto for attaching to a ball. An upper member extends between the pair of telescoping rods for indicating when the ball and the hitch are properly aligned. An indicator ball is preferably attached to a distal end of each of the telescoping rods for increasing the visual indication.

Abstract: The line backer is a device that assists the driver in backing up to a trailer by himself. It eliminates the frustrations of climbing in and out of the vehicle and walking back to check the alignment. It also can eliminate damage to the vehicle and the trailer that is so often seen. It works by a retractable cable that hooks from the vehicle and attaches to the trailer. While backing up to the trailer there are two led lights that are facing the driver, that signals which direction to turn and when to stop. The retractable cable is electrically grounded and passes between a left and a right contact which are charged by the battery and wired to the led's. Since the retractable cable will touch a left or right contact and, thereby, power a respective left or right led light, the driver can adjust his approach angle to the trailer by keeping the lights off with the retractable cable staying in between the contacts.

Abstract: A trailer tongue centering guide having a base with a first aperture through which a ball connector may be secured to a tow bar through the first aperture and a pair of guide walls rigidly secured perpendicular to the top surface of the base at oblique angles to the first aperture and defining a second aperture essentially perpendicular to the first aperture through which the tow bar may be inserted such that the tow bar is positioned parallel to the top surface of the base and the ball connector may be positioned over the first aperture.

Abstract: An accessory mounting adapter is provided for a trailer hitch assembly that includes a receiver box. The accessory mounting adapter includes a cross member. A mounting bar is connected to the cross member and allows the adapter to be secured in the receiver box of the trailer hitch assembly. A pair of accessory receivers are connected to the cross member. At least one of the accessory receivers has a first accessory mounting section for receiving a first type of accessory mounting post and a second accessory mounting section for receiving a second type of accessory mounting post. This greatly increases the versatility of the adapter to carry various accessories.

Abstract: A hitch guide mechanism is disclosed for connection to a first tongue having a ball hitch thereon which is for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and a corresponding second tongue having a ball hitch socket for mounting to a frame of a trailer. The ball hitch includes a threaded stem and is received through a bore of the first tongue and is maintained by a threaded nut. The hitch guide mechanism includes a first member which connects to the first tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch. A second member connects to the second tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch socket. The first and second members can include separably removable sleeves. The portions extend a sufficient height when the members are so connected as to be rearwardly viewable when seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch guide is a device to aid the driver of a pickup truck in mounting a gooseneck trailer hitch onto the hitch ball mounted in the bed of a pickup truck. the present device has a strap mounted between tow end pieces which in turn mount on the side rails of a pickup truck bed to that the end pieces may be moved along the length of the pickup truck bed for adjustment purposes. A marker, mounted on the strap, may be adjusted laterally between the two pickup bed rails. When the strap and marker are properly adjusted, the pickup truck when backed up to the mounting pole of a gooseneck trailer so that the marker is just touching the mounting pole will be oriented so that the mounting pole and gooseneck trailer hitch are aligned directly over the hitch ball in the pickup truck bed.

Abstract: A hitch guide mechanism is disclosed for connection to a first tongue having a ball hitch thereon which is for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and a corresponding second tongue having a ball hitch socket for mounting to a frame of a trailer. The ball hitch includes a threaded stem and is received through a bore of the first tongue and is maintained by a threaded nut. The hitch guide mechanism includes a first member which connects to the first tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch. A second member connects to the second tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch socket. The first and second members can include separably removable sleeves. The portions extend a sufficient height when the members are so connected as to be rearwardly viewable when seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a device for aligning a vehicle with a trailer is disclosed. The device includes a first member which is fixed to the vehicle and which extends outward from the back of the vehicle and a second member which is fixed to the trailer and extends upward from the trailer. The first member and the second member can be aligned and the aligning of the first and second members also aligns a first coupling device of the vehicle and a second coupling device of the trailer. The first and second coupling devices when aligned can be coupled together to couple the vehicle to the trailer. The second member may extend upward beyond the bottom of a rear windshield of the vehicle, when the first and second coupling devices are coupled together. The second member may include a pole portion which extends upward substantially perpendicularly to a horizontal beam member of the trailer. The first member may be a forked member which may include first and second prongs.

Abstract: The invention is of a device which provides the driver of a towing vehicle with a visual indication of the precise position and alignment of a towing vehicle's hitch ball (or other vehicle-side docking device) with the trailer's ball receiver (or other trailer-side docking device). Embodiments include an adjustable support for a position indicating device or “marker” which support attaches to the towing vehicle (in the bed of a pickup truck, for example) and can be adjusted whereby being marker or is positioned for indicating the point at which, when the trailer's receiver is juxtaposed thereto, the receiver and the vehicles docking device (usually a hitch ball) will be properly positioned and aligned for attachment.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment hitch system uses height adjustable stanchions with length adjustable arms terminating in mirrors. The stanchions are respectively connectible to a tow vehicle and a trailer and placed so that the mirror is aligned vertically over the hitch connection component of the tow vehicle and the trailer and adjusted so that the respective mirrors are at different heights. The tow vehicle operator backs the tow vehicle until the mirrors visually indicate vertical alignment by one mirror coming into place below the other mirror and obstructing the view of the hitch component.

Abstract: A trailer mover secured to the forwardly extending tongue of a recreational or multi-purpose trailer. The trailer mover includes a bracket pivotally attached to the trailer tongue and a gearbox rotatably attached to the bracket. The gearbox is pivotally movable between a lowered vertical working position and a raised horizontal storage position. Further, the gearbox is selectively rotatable with respect to the bracket to allow steering when in the working position. A rubber-tired groundwheel extends from the distal end of the gearbox and is powered by a hand crank, which drives a set of gears which provide a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A universal trailer-hitch mirror system has an attachment configuration (1, 20) with a system fastener that includes a suction cup (2), a tailgate hook (3) and a base (4) for fastening the attachment configuration universally to a support object that is accessible for support of a system mirror (7) for mirror viewing of tow components (18) of a tow vehicle and trailer components (19) of a trailerable vehicle with the tow vehicle being within hitching-steerable proximity to the trailerable vehicle. The system mirror can be positioned for viewing from either a rearview mirror (14) or a side-view mirror (22). A mirror holder (5, 21) is attached orientationally to the attachment configuration with an orientation controller (6). The system mirror is attached orientationally to the mirror holder with a system-mirror joint (8).

Abstract: An alignment device to align a vehicle's trailer hitch ball neck assembly with a trailer hitch socket assembly or tongue assembly. The present invention includes two units, each having uprights with engaging press on members. The ball neck upright member has a “C”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the neck of the trailer hitch ball neck, and the hitch engaging upright member has a “U”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the outer housing of the hitch socket member around its lower end periphery. When used in conjunction with each other, the two poles visually assist the vehicle operator in aligning the vehicles so that they may be easily coupled together for towing.

Abstract: The trailer hitch accessory is used for guiding a trailer hitch to a ball joint. The hitch accessory has a hollow housing (25) with a front end (40) with angled sidewalls (30a, 30b). A cord (24) is attached to the axle (48) and extends through the front end (40). A U-shaped lock mechanism (31) is attached to the housing (25) and has opposite sidewalls (52,54). The sidewalls each has a groove (58, 72) defined therein. The lock mechanism (31) is adapted to receive the trailer hitch (12) but not an outwardly protruding bolt (13). The trailer hitch (12) is positionable inside the U-shaped lock mechanism (31) only when outer ends of the bolt (13) are disposed in the grooves (68, 78) defined in the sidewalls. A locking plate (64, 80) slidably attached to the sidewalls (52, 54) to lock the outer ends (15) of the bolt.

Abstract: A trailer back-up mirror which can be-removably attached to the frame of a boat, camper, recreational vehicle or other trailer for facilitating alignment of the hitch ball on a towing vehicle with the trailer hitch as the vehicle is backed toward the trailer, in order to couple the trailer hitch to the hitch ball. In a preferred embodiment the trailer back-up mirror is characterized by a support shaft which is magnetically and removably attached to the trailer frame. An adjusting shaft is adjustably extendible from the support shaft and a flexible gooseneck shaft extension projects from the extending end of the adjusting shaft. A rectangular mirror mount plate terminates the shaft extension and a flat mirror and convex mirror are mounted on the mirror mount plate. In use, the gooseneck shaft extension is initially adjusted to position the mirror mount plate such that the trailer hitch and hitch ball appear in the convex mirror, and the trailer hitch appears in the flat mirror.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for facilitating access to articles from a rear end and a front end of a trailer, (A) include the use of a hydraulic cylinder (D) exerting a force between a towbar (C) and the trailer for pivoting the trailer on its wheels (B) to make the trailer accessible without obstruction by the towbar and towing vehicle. Cylinders (F) are provided for facilitating raising and lowering ramps at the front and rear ends of the trailer.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle trailer hitch display flag apparatus, the trailer hitch of the type having a removable towing ball. The apparatus comprises an elongated, preferably tubular flagstaff having a display flag attached or releasably attachable to an upper end portion thereof and an elongated straight support shaft adapted at a lower end thereof to be releasably attachable to the trailer hitch in upwardly extending and upright orientation in place of the towing ball when it is removed. A lower end of the flagstaff is slidably engageable over the support shaft in coaxial upwardly extending alignment with the support shaft. A releasable locking arrangement holds the flagstaff and the support shaft together while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment for a fifth wheel trailer hitch generally mounted within the bed of a vehicle to prevent damage to the vehicle in the event that the fifth wheel hitch fails due to faulty hook-up, the invention including a horizontal cross bar, two perpendicularly attached side bars with paired sets of bolt holes for mounting to the fifth wheel trailer hitch, a slide channel attached to the horizontal cross bar having an upper catch plate secured to the slide channel, and at least four bolts with lock nuts.

Abstract: A trailer alignment device for simplifying the backing of a tow-vehicle to a trailer. The device utilizes a number of ultrasonic transducers to gauge the location of the tow-vehicle to the trailer. This information is transmitted to a control unit that analyzes such data and creates a visual display for the operator to use in backing the tow-vehicle to the trailer.

Abstract: A wheel attachment for a trailer hitch for preventing damage to the receiver hitch. The wheel attachment for a trailer hitch includes an elongate support member being adapted to removably and securely extend in a tubular receiver hitch; and also includes at least one wheel support member being rotatably mounted to a bottom side of the elongate support member; and further includes at least one wheel member being rotatably mounted to the at least one wheel support member; and also includes a tongue catch member being securely and removably attached to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A telescoping coupling device for two strollers including a cylindrical member having an open first end, a closed second end and a hollow interior. The closed second end has a fixed arm extending outwardly therefrom. The fixed arm has a U-shaped bracket secured thereto. The bracket receives a frame of the first stroller therebetween. A telescoping arm is slidably received within the open first end of the cylindrical member. The telescoping arm has an inner segment, an outer segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. The inner segment is received within the open first end of the cylindrical member. The outer segment has an arm extending outwardly therefrom in a co-linear orientation. The arm has a U-shaped bracket secured thereto. The bracket receives a frame of the second stroller therebetween.

Abstract: A trailer having a tongue that defines a longitudinal axis and includes a coupler portion. The coupler portion of the tongue can pivot relative to the longitudinal axis, thereby forming an angle between the coupler portion and the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the tongue includes a breakaway coupler assembly. The breakaway coupler assembly includes the coupler portion having a distal end adapted to engage a towing vehicle, and a flex-joint pivotally engaged with the coupler portion. This allows the coupler portion to pivot relative to said flex-joint when a predetermined force is placed on the flex-joint, such as in a jack-knife situation.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide assembly that effectively elevates and guides a forward end of a trailer hitch into coupling engagement with a vehicle hitch. The trailer hitch guide assembly of the present invention elevates the forward end of the trailer hitch and guides the forward end of the trailer hitch into alignment with a coupling of the vehicle hitch. When the trailer hitch engages a support arm of the guide assembly, the trailer hitch is lowered, wherein a coupling of the trailer hitch couples to the coupling of the vehicle hitch. The guide assembly of the present invention may be attached and interchanged between a vehicle hitch having a ball mount with a rise above the receiver and a vehicle hitch having a ball mount with a drop below the receiver.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment device has a base block for placement on the coupler of a trailer. The block has a magnet at its bottom for being connected to the coupler and a series of apertures directed at varying angles to receive an upright post inclined at a selected angle. A cross arm extending generally horizontally is connected to the post in a manner such as to allow adjustments in vertical and horizontal directions. The post-to-cross arm connection has pair of block members through which the post and cross arm pass and a spring biasing the members together.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for providing a driver of a vehicle the ability to visually align the hitch of the vehicle with the tongue of a trailer. The trailer hitch alignment system includes a hitch including a base portion and a joint member extending from the base portion. The hitch assembly further includes a set rod extending upwardly from the base portion. The set rod is positioned proximate the joint member. A mirror assembly is removably couplable to the set rod. The mirror assembly includes a mirror pivotally coupled to a mirror connection frame. The mirror is pivotal about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: A hitch sling for aiding in coupling a trailer's socket to a ball mounted on a tongue extending from a tow vehicle comprises: a leg secured to the trailer and having a first roller located at lower end of the leg and below the trailer's socket, a winch, and a flexible line which extends from the winch, about the first roller and to a distal end, so that, when the distal end is secured to the tongue and the line shortened, the leg is lifted upwardly towards the tongue so as to position the socket substantially above the ball, and when the line is lengthened, the socket is lowered onto the ball for coupling. Preferably a second roller is positioned between the winch and first roller so as to direct the line along or through the leg to the winch.

Abstract: A trailer system is provided in which the trailer system can include a frame having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides between the front end and the rear end and a hitching mechanism coupled to the front end of the frame. The trailer system can also include a wheel assembly coupled to the frame in which the wheel assembly contains at least two wheels and a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the frame and the wheel assembly. The trailer system can also include a plurality of wheel assemblies and stabilizing mechanisms. Further, the frame of the trailer system can have at least one first support member extending from the front end section to said rear end section and at least one second support member extending from said first support member towards one of said side sections. Each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to the rear end, front end or one of the opposing sides of the frame. In addition, each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to one of the first or second support members of the frame.

Abstract: A self-centering trailer hitch includes first and second telescopic arms, each of the telescopic arms having first and second opposite ends. The first ends of the telescopic arms are pivotally mounted to a hitch hood coupler for coupling the first ends of the telescopic arms releasably to the hood of a trailer hitch. The second ends of the telescopic arms are adapted to be pivotally mounted to a rear end of a towing vehicle, mountable to the vehicle forward relative to a hitch ball mounted to the vehicle. The second ends of the telescopic arms when mounted to the rear end of the vehicle are disposed on laterally opposite sides of the hitch ball.

Abstract: A towing assembly for connecting a first vehicle with a second vehicle includes a hitch frame for mounting to one vehicle and a coupler assembly for mounting to the other vehicle. A coupler guide housing includes a receiver pivotably mounted to the hitch frame. The receiver has a receiver opening. A plurality of guide walls are mounted to the receiver and converge toward the receiver opening.

Abstract: The invention is a visual alignment aid device that is supported on a towing vehicle to aid in the alignment of the ball on the towing vehicle with the socket in the trailer of the vehicle to be towed, The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having a telescoping shaft sliding and rotationally received therein. The telescoping shaft can be arrested in any position relative to the tubular shaft. The telescoping shaft further has a section with a rigid bend therein. The bend can include an angle of at least 90° and up to 180° depending on the vehicle on which the alignment device is supported. At an end of the telescoping shaft a sleeve is separably mounted which sleeve has an extension which supports a convex mirror in an eccentric fashion.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a visual alignment aid device that is supported on a towing vehicle to aid in the alignment of the ball on the towing vehicle with the socket in the trailer of the vehicle to be towed, The device includes an elongated tubular shaft having a telescoping shaft slidingly and rotationally received therein. The telescoping shaft can be arrested in any position relative to the tubular shaft. The telescoping shaft further has a section with a rigid bend therein. The bend can include an angle of at least 90° and up to 180° depending the vehicle on which the alignment device is supported. At an end of the telescoping shaft a sleeve is separably mounted which sleeve has an extension which supports a convex mirror in an eccentric fashion.

Abstract: A visual alignment aid device for visually aiding a driver of a towing vehicle to align the ball on the towing vehicle with a socket on the tongue of a trailer. The device includes an elongated tubular member having a telescoping tubular member therein for extending the length of the tubular member. the telescoping member can be arrested in any length and rotational position. The tubular member can be attached to a vehicle by way of magnets or suction cups. An end of the telescoping member has a curved arm attached thereto by way of a clamping hinge. An end of the curved arm has a short arm attached thereto by way of another clamping hinge. The end of the short arm has a convex mirror attached thereto by way of a friction ball swivel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a visual alignment device useful to aid a driver of a towing vehicle to properly align the ball of a hitch of the towing vehicle to a socket on the trailer to be towed. For this purpose, an upstanding rod is mounted over the ball of the hitch but not in contact therewith. This is accomplished by the use of a C-shaped clamp which is clamped to the neck of the ball mounted to the hitch. Another upstanding rod is mounted on the tongue of the trailer by being clamped on the surface of the inverted socket destined to receive the ball of the hitch. By visually aligning the tops of said upstanding rods with each other, the driver of the towing vehicle is able to align the ball of the hitch and the socket of the trailer with each other to obtain a driving connection when connected to each other.

Abstract: An alignment device to align a vehicle's trailer hitch ball neck assembly with a trailer hitch socket assembly or tongue assembly. The present invention includes two units, each having uprights with engaging press on members. The ball neck upright member has a “C”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the neck of the trailer hitch ball neck, and the hitch engaging upright member has a “U”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the outer housing of the hitch socket member around its lower end periphery. When used in conjunction with each other, the two poles visually assist the vehicle operator in aligning the vehicles so that they may be easily coupled together for towing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe and secure trailer hitch for use with a towing vehicle. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an optical guiding trailer hitch device which allows an operator of a towing vehicle to easily, accurately, and safely attach a trailer to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the optical guiding trailer hitch device may further include an assembly for aligning the trailer in a horizontal plane relative to the towing vehicle. The present invention in conjunction with a trailer may be used for the transportation of a boat, a camper, a mobile home, or any such object which may be moved from one place to another place using a trailer and a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A portable winch for mounting on a hitch component of a vehicle comprises a cable reel retractor portion and a vehicle attachment portion. The vehicle attachment portion may be a ball hitch receptor, or it may comprise a drawbar insertable into the receiver portion of a hitch. An electrical connector insertable in an existing vehicle receptacle provides power to a gear motor of the retractor portion through a extend/retract switch. One embodiment provides electrical power for the gear motor from a cigarette lighter of the vehicle. Another embodiment provides electrical power for the gear motor from a trailer lighting connector of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch positioning apparatus and method for positioning a vehicle hitch over a trailer ball accurately, without the problems of lifting and positioning the vehicle hitch manually. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus includes a base plate having a first hole through which the trailer ball is inserted, the base plate being attached to the vehicle by the trailer ball; a guide plate connected to the base plate and made to be in alignment with the base plate, the guide plate having a second hole through which the trailer ball is inserted, and the guide. plate guiding and supporting the trailer hitch into position over the second hole; and a movable catch for holding the guide plate in an apart position from the base plate.

Abstract: A towed implement is provided with ground support wheels mounted to its chassis by trailing wheel support arms and respective suspensions including lift cylinders with which are associated damping devices that operate in such a way as to prevent damage to a respective cylinder from rebounding forces resulting when the suspension is being returned to its operating position by the release of energy stored in spring arrangements of the suspension after being loaded by an obstacle engaging the associated wheel. In one embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a damping spring located between an end of the associated cylinder and piston, and in another embodiment, the spring arrangement includes a gas pressure reservoir which, by virtue the operation of a reversing link in the suspension, is loaded both when the wheel is caused to move in a first direction by engaging an obstacle, and when the wheel is moved in the opposite direction by the airborne wheel once past the obstacle.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for collecting litter. The trailer assembly includes a carrying member for collecting litter, a support frame for supporting said carrying member and a pair of wheels for making the trailer assembly mobile. The carrying member includes a top portion that has least one aperture for allowing litter to be placed in the carrying member. The support frame includes a main support portion. A distal end of the main support portion is pivotally coupled to a lower medial portion of the carrying member. The carrying member further has a rear portion. The rear portion is pivotally coupled to a rear top end of the top portion. A lower end of the rear portion extends away from a lower back portion of the carrying member when the carrying member is pivoted relative to the main support portion of said support frame. Thus any litter in the carrying member is forced out when the carrying member is pivoted relative to the main support portion of the support frame.

Abstract: An improvement in or relating to a hitch assembly for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle. The hitch assembly consists of features which are moveable in a telescopic manner and/or in a rotational manner to allow the adjustable repositioning of a coupling member of a trailer for it to be conveniently connected to a tow ball of a towing vehicle. The hitch assembly consists of ratchet type features that when a movement of the trailer is provided by the towing vehicle, the hitch assembly will move towards a condition, substantially automatically, where the connection between the trailer and the vehicle becomes substantially rigid apart from the degrees of freedom of movement normally provided by the coupling. The ratchet type features can be made in operative to allow for a user to manipulate the position of the tow coupling of the trailer so as to achieve a coupling between the trailer and the tow vehicle without the trailer needing to be in an exact location in respect of the tow coupling of the trailer.

Abstract: A device for a aligning a trailer hitch ball with a trailer coupling includes an elongated guide strip that is positioned on the ground with a portion immediately beneath the ball on the towing vehicle and a second portion immediately beneath the trailer coupling. A first target is mounted on the trailer hitch ball while a second target is mounted on the trailer coupling. A convex mirror assembly is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle using any one of a plurality of adjustable mounting brackets. The mirror is positioned such that the towing vehicle driver can see the trailer hitch ball and the target mounted thereon. The towing vehicle driver reverses the vehicle while guiding the first target along the alignment strip. When the driver observes that the first and second targets are aligned, the coupling is properly aligned with the trailer hitch ball.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically linking a drive member of a power source and a driven member of an implement, includes two attachment pieces, one attached to the power source, and the other attached to the implement, and an attachment mechanism for automatically connecting the two attachment pieces whereby the drive member and the driven member are operably coupled.

Abstract: A work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method to actively warn the operator of the work vehicle of the status of the hitch without the operator having to inspect the hitch or dismounting from the cab of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment apparatus comprises a first guide member removably attached to a vehicle bumper and a second guide member removably attached to a trailer hitch socket. The first guide member includes a magnetic base with a telescopically extensible rod adjustably coupled thereto. The second guide member includes a magnetic base having an upwardly extending telescopic rod and a downwardly extending semi-flexible shaft attached thereto. The shaft extends downwardly through a bore defined by the trailer hitch tongue so as to contact the trailer hitch ball when the ball and socket are aligned. Contact between the shaft and ball causes vertical displacement of the shaft and guide rod. Therefore, the two telescopic guide rods, visible from a driver's seat, facilitates lateral alignment of the ball and socket while vertical displacement of the second rod indicates perfect forward alignment.

Abstract: The present invention concerns that of a new and improved apparatus which enables mounting of heavy duty equipment to existing trailer hitch hardware currently found on my pickups, vans, SUV's, recreational vehicles, and automobiles. The type of heavy duty equipment that could be attached to the apparatus of the present invention would include a heavy duty table, a work station, a vise, a spool and/or a winch, and a level working surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base trailer to which various types of cargo support platforms may be attached. The base trailer includes a rear axle with wheels rotatably supported on its opposing ends, and a main beam (or neep) extending forwardly from the center of the axle and including a conventional tow hitch attached to its forward end. A traditional suspension system, such as leaf springs or a torsional system, may be incorporated into the axle and wheel structure. A pair of mounting brackets are attached to the axle, adjacent each of the wheels, and a mounting hole is formed through the main beam, at an intermediate point therealong.