Abstract: An assembly includes a vehicle frame, a base fixed relative to the vehicle frame, and a hook supported by the base and rotatable relative to the base between an extended position and a retracted position. One of the hook or the base has a flange and the other of the hook or the base has a pair of extensions. The flange is between the extensions. A post is fixed relative to the flange and engages both extensions. A spring is connected to the post and one of the extensions. The spring is positioned to bias the hook toward the extended position.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of a hitch lift system including an elongated receiver member configured to engage a complementary opening of a receiver hitch of a vehicle, and a lift system that includes a lifting shaft adapted that extends and retracts vertically, and a lifting system to regulate the vertical extension and retraction of the lifting shaft.

Abstract: A pallet trolley includes: a frame having two ends, the frame defining a longitudinal axis; a handle assembly attached to the frame; a first wheel assembly attached to the frame at one end; and a second wheel assembly attached to the frame at the other end, the first and second wheel assemblies are oriented to allow the pallet trolley to roll in a direction other than parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. A method of moving a pallet includes: providing a pallet trolley having first and second wheel assemblies; locating the first and second wheel assemblies under a pallet; lowering the pallet onto the trolley; and moving the pallet on the trolley and a fork truck.

Abstract: In order to improve a trailer device for motor vehicles, comprising a crossmember, which is mountable on a vehicle body at the rear-end side thereof, a holding unit, which is provided on the crossmember and which carries a ball neck receiving body comprising a ball neck receptacle, into which receiving body an insertion portion of a ball neck supporting a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, in such a way that the ball neck receiving body is both visible and intrusive to the least possible extent when the ball neck is not inserted, it is proposed that the holding unit comprises a pivot bearing unit, by means of which the ball neck receiving body is movable from a working position, in which the ball neck is insertable into said receiving body for trailer operation, into a rest position, and that at least one stop element fixedly connected to the holding unit is provided, which stop element has a first support surface, which, in the working position, abuts against the insertion portion with the inse

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device of a vehicle, in particular a tractor, having a hydraulic activation unit for controlling the operation of a towed implement on the vehicle, comprising at least one position detection unit with at least one camera, position detection marks, and an evaluation unit and a data-transmitting connection to a control unit which is assigned to the hydraulic activation unit. Furthermore, a method is proposed, wherein by means of such a position detection unit the position of the towed implement can be determined, and the position can be adjusted according to requirements by suitable operation of the hydraulic activation unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and methods for collecting, storing, separating, and disposing of waste material from an oil and gas well site in order to enhance payload efficiency. An embodiment of a method, for example, may include introducing a waste material into an enhanced-payload mobile vessel positioned at the oil and gas well site, the waste material selected to include one or more of a sludge waste material, a solids-laden wastewater material, and a dry waste material. The method may further include transporting the waste material when positioned in the enhanced-payload mobile vessel along roadways to an off-site waste management facility. Additionally, the method may include dumping the waste material from the enhanced-payload mobile vessel by a site-based lifting mechanism into a receiving vessel at the off-site waste management facility thereby to dispose of the waste material at a reduced transportation cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a hitch connection system to attach a vehicle to a trailer. The hitch connection system includes at feast one camera and a controller. The camera is configured to collect snags data of a vehicle hitch and a trailer coupler. The controller is configured to generate an overhead view image based on the image data. The controller is farther configured to calculate a relative height between the vehicle hitch and the trailer coupler based on the image data and generate an alert when the relative height is less ton a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A hitch device comprising: (a) a hitch bar that connects the hitch device to a vehicle; (b) a hitch mount in communication with the hitch bar; (c) a ball mount, a ball, or both that is in communication with and extends through a portion of the hitch mount; (d) a lifting device that is connected to the hitch mount, the hitch bar, or both, wherein the lifting device includes a lifting cylinder; and (e) one or more gears in communication with the lifting cylinder; wherein the lifting device assists in moving the ball mount, the ball, or both through the hitch mount; and wherein the lifting cylinder is an electric motor.

Abstract: A tow hitch with a main body which is adapted to be fixed relative to a towing vehicle, and a coupling movable relative to the body between a first position arranged to engage a tow bar, and a second position for towing.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a frame configured to be secured to a vehicle and that is pivotable about a first axis, a guide that is movably secured to the frame and pivotable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and a tow bar movably secured to the guide and movable relative to the guide between retracted and extended positions. The hitch apparatus includes a user controlled positioning system with a user input device that is configured to allow a user to extend and retract the tow bar and to articulate the tow bar up-down and left-right so as to position the tow bar distal end at a desired position within a three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a frame configured to be secured to a vehicle and that is pivotable about a first axis, a guide that is movably secured to the frame and pivotable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and a tow bar movably secured to the guide and movable relative to the guide between retracted and extended positions. The hitch apparatus includes a user controlled positioning system with a user input device that is configured to allow a user to extend and retract the tow bar and to articulate the tow bar up-down and left-right so as to position the tow bar distal end at a desired position within a three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: Generally, a hitch having a retractably extendable member reciprocally driven by a rotatable member having a first end configured for coupling to a hitchable object.

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 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.

Abstract: The vehicle operated on highways and streets of the present invention includes a front coupler and a rear coupler, at least one on-board computer, a lateral location sensor, at least one lateral location sensor guidance means, a lateral position control means, a longitudinal sensor, a longitudinal position control means, a GPS coordinates receiver, a display unit, and at least one communication means. The coupler includes a pair of retractable snubber assemblies and a pair of coupling means. The coupling means is affixed to the outer end of the coupler by springs, and movable in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A self-moving car (1) for the moving of trailer machines (100), comprising a main chassis (2); wheels (4?, 4?) engaged with the chassis (2); a generating and feeding unit (5) and movable means (20) for coupling the car (1) with a trailer machine (100) to be towed; the car (1) further comprising an apparatus (80) for the articulated connection to the chassis (2) of the movable coupling means (20), comprising a pin (8) hinged to the chassis (2), the pin (8) having a first bottom end (9) connecting to actuating means (11) for the bilateral rotation (beta) of the pin (8), so that to the rotation of the pin (8) there corresponds a proportional variation of tilt of said movable coupling means (20) with respect to the ground plane; and a second top end (10) for the rotating coupling to the movable coupling means (20); the car (1) further comprising independent driving means, so that to a differential rotation of the wheels (4?, 4?) there corresponds a proportional rotation (&ggr;) of the movable coupling means (

Abstract: A power retractable trailer hitch for a vehicle can include a hitch assembly movably coupled to an external case or support member, and a power actuator engaging the hitch assembly. The power actuator can be operable to move the hitch assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A controller can be operable to control activation of the power actuator. An interlock can be provided requiring a transmission of the vehicle to be in a parked position before the controller can be operable to move the hitch assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. A locking member can be operable by the controller to move between a locked position and a released position with respect to the hitch assembly. The locking member can be operable to be in a locked position, when the hitch assembly is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position, and in a released position, when the hitch assembly is in transition between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A fully integrated, self-contained, retrieving trailer hitch for use in coupling heavy laden trailers to large SUV's and RV's. The self-contained module is capable of being plugged directly into a vehicle tow bar hitch receiver and connected to the vehicle's electrical power supply. The module-retrieving hitch contains an integral retracting take-up reel with a cable extending through the docking housing and connected to an extendable docking guide member. The docking member which may be double reeved and adapted for removable connection to ball hitch assemblies generally used for insertion within vehicle tow bar receivers for coupling to a trailer hitch member. The docking guide member automatically locks the guide member within the docking housing upon docking. An interlock is provided for unlocking the docking member.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for mounting to a frame assembly of a vehicle comprises a one-piece hitch mounting structure having a general U-shape with opposing end portions and a centrally disposed intermediate portion between the end portions. A hitch receiver is mounted to the intermediate portion of the hitch mounting structure. The end portions each include a mounting section with a general L-shaped cross-sectional configuration, thereby providing the end portions with horizontally extending mounting flanges structured to mount the hitch assembly to the frame assembly of the vehicle.

Abstract: A towing device is provided for use on a vehicle to facilitate the connection of a trailer hitch to a coupler. The towing device has a frame configured to be securely attachable to an undercarriage of the vehicle. An extension bar movably engages the frame. The movable engagement between the frame and the extension bar permits the extension bar to be extendable from the frame and retractable to a towing position with the frame facilitating the extension bar to be rotatable as the extension bar is extended. The extension bar may carry either a trailer hitch or a coupler.

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

Abstract: Provided is an adjustable trailer hitch assembly and method of use that permits one person to controllably move the hitch within a plane of defined boundaries. Trailer hitch assembly includes one or more longitudinally extending assemblies for mounting under a vehicle, a cross-bracket assembly attached substantially perpendicularly with telescoping assemblies, a receiver portion slidable in said cross-bracket assembly, and a ballmount fixed with said receiver portion with a pin. Telescoping assemblies and cross-bracket assembly include control mechanisms, which may include motors and worm gear drives, to move the receiver portion longitudinally and latitudinally, respectively, thereby moving the ballmount and hitch ball within a predefined plane. An integral safety latch system is also provided.

Abstract: The improved power hitch of the present invention includes a first cylinder 10 has an extension 9 pivotably mounted at 54 on a transverse cylindrical pin 54 extending between vertical legs 50 and 51 to allow vertical movement, and on a vertical pin 56 to allow limited horizontal movement. Cylinder 10 receives a piston rod 13 extending outwardly therefrom which receives a universal hitch receiver 11. A second cylinder 60 is also mounted on transversely spaced vertical legs 50, 51 at 62. An electric motor 30 pumps fluid from reservoir 32 into cylinder at 64 to move cylinder 12 up and a 66 to move cylinder 12 down.

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

Abstract: An extensible draw bar for facilitating coupling of a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. An extension may be slidably secured to a static portion of a draw bar. A lock may be secured to the draw bar and be activated and deactivated to fix and release the extension, respectively. An extender may be activated to move the extension outwardly from the static portion. The extension may be slidable with respect to the lock while the lock is activated for certain positions of the extension relative to the lock. The extension may be positionable relative to the activated lock to automatically engage the lock to fix the position of the extension relative to the static portion.

Abstract: A towing assembly is mounted to the rear of a robotic vehicle. The assembly has motors and hydraulic cylinders which are actuated to manipulate a lunette, pintle or other hitching element. Manipulation of this hitching element brings it into connection with a complementary element on a vehicle to be towed. The motors and cylinders can be remotely controlled and a camera on the robotic vehicle allows a human operator at a remote site to monitor the operation of the towing assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch which provides an operator improved remote control of the lateral position of a trailer hitch, and simplifies the procedure of hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle. The trailer hitch comprises a hitch assembly (such as a ball receptacle) attached to a roller carriage which moves from side-to-side along a bumper-like housing. The roller carriage engages a positioning screw, and an electric motor mounted in a sealed end cap powers the positioning screw. Rotation of the screw translates into rightward or leftward lateral movement of the roller carriage and consequently of the ball receptacle assembly. Motion of the ball receptacle assembly is controlled via a wireless remote control unit. Such direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse.

Abstract: A side-to-side movable hitch that includes a driver controlled 3-position “joy stick” or hand switch provides an enhanced pivoting point in order to steer a backing trailer.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotataly driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.

Abstract: An automatic trailer hitch coupling apparatus having a hitch bar receiver mounted on a platform at the rear end of a towing vehicle, said hitch bar receiver having a square cross section and a flanged rear end into which a hitch bar is removably inserted. A winch have an extendable and retractable cable is mounted on the towing vehicle proximate the receiver and a cable having a cable lead is fed outwardly from the receiver. A hitch bar for coupling within the hitch bar receiver has a front portion connected to a rear portion with a universal joint; the front portion is connected to the cable lead with a quick release and lock system. The hitch bar is integrally connected to a hitch tongue having a horizontal portion on which a hitch ball is mounted.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for motor vehicles has a bar, a ball provided on the bar, the bar being automatically adjustable between an idle position and an operating position, and an adjusting drive including an electric motor which automatically adjust the bar between the idle position and the operating position.

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: In order to provide a trailer coupling for motor vehicles, in particular passenger vehicles, comprising a coupling ball, a ball neck, one end region of which is angled and bears the coupling ball, and a drive comprising a drive motor, by means of which the ball neck is movable with the coupling ball from an operative position into a rest position and vice versa, such that this operates as safely as possible it is suggested that a control means be provided for operating the drive, this control mans allowing either movement of the ball neck or traveling of the motor vehicle.