Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar support assembly. There is a need for a drawbar support assembly which can adapt to different types of drawbars. An adaptable drawbar support assembly includes a generally U-shaped front support member for coupling to and supporting the front end of the drawbar. A front spacer member mounts in the front support member above or below the front end of the drawbar. A generally U-shaped rear support member couples to and supports the drawbar. A rear spacer member mounts in the rear support member below the drawbar. The rear spacer member is removable from the rear support member when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A ball coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A clevis coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted below the front end of the drawbar.

Abstract: A trailer having a support frame supported by at least two drive wheels, a drive system configured to selectively rotate the at least two drive wheels, a dump frame associated with the support frame and pivotable with respect to the support frame, a steering system having at least one steerable wheel located forward of the at least two drive wheels, and an extendable tail carried by the dump frame, the extendable tail being selectively extendable from a rear of the dump frame is disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch extension system includes a trailer that has an elongated forward arm having a front end and a back end. The front end is open. A tubular member has a first end and a second end. A trailer hitch is attached to the first end. The second end is positioned in the forward arm. The first end is selectively positionable adjacent to the front end or spaced from the front end. A driving assembly is mechanically coupled to the tubular member and to the forward arm. The driving assembly is configured to selectively move the tubular member with respect to the forward arm.

Abstract: A trailer assembly for use with a towing vehicle such as a dump truck. The assembly comprises a pup trailer that has a fixed or a terminally-steerable front axle and an adjustable length tongue that secures the trailer to the towing vehicle. The trailer and tongue are secured to each other by a pivot that has a single lateral axis. The pivot permits vertical pivoting of the trailer and tongue relative to each other through a range of motion that is as much as forty degrees above and below the horizontal. The pivot resists lateral pivoting motion between the tongue and trailer. The assembly permits the trailer to be easily towed over uneven terrain and resists the tendency of the trailer to tip during towing and during dumping.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: A tow hook hitch assembly attaches to one or both of the front tow hooks provided on a four wheel drive vehicle for mounting a tow ball, winch, or other accessory to the front end of the vehicle. The tow hook hitch includes an upper member extending above the tow hook, a lower member extending below the tow hook, a shaped insert secured to the upper member or lower member for extending within the tow hook, and a clamp bolt for securing the aforementioned components together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transformable utility/ATV trailer (1) that can easily be adapted to mount to a large number of different types of vehicles and trailer hitches. Moreover, the trailer (3) can rapidly be converted from a short box/bed trailer (3) to a flat bed trailer (3). The tow structure (2) comprises a frame (4) for mounting to a trailer (3) or similar implement and a draw bar (5) having a first end with a first hitch coupler (6) and a second end with a second hitch coupler (12). The draw bar (5) is mounted pivotally to the frame (4) for movement between a first position in which the first end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4), and a second position in which the second end of the draw bar (5) extends forward of the frame (4).

Abstract: An auxiliary step is primarily designed for facilitating entering and exiting the bed of a pickup truck. The step includes a shank for coupling a supporting post to an existing trailer hitch. A step is rotationally and linearly slidable on the supporting post for universal adjustment relative to the truck bed.

Abstract: A trailer tongue extension assembly that includes a tubular trailer tongue, a removable extension, a first electrical connector disposed within the trailer tongue and a second electrical connector disposed within the removable extension. The first and second electrical connectors engage and disengage as the removable extension is installed or removed from the trailer tongue. A tongue pin is inserted either through registered holes in the tongue and the installed extension, or through aligned holes in the trailer tongue. A lock assembly secures the pin in the holes to, respectively, lock the extension on the trailer tongue or prevent the extension from being installed in the trailer tongue. Opposite ends of a lanyard or elastic member are attached to the pin and the trailer tongue, respectively, and resist the removal of the pin from the aligned holes.

Abstract: The specification discloses several embodiments of an interlocking device. The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of an interlocking device having an inner bar slideable within the confines of an outer bar. The outer bar has a first end and a second end. When the inner bar slides towards the second end of the outer bar, a plug, which is attached to the inner bar, is adapted to abut a plug barrier thereby preventing the inner bar from sliding towards the second end. The outer bar of the interlocking device further defines an interlocking member passage and an interlocking member stop. The interlocking device further has an interlocking member attached to the inner bar. When the inner bar slides towards the first end of the outer bar, at least a portion of the interlocking member moves transverse to the sliding axis of the inner bar and into the interlocking member passage.

Abstract: A control system for estimating the tongue length of a trailer being towed by a vehicle in connection with a front wheel steering with or without coordinated rear wheel steering associated with the vehicle. The control system employs an algorithm that calculates an estimated trailer yaw rate based on a corrected tongue length, a front wheel steering angle, a rear wheel steering angle, vehicle speed and a vehicle yaw rate. The estimated trailer yaw rate is compared to a measured trailer yaw rate to generate a yaw rate error that is converted to a tongue length error. The tongue length error is compared to the estimated tongue length to become a corrected estimated tongue length for a next computation period. After a few seconds of processing, the corrected estimated tongue length will be the actual tongue length of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer having a having a hydraulic boom having a rear end with a crane for holding trees and an attachment for connecting the trailer to a truck on the front end. The trailer also has, at the extendable end, hydraulicly controlled supports for leveling the trailer at the front end. A process for moving the trailer having a front and a rear and a center of gravity between the front and the rear includes (1) attaching the trailer front to the truck trailer mount; (2) moving the trailer into position with the truck; (3) activating a hydraulic power source independent of the trailer; (4) lifting the front of the trailer from the truck trailer mount using two balanced hydraulic pistons on either side of the trailer and forward of the center of gravity of the trailer powered by the hydraulic power source.

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 specification discloses several embodiments of an interlocking device. The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of an interlocking device having an inner bar slideable within the confines of an outer bar. The outer bar has a first end and a second end. When the inner bar slides towards the second end of the outer bar, a plug, which is attached to the inner bar, is adapted to abut a plug barrier thereby preventing the inner bar from sliding towards the second end. The outer bar of the interlocking device further defines an interlocking member passage and an interlocking member stop. The interlocking device further has an interlocking member attached to the inner bar. When the inner bar slides towards the first end of the outer bar, at least a portion of the interlocking member moves transverse to the sliding axis of the inner bar and into the interlocking member passage.

Abstract: A trailer tongue extension assembly that includes a tubular trailer tongue, a removable extension, a first electrical connector disposed within the trailer tongue and a second electrical connector disposed within the removable extension. The first and second electrical connectors engage and disengage as the removable extension is installed or removed from the trailer tongue. A tongue pin is inserted either through registered holes in the tongue and the installed extension, or through aligned holes in the trailer tongue. A lock assembly secures the pin in the holes to, respectively, lock the extension on the trailer tongue or prevent the extension from being installed in the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises a mounting bracket defining a horizontal through for receiving a drawbar. A pin projects downwards into the through for engagement in a pin slot defined in the drawbar. A wedge is axially insertable into the through for wedging the drawbar therein. A fastener is provided for releasably securing the wedge to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes two guide rails which extend vertical and parallel to each other. A support is slidingly received by horizontal extending guide grooves in the guide rails. Different couplers can be mounted on and exchanged on the support. The support may be inserted into the guides or removed from the guides.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly includes first and second telescopic members. A releasable locking arrangement holds the first and second telescopic members in an extended position and includes at least one movable member to maintain the telescopic members in the locked relationship and a pivotally mounted release member mounted on one of the telescopic members to move the movable member to permit slidable movement between the first and second telescopic members. The invention provides coupling of interacting members one slidable in the other. The members define an opening for an extended and circular counterpart. The counterpart penetrates the opening and the members are held in position. The members together exert forces on the counterpart and a release device between the counterpart and the members release the members.

Abstract: A hitch extension apparatus for attaching an implement with a pto driven drive shaft having front and rear universal joints to a tractor drawbar. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted for attachment to the tractor drawbar by insertion of a drawbar pin through the drawbar such that the first member is fixed with respect to the drawbar. An extension member is pivotally attached to the first member about a horizontal pitch axis oriented perpendicular to the travel direction, and about a horizontal roll axis oriented parallel to the operating travel direction. The extension member defines a pivotal attachment location rearward of the draw pin hole adapted for pivotal attachment of the implement about a vertical yaw axis located equidistant from the front and rear universal joints when the drive shaft is connected to the tractor power take off. The pitch axis can be located forward of the yaw axis, and forward of the draw pin hole in order to reduce bending forces on the drawbar.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for an agricultural or industrial vehicle includes two guide rails which extend vertical and parallel to each other. A support is slidingly received by horizontal extending guide grooves in the guide rails. Different couplers can be mounted on and exchanged on the support. The support may be inserted into the guides or removed from the guides.

Abstract: A collapsible trailer preferably includes a lengthwise base frame, a first deck member, a second deck member, an axle, and at least two wheels. The axle is preferably pivotally attached to a bottom of the lengthwise base frame. At least one wheel is pivotally retained on each end of the axle. A length of the first deck is pivotally attached to a length of the second deck with a continuous hinge or the like. Each end of the continuous hinge is retained by the lengthwise base frame. A first side rail is attachable to the first deck and a second side rail is attachable to the second deck. A hitch handle extends from one end of the lengthwise base frame.

Abstract: A two-wheeled riding sulky for powered ground-maintenance machines includes, in addition to a primary hitch connection which operates in tension between the powered ground-maintenance machine and the sulky, a buck-bar which operates in compression between these two devices. The buck-bar is used to prevent the powered ground-maintenance machine from bucking. In a preferred embodiment, the powered ground-maintenance machine is a snow blower having only two ground-engaging, load-bearing traction wheels.

Abstract: A vertically operable hitch includes a horizontal support member with the forward end journaled in the receiver of a tow vehicle. An upright post on the support member has a carrier operably mounted thereon for selective vertical movement along the post. A hitch ball is mounted on the carrier for selective connection to the tongue of a towed trailer to thereby selectively raise and lower the hitch ball.

Abstract: A boat trailer having a multi-wheel supported frame and an extendable tongue which facilitates launching a boat into the water. A tongue member has a rear portion connected to and forwardly extending from the frame and a forward portion adapted for releasable connection to a trailer hitch of a tow vehicle. A tongue extension includes two extension members pivotally connected together to a central connecting member and pivotally connected at a corresponding opposite end of each extension member between the forward and rear portions. The extension members are pivotally movable between the upright side-by-side stored position and the deployed position in end-to-end fashion and longitudinally aligned with the forward and rear portions wherein the effective length of the tongue member is extended by an amount equal to the combined length of the extension members.

Abstract: A boat trailer extension devise containing outside tube, inside tube, collar, travel pin, motor, gears and controls.

Abstract: A trailer (1) that takes the general cross sectional shape of the towing vehicle (10) to rid the tow vehicle of a large fuel consuming drag force that normally exists behind the towing vehicle. A cowling (2) that enables this averaged shaped cross section to match to a variety of towing vehicles with similar shapes. A gradually tapering rear section of the same trailer that significantly reduces drag. A trailer tongue (3) that will adjust longer for maneuverability or shorter for less aerodynamic drag. A door (5) that will automatically deploy in an instant.

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 foldable step assembly that is adjustably engageable with a trailer hitch receiver to achieve a variable horizontal clearance between a step plate and a rearward end of the receiver. The step plate is pivotally mounted to a step mount shank and is foldable from a horizontal use position to a vertical storage position. The step plate has a latch receiving recess, and there is a latch mechanism mounted on an upper part of the of a facing plate on the step mount shank. A brake light is mounted on the step plate to be visible when the step plate is in the vertical storage position.

Abstract: A trailer tongue that can be rolled to an extended and retracted position. The present trailer tongue comprises a housing having and interior portion and an exterior portion. At least one track is located along the interior portion of the housing. In a particularly preferred embodiment, two tracks are welded to on the interior portion of the housing. The trailer tongue further includes a rollaway mechanism that preferably includes at least one wheel for rolling along the track. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rollaway mechanism includes two wheels for rolling along the tracks welded to the interior portion of the housing. The wheels are positioned to cooperate with the tracks so that the slide mechanism rolls easily along the tracks from an extended position to a retracted position.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling first and second members. The members define an opening for extended and circular counterparts. The counterparts turn on the members and each other while the members contact the counterparts to urge them together. The counterparts, one after another between the members, move and release the members.

Abstract: A trailer having a length varied by the extension of beams from an extendable end. The trailer is further defined by having a saw on the extendable end and a crane for holding trees on the other end, which is typically a low end. The trailer also has, at the extendable end, hydraulicly controlled supports for leveling the trailer at the extendable end. An extendable pull bar is also present which may lock in place or be hydraulicly extended.

Abstract: An adapter device comprising an adapter bar equipped with a hitching pin extending vertically when the device is mounted on the hitching bar, and a connecting pin for the hitching bar. The adapter device allows the mechanical play between the hitching bar and the adapter bar to be reduced or cancelled.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle includes a coupling frame and six variable length links. The frame has couplers for coupling to the implement. Each link has a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to the coupling frame. The links are preferably arranged in the form of a hexapod, so that, in addition to the functions of known three-point hitches, the implement may be steered sideways or shifted sideways, and so that the motion of the coupling frame has six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A trailer with an extension member pivotally mounts to a hinge attached to the tongue or frame of the trailer. Front and rear retainers bolt and clamp onto the tongue and frame. The extension member is retained by the forward retainer and extends substantially parallel to the trailer tongue and beyond the trailer tongue. The forward end of the extension member includes a receiver element for mounting to the hitch of a towing vehicle and for extending the trailer further behind the towing vehicle. The extension member pivotally swings rearward to the storage position where it is retained for travel.

Abstract: A vehicle towing bar assembly for providing a user with a towing bar that can be easily used by anyone to tow a vehicle to safety. The vehicle towing bar assembly includes a vehicle towing bar assembly, which includes a central tow bar member. A pair of outer tow bar members couplable to the central tow bar member and a pair of eye link members. Each eye link member is coupled to a distal end of an associated one of the outer tow bar members. The eye links are designed for engagement to a tow ring of a vehicle. In an embodiment designed for use with a car the central tow bar member includes two coaxial tubes. In an embodiment designed for use with a truck, the central tow bar member includes a medial offset portion and a pair of extension members.

Abstract: A towbar adapter assembly that attaches to a towbar boom and acts as a link between the towbar boom and a vehicle attachment point. The assembly has a base for attachment to the towbar boom and an anchoring strut that attaches to the vehicle. The base is incrementally positionable with respect to the towbar boom and the anchoring strut is incrementally positionable with respect to the base.

Abstract: An extensible and retractable linear drive (5) connects a tractor unit (1) and a trailer unit (2) and is controlled by a control unit (11). The progress of the tractor/trailer combination is assisted by alternately forcibly increasing and forcibly decreasing the distance between tractor and trailer units (1, 2).

Abstract: Two vehicles are transported in tandem by a beam assembly connecting a lead vehicle to a trailing vehicle which is reversed end-for-end. The beam assembly includes an elongated beam which is connected to the rear and extends lengthwise of the trailing vehicle. The beam extends beyond the rear end of the trailing vehicle and is elevated and connected to the rear end of the lead vehicle at a height such that the rear wheels of the trailing vehicle are raised above ground. The connection of the beam to the lead vehicle permits the beam to swing both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: An improved tilt-bed trailer constructed of light weight and durable materials is disclosed. A trailer frame with an associated rotatably interconnected tongue is affixed with a tongue release and retention mechanism that slidably engages a portion of the tongue and a portion of the frame to hold them in a fixed position when engaged and to allow the frame to pivot with respect to the tongue when disengaged. The mechanism utilizes gripping members to cooperate with ridges on the tongue.

Abstract: A towing arm is provided for use in a tow bar assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The towing arm has an inner leg and an outer leg so that it can move telescopically between a collapsed position which is suitable for storage and an extended position for towing. When connected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle, the towing arm will automatically lock in the extended position as the towing vehicle is pulled away from the towed vehicle. The locking feature is accomplished by a slideable collar that moves between a locked position and a released position. When in the locked position, the collar holds catches in place between the outer leg and grooves in the inner leg, thereby locking the legs in fixed relation to each other. When in the collar is moved to the released position, the legs are free to telescope relative to each other. The catches have saddle-shaped surfaces to fit the contours of the grooves. The grooves only partially encircle the inner leg.

Abstract: A Y-shaped tow bar includes extensible legs which are rotatably mounted to the trunk of the tow bar. Each leg may be locked into a nominally extended position wherein further extension and compression is resistingly and constrainedly permitted by a pair of shock absorbing springs.

Abstract: A boat trailer has an extendible tongue and includes a trailer body along with a tongue having a hitch attachment on one end thereof for removably attaching the tongue to a vehicle. A telescoping tongue is fixedly attached to the boat trailer body and has a pair of roller brackets attached thereto for telescoping the tongue. Each roller bracket is movably attached to the tongue for rolling engagement therewith. A latching mechanism is attached to the tongue for removably locking the tongue to one of the roller brackets on the telescoping tongue to thereby latch the tongue to the telescoping tongue to prevent the telescoping tongue and trailer body from moving relative to the tongue when in a latched position and to allow the telescoping tongue and trailer body to telescope relative to the tongue when the latching mechanism is unlatched from the roller bracket.

Abstract: A receiver hitch step attachment mounts to the existing receiver hitch of a pickup truck and supports a set of steps that are adjustable laterally and vertically. An auxiliary stabilizer leg is provided for engaging the ground beneath the attachment when the truck is parked in order to support the vehicle against rocking when weight is applied to the steps or when moving about in the camper.

Abstract: Two vehicles are transported in tandem by a beam assembly connecting a lead vehicle to a trailing vehicle which is reversed end-for-end. The beam assembly includes an elongated beam which is connected to the rear and extends lengthwise of the trailing vehicle. The beam extends beyond the rear end of the trailing vehicle and is elevated and connected to the rear end of the lead vehicle at a height such that the rear wheels of the trailing vehicle are raised above ground. The connection of the beam to the lead vehicle permits the beam to swing both laterally and vertically.

Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable coupling rod for central buffer couplings of rail-borne vehicles. The coupling rod has a longitudinally adjustable section, which is formed by four shear elements fastened to a support body in an articulated manner. Two shear elements form front shears and two shear elements form rear shears. The two shear elements of the rear shears are associated extensively mirror-symmetrically with the shear elements of the front shears. The shear elements of each of the shears, which are arranged opposite each other, are connected to one another in their front area by hinges.

Abstract: A utility trailer that can be configured to the cargo being hauled. The trailer having a right side, left side, opening front and rear endgates, an adjustable length tongue to allow long loads to extend forward of trailer box, a frame that pivots forward of the axle, which allows the trailer box to tilt rearward.

Abstract: An extendable boat trailer is comprised of a first length of square tubing secured to a trailer support frame. The first length of square tubing has two apertures therethrough inwardly of an open end portion. A brake light receptacle is secured to an upper portion of the first length of square tubing. The brake light receptacle has a length of wire coupling with a tow vehicle and a trailer's brake lights. A second length of square tubing has three apertures formed therethrough. The second length has a butt plate secured thereto. The second length is adapted to be received within the open end portion of the first length of square tubing with the two apertures thereof selectively aligning with the three apertures of the third length for securement therewith by a fastening device. A trailer hitch is secured to the second length of square tubing. The trailer hitch is adapted for securement to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a telescoping shock absorbing apparatus which uses a pair of square tubular members with a rod disposed interiorly and axially within one of the members for transmitting towing force. Two springs are disposed over and connected to the rod and square members to absorb shock resulting from differential movement that would otherwise be transmitted between the two vehicles. The towing vehicle experiences hardly any shock through the connection to a towed vehicle, substantially improving the operating conditions for both vehicles. The disclosure shows how this apparatus may be used on various conventional tow bars and shows how existing folding tow couplers can be improved through the use of the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towing aid which may be easily assembled for multiple uses and disassembled for shipment, storage or transport and includes a variable width axle and a tongue with a variable height for the tongue hitch to accommodate various heights of vehicle hitches. In one assembly the towing aid becomes a car dolly with variable widths between the wheel wells and ramps which are mounted on a rotatable I shaped frame pivotal to and supported by the variable width axle. In a second assembly the I shaped frame is removed and a flatbed trailer frame is attached to the axle. Each part is removably affixed to other parts and disassembles into a compact kit.

Abstract: A converter dolly comprising telescopic hitch means for adjusting the length between a first and second wheeled vehicle. The second wheeled vehicle having a kingpin projecting from an underside of the second wheeled vehicle in tandem comprising, a frame including a base portion and a telescoping hitch means comprising a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion. The tongue portion comprises a longitudinally extending, substantially rigid adjusting member and a mating member longitudinally slidably engaging the adjusting member. A hitch means carried by the mating member for pivotally connecting the converter dolly to the first vehicle about a first substantially vertical axis.