Abstract: A lifting device for lifting root crops comprises at least one lifting share mounting which supports at least one lifting share. The at least one lifting share includes a front pick-up region in a lifting direction and a rear ejection region in the lifting direction for the root crops. The lifting share mounting is coupled to a lifting device frame, and during operation is pulled thereby in the lifting direction. The lifting share mounting is movable relative to the lifting device frame and, viewed in the lifting direction, laterally from an initial position into an offset position. A guide arrangement is configured to guide the lifting share mounting such that with the movement of the lifting share mounting from the initial position into the offset position the pick-up region is laterally displaced further than the ejection region, as well as a harvesting machine, in particular for harvesting beets.

Abstract: Load measuring hitch assemblies are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, the assembly can include a body portion operable to facilitate coupling the load measuring hitch assembly to a tow vehicle. The assembly can also include at least one load cell operable to measure force in at least one measurement axis. Additionally, the assembly can include a ball portion having a ball operable to facilitate coupling the load measuring hitch assembly to a trailer. The ball portion and the body portion can be coupled to one another via the at least one load cell and a pin slot joint. The pin slot joint can provide relative motion between the ball portion and the body portion in a rotational degree of freedom about a first axis and a translational degree of freedom along a second axis. The first and second axes can be orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: A system and method of raising and lowering a ball coupler for coupling to a ball hitch is provided. A combination of hydraulic pump and hydraulic piston are employed to raise and lower the ball coupler of a gooseneck trailer. Both custom and off the shelf parts combine to create a user friendly system to couple and uncouple a gooseneck trailer to the truck. The system described herein replaces the need to raise and lower a gooseneck trailer's coupling system by hand crank and gear box and even the need to climb into the back of the truck bed. Varying trailer frame configurations and ball coupler sizes can be employed with the present invention. Also described and shown in this provisional is a non-rotating free end hydraulic piston device and method. Also described and shown is a coupling bushing device and method for securing a conventional coupler to piston rod.

Abstract: A trailer coupler has a fixed frame portion that is connected to a moving frame portion with link arms. The link arms are attached to torsion components that are affixed to both the fixed frame portion and moving frame portion with the moving frame portion located between ends of the fixed frame portion. The moving frame portion has a resting position where the torsion components are at rest and a displaced position where external forces have caused the torsion components to move. The moving frame portion can be displaced through rotation or vertical movement by external forces.

Abstract: A vibration minimization towing hitch includes a shank attachable into the receiver tube the towing vehicle, and a separately formed head, such as for supporting a tow ball. The head is pivotable through a partial range of motion relative to the head, such as allowing the tow ball to pivot up to 7° downward or up to 3° upward. One or more compressible inserts are disposed in a pocket between the shank and the head, for resisting the limited pivotal motion of the head relative to the shank. A user performs a part of the assembly using two insertable pins or bolts, with insertion of the second pin compressing a compressible bumper which is separate from the insert(s).

Abstract: An axle oscillation stop for a construction machine includes a body portion defining a first aperture. The axle oscillation stop also includes a first plate that defines a first through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop further includes a second plate that defines a second through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop includes a dowel pin adapted to removably couple the body portion with a frame of the construction machine. The dowel pin is at least partially receivable within the first aperture. The axle oscillation stop also includes a first fastening device adapted to removably couple the first plate with the frame. The first fastening device is at least partially receivable within the first through-aperture. The axle oscillation stop further includes a second fastening device adapted to removably couple the second plate with the frame. The second fastening device is at least partially receivable within the second through-aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to a towing device with a damping function. The towing device includes a towing main body and a towing assembly mounted on the towing main body; the towing main body includes a towing cantilever and a vertical adjustment arm arranged at an end part of the towing cantilever; one end of the towing cantilever is connected to the vertical adjustment arm, and the other end is provided with several fixing holes; the towing cantilever is fixed, through fixing pins, on a fixed seat pre-arranged at a rear end of a towing vehicle; a cushion is sleeved on the towing cantilever. The cushion fills a gap between the tightening screw and the fixed seat, and an activity space where the fixing pins are threaded into the fixing holes is also greatly narrowed; the axial movement of the towing cantilever after the mounting is restrained.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an articulated coupler for attachment between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle. The articulated coupler includes a first attachment member for attachment to the towing vehicle and a second attachment member for attachment to the towed vehicle. A ball joint member extends between the first and second attachment member. The ball joint member includes a ball at a proximal end and an elongated portion at a distal end such that the elongate portion is attachable to the first attachment member and the ball is attached to the second attachment member. The ball is retained to the second attachment member with a collar. The collar may have an aperture with an elliptical shape and a surface with a concave shape for defining a pivotal range of motion. The ball joint member may be pivotal relative to the first attachment member and may be rotatable and pivotal relative to the second attachment member.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring load between: a) a towing vehicle having front and rear wheels which comprises a tow assembly including a tow bar; and b) a towed device which includes a drawbar; wherein the tow bar and drawbar attach to one another, the apparatus including a shock absorber; and a load transfer mechanism configured for adjustably transferring at least a portion of the load of the towed implement to the front of the vehicle in a region leading the front wheel axle via the shock absorber.

Abstract: A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.

Abstract: A linkage comprises a first rounded end providing a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a first drawbar spring, and a second rounded end opposite the first rounded end. The second rounded end provides a complimentary profile configured to mate with an inner radius of a loop element in a second drawbar spring. The linkage is configured to be positioned between the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the loop element in the second drawbar spring such that the first rounded end is mated with the loop element in the first drawbar spring and the second rounded end is mated with the loop element in the second drawbar spring to mechanically couple the first drawbar spring in series with the second drawbar spring.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pin box assembly comprising a first portion, a second portion, a connective member disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion comprising a torque portion, the torque portion comprising a bar disposed within a tube and at least one resilient member disposed between the bar and the tube, the bar fixedly connected to the first portion, the tube fixedly connected to the second portion, the resilient member compressible between the bar and the tube upon rotation of the bar with respect to the tube, a connective member fixedly connected to the tube and to the second portion, and a hitch member connected to the first portion for engaging a hitch on a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.

Abstract: Fifth wheel hitch assemblies and fifth wheel hitch adaptors for dampening differential motion between a fifth wheel trailer and a tow vehicle. An upper assembly is formed as a box with an open bottom, and a lower assembly has front, rear, and side plates that extend into the open bottom of the upper assembly. Slide plates are disposed on the front and sides of the upper assembly facing at the front and side plates of the lower assembly. An additional slide plate is disposed on the rear plate of the lower assembly and faces the rear of the upper assembly. The lower assembly and upper assembly are attached to one another by an airspring and at least two diagonally opposed shock absorbers mounted therebetween. A locking mechanism may be included to prevent overextension between the upper assembly and lower assembly when not in use.

Abstract: A removable side impact load cushioning device for use on the hitch on an agricultural tractor or prime mover that allows operator selectable use of the device to dampens side impact loads on a drawbar by enabling slight lateral movement of the drawbar or to retain the drawbar in a generally laterally fixed position.

Abstract: A safety restraint for use with a towing assembly. The towing assembly is attached at a first end to a towing vehicle and at a second end to a towed vehicle. The restraint includes an elongate, hollow body that receives the towing assembly. The body is formed from at least two fibers that are woven into a multi-axis braid pattern. The cylindrical body at least partially encapsulates the towing assembly. For example, the body may include a first set of fibers arranged into a first ribbon of a particular width and a second set of fibers arranged into a second ribbon of a particular width, and the two ribbons are woven into a biaxial braid to provide the hollow body. The restraint also includes coupling mechanisms that retain the ends of the body and attach these ends to the towing vehicle and to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.

Abstract: The single wheel trailer and stabilizing hitch assembly includes a hitch which precludes lateral tilt or roll of a trailer about the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle and trailer, the trailer having only a single wheel for support. The hitch includes a pair of horizontal plates which bear against one another, with a vertical pivot pin securing the two plates together to allow the trailer to turn laterally relative to the towing vehicle. A separate horizontal pivot axis accommodates pitch of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle while negotiating bumps and dips. However, the trailer tongue is fixed relative to the roll axis of the assembly, and the trailer cannot tilt or lean to the side while being supported by its single wheel. This greatly reduces wheel bearing and tire wear, and reduces rolling resistance of the trailer as well. Different trailer configurations are also provided.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing trailer hitches each include a mounting member mountable on a towing vehicle; a hitch member which includes a coupler and which is mountable on a towed vehicle and pivotally mounted on the mounting member; and a shock absorbing mechanism for reacting pivotal movement of the hitch member. The shock absorbing mechanism preferably includes one or more non-pressurized hollow elastomeric springs. One of the hitches is a compact receiver hitch wherein the mounting member is insertable into a hollow receiving member mounted on the towing vehicle and wherein the shock absorbing mechanism includes a housing mounted below the receiving member. Another of the hitches is configured as a fifth wheel or a gooseneck hitch and is adjustable for use with towed vehicles of varying weights.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing trailer hitches each include a mounting member mountable on a towing vehicle; a hitch member which includes a coupler and which is mountable on a towed vehicle and pivotally mounted on the mounting member; and a shock absorbing mechanism for reacting pivotal movement of the hitch member. The shock absorbing mechanism preferably includes one or more non-pressurized hollow elastomeric springs. One of the hitches is a compact receiver hitch wherein the mounting member is insertable into a hollow receiving member mounted on the towing vehicle and wherein the shock absorbing mechanism includes a housing mounted below the receiving member. Another of the hitches is configured as a fifth wheel or a gooseneck hitch and is adjustable for use with towed vehicles of varying weights.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for a gooseneck trailer and a gooseneck trailer are provided. The damping apparatus includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft reciprocable about the inner shaft. A first plate is coupled with the outer shaft. A second plate may be coupled with the first plate, and a damping member disposed between the first and second plates to damp relative movement between the inner and outer shafts.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing trailer hitches each include a mounting member mountable on a towing vehicle; a hitch member which includes a coupler and which is mountable on a towed vehicle and pivotally mounted on the mounting member; and a shock absorbing mechanism for reacting pivotal movement of the hitch member. The shock absorbing mechanism preferably includes one or more non-pressurized hollow elastomeric springs. One of the hitches is a compact receiver hitch wherein the mounting member is insertable into a hollow receiving member mounted on the towing vehicle and wherein the shock absorbing mechanism includes a housing mounted below the receiving member. Another of the hitches is configured as a fifth wheel or a gooseneck hitch and is adjustable for use with towed vehicles of varying weights.

Abstract: Typical fifth wheel hitch assemblies require the operator to leave the cab of the vehicle to put the fifth wheel hitch assembly into position to receive a king pin of a trailer. The present invention is a fifth wheel hitch assembly that comprises a base assembly, a head assembly pivotally connected to the base assembly about a generally horizontal axis, the head assembly being pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position, and at least one biasing member urging the head assembly into the raised position.

Abstract: A system is described for attenuating intermittent forces at the interconnection between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a linear rocking member suspended between the towing vehicle and the trailer, a shock absorber between the linear rocking member and the vehicle, and a pendulum having a fulcrum connected to the vehicle and a swinging component rotationally connected to the linear rocking member, and a fastening device connecting the linear rocking member to the trailer to be towed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch having an assembly housing that is mounted to the bed of a vehicle, the assembly housing receiving a ball hitch that extends out of the top of the assembly housing, and a torsion bar disposed within the assembly housing to dampen the vibration of the trailer from transferring to the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch receiving assembly for connecting a trailer to towing vehicle is disclosed. The hitch receiving assembly includes a first fixed elongate member mountable to a trailer and a second floating hitch receiving member that is separated from the fixed member by a plurality of elongate resilient members.

Abstract: A hitch damping system for dampening forces transferred between a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle. The hitch damping system includes a first assembly being designed for being operationally coupled to the towed vehicle. A second assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to the towing vehicle. A plurality of dampening members are operationally coupled between the first assembly and the second assembly. The dampening members permit the first assembly to swing in an arc with respect to the second assembly whereby the dampening members are designed for reducing longitudinal forces exerted on the towing vehicle, such as a truck, by the towed vehicle, such as a fifth wheel trailer, when a momentum of the towed vehicle differs from a momentum of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A towing hitch apparatus for allowing limited vertical pivotal movement while diminishing shock or vibration to the vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a solid steel platform capable of siding into and pivotally coupled to a vehicle mounted receiver tube. Compression devices, disposed opposite one another and attached to said steel platform, are arranged between said steel platform and walls of the receiver tube to allow for limited vertical pivotal movement while absorbing shock or vibration transmitted between a trailer and vehicle.

Abstract: A damped drawbar for use in towing a drawn trailer that provides for the attenuation of noise, shock, and vibration that may be conducted into the towing vehicle. The newly designed drawbar uses a resilient elastomer, operating in shear, sandwiched between an outer steel tube and an inner steel tube, to reduce noise by damping the undesirable vibrations. A cushioned hitch pin coacting with the ovate holes in the inner tube, reduces the noise from a jolt caused by the hitch pin over-travel, during acceleration or deceleration, by as much as 95 percent. The hitch pin coacting with the ovate holes in the inner tube, serves as a mechanical fail-safe should the towed member be grossly beyond the drawbar's rated load capacity.

Abstract: A rear wheel suspension system for a four-wheeled vehicle suitable for attaining vehicle weight reduction, setting weight distribution of the vehicle, improving vehicle design freedom, and decreasing the number of components as compared to conventional rear wheel suspension systems. The system includes a joint member mounted in a rear portion of a vehicle body with a pair of left and right front wheels secured thereto, the joint member including a roll shaft extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and connecting to a vertical swing shaft extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle body. In addition, a power unit for supporting the two rear wheels is connected to a rear portion of the joint member by means of the vertical swing shaft, thereby allowing the power unit to be secured to the vehicle body rollably and swingably.

Abstract: A joint case includes a flange, a joint shaft extending from the flange, and a case main body fitted to the joint shaft. The flange is fitted to a rear portion of a front vehicle body, whereas the side of the case main body of the joint case is fitted to a rear vehicle body. With the above construction of the joint case, the distance between the front vehicle body and the rear vehicle body can be reduced, and a reduction in the overall length of the tricycle can be obtained.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch for use with automobiles, trucks, tractor-trailers, and other vehicles, and adapters for interfacing the trailer hitch to various trailer-vehicle combinations. The trailer hitch includes a first support member with least one generally vertical track, a second support member with a slide block assembly configured for slidable movement in the track, and a multi-directional dampening system operably connected between the first and second support members. In use, the trailer hitch interfaces the vehicle and the trailer, providing multidirectional dampening that mechanically isolates them from each other.

Abstract: A trailer hitch that is capable of measuring or sensing the weight of trailer coupled thereto, or “tongue weight” is disclosed and described. In one aspect, the trailer hitch may include a ball slidably coupled to a post member and fastened thereto with a fastener that also acts as a weight indicator. In another aspect, the weight indicator may be provided as a separate mechanical output. Further, a trailer hitch which allows at least 365° rotation of a ball about a post member to which the ball is coupled is disclosed and described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle towing hitch or trailer coupler method of reducing bounce or shock motion from being transmitted between the towing vehicle and towed vehicle or trailer, thus allowing a towing vehicle to tow a trailer over a rough road while reducing the bounce effect of the trailer from being transferred to the towing vehicle and visa versa. Said towing hitch or trailer coupler further comprises two or more parallel arms attached to one or more torsion axle as the preferred means to both support the towing load and also dampen the road bounce and shock load. The dampening means may be mounted on the towing vehicle or the trailer coupler.

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 uses a draw bar to interconnect tractor and trailer vehicles. The draw bar includes an elongated shank with a transverse throughway. A resilient cushion is disposed in the throughway. A passageway is associated with the throughway to receive a hitch pin such that longitudinal motion of the shank is resiliently resisted by the cushion. The cushion may be disposed in a rigid casing to form a cartridge that inserts into the throughway, and the passageway may be provided by a reciprocating slide member in the casing. Cushions may be employed in the casing to resist motion during both braking and acceleration. Cartridges having differing performance may be interchanged in the system. A method employing such structures is described.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus (10) for dampening shocks and surges between a towing vehicle (2) and a trailer (1) is disclosed. The hitch apparatus (10) includes a draw bar (20) for removably coupling to a towing vehicle (2), a hitch ball assembly (16) for coupling to a tongue of a trailer, and a torsional spring apparatus (30) pivotally coupling the draw bar to the hitch ball assembly. The torsional spring apparatus is adapted to resist the pivoting motion of the hitch ball assembly with respect to the draw bar thereby dampening shocks and surges transmitted between the towing vehicle and the trailer. The torsional spring further includes an incremental scale (13) and indicator (12) working in conjunction with the torsional spring apparatus for weighing the tongue weight of a trailer.

Abstract: A docking assembly configured to allow a first medical device to move with a second medical device includes a hitch, a base, and a connector. The hitch is configured to be coupled to the first medical device. The base is spaced apart from the hitch and is configured to be coupled to the second medical device. The connector interconnects the hitch and the base and permits movement of the hitch relative to the base.

Abstract: An articulating vehicle (10) includes a front axle (21) operatively connected to a front frame (40) and a rear axle (21) is operatively connected to the rear frame (30). A torsional joint (50) has an inner shaft member (51) operatively connected one of the frames and an outer hollow member (52) operatively connected to the other of the frames. An elastomeric material (53) is positioned between the inner member (51) and outer member (52). The elastic material (53) connects the inner and outer members, whereby the frames may rotate relative to each other along the longitudinal axis as the elastomeric member (53) is compressed and resiliently resists rotation between the frames (30 and 40). A torsional energy absorption suspension is provided for one of the wheels. The suspension includes a torsional joint (50), a single A-frame member (94). A lever arm (95) may also be utilized to vary the preload on the torsional joint (50).

Abstract: A three-point passenger restraint system for a passenger seat including a lap belt having a first end connected to a lap belt retractor and a second end. A torso belt having a first end connected to the second end of the lap belt and a second end. The second end of the torso belt is attached to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted to a passenger seat or vehicle side structure, wherein the anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt. The anchor arm rotates and thus functions (i) as the upper height adjusting anchor point for the three-point restraining system and (ii) to adjust belt length to comfortably accommodate passenger sizes in the range of a 5th percentile female to a 95th percentile male.

Abstract: A Trailer hitch for towing a four wheeled vehicle. The hitch has a fixed in place portion attached to the towing vehicle and a translatable portion attached to the vehicle being towed. The translatable portion is spring biased to a center position. A damper is attached between the fixed portion and the translatable portion to prevent abrupt movement of the translatable portion. The hitch provides controlled lateral movement between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle to diminish wear on the front end parts and tires of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch apparatus includes a drawbar assembly, which is interconnected to a tow vehicle and includes an elongate bar and a component that is pivotally interconnected and angularly adjustable relative to the bar. A hitch head assembly includes a ball component attached to a ball coupler on the trailer. A drawbar extension is suspended from the ball component and a height adjustment channel is pivotally interconnected to the drawbar extension. A horn is slidably received by the channel. The horn and the angularly adjustable drawbar component are selectively coupled to interconnect the trailer to the tow vehicle. A dual action, pre-loaded spring interconnects the trailer and the drawbar extension to provide improved dampening and bounce control.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for attachment to a vehicle and trailer is provided with a fixed support member attached to the vehicle. A floating hitch member is attached to the trailer. Variable pressure shock absorbers interconnect the hitch and support. Rollers on the support member engage with guide tracks on the floating hitch member to control movement of the assembly.

Abstract: An improved coupling device for connecting a towed vehicle and a towing vehicle, and includes a draw bar that is adapted to be affixed to the towing vehicle, a tube support structure connected to a distal end of the draw bar, and a tube that is movably connected to the tube support structure. Positioned within the tube are a slide bar, an upper cushion member, and a lower cushion member. The upper cushion member is seated within the tube adjacent to an upper axial end of the tube and the lower cushion member is seated within the tube adjacent to a lower axial end of the slide bar. The present invention also includes a connecting assembly that is affixed to a lower portion of the tube, where the connecting assembly consists of a connecting component configured and arranged to be removably attached to a corresponding connecting component on the towed vehicle. Further, the present coupling device preferably also includes a height adjustment assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for acting as a shock absorber for a truck towing a vehicle mated with a fifth-wheel, or a gooseneck, hitch. A fifth-wheel, or gooseneck, trailer has members extending away from the trailer bed and converging. A cylindrical housing, having a longitudinal axis aligned substantially perpendicular to the bed of the trailer, is attached to the members at the end where they converge. A kingpin, having a fifth-wheel, or gooseneck, connector, is coaxially mounted in the housing. A lever, having a fee end, extends from the kingpin over the rear of the truck. A resilient means, extending between the free end and the rear of the truck, bias the rear of the truck toward the free end. With this structure as the distance between the free end and the rear of the truck increases, additional bias is place on the rear of the truck tending to raise the rear of the truck. The resilient means thus acts as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A shock absorptive support structure in a coupler, improved in both economical efficiency and in practical usefulness, so that a shock due to relative displacement between a top plate and support brackets occurring in a vertical direction as well as in a back and forth direction can be effectively absorbed by the structure, driving comfort can be assured, wear of elastic members can be minimized, and a high measure of driving safety can be maintained for a long period of time with the structure of simplified construction enabling the manufacturing cost to be reduced. Shock absorbing members each include an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and an elastic member disposed between these two cylinders and through which respective axle pins extend rotatably, and are tightly inserted into bearing holes of respective support brackets.

Abstract: A hitch bar for a trailer hitch assembly is formed from an elongated bar including a notched proximal end and a mounting rack carried on the distal end. The notch is V-shaped and extends in a vertical plane so as to define upper and lower projecting lugs at the proximal end of the bar. The notch reduces the stiffness of the elongated bar at its proximal end allowing the bar to deflect and absorb a portion of the reaction load. The bar also redistributes that load in the hitch box, thereby reducing localized force and extending the life expectancy of the hitch.

Abstract: A coupling device for attaching a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, to a towing vehicle, such as a truck, where the coupling device includes a securing assembly for removably securing the coupling device to the towing vehicle, a generally longitudinally extending inner assembly rigidly affixed to the securing assembly, and a generally longitudinally extending outer assembly. The outer assembly also includes an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion being adapted to be rigidly affixed to the towed vehicle. The outer assembly has an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the inner assembly so that the outer assembly can be coaxially mounted over the inner assembly. The coupling assembly further includes a connecting member for connecting the inner assembly with the outer assembly, and a cushioning member that is positioned between the outer assembly and the inner assembly.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for towing a mower includes a tool bar, a first hitch member for mounting on the tool bar, a pivot pin extending from the mower for engagement by the hitch member, and a spring for exerting a lifting force between the pin and the hitch member to transfer a portion of the weight of the mower to the hitch assembly. The spring may be a tension spring extending between the pivot pin and an upper hitch portion to bias the pivot pin toward the upper hitch portion, or a compression spring captured between the hitch member and a spring seat to bias the pivot pin upward relative to the hitch member.