Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer dampening system for dampening during variable road conditions experienced during long hours of travel. Secondly, the trailer dampening system encompasses a universal design that will allow for easy installation and application to multiple trailers. The trailer dampening system is provided having a barrel assembly joined to the trailer, a cylinder rod assembly adjoined to the barrel assembly by a connection assembly wherein a connection assembly first opening is configured to receive a coupler end cap proximal end of the cylinder rod assembly. In some embodiments, there is a reservoir system having a main reservoir, a valve assembly, and at least one connection line. In some embodiments, the trailer dampening system further comprises an electrical control system connected to the valve assembly and having an input device configured to receive an input, a battery, a plurality of sensors, and a microcontroller.

Abstract: Optional attachments, such as a drop seeder and a sprayer unit, can be removably attached to the front plate of a turf aerator. The attachment includes a hitch slideably received in a tubular receiver and pinned therein by a pin. A lock is pivotal relative to the attachment from an unlocked position to a locked position with the front plate received in slots of the lock. The lock is pivoted relative to the attachment by a rod which is threadably received in the hitch. Valve openings in a valve plate are aligned or mis-aligned with lower openings formed in a hopper mounted to the hitch by a linear electric actuator. A lever is pivotably mounted to a housing which is removably attached to the chassis of the turf aerator and activates the linear electric actuator and a switch controlling an agitator. A valve is alternately in fluid communication with a spray nozzle mounted relative to the hitch and a spray wand.

Abstract: A recreational collapsing/expanding tow bar for towing a vehicle. The tow bar contains a collapsing/expanding middle part and a pair of attachment ends. The attachment ends include a sleeve, fastener, and bar end. The fastener includes a first end, a second end, a ball, and a shaft. The fastener is secured within the sleeve and retained with the bar end. The fastener can be used in a fixed rigid position or a rotational position. The collapsing/expanding middle part is rigid and adjustable to various distances between the towing and towed vehicle, wherein the device is compact in size and easily stored. Additional towing connectors are disclosed to engage a snowmobile and motorcycle for being towed.

Abstract: A clamp includes first and second clamp members having first and second inner surfaces with first and second clamping surfaces and first and second hinge portions joined for pivoting movement about a first axis across a range of clamping positions. A fastener extends through first and second access bores of the first and second clamp members for threaded engagement with a nut. The first and second access bores are elongated to permit pivoting movement of the shaft portion with respect to each of the first and second clamp members.

Abstract: An anti-sway hitch having a ball mount housing which defines a channel and a trunnion pivotally positioned within the channel. The hitch also has a spring, a first engagement member, and a second engagement member with the spring mounted on the first member within the ball mount housing and the first member engaging the second member. The hitch further includes a post positioned within the ball mount housing and the engagement members positioned on the post wherein rotation of the trunnion causes corresponding rotation of the post and the first member. A method of towing a trailer with an anti-sway hitch is also provided.

Abstract: A hitch ball assembly attenuates the lateral forces experienced by a trailer while being towed by a tractor. A ball assembly has a flange with a neck extending upwardly therefrom and a hitch ball seated atop the neck. A wedge, having a pair of linear points, extends downwardly from the flange as does a threaded shank that passes through the wedge, the points being located on either side of the shank. The ball assembly is attached to a draw bar attached mount arm such that the shank passes through a bore in the mount arm with the points of the wedge seated within slots on an upper surface of the mount arm. A resilient bushing is received on the shank and abuts a lower surface of the mount arm, while a plate abuts the bushing, each held thereat by a locking nut threadably attached to an end of the shank.

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: 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: The invention is a tow bar adapter which is attached to the existing fittings of the commonly used tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle. The invention is a also a method for providing a tow bar adapter attached to the existing fittings of a standard tow bar used to tow a vehicle behind a motor coach and selectively elevate the front end of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A shock absorbing trailer hitch generally includes a socket adapted to lock onto a ball connected to the towing vehicle. The socket is connected to a lower support member which supports the bottom of a shock absorbing assembly. An inner tube extends up from the socket and lower tube through the shock absorbing assembly. The upper portion of the shock absorbing assembly is connected to an upper support member that is connected to the towed vehicle. A bearing is secured to the upper tube that slidably but non-rotatably receives the upper portion of the inner tube. The shock absorbing assembly includes rubber springs that absorb the forces experienced by the trailer hitch.

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 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: A hitch apparatus for removably coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle provides fore and aft cushioning, vertical cushioning and roll accommodation. When it is mounted on the tow vehicle, a mounting assembly is situate in the truck bed of the tow vehicle and includes a pair of rails pivotally coupled at a first end with the truck bed. A carriage is mounted on the rails by means of a pair of rail guides, each of which slidably receives a corresponding one of the rails, and is thus slidable in directions fore and aft on the tow vehicle. A shock absorber is pivotally, diagonally coupled between the truck bed, at one end, and the lower surface of the carriage at the other end. A cradle is pivotally mounted for side-to-side rocking within the carriage. A hitch adapted to receive the trailer is mounted to the cradle. A first plate is mounted to the second ends of the rails. An air bag is mounted to the truck bed directly underneath the first plate to provide vertical cushioning.

Abstract: A hitch and trailer assembly includes a trailer having a mounting member and a hitch receiver mountable to a motor vehicle for receiving the mounting member. The hitch and trailer assembly also include a plurality of rollers for connection to one of the trailer and the motor vehicle and a plurality of bumpers for connection to the other one of the trailer and the motor vehicle to allow the rollers and the bumpers abut each other when the mounting member is disposed in the hitch receiver.

Abstract: A hitch assembly and a trailer for a motor vehicle includes a hitch receiver mounted to a motor vehicle and mounting member securable to the hitch receiver, an adaptor structure secured to the mounting member, a receiving tube having a top end and a bottom end, and a sliding ring fastened to the receiving tube movable along the receiving tube between the top end and the bottom end to provide a first degree of motion.

Abstract: A weight distributing and sway controlling hitch assembly for towing a trailer behind a vehicle includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle. The hitch assembly also includes a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar and a hitch connector carried on the ball mount head. A pair of friction pads are also provided for mounting on the trailer. Additionally, the hitch assembly includes a pair of shoes, each of the shoes being received on one of the pair of friction pads while allowing relative sliding movement thereto. Still further, the hitch assembly includes a pair of spring bars for distributing trailer weight relative to the vehicle. Each of the spring bars includes a proximal end mounted to the ball mount head and a distal end for engaging one of the shoes.

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 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: Trailer hitch apparatus including dampening mechanisms to simultaneously dampen vibration and shock in a longitudinal direction and vertical direction. The apparatus consists of a hollow draw bar tube capable of being removably coupled to a vehicle mounted receiving tube. The draw bar tube is adapted to move longitudinally relative to the receiving tube while a biasing means within the draw bar tube provide dampening of shock and vibration in the longitudinal movement. The apparatus further has a ball hitch assembly carried by a transverse support bar attached to an outer portion of the draw bar tube. The ball hitch assembly is biased against vertical movement thereby dampening shock and vibration in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A weight distributing hitch includes a hitch bar for mounting to a vehicle, a ball mount head carried on the hitch bar, a hitch ball and a pair of spring bars. Each spring bar includes an integral lug for engaging a trailer and securing the spring bar in a position to more evenly distribute the weight of the trailer over the axles of the towing vehicle. Each lug also includes a integral retaining tab. Additionally, the weight distributing hitch includes a pair of friction assemblies that are mounted on the trailer. Each such assembly includes a friction pad that receives and supports the integral lug of one of the spring bars.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a trailer hitch for quickly and easily connecting a trailer to a tractor including a draw bar, a primary pivot device for connecting the draw bar to the tractor, a hitching device connected to the trailer for connecting the trailer to the draw bar, the hitching device having a stabilizer and air cylinder connected thereto for decreasing the downward forces on the rear end of a tractor.

Abstract: A spring bar for a weight distributing hitch includes an elongated body carrying an integral hanger for securing to a trailer to be towed behind a towing vehicle. Preferably, the integral hanger is a lug with a cooperating retaining tab. The spring bar also includes a trunnion allowing cantilever mounting of the spring bar to a ball mount head of a trailer hitch that is secured to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer for lifting and transporting large loads is constructed of a pair of elongated side trusses, adjustably connected together at their ends by structural frames, and having a plurality of lifter frames rotatably and slidably mounted on the elongated side trusses. A first of the end structural frames is secured to a hitch assembly for pulling the trailer and this first structural frame as well as each of the elongated side trusses is provided with a mechanical lifting device to separately move the same. A pair of chassis having wheels for moving the trailer are connected to the mechanical lifting devices, under the elongated side trusses, and are separately connected to the hitch assembly by tow rods.

Abstract: A carriage which can be towed by a person during jogging or walking, and for receiving a child to be taken along during the person'exercise, comprises a foldable frame supported on a pair of rotatably mounted wheels. A tow bar is connected to the frame and extends forwardly to a suspension bar which is connected to the frame by flexible cords. A belt is connected to opposite ends of the suspension bars to be worn by the person. The suspension bar avoids the transmission of erratic movements from the person to the carriage.

Abstract: A device for absorbing forces between a tow vehicle and a trailer, such as a fifth wheel, is disclosed. Preferably, the device is mountable in a pick-up truck bed with a cross bar between two force absorbers having biasing precompressed springs to absorb forces such as from jolts and offset forces of the road due to bumps, wind, and other forces. The cross bar may be readily removed to expose the pick-up bed. The force absorbers may include a shaft having a slide body with the springs to resist movement of the slide body along the shaft. The slide body is couplable to the trailer, typically via the cross bar. A mechanism is provided to allow the slide body mounted to the cross bar to pivot to allow pivoting of the cross member between said the first and second force absorbers and so that binding on the shaft is reduces as the cross bar pivots and shifts. The shaft may be disposed in a longitudinal opening in the slide body having a tapered portion, such as a venturi shaped hole, to reduce binding.

Abstract: A trailer hitch adapter is provided for connection either to a trailer hitch ball or to a trailer hitch tongue. The adapter includes a tubular member that defines a housing and a connecting member carried within the housing between a pair of resilient elements to absorb axial shocks and rotational loads imparted by one of the towed vehicle or the towing vehicle to the other vehicle. The adapter is removably connected with a portion of the trailer hitch by means of a pair of retaining pins, to permit its removal and transfer from one vehicle to another, and also to prevent an unauthorized connection of a towed vehicle to a trailer.

Abstract: A semi-trailer and its releasable coupler for use in rail transportation of intermodal containers and other adaptable cargo. That capability is met by structuring a centered longitudinal beam to the cargo deck and fitting it with the releasable coupler of this invention, permitting the trailer to be one of an infinite number of like trailers joined end to end as a train, the flexibility and longitudinal strength gained through the beam/coupler assembly. Ease of releasing and engaging a trailer from or to the train is made practical by this coupler and the front end supports, the latter having ability to raise and lower the front section of the trailer and separating the coupler segments.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a safety towing coupler having a buffer rod, a spring, two annular bodies, two connection rods, two extension rods, two sleeve pipes and two connection hooks. Each connection hook has an eccentric hole and an inverted hook. The safety towing coupler also includes a pair of steel cables, each cable having an annular joint at each end thereof. One end of each steel cable extends through the connection hook into the extension rod where it is secured by pins. The steel cable passes through the eccentric hole, attaches to the vehicle to be towed and the free end of the cable then attaches to the inverted hook by means of its annular joint. The connection hook comprises forked portions, each having a groove therein, and the steel cable passes through these grooves. The spring, which surrounds the buffer rod, is prevented from movement of the buffer rod by annular bodies.

Abstract: A safety hauling coupler characterized by comprising a buffer tube with a spring fitted there-over and a slot made therein, two extension tubes respectively fitted over and fixed to one end of the buffer tube by means of retaining pins, two connecting tubes respectively fitted in and fixed to the extension tubes at one end and hauling hooked heads at the other, two sleeves respectively fitted over the connecting tubes, two wire cables to be held by the hooks and attached to the supports of vehicles, and six retaining pin for fixing the said tubes, so that it can firmly join the hauling vehicle and that to be hauled and prevent the hauling vehicle from being hit by the hauled vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle, especially an automotive utility vehicle, of the type having a motor driven vehicle unit and a towable complementary unit, such as the type utilized for fire fighting or rescue operations, is provided with an improved arrangement for coupling of the complementary unit to the vehicle unit which can be rapidly coupled to or disconnected, and which will minimize transmission of torsional forces to the vehicle frame when coupling of a vehicle that is out of alignment with the complementary unit. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the arrangement includes a centering device that has conically surfaced members on both the vehicle and complementary unit, an elastic member which enables pivoting of the conically surfaced member of the complementary unit and its draft element during introduction thereof into the centering member of the vehicle, and a securing arrangement for firmly retaining the centering member of the complementary unit in a fully connected, rigidly coupled configuration.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the hydraulic suspension system of an articulated vehicle having a first pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a drive axle and a tractor frame to control vertical bounce movement of the axle, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a tractor and a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle for controlling relative roll movement therebetween. A first valve system directs hydraulic fluid under a first pressure to the head ends of the hydraulic cylinders for supporting the weight of the vehicle and load, and to dampen the bounce motion of the drive wheels and the relative roll motion between the tractor and trailer portions of the articulated vehicle. A gas precharged accumulator and a plurality of flow restrictors disposed in this portion of the circuit, control and spring and viscous damping rates of the cylinders.

Abstract: A spring assembly is carried by a mounting casting. The mounting casting includes a receptacle which is adapted to mount to a horizontal frame member by means of a vertical bolt which, when tightened, adjusts the elevation of the spring assembly by rotating the mounting casting about the frame member due to a shim effect achieved by the slight off-parallel alignment of the receptacle and the axes of the springs. This raises the spring assembly to take its weight off the draw bar and makes it easier to telescope the draw bar. A spring casting includes upper dogs for mounting an actuating lever which is rotatable between a latching and an unlatched position by vertical motion. A latch member on the draw bar is locked between the spring casting and the lever, but is released when the lever is lowered to permit the draw bar to be extended to the rear for alignment with a trailer hitch. Other improvements permit the use of coil springs without grinding the ends flat.

Abstract: A goose neck hitch device includes a hitch frame comprised of a pair of vertical frame members adapted to be secured to the front of a trailer and a pair of longitudinal frame members which are secured to the upper ends of the vertical frame members and converge forwardly therefrom. An upper hitch member is secured to the front ends of the longitudinal frame members and extends downwardly therefrom. A lower hitch member telescopically engages the upper hitch member and extends downwardly therefrom, the lower end of the lower hitch member having coupling means thereon for connection to coupling means on a towing vehicle such as a pick-up truck. A cushioning mechanism is interposed between the upper hitch member and the lower hitch member and serves to dampen shock impulses exerted by the trailer through the hitch device to the towing vehicle.