Vertically Adjustable Patents (Class 280/490.1)
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Patent number: 12246654Abstract: An umbrella connection assembly for securing an umbrella to a vehicle hitch. The assembly includes a first arm coupled to the hitch and an end including opposing tabs, where each tab includes an axle pin aperture and a locking pin aperture. The assembly also includes a second arm having a protrusion at one end that is positioned between the opposing tabs, where the protrusion includes an axle pin aperture and a plurality of locking pin apertures. An axle pin is inserted in the axle pin apertures so that the second arm is rotatable relative to the first arm. A locking pin is inserted in the locking pin apertures so that the second arm is locked to the first arm. A third arm is coupled to an end of the second arm opposite to the protrusion so that the third arm is generally perpendicular to the second arm.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: PART TIME CLOUD, LLCInventors: Paul Danley, Joshua Paul Fassnacht
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Patent number: 12214633Abstract: A trailer hitch with lift mechanism includes a vehicle connection point, an adjustable hitch base, a motor, and a hitch locking assembly. The motor is powered via a trailer hitch plug of a towing vehicle. The adjustable hitch base includes a plurality of adjustment apertures and one or more guide tracks. The hitch locking assembly is slidingly coupled to the adjustable hitch base and includes one or more guide rollers slidingly associated with the guide tracks, a backing plate, an aperture configured to receive a ball, and one or more adjustment locking devices. Rotation of the drive shaft causes the hitch locking assembly to move relative to the adjustable hitch base.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Inventor: Allen Jefferies
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Patent number: 12109857Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly is provided. The receiver tube is connectable with a bumper structure and defines a longitudinally-extending opening. The hitch assembly includes a drawbar assembly with an elongated body and a rod. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received within the opening in the receiver tube and defines a longitudinally-extending passageway. The rod is rotatably received within the longitudinally-extending passageway between a first position and a second position. The rod includes a detent feature that couples together the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the second position and detaches the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.Inventors: David M. Lee, Kenneth R. Laskie, Randy Schott
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Patent number: 12077026Abstract: A system for actuating a telescopic actuator that is mechanically connected to a back end of a first trailer of a truck and a front end of a second trailer of the truck is disclosed herein. The system has one or more data processors; and non-transitory machine-readable memory storing instructions executable by the one or more data processors. The instructions when executed by the one or more data processor is configured to determine, using data indicative of a geographical location of the truck, an initiation time at which to initiate actuation of the telescopic actuator. The instructions when executed by the one or more data processors is then configured to automatically initiate actuation of the telescopic actuator at the initiation time.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Inventor: Giuseppe Ieradi
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Patent number: 11938767Abstract: A trailer coupling mechanism includes a first end, a second end, a height adjustment assembly, a first swivel assembly, and a second swivel assembly. The first end is adapted to couple to one of a trailer and a vehicle. The second end is adapted to couple to the other of the trailer and the vehicle. The height adjustment assembly is coupled between the first and second ends and is operative to adjust the relative height between the first and second ends. The first swivel assembly is coupled between the height adjustment assembly and the first end and facilitates rotation of the first end with respect to the height adjustment assembly about a first axis. The second swivel assembly is coupled between the second end and the height adjustment assembly and facilitates rotation of the height adjustment assembly with respect to the second end about a second axis parallel to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Inventor: Ryan E. A. S. Shaffer
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Patent number: 11912081Abstract: A lunette ring lock includes a lunette ring enclosure having a top plate coupled to a bottom plate by a pair of opposing side walls along a width and a front plate having a pair of long edges along its length and a pair of side edges, a pair of matching notches including a top notch in the top plate and a bottom notch the bottom plate centered along a back edge for surrounding a mounting plate to the lunette ring, a locking pin 202 for passing through a through hole in the top plate and a through hole in the bottom plate after passing through the lunette ring enclosure, and a rectangular blocking tube coupled to the top plate adjacent to the top notch extending upward from the top plate. The lock connecting top element engages a puck lock to retain the locking pin to the lunette ring lock between the through hole in the top plate and the through hole in the bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Inventor: Rondoyle Glenn
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Patent number: 11851266Abstract: A rack system movable by a forklift having blades that can be selectively raised and lowered. The rack system includes a rack and a hitch device for connecting the forklift to the rack. The rack includes a structure configured for supporting and transporting materials, at least one wheel located at a first end of the structure, and a hitch bracket located at a second end of the structure. The hitch device includes a body configured to be carried by the blades of the forklift, and an arm pivotably secured to the body, and an engagement member at the second end of the arm. Upward movement of the blades raises the engagement member into engagement with the hitch bracket so that further upward movement of the blades raises the second end of the rack and horizontal movement of the forklift rolls the rack on the at least one wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: TRULITE GLASS & ALUMINUM SOLUTIONS LLCInventors: John Schmitt, Robert Carlson, Mike Walker, Brock Walker, Bill Coppage
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Patent number: 11833869Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted for securement in a tube receiver connected to a towing vehicle below its bumper includes a hitch base with a recessed profile. The hitch base includes a shaft sized for reception in the tube receiver and a draw bar connected to the shaft. The shaft is connected at a first end to an upper portion of the draw bar. The draw bar includes a plurality of pin receiving apertures extending laterally through a lower portion of the draw bar in vertical spaced alignment. The upper portion of the draw bar includes a recessed geometry or reduced profile relative to the lower portion of the draw bar.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: B & W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.Inventors: Travis M. McCall, Joseph W. Works, Michael D. Mueller
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Patent number: 11833868Abstract: A multi-directional trailer hitch system may include a mounting frame; a first slide assembly configured to slideably engage with the mounting frame, wherein the first slide assembly is configured to slide longitudinally in and out from the mounting frame; a second slide assembly configured to slideably engage with the first slide assembly, wherein the second slide assembly is configured to slide laterally in a side to side direction relative to the first slide assembly; a third slide assembly configured to slideably engage with the second slide assembly, wherein the third slide assembly is configured to slide vertically in an up and down direction relative to the second slide assembly; and one or more actuators configured to selectively effect slide movement of one or more of the first slide assembly, second slide assembly, and third slide assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Inventor: Marcus Brian Ward
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Patent number: 11679636Abstract: A vehicle hitch assembly is provided. The receiver tube is connectable with a bumper structure and defines a longitudinally-extending opening. The hitch assembly includes a drawbar assembly with an elongated body and a rod. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received within the opening in the receiver tube and defines a longitudinally-extending passageway. The rod is rotatably received within the longitudinally-extending passageway between a first position and a second position. The rod includes a detent feature that couples together the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the second position and detaches the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the first position.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.Inventors: David M. Lee, Kenneth R. Laskie, Randy Schott
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Patent number: 11623484Abstract: A weight distribution hitch system used with a hitch on a vehicle and a trailer, the system comprising a jack with a foot and a motor configured to raise and lower a front portion of the trailer; a moment bar with a forward end attached to the hitch so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis, and a rearward portion, the moment bar configured to exert a forward moment on the vehicle in response to an upward force on the rearward portion; an engagement member configured to increase the upward force on the rearward portion of the moment bar upon movement of the jack in one vertical direction and to decrease the upward force upon movement of the jack in an opposite vertical direction; a sensor configured to determine at least one of current and voltage across the motor, to thereby infer the upward force on the rearward portion; and a switch configured to turn the motor on or off depending on the inferred upward force is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Hall Labs LLCInventor: David R. Hall
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Patent number: 11602961Abstract: A selectable and height-adjustable hitch apparatus for towing comprising an elongated shank received by a vehicle attached to an upper bracket with pentagonal opposing vertical support arms with pinholes for angular adjustment of the elongate shaft to the upper bracket. An upper tube integral with the upper bracket in telescopic relation to at least one lower or middle tube and adjustable in length by aligned pinholes. A lower bracket integral with a lower tube receiving a ball mount, wherein the ball mount is angularly and height adjustable via the tow-hitch apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Inventor: Ronnie Harris
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Patent number: 11591196Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to an interchangeable hitch mechanism that is coupleable to a pusher device. Other implementations relate to a pusher device having such an interchangeable hitch mechanism that can be removably coupleable to a manual jack pallet.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dan Johnson
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Patent number: 11453260Abstract: A hitch assembly adapted for securement in a tube receiver connected to a towing vehicle below its bumper includes a hitch base with a recessed profile. The hitch base includes a shaft sized for reception in the tube receiver and a draw bar connected to the shaft. The shaft is connected at a first end to an upper portion of the draw bar. The draw bar includes a plurality of pin receiving apertures extending laterally through a lower portion of the draw bar in vertical spaced alignment. The upper portion of the draw bar includes a recessed geometry or reduced profile relative to the lower portion of the draw bar.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Works, Travis M. McCall, Michael D. Mueller
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Patent number: 11400775Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for use with utility vehicles that allows for adjustment of the height that a tongue of a trailer may be set. A telescoping sliding relation between a tubular post that is adapted to be joined to a towing vehicle and a shaft to which a hitch ball is joined and with a thorough pin for locking the two at selected extension lengths accommodates a variety of carts/trailers for use with differing models of utility vehicles. The invention further includes support straps of adjustable length that join the telescoping assembly to the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: BAC Industries, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Lusty, James D. Oberg
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Patent number: 11246407Abstract: A modular portable table usable as a temporary table or support structure includes a tabletop, one or more leg assemblies, and an anchor assembly for securing the table to a substrate, the one or more leg assemblies positioned between the tabletop and the anchor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Inventor: Fredericus (Fritz) Keith Schneider
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Patent number: 11130436Abstract: A vehicle hauling apparatus for hauling a second vehicle with a first vehicle includes: a hitch bar for attaching the apparatus to a hitch receiver; a first rail mounted and arranged vertically to the hitch bar; a second rail mounted and arranged to slide vertically along the first rail; a jacking mechanism connecting the first rail to the second rail so as to lift and lower the second rail; a first element of a pivot attached to the second rail; a wheel cradle in which a tire of the second vehicle may be seated; and a second element of the pivot attached to the wheel cradle; whereby the tire of the second vehicle may be rolled along a ground surface into the wheel cradle while the wheel cradle rests on the ground surface and then be raised into a position for hauling by the jacking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: DMA, Corp.Inventor: Maroun Youssef Ayoub
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Patent number: 11021026Abstract: A motorcycle trailer hitch leveling apparatus for leveling a motorcycle trailer hitch includes a pair of sides each having a lower section, an angled section, an upper section, an inner face, and an outer face. The inner face of the lower section of each side is a first distance apart equaling a second distance between the outer face of the upper section of each side. The first distance and the second distance substantially conform to a width of a trailer tongue. The lower section of each of the pair of sides is configured to selectively engage with the trailer tongue and the upper section of each of the pair of sides is configured to selectively engage with a standard ball coupler. A bridge piece is coupled between the upper section of each of the pair of sides.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Inventor: Randy Zeutenhorst
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Patent number: 10987985Abstract: A load levelling device for adjusting the pitch of a first towing vehicle relative to a ground surface when the first towed vehicle is coupled to a second towed vehicle includes: a towing pillar having a longitudinal axis; a towing tongue adapted for attachment to the first towing vehicle and mounted on the towing pillar for sliding engagement therewith; a clutch housing radially supported on the towing pillar beneath the towing tongue for sliding engagement with the towing pillar, the clutch housing including a blade recess in a lateral portion thereof, the blade recess extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the towing pillar; a tensioning blade having a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end adapted for being removably securable in the blade recess of the clutch housing and the trailing end being adapted for attachment to the second towed vehicle; and a user operational force application device for selectively applying a vertical force to the trailing edge of the tensioning blade.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Lovells Springs Pty LtdInventor: Simon Crane
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Patent number: 10857846Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly has a hitch bracket, a vertically-adjustable hitch-ball mounting block, one or more hitch balls, and assorted other hardware including a plurality of hitch pins. The hitch bracket has essentially an L-shape and has a drawbar portion having an inside sidewall, a post portion having an inside sidewall and a wedge-shaped, gusset-form enlargement having an inside sidewall which transitions into the inside sidewalls respectively of the post portion and drawbar portion, filling in the inside angle between the drawbar portion and post portion. Wherein the vertically-adjustable hitch-ball mounting block is vertically adjustable on the post portion of the hitch bracket.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventor: Donald W. Jacobs
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Patent number: 10794036Abstract: An excavator quick hitch comprises a quick hitch body, the body comprising: a first mounting position arrangement for attaching an excavator attachment in a first position; and a second mounting position arrangement for attaching the, or an alternate, excavator attachment in a second position, wherein in certain embodiments, the quick hitch (also sometimes called a ‘quick coupler’ in various countries) can facilitate mounting of more than one excavator attachment, at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Inventor: Ken Doyle
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Patent number: 10696111Abstract: An adjustable hitch is provided. The adjustable hitch includes a hitch body operatively coupled to a mount whereupon a hitch ball may be coupled. A coupling assembly may pivotably couple the mount to the hitch body, wherein the coupling assembly facilitates movement of the mount, and thereby the hitch ball, between a first position and a second position with respect to the hitch body. The adjustable hitch may be releasably coupled to a hitch receiver tube that is coupled to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Rhino Hitch, Inc.Inventor: Rodney Hatley
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Patent number: 10639950Abstract: A torsion trailer coupler is affixed to a trailer between the tongue and an adjustable coupler. The torsion trailer coupler has a trailer side that affixes to the trailer and a coupler side that affixes to the adjustable coupler. The trailer side has torsion tubes that carry torsion bars and the coupler side has torsion tubes that carry torsion bars. The torsion bars between the trailer and coupler side are connected with torsion arms. The torsion trailer coupler moves between an unloaded position where the torsion bars and arms are at rest and a loaded position where force is applied between the sides and the torsion bars rotate about their central axes. The torsion bars, arms and sides cooperate to absorb transient forces between a towing vehicle and the tongue of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: GEN-Y Creations, LLCInventor: Carl J. Borkholder
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Patent number: 10569605Abstract: A receiver-less hitch system has protrusion for hanging onto a vehicles brush guard and can pivot down to the vehicles winch. A hook is provided on the hitch system for connection to the end of the winch line and when retracted, tension on the winch line secures the hitch system to the vehicle. This quick and easy procedure provides a readily available front hitch system without the aid of a receiver or other mounting apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventors: Steve Norman Smeltzer, Norman Douglas Smeltzer
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Patent number: 10293647Abstract: An adjustable hitch is provided. The adjustable hitch includes a hitch body operatively coupled to a mount whereupon a hitch ball may be coupled. A coupling assembly may pivotably couple the mount to the hitch body, wherein the coupling assembly facilitates movement of the mount, and thereby the hitch ball, between a first position and a second position with respect to the hitch body. The adjustable hitch may be releasably coupled to a hitch receiver tube that is coupled to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Rhino Hitch, Inc.Inventor: Rodney Hatley
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Patent number: 10040326Abstract: Vehicle hitch adapter comprising a height adjustment post comprising a plurality of pairs of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures; a mounting box surmounting the post; a pitch lock system comprising a pitch box having spaced apart pitch plates defining a chamber therebetween for an inferior end of the post to pass therethrough with a pair of opposed spaced apart height adjustment apertures contained within the chamber and the pitch plates comprising a set of spaced apart vertically extending angled end obround shaped slots having a lower surface end defining an at rest position and an upper surface end angled to form a shoulder surface defining a potential energy state; and a pin extending through the obround shaped slots and the apertures contained within the chamber wherein the pin is supported on the shoulder surface in the potential energy state during loading and on the lower surface end during transport.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: RESCUE 42, INC.Inventor: Timothy E. O'Connell
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Patent number: 9522581Abstract: A drawbar for a towing vehicle includes a longitudinal support and an attachment which is removably fixed to the longitudinal support. The longitudinal support and the attachment form a towing-eye receiving area, and the longitudinal support and the attachment each have a receiving opening for a coupling pin. The attachment has at least one tilting protrusion which is arranged in a recess of the longitudinal support in a self-locking manner relative to a removal force in the direction of the central line of the coupling pin.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Inventors: Josef Scharmüller, Josef Scharmüller, Jr.
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Patent number: 9381782Abstract: A ball mount head has a pivotable connection to a shank portion of a weight distribution hitch. A tilt selector receives a bolt through a hole and is connected to one of the shank portion and the ball mount head with two pegs extending into two of at least three connection points on the ball mount head. An operator selects which two out of the connection points to use, which determines and sets the location of the tilt selector bolt hole relative to the ball mount head, which in turn determines and sets the angular position of the ball mount head relative to the shank portion when the bolt is tightened.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, LLCInventor: Kristopher William Schwennsen
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Patent number: 9352624Abstract: An adjustable height trailer hitch may include a shank portion configured and adapted to be installed into a hitch receiver. The hitch may further include a drop bar extending downwardly from the shank portion. The drop bar may further include a plurality of pin receiving holes formed in the drop bar. The hitch may further include a ball support member having a locking pin disposed in a locking-pin bore and an actuator pin disposed in an actuator bore. The hitch may further include a locking ring disposed in an annular groove of a cylindrical sidewall of the actuator bore. The locking ring may prevent backout of the actuator pin.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Progress Mfg. Inc.Inventor: Jason Robert Harper
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Patent number: 9010796Abstract: The Adjustable Pintle Mount Adapter Bracket is a device capable of attaching a pintle and a weight distribution shank at varying heights. The pintle and weight distribution shank are attached on opposite sides of the bracket. The unique adjustability of the design is accomplished through a series of holes and easily removable pins which thread through the holes in the bracket and the weight distribution shank. The invention comprises of a series of components which are combined through welding.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Diapa Info Inc.Inventors: James A. Eckhart, Victor H. Grande
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Patent number: 8979112Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Neal Weipert, Richard McCoy, Jacob Belinky
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Patent number: 8919800Abstract: An implement transporting trailer for supporting a harvesting implement may comprise a central portion with a longitudinal spine with an uppermost support surface and a plurality of lateral members extending laterally from the spine, each of the lateral members having an uppermost support surface. The trailer may include a rearward portion with a rear frame and at least one rear wheel rotating about a rear wheel axis. The trailer may include a forward portion with a neck assembly extending forwardly from the spine of the central portion and a tongue assembly mounted on the neck assembly and being swivelable with respect to the neck assembly. At least one of the support surfaces of the members of the central portion may be located at a vertical level above a ground surface that is lower than the rear wheel axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Kooima CompanyInventor: Kyle Van Der Brink
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Patent number: 8814198Abstract: Using the trailer hitch of the present invention eliminates the need for the driver to drive back and forth several times attempting to align the trailer hitch with the socket on the trailer. The trailer hitch includes a fixed tow bar receiver, and a pivoting tow bar, which automatically locks in an extended position with the tow bar receiver, as the vehicle drives away. With other hitches, the driver must drive forward to line the trailer with the hitch, and then back up the tow vehicle to lock the hitch to prevent it from swiveling.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Pat Wolfe
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Patent number: 8798842Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Teleswivel, LLCInventors: William David Woolf, Gregory S. Hopper
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Patent number: 8733781Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Jerry Sims
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Patent number: 8678422Abstract: An adjustable hitch device for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed implement or trailer is adapted for changing the coupling angle between the vehicle and the implement and also for changing the elevation angle of the implement. An elongated, rigid link is pivotally coupled at a first end to a hitch mechanism coupled to the vehicle and at a second, opposed end to a forward portion of the implement. An intermediate portion of the link is pivotally coupled to one end of a hydraulic cylinder, while a second, opposed end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a forward portion of the implement. Extension of the cylinder lowers the implement's forward portion and raises its aft portion, while retraction of the cylinder has an opposite effect. In this manner, the height of the implement may be increased for use in operation or may be lowered for transport or storage.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: KSi Conveyors, Inc.Inventors: Terry N. Kaeb, Steven R. Walder
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Patent number: 8672200Abstract: A tailgating system for attachment to a transport vehicle includes a cabinet configured to include at least one of a refrigerator, a grill, a draft system, and a dry storage cabinet. A movable hitch assembly includes a hitch coupling configured to be coupled to a hitch ball connectable to the transport vehicle. The movable hitch assembly is configured to move the hitch coupling up and down relative to the cabinet to raise and lower the cabinet when the movable hitch assembly is coupled to the transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Matthew J. O'Hare
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Patent number: 8651510Abstract: A trailer including: i) a draw bar; ii) a trailer frame supporting a trailer bed; iii) an arm including a first pivot mount; iv) an axle pivotally connected to the arm at the first pivot mount; v) an actuating mechanism actuatable to exert a force on the arm relative to the trailer frame. The axle includes at least one associated wheel and the wheel has a plane of rotation in which the wheel rotates when traveling in a forward direction, and the actuating mechanism is located substantially in the plane of rotation. The trailer bed may be raised or lowered by exerting a force on the arm relative to the trailer frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Innovare Motion Pty Ltd.Inventors: Jason Fankhauser, Colin McKay
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Publication number: 20140035258Abstract: A trailer adapted to be coupled to a tow vehicle and including a frame including a drawbar tube defining a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a drawbar support pivotally coupled to the drawbar tube and rotatable relative to the tube about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The drawbar support is biased toward a substantially horizontal orientation. A sliding member is receivable in the tube and is configured for movement along the longitudinal axis in response to movement of the tow vehicle. A latch member is connected to the sliding member. The latch member is configured to move in response to movement of the sliding member from first position wherein the drawbar support is retained in a substantially vertical orientation to a second position wherein the drawbar support is free to rotate toward the substantially horizontal orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Peter Edgeller, Craig Buxton
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Publication number: 20130341887Abstract: Using the trailer hitch of the present invention eliminates the need for the driver to drive back and forth several times attempting to align the trailer hitch with the socket on the trailer. The trailer hitch includes a fixed tow bar receiver, and a pivoting tow bar, which automatically locks in an extended position with the tow bar receiver, as the vehicle drives away. With other hitches, the driver must drive forward to line the trailer with the hitch, and then back up the tow vehicle to lock the hitch to prevent it from swiveling.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventor: Pat Wolfe
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Publication number: 20130277944Abstract: A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a hitch ball attachment member selectively securable to a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, and a support member attached to the hitch ball attachment member, the support member including first and second ends. The gooseneck coupler may also include a trailer attachment member configured to secure a portion of a towed vehicle thereto, the trailer attachment member positionable on the support member between the first and second ends of the support member, where the support member is free of a telescoping relation with the trailer attachment member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Frank Drake, Kevin Rabska
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Publication number: 20130234414Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed. Said trailer hitch comprises a first bracket assembly, a second bracket assembly, a coupler assembly, and a jack assembly. Said jack assembly is capable of mechanically adjusting first bracket assembly relative to second bracket assembly. Said coupler assembly is capable of releasably attaching to a hitch on a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventor: Jerry Sims
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Patent number: 8517401Abstract: A trailer movement assisting device includes a base that has a first end and a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. A pair of lateral supports is attached to the base adjacent to the first end. Each of the lateral supports has one of a pair of rear wheels attached thereto. Each of a pair of front wheels is attached to the base adjacent to the second end. A leverage bar is attached to the base adjacent to the first end. The leverage bar has an upper end and the leverage bar is angled away from the second end. A post is attached to the base adjacent to the second end. The post is angled toward the first end. A trailer engagement member extends upwardly from the post and is configured to engage a trailer to lift the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventors: Frank A. Horn, Marcia L. Horn
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Patent number: 8419039Abstract: A trailer tongue assembly includes a trailer tongue having trader tongue front and rear portions, the trailer tongue front portion being configured for releasable attachment to a trader hitch, and an attachment frame connected to the trailer tongue rear portion and configured for attachment to a trailer. The trailer tongue front portion is independently translatable and rotatable in a vertical plane relative to the attachment frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventors: Osni Magalhaes, Ronald Diniz, Ricardo M. L. Amaral, Todd Kidd, Robson Diniz
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Patent number: 8408577Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly including a mounting collar, a hitch base with a vertical post having a plurality of alternating square sections and circular sections, a hitch ball member having at least one hitch ball and a pivot shaft extending therefrom. The vertical post is slidably and rotatably received through the mounting collar; the pivot shaft is rotatably received in the mounting collar. The mounting collar, to which the hitch ball member is attached, may slide vertically along the vertical post and may rotate about the vertical post to adjust the height and angular position of the hitch ball member. The hitch ball member may have a plurality of variously sized hitch balls that a user may select by rotating the hitch ball member about the pivot shaft. A single rotatable latch pin received by the mounting collar engages and disengages the various components of the hitch assembly to allow adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: B & W Truck Beds, Inc.Inventor: Joseph W. Works
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Patent number: 8398109Abstract: A heavy duty wheeled trailer for use in towing the trailer behind a vehicle. The trailer includes an adjustable height tow connection point to adjust and connect to different types of tow vehicles while maintaining the front deck substantially parallel to the trailer main deck. The trailer further includes a modular support frame allowing the trailer to be easily scaled in length and performance capabilities through removal or addition of modular frame cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.Inventors: James M. Amrine, Jr., David Coates
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Publication number: 20130049329Abstract: A transport hitch apparatus which is attached to a standard semi-truck tractor via the truck's frame and fifth-wheel, and which is capable of lifting and towing agricultural implements using an array of different hitch connections. The transport hitch is customizable, and is capable of conforming to several semi-truck tractor frame types and implement hitch types. In the practice of an aspect of the present invention, an agricultural implement is attached to the transport apparatus via a two-point or drawbar hitch. The transport apparatus includes a self-contained electrically powered hydraulic lift system capable of lifting large agricultural implements for transport. The transport apparatus is mounted to a tandem axle semi-truck tractor fifth wheel and frame. The transport apparatus is designed to quickly attached to any standard semi-truck tractor. The hydraulic lift system allows implements of any shape or size to be raised or lowered to an ideal towing height.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Don Patrick Meenen, David C. Benson, Michael A. Brainard
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Patent number: 8366136Abstract: A horizontally and vertically adjustable Class IV certifiable trailer hitch assembly that has a 16 inch range of 12 vertical adjustments in the most common vertical increments. The main body of the trail hitch assembly, the trailer hitch minus the hitch ball components, has a two part connectable construction of a support member and a ball mount member, each of which can be rotated 180 degrees before connection. In any of these four configurations an optional coupling plate may be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventor: Daniel James Svihla
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Publication number: 20130020784Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
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Patent number: 8356831Abstract: The adjustable trailer hitch assembly of the present invention is designed for attachment to the head of most commercially available trailers. The adjustable trailer hitch assembly includes a first weldment member pivotally attachable to a head of a trailer, and a second weldment member operably connected to the first weldment member for lateral movement between extended and locked positions. Collapsible extension arms operably connect the first and second weldment members providing movement between the extended and locked positions. The collapsible extension arms are positionable between a first collapsed position with the first and second weldment members adjacent one another defining the locked position, and a second extended position with the first and second weldment members separated from one another defining the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Concurrent Technologies CorporationInventors: Michael John Pollock, John E. Gover, Jr., Brian S. Rose, Greg E. Holt