Abstract: An adjustable receiver hitch system including a slide member that may be installed on a receiver tube attached to a vehicle, extending therethrough. Near the distal end of the slide member is disposed a rotationally pivotable bearing assembly. Interchangeable connection ends may be attached to the bearing assembly and are used to connect to a towed trailer. One interchangeable end may feature a height adjustment capability, while others may have fixed vertical heights. The system allows a user to adjust the attachment portion of the hitch in multiple ways to connect to a towed trailer to allow for attachment without an exact alignment between the primary vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer hitch platform system is disclosed. In one embodiment, said vehicle trailer hitch platform system comprises a platform assembly. Said platform assembly comprises a platform, a undercarriage, a hitch connector, and one or more leg assemblies. Said platform is capable of receiving a load. Said undercarriage is capable of supporting said platform assembly. Said hitch connector capable of attaching to a trailer hitch of a vehicle. Said one or more leg assemblies are capable of supporting platform assembly. Said platform assembly comprises a first side, a second side, a front, a back, a top and a bottom. Said undercarriage comprises said hitch connector. Said leg assemblies selectively attach to platform assembly.

Abstract: A trailer hitch having an adjustable hitch bar for coupling with a tow vehicle and a front member coupled with the adjustable hitch bar. A rear member couples with a trailer frame and a yoke couples between the rear member and the trailer frame. Converging links connect between the front member and the rear member, whereby the angular position between the front member and the rear member can be varied. The converging links effectively move the pivot point between the tow vehicle and trailer forward of the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A system for engagement and disengagement of carts to form a train of multiple carts. Each cart has a spring-loaded hitch that is held in a storage position when the carts are disengaged. A lever coupled to the hitch is operated to position the hitch for insertion into a receiver pocket of the next cart. A leading edge of the hitch deflects a spring-loaded lockpin. An angled guide member positions the hitch vertically within the pocket so that the lockpin comes into alignment with an aperture in the hitch. When aligned, the lockpin snaps into place and engages the aperture to lock the carts together. The close tolerance of the hitch within the pocket prevents transverse articulation of adjacent carts. Structures within the hitch and the pocket allow slight rotation in a longitudinal articulation axis about the lockpin and torsional articulation of the hitch within the pocket.

Abstract: A gooseneck coupler for engaging a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is described. The coupler includes an outer tube having apertures that is moveable relative to an inner tube secured to a base plate. A locking plate is pivotally secured to the base plate, wherein the locking plate and base plate both include alignable locking pin apertures. A locking assembly includes a handle and a locking pin that is insertable into the locking pin apertures. A support bracket is secured to the inner tube. The support bracket includes a stop portion and a spacer portion that aligns the locking pin into the locking pin apertures. The coupler also includes set screws locatable through the apertures, wherein the set screws are tightened onto the inner tube to prevent movement of the outer tube. The set screws function as a visual indicator that the outer tube has been over extended.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tube is cut to form a tube-formed box with an opening on its top side. A hitch ball is pivotally mounting on the tube-formed box, so as to extend above the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the operative position and to reside within the tube-formed box when the hitch ball is in the inoperative, stowed position. The tube-formed hitch box is joined to and extends through an underbed plate, with the top surface of the tube-formed hitch box higher than the top surface of the underbed plate, so the bed of the truck can ride on the underbed plate up to and even with the tube-formed hitch box. In another aspect, the door of the hitch includes one or more recesses around the finger hole, such as a finger access recess on one top side and a finger grip recess on the opposite bottom side of the door.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, a hitch member assembly, and a fastener configured to removably secure the hitch member assembly to the height adjustment member at any of a plurality of selected elevations. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. As such, a hitch member at the distal end of the tow bar has horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities.

Abstract: A trailer having adjustable elevation is provided which includes a chassis 1 connected with a draw bar assembly 2 by a first linkage means, operating means 8 provided to raise or lower the chassis 1 relative to the draw bar assembly 2, second linkage means connecting pivotal wheel-mount assemblies 4 with the draw bar assembly 2 so that lowering and raising the chassis 1 provides a respective raising, and lowering of the wheel-mount assemblies 4 so that they can be retracted above the chassis 1, the first linkage means including a plurality of link arms 3 adapted to form a substantial parallelogram linkage, between the draw bar assembly 2 and the chassis 1, whereby the draw bar assembly 2 is permitted an arcuate range of motion relative to the chassis 1 while remaining substantially parallel therewith to enable the chassis to be engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A height adjustable hitch assembly. The present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly mountable to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly includes a vertically extending channel member having opposing side flanges. Each of the side flanges includes equally spaced holes. A locking member having two pins spaced from one another the same distance as the holes in the flanges secures a hitch assembly to the channel member at a desired height. The height can be quickly and easily adjusted by removing the locking member, moving the hitch assembly to the desired height and reinserting the locking member. The channel member and the dual locking pin minimize rocking, swaying and pivoting of the hitch assembly relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.

Abstract: A height adjustable, articulating tow hitch assembly for connecting a towing vehicle to a towable vehicle, comprising in one embodiment an upper housing, a lower housing connected to the upper housing, the lower housing further comprising a hollow port formed therethrough adapted to receive and securely retain an elongated, variable height tongue member, the hollow port further being adapted to allow the tongue member to articulate or laterally move over a predetermined angular range as predetermined. A stop mechanism (such as a bolt mechanism) is formed on the tongue member's near end, the stop mechanism adapted to prevent the tongue member from being removed from the lower housing's hollow port while allowing longitudinal extension and retraction of the tongue member within the lower housing, and further, allowing angular movement of the tongue member when the tongue is in an extended position away from the upper housing.

Abstract: An anti-sway device for conventional trailers, which essentially takes the place of the shank member of a conventional trailer hitch, is described. The shank assembly is comprised of an elongate square member coupled to a conventional hitch receiver of a tow vehicle. Attached to the rearward end of the square member is a pivot member with rearward diverging links connecting it to another somewhat wider pivot member to which a conventional ball mount is attached. The ball mount is further linked to the towed trailer such that the tongue of the trailer is fixed to the ball mount about a vertical axis. This arrangement results in the trailer pivoting about the resulting center of rotation of the converging links, which is substantially forward of the ball of the trailer hitch. Moving the pivot point forward, such as that found on a fifth wheel trailer, reduces sway and enhances the stability of the coupled trailer and tow vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: The adjustable height trailer is a fifth wheel-type trailer with a single rear axle supporting the rear of the trailer and a fifth wheel hitch supporting the front. The rear axle and hitch have adjustable height suspensions, allowing the trailer to be lowered or raised uniformly while remaining hitched to the towing vehicle. One embodiment is configured as a livestock trailer with a series of stall positions therein. The loading and exit doors are generally diagonally opposite one another. A series of adjustably positionable partitions is installed on overhead tracks, with a partition placed between each animal as they are boarded and positioned in the trailer. Animals depart the trailer through the opposite door, with the partitions being repositioned correspondingly. The trailer suspension allows the trailer to be lowered to the underlying surface to facilitate loading and unloading animals therefrom, or other commodities, depending upon the trailer configuration.

Abstract: A removable wagon may be attached to a hitch insert for transportation by a vehicle. After transport the wagon may be rolled by the user to a desired location. Devices for hitching the wagon to the vehicle are described.

Abstract: The present invention is a hitch assembly for coupling a powered cart mover to a cart, wherein the cart has one of three different types of hitching elements. The hitch assembly comprises a mount and a foot. The mount secures the assembly to the mover and includes a vertically adjustable portion biased in an upward position via a biasing element. The foot is pivotally coupled to the vertically adjustable portion and includes first, second and third attachment features. Each attachment feature is configured to receive one of the three different types of hitching elements.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a trailer dolly may include one or more of the following features: (a) a main body having a proximal and distal end, (b) an adjustable hitch operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (c) at least one wheel operably coupled to the distal end of the main body, (d) an operator's handle coupled to the main body at the proximal end, (e) at least one grip coupled to the operator's handle, (f) a V-shaped support coupled to a lower side of the main body, (g) a hitch receiving aperture coupled to the distal end of the main body, (h) a support beam operably coupled to the main body at one end and the hitch receiving aperture at an opposite end, and (i) an axle coupled to the main body at the distal end and operably coupled to the at least one wheel.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A simple mechanical height adjustment device adjusts the ground clearance of a trailer. The trailer, having the height adjustment device can selectably and reversibly increase its ground clearance. The trailer, having an adjustable ground clearance, can minimize its load height when operating on improved roads in order to meet local and state height regulation, but can increase its ground clearance on uneven roads.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle includes an elongated member disposed on a predetermined portion of a rear end of such towing vehicle and extending in a vertical direction during use of the apparatus. Apertures are formed through the elongated member in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The elongated member is secured in the vertical direction directly to such predetermined portion of such rear end. The hitch coupling of such towed vehicle is adjustably secured to the elongated member.

Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.

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 dual hitch ball assembly is described. The hitch ball assembly may couple a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch ball assembly may include a hitch bar, a base member and at least one hitch ball. The hitch bar may be removably secured to a hitch receiver on the towing vehicle. The base member may be located on an end of the hitch bar. A first hitch ball may be located on a side of the base member and may be capable of being coupled with the towed vehicle. A second hitch ball may be located on an opposite side of the base member and may be capable of being coupled with the towed vehicle. The hitch balls may have different diameters. The hitch bar may also include at least one webbed area. The hitch bar and the hitch balls may be a one-piece integrally formed component.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

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

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: Provided is a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, and a first support member portion coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extending outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm is telescopically adjustable relative to the support member and supports a first connector provided adjacent to a distal end thereof. The first gimbal connector is cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage with first trailer connector. A second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is also cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage with the second trailer connector.

Abstract: A multi-purpose trailer provides further utility by being easily configurable in a carrying orientation, a drive-on loading orientation, and a storage orientation. The storage orientation is capable of near vertical storage, thus taking up very limited amounts of floor space in a garage or storage area. The drive-on loading orientation provides a ramped portion which easily accommodates the loading of wheeled vehicles without the need for additional ramp components or members. Further, mechanisms are provided to easily adjust between the various orientations including hydraulically lifting from a loading orientation to a transport orientation. To provide additional utility, provisions are made on the trailer surface for the attachment of multiple modular accessories.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tail end region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A height adjustable hitch assembly. The present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly mountable to a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly includes a vertically extending channel member having opposing side flanges. Each of the side flanges includes equally spaced holes. A locking member having two pins spaced from one another the same distance as the holes in the flanges secures a hitch assembly to the channel member at a desired height. The height can be quickly and easily adjusted by removing the locking member, moving the hitch assembly to the desired height and reinserting the locking member. The channel member and the dual locking pin minimize rocking, swaying and pivoting of the hitch assembly relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is a trailer hitch that fits in a standard 2? receiver, which allows for the selection of three different sized balls or a tow hook in an almost instantaneous manner and consists of two main components. The first is a hitch insert that fits in the standard 2? receiver hitch and is secured in the conventional manner with a hitch pin. The insert protrudes from the receiver in a generally “L”-shaped manner. The second component is a square hitch plate with a support extending from the bottom, which is secured in the lower portion of the hitch insert. The support is drilled at regular intervals to allow hitch plate to be adjusted in height to match the height of the trailer. A series of three various sized tow balls is located in each of three corners of the hitch plate, with a tow hook located in the fourth.

Abstract: A trailer hitch draw bar includes a receiver tube with a square cross-section to fit into a receiver on a vehicle trailer hitch. A vertically-displaced collar is fixed to the receiver tube and includes a generally square, vertically-oriented aperture and at least one set of horizontal mounting holes. A vertically-adjustable elevation tube is positioned within the collar's aperture and includes a plurality of horizontal holes that index with the mounting holes in the collar. At least one mounting pin is inserted into the collar's mounting holes and the indexed holes in the elevation tube. A hitch ball pad is horizontally fixed to the top end or the bottom end of the elevation tube. A reversible hitch ball is attached to the hitch ball pad. The receiver tube, the elevation tube and the hitch ball are each separately invertible to accommodate any hitch elevation requirements while eliminating a dead zone.

Abstract: A scissor hitch assembly for use with a ground-level loading trailer which allows the ball hitch coupler to remain attached to the towing vehicle while the ground-level loading trailer is in its lowered or ground-level position. When in its travel position, the scissor hitch assembly is secured through a travel pin. When the ground-level loading trailer is to be lowered, a single individual can simply remove the travel pin from the scissor hitch assembly and allow a portion of the scissor hitch assembly to slowly lower through the assistance of gas springs.

Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for connecting a hitch coupling of a towed vehicle at adjustable heights to a hitch coupling of a towing vehicle includes an elongated member disposed on a predetermined portion of a rear end of such towing vehicle and extending in a vertical direction during use of the apparatus. Apertures are formed through the elongated member in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The elongated member is secured in the vertical direction directly to such predetermined portion of such rear end. The hitch coupling of such towed vehicle is adjustably secured to the elongated member.

Abstract: An improved jack assembly for use with a trailer tongue of a towed vehicle. The jack assembly including telescoping height adjustment of the assembly, a pivot assembly for pivoting between a vertical and horizontal stowed position, and a clip for maintaining a handle assembly in a stowed position when not in use. The jack assembly also includes the use of bushings for the telescoping tubes to enhance the sliding movement between the tubes and aid in maintaining the axial alignment of the tubes thereby extending the life of the jack assembly. The pivot assembly further includes an attachment bracket that may be rotated to accommodate at least two different sizes of trailer tongues.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes multiple hitch connectors for connecting the trailer to a towing vehicle in different ways. The trailer hitch includes multiple connectors at distal ends of the hitch body. The trailer hitch can be position such that either end is facing the towing vehicle. Mounting plates secure the trailer hitch to the trailer frame and may be adjustable vertically to raise or lower the height of the trailer hitch with respect to the trailer frame.

Abstract: A new and simple hitch assembly comprising a vertically adjustable bar (vertical bar) secured within a mounting sleeve which in turn is securely attached to a hitch bar. A vertical securing pin releasably engages the vertical bar and is maintained in place by a spring, the pin and spring comprising the vertical securing mechanism. The hitch assembly mates with standard hitch receivers such that the relative height of a hitch ball may be varied. The hitch assembly is easy to manufacture and is durable, strong, and stable during towing. Such a hitch assembly is of simple design and has few movable parts. Such a hitch assembly is also compact and has a large range of height adjustment as it is mountable in alternative vertical orientations. The vertical bar has a series of holes in which the vertical securing pin is engaged.

Abstract: A apparatus having a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of a trailer. The height adjustment mechanism is comprised of, among other elements, an outer tube, a crank assembly having a drive gear, an inner tube having an internally threaded acme nut, and an acme screw assembly. The acme screw assembly is linearly and cooperatively assembled such that the crank assembly causes the elongated acme screw to thread vertically through the internally threaded acme nut and the acme screw assembly to concurrently move vertically. The outer tube telescopically and slidably encases the inner tube, such that the outer tube can be vertically adjusted with respect to the inner tube when the crank assembly is operated. The trailer has a trailer hitch including a hitching end integrally secured to the outer tube outside surface, and is integrally attached to the trailer hitch at the trailer end. The trailer is adjusted vertically, concurrently when the crank assembly to the height adjustment mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.

Abstract: An adjustable pin box comprising a receiver tube, a hitch connector slideably engaged with the receiver tube, the hitch connector selectably positionable at a plurality of predetermined positions within the receiver tube, a fastener for securing the hitch connector at each predetermined position within the receiver tube, a beam connected to the receiver tube in a direction that extends substantially normal to the hitch connector, a receiver beam, the beam slideably engaged with the receiver beam, the beam selectably positionable at a plurality of predetermined positions within the receiver beam, a second fastener for securing the beam at each predetermined position within the receiver beam, and means for attaching the receiver beam to a frame.

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 trailer hitch draw bar includes a receiver tube with a square cross-section to fit into a receiver on a vehicle trailer hitch. A vertically-displaced collar is fixed to the receiver tube and includes a generally square, vertically-oriented aperture and at least one set of horizontal mounting holes. A vertically-adjustable elevation tube is positioned within the collar's aperture and includes a plurality of horizontal holes that index with the mounting holes in the collar. At least one mounting pin is inserted into the collar's mounting holes and the indexed holes in the elevation tube. A hitch ball pad is horizontally fixed to the top end or the bottom end of the elevation tube. A reversible hitch ball is attached to the hitch ball pad. The receiver tube, the elevation tube and the hitch ball are each separately invertible to accommodate any hitch elevation requirements while eliminating a dead zone.

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 quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment of the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball, and a hold-down bar is used to prevent accidental detachment of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The preferred embodiment also includes an alarm to inform the operator when the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball are in correct alignment.

Abstract: A tiltable trailer hitch for assisting in the loading and unloading of a trailer. The hitch includes a shank adapted to be received within a conventional trailer hitch and a ballmount pivotally mounted on the shank. An adjustment bracket is carried by the shank and is adapted to attach a ballmount. The adjustment bracket defines cooperating pairs of first openings and cooperating pairs of second openings. The second openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the first openings. The first openings are radially spaced apart about a first of the second openings. The ballmount defines first and second openings for cooperatively receiving the first and second ballmount locking pins. The trailer is tilted up or down by moving the first and second ballmount locking pins up and down within the cooperating pairs of first and second openings.

Abstract: A hitch and axle assembly including a support structure detachably securable to a vehicle and an axle assembly. A hitch is mountable on the support structure. The axle assembly includes a primary axle member defining a primary axis. Torsion beam assemblies are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the primary axle member. The torsion beam assemblies each include a torsion member that extends substantially coincident with the primary axis and a lever arm that extends substantially transversely from the torsion member. Wheel assemblies are mounted on a distal portion of the lever arms wherein the wheel assemblies each define an axis of rotation that is parallel and spaced from the primary axis. The two wheel axes are substantially coincident. The torsion bar assemblies may be rotationally adjustable relative to the primary axle to thereby provide for the vertical adjustment of the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A trailer ball raising and lowering apparatus includes vehicle attachment means, a first hitch-support unit connected to the vehicle attachment means, a raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit, continuously movable first-to-second connector means connected between the first hitch-support unit and the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit, unit-to-unit lock means for locking the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit to the first hitch-support unit, and a hitch member connected to the raisable and lowerable second hitch-support unit. An important feature of the present invention is that the interconnection between a trailer-mounted ball connector and a hitch ball unit on the motor vehicle is not disconnected during raising and lowering of the respective ends of the trailer.