Abstract: A boat trailer extender that comprises of a track bar that connects to a tow vehicle, a guide bar that mounts on the track bar, the guide bar is configured to receive a boat trailer, four horizonal and four vertical guide bar rollers that are used to stabilize the guide bar on the track bar, a winch that is used to move the guide bar, the winch uses a strap and a series of track guide rollers that form a strap loop, and a closed loop strap brake that is used to add tension to the strap as it is spooled onto a spool of the winch. The spool is a two-sided spool, a first side of the spool can release and retrieve the strap as the guide bar is moved on the track bar, and a second side of the spool can retrieve and release the strap as the guide bar is moved on the track bar.

Abstract: A trailer suitable for affixation to an all-terrain vehicle in at least two configurations, and methods for securing a trailer to an ATV. The trailer has a bed including a frame, longitudinal bars, and latitudinal bars, with a pair of wheels secured under the bed. The latitudinal bars are bent at their ends so that the ends extend beyond the sides of the bed and bend upward, with apertures positioned at each end of the latitudinal bars. A base plate is secured to and extends perpendicularly upward from the first end of the bed, with an aperture positioned thereon sized to receive a ball hitch when the trailer is affixed to the ATV in a first configuration. Affixed to the second end of the bed is a trailer coupler to receive the ball hitch for affixation to the ATV in a second configuration.

Abstract: A tow hook assembly includes a bracket and a tow loop carried on the bracket. The bracket includes a guide track. The tow loop is displaceable along the guide track between a retracted position and a deployed position. A method of deploying a tow loop is also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment of a trailer frame (9), which has a receiver section (4) made of a square metal tube on which the hitch (7) travels in and out as a result of the mechanical energy source activated at the push of a button located on the vehicle's dashboard, a button located in the trunk at the rear of the vehicle or by the remote access device. When extending the hitch is desired, the corresponding button is pressed activating the solenoid (5), subsequently activating the motor (1) and as a result the hitch extends for use. Immediately after the solenoid activates again, locking the hitch (7) to the receiver section of the trailer frame, thus transferring the load of the trailer from the motor and lead screw (3) to the trailer frame (9). When retracting is desired, the corresponding button is pressed activating the solenoid (5), subsequently activating the motor (1), as a result the hitch retracts for storage. After the hitch completes its travel, again the solenoid locks the hitch in place.

Abstract: System and method for connecting or disconnecting a trailer (102) to a vehicle (101) comprising a tow bar (201) mounted to the vehicle (101), a trailer hitch mounted on the trailer (102), at least one motor mounted in connection with the tow bar (201), a control of said at least one motor and is further characterized in that said tow bar (201) automatically can connect to the trailer hitch mounted on the trailer (102) when these are within a predetermined radius of one another.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting an implement to a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes two spaced apart rigid arms fixed rigidly to the front or rear of the vehicle, the mounting apparatus including a movement transfer mechanism, and a pair of extension members linked to the movement transfer mechanism, the extension members configured to move when the movement transfer mechanism is operated, and a mounting means configured to attach an implement, and a housing, characterized in that each extension member includes a bracket, wherein the bracket is configured to engage with at least one or more arms of the vehicle. A method of using the mounting apparatus is also claimed.

Abstract: A trailer converter dolly includes a frame bearing a fifth wheel supported by a suspension mechanism, an axle assembly, and a wheel assembly. A drawbar housing secured to the front of the frame moveably receives a drawbar which is configured to move toward and away from a leading truck or trailer, thus adjusting the distance between the towed trailer attached to the trailer converter dolly and a leading truck or trailer. A speed sensor determines the speed of the trailer converter dolly and provides one or more signals relating to the speed of the trailer converter dolly. An automatic adjusting mechanism associated with the moveable drawbar moves the drawbar in response to the one or more speed signals provided by the speed sensor.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use.

Abstract: A hitch receiver apparatus for a vehicle is provided in which a hitch receiver is disposed without being directly connected with a rear back beam, such that the hitch receiver is kept in the rear back beam when not being used, and the hitch receiver protrudes down under the rear back beam when using the function of a trailer.

Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.

Abstract: A tow bar includes towing and towed hitch members; a head member with a front connector for connecting to the towing hitch member; tow bar legs connected to the head member, each tow bar leg including an outer member and an inner member telescopingly displaceable in the outer member; rear connectors to connect the inner members to the towed hitch member; and locking members each having a first portion adhesively secured to the distal end of the outer member, a second portion fixedly secured to the inner member, and a third portion including a transversely-oriented latch cavity through each inner member, biased opposing latches mounted in the latch cavity wherein the locking member automatically locks the respective inner and outer members relative to each other.

Abstract: A collapsible hitched trailer comprised of a bed member having a center bed section, and two pivotable bed sections pivotally attached to opposite sides of the center bed section. A protracting wheel axle member attached to an underside of the center bed section. Two wheels, one attached to each opposite end of the wheel axle member, and a draw bar member attached to one of the two pivotable bed sections, wherein the hitched trailer can be folded into a smaller shape and stored in a smaller area.

Abstract: A convertible trailer assembly is provided that can be pushed or pulled. The trailer assembly can be converted between pushed or pulled operation or provided as a retrofit assembly for a stroller that allows its conversion between pushed or pulled operation. The Assembly includes a linkage assembly to provide a smoother towing experience for the user. The linkage uniquely takes up the constant jarring motion that is incompatible as between the user and the trailer and dissipates it in a toggle that consists of a lever extending upwardly from a tow point on the trailer. When accelerating or going uphill the toggle pulls forward, at equilibrium the toggle motion absorbs the incremental differences in acceleration/deceleration and at the rear limit of its range of motion, the toggle pushes a brake actuator to slow the trailer.

Abstract: A tow bar including a towing hitch member connected to a towing vehicle; a towed hitch member connected to a vehicle to be towed; a head member having a front connector connected to the towing hitch member, and an articulated portion; leg connectors pivotally connected to the articulated portion; tow bar legs having outer and inner members constructed of composite material; locking members with biased cam elements and stop elements; rear connectors for connecting the tow bar legs to the towed hitch member; storage latches for releasably securing the tow bar legs in a stored configuration; protective boots for exposed portions of the inner members; and epoxy for securing the outer members to the leg connectors and the locking members, and the inner members to the stop elements and the rear connectors.

Abstract: A towing hitch includes a base having a first pivot member, a telescoping arm assembly having a second pivot member, and pivot locking mechanism. The telescoping arm assembly and the base are pivotally connected by their respective pivot members. The pivot locking mechanism is in operative engagement with the first and second pivot members and operates in one of a locking state and an unlocked state. In the unlocked state the pivot locking mechanism allows omnidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member, and when in the locking state allows only unidirectional rotation of the first pivot member relative to the second pivot member. The unidirectional rotation is in a direction that causes alignment of the first longitudinal axis of the base with the second longitudinal axis of the telescoping arm assembly.

Abstract: Generally, a hitch having a retractably extendable member reciprocally driven by a rotatable member having a first end configured for coupling to a hitchable object.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for attachment to a bumper beam that is concealed with a bumper fascia. In one embodiment, the hitch assembly includes a body extending through the bumper fascia and has a receiver dimensioned to receive a drawbar. To secure the drawbar to the hitch assembly, at least one pin may be provided that can move between an engaged position that secures the drawbar to the hitch assembly and a disengaged position that allows the drawbar to be released from the hitch assembly. The hitch assembly may also include a handle extending from the bumper fascia and adapted to move the pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved all terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer hitch system, comprising a first and second pivotal joint connected by an elongated driveshaft for navigating uneven terrain and maneuvering through tight turns without joint binding or trailer tipping. The driveshaft comprises a length adjustable member having a first end connecting to a lead vehicle via a first pivotal joint that statically supports the joint and allows pitching of the driveshaft. The driveshaft second end attaches by way of a second pivotal and rotatable joint to a trailer attachment assembly. The trailer attachment assembly provides connection to the trailer and for receiving an elongated drive screw member that establishes a rotational joint. The second pivotal joint therefore provides yaw and roll capability for the trailer. The system provides a multiple joint connection separated by an elongated driveshaft between a vehicle and a trailer for reduced binding and off-road maneuvering.

Abstract: A hitch device for a trailer mount. The hitch device includes a mounting portion for being received within a receiver portion attached to a vehicle. The hitch device includes a tongue portion secured to the mounting portion. The tongue portion includes an upper face, a lower face and a through-hole for receiving a lower portion of a hitch ball. At least one of the upper and lower faces includes a pair of raised rails.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a tow bar having a leg with telescoping inner and outer members, the locking mechanism including a shuttle device secured to a proximal end of the inner member and having a peripheral groove spaced between a tapered forward end and a tapered rearward end thereof. The locking mechanism also including an aft latching device for locking the tow bar leg in a deployed configuration, and a fore latching device for locking the tow bar leg in a storage configuration. Each fore and aft latching device including a pair of latch elements pivotally and biasingly mounted in a pair of opposing slots of a housing, the slots being superimposed over corresponding openings through the outer member for cooperatively, simultaneously and lockingly interacting with the peripheral groove of the shuttle device.

Abstract: The receiver hitch assembly includes a receiver permanently attached to the towing vehicle and a drawbar removably attached to the receiver. The receiver and the receiver attachment end of the drawbar are oriented vertically, the receiver and its mounting structure being configured for concealment by the rear bumper or other structure of the towing vehicle when the drawbar is removed. The drawbar is configured to clear the rear bumper and/or other structure of the towing vehicle when installed to the receiver. The drawbar is also configured to position the hitch ball at approximately the same level as the center of the receiver when the drawbar is installed. The drawbar may include a longitudinally telescoping center section to allow the hitch ball to be spaced from the structure of the towing vehicle for clearance, load distribution, or other reasons.

Abstract: A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.

Abstract: A locking and release mechanism device for use with collapsible telescoping members, such as a tow bar that can be collapsed for ease of storage when not in use, and provide for attachment, locking and detachment regardless of load, e.g. to towed and towing vehicle devices regardless of vehicle static load relative to each other. Exemplary In embodiments of the invention include a locking mechanism using roller release members which are lever actuated, the roller release member according to the present invention cooperate with the telescopic members and related elements such that to release the locking mechanism members, a minimum lever force is required.

Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer is disclosed. Also disclosed is a trailer that is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. The horizontal intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge the intersection between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge and a female edge; the male edge can be inserted into the female edge to create an interlocking hinge-like structure to provide longitudinal stability along the special plane of the assembled deck. Furthermore, the deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools or additional equipment. In all cases, the deck segments, when disassembled, stackable into a condensed deck stack.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: A tow bar having telescoping tow bar legs connected to a head member which is structured to be releasably securable to a towing hitch member of a towing vehicle; aft leg connector mechanisms structured to releasably connect the tow bar legs to a towed vehicle; and a latching mechanism, including latching portions structured to releasably retain the tow bar legs in a stored configuration, and locking portions structured to releasable lock the tow bar legs in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Generally, a hitch having a retractably extendable member reciprocally driven by a rotatable member having a first end configured for coupling to a hitchable object.

Abstract: A tow bar having orthogonally-articulated towed-vehicle connectors includes a body element; a first connector element secured to and extending forwardly from the body element, the first connector element being structured to releasably connect the body element to a towing hitch arrangement of a towing vehicle; at least one tow bar leg having a fore end connected to the body element, and an aft end extending rearwardly from the body element; and a second connector element secured to and extending rearwardly from the aft end of the at least one tow bar leg, the second connector element being orthogonally-articulated and structured to releasably connect the aft end of the at least one tow bar leg to a towing hitch arrangement of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: An alignment guide and remotely operated latch mechanism for use in coupling a towing dolly of a two trailer rig, the towing dolly being connected to a first trailer of the two trailer rig and used to pull a second trailer of the two trailer rig behind the first trailer, the alignment guide facilitating coaxial alignment of the towing dolly with the first trailer by pulling the first trailer and towing dolly forward with a tractor, and the alignment guide further facilitating the coaxially aligned first trailer and towing dolly to be backed up together for hitching the towing dolly to the second trailer.

Abstract: An offset mouth of a trailer hitch receiver tube. An offset is provided in at least the receiver tube receptacle bottom wall beginning at an offset inception location spaced from the receiver tube receptacle mouth edge, whereby the offset provides an increased receptacle mouth opening size of the trailer hitch receiver tube from the offset inception location to the receiver tube receptacle mouth edge.

Abstract: A tow bar including a pintle hitch, telescoping tow bar legs pivotally connected to a head member, a lunette ring fixedly or pivotally connected to the head member, leg connector mechanisms releasably connecting the tow bar legs to a vehicle to be towed, and a latching mechanism including latching portions structured to releasably retain the tow bar legs in a stored configuration and locking portions with cammed release mechanisms wherein the locking portions are structured to releasable lock the tow bar legs in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the comer when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.

Abstract: A portable draft bar assembly including an end bracket configured to be mounted to a plurality of bucket attachment types of various machinery, and a main bar having a first end configured to be selectively coupled to the end bracket and a second end configured to receive and retain one of a plurality of hitch assembly types. An anchor bracket is configured to be selectively coupled to the main bar at one of a plurality of positions, and an end clamp is slideably coupled to the main bar between second end and the anchor bracket and includes an angled channel.

Abstract: A Telescoping and Articulated Trailer Hitch Assembly has a telescope extension tube (18) which slidably receives a trailer hitch extension (10). The trailer hitch extension (10) is rotatably affixed to a trailer hitch ball assembly (12) by a pivot pin (14). The pivot pin (14) has a diameter and is pivotally received by at least one outwardly extending upper pivot pin receiver having a pivot pin aperture (60) and by at least one outwardly extending lower counterbore receiver having a counterbore (64). The at least one upper pivot pin aperture (60) and the at least one lower counterbore (64) have an inside diameter greater than the pivot pin (14). The at least one lower counterbore (64) is penetrated, at the bottom, by an access aperture (66) which allows upward force to be applied to the pivot pin (14) for ease of removal and replacement of the trailer hitch ball assembly (12) with a different hitch style.

Abstract: A carrying trailer for use with bicycles includes a spine, a plurality of branch members and a wheel. The spine has a connecting portion at one end thereof which is adapted to couple to a bicycle. Each branch member has a ring and a supporting arm. The ring is rotatably mounted around the spine. One end of the supporting arm is fixed to an outer radial surface of the ring and the other end thereof extends away from an axis of the ring, with the supporting arm extending in a radial direction of the ring. The wheel pivotably couples to the other end of the spine. Consequently, positions of the branch members on the spine can be adjust to form a loading plane, or to stack the supporting arms of the branch members up at the same side of the spine for reducing storage space.

Abstract: An extendable trailer comprising wheels carrying a fixed frame, and a fixed support tube carrying a plurality of bearings that support an extendable support tube passing through said fixed support tube. A portion of a trailer hitch supported on the extendable support tube and a fixed pipe carried inside the extendable support tube protecting wires for trailer lights and accessories. The trailer has a first extended position where the tongue is extended and the length of the trailer is the greatest and a second position where the tongue is collapsed back into the trailer.

Abstract: Receivers are attached to motor vehicles to tow a variety of objects such as trailers. Due to the variety of makes and models of motor vehicles, several different sized receivers are required to fit most motor vehicles. The present receiver, however, provides adjustability in at least three directions. This adjustability means that one receiver can fit many different makes and models of vehicles.

Abstract: A hitch assembly comprises a first coupling element and a second coupling element suited to be latched to the first coupling element. A rod member has a first end connected to the first coupling element. An actuator has a movable output member that can move between a retracted and an 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 pedestrian trailer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the pedestrian trailer includes a towing belt, a hitch coupling provided on the towing belt and a wheeled trailer frame detachably coupled to the hitch coupling and having a trailer interior.

Abstract: A trailer having retractable wheels. A lock-out mechanism is provided that prevents the trailer from being connected to a vehicle when the wheels are in the retracted position. The lock-out mechanism may also be configured to prevent movement of the wheels to the retracted position when the trailer is connected to a vehicle.

Abstract: A power retractable trailer hitch for a vehicle can include a hitch assembly movably coupled to an external case or support member, and a power actuator engaging the hitch assembly. The power actuator can be operable to move the hitch assembly between a retracted position and an extended position. A controller can be operable to control activation of the power actuator. An interlock can be provided requiring a transmission of the vehicle to be in a parked position before the controller can be operable to move the hitch assembly between the retracted position and the extended position. A locking member can be operable by the controller to move between a locked position and a released position with respect to the hitch assembly. The locking member can be operable to be in a locked position, when the hitch assembly is in at least one of the extended position and the retracted position, and in a released position, when the hitch assembly is in transition between the extended position and the retracted position.

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could comprise an interlocking device for the adjusting the length of at least one telescopic tow bar leg of a tow bar. The telescopic tow bar leg could comprise an inner bar and outer bar, the inner bar being generally movably received by the outer bar. Movement of an outer bar mounted pawl into engagement with inner bar may lock the inner bar in relationship to the outer bar. A pawl release mechanism may be used to either act directly upon the pawl or to rotate a cam that contacts the pawl. Either action generally causes the at least two surfaces of the pawl to move out of contact with the inner bar's pawl engagement area, thus substantially allowing the inner bar to move relative to the outer bar. This could allow a user to adjust the length of the telescopic leg.

Abstract: A trailer and system for use with a vehicle that allows for storing the trailer in the vehicle during non-use. The foldable trailer and a receiving arrangement mountable to the vehicle, allows eased storage of the unused trailer and requires minimized storage space. The folding of the trailer also facilitates use of the trailer in various configurations for various needs.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A deactivation arrangement for a vehicle park assist system is provided. The deactivation arrangement includes a trailer hitch receiver affixed to the vehicle and arranged to receive a trailer hitch. A switch assembly is provided that is associated with the vehicle park assist system and includes a switch arranged to engage the trailer hitch when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver. The switch assembly is arranged to deactivate the vehicle park assist system when the trailer hitch is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver and engages the switch.

Abstract: A pedestrian trailer is disclosed. The pedestrian trailer includes a trailer frame for supporting a load and at least one wheel which renders the trailer frame portable. A load-stabilizing towing belt may be worn by a pedestrian and removably engage the trailer frame as he or she pulls or tows the pedestrian trailer.

Abstract: A retractable trailer having a telescoping tongue formed by an outer housing slidingly engaged over an inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is attached to a conventional hitch for engaging a towing vehicle and the outer housing is attached to the load bearing portion of the trailer. A threaded shaft is connected to a bearing in the rear of the outer housing and to a threaded receiver in the rear of the inner sleeve. The rear end of the shaft is interconnected to a two-way motor which operates off of the towing vehicles electrical system. Rotation of the shaft drives the outer housing axially with respect to the inner housing, thereby automatically telescoping the tongue to extend the length of the trailer.

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

Abstract: Several embodiments of hitch receiver attachment structures are provided, which are adapted for interconnection with a conventional vehicle hitch receiver. The hitch receiver attachment structures include mechanisms that reduce or eliminate undesirable play or movement between the hitch receiver attachment structure and the hitch receiver during use.