Abstract: Provided is an adjustable trailer hitch assembly and method of use that permits one person to controllably move the hitch within a plane of defined boundaries. Trailer hitch assembly includes one or more longitudinally extending assemblies for mounting under a vehicle, a cross-bracket assembly attached substantially perpendicularly with telescoping assemblies, a receiver portion slidable in said cross-bracket assembly, and a ballmount fixed with said receiver portion with a pin. Telescoping assemblies and cross-bracket assembly include control mechanisms, which may include motors and worm gear drives, to move the receiver portion longitudinally and latitudinally, respectively, thereby moving the ballmount and hitch ball within a predefined plane. An integral safety latch system is also provided.

Abstract: The specification discloses several embodiments of an interlocking device. The specification discloses a preferred embodiment of an interlocking device having an inner bar slideable within the confines of an outer bar. The outer bar has a first end and a second end. When the inner bar slides towards the second end of the outer bar, a plug, which is attached to the inner bar, is adapted to abut a plug barrier thereby preventing the inner bar from sliding towards the second end. The outer bar of the interlocking device further defines an interlocking member passage and an interlocking member stop. The interlocking device further has an interlocking member attached to the inner bar. When the inner bar slides towards the first end of the outer bar, at least a portion of the interlocking member moves transverse to the sliding axis of the inner bar and into the interlocking member passage.

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.

Abstract: A trailer pulling apparatus consisting of a quill having a bore and having an outer surface; a trailer mount fixedly attached to the outer surface of the quill; a tongue having forward and rearward ends, the tongue slidably extending through the bore of the quill; a hitch fixedly attached to the forward end of the tongue; and an automatically disengagable slide controlling spring latch connected operably to the quill and to the tongue, the spring latch automatically locking the tongue with respect to the quill upon successive rearward and forward motions of the tongue through the quill.

Abstract: A hitch illumination apparatus comprising a hitch body assembly, a hitch attachment assembly and a hitch illumination assembly. The hitch body assembly includes a base member and at least one arm member. The base member includes a first end and a second end. The at least one arm member includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is positioned proximate the first end of the base member. The at least one arm member is pivotable relative to the base member. The hitch attachment assembly includes a hitch attachment member and a hitch body attachment member. The hitch attachment member is capable of attachment to an existing hitch. The hitch body attachment member is capable of attachment proximate the second end of the base member. The hitch illumination assembly includes at least one lamp associated with the second end of the base member. The hitch illumination assembly includes at least one clamp that is associated with the second end of the at least one arm member.

Abstract: The improved power hitch of the present invention includes a first cylinder 10 has an extension 9 pivotably mounted at 54 on a transverse cylindrical pin 54 extending between vertical legs 50 and 51 to allow vertical movement, and on a vertical pin 56 to allow limited horizontal movement. Cylinder 10 receives a piston rod 13 extending outwardly therefrom which receives a universal hitch receiver 11. A second cylinder 60 is also mounted on transversely spaced vertical legs 50, 51 at 62. An electric motor 30 pumps fluid from reservoir 32 into cylinder at 64 to move cylinder 12 up and a 66 to move cylinder 12 down.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a generally tubular receiver configured for attachment to the vehicle, and having a central aperture formed by walls of the receiver. The receiver has a rearward end. A hitch member is slidably received within the central aperture and has an attachment portion configured for attachment to a trailer. The hitch member is movable between an extended position in which the attachment portion protrudes from the rearward end of the receiver for attachment to a trailer, and a retracted position in which the attachment portion is positioned inside the central aperture for storage.

Abstract: An offset tow arm apparatus for towing an implement supported by at least one wheel having a rotational axis perpendicular to the operating travel direction comprises a tow arm having an inner end and an outer end. A pivot arm has a rear end pivotally attached to an inner portion of the tow arm and a front end adapted for pivotal attachment to a towing vehicle hitch. A lock is operative to lock the pivot arm in a fixed position with respect to the tow arm. An outer castor wheel is pivotally attached to the apparatus to support the outer end of the lateral, and an inner castor wheel is pivotally attached to support the inner end of the tow arm. An implement hitch is attached to an outer portion of the tow arm between the outer and inner castor wheels and is adapted for attachment of an implement to be towed behind the tow arm. The apparatus is adapted to prevent lateral movement of the implement with respect to the tow arm.

Abstract: A boat trailer having an extendable and retractable tongue. While leaving the trailer connected to the vehicle, a towing pin is pulled and a safety latch is unlocked and the tongue extension is extended until the safety latch pin catches holes for the extended position and the towing pin is reinstalled in already aligned holes. To retract the extension while leaving the trailer connected to the vehicle, the towing pin is pulled out and the safety latch is unlocked and the tongue extension is retracted until the safety latch pin catches holes for the retracted position and the towing pin is reinstalled in already aligned holes.

Abstract: A ball hitch has a hitch tube which fits within a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle. The trailing end of the hitch tube is perpendicular cut. A hitch tongue has a contact face adjoined to the hitch tube and an exposed face opposite the contact face. A hitch tube receiving recess is defined in the contact face, with the hitch tube receiving recess receiving the perpendicular cut trailing end of the hitch tube therein. The exposed face of the hitch tongue is preferably disposed at an angle relative to the abutment surface of the hitch tube receiving recess which contacts the cut at the trailing end of the hitch tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an agricultural implement to a hitch receiving member of a vehicle including at least first, second and third tongue members where each tongue member forms a passageway and the members are arranged in a telescoping fashion where the second member is received within the first member passageway and the third member is received in the second member passageway, the apparatus also including at least first and second hydraulic cylinders for extending the second and third members from the first and second member passageways, respectively, wherein at least one of the cylinders is mounted externally of the members and the other cylinder may be mounted either internally or externally and including a single stage locking mechanism for locking stage members in each of the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment apparatus designed to be used with an existing trailer hitch that includes a hollow frame tube mounted transversely on the rear of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a first leg member that slides into an end opening on the transversely aligned frame tube attached to the frame on the towing vehicle. Attached to the distal end of the first leg member is a joint bracket with a ratchet mechanism disposed therein. Pivotally attached to the distal end of the joint bracket is a second leg member. The ratchet mechanism is coupled to the second leg member enabling the user to forcibly pivot the second leg member around the first leg member. Attached inside the rear surface of the first leg member is a cable assembly containing a cable wound onto a spool. Attached to the spool is a locking, tightening mechanism that allows the cable to be forcibly wound and unwound from the spool. Extending from the distal end of the second leg member is a telescopic extension arm.

Abstract: An adjustable link assembly is provided that includes a first and a second rod each threadably engaging a bore of a body portion. A locking mechanism is slidably disposed about generally the entire length of the body portion. Locking mechanism includes an engagement portion and a lever. The lever has an eye that engages a post on the first rod to deter relative motion between the body portion and the first and second rods.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an agricultural implement to a hitch receiving member of a vehicle including at least first, second and third tongue members where each tongue member forms a passageway and the members are arranged in a telescoping fashion where the second member is received within the first member passageway and the third member is received in the second member passageway, the apparatus also including at least first and second hydraulic cylinders for extending the second and third members from the first and second member passageways, respectively, wherein at least one of the cylinders is mounted externally of the members and the other cylinder may be mounted either internally or externally and including a single stage locking mechanism for locking stage members in each of the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A boat trailer extension devise containing outside tube, inside tube, collar, travel pin, motor, gears and controls.

Abstract: A wheeled transport vehicle includes a frame with two slidably interconnected frame members. A tongue projects from one of the members and is operable to move one of the frame members between extended and retracted positions. Wheel mounting members are pivotally connected to the frame. Mechanical linkage interconnecting the wheel mounting members and the tongue result in raising or lowering of the trailer frame. Stabilizers and locks are utilized to maintain trailer stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for linking first and second power ports on a variable length tongue assembly where the distance between the ports varies as a function of the degree to which the tongue assembly is extended, the apparatus including a receiver member that defines a receiver space for receiving the cable when the tongue assembly is in a retracted position, a flexible power cable that links the first and second ports together and that forms at least one curve proximate the first cable end and that is convex toward the receiving space, and a guide member that restricts bending of the cable between the curve and the second end such that, upon retracting the tongue assembly, the cable is forced into the receiving space and into a stowed position, at least one embodiment includes a sheath member that further restricts cable bending.

Abstract: A retractable hitch is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, such as in the bed of a pickup truck. The hitch includes a ball piece for releasable engagement with a coupling mechanism secured to a trailer as known in the art. The hitch has a frame secured to the vehicle, and the frame provides a substantially flat upper surface with a sleeve opening extending below the upper surface. The ball piece moves in the sleeve between an operative position, wherein it extends above the upper surface, and a retracted position wherein the ball piece is positioned below the upper surface. A raising/lowering control moves the ball piece within the sleeve. The raising/lowering control is mechanically coupled to the ball piece with a raising/lowering control linkage, which accesses the ball piece through a bottom and a vertically extending slot in the sleeve. The raising/lowering control linkage contacts a bottom bearing surface of the ball piece to raise the ball piece upward.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly (10) includes a frame member (12) and hitch receiver box (18), a pair of mounting brackets (30) and a pair of accessory ports (50) carried on the frame member inboard of the mounting brackets (30). The accessory ports (50) each project rearwardly from the frame member (12) a distance D and include a circular opening for receiving a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory. The receiver box (18) has a first longitudinal axis extending in a first plane A. The accessory ports (50) are parallel and have a second longitudinal axis extending in a second plane B where the planes A and B define an included angle of approximately 10-30%.

Abstract: At least one limited articulating female hitch mechanism and trailer for mounting to a conventional trailer hitch male connection member mounted on a towing vehicle. The hitch mechanisms are pivotal in only the vertical plane. The combination comprises a trailer having a horizontally disposed load supporting frame mounting of swivel (or 360 degree horizontally rotating) wheel assemblies about 360 degrees. This arrangement, coupled with the hitch mechanism, assures the trailer tracks the towing vehicle so that the sides of the towing vehicle and the sides of the trailer remain constantly parallel to each other Reduced trailer size and weight, reduced storage requirements, ease of backup maneuvering and avoidance of road hazards, vehicles, pedestrians and objects is thus facilitated by such arrangement.

Abstract: A telescoping coupling device for two strollers including a cylindrical member having an open first end, a closed second end and a hollow interior. The closed second end has a fixed arm extending outwardly therefrom. The fixed arm has a U-shaped bracket secured thereto. The bracket receives a frame of the first stroller therebetween. A telescoping arm is slidably received within the open first end of the cylindrical member. The telescoping arm has an inner segment, an outer segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. The inner segment is received within the open first end of the cylindrical member. The outer segment has an arm extending outwardly therefrom in a co-linear orientation. The arm has a U-shaped bracket secured thereto. The bracket receives a frame of the second stroller therebetween.

Abstract: A frame apparatus and system that provides the use of standard tractor-mounted agricultural and industrial work implements with a pickup truck or comparable flat-bed vehicle. Disclosed embodiments provide for the use of commercially available short-line front-end loaders and various effectors suitably adapted for use therewith. The system can be mounted and dismounted with implements attached, and connects to the host vehicle via a bed-mounted gooseneck hitch and frame- or bumper-mounted square hitch receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ground working. A first step involves providing an apparatus for ground working with telescopically extendible wheel supports which permit the height and angular orientation of the chassis to be adjusted to suit a contour of a ditch. A second step involves positioning the apparatus with at least one support wheel in the ditch and at least one support wheel on the road. A third step involves driving along the ditch broadcasting gravel from the ditch onto the road with the drum. Instead of hauling in replacement gravel from a remote site, gravel is reclaimed from the ditch and broadcast back onto the road.

Abstract: A self-centering trailer hitch includes first and second telescopic arms, each of the telescopic arms having first and second opposite ends. The first ends of the telescopic arms are pivotally mounted to a hitch hood coupler for coupling the first ends of the telescopic arms releasably to the hood of a trailer hitch. The second ends of the telescopic arms are adapted to be pivotally mounted to a rear end of a towing vehicle, mountable to the vehicle forward relative to a hitch ball mounted to the vehicle. The second ends of the telescopic arms when mounted to the rear end of the vehicle are disposed on laterally opposite sides of the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for motor vehicles has a bar, a ball provided on the bar, the bar being automatically adjustable between an idle position and an operating position, and an adjusting drive including an electric motor which automatically adjust the bar between the idle position and the operating position.

Abstract: A trailer is equipped with a surge braking system having a braking/dampening unit 70 that is integrated with a common reservoir 71 that supplies brake fluid to both the master brake cylinder 72 and the dampener cylinder 75, so that if the master cylinder is starved of brake fluid, the dampener also is starved of fluid and the jarring between the forward hitch and the rear housing in response to acceleration and deceleration of the towing vehicle will alert the operator of the towing vehicle to replenish the reservoir with brake fluid. Safety cable 111 connects at one end to the towing vehicle and actuates the master cylinder in response to tension being applied thereto, and latch 98 moves in behind the master cylinder and locks the master cylinder in it operative position so as to hold the brakes in their locked position.

Abstract: A coupling for coupling first and second members. The members define an opening for extended and circular counterparts. The counterparts turn on the members and each other while the members contact the counterparts to urge them together. The counterparts, one after another between the members, move and release the members.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling device for altering the angle of the tongue of the trailer hitch with respect to the vehicle. The trailer hitch coupling device includes a rod. The rod is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The rod has a front side, a back side and a pair of lateral sides. The rod is generally hollow and has a plurality of pairs of opposed holes therein. The holes extend through the lateral sides. The front side of the rod has an elongate slot therein. A bar is integrally coupled to and extends away from the back side of the rod. The rod has a free end having a bore extending therein such that the bar is substantially hollow. The bar has a peripheral side wall having a plurality of pairs of opposed apertures therein. The bore is adapted for receiving the tongue portion of a trailer hitch. A ball engaging member for engaging a ball hitch is movably positioned in the rod and extending outwardly through the slot.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cylindrical receiver perpendicularly mounted on a horizontal laterally extending tube attached to a vehicle. The receiver carries a slider movable between a first, retracted position substantially entirely disposed beneath the vehicle bumper and a second, extended position wherein the slider projects rearwardly of the vehicle bumper and carries a hitch ball for attachment to a towed object. A cam slot and cam follower are cooperatingly formed on the slider and the receiver, with the cam slot having angularly disposed ends for rotation of the slider between first and second angularly disposed position simultaneous with translation of the slider between first and second retracted and extended positions. A decorative cover overlays the exposed portions of the horizontal tube and the slider when the slider is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for allowing a user to simultaneously extend and pivot the distal end of the trailer hitch to position the hitch ball in a desired position. The inventive device includes a support frame attachable to a vehicle, a telescoping structure pivotally attached within the support frame, and a spring-loaded locking pin attached to the support frame for selectively engaging the telescoping structure for preventing extension and pivoting movement. The telescoping structure comprises a receiver member pivotally attached within the support frame, an extending member slidably positioned within the receiver member for supporting a conventional hitch ball, a lock aperture within the extending member for catchably receiving the locking pin, at least one guide slot within the receiver member, and at least one guide pin for sliding within the at least one guide slot.