Pivoting To Nonuse Position With Single Draft Member Patents (Class 280/491.3)
  • Patent number: 11787248
    Abstract: Modular double pin load sensing hitches including two-piece pin mounts are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a pin mount including a first piece, and a second piece, separate from and to be disposed opposite to the first piece. The apparatus further includes and a receiver tube including a first mounting ear to be coupled to the first piece via a first pin and a second mounting ear to be coupled to the second piece via a second pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Stanton Giaier, Andrew Niedert, Elliott Pearson, Anton Rogness, Johannes Gießibl, Chad Reed
  • Patent number: 11701929
    Abstract: To improve a trailer device for motor vehicles, comprising a holding unit for a crossmember mountable on a vehicle body on the rear-end side thereof and a ball neck receiving body having a ball neck receptacle, in which an insertion portion of a ball neck supporting a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, wherein the ball neck receiving body is arranged mounted on the holding unit so as to be pivotable at least between a working position, in which a ball neck is insertable by means of its insertion portion into the ball neck receptacle, and a rest position, it is proposed that the trailer device comprises a locking device which fixes the ball neck receiving body in the rest position in a locking state relative to the holding unit and has an unlocking state, in which the locking device allows the ball neck receiving body to pivot from the rest position in the direction towards the working position, and that an actuator is provided, by means of which the locking device is movable from the locking sta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: ACPS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Michael Fischer, Aleksej Kadnikov
  • Patent number: 11318802
    Abstract: A hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a cross-member structure disposed at a rear of the vehicle. The cross-member structure includes a bar extending from the first side frame to the second side frame, and a tube circumposed over the bar and having a central portion fixedly secured to the bar and a side portion rotatably coupled to the bar. The hitch assembly further includes a hitch structure adapted to move between a working position and a storage position. The hitch structure includes a base sleeve slidably circumposed over the tube and an arm extending from the base sleeve. In the working position, base sleeve is secured to the central portion and the arm extends outwardly of the rear end of the vehicle. In the storage position, the base sleeve is disposed circumposing the side portion and the arm is disposed underneath a chassis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: James Douglas McManus
  • Patent number: 11279186
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved trailer tongue hinge device that is far superior to prior art trailer tongue hinges. The inventive trailer tongue hinge device is comprised of two identical parts, i.e., units, which impart an equal load on either side of the hinge device as well as five shear points and wear locations that spreads out stress and wear on the hinge device, rather than two shear points and wear locations encountered in the prior art. Further, the improved trailer tongue hinge device is manufactured from mild steel that is capable of bending long before it might break, which makes the inventive hinge device about three times stronger than prior hinges, thus imparting a much longer lifetime and safety profile compared to prior art hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas Troy Kelosky
  • Patent number: 11179984
    Abstract: In order to improve a holding device which is mountable on a tail region of the bodywork of a motor vehicle, comprising a swivel bearing unit which is mountable fixed to the vehicle on the tail region of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger motor vehicle, by means of a support unit, on which swivel bearing a swivel element supporting an attachment element is mounted pivotable about a swivel axis extending transversely, in particular inclined, relative to a longitudinal central plane and is thereby pivotable from an operating position into a rest position and vice versa, such that a holding device is provided to which widely differing attachment elements are fixable, it is proposed that the swivel element is provided with an attachment element carrier having a plug-in receptacle, into which attachment element carrier an attachment element is pluggable with an end region and is fixable with positive engagement, and in that in the operating position, the plug-in receptacle extends with its central axis sub
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: ACPS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gentner, Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Stefan Naegele, Aleksej Kadnikov, Francois Capron
  • Patent number: 11040585
    Abstract: A trailer coupling comprises a cross member unit, which is mountable on a tail region of a body, and a bearing unit held by the cross member unit. A ball neck with a coupling ball is held on the cross member unit by the bearing unit. The cross member unit is connected in its two outer, mutually opposed end regions to mounting elements for fixation to the tail region. The cross member unit has an upper supporting structure and a lower supporting structure. The supporting structures are each connected at their mutually opposed outer end regions to the mounting elements and in a central region carry the bearing unit. One of the supporting structures is primarily torsionally rigid and at least partially surrounds a structure interior, and that the other of the supporting structures is primarily tensile stiff in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: ACPS Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Holz
  • Patent number: 11034198
    Abstract: In order for a trailer hitch, comprising a bearing unit mountable on a rear end portion of a vehicle body, in fixed relation to the vehicle, said bearing unit having a bearing base and a ball neck carrier supported for movement on the bearing base, and further comprising a ball neck which at a first end is fixedly connected to the ball neck carrier and at a second end carries a hitch ball and which is movable, by the movement of the ball neck carrier relative to the bearing base, between two final positions, one of which is an operating position and the other one of which is a rest position, to be improved such that the position of the ball neck can be detected as simply and unambiguously as possible, it is proposed that a sensor system be provided for detecting the position of the ball neck relative to the bearing base, which sensor system detects the positions of the ball neck relative to the bearing base mounted in fixed relation to the vehicle and generates position information representative of the respe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: ACPS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Aleksej Kadnikov, Wolfgang Gentner, Bernhard Rimmelspacher
  • Patent number: 11021199
    Abstract: A foldable transportation trailer able to be folded in two separate locations to enable the folded trailer to assume a vertical position behind the vehicle towing it, when not in use, thus providing a substantially minimal footprint to the trailer in its compacted state. In this manner, when compacted and folded, the trailer reduces from an elongated length of approximately 20 feet, to a length of 3 feet when compacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Wayne Linkletter
  • Patent number: 10780753
    Abstract: In order for a trailer hitch, comprising a pivot bearing unit mountable on a rear end portion of a vehicle body, in fixed relation to the vehicle, and a pivot element supported on the pivot bearing unit for pivotal movement about at least one pivot axis, said pivot element having fixedly connected thereto a ball neck carrying a hitch ball, said ball neck being pivotable, by pivoting the pivot element about the at least one pivot axis relative to the pivot bearing unit, between two final positions, one of which is an operating position and another one of which is a rest position, to be improved such that the location of the pivot element can be detected as simply and unambiguously as possible, it is proposed that a sensor system be provided for detecting at least one location of the pivot element relative to the pivot bearing unit with respect to the at least one pivot axis, which sensor system detects the locations of the pivot element relative to the pivot bearing unit mounted in fixed relation to the vehicl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ACPS Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Recker, Wolfgang Gentner
  • Patent number: 10155529
    Abstract: A trailer having a framework configured for selectively switching between a wheel-based towing mechanism and a ski-based towing mechanism and wherein the trailer framework is lightweight and configured for supporting an enclosed trailer that may be constructed of lightweight composite paneling. The trailer framework can also be used with a pivotable and removable tow-bar where the tow-bar is configured with a plurality of pivotable attachment points for pivotably securing to the framework. The tow-bar is also connectable to any tow-vehicle and can be removed from the tow-vehicle and the trailer framework when not in use, or can be pivoted upwardly about the trailer framework for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLI-CORE LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Chas Bjorkman, Jesse Richard Gamble
  • Patent number: 9944139
    Abstract: A latch arrangement for a tow bar is disclosed, the tow bar being attached to a vehicle via a hinge, and pivotable about an axis from a towing position to a stowed position, the latch mechanism comprises a primary latch for holding the tow bar in the stowed position and a secondary latch for holding the primary latch in the latched position. A tow bar arrangement for use with the latch arrangement and a mobile power unit to which the tow bar arrangement may be connected, are disclosed. Safety interlock arrangements for creating an interlock between the function of the latch arrangement and the function of the mobile power unit are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Leslie Tindall
  • Patent number: 9180800
    Abstract: An add-on seat assembly is provided for temporary attachment to the rear of a vehicle. Such seat assembly includes a hitch bar, one end of which has, intimately associated therewith, a structure and arrangement for releasable attachment to a trailer hitch which is intimately associated with the rear of a vehicle. The hitch bar includes a securement structure extending across the opposed other end thereof. The seat assembly includes a pair of arms that are demountably and rotatably attached to a respective one opposed end of the securement structure. The seat assembly also includes a pair of seat units, each including a seat bottom that is foldably secured to a seat back, the bottom of the seat bottom including a structure for demountably and rotatably attaching the seat unit to a respective one of the pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tailbreaker Corp
    Inventor: George Otta
  • Patent number: 9150068
    Abstract: A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle includes a base holder which can be or is securely mounted on the vehicle and further includes a coupling arm at the free end of which a coupling element is arranged for coupling a trailer and which protrudes towards the rear from the motor vehicle in a position of use, wherein the coupling arm can be releasably secured to the base holder or is mounted movably between the position of use and a position of non-use in which it is moved towards the motor vehicle. In the trailer coupling, it is provided that, for connection to the base holder, the coupling arm includes a holder part which can be secured to the base holder by means of a base holder fixing device and a coupling part on which the coupling element is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: WESTFALIA-AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Lambert Hendrik de Kock, Stuart James Terrell
  • Patent number: 8991851
    Abstract: A towing system for efficiently and safely pulling heavy vehicles. The towing system generally includes a first member adapted to be attached to a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, a cam unit mechanically connected to the first member and second member providing a centering force to the second member, and a third member pivotally attached to the second member wherein the third member is adapted to removably attach to a vehicle to be towed. The third member is adapted to be pivoted upwardly into a raised storage position or downwardly to a lowered position by a pivot actuator connected between the third member and the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Burnell R. Kringstad
  • Patent number: 8979112
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal Weipert, Richard McCoy, Jacob Belinky
  • Patent number: 8967653
    Abstract: For a trailer coupling, the fixing unit has a stationary first toothed segment which is fixedly connected to the pivot bearing base. A first toothed segment which in the working position is connected to the pivot element in a rotationally fixed manner and pivots together with same and is engageable by displacing the pivot element from the pivot position into the fixed position, and is disengageable by displacing the pivot element from the fixed position into the pivot position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gentner, Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Bert Wegner, Juergen Still, Joerg Riehle
  • Patent number: 8925955
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a an elongated hitch member having a distal free end and an opposite proximal end. The hitch member is configured to be movably secured within a hitch receiver of a vehicle, and movable between retracted and extended positions relative to the hitch receiver. A first locking mechanism is operably secured to the hitch receiver and releasably engages the hitch member to maintain the hitch member in a retracted position. A housing is attached to the hitch member distal end. The housing includes an opening formed through a portion thereof, and a shaft is movably secured within the housing and is axially rotatable within the housing. A second locking mechanism is operably secured to the housing that releasably engages the shaft to prevent rotation of the shaft. An elongated coupler arm extends through the housing opening and is secured to the shaft such that the coupler arm rotates with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: TeleSwivel, LLC
    Inventor: David Allen Dekarske
  • Publication number: 20140312595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawbar assembly for interconnecting a vehicle such as trailer, to another vehicle, such a motor vehicle. The drawbar assembly includes a drawbar beam that pivots upward and downwardly and has a coupling portion at an outer end that interconnects to a co-operating coupling portion. The drawbar beam also has a force exerting mechanism, such as a torsion spring that is operable to support the drawbar beam unassisted (i.e., without manual assistance) in the lowered operative position to facilitate the coupling portion being hitched. The present invention also relates to a vehicle having the drawbar assembly fitted thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: BEAK Holdings Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Terry Knowles, Paul Lavall
  • Publication number: 20140103618
    Abstract: A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle includes a base holder which can be or is securely mounted on the vehicle and further includes a coupling arm at the free end of which a coupling element is arranged for coupling a trailer and which protrudes towards the rear from the motor vehicle in a position of use, wherein the coupling arm can be releasably secured to the base holder or is mounted movably between the position of use and a position of non-use in which it is moved towards the motor vehicle. In the trailer coupling, it is provided that, for connection to the base holder, the coupling arm includes a holder part which can be secured to the base holder by means of a base holder fixing device and a coupling part on which the coupling element is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: WESTFALIA-Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Lambert Hendrik de Kock, Stuart James Terrell
  • Patent number: 8684412
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Karl M. Steins
  • Patent number: 8573629
    Abstract: A tow bar has first and second bar elements telescopically engaged to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. A latch housing mounted on the second bar element pivotally mounts a latch element. A locking sear having a sear locking surface and a sear back surface is pivotally mounted to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, a sear locking surface abuts a latch stop of the first bar element to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration. In the unlocking position, the sear locking surface disengages the latch stop, allowing the first and second bar elements to move to the collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jason Jay Kraai, Russell Mark Ensz
  • Patent number: 8573628
    Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventor: David McConnell
  • Patent number: 8573630
    Abstract: A tow bar has a first bar element, a second bar element, and a latch mechanism. The first bar element has a proximal end, a first elongate body, and a latch stop opposite the proximal end. The second bar element has a distal end, a second elongate body, and a latch end opposite the distal end. The first bar element is telescopically engaged within the second bar element to slide between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration. The latch mechanism is adapted to abut the latch stop to lock the first and second bar elements in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jason J. Kraai, Russell Mark Ensz
  • Patent number: 8567807
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking assembly and tow bar that allows for one handed locking and unlocking of the tow bar and can be easily manipulated with one person. The tow bar has a receiver joint connecting the ends of two tow bar arms, the receiver joint including upper and lower plates. The receiver joint is connected by a coupling link to a clevis hitch, which has a horizontally mounted pivot bolt mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The tow bar rotates at the receiver joint about the pivot pin from a horizontal, or deployed position, to a vertical, or stowed position. The clevis hitch is received by a tow bar receiver, which in turn is disposed in a hitch socket on the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Austin Su
  • Patent number: 8430419
    Abstract: A vehicle coupling device 10 for coupling a vehicle to another vehicle. The coupling device 10 comprises a mount 12 for mounting the coupling device 10 to the vehicle. The device 10 also comprises a first coupling 14 and a second coupling 16. Each of the first and second couplings 14, 16 is connected to a support 18 and movable relative to the mount 12 between an operative position and an inoperative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ian Garth
  • Patent number: 8424898
    Abstract: In order for a trailer hitch comprising a cross-member, which has its longitudinal direction extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and which can be connected to a body of a vehicle, a ball neck, which at a first end region is connected to the cross-member by means of a bearing unit and at a second end region carries a coupling ball, to be improved such that it has a lower weight, it is proposed that the cross-member is in the form of a hollow shaped body which varies in cross-sectional shape and has a central region and outer regions which adjoin the central region on both sides and extend as far as outer ends of the hollow shaped body, and that, starting from the outer ends, a cross-sectional shape of the outer regions has a cross-sectional area that increases progressively in the direction of the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Joerg Riehle, Hartmut Haustein
  • Patent number: 8286985
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a double hinged tow hitch. The tow hitch is attached to a tow vehicle and allows full traction to the ground and complete control of steering. The tow hitch comprises two hinges secured together by a pin positioned at an upper portion of the hinges and a pin positioned at a lower portion of the hinges. The pins secure the hinges together and allow the hinges to flex in two positions. Additionally, the tow hitch comprises springs positioned on either side of the hinges and rubber positioned between the hinges to act as a shock absorber. When pressure is applied to the tow hitch, the springs will collapse into either the upper or lower portions of the hinges, causing the hinges to flex in two positions and pressing against the rubber between the hinges, thus acting as a suspension system for the tow hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: David Frocklage
  • Patent number: 8215662
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pedigo Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal W. Koehler, Matthew John Carney
  • Patent number: 8167330
    Abstract: The invention provides space saving, locking and support features for most single pole trailer tongue, having: a support leg, which has the coupler hitch on the opposite end, pivots on the tongue into a vertical position where it acts as a support for the tongue. This leg is secured vertically, using aligned brackets on both sections, by a hitch pin or locking device, so that it can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. When in the horizontal position, the support leg is secured to the tongue by a hitch pin and may be connected to a towing vehicle. A flip-down leg, pivotally mounted on the tongue, which drops down when the securing hitch pin is removed part way, to provide temporary support for the tongue while the support leg is being moved to the vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 7976053
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 7967322
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Rowland, Thomas W. Hunsucker
  • Patent number: 7909350
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an adjustable trailer hitch which allows the ball to be adjustable laterally and longitudinally so that the tongue of the trailer can be can be more easily attached to the ball of the towing vehicle. A body portion is mounted on a slide-tube for insertion in a receiver-tube wherein the body portion has an interior pocket or space which allows the draw bar having the ball mounting thereon to move laterally inside the pocket along with a plurality of apertures so that the draw bar can be laterally adjusted using the apertures and a first locking pin. The slide-tube also has a longitudinal adjustment slot in it which allows it to slide longitudinally inside the receiver-tube wherein a second locking pin holds the slide-tube in the receiver-tube allowing the entire trailer hitch to be longitudinally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: William M. Landry
  • Patent number: 7837216
    Abstract: A tow bar apparatus has a hitch member, a pair of linkages, and a pair of tow bars. The hitch member has a receiver tube adapted to removably engage a towing vehicle, and a vertical pivot post having a vertical axis that is generally orthogonal to the surface when the hitch member is mounted on the towing vehicle. Each of the pair of linkages connects the hitch member to a proximal end of one of the pair of tow bars. Each linkage includes a vertical aperture that pivotally mounts the linkage on the vertical pivot post, and a horizontal pivot pin attached to one of the pair of tow bars. A towed vehicle attachment element of a distal end of each of the tow bars is adapted to be removably attached to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John C. Greaves, Jr., Jason J. Kraai
  • Patent number: 7819416
    Abstract: A trunnion, adapted to fit in a receiver, attached to a vehicle as a receiver-type hitch system, provides selective deployment and stowage of a hitch. An optional base secured to the trunnion may receive a pivot. A mount, secured by the pivot to the base, swings between a deployed and a stowed position. Alignments are one-dimensional, typically circumferentially positioning a locking pin aperture and a corresponding locking pin about a radius with respect to a pivot axis. A platform of the mount may contain an aperture for operating as a pin hitch aperture or for receiving a stud or bolt for securing a ball hitch or two hitches. In certain embodiments, multiple ball hitches may be attached at once to the platform. Selection of ball hitch sizes and positioning of the ball hitch altitude may also be accomplished by pivots built into the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Newell Ryan Moss
  • Patent number: 7793967
    Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: David McConnell
  • Publication number: 20100187794
    Abstract: A low profile highway sign trailer wherein the message board positioned lengthwise resting upon the trailer frame during transport. The rear end of the sign board is fastened to and raised vertically by a rack, utilizing gearing and portable power drill or the like. The trailer tongue pivots on the frame to a vertical position utilizing a curved rack, to add support to the forward end of the sign board and locked in that position. Two handles are provided for manually positioning the trailer at a desired display angle. A rear section may house a generator and/or battery packs and solar panels are located on the roof. The trailer can store equipment accessible from both sides and the rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
  • Patent number: 7753395
    Abstract: A trailer tongue assembly is provided which has a first section, a second section and a hinge pivotally connecting the first and section sections. The first section has a first end with a cross-sectional configuration and the second section has a second end with a cross-sectional configuration. The hinge has a fixed section, a rotatable section, and a pivot member. The fixed section has a first attachment flange with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the first end. The rotatable section has a second attachment flange with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the cross-sectional configuration of the second end. The pivot member rotatably connects the fixed and rotatable sections and the first attachment flange is fixably attached to the first end while the second attachment flange is fixably attached to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Bernhardt P. Goettker
  • Patent number: 7731219
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a trailer tongue pivot hinge are described herein. In an embodiment, a pivot assembly for a tongue of a towing trailer includes a trailer arm adapter, a coupler arm adapter, and a pivot member. The trailer arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupling hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the coupling hinge member is opposed to the pivot hinge member. The coupler arm adapter includes an engagement face positioned at an angle, along with a pivot hinge member and a coupler hinge member extending from the engagement face, where the second coupling hinge member is opposed to the second pivot hinge member. The pivot member is positioned to pivotally engage the trailer arm adapter to the couple arm adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kawa-She-Quoen Okerlund, Todd Walstrom, Frank Drake
  • Patent number: 7717453
    Abstract: A motorcycle trailer has a wheeled frame which may be hitched to and unhitched from a towing motorcycle. The frame has a towbar which is movable from a projected position in which it may be hitched to the motorcycle to a retracted position in which it underlies the frame. The frame or the towbar has a handle which may be grasped by a person to enable the frame and the container conjointly to be towed by a person in a manner similar to that of a wheeled suitcase. When unhitched from the motorcycle, the frame and container may be maintained in either an upright or horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Richard L. Myers
  • Patent number: 7699335
    Abstract: In order for a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a coupling ball, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit, in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device which can be driven by a drive, to be improved such that it can absorb, in constructional terms, the highest possible load moments, it is proposed that the rotation-blocking device has at least one rotation-blocking body, that the rotation-blocking body can be engaged with, and disengaged from, a holder by movement in a guide direction, that there is provided an actuating body which has a pressure-exerting surface and the movement of which allows the at least one rotation-blocking body to be moved and acted on, and that the drive is an actuating drive by means of which the actuating body can be moved between at least one rotation-blocking position and a freewheeling
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Riehle, Wolfgang Gentner, Juergen Still
  • Publication number: 20100090441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 7669876
    Abstract: A low profile trailer hitch includes a frame for attachment to a vehicle and a draw bar pivotally attached to the frame that includes upper and lower substantially similar curved plates, a stationary stop plate and a plurality of apertures for extending stop pins through both the upper and lower plates. The draw bar has a first towing position wherein the draw bar abuts against the stationary stop plate of the frame with a trailer coupling end of the draw bar extending outwardly away from a bumper of a vehicle upon which the hitch is mounted. The draw bar may be pivoted to a storage position with the coupling end disposed at a location substantially adjacent or within a periphery of the bumper and captured in the storage position by stop pins extending through the upper and lower plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Robert S. Kerpash, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7669877
    Abstract: A trailer coupler pivot assembly comprising a pivot mount member connected to a trailer frame member and a hinge bracket connected to a trailer tongue arm. The hinge bracket is pivotally connected to the pivot mount member so that the trailer tongue arm is pivotal relative to the trailer frame member between an open position and a closed position. However, either of the pivot mount member or the hinge bracket comprises a single, prefabricated component to make assembly more efficient and cost effective. With both the pivot mount member and the hinge bracket being single, prefabricate components, the trailer coupler pivot assembly can be more easily installed with fewer components and welds and by less skilled labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Roll, Todd R. Walstrom, Todd Trowbridge
  • Publication number: 20090322060
    Abstract: The invention provides space saving, locking and support features for most single pole trailer tongue, having: a support leg, which has the coupler hitch on the opposite end, pivots on the tongue into a vertical position where it acts as a support for the tongue. This leg is secured vertically, using aligned brackets on both sections, by a hitch pin or locking device, so that it can be locked in place as a deterrent to theft. When in the horizontal position, the support leg is secured to the tongue by a hitch pin and may be connected to a towing vehicle. A flip-down leg, pivotally mounted on the tongue, which drops down when the securing hitch pin is removed part way, to provide temporary support for the tongue while the support leg is being moved to the vertical position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Macdougall
  • Patent number: 7607678
    Abstract: A trailer hitching machine including a trailer hitch with a ratcheting pulley system, and support plates cooperating in mechanical linkage to provide a hitch ball with additional rearward extension and sideways sweep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Michael S Rebick, Ivan Lopes
  • Patent number: 7604249
    Abstract: In order to provide, as straightforwardly as possible, a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck which can be moved between an operating position and a rest position and has a pivot-bearing body disposed at a first end and a coupling ball disposed at a second end, also comprising a vehicle-mounted pivot-bearing unit in which the pivot-bearing body is accommodated such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis between the operating position and the rest position, and further comprising a rotation-blocking device having at least one rotation-blocking body, which can be moved in a guide direction with at least one component in the radial direction in relation to the pivot axis, it being possible for the rotation-blocking body to be engaged with, and disengaged from, a receiving space by movement in the guide direction, and having an actuating body which has a wedge surface running transversely to the guide direction, can be moved in an actuating direction and the movement of which in the actuating direction can
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gentner, Martin Dreher, Dieter Reisinger, Joerg Riehle, Bert Wegner
  • Patent number: 7600773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Stettler
  • Patent number: 7527282
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a trailer for towing light weight items such as Motorcycles, All Terrain Vehicles, Jet Skis, garden tractors, mowers, golf carts or other miscellaneous loads. The Transporter embodied in this invention takes advantage of a fixed attachment to the rear of a towing vehicle that has a hinged interface to the trailer which allows vertical motion between the trailer and the towing vehicle but eliminates the sideways motions or yaw. The Transporter also has one or more castor type wheels which allow the trailer to be backed as an extension of the towing vehicle without danger of jackknifing. The castor wheels are easily removed allowing the side of the Transporter to rest on the ground, creating a ramp to drive the vehicle to be transported onto the Transporter. The side of the Transporter can then be lifted with a typical jack and the castor wheel assembly or assemblies slipped into place and fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Larry D. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7510204
    Abstract: A towing device capable of coupling a rear part of a front vehicle and a front part of a rear vehicle includes a support shaft, a coupled portion, and a tow bar. The support shaft is configured to be positioned on the rear part of the front vehicle such that an axis of the support shaft extends vertically. The tow bar can be pivoted from an extended position in which the distal end can be coupled to the coupled portion to a storage position in which the tow bar can be accommodated in the space below the rear part of the front vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuuta Inoue, Masatoshi Takeshita
  • Publication number: 20090072518
    Abstract: A trailer coupler pivot assembly comprising a pivot mount member connected to a trailer frame member and a hinge bracket connected to a trailer tongue arm. The hinge bracket is pivotally connected to the pivot mount member so that the trailer tongue arm is pivotal relative to the trailer frame member between an open position and a closed position. However, either of the pivot mount member or the hinge bracket comprises a single, prefabricated component to make assembly more efficient and cost effective. With both the pivot mount member and the hinge bracket being single, prefabricate components, the trailer coupler pivot assembly can be more easily installed with fewer components and welds and by less skilled labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Roll, Todd R. Walstrom, Todd Trowbridge