Abstract: A system for installing and labeling lay flat irrigation pipe in flooded rice and furrow irrigated fields, and a trailer for laying a roll of pipe in an irrigated field. The trailer includes a flexible hitch assembly positioned at a first end of the trailer, wherein the hitch assembly couples the trailer to a vehicle. The trailer also includes a distribution assembly positioned at a second end of the trailer, wherein the distribution assembly includes a spindle and wherein the distribution assembly couples the roll of pipe to the trailer; and a gooseneck frame including a first end coupled to the hitch assembly and a second end coupled to the distribution assembly, with an upper member between the first end and the second end of the gooseneck, wherein the upper member of the gooseneck is elevated relative to the hitch assembly.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for use in connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The tow bar assembly includes a drawbar and a housing assembly capable of being configured with a supplemental braking system. A connector secures the housing to a tow hitch member, such that two separate, non-planar perpendicular axes of pivotal rotation are created. The tow hitch assembly includes at least one arm with an inner and outer portion, wherein the inner portion rotates about a central axis relative to the inner portion within the outer portion. A fourth pivotal axis is created by a connection of mounting brackets to the tow hitch member.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle hitch comprising two revolute joints connected by a hinge joint and means for attaching the hitch to both a vehicle and trailer. The hitch is elevated above the axels of both the vehicle and trailer and allows the trailer to rotate relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: An assembly for towing vehicles has a tow hook with an angularly adjustable hook member connected to a shank, the hook member used to secure a towing strap and the shank connected to a vehicular tow hitch. The shank includes two opposing side walls with co-axial openings and a connector wall connecting the opposing side walls and forming a channel therebetween for receiving a tow mount flange which has an opening co-axial with the side wall openings. In another embodiment, a tube bumper clamp has opposing clamping members with semi-cylindrical cutouts for receiving a tube bumper. One of the clamping members includes a radially extending flange with an axial opening connectible to a tow hook or a D-ring shackle and positioned such that the tow hook or D-ring openings are co-axial to the flange openings. The hook member pivots about a pin for angular adjustment.

Abstract: The double-pivoting trailer coupler system and/or triple-pivoting trailer coupler system are designed to replace a standard trailer coupler with a ball hitch. It is designed to slide into the existing bumper hitch mounted to the frame of the tow vehicle, eliminating the need for a ball hitch between the frame mounted receiver and the trailer. The coupler systems reduce the possibility of equipment failure, making a secure connection between the tow vehicle and trailer hitch. They increase safety and allow for a shorter turning radius when in-use minimizing wear on the trailer, prime mover and tires.

Abstract: A drawbar pin-retention assembly for use with a drawbar mechanism has a swinging drawbar, a support housing, and a device configured to prevent the swinging of the drawbar, the device having at least one drawbar pin. The pin-retention assembly includes a hanger bracket having a body portion and a pair of overhanging arms and a retaining bracket mounted on the hanger bracket with hinge tabs and pivotable about a pivot axis to move between a pin-retaining position and a pin-removal position. When the retaining bracket is pivoted to its pin-retaining position, a strap is positioned over the drawbar pin. Outward movement of the pin causes it to contact a forward portion of the strap forward of the pivot axis causing the retaining bracket to contact the hanger bracket thereby preventing pivoting of the retaining bracket in a first direction. The retaining bracket pivots by gravity to the pin-retention position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive train (1; 52) between a power take-off shaft (27) of a tractor unit (26) and the gearbox (34) of a trailer vehicle (33), the drawbar of which is coupled in a bottom hitching arrangement to the hitch (28) of the tractor unit (26), wherein the drive train (1; 52) extends above the drawbar beam. Depending on the rotational speed and length of the propeller shaft, a long propeller shaft may result problems in revolution that is agitated and vibratory. The novel drive exhibits smooth running properties and allows for easy handling.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch receiver system provides multiple attachment points to adequately secure accessories such a pop-up canopy to an automobile. The mounting system includes a T-bar that connects to the hitch receiver with two adjustable arms. The adjustable arms of the hitch receiver system can be equipped with different attachment arms that are configured to attach to various accessories. The two adjustable arms can be used to secure two different accessories or secure a single accessory at two attachment points. In particular, a canopy attachment arm is configured to attach to a pop-up type canopy to securely and adjustably support the canopy.

Abstract: A tow bar including a towing vehicle hitch; a towed vehicle hitch; a towing connector releasably connectable to the towing vehicle hitch; a swivel unit having a first portion fixedly secured to the towing connector, a second portion connected to the first portion to pivot about a transverse horizontal axis, a third portion connected to the second portion to pivot about a fore-to-aft horizontal axis; a pair of opposing tow bar legs connected to the third portion to pivot about a vertical axis; and rear leg connectors to releasably connect the aft ends of the tow bar legs to the towed vehicle hitch; wherein the first portion includes an upwardly-extending lobe enabling the tow bar legs to be pin-lessly stowed in a horizontal orientation at the rear of the towing vehicle; and a swivel device for such a tow bar.

Abstract: A grain cart includes front wheels steerable about respective upright and rearwardly inclined steering axes arranged in a trailing self-steering configuration and rear wheel assemblies which are fixed in a forward working direction. The front wheel assemblies are fixed to the main frame of the cart except for the pivotal movement about the steering axes. The rear wheel assemblies are supported on a rear axle support member coupled by a rear suspension to the main frame so as to be arranged for rocking movement about a forward longitudinal axis. The grain cart optionally incorporates a load scale integrally into the main frame, as well as a hitch arm actuator to transfer of some of the load from the grain cart wheels to the towing vehicle by actuating the hitch arm to pivot the hitch arm downward relative to the main frame.

Abstract: An anti-sway hitch having a ball mount housing which defines a channel and a trunnion pivotally positioned within the channel. The hitch also has a spring, a first engagement member, and a second engagement member with the spring mounted on the first member within the ball mount housing and the first member engaging the second member. The hitch further includes a post positioned within the ball mount housing and the engagement members positioned on the post wherein rotation of the trunnion causes corresponding rotation of the post and the first member. A method of towing a trailer with an anti-sway hitch is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural haymaking machine intended to be hitched to the lower arms of a tractor comprises a frame supported on the ground by wheels and at least one work device connected to the frame, the frame being in its front part in pivoting connection with a hitching device configured to be connected to the two lower arms, the center of gravity of the machine being situated between the wheels and the hitching device. According to the invention, the projection of the axis of the pivoting connection, on a plane which is substantially vertical and substantially parallel to the direction of advance, has an inclination towards the direction of advance following a direction of the ground upward.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for offsetting a lifting or lowering weight of a tow bar attached to a trailer. The apparatus includes nitrogen accumulators coupled in series to a hydraulic cylinder. The accumulators include volumes of hydraulic fluid and a gas, such as nitrogen, which are preset to have differing nitrogen pressures to accommodate a full range of motion. After initial system pressurization, no separate power source is needed to provide hydraulic support at static conditions, oscillation of the tow bar below horizontal, and lift support from horizontal to a positive angle, allowing the user to lift and position a heavy tow bar several feet with minor user force.

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 swivel drawbar hitch has a first cradle having a first pivot mechanism located ahead of a connection between a drawbar and the swivel drawbar hitch, the swivel drawbar hitch further including an elongated second cradle coupled to the first cradle and further having a second pivot mechanism, the first cradle pivotable about a horizontal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch, the elongated second cradle pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a agricultural implement swivel hitch to a drawing hitch on a towing vehicle that enables relative pitch and roll movement between the implement and vehicle at a single, pinned joint. Elongated openings in a first portion of the hitch adapter receive a transversely aligned connection pin. The openings are sized to allow limited pin angular movement about a vehicular roll axis. A second portion of the hitch adapter is also connected to the connection pin and configured to allow limited relative angular movement about a transverse pitch axis. The connection between the first and second portions at the connector pin allows relative angular movement therebetween about generally co-planar pitch and roll axes. The connector pin is formed from a softer material than the surrounding first and second portions thereby providing an inexpensive and easily replaceable weak link in the hitch adapter assembly.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower and sulky device. The self-propelled lawn mower comprises handle bars and an operator console that are positioned between the front end and rear end of the lawn mower. A securing bar and a placement bar are designed and situated an a angle to one another to appropriately position the handle bars and operator console. The sulky device comprises an operator platform, a pair of sulky arms, a pair of caster wheels, and a hitch bar. When the sulky device is mounted to the self-propelled lawn mower, a first hinge means is used for attaching the operator platform to the hitch bar, a second hinge means is used for attaching the hitch bar to the lawn mower, and a third hinge means is used for attaching the caster wheels to the sulky arms.

Abstract: Sulky apparatus for use behind a self-propelled machine including sulky operator riding apparatus for supporting an operator behind a self-propelled machine that the sulky apparatus is attached to, an upward extending control column adapted to be located near the operator controls for the self-propelled machine, a deployment boom attached to the sulky operator riding apparatus for deploying the sulky operator riding apparatus having a lower portion pivotally attached to the control column for deploying and for retracting the sulky operator riding apparatus to a stored position, and sulky apparatus control apparatus for controlling the operation of the sulky apparatus deployment boom. The control apparatus includes a gas filled cylinder and a chain.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for use in connecting a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle wherein the tow bar assembly includes at least a cylindrical knuckle connected to a draw bar that is receivable within a receiver of the towing vehicle and wherein a pair of spaced flanges of a first end of a U-joint coupler are connected to the knuckle so as to pivot about a first pivot axis defined by an elongated central axis of the draw bar and a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis and relative to a horizontal plane and where a pair of spaced flanges of a second end of the U-joint coupler are adapted to permit relative motion of the U-joint coupler about a third pivot axis with respect to a hitch mechanism that is adapted to be connected to the towed vehicle.

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.

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: The present application describes a gooseneck coupler assembly that may include a gooseneck trailer pivot, an extension arm, and a pivot retention mechanism having a ball socket. The ball socket may engage with a hitch ball located on a towing vehicle. The gooseneck trailer pivot may be mounted on a towed vehicle or trailer and be capable of pivoting about a vertical axis relative to the trailer. During engagement, the ball socket and the extension arm may provide tilt capability but thereby prevent any rotational movement relative to the hitch ball. However, the gooseneck coupler assembly may still be able to tilt fore-and-aft or side-to-side relative to the hitch ball. Therefore, the only pivotal movement relative to a vertical axis would be permitted at the gooseneck trailer pivot.

Abstract: A mower is suspended from a frame and includes a header with a cutter. A tongue is pivotally connected to the mower frame and is moveable with respect to the frame by a hydraulic cylinder. At the front of the tongue is a front gearbox rigidly attached to the tongue. The front gearbox transmits rotary power from the power take off of the tractor to a rear gearbox pivotally attached the header and from the rear gearbox rotary power is passed on ultimately to the rotary cutting units. Pivoting of the rear gearbox is controlled by a steering connection operatively attached between the front and rear gearboxes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a swivel drawbar hitch comprising a first cradle having a first pivot mechanism located ahead of a connection between a drawbar and the swivel drawbar hitch, the swivel drawbar hitch further comprising an elongated second cradle coupled to the first cradle and further having a second pivot mechanism, the first cradle pivotable about a horizontal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch, the elongated second cradle pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the swivel drawbar hitch.

Abstract: A hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) couples a trailer vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) includes a hitch assembly (132) having a pitch hinge part (134) that defines at least one pinhole towards its trailing end about a pitch hinge axis (138). The hitch-and-coupler assembly also includes a coupler assembly (140) having a pitch hinge counterpart (142) defining at least one pinhole (144) towards its leading end. The pitch hinge counterpart (142) is detachably connectible to the pitch hinge part (134) by positioning the pitch hinge counterpart (142) into a check position in which the pin holes (136, 144) are aligned for passing a pitch hinge pin (26) there through. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) also includes a guiding arrangement (146) having a guiding surface (148) extending away from the check position toward a leading end of the hitch assembly (132).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention comprise apparatus, assemblies and methods for towing a vehicle using a swivel head assembly. The swivel head assembly can permit a grid head of a towing system to roll as well as yaw with respect to a tow arm. Spring members are also provided that can help dampen roll motions.

Abstract: A universal attachment device for attaching lawn care equipment including but not limited to leaf catchers, plug-core aerators, utility carts, and fertilizer spreaders to the sulky of a commercial walk-behind mower, the attachment device features a mounting shaft; a vertical pivot mount disposed on the first end of the mounting shaft for engaging a mounting plate disposed on the sulky; and a vertically oriented mounting channel disposed on the second end of the mounting shaft, the mounting channel functions to a base attachment shaft disposed on the piece of lawn care equipment or the lawn care equipment directly.

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: A coupling system that uses a standard receiver box found on most new vehicles to attach a coupler with a universal joint allows full movement between the vehicle and the trailer, including vertical, lateral and rotational motion. The device also incorporated lubrication fittings so that it can be lubricated in the field. The rear of the universal joint has a spindle that extends rearward. The spindle fits through a sleeve that is used to attach the unit to the trailer. The spindle is rotatable secured in the sleeve with a nut and a pin, to provide the 360 degrees of rotation. A limiter plate can be installed to limit the rotation of the trailer in use. The sleeve has two flat side plates that are bolted to the trailer tongue. The unit provides a strong, compact functional hitch system.

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.

Abstract: A hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) couples a trailer vehicle to a towing vehicle. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) includes a hitch assembly (132) having a pitch hinge part (134) that defines at least one pinhole towards its trailing end about a pitch hinge axis (138). The hitch-and-coupler assembly also includes a coupler assembly (140) having a pitch hinge counterpart (142) defining at least one pinhole (144) towards its leading end. The pitch hinge counterpart (142) is detachably connectible to the pitch hinge part (134) by positioning the pitch hinge counterpart (142) into a check position in which the pin holes (136, 144) are aligned for passing a pitch hinge pin (26) there through. The hitch-and-coupler assembly (130) also includes a guiding arrangement (146) having a guiding surface (148) extending away from the check position toward a leading end of the hitch assembly (132).

Abstract: A device for detecting the support load with which a tongue of a trailer vehicle acts on a tractor vehicle. The device includes a first coupling element, a second coupling element that can be detachably connected to the first coupling element, and with a sensor arranged between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The sensor is designed to detect the vertical force component acting between the tongue or the tractor vehicle and the first coupling element. The first coupling element is pivotably connected to the tongue or the tractor vehicle such as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot shaft. The first coupling element is also connected to the second coupling element such as to be movable about an axis running parallel to the pivot shaft.

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.

Abstract: A mono-beam trailer and support assembly for transporting a motorcycle in an upright position without the use of straps or ropes. A single elongate main beam, upon which the motorcycle is carried, pivots vertically and laterally relative to the towing vehicle but cannot rotate axially. A “T” bar assembly pivotally carried by the main beam releasably communicates with replacement foot peg pins installed on the motorcycle foot peg fastening brackets releasably securing the motorcycle to the main beam and preventing undesirable movement thereof. A pivotal swing arm at a rearward end portion of the main beam has a wheel truck thereon for towable movement of the trailer. The swing arm may be pivoted vertically and laterally on to mutually perpendicular axles to a position adjacent the elongate main beam to ease the loading and unloading of the motorcycle.

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

Abstract: A tow hook hitch assembly attaches to one or both of the front tow hooks provided on a four wheel drive vehicle for mounting a tow ball, winch, or other accessory to the front end of the vehicle. The tow hook hitch includes an upper member extending above the tow hook, a lower member extending below the tow hook, a shaped insert secured to the upper member or lower member for extending within the tow hook, and a clamp bolt for securing the aforementioned components together.

Abstract: A ball hitch is disclosed for connecting a drawbar of an agricultural vehicle to a coupling pin of a trailer. The ball hitch comprises a ball element having a part-spherical outer surface and a cylindrical bore for receiving the coupling pin of the trailer. The socket element is constructed as a sleeve that is removably mountable in the drawbar and has a part-spherical inner surface within which the ball element is received to allow the coupling pin to swivel about mutually orthogonal axes relative to the drawbar.

Abstract: A hitch extension apparatus for attaching an implement with a pto driven drive shaft having front and rear universal joints to a tractor drawbar. The apparatus comprises a first member adapted for attachment to the tractor drawbar by insertion of a drawbar pin through the drawbar such that the first member is fixed with respect to the drawbar. An extension member is pivotally attached to the first member about a horizontal pitch axis oriented perpendicular to the travel direction, and about a horizontal roll axis oriented parallel to the operating travel direction. The extension member defines a pivotal attachment location rearward of the draw pin hole adapted for pivotal attachment of the implement about a vertical yaw axis located equidistant from the front and rear universal joints when the drive shaft is connected to the tractor power take off. The pitch axis can be located forward of the yaw axis, and forward of the draw pin hole in order to reduce bending forces on the drawbar.

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: One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter assembly for a towing vehicle having a drawbar hitch for connecting a towed implement having a pull-through swivel hitch assembly to the towing vehicle. The adapter assembly includes a drawbar extension member having a horizontal cross pin, a clamp assembly to secure the drawbar extension member to the drawbar, an adapter frame having a hook to engage the cross pin, and a trunnion pin to couple the adapter frame to the swivel hitch assembly.

Abstract: A tow bar apparatus has a pair of socket members adapted to be attached to a towed vehicle and a pair of ball rod end joints adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle. The pair of socket members each includes a girdle around a sidewall, the girdle being adapted to support the sidewall to prevent the sidewall from bending out of shape under the stress of towing; the girdle further including a first bolt aperture opposite the bar slot of the sidewall for pivotal attachment of the socket member to the towed vehicle. The ball rod end joint includes an external ring attached to the second end of one of the tow bars, and an internal ring pivotally mounted within the external ring. The internal ring is adapted to be mounted on a post of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary cutter includes a hitch comprising upper and lower arm sections which define a parallel linkage extending between the deck of the rotary cutter and a ball clevis forming a forward end of the hitch. The ball clevis includes identical upper and lower halves which include block-like rear portions that are clamped together so that a ball is releasably retained between ring-like front portions of the clevis. Leveling of the deck is accomplished by a pair of adjustable leveling mechanism respectively coupled between rear parts of the separate arm sections and the deck. Provision is made for mounting a jack stand to one side of the clevis and for storing the jack stand on the deck.

Abstract: The joint between two vehicles or vehicle parts, such as an articulated bus or a railcar for example, comprises at least two joint members (11, 12; 11a, 21a; 111a, 112a) that are held apart from a central longitudinal axis (50) of the vehicle (2, 3; 102, 103) and with at least one, preferably two joint arms (12a, 12, 22; 113, 114) that is/are carried so as to be capable of rotating about the two joint members.

Abstract: A three-axis hitch having a pair of yokes rotatably connected, each yoke connectable to a hitch member of a vehicle for joining the vehicles for towing, and wherein the vehicles' relative position can be varied in three axes.

Abstract: A safety sulky for a self-propelled mower. The safety sulky has a chamber adjacent a platform upon which a mowing operator stands. Two, spaced-apart pins that are biased downwardly by a spring can be made to rise above the chamber by two levers. The two, spaced-apart, spring-biased pins can project through the upper surface of the chamber by standing on the levers. The pins operatively engage with, and rise adjacent to, the elongated arm thus intersecting the swing path of the sulky about the connecting arm, limiting its arcuate movement.

Abstract: A sulky for use with a self propelled lawn mower includes a mounting bracket having a pair of opposed upstanding mounting ears, a pivot arm that is pivotably connected to the mounting bracket, and a standing platform that is connected to the pivot arm for supporting an operator when the lawn mower is operated. A variety of connecting structures are shown between the mounting bracket, the pivot arm, and the standing platform that accommodate movement of the standing platform relative to the lawn mower, such as would occur when the lawn mower is operated over laterally uneven terrain.

Abstract: A double-castered wheel trailer having a pair of lockable caster wheels. The lockable caster wheels are adapted to be locked for a trailing mode of operation and a backing mode of operation. The double-castered wheel trailer further includes a multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer coupler. The multi-planar adapting hitch-to-trailer includes a horizontal pivot member adapted to be secured to a pair of hitch balls and pivot in a horizontal plane about the towing vehicle. Further included is a vertical swivel member coupled to the horizontal pivot member and the trailer frame to independently rotate the trailer frame about said horizontal pivot member.