Abstract: An omnibus in the form of an articulated vehicle with one traction vehicle and one or more trailer towed thereby characterized in that the traction vehicle is coupled with at least one trailer in a modular fashion by a detachable towbar which at its front end has a hitch or coupling pin, which is connected with a self-locking towing coupling provided at the rear of the respective vehicle and further connected via a fifth wheel with the front end of a trailer and which is connected via turnpins in bearing eyes at the end of the main girders of floor framework of the traction vehicle.

Abstract: The towed mower (22) is attached by a hitch (44) to the self propelled front mower (21). The front mower has its own forwardly positioned cutter unit (30). The towed mower has a centrally positioned frame segment (62) that does not include a cutting blade, and the two side frame segments (63) and (64) each include cutting blades that are supported in bat-wing fashion from the central frame segment. The swath cut in the grass by the front mower 21 is straddled by the swaths cut by the blades of the side frame segments (63) and (64) of the towed mower (22).

Abstract: A tracked vehicle of narrow aspect suitable for unmanned operation both in hazardous environments and on routes normally accessible only to pedestrians, comprises two identical vehicle units (1, 2) each having an independently drivable, full width track (3), the units being interconnected in tandem configuration by an articulation mechanism (9) permitting relative rotation about a yaw axis (Y). In one aspect the articulation mechanism is passive, being arranged with an offset yaw axis, thereby permitting steering by application of a velocity differential to the two tracks. In a second aspect the articulation mechanism is active being powered by an actuator (94) to provide articulation steering. The articulated units may also be secured in parallel configuration for conventional skid-steering operation.

Abstract: A jointed two bar for towing one vehicle by a second vehicle which incorporates joints in such a way as to allow folding and imprecise alignment during attachment, but a fail safe rigid structure for towing. A rotating cross bar joint on beams can be lifting out of the fixed towing position for storage or attachment but is prevented by structure from downward movement. Lateral movement of beams can also be accomplished from a pivot joint after beams are lifted out of a keyed slot. In towing position, slots and structure prevent folding movement from tensile, compression or lateral forces. When not in use, tow bar can be tipped up and folded on front of towed vehicle or removed and conveniently carried to a trunk of a vehicle.

Abstract: A convertible towing hitch which is used to tow a farm implement with a vehicle includes a U-shaped planar member. This planar member has a central connecting leg, a first extending leg, and a second extending leg. A two-way pivot alowing two degrees of rotational freedom is attached at a free end of the first extending leg and to the implement. The two-way pivot allows pivoting an axis perpendicular to the plane of the U-shaped ember and about an axis parallel to the first, extending leg. An attachment device is also provided for removabley attaching the U-shaped to a bar pulled by the vehicle. The attachment device is mounted for rotational movement about an axis parallel to the connecting leg at a free end of the second extending leg. Preferably, the attachment device is located in the open area of the U-shaped member and an extension is provded of the connected leg extendng away from the second extending leg.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed for providing coupling about three independent axes between a towing vehicle and a trailer. The hitch includes a first U-shaped yoke member having a base plate adapted for attachment to the towing vehicle and having a pair of spaced-apart arms receiving and supporting a first hinge pin extending along a horizontal, transverse axis. A second U-shaped yoke member having a pair of spaced-apart arms supports a second hinge pin about a vertical axis. The first and second U-shaped yoke members are intercoupled by first and second hollow cylindrical sections joined together in the form of a cross, the first hollow cylindrical section being supported upon the first hinge pin and the second cylindrical section being supported upon the second hinge pin to form a universal coupling.

Abstract: A trailer hitch structure for coupling a double caster-type wheel trailer to a tow vehicle having a conventional hitch bar fixed thereto and projecting rearwardly thereof. There is provided a rigid vehicle connector having a front portion fixedly connectable to the hitch bar. The front portion connects to a transversely extending rear portion which extends generally parallel to the vehicle bumper. This rear portion mounts adjustable bumper elements adjacent the opposite ends thereof, which bumper elements adjust for snug engagement with the vehicle bumper. A crossbar is positioned adjacent but slightly rearwardly from the rear portion and is coupled thereto through a swivel structure which defines a horizontal roll axis which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The crossbar mounts a pair of hitch balls adjacent the opposite ends thereof. The trailer has a tongue structure provided with a pair of sidewardly spaced couplers for releasable engagement with the hitch balls.

Abstract: This invention is an adjustable height hitching device adapted to connect a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The invention consists of a tow bar pivoted upon an attaching element which is coupled to the towed vehicle. The end height of the tow bar can be varied by a turnbuckle movably coupled between the tow bar and the attaching element. The height of the coupling portion of the tow bar can be adjusted to the height of the coupling on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A swivel connection adapted to be interposed between a motorcycle, or other small vehicle, and a trailer being towed thereby in order to isolate any variation of the vertical orientation of the motorcycle from the trailer. The swivel connection comprises a channel member secured to the usual hitch assembly normally provided for the motorcycle, and a box member secured to the channel member for receiving a spindle member therein. The spindle member is rigidly secured to the box member and extends axially outwardly therefor for rotational connection with a sleeve member secured to the usual tongue provided on the trailer. The rotation connection between the spindle member and sleeve member permits the vertical variations of the motorcycle to be absorbed, thus isolating the trailer therefrom.

Abstract: A trailer hitch attachment mounting between a towing vehicle and a trailer for simulating a "5th" wheel trailer hookup. The hitch mounts to the towing vehicle undercarriage rearwardly adjacent the rear axle and includes a drawbar that extends to the towing tongue of the trailer. The drawbar is pivoted at a front end about a primary axis directly behind the rear axle and at a rearward end, about a secondary axis at the connection to the trailer towing tongue. A lockout mechanism is provided for alternately locking the drawbar against pivotal motion about one or the other the pivot axes, so only pivotal motion will be allowed about only one axis at any given time. The pivot axes are alternated according to relative angular movement of the towing vehicle relative to the trailer.

Abstract: An articulated joint for an articulated vehicle. Upper and lower pivotal connections, each employing a ball and socket, allow pivoting of two vehicle sections about a vertical axis. The ball of the lower joint is attached to one section while the socket is attached to the other section of the vehicle. The socket and ball of the upper joint are attached to a support member free to move along a shaft in a transverse direction between two stops. The ball of the upper joint is free to move along a vertical shaft joined to the other section of the vehicle. The transverse shaft provides a bearing surface to transmit loads between the two vehicle sections. Seals along the support member prevent entrainment of dirt along the shaft and bearing. The stops are part of the structure attaching the transverse shaft to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle coupling comprises a linkage pivotably attachable to a first vehicle about a transverse horizontal axis, and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly has a vertically disposed pivot bearing for connecting the vehicle coupling to a coupling member attached to a second vehicle. The vertically disposed pivot bearing has a first part fixed to the vehicle coupling and a second part fixed to the coupling member. Said first part of the vertical bearing is mounted above the linkage by support means incorporating a horizontal pivot bearing whose axis is perpendicular to the transverse horizontal axis.

Abstract: A suspension for a front axle of a trailer comprising a trailer frame, an outer cylindrical member fixedly secured to the trailer frame, a bracket mounted on the front axle, a shaft mounted on the bracket and arranged at right angles to the front axle, a sleeve rotatably mounted on the shaft, an inner cylindrical member fixedly secured to the sleeve and adapted to slide within the outer cylindrical member, a first spring retainer pivotally mounted on the outer cylindrical member, a second spring retainer pivotally mounted on the sleeve, and a spring disposed between the first and second spring retainers.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a tractor to an agricultural implement, enabling relative angular movement of the two, about three mutually normal axes and characterized by great strength, rigidity and ease of fabrication without machining, from readily obtainable forms and shapes.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle having two frame sections interconnected for pivotal movement about a vertical axis as well as a longitudinal axis is disclosed herein. The joint between the two frame sections includes upper and lower spaced pivotal connections between the two frame sections which define a vertical pivot axis and one of the pivotal connections is movable along a plane extending transversely of the frame sections to accommodate pivotal movement of the frame sections about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Various motorcycle towing devices are presented wherein the connection between the towing vehicle and a motorcycle or a carrier therefor is of a fifth wheel type inclusive of king bolt and turning plate or bolster plate components that permit turning movements about the vertically oriented king bolt while movements about horizontal axes are limited and controlled by the positioning of the bolster plate and the horizontal pivot support provided thereby. Separate embodiments provide a rigid connection from the bolster plate pivot support to the frame of a motorcycle or to the front axle thereof while the rear wheel of the motorcycle remains in contact with the ground to provide trailed support therefor; or alternately, the bolster plate pivot support is used with a trailer component having separate support wheels and a pivot linked frame that receives, supports and carries the motorcycle.

Abstract: A train coupling system includes a turnbuckle shaft having opposite ends threaded into rod end bearings. Each of such bearings includes a ball secured in a clevis and each such clevis in turn, is pivotally mounted in a clevis on a corresponding train car such that there is automatic alignment when and as the train cars travel on the road bed.