Abstract: A trailer coupling assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cross-beam extending in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle. The cross-beam is configured to connect to a trailer coupling. The assembly further includes a mount connected to a body of the motor vehicle and a connection assembly. The connection assembly includes a plate connecting the mount to the cross-beam. The plate is configured to absorb energy and deform in response to application of a threshold force. The design does not compromise trailer towing capability or package space and can be regarded as a hybrid approach between existing bumper beam and trailer tow designs.

Abstract: A coupling device between a first vehicle (A) and a second vehicle (B) includes a hinge coupling section associated with the first vehicle (A) and a drawbar section associated with the second vehicle (B). The drawbar section has an arc-shaped guide arranged horizontally in front of the second vehicle (B) to extend from the right side to the left side thereof, a slider sliding along the arc-shaped guide and a telescopic arm integral with one end of the slider and rotatably connected to the coupling section. A steering assistance mechanism provides for redundancy of the steering members (S) of the second vehicle (B). The coupling device allows the automatic guide system to control the vehicle position and trajectories without any substantial exchange of forces through the device and allows the safe stop of the convoy when there are anomalies in the operation of the automatic guide system.

Abstract: A gooseneck ball extender is designed to mate with a center socket and receivers mounted to a towing vehicle and provide a gooseneck bell that is offset from the center socket. The extender has a cylindrical shaft with captured balls that can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position through a spring-loaded locking shaft that moves between an unlocked and locked position. The locking shaft is biased towards the locked position where the captured balls are extended. The extender has an outrigger portion that has puck locks. The puck locks are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. As attached to the towing vehicle, the outrigger portion provides additional support to the gooseneck ball.

Abstract: A truck crane adapter can be used to selectively secure a variety of truck cranes to a gooseneck hitch of a pickup truck. The truck crane adapter can also be configured to prevent or minimize damage to the bed of a pickup truck even when the truck crane is used to lift heavy loads.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for a break-away tow hook. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tow hook configured to extend in a first direction from a surface of a vehicle and to receive a towing line. A mount is configured to displaceably secure the tow hook to the surface. The mount is configured to maintain a position of the tow hook relative to the surface in response to a pulling force being applied to the tow hook in a first direction away from the surface of the vehicle. The mount is further configured to enable the tow hook to move relative to the surface in response to the tow hook incurring a force in a second direction, wherein the second direction is at least partially toward the surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for a displaceable tow hook. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tow hook configured to extend from a surface of a vehicle in a first direction. The tow hook includes a receiving section configured to receive a towing line and a securing section configured to extend away from the receiving section. A positioning mount is configured to secure the tow hook to the surface of the vehicle and to release the tow hook in response to an impinging force on the tow hook in excess of a predetermined threshold. A load-bearing structure is configured to mechanically connect the securing section to a structural component of the vehicle. The tow hook and the load-bearing structure are configured to support a force having a component in the first direction that is at least equal to the towing weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A first crossmember is divided into a right crossmember and a left crossmember. A right fastened portion of a towing hook is inserted into the right crossmember, and a bolt is fastened by being passed through a bolt insertion hole of the right crossmember and a bolt insertion hole of the right fastened portion of the towing hook. A left fastened portion of the towing hook is inserted into the left crossmember, and a bolt is fastened by being passed through a bolt insertion hole of the left crossmember and a bolt insertion hole of the left fastened portion of the towing hook. Hereby, the attachment strength of the towing hook can be secured sufficiently, and even in a case where an input at the time of towing of a vehicle is excessive, the towing can be performed successfully.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame includes a frame rail elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis that defines a hole. The vehicle includes a trailer hitch mount supported by the frame rail. The vehicle includes a face plate supported by the trailer hitch mount that defines an opening extending through the face plate that is aligned with the hole of the frame rail. The trailer hitch mount extends through the opening and is completely surrounded by the face plate. The trailer hitch mount extends into the hole of the frame rail along the vehicle-longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A motor vehicle receiver hitch adapter with associated wheeled scissor lift cargo cart and mounted payloads. The hitch adapter comprises a variable pitch control system for mounting a cargo cart and attached payload in which the scissor lift mechanism within the cart is also capable of compressive force to power a dynamic pitch control system. The cargo cart also incorporates a restraint system to prevent carrying vehicle damage, and a vibration dampening system to protect carried payloads.

Abstract: An electric scooter hitch assembly is configured to be quickly attached to and removed from an electric scooter. The hitch assembly provides a mechanism for selectively securing a carry-on or other towable item to a variety of electric scooters. The hitch assembly is compact and easily transportable thereby making it an ideal solution for a rider to temporarily adapt an electric scooter, including rental electric scooters, to transport towable items such as trailers, luggage, carts, or other suitable items.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for mounting to a vehicle, the tow bar assembly including a main beam configured to support a hitch receiver, the main beam comprising a bracket engaging portion at or near each end, a pair of brackets configured to securely mount to the vehicle, each bracket including a beam engaging portion, and a pair of fastening means for securing respective brackets at or near respective ends of the main beam, wherein each bracket and its respective beam bar engaging portion is configured to cooperatively interengage with a respective bracket engaging portion so as to locate and orient the bracket with respect to the main beam.

Abstract: An attachment device is mounted to a utility terrain vehicle for supporting a working accessory to the utility terrain vehicle. The attachment device has a saddle formed therein straddling the trailer hitch receiver tube of the utility terrain vehicle, and a pair of adapter brackets mounted thereto on respective side of the saddle. The adapter brackets are configured for mounting to the rear suspension posts of the vehicle and to the pivot bolts of the upper and lower control arms of the rear suspension of the vehicle. The attachment device reinforces the connection of the hitch receiver tube to the chassis of the vehicle. Any torsion stress applied to the attachment device is transmitted directly to the suspension of the vehicle, whereby a rolling of the vehicle is a direct indication of the torsion applied to the vehicle by the accessory being used.

Abstract: A king pin adaptor is provided for allowing a king pin, intended to connect to a fifth wheel hitch, to be attachable to a ball hitch assembly. A hitch assembly is provided having a plurality of vertical and longitudinal positions for securing a ball member to allow for greater flexibility in attaching to various towed structures. The king pin adaptor and hitch assembly may be used alone or together as components of a towing system for towing a trailer with a king pin or ball mount.

Abstract: A towing assembly for a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a longitudinal member mount configured to attach to a longitudinal member of the motor vehicle, and a pulling element configured to transmit a tensile force to the longitudinal member and to translate relative to the longitudinal member in response to a compressive force. The pulling element includes a rod portion and a hook portion vertically offset from the rod portion.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching an external component to a chassis of a vehicle, such as components for performing snow clearance, road measurements, road surface marking assemblies, transport of vehicles or gear, including salvaging work and transport of heavy-duty vehicles is disclosed. The attachment system includes a connection element for interconnecting with the external component, a cross-bar fastening element for fastening a cross-bar to the attachment device, and a cross-bar support element arranged to support the cross-bar when fixated to the attachment device.

Abstract: A vehicle engagement structure for towing transport devices is disclosed, wherein a carrier is configured with respectively an engagement towage mechanism and a drive mechanism; more specifically, the engagement towage mechanism includes an external spiral transmission component and an internal spiral transmission component, the internal spiral transmission component is further mutually in spiral engagement with a spiral rod, and the top end of the spiral rod is sequentially installed with an up-and-down pedestal, a rotation seat, an engagement base and an engagement end applied to connect to a transport device; in addition, the drive mechanism is configured to control the up-and-down pedestal to vertically ascend or descend on the spiral rod, thereby facilitating the engagement end to adapt to the height of the transport device or topographic fluctuations and variations during movement.

Abstract: A tow hook has a front portion extending forwardly from a front side of a side frame rail of an automotive vehicle and a rear portion received in a channel of the frame rail. The tow hook is releasably mounted to the side frame rail so that it releases at low impact force. The rear portion of each tow hook has at least one open slotted mounting member having a slot therein that extends rearwardly from an open front end of the slot. Each open slotted mounting member of the rear portion of each tow hook is secured to a wall of the side frame rail to which it is mounted. A vehicle has the tow hook mounted to a left side frame rail and another such tow hook mounted to a right side frame rail.

Abstract: An anti-rattle hitch device is described. A rotating barrel pin is positioned proximate to the normal accessory port of receiving hitch housing. The pin cooperates with resilient bushings that are engineered to compress in overload situations, while urging the accessory drawbar flush against the upper, inner facing of the housing when the device is engaged under normal conditions. The resulting apparatus prevents unwanted rattling and play of the hitch and accessory without the need for loose or removable parts.

Abstract: A vehicle front-end assembly includes a vehicle frame, a first tow hook and a skid plate. The first tow hook has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The rearward portion of the first tow hook is attached a front-end portion of a first front side member of the vehicle frame by a mechanical fastener. The skid plate has a main section and a first attachment flange that extends from the main section. The first attachment flange is attached to the front-end portion of the first front side member by the mechanical fastener. The first attachment flange has a first alignment projecting surface. During installation of the skid plate to the first front side member, the first alignment projection contacts a surface of the rearward portion of the first tow hook moving the first tow hook into alignment with the first front side member.

Abstract: An assembly for attaching a trailer hitch to a vehicle includes a cross beam to which cast parts are attached using fasteners to eliminate welded joints and their associated expense and failure modes. The components mounted on the cross beam include attachment fittings positioned at the ends of the cross beam and a hitch receiver mounted between the cross beam ends. The hitch receiver has a girth through which the cross beam extends.

Abstract: A towing hook mounting structure includes a frame of a vehicle and a towing hook. The frame includes a first surface and a second surface having a planar direction different from that of the first surface. The towing hook includes a first hook portion and a second hook portion different from the first hook portion. The first hook portion of the towing hook is fixedly mounted to the first surface of the frame, and the second hook portion of the towing hook is fixedly mounted to the second surface of the frame.

Abstract: A towing hook mounting structure includes a frame of a vehicle and a towing hook. The frame includes a first surface and a second surface having a planar direction different from that of the first surface. The towing hook includes a first hook portion and a second hook portion different from the first hook portion. The first hook portion of the towing hook is fixedly mounted to the first surface of the frame, and the second hook portion of the towing hook is fixedly mounted to the second surface of the frame.

Abstract: A towing hitch receiver structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The towing hitch receiver structure includes a torsion tube; and a receiver structure mounted to the torsion tube at a center position between both ends. The receiver structure supports a receiver tube positioned below the torsion tube. The receiver structure includes a pair of side receiver plates, each plate having an opening that encircles the outer cross-section of the torsion tube and is secured to the torsion tube by a weld. The side plates are parallel to each other and to the receiver tube in the lengthwise direction. Because the receiver plates make up each side of the receiver structure, the torsion tube is allowed to bend freely. Provided the arrangement of side receiver plates, the hitch structure can be made using thinner, lighter weight parts.

Abstract: A truck bed trailer that includes a truck bed and a trailer frame is described. The trailer frame includes one or more wheels and may be designed to have approximately 60% of the truck bed floor in front of the wheel axles and 40% of the truck bed floor to the rear of the wheel axles.

Abstract: An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

Abstract: This invention discloses a simple system of components that can be retrofitted to all standard receiver type hitches. It implements the very common round collet wedging principle to the square receiver tube using wedge shaped components to fill the gap between the receiver tube and the draw bar. The wedging action can be applied thru various combinations of differing components shapes. This invention does not modify the existing receiver or ball mount. The system can be adjusted to accommodate for changes after initial installation and previous wear. The wedging action provides forces to center the draw bar inside the receiver tube as well as lock it in place, resisting up/down, left/right, fore/aft movements. There are two basic configurations based on the method of attachment to the existing receiver. The wedge positioning action is the same for both.

Abstract: A brake cooling system includes a brake cooling duct having an air intake and an outlet and an outlet vectoring unit to vary a direction of airflow from the outlet toward a brake assembly for a wheel as the wheel moves during operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: A universal hitch system includes a vehicle that has a frame and the frame has a front end. A hitch is removably coupled to the frame and the hitch is positioned on the front end. The hitch may have an implement removably coupled thereto. Thus, the vehicle may tow the implement. The hitch comprises a central member and a pair of end members. The central member has an adjustable width such that the central member accommodates a variety of frame widths. Each of the end members is removably coupled to the central member. Each of the end members is removably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: An underbed hitch mounting system is described. The mounting system may be utilized for towing vehicles wherein the mounting system may selectively accommodate either a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. The mounting system may include at least one rail capable of being connected to a vehicle frame, wherein the rail includes at least one socket. The socket may be engaged with a receiving member, wherein the receiving member may be engaged with a leg of a fifth wheel hitch. A mid rail may be connected to the rails and may include a hitch ball socket that is capable of engagement with a hitch.

Abstract: Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates.

Abstract: A vehicle frame is provided having a frame. The frame includes a main rail and a lateral rail. A bracket is operably coupled to the main rail. The vehicle frame assembly also includes a wedged shape deflecting member. The wedged shape deflecting member has a first end which is operably coupled to the bracket and a second end which is operable between a standard use position and a collision event position. The standard use position is where the second end is spaced a predetermined distance from the main rail. The collision event position is when the second end is in abutting contact with the main rail. During a collision event, the second end moves from the standard use position to the collision event position such that the deflecting member absorbs and deflects energy imparted on the frame.

Abstract: A multi-branch fitting includes at least three branches, molded from a composite material and, more precisely, from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic or thermoset matrix. The fitting is intended for assembling components which are at an angle to one another. There are at least three flat or substantially flat branches or flanges extending radially from a joining zone, and at least one face or part of a face constituting a bearing face for one or more of the components that are to be attached. The joining zone has a cross section, in the transverse direction, in the shape of a polygon with concave sides. The connection of each of the branches or flanges with another adjacent branch or flange is achieved through a portion in the shape of a curved blade which gives the joining zone one of its concave shapes.

Abstract: A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.

Abstract: A cross member towing hitch includes a cap adapted to engage outer surfaces of a pair of frame rails of a towing vehicle, where the cap includes a hitch plate. A brace is adapted to fit between the pair of frame rails and engages inner surfaces of the pair of frame rails. The brace has strengthening ribs and a central panel adapted to abut an inner surface of the hitch plate. The central panel of the brace and hitch plate having corresponding fastening holes that align so that a hitch mechanism may be secured to the hitch plate and brace.

Abstract: A towing apparatus that is operable to receive and store a tow rope and is further configured to protect the tow rope when not deployed for use. The towing apparatus further includes a shank that is configured to couple with a receiver of a conventional frame hitch. A base plate is secured to the shank wherein the base plate has hingedly coupled thereto a body having a plurality of walls forming an interior volume. A shackle is secured to the base plate on the opposing side from the shank and is configured to receive an end of a tow rope. A pair of fasteners are operable to maintain the body in a closed position so as to protect a tow rope secured to the base plate. A strap is further included being operable to retain a tow rope in a stored position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tow adapter for coupling a device to be towed to a towing vehicle. The tow adapter includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle, a loop suitable to support a tether to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed, the loop having first and second ends operably mounted to the bracket, a hook operably mounted to the bracket and positioned central of the loop such that at least part of a curved portion of the hook is disposed within the loop, the hook and the loop being pivotable relative to the bracket about a pivot operably attached to the bracket. The tether may be threaded through the loop and attached to the hook to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed.

Abstract: A ball mount holder assembly for mounting to a carrying device includes a body having opposed sides and a stake flange that extends substantially perpendicularly from one of the opposed sides that is adapted to be secured to a surface. A pin flange extends substantially perpendicularly from an opposite one of the opposed sides and in a direction opposite the stake flange and is adapted to receive and carry a ball mount.

Abstract: A rear hitch assembly (10) for an agricultural tractor is provided. The assembly comprises a drawbar carrier element (20) mounted to the underside of a chassis (13) by a first connection which permits fore and aft movement of the carrier element relative to the chassis. A second connection includes a load sensor (30) which senses horizontal load placed upon the carrier element. Implement connector elements such as drawbars (22) and connector plates (15) are attached to the carrier in a fixed positional relationship. The horizontal load is isolated from the vertical load and measured by the load sensor to provide load information which can be utilised by brake systems for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tow adapter for coupling a device to be towed to a towing vehicle. The tow adapter includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle, a loop suitable to support a tether to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed, the loop having a first end and a second end portion each mounted to the bracket about a pivot such that the loop pivots relative to the bracket, the bracket including stops extending outwardly there from which limit an extent of travel of the loop about the pivot when the loop makes contact with the stops, and a hook mounted to the bracket and at least a portion of the hook capable of being disposed centrally within the loop. The tether may be threaded through the loop and attached to the hook to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed.

Abstract: A receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter unit with a tug. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter may include a tow bar with a neck portion between a pair of spaced arm portions. The receiver device forms a travel path boundary for the neck portion and is configured to be complementary with and to engage the neck portion. A mounting portion is provided for mounting the receiver device on the tug in an operative configuration relative to a landing gear-receiving base thereon. At least one releasable locking member is positioned along the travel path to interrupt travel of the neck portion. The locking member is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. Further, in the second locked position, the locking member is configured to lock the mounting portion in the operative configuration.

Abstract: An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a follower partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly comprises first and second support members adapted to couple to frame members and support assembly that comprises first and second portions slidably engaging the first and second support members and adjustable along a length thereof, the first and second portions including an upwardly-opening recess, first and second mounting members coupled to the first and second portions and configured to pivotably support the fifth wheel hitch plate, and a center portion having a first and second end received within the recesses of the first and second portions, wherein the recesses of the first and second portions are configured to receive the ends of the center portion subsequent to the first mounting member being coupled to the first mounting portion and the second mounting member being coupled to the second mounting portion.

Abstract: An above-bed structure having two or more feet is attached into a bed of a truck using inserts which can be removed or retracted to provide a flat, unobstructed truck bed. Each insert includes an above-bed cleat portion and a below-bed peg portion which is received in a below-bed socket. Each insert is received first vertically without substantial rotation into its socket and then by rotation to a terminal point wherein the insert is vertically held by the socket. The above bed structure is then placed onto the inserts such that the feet mate with the inserts to prevent the inserts from rotating away from their terminal point, thus preventing the inserts from being removed from their sockets. The attachment can be completed by inserting mounting pins into aligned holes on the cleat portions and the feet. In one embodiment, the feet are supported on a bed place section of the insert which is offset from the rotational axis of the insert.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitching system adaptable to quick coupling with both ball and pintel hook trailer couplers without the need to remove the pintel hook trailer coupler. The system incorporates an improved trailer hitch ball capable of meeting or exceeding all the Class I-V trailer hitch ball load requirements and dimensional tolerances yet with enhanced protection against crack development at the ball/ball stem. The ball can be sized for different purposes without being removed from the tow vehicle. It also includes a removable trailer hitch alignment system that can align both pintel hooks and the various sizes of trailer tongues.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a universal pull cart attachment device and method to enhance golf play. In some cases, a universal pull cart attachment device having a displaceable member is coupled to a motorized golf cart to allow users to displace the member to interchangeably receive a handle of a conventional golf bag pull cart. A method of playing golf using such a universal pull cart attachment device is also provided.

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

Abstract: 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: An improved trailer hitching system adaptable to quick coupling with both ball and pintel hook trailer couplers without the need to remove the pintel hook trailer coupler. The system incorporates an improved trailer hitch ball capable of meeting or exceeding all the Class I-V trailer hitch ball load requirements and dimensional tolerances yet with enhanced protection against crack development at the ball/ball stem. The ball can be sized for different purposes without being removed from the tow vehicle. It also includes a removable trailer hitch alignment system that can align both pintel hooks and the various sizes of trailer tongues.

Abstract: An adapter which serves as an anchor point for coupling a trailer to a vehicle. The adapter adapted for mating in the socket of the vehicle. The adapter rotatable between a locked and an unlocked position. The adapter including a locking member which, when rotated, moves a ball partially through an aperture, partially extending into the socket thereby locking the adapter within the socket.

Abstract: Disclosed in this application is a tow adapter suitable for coupling a device to be towed to a towing vehicle. The adapter includes a bracket for attachment to a vehicle and a loop and hook for receiving a tether attached to the bracket, the hook attached to the bracket central of the loop. The tether is threaded through the loop and attached to the hook, thereby enabling the vehicle to tow the device.