Abstract: A convertible hitch apparatus may include a mount structure for mounting on a hitch receiver tube and an upper hitch structure mounted on the mount structure. The upper hitch structure may have a deployed condition and an inactive condition, with an upper ball mount being movable between a deployed position corresponding to the deployed condition and a storage position corresponding to the inactive condition. The hitch apparatus may also include a lower hitch structure mounted on the mount structure at a position below the upper hitch structure, and a ball hitch assembly removably mountable on at least one of the ball mounts.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for attachment to a bumper beam that is concealed with a bumper fascia. In one embodiment, the hitch assembly includes a body extending through the bumper fascia and has a receiver dimensioned to receive a drawbar. To secure the drawbar to the hitch assembly, at least one pin may be provided that can move between an engaged position that secures the drawbar to the hitch assembly and a disengaged position that allows the drawbar to be released from the hitch assembly. The hitch assembly may also include a handle extending from the bumper fascia and adapted to move the pin between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A cross-member assembly for use with a hitch for a vehicle, said cross-member assembly can include an elongate cross-member having a first distal end and a second distal end, and at least one notch disposed on at least one of the first distal end and the second distal end. The notch is configured to be matingly engaged with at least one protuberance disposed on a mounting member when one of the first and the second distal ends of the cross-member is received by the mounting member. The mounting member can have an aperture configured to receive one of the first and second distal ends, and the protuberance can be formed on the aperture. The assembly can also have a slotted cross-member.

Abstract: A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping so that it can be shortened before raising the trailer to the space saving position. The ball mount pivot device on the ATV trailer tongue includes two plates, one attached to each side of the mount. The plates include holes for the attachment of the trailer's tongue in a vertical attitude for space saving transport. Two pins hold the tongue vertically in the plates. Removal of the pins allows the trailer to be rotated downward from a vertical position to a horizontal position for towing behind a vehicle such as an ATV. The tongue includes a ball receiving member mounted on the distal end of the tongue for engagement with a ball extending from the ball mount.

Abstract: A towing hitch assembly for use with a vehicle and method is provided and includes a towing hitch frame structure, the towing hitch frame structure having a front surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The front surface can be configured to face away from the vehicle. A towing hitch can be located adjacent the towing hitch frame structure, and a mounting assembly can be configured to mount the towing hitch frame structure to a vehicle frame. The mounting assembly can include a first bracket configured to be adjacent the vehicle frame, and a second bracket capable of receiving the first bracket, the second bracket extending along the bottom surface and the front surface of the towing hitch frame structure. The towing hitch assembly according to the disclosed subject matter provides for, among other features, improved styling, safety, loading and bumper attachment.

Abstract: An anti-sway trailer hitch connection is provided for use between a towing vehicle and a trailer and includes structure whereby slight left and right lateral movement of the forward end of the towing vehicle will not be translated into right and left lateral movement, respectively, of the forward end of the trailer, and thereby eliminates the tendency of a trailer to sway back and forth while a towing vehicle changes lanes on a highway or is acted on by cross-wind gusts from the passing of a large vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-sway trailer hitch connection is provided for use between a towing vehicle and a trailer and includes structure whereby slight left and right lateral movement of the forward end of the towing vehicle will not be translated into right and left lateral movement, respectively, of the forward end of the trailer, and thereby eliminates the tendency of a trailer to sway back and forth while a towing vehicle changes lanes on a highway or is acted on by cross-wind gusts from the passing of a large vehicle.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable hitch having a locking latch. The hitch is quickly adjustable along a vertical hitch bar using pins to secure the hitch. The upper portion of the first end of the body is offset from the center of the mounting base for the hitch in a first direction. The first end of the latch is also offset from the center of the mounting bracket. When the offset latch is secured to the offset, upper portion of the body, the single pivot point of the latch is in the center of the mounting base. The hitch has a locking mechanism which allows the latch to be locked in the open or closed position.

Abstract: A carrier frame for a spring cushion truck hitch includes side mounting brackets and a transverse load-resisting (torsion) bar connected between the mounting brackets. The mounting brackets connect the frame of the hitch to the truck frame, so that the carrier frame can be removed from the hitch and the hitch re-used on a different truck having a different frame configuration. The mounting brackets carry the hitch below the truck bumper which need not be removed or replaced.

Abstract: A hoist for lifting game animals or other loads comprises a boom mounted on a support column in communication with a base. The boom is rotatable relative to the base, which is insertable within a draw bar-type hitch receiver. The boom, support column and base are modular components that advantageously allow for quick assembly/disassembly of the hoist and compact storage of the hoist components. Further, the length of the hoist is adjustable to compensate for the size of the game animal or load being lifted. Additionally, a light source is attached to the hoist to illuminate the area near the hoist to increase safety during operation of the hoist. Finally, a dual draw bar for increasing the utilization of a draw bar-type hitch is included. The dual draw bar has at one end a draw bar adapter and at the opposite end a first and a second receiver section for utilization with draw bar-type accessories.

Abstract: A welded, steel apparatus consisting of multiple receiver tubes (A) reinforced by collars (B) separated and attached to the spacer bar (C), with a mounting tube (D) which can be inserted into a slide-in type vehicle receiver hitch. Into which is inserted the assembly consisting of the deck plate (E), mounted to and supported by bar (F), reinforced by gusset (G), attached to and spaced from the mounting tube (I) by the riser bar (H). Thus permitting the use of multiple trailer hitch accessories at the same time; including the attachment of a portable hand crank or powered winch unit.

Abstract: A three-point hitch for an all terrain vehicle (ATV) comprising a mounting frame which is attached to the axle housing of the ATV. The mounting frame is supported on the tongue hitch of the ATV and is attached to the body of the ATV so that the rear suspension of the ATV is locked-out. The multiple-point hitch is operatively secured to the mounting frame and is raised and lowered by means of an electromechanical screw actuator. The multiple-points of the hitch are free to float, in some situations, with respect to the mounting frame and the ATV.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for operatively connecting a sulky to a motorized vehicle. The sulky includes a support platform including a seat for an operator secured thereto and at least one wheel operatively, rotatably connected to the support platform. A hitch point is provided to be connected to a motorized vehicle. An upper support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the hitch point and a distal end extending a predetermined distance therefrom and being pivotally connected to the support platform. A lower support member includes a first end pivotally connected to the support platform and a distal end extending towards and being pivotally connected to the hitch point. The hitch point, upper support member and lower support member are operatively connected together for adjusting the disposition of a sulky relative to a motorized vehicle during the traversing of a crest in terrain and a ravine in terrain.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide with a first portion to be mounted on a tractor vehicle, and a second portion to be mounted on a trailer vehicle. The first portion having a guide telescopically mounted to the tractor such that it can be viewed by the tractor operator while the vehicle is in motion. The second portion having a hood telescopically mounted to the trailer drawbar at a height equal to that of the guide. The relative spacial relation between the hood and guide emulating the relative spacial relation between the tractor hitch ball and trailer drawbar, such that when the operator is attempting to couple the tractor to the trailer, he can position the tractor for coupled engagement with the trailer by viewing the relative spacial relation of the two portions of the trailer hitch guide.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36, 40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).

Abstract: An improved, integrated three-point hitch arrangement is disclosed which includes a mounting arrangement for conveniently effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like. The hitch includes a pair of upper and lower arms pivotally connected to a mounting plate, with a pair of adjustable-length link members respectively interconnecting the upper and lower arms. Connector means are provided which permit limited relative pivotal movement of each link member with respect to the respective one of the upper arms about first and second perpendicular axes, with the connector means as permitting limited relative vertical movement of the link members to accommodate "floating" of the hitch-mounted implement. The integrated nature of the present hitch permits it to be very easily mounted on an associated tractor, with the mounting arrangement preferably configured to accommodate mounting on different tractor models.

Abstract: A tractor hitch assembly including clamps mounted to the lower frame portion of a tractor. Each clamp comprised of a lug having a plurality of vertically elongated seats, and a clip pivotally mounted to the lug and having a plurality of vertically aligned C-shaped recesses. Each C-shape recess is cooperatively positioned with a respective seat to capture a pin associated with an implement support assembly.

Abstract: A powered trailer for aiding a powered vehicle in moving a load trailer is selectively connected to the vehicle by a tongue assembly on a generally horizontal axis. The tongue assembly is pivotally mounted to the powered trailer in such a manner that all of the weight of the load trailer that is transmitted to the powered trailer and nearly all of the weight of the powered trailer itself is supported by the powered trailer and not transferred to the vehicle. When the tongue assembly is disengaged from the vehicle and not otherwise supported, brakes on the powered trailer are applied to restrict its movement.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle includes a pivotal connection to permit movement between the chassis portions about a vertical and a horizontal axis. To reduce lateral deflection between the chassis portions a torque transmitting linkage is mounted at roof level and comprises a pivoted link mounted on a vertical pin on one of the chassis members. A pair of lateral links extend from the pivoted link to the other of the chassis members. The lateral links are generally parallel and prevent pivotal movement of the pivoted link upon a lateral force being applied to one of the chassis members.

Abstract: An attachment device is shown for mounting an implement onto the front of a motor vehicle. The attachment device is substantially contained within the hood portion of the vehicle and includes a pair of vertically aligned support members fastened to the frame of the vehicle. A first pair of swinging arms are pivotally attached to the support members and extend forward thereof to merge into a single pivot point. A second pair of swinging arms are also pivotally attached to the support members, below the points of attachment of the first pair of swinging arms and in a parallel fashion thereto. The forward ends of the first and second pair of swinging arms support an adjustable implement. The swinging arms are vertically adjustable by a pair of lifting means, such as hydraulic cylinders, which are pivotally attached at a lower end to the frame of the vehicle and are rotatably attached at their upper ends to the first pair of swinging arms.

Abstract: An adaptor for attachment to the three point hitch of a tractor enabling attachment of various implements regardless of implement attachment point spacing. A base member adjustably carries coupling means at its lower sides positionable to coincide with the spacing of the implement attachment points. A vertically positionable hook receives the attachment pin carried at the top of the implement A-frame. Locks automatically confine the implement attachment points against dislodgement. A lock control enables lock release from the tractor driver's station. A hydraulic cylinder is in inclined, intercoupled relationship with the adaptor and tractor to impart both upward and downward powered movement to the adaptor. Lift forks may be attached to the adaptor. Ball hitch members on the adaptor enable towing of various types of trailers.

Abstract: An implement hitch arrangement comprising a fore carriage extension on the implement connected to a turntable above the rear axle of the tractor whereby the implement is supported at its front end on the tractor. The implement is drawn by a conventional draw bar, so that the weight of the implement is not taken by the draw bar, but by the fore carriage extension.

Abstract: A heavy duty hinged bi-level hitch for mounting on a tubular bumper of a vehicle. The bi-level hitch includes an upper hitch assembly with an upper hitch ball. The upper hitch assembly is integrally formed in the center of the bumper. A lower hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the bottom of the bumper. By loosening a pair of bolts, the lower hitch assembly can be pivoted from a raised storage position underneath the vehicle to a lowered position directly below the upper hitch assembly. The bi-level hitch eliminates the need of lowering or modifying the bumper of a high axle vehicle and provides a low pull point for the vehicle.

Abstract: An upper link storage clip for securely maintaining the upper link of a tractor three-point hitch in its storage position without side to side movement, the storage clip being so designed that the upper link can be readily placed within it by a one hand operation. The upper link storage clip utilizes a spring biased pivoted hook to maintain the upper link between a pair of rearwardly extending spaced apart arms when the upper link is in its storage position. The rearward surface of the pivoted hook is provided with a cam surface so that as the upper link is forwardly swung towards its storage position the pivoted hook will be cammed to an open position permitting the introduction of the upper link between the pair of arms, the spring causing the pivoted hook to swing to its closed operative position when the upper link attains its storage position.