Abstract: In order to provide a trailer coupling device for motor vehicles, comprising a rear-side cross member which is mountable on a vehicle body, a supporting unit provided on the cross member which holds a ball neck receiving sleeve having a ball neck receptacle in which a ball neck incorporating a coupling ball is insertable and fixable therein, in which the ball neck receiving sleeve is minimally visible and disturbing when the ball neck is not inserted, it is proposed that the supporting unit comprises a pivot bearing unit by means of which the ball neck receiving sleeve is pivotable from a working position in which the ball neck is insertable therein in order to use a trailer, into a rest position in which an insertion opening of the ball neck receiving sleeve is arranged outside a visible region.

Abstract: A bumper beam made of at least one roll formed steel sheet is described. The bumper beam contains an upper beam and a lower beam extending in a transversal direction, the upper beam and the lower beam each having a closed cross-section defined by a front wall, a rear wall, an upper wall and a lower wall, the upper wall and the lower wall joining the front wall to the rear wall, and a central wall extending between the front walls, the rear walls of the upper beam and of the lower beam forming both the lower wall of the upper beam and the upper wall of the lower beam, the central wall extending in at least two different planes.

Abstract: A bumper assembly is provided having a flange that overlies the body of the vehicle. The flange may be a body flange extending from an elongate bumper beam or a cladding flange extending from an external cladding that covers at least a portion of the bumper beam. The flange may protect the body from wear or corrosion, and/or bridge a gap between the frame and the body of the vehicle. The assembly may also include a contact structure for contacting at least a portion of the vehicle frame, such as the hitch beam. The contact structure may resist rotation of the bumper assembly, prevent vibration of the bumper assembly against the frame, and/or support a vertical load on the bumper. In some embodiments, the assembly may be primarily mounted to the body of the vehicle, such that the bumper beam “hangs” from the body of the vehicle.

Abstract: A pickup truck including a truck bed, a truck box, a storage tank, and a water filtration system is provided. The truck box is mounted to the truck bed and defines a cavity. The storage tank has a valve arranged to control release of liquid received within the cavity into the storage tank. The water filtration system is disposed between, and in fluid communication with, the cavity and storage tank. Walls of the storage tank may be defined by a bumper. The water filtration system may include a strainer at a pass-through open to the cavity and a filter downstream of the pass-through. An air relief valve may be open to the storage tank. The storage tank may be mounted at a location on the truck adjacent a rear bumper of the truck.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a tubular beam, a trailer hitch, and a barrel nut. The tubular beam includes a first end sized for disposal within a first vehicle frame bracket, a second end sized for disposal within a second vehicle frame bracket, and a lowered portion therebetween. The tubular beam defines a through-hole at one of the ends. The trailer hitch is mounted to the lowered portion. The barrel nut extends through the through-hole, is secured to the tubular beam, and defines a cavity. The first vehicle frame bracket may define a first ring sized to receive the first end of the tubular beam. The second vehicle frame bracket may define a second ring sized to receive the second end of the tubular beam.

Abstract: A pickup truck rear end assembly is provided. The assembly may include a truck bed, a truck box, and a bumper. The truck box may be mounted to the bed and define a cavity therein. The bumper may define a reservoir, a reservoir inlet port open to the cavity, and a reservoir outlet port accessible from an exterior of the vehicle. The cavity and reservoir may be arranged with one another such that water entering the cavity passes through to the reservoir via the inlet port. The truck bed may define a gutter adjacent to the inlet port and arranged with the inlet port to direct water thereto. A strainer may be disposed within the inlet port. A filter may be disposed between the inlet port and reservoir.

Abstract: A vehicle front bumper with a middle portion and end or lateral portions, the end or lateral portions each having a polygon shaped rearward and downward angled forward facing surface, at least one of which has a utility well perimeter opening.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a longitudinal member and a bumper cross-member. Furthermore, the vehicle body has a cantilever, which extends transversely to the longitudinal member along a transverse vehicle axis and is fastened to the longitudinal member in a torque-resistant manner. The cantilever is arranged in such a way that the cantilever protrudes into an intermediate space between a wheel mount and the bumper cross-member.

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: Disclosed are a tubular back beam assembly for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing the tubular back beam assembly. The tubular back beam assembly may include a plurality of main members, each of which is formed by cold rolling and hot stamping. The plurality of main members may be coupled to form a vertically stacked structure with flat portions coupled in a surface contact fashion. Or the tubular back beam assembly may include a main member and at least one support member that are directly coupled to form a vertically stacked structure.

Abstract: A towing hook assembly for a vehicle disposed in a bumper unit may include a stay connected to both distal rear sides of a bumper beam, a towing hook pipe provided at one inner side of the stay through the bumper beam, and a supporting member supporting an exterior circumference of the towing hook pipe, and connected to an interior circumference of the stay.

Abstract: A receiver hitch includes a plurality of bores. Thus, an accessory is attached to the receiver hitch at two points of contact by being coupled to the plurality of bores. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the bores is positioned off center relative to the receiver hitch or the vehicle. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the receiver hitch can include a trailer hitch receiving bore positioned on a centerline of the receiver hitch. In this exemplary embodiment, a trailer is attached to the trailer hitch receiving bore (through, for example, a ball mount) while an accessory is attached to one of the other bores. In yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is included at least one bore that is off centered relative to the receiving hitch.

Abstract: A tow hook support device for a vehicle, includes a vehicle structural member having a tubular shaped sidewall, and integrally provided to a vehicle body in a posture such that an axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall coincides with a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a nut member integrally fixed to a tip of the vehicle structural member so as to be extended parallel to the axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall, to which a tow hook is screwed and detachably fitted, the tow hook support device comprises, multiple grooves formed in the tubular shaped sidewall of the vehicle structural member so as to be positioned around an axis O of the tubular shaped sidewall and extended in the axial direction, by bending portions of the sidewall, and the nut member being arranged at a position in the tubular shaped sidewall and further inward than the multiple grooves so as to be coaxial with the axis O or extended parallel to the axis O, and being integrally fixed to the multiple grooves.

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 towing hook mounting member includes: a plate shaped portion having an attachment means for removably attaching a tow hook to a vehicle. The towing hook mounting member is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a bumper wall of a bumper reinforcement and a supporting wall of a vehicle attachment supporting the bumper reinforcement in a manner that the plate shaped portion, the bumper wall and the supporting wall overlap one another.

Abstract: An auto-latch mechanism enabling a towing vehicle to hook-up and tow-away a disabled vehicle without the need for either operator of the vehicles to exit their interior. In a preferred embodiment, the auto-latch mechanism includes opposing guide plates and a plunger pin with a distal portion movable to a location between the plates. When a connecting portion of the disabled vehicle is positioned between the opposing plates, the plunger pin may be engaged to the connecting portion, to thereby accomplish hook-up of the disabled vehicle to the towing vehicle. A method for using the auto-latch mechanism is also disclosed and claimed.

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 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: A faux vehicle grill component includes an elongated body panel having a pair of receivers or connectors at spaced apart locations therealong adapted to lockingly receive a pair of spikes or prongs from a tow bar connecting system protruding outwardly from the grill area of an associated vehicle to be towed. The receivers or connectors are laterally adjustable relative to each other along the body panel as well as laterally of the body panel itself in order to accommodate different or varied spacings of the spikes or prongs. Releasable fasteners are used for selectively securing the associated spikes or prongs to the receivers or connectors. Installation of the faux grill component eliminates a potentially hazardous condition that exists when the spikes or prongs are exposed during a non towed condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved adaptor for easily and removably coupling a drawbar of a tractor or other vehicle to a standard receiver hitch and a method of using the improved adaptor. The adaptor of the invention includes an adaptor body configured to receive a section of the drawbar, a leg coupled to the adaptor body, the leg extending essentially perpendicular to the adaptor body and having an opening for receiving an end of the receiver hitch. The drawbar is couplable to the adaptor body and the leg is couplable to the end of the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler including first and second sidewalls spaced apart and generally parallel. First and second pins extend transversely between the first and second sidewalls spaced apart along a length of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. At least one of the first and second pins is removable and the first and second pins are disposed adjacent a neck portion of a ball to movably connect the ball hitch coupler to the ball between the first pin and the second pin.

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 coupler for use with a towing vehicle having a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler provides an improved and simplified structure designed to make assembly and coupling to the ball hitch easy, while not compromising coupler strength or security. The ball hitch coupler comprises a coupler housing having a ball hitch cavity, a locking passageway also located in the coupler housing, and a locking rod having a keyed section. The locking rod operates as a restraining mechanism to hold the ball hitch within the ball hitch cavity, thereby resulting in a secure coupling of the ball hitch with the ball hitch coupler. In addition, the locking rod, in conjunction with the locking passageway, also serves as a theft protection feature by operating as an inherent lock-key mechanism.

Abstract: A combination replacement front bumper assembly and receiver hitch assembly for mounting to the front of a vehicle such as a truck. The receiver hitch assembly includes a hitch receiver tube, the frame, and brackets. The brackets are designed to mount to the replacement front bumper at points removed from where the replacement front bumper bolts onto the stock vehicle front bumper bolt holes and to locate the receiving tube behind the cutout in the front bumper of the front bumper replacement assembly.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a bumper structure having a bumper beam adapted for attachment to a structure of a motor vehicle such as a frame or rails, or the like. A hitch is attached to the bumper beam, and a bumper cover conceals the bumper beam. The bumper cover has an opening for accessing the hitch and an access door for selectively concealing the hitch. The access door is mounted to the bumper structure such that the access door will be retained upon the bumper structure not only when the access door is concealing the hitch but also when the access door is open to allow an accessory such as a trailer to be coupled to the hitch.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a bumper structure having a bumper beam adapted for attachment to a structure of a motor vehicle such as a frame or rails, or the like. A hitch is attached to the bumper beam, and a bumper cover conceals the bumper beam. The bumper cover has an opening for accessing the hitch and an access door for selectively concealing the hitch. The access door is mounted to the bumper structure such that the access door will be retained upon the bumper structure not only when the access door is concealing the hitch but also when the access door is open to allow an accessory such as a trailer to be coupled to the hitch.

Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a frame member and hitch receiver box, a pair of mounting brackets and a pair of accessory ports carried on the frame member inboard of the mounting brackets. The accessory ports each project rearwardly from the frame member a distance D and include a circular opening for receiving a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory. The receiver box has a first longitudinal axis extending in a first plane A. The accessory ports are parallel and have a second longitudinal axis extending in a second plane B where the planes A and B define an included angle of approximately 10-30°.

Abstract: A step for mounting in a trailer hitch which is adjustable in the vertical and horizontal positions. A joining member has displaced connecting ends sized to fit both a standard trailer hitch and a mounting bracket on the step. One or more fastening points in at least one of the connecting ends of the joining-member enables adjustment of the position of the joining member to the trailer hitch. Rotation and reversal of the joining member provides for a variety of adjustments in the vertical and horizontal position of the step with relation to the trailer.

Abstract: A hitch adapter for connecting at least one accessory, such as a bicycle carrier, a motorcycle carrier, a platform for hauling cargo, a lift platform, a storage compartment, a truck bed extenders or a roof rack extender, to a receiver hitch.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: A hitching towing arrangement for a motor vehicle is connected with a rear-side cross member. The arrangement forms a bumper unit and is provided with a deformation element. The cross member is connected by way of holders with side members of the vehicle body. The holders can be fastened by way of expansion screws to the side members.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a step at the back of a pickup truck if the truck has a receiver hitch for holding a receiver bar. The preferred apparatus has a support structure secured to the tongue of the receiver bar with the hitch ball and nut. A pivot plate and a tread plate are pivotally mounted to the support structure, providing the step when in the horizontal position and allowing access to the hitch ball when in the vertical position.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch integrated with the rear bumper.

Abstract: A hitching towing arrangement for a motor vehicle is connected with a rear-side cross member. The arrangement forms a bumper unit and is provided with a deformation element. The cross member is connected by way of holders with side members of the vehicle body. The holders can be fastened by way of expansion screws to the side members.

Abstract: A lightweight towing cross member assembly 10 is disclosed. The cross member assembly 10 includes relatively lightweight front and rear cross members 12, 14, and reinforcement plates 16, 18 which offer added support to the assembly 10. The heavy-gauge, load-bearing plates 16, 18 are localized in the areas of high stress (i.e., the center of the assembly 10), and provide the assembly 10 with the load-bearing ability and towing performance of prior towing cross member assemblies, which are manufactured solely from heavy-gauge materials.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle and a tow hitch extending through and integral with the rear bumper.

Abstract: A tow bar for connecting a vehicle to an object to be towed which reduces impact related structural damage to the vehicle. The tow bar is positioned within the vehicle bumper wherein the bumper contains a section for concealing the tow bar and wherein the tow bar positioned within the bumper, when in a non-towing mode, is movable relative to the bumper, and wherein the tow bar can also be configured into a non-slidable towing configuration.

Abstract: A portable towing apparatus for towing a disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus is preferably mounted onto the rear portion of a golf cart that is to be used in towing the disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus comprising, in part, a substantially inverted T-shaped member that has attached thereto a strut assembly and a gimbal cross member. A winch is provided and is mounted onto the inverted T-shaped member. The gimbal cross member engages the disabled golf cart and the winch in concert with the strut assembly disposes the disabled golf cart for towing. The gimbal movement of the cross member enables the golf cart under tow to traverse all types of terrain.

Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cylindrical receiver perpendicularly mounted on a horizontal laterally extending tube attached to a vehicle. The receiver carries a slider movable between a first, retracted position substantially entirely disposed beneath the vehicle bumper and a second, extended position wherein the slider projects rearwardly of the vehicle bumper and carries a hitch ball for attachment to a towed object. A cam slot and cam follower are cooperatingly formed on the slider and the receiver, with the cam slot having angularly disposed ends for rotation of the slider between first and second angularly disposed position simultaneous with translation of the slider between first and second retracted and extended positions. A decorative cover overlays the exposed portions of the horizontal tube and the slider when the slider is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A tow hitch rear bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a rear bumper for attachment to a frame of the motor vehicle, a tow hitch disposed below the rear bumper and connected thereto, and an arch shaped reinforcement connected to the tow hitch for attachment to the frame of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable hitch that stores away from view. The hitch consists of a hollow connector bar having an attachment end and a receiver end. The attachment end of the connector bar has an opening extending laterally through it. A mounting bar at the receiver end contains a storage chamber. A draw bar having a connector end and a hitch end fits within the connector bar. The connector end has an opening piercing it; and the hitch end has an end for connecting devices. A locking pin extends through the opening in the attachment end of the connector bar and the opening in the connector end of the draw bar. The locking pin locks in a first position for securing the draw bar in a first position for attaching devices and a second position for storing the connector bar within the storage chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus conceals a trailer hitch socket and provides a step. The apparatus includes a generally planar main body portion having a first side and second side. The apparatus further includes a mounting arrangement for pivotally interconnecting the generally planar main body portion for articulation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the generally planar main body portion is vertically oriented and conceals the trailer hitch socket. In the second position, the trailer hitch socket is horizontally oriented and provides the step.

Abstract: An integrated bumper and hitch assembly is disclosed that integrates a bumper and a weight distributing hitch into a single unit. The integrated assembly includes a square, tubular socket for supporting and receiving a weight distributing hitch. A pair of outer struts are secured to a transverse arm at the corners of the bumper and hitch assembly. The outer struts support the corners of the bumper against vertical deflection and provide corner impact resistance. The bumper and hitch assembly includes three degree-of-freedom adjustability when attaching to a vehicle, thereby allowing the assembly to be properly aligned with the vehicle in three different directions. A cover over the hitch and another cover over the top of the bumper conceal the fasteners used to secure the assembly together and provide an overall pleasing exterior.

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 snowmobile hitch has a U-shaped mounting bracket for mounting to the tunnel and grab bar of a snowmobile using existing bolt holes in the grab bar. The mounting bracket aerodynamically and aesthetically fits the snowmobile and does not protrude from the snowmobile except when a hitch is attached. A ball mount hitch is slidably received within a ball mount receiver of the mounting bracket, and may be readily attached and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A base plate is securable to a vehicle bumper using a threaded bolt attachment and supports a rectangular support which in turn is secured to and supports a planar top plate. A front plate is angularly positioned between the top plate and base plate to provide the combined support structure of a vehicle hitch securable to a vehicle bumper. A transversely extending saddle plate is spaced from the front plate at the lower edge thereof defining a lower channel therebetween. A pair of latch arms each defining respective notches therein are pivotally supported upon the vertical support and are coupled to a transversely extending angularly disposed cam plate. A return spring is operative to urge the latch arms to an upward locking position. An elongated handle is secured to one of the latch arms and extends downwardly therefrom. A pool cart or the like having an upper tube and lower tube is received within the latch arm notches and lower channel respectively to secure the pool cart to the vehicle hitch.

Abstract: A receiver hitch system for all-terrain sport vehicles includes a rigid mast assembly attaching to a two-point receiver hitch at the rear of the vehicle. A lower receiver hitch is attached to a non-suspended axle of the ATV, and an upper receiver hitch attaches to a suspended frame of the ATV, so that the rear suspension cannot operate, and loads on the mast assembly are borne directly by the axles and wheels. Lifting masts with booms, hunting platforms, and cargo boxes may be supported by the mast assembly.