Coupling Patents (Class 280/504)
  • Patent number: 8628106
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory Staples
  • Patent number: 8622414
    Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a vehicle to be towed includes using an air blast typically from the brake system to automatically hitch the 2 vehicles. A three position pneumatic valve is utilized to allow for the hitching and unhitching of the 2 vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Wenceslao Moline da Luz
  • Patent number: 8616575
    Abstract: A fifth-wheel coupling (1) having a coupling plate (2) with an entry opening (4) for a king pin (5) includes an at least single-part locking device (100) for fastening the king pin (5) and a fixing element which engages on the locking device, which fixing element can be moved from a locking position into an open position and vice versa. A securing device (15) with a blocking element (40, 400) is provided, which blocking element (40, 400) can be moved from a rest position into a blocking position and vice versa, wherein the blocking element (40, 400) projects into the entry opening (4) at least in the blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera, Michael Elermann, Swen Saupe, Achim Strütt
  • Publication number: 20130334792
    Abstract: A hitch comprising an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve removably disposed within said outer sleeve and wherein each sleeve is adapted to receive a draw bar; a first end of the hitch operatively engaging a securing tab and adapted to receive at least one securing member; and the inner and outer sleeves further comprising at least one aperture adapted to receive at least one locking device to secure a draw bar. The hitch further comprising alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; a securing tab disposed on the inner sleeve; a securing tab disposed on the outer sleeve; or, a securing member with a flexible connection, j-hook, or a rigid connection engaging the securing tab and alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; or, a locking hook securably engaging at least one aperture on the inner and outer sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Marcia Pell
  • Patent number: 8608187
    Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a mounting member adapted to couple to a vehicle and that includes a body portion having a first passage, an eye portion extending outwardly from the mounting body portion, wherein the eye portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a second passage extending therethrough adapted to receive a pintle hook therein, and a wedge member slidably received within the first passage of the body portion. The wedge member is slidably movable between a first portion, wherein the wedge member is withdrawn into the first passage of the body portion, and a second position, where the wedge member extends into the second passage of the eye portion. The wedge member is located between the top surface and the bottom surface of the eye portion, and does not extend above the top surface or the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Terpsma, Jared Patterson
  • Patent number: 8602440
    Abstract: A system and method for a hitch is presented. A center member is configured to mount to a receiver of a vehicle. A first arm is coupled to center member and configured to mount to the receiver of the vehicle. The first arm includes first and second receiver mount channels for mounting the first arm to the receiver in first and second mounting positions. A second arm is coupled to the center member. The second arm includes an accessory mount configured to provide a step when the first arm is mounted to the receiver in a first position and support an accessory when the first arm is mounted to the receiver in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Kazimierz Kenjora
  • Patent number: 8596664
    Abstract: An anti-rattle hitch (100) includes a tubular insert (102) that is configured to be inserted into a receiver (90). A wedge mechanism comprising a first wedge member (112) and a second wedge member (114) are disposed in the insert, and have slidably engaged angled faces. The second wedge member includes one or more pistons that extend through piston (110) apertures in the insert such that the longitudinal position of the second wedge member is fixed. An adjustment member (120) adjusts the position of the first wedge member, thereby adjusting the piston position which can be biased against the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Kevan Lahn
  • Publication number: 20130307249
    Abstract: A linkage arrangement for an articulated vehicle. The linkage arrangement (1) comprises a front frame (50) of the articulated vehicle, a rear frame (60) of the articulated vehicle, and a first pivot joint (10) interconnecting the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) such that the front frame (50) and the rear frame (60) are pivotable relative each other about the first pivot joint (10). The linkage arrangement also comprises a link (40) having a fixed length. The link has a front end (41) pivotably connected to the front frame (50) by means of a second pivot joint (20), and a rear end (42) pivotably connected to the rear frame (60) by means of a third pivot joint (30). A projection of the first pivot joint (10) on the link (40) is positioned between the second (20) and third (30) pivot joints, at a first distance (D12) from the second (20) pivot joint and at a second distance (D13) from the third pivot joint (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Mats Axelsson, Robin Hansson
  • Publication number: 20130307250
    Abstract: A trailer hitch system for improving the speed and safety of attaching the trailer to a tow vehicle. The hitch may include a shank that may be attached to the trailer through a ball hitch. A receiver may be provided on the tow vehicle such that attachment of the trailer to the tow vehicle may be accomplished by introducing the shank into the receiver when the tow vehicle is backed to the trailer. A funnel shaped guide member may be provided to facilitate aligning the shank with the receiver. Also, friction reducing rollers may be used with the shank or the receiver. Moreover, a height adjustment and visual guidance system may be included to facilitate connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: PROGRESS MFG. INC.
    Inventor: GARY M. SCOTT
  • Publication number: 20130285350
    Abstract: A mounting component forming an operational part of a front linkage on an agricultural vehicle, wherein said component is a unitary body adapted for storing at least one fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kaemmerer
  • Publication number: 20130285351
    Abstract: A connector for releasably attaching a vehicle such as a shopping cart to a wheelchair includes a pivoting frame that is mounted for use on the cart by a front attachment device and that can be releasably attached to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant. The frame is pivoted to an in-use position and aligned with the wheelchair for attachment. The frame can also be readily released from attachment to the wheelchair by the chair's occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Steven S. Conrad
  • Patent number: 8562012
    Abstract: A roll coupling system for roll coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes at least one load-transfer point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one load-transfer point includes a wear reducer. A yaw and/or pitch articulator is mounted between the vehicle and the trailer providing for yaw and/or pitch. The articulator has a corresponding substantially vertical yaw axis and/or substantially horizontal pitch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence H. Wulff
  • Patent number: 8562013
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Quadratec, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore H. Wentz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8540269
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanical connection device between a motorized vehicle and working equipment. According to the present disclosure, the device includes a rigid plate mounted by means of axles in the tow rings of the vehicle and bearing adjustable skids that are applied against a transverse surface of the vehicle, such as to abutt the connection device to the vehicle, thereby securing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: MBDA France
    Inventors: Dominique Hembise, François Sylvain Crosnier, Alain Guesdon
  • Patent number: 8534695
    Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20130234415
    Abstract: A hydraulic hitch assembly including oppositely directed jaws operable to releasably grip an attachment including two transverse hinge pins, wherein one of the oppositely directed jaws is fixed relative to the hitch assembly, and the other jaw is moveable between a withdrawn position, in which the oppositely directed jaws can be fitted between the two transverse hinge pins of the attachment, and an extended position, in which the two transverse hinge pins are gripped by the oppositely directed jaws, the hydraulic hitch assembly further including a safety mechanism including an arm moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein when the arm is in the engaged position, the arm prevents the transverse hinge pin from being released from the fixed jaw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Alexander Essex
  • Patent number: 8523217
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for attaching a fifth wheel RV trailer to a truck for towing. A fifth wheel towball interface which provides unobstructed gimbal action into the connection between truck and trailer. A fifth wheel base having a lightweight structure made from a lightweight material and/or engineered design with lightweight in mind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: John I. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8505953
    Abstract: A combination tool usable to couple between land vehicles or other objects is described, that is also usable to impact posts, such when constructing a fence. The combination tool can include a main body with a first end configured to impact a post, and a second end configured for coupling to a vehicle or other object. A restrainer pin detachably connected to the main body is usable to secure the combination tool to the object. The restrainer pin can also be used to engage a fence clip or similar flexible member, such as when constructing a fence. Additionally, the combination tool can include a ball hitch or similar protrusion for engagement with a tow vehicle or other object, and a platform or similar member for facilitating a user's access to the vehicles or other objects to which the combination tool is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Rick Marek
  • Patent number: 8505951
    Abstract: A hitch mounted waste container transporter for mounting in a standard hitch receiver on a vehicle using a locking pin includes a hitch bar having a first end equipped for connection to the hitch receiver and having a distal end, a hitch bar bracket having a lower end rigidly connected to said distal end of the hitch bar and an upper end which includes a transverse locking pin, an intermediate bar is pivotally connected at its first end to the hitch bar bracket such that the intermediate bar moves between about 0 and 25 degrees from a common axis of the hitch bar, and a rigid container support bar connected to a second end of the intermediate bar which is about 110-115 degrees obtuse to the axis of the intermediate bar having a tine to removably engage a waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Marc A. Bohse
  • Patent number: 8505955
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided including a first coupling member or portion and second coupling member or portion where the second coupling member is configured to releasably engage the first coupling member. The second coupling member includes a locking sleeve or locking sleeve assembly slideably mounted on a cup body with the sleeve capable of being shifted toward an opening of the cup body to an unlocked position that permits insertion of the first coupling member into the second coupling member. The sleeve has an inner surface that covers and protects a fastening element positioned within bores of the cup body in both the locked and unlocked positions thereof. In one form, the locking sleeve assembly includes a locking device which restricts the sleeve from inadvertently shifting toward the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Remark Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8491009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft system for a camper. The camper is supported at its front end by a pair of spaced-apart jacks. The system includes a barrier having a first end operatively connecting to a first one of the jacks and a second end opposite thereof. The second end of the barrier operatively connects to a second one of the jacks. The barrier extends in a horizontal direction and is positioned and configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from passing underneath the camper and mounting of the camper onto the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mathew Bradley Shelton
  • Patent number: 8485545
    Abstract: The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Szczepanek
  • Publication number: 20130175788
    Abstract: An implement hitch tongue apparatus has a nodular cast iron tongue member defining a vertical drawpin hole. A bottom recess is defined in a bottom surface of the tongue member forward of the drawpin hole, and a pin hole recess is defined in a front portion of the drawpin hole. The recesses are filled with hard surfacing welding electrode material by welding with a hard surfacing welding electrode. A grease conduit can provide grease to the bottom surface of the tongue member. A solid one-piece ball insert member can be removably installed in the drawpin hole instead of hard surfacing. The ball insert can provide different drawpin hole sizes, and can extend down below the tongue to support the tongue weight on the ball insert with the ball insert rotating with respect to the tongue during turns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: POWER PIN INC.
    Inventor: Brian R. Olson
  • Publication number: 20130140793
    Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a mounting member adapted to couple to a vehicle and that includes a body portion having a first passage, an eye portion extending outwardly from the mounting body portion, wherein the eye portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a second passage extending therethrough adapted to receive a pintle hook therein, and a wedge member slidably received within the first passage of the body portion. The wedge member is slidably movable between a first portion, wherein the wedge member is withdrawn into the first passage of the body portion, and a second position, where the wedge member extends into the second passage of the eye portion. The wedge member is located between the top surface and the bottom surface of the eye portion, and does not extend above the top surface or the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND, INC.
    Inventor: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8448973
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an attachment member for securing the apparatus to a gooseneck trailer. A rectangular housing is secured to the attachment member, and has a front wall, a back wall, and at least one side wall. A cavity is formed by these walls. A ball receiver is pivotably secured internal to the housing and has an opening for the passage of a spring rod. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided, which is secured generally perpendicularly to the housing, and includes at least one spring element. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the front wall, it pushes a bushing disposed on the central rod into the spring element, causing the spring element to compress. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the back wall, it pulls a back plate that causes the spring element to compress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Danny Burns
  • Patent number: 8444169
    Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch includes a socket adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with the socket and operable for engaging the trailer hitch ball; a sensor operatively connected with the socket and operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of the socket and an outer face of the trailer hitch ball when the trailer hitch ball is positioned within the socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with the socket and with the clamp and operable to prevent engagement of the clamp with the trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with the sensor and the clamp prevention device and operable to release the clamp prevention device to allow the clamp to engage the trailer hitch ball when the sensor communicates a desired hitch condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Steven A. Katz
  • Publication number: 20130113183
    Abstract: A scooter 1 is disclosed that may be linked to a child buggy or perambulator 100. A linking mechanism 200 is also disclosed for releasably linking the scooter 1 to the child buggy 100 thereby allowing the scooter 1 to be used as a scooter 1 or instead, to be linked to a buggy 100 and used in a linked configuration. The combination of a child buggy 100 and scooter 1 using the linking mechanism 200 is described along with a method of use of the mechanism 200.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: PHIL AND TEDS DESIGN LIMITED
    Inventors: James Richard Andrews, Andrew Douglas Mawson, Campbell Douglas Gower
  • Patent number: 8424898
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Scambia Industrial Developments Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Rimmelspacher, Joerg Riehle, Hartmut Haustein
  • Patent number: 8408578
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory Staples
  • Publication number: 20130076007
    Abstract: A pick-up truck comprises a chassis, a rear axle attached to the chassis, a passenger cabin, a cargo bed, a trailer hitching structure, and a first image capturing device. The passenger cabin is attached to the chassis forward of the rear axle. The cargo bed is attached to the chassis over the rear axle. The trailer hitching structure is attached to the chassis at a position rearward of the vehicle occupant structure and has a trailer engaging portion accessible within the cargo bed. The first image capturing device is attached to the passenger cabin. The first image capturing device is mounted in a manner allowing the first image capturing device to capture an image of the trailer engaging portion of the trailer hitching structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph Goode, Kirk Andrew Parrish
  • Patent number: 8393632
    Abstract: A towing device, for a towing vehicle, with a coupling shaft attached to the towing vehicle, a ball head mounted on the coupling shaft so that the ball head can rotate about a vertical axis, which can be coupled to a coupling counterpart of a trailer vehicle, and with an angle-measuring device by which rotation of the ball head about the vertical axis, relative to the coupling shaft, can be determined, and a force-measuring device by which force exerted by the ball head on the coupling shaft in the direction of the vertical axis can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jens Vortmeyer, Michael Klank, Peter Hofmann, Joachim Spratte
  • Publication number: 20130056959
    Abstract: A rear attachment unit is provided for a motor vehicle body having a support and at least one connecting part connected thereto for fastening to a rear-end support structure of the body. The connecting part can be connected to the support structure by way of at least one fastening section and includes, but is not limited to a deformation structure with a geometrical shaped design for the absorption of mechanical forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bernhard MATHES, Martin OBERFRANK
  • Publication number: 20130049330
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for a vehicle having a receiver for pulling an object or being pulled. The attachment assembly includes a support member for connection to the receiver and an attachment member connected to the support member to provide both pivotal and rotational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley R. Leinenger
  • Patent number: 8382145
    Abstract: A system for braking a trailer being coupled to a pulling vehicle by means of a coupling device, comprising a supply circuit on the pulling vehicle side, and a brake circuit on the trailer side, wherein the brake circuit is removably attached to the supply circuit by means of at least one plug-in coupling. The invention is based on the object of providing a system for braking a trailer, wherein the risk of an uncontrolled vehicle movement, at least of the trailer vehicle, is reduced. The problem is solved according to the invention by means of a system wherein disposed within the brake circuit is a ventilation valve that can be remotely controlled by the pulling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera Gallego, Michael Eiermann
  • Patent number: 8382147
    Abstract: A hitch device for a trailer mount. The hitch device includes a mounting portion for being received within a receiver portion attached to a vehicle. The hitch device includes a tongue portion secured to the mounting portion. The tongue portion includes an upper face, a lower face and a through-hole for receiving a lower portion of a hitch ball. At least one of the upper and lower faces includes a pair of raised rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thaddeus T Brej, Roy Edward Spaw
  • Patent number: 8376388
    Abstract: An improved hitch actuator for a gooseneck trailer includes a cam assembly mounted on the hitch receiver, a pivotal lever on the trailer, and a cable extending between the cam assembly and the lever. When the lever is pivoted, the cam assembly is moved via the cable so as to control the movement of the hitch latch between latched and unlatched positions and controls movement of the hitch pin between locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: JGW Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Graber, Craig L. Witting
  • Patent number: 8371603
    Abstract: A vehicle ball mount assembly includes a shank, an upper platform attached to the shank, and a lower platform attached to the shank and spaced from the upper platform. The lower platform extends beyond the upper platform. A first tow ball extends from the upper platform and a second tow ball extends from the lower platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20130020784
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable hitch assembly for coupling a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle. An embodiment of the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base member, a ball support member, and a hitch ball member. The base member may include a connecting portion and a shank member, wherein the shank member may extends perpendicularly away from the connecting portion. The ball support member may include a support rod extending perpendicularly away from the shank member. The ball support member may also include an opening there though that may be attached to the shank member. The hitch ball member may be attached to the support rod, wherein the hitch ball member may have at least one accessory aperture. The connecting portion may be attached to the towing vehicle and the hitch ball member may be attached to the towed vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8341794
    Abstract: A brush for cleaning a trailer hitch receiver that comprises an elongated stem attached to a handle at one end and a cleaning head at the opposite end. The brush is configured so that a person can grasp the handle of the device and ream the cleaning head having at least two flat abrasive sides into the trailer hitch receiver so as to clean out accumulated salt, asphalt, rust debris from the receiver hitch. A method for cleaning a substantially square trailer hitch receiver using the aforementioned cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Federick A. Sales
  • Publication number: 20120315112
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Johan Redekop
  • Publication number: 20120313349
    Abstract: A hitch for connecting a movable object to a rigid rod which includes a semi-rigid main substrate including a plurality of grooves, a flexible element fixedly formed over the main substrate including a first portion for gripping a rigid rod, a clamp connected to the first portion of the flexible element. The clamp includes a lever that couples the clamp to at least one of the plurality of grooves of the main substrate such that the first portion can grip the rigid rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Nadia Shalaby
  • Patent number: 8328223
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for a vehicle having a receiver for pulling an object or being pulled. The attachment assembly includes a support member for connection to the receiver and an attachment member connected to the support member to provide both pivotal and rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley R. Leinenger
  • Patent number: 8308182
    Abstract: A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Dan Scott Colvin, Brandon R. Masterson
  • Patent number: 8292318
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar support assembly. There is a need for a drawbar support assembly which can adapt to different types of drawbars. An adaptable drawbar support assembly includes a generally U-shaped front support member for coupling to and supporting the front end of the drawbar. A front spacer member mounts in the front support member above or below the front end of the drawbar. A generally U-shaped rear support member couples to and supports the drawbar. A rear spacer member mounts in the rear support member below the drawbar. The rear spacer member is removable from the rear support member when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A ball coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted above the front end of the drawbar. A clevis coupler is attached to the rear end of the drawbar when the front spacer member is mounted below the front end of the drawbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Rodney D. Lair, Edwin R. Kreis, Michael C. Harting, Michael D. Kollath
  • Publication number: 20120248738
    Abstract: Towing bars for joining towing vehicles to the front wheel axles of aircraft often include a pair of parallel bars having cylindrical bosses connected to the trailing ends of the bars and opposing one another. The bosses are intended to fit into sockets or bores in the opposing ends of the axle. With certain airplanes the bosses may not be long enough to clear the opposed sides of a nose wheel tire sufficiently so that their ends project into the axle openings. An adaptor to allow such towing bars to fit these aircraft includes a cylindrical rod of a diameter adapted to extend into the end bore of the axle joined at its opposite end to a coaxial, larger diameter cylindrical hub having a bore adapted to receive one of the tow bar bosses. The length of the adaptor hub is such that the tow bar arms clear the outer sides of the tire when the cylindrical rod ends are within the axle bores, allowing the nose wheel to freely rotate during towing and prevent damage to the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Michael D. Seidman, Steven Seidman
  • Publication number: 20120248737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing bar assembly that may convert from an articulated assembly extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Kennith Fincher, Chad Leighton Helland, Paul Michael Elhardt, Ellis J. Smith
  • Patent number: 8276930
    Abstract: A tow bar having a towing portion with multiple interchangeable towing assemblies each structured to be releasably connectable to towing vehicles having different types and/or sizes of towing hitch apparatus; a towed portion with a body member connected to a pair of rearwardly-extending legs each with a rear connector releasably connectable to a baseplate connector of a towed hitch apparatus of a towed vehicle, at least one of the legs being pivotally connected to the body member; an attaching portion structured to releasably connect each interchangeable towing assembly to the body member; and a storage mechanism structured to releasable secure the tow bar to a baseplate connector of the towed hitch apparatus of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jay Hesse, Neil Wagner, Douglas Prokop
  • Patent number: 8276932
    Abstract: The multi-task trailer hitch assembly of the present invention provides receiving tubes for the attachment of one or more trailer hitch-mounted receiver-type accessories while retaining a trailer hitch for pulling a trailer in the single hitch receiver provided on many trucks and ATVs. This permits the simultaneous use of multiple accessories while retaining the concurrent ability to tow. Multiple receiver tubes can be provided, both horizontal and vertical, and oriented not only toward the rear but also at right angles from the ball mount. This permits fastening one or more attachments from not only the rear but also from the top and inward from both sides toward the ball mount. Extra hitch ball mounts and other towing accessories may also be conveniently stored in the receiver tubes of the present invention while towing with a particular Class II or Class III hitch ball mount in the appropriate vehicle-mounted hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8262121
    Abstract: A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Frog Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent F. Beck
  • Patent number: 8246069
    Abstract: A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ladzinski, Dennis F. Stedman, Khaja A. Ahmed, Arun Kumar