Abstract: An integrated tow hook and vehicle bumper mounting bracket assembly including a mounting bracket including a frame mounting surface and a bumper mounting surface. A vehicle bumper assembly may be removably securable to the bumper mounting surface of the mounting bracket, and a tow hook may be removably securable to the frame mounting surface of the mounting bracket by one or more mechanical fasteners. The mechanical fastener used to secure the tow hook to the mounting bracket may further serve to secure the mounting bracket to a vehicle frame.

Abstract: A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member.

Abstract: A transporter. The transporter includes: a first unit; at least one second unit; and a coupler attached between the first unit and the second unit, the coupler coaxially aligned with the coupling axis thereby permitting rotational movement perpendicular to the coupling axis and an auto lock mechanism attached to the coupler for permitting hands free coupling of the first unit and the at least second unit. The transporter may further include at least one articulated joint attached between the coupler and one of the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A trailer quick disconnect ball mount assembly provides a more secure, less cumbersome, more visible and better-fitting connection between the towing vehicle and trailer. The trailer quick disconnect ball mount assembly features a receiver housing with an angled sidewall that defines a tapered opening for rapid and precise alignment of the ball inside the receiver housing. The receiver housing, angled sidewall and fastening pins only cooperate only when the ball is correctly seated inside the receiver housing and also prevents accumulations of dust and dirt. The need for correctly seating the ball allows the user to instantly determine that the ball is securely connected to the receiver housing. A trailer quick disconnect ball mount system and a method for securely hitching a trailer with a quick disconnect ball mount assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maneuvering a trailer having jockey wheel assembly comprising a ground engaging wheel (33) rotatably mounted on an axle (34). The apparatus comprising a link member (20) which is adapted to be pivotally mounted on the jockey wheel assembly adjacent the axle (34) and a lever assembly (10) removably securable to said link (20) and adapted to engage a peripheral surface (39) of said wheel (33), whereby movement of said lever (10) rotates said wheel (33).

Abstract: A draw pin hitch has a lower jaw, an upper jaw positioned above the lower jaw, and a draw pin receivable generally vertically in apertures in the upper and lower jaws for coupling elements to the hitch between the jaws. The hitch has a pin holding means which is moveable between a “pin raised” position in which the pin is supported by the pin holding means in the aperture of the upper jaw but does not project between the jaws, and a “pin lowered” position in which the holding means allows the pin to extend through both apertures between the jaws. The pin holding means at least partially encircles at least one of the jaws and is moveable between the “pin raised” and “pin lowered” positions by contact of an implement to be coupled to the hitch with a portion of the holding means. When in the “pin raised” position the holding means at least partially extends across the lower end of the aperture in the upper jaw.

Abstract: A tow cable mounting structure for an agricultural tractor that includes a pin-connection feature for a tow cable so that an easily accessible tow connection anchored to the tractor frame can be provided on the tractor. The mounting structure includes a contoured end portion and a bracing structure to manage stress distribution in the mounting structure and the tractor chassis thereby enabling the attachment mount to be added to a tractor with minimal alteration of the chassis.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the rack device allow the carrying capacity of a cart system to be selectively expanded to increase the carrying capacity. The rack device increases the carrying capacity of existing carts with limited capacity by piggybacking a rack onto the existing cart to cradle in bracket members large bulky beach items such as surfboard and kayaks on the side of, on top of or outside of the existing cart. A cart system is also provided. The cart system selectively expands the capacity of the cart system with bracket members to cradle large bulky beach items.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous wheeled vehicle (100; 200) having a driver's cabin (16) and a space (18) for transporting passengers and/or objects, to a coupling procedure, to an uncoupling procedure, and to a method of managing said vehicles, and also to the resulting vehicle train. In characteristic manner, the vehicle includes: a steering front axle (12); a retractable coupling system (22) comprising a first portion (221) situated at the front of the vehicle (100; 200) and a second portion (222) situated at the rear of the vehicle (100; 200), the first portion (221) of one vehicle (100; 200) being suitable for co-operating with the second portion (222) of another vehicle (100; 200) when the coupling system (22) is extended, so as to connect the vehicles (100; 200) together by forming a coupling between them; and also protector means for protecting said coupling. The invention is applicable to buses.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.

Abstract: A trailer and hitch system for a mobile robot. The trailer includes a front Ackerman steering linkage, a releasable locking mechanism for releasably positioning the Ackerman steering linkage in a turned position to arrest the trailer, a tow bar extending upwardly from the Ackerman steering linkage and terminating in a lunette ring, and spaced skid members extending downwardly and rearwardly. The mobile robot includes a hitch assembly for the lunette ring. The hitch assembly has a frame including a slot for the lunette ring and a guide portion for guiding the lunette ring into the slot, a latch pivotable with respect to the frame and biased to close the slot, and a decoupling mechanism configured to move the latch to release the lunette ring from the slot. A robot arm is maneuverable to engage the decoupling mechanism.

Abstract: An NH3 applicator implement is equipped with a hitch arrangement for automatically effecting a connection with a tongue of an NH3 nurse tank wagon. A quick-connect coupler assembly is provided for connecting the transfer hose of the nurse tank wagon to the supply hose of the implement. The quick-connect coupler assembly includes a first coupler section mounted to the applicator implement for powered, guided movement into engagement with a second coupler section mounted to the tongue of the nurse tank wagon. An electro-hydraulic control system including relay logic is used to first lock the fully coupled coupler sections together and then to engage the flow of NH3 by remote actuation of a main on/off valve located at the nurse tank.

Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a shank that can slidingly engage a first hitch receiver having an interior opening with a first size, which may be a class I receiver with a one and one-quarter inch square opening and provisions for a one-half inch hitch pin. First and second adapter parts, each having two sides forming a right angle, are removably coupled to the shank on opposite sides. The drawbar assembly can slidingly engage a second hitch receiver having an interior opening with a second size, which may be a class III receiver with a two inch square opening and provisions for a five-eighths inch hitch pin. A threaded hitch pin may clamp the drawbar assembly to the receiver.

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.

Abstract: A trailer coupling for tractive vehicles, in particular agricultural tractors, consisting of two vertical guidance cheeks (7), fitted with lateral spacing to the rear of the vehicle, the guidance cheeks including vertical slots (7a) and a bearing member (11) held detachably at the lower end region of the guidance cheeks, on which a coupling member (12) is arranged for attaching an implement. In the case of a prior art trailer coupling, all forces transmitted from the attached implement to the coupling member used, a ball coupling (12) for example, are conducted via the bearing member (11) into the guidance cheeks (7). Thus this involves the undesirable necessity of having to dimension the guidance cheeks in a robust manner, which in turn leads to space problems within the tail end region of the vehicle. Therefore a trailer coupling is to be created which reduces the load on the guidance cheeks (7), when the forces of the attached implement are conducted into the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer has a deck frame arranged to carry a load thereon for being towed by a towing vehicle in a transport position spaced above the ground. The deck frame is further arranged to be lowered from the transport position to a loading position at ground level. Side rails supporting wheels thereon are hinged at a rear of the deck frame and are pivotally coupled to a hitch arm at a front end. A lift mechanism lifts the front end of the deck frame in the loading position relative to the front of the side rails to simultaneously raise the rear end of the deck frame by lowering the front of the side rails relative to the ground. The hitch arm may remain coupled to the towing vehicle as the deck frame is displaced between the loading and transport positions.

Abstract: A connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer is described, comprising a support frame which can swivel on a bearing about a coupling means and a connector arranged stationary on the support frame. The problem on which the invention is based was to provide a connector bracket on the trailer that lessens the risk of damage to the connector from components of the tractor. The problem is solved, among other things, with a connector bracket in which the connector is at least partly covered by the coupling means in the lengthwise axis of the vehicle and a guide ramp is formed in front of the connector and tilting toward the connector at least during the coupling process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to securing hitch appliances to a hitch receiver. In one embodiment, a hitch unit includes a frame including first and second wall regions, the first wall region having a first through hole and the second wall region having a second through hole, and first and second units in the frame configured to extend a pin coupled to the second unit through the second through hole when an implement is coupled to the first unit and operated.

Abstract: A support panel structure includes at least one panel which extends in longitudinal and cross direction of the support panel structure and essentially forms one integrated structure, which integrated structure is at least partly built up of at least one composite resin laminate building block comprising at least a first and a second face sheet of a fibrous reinforced material with sandwiched in between a sheet of a foamed core material, wherein the first and second face sheet and the sheet of core material are mutually connected by means of fibrous reinforcing material at least part of which extends in height direction of the resin laminate building block, further with the support panel structure including in height direction a multiplicity of composite resin laminate building blocks stacked on top of each other and bonded to each other, at least a first and a second superposed resin laminate building blocks which sandwich between them a layer of a foamed material, the resin laminate building blocks and foame

Abstract: A powered omni-directional aircraft and ordinance handling vehicle which, in one embodiment, includes a circular frame and two drive wheels capable of independent powered forward and rearward rotation about a horizontal axis. The drive wheels are adapted to allow the vehicle to spin in place about a vertical axis which intersects the horizontal axis midway between the drive wheels and which is generally centered in the circular frame. A turret is rotatively mounted to the frame such that it is capable of rotation about the vertical axis, and an articulated ordinance handling arm is mounted to the turret. A castor is mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the ground. A control system enables the vehicle to rotate in place to change headings while maintaining ordinance carried by the arm motionless with respect to the ground and to perform repetitive precise multi-axis motion control of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rollover limiting vehicle coupling apparatus for coupling two vehicles, wherein apparatus is configured to provide stability in certain directions in one mode of operation, and is further configured to prevent transmission of rollover between vehicles in another mode of operation.

Abstract: A unitary or integral hitch and beam, which is a single unit that can be installed on vehicles of varying dimensions. The integral hitch and beam may reduce manufacturing time, weight, and parts, thus reducing cost of vehicles with hitches. The beam is cut to length depending on the rail distance of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method of use as an imitation police passenger vehicle are disclosed. The imitation police passenger vehicle may have a molded shell in the shape of a police passenger vehicle which is placed on a trailer with four wheels with the wheels in positions similar to a police passenger vehicle. The imitation police passenger vehicle may be used to increase safety and deter crime.

Abstract: An articulated unit for a motor vehicle with a housing (1) and a link pin (2) supported in the housing (1), and a bearing shell (4) disposed between the housing (1) and a bearing section (3) of the link pin (2), with the bearing shell (4) supported with its outer surface (5) at least in sections in the housing (1) and having on its inner surface (6) facing the bearing section (3) of the link pin (2) recesses (7) for a lubricant. The bearing shell (4) has at least one opening (8) which extends through the bearing shell (4) from the inner surface (6) to the outer surface (5) and forms a flow channel. A method for lubricating an articulated unit is presented, wherein the bearing shell (4) having elastic compliance produces during the relative movement of the link pin (2) in the housing (1) a pumping action, which enables distribution of the lubricant via the lubricant channel system.

Abstract: An assembly for removably coupling a cart to a towing hitch of a vehicle. The assembly includes a support member having a first end portion configured to be coupled to the towing hitch and a second end portion configured to be coupled to an underside of the cart. The second end portion is offset vertically relative to the first to support the cart above the towing hitch. The assembly includes one or more brackets coupled to the underside of the cart and arranged to be coupled to the second end portion. The support member includes a through-hole for each bracket and the through-holes in the support member are aligned with corresponding through-holes formed in the brackets. Fasteners are inserted into the aligned through-holes to maintain engagement between the support member and the brackets.

Abstract: This device limits the angular rotation of a towed vehicle/trailer from jackknifing during a back-up maneuver. This device is for use on towed vehicle/trailer with a conventional hitchball type hitch comprised of a ball mount and hitchball. The device is comprised of removable contact plate with two rearward facing sides that act as stops that limits the angler rotation of the towed vehicle's hitch coupler. The two sides of the contact plate are at an angle that is optimal for safely turning a towed vehicle. The contact plate is held perpendicular to the base plate by two radial posts on the contact plate that mount into two mating holes in the base plate. The base plate is mounted horizontally on the underside of ball mount and secured by the hitchball and the hitchball's retaining nut.

Abstract: The invention discloses a uni-body frame subassembly for a motor vehicle having a towing hitch member. The uni-body frame subassembly involves a configuration for neutralizing the effect of a rear impact involving the rear bumper and the towing hitch member. More specifically, the subassembly comprises reinforcements for supporting and controlling the frame rail segments in a crash event. Controlling the collapse of the uni-body frame subassembly helps to dissipate energy from the impact and as a result delivers less energy to a vehicle occupant compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawbar pin adapter. There is a need for a drawbar pin adapter which can allow a smaller drawbar pin to be used with a larger drawbar. A drawbar pin adapter is provided for a tractor drawbar having a lower strap, an upper strap and a drawbar pin bore which extends through the upper and lower straps and which receives a drawbar pin. The adapter includes a cylindrical bushing mountable in the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap and a hollow housing which is mountable over the lower strap. The housing includes a lower plate, an upper plate and left and right side plates. The upper plate has an upper bore formed therein, and the lower plate has a lower bore formed therein. The upper and lower bores have a diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the bushing so that the upper and lower plates hold the bushing within the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap. The bushing and the upper and lower bores receive the drawbar pin when it is inserted through the upper and lower straps.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a chain, strap or cable attached to a pre-selected object to be towed to a tow hitch attached to a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a plate member having a first predetermined shape. An aperture, having a second predetermined shape, which is at least sufficient to enable passing a ball of such hitch therethrough, is formed generally centrally through the plate member. At least one elongated slot, having each of a third predetermined shape and a predetermined width over at least a portion thereof to receive a base of such hitch therein, is formed through the plate member. The at least one elongated slot being in open communication with the aperture and extends outwardly therefrom. Finally, a connecting mechanism engages both the plate member and one of such chain, strap and cable for connecting such towing vehicle to such pre-selected object to be one of dragged and towed.

Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for a bomb disposal robot has a support beam for removably attaching the trailer hitch assembly to the bomb disposal robot. A female trailer hitch connector is coupled to the support beam.

Abstract: A Rudder Hitch Cover that simulates a sailboats rudder assembly in appearance and motion. The Rudder Hitch Cover attaches to a vehicles trailer hitch in such a way as to be easily removable. The rudder blade bracket (24) may swing side to side in response to the vehicles motion. The rudder blade (30) may rotate up if contacted by a fixed object such as a curb or speed bump.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a spring arm of a trailer hitch. The apparatus may include a lift, such as a jack, for attaching to a tongue of a trailer. A link member may be pivotally attached to the lift. The link member may also be pivotally attached to a bracket which may be attached to the spring arm. A brace member may be attached to the link member on an end opposite the bracket. As the lift raises the link member, the link member may pivot about the brace member such that movement of the bracket may be amplified as compared to movement of the lift. Moreover, lifting of the spring arm can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: For use in a vehicular trailer hitch system, a vehicular trailer hitch lunette assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one “U” shaped outer laminate plate having two legs with a semi-circular region therebetween, and at least one substantially flat inner laminate plate positioned between the legs of the U-shape of the outer laminate plate to provide support, stiffness, and additional mechanical strength to the assembly. The outer laminate plate and the inner laminate plate have cooperating apertures that are traversely positioned therethrough and the apertures are aligned and sized such that fasteners may be snugly inserted therein to mechanically couple the laminate plates together as a sandwich structure having first and second ends.

Abstract: A trailer coupling apparatus comprising means (6, 8) to pivotably mount at least one left wheel and at least one right wheel to a trailer (3), independent means (12) to pivotably connect the trailer (3) to a towing vehicle (5) and means to enable differential pivoting of the said wheels and trailer, with respect to the towing vehicle, as the towing vehicle is turned in use.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for resisting inadvertent separation of a trailer tongue coupler from a vehicle's hitch ball. The trailer hitch includes a sleeve, a retainer rotatably disposed within the sleeve and including: a rod rotatably disposed within the sleeve, a displacement member coupled to the rod and extending radially therefrom, and a retaining member coupled to the displacement member and resisting inadvertent separation of the trailer tongue coupler from the vehicle's hitch ball when the retaining member is axially disposed adjacent the vehicle's hitch ball. The sleeve includes a shaft coupler removably coupleable to the vehicle. Further, there is a hitch shaft substantially parallel to the sleeve. Also, the displacement member includes a bent rod and the retaining member includes a disk. Still more, the rod is rotatably coupled to the sleeve by a pair of apertures and a bolt.

Abstract: An articulated, modular, track-mounted, self-propelled, remote-controlled drilling apparatus is demountable into several heli-transportable components, including a drilling module and a drill support module, plus separate hydraulically-driven track carriages on which they are removably mountable. The track carriages are demountably coupled in tandem by a tri-axially articulated hitch mechanism incorporating a track steering mechanism. The drilling module carries a rotary drill, a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the track drive mechanisms, and a primary motor, which selectively drives either the drill or the pump. The use of multiple demountable modules reduces the weight of the components to be heli-transported, thus allowing the use of smaller and more economical helicopters.

Abstract: An accessory for trailer hitch systems having components for equalizing loads and reducing trailer sway. The accessory includes a jacket for attaching to a bracket that supports a load equalizing spring bar. The bracket may include a lateral extending portion for supporting the spring bar. The jacket may include a socket for receiving the lateral extending portion of the bracket, such that the jacket may be removably installed on the bracket. The jacket may include a contact surface for contacting the spring bar. The contact surface may include a different coefficient of friction or a different shape, as compared to the lateral extending portion of the bracket, such that movement of the spring bar with respect to the bracket may be altered as compared to conditions in which the spring bar is supported on the bracket without the jacket.

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 apparatus having a height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of a trailer. The height adjustment mechanism is comprised of, among other elements, an outer tube, a crank assembly having a drive gear, an inner tube having an internally threaded acme nut, and an acme screw assembly. The acme screw assembly is linearly and cooperatively assembled such that the crank assembly causes the elongated acme screw to thread vertically through the internally threaded acme nut and the acme screw assembly to concurrently move vertically. The outer tube telescopically and slidably encases the inner tube, such that the outer tube can be vertically adjusted with respect to the inner tube when the crank assembly is operated. The trailer has a trailer hitch including a hitching end integrally secured to the outer tube outside surface, and is integrally attached to the trailer hitch at the trailer end. The trailer is adjusted vertically, concurrently when the crank assembly to the height adjustment mechanism is operated.

Abstract: A drawbar hammer strap assembly design achieves a low profile, and prevents rotation of the drawbar and of the cross pin. The drawbar hammer strap assembly includes a drawbar, a hammer strap member attached to the drawbar, a drawbar pin mountable to drawbar and hammer strap member and a cross pin rotatably mounted in the hammer strap for releasably holding the drawbar pin in its mounted position. The hammer strap has a pair of detent recesses formed in the sides thereof. The drawbar hammer strap assembly also includes a handle member which is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the drawbar pin. The handle member is pivotal to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the detent recess, and to a latched position wherein it is releasably received in the detent recess. The handle member is engagable with a lever arm of the cross pin to hold the cross pin in its locked position when the handle member is in its latched position.

Abstract: A hitch assembly used in towing vehicles or other machines includes a first portion configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle and a second portion configured to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to slidably move relative to the other of the first portion and the second portion vertically in both the upward direction and the downward direction.

Abstract: A method for transporting vehicles is disclosed. The method uses inner or outer securing plates, or both, in cooperation with frame rails of a towing vehicle to secure a towing device to the towing vehicle. Towing vehicles typically include a frame that is made from strong robust channels on both sides of the towing vehicle. The securing plates generally have a right-angle bend in order to butt up against a web or a flange of the channels. This prevents inner or outer movement of the securing plates and allows users to secure a towing saddle and its load without using extended U-bolts around the channels.

Abstract: A golf club carrier includes a support (10) for a golf bag, a first hitching point (16) at a bottom of the golf bag support, and a second hitching point (13) at a top of the golf bag support. A hitch frame (50) is also provided.

Abstract: A receiver style hitch applicable to a step type vehicle bumper that mounts to the step portion of the bumper only by means of the existing hole intended for a ball hitch.

Abstract: A convertible trailer and hitch-mountable platform apparatus has a platform assembly with removable wheel and tow bar assemblies. The platform is equipped with structure for mounting the disengaged tow bar in a transverse orientation to provide structural support when mounted on the receiver hitch of a vehicle for use as a utility platform. The tow bar includes a longitudinal tongue which is received in a transversely centered longitudinal member for a trailer configuration or a longitudinally centered cross member for a platform configuration. One end of the transversely assembled tow bar is mountable on the vehicle hitch receiver for supporting the utility platform and wheels in a generally horizontal position. The platform also includes structure for stowing the wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes an axle assembly that is positionable to shift the wheels 90° upwardly and rearwardly for lowering the trailer deck for towing use behind a lawn tractor, mower or the like.

Abstract: An improved trailer assembly capable of carrying a load and having improved stability characteristics is disclosed. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the trailer hitch assembly has an interconnecting member pivotally connected to a first member and a second member. The interconnecting member has a longitudinal center line, relative to the first member and second member pivots. The first member is pivotally connected at its one end to the interconnecting member, wherein the first member is capable of pivoting in a horizontal direction relative to the longitudinal center line. The center member is pivotally connected at its one end to the interconnecting member, wherein the second member is capable of pivoting in a vertical direction relative to the longitudinal center line.

Abstract: A coupling device that requires no manual actuation to achieve coupling features a locking bolt movable along a hole extending into a mouth of a hook body to secure a coupling pin therein. A control lever pivotally connected to the locking bolt opposite the mouth end is biased toward a locked position in which motion of the locking bolt is blocked. To engage the coupling pin and the hook mouth, the coupling pin and an operable pin extending through the hollow locking bolt are brought into contact. This causes an end of the operable pin opposite the mouth to push against the control lever to unlock it from the latching position. The coupling pin pushes the locking bolt out of the mouth so that it can pass by further into it, at which point the lever and bolt return to the locked positions to secure the coupling pin inside.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly better secures a trailer to a vehicle trailer hitch. By restricting vertical travel of the trailer coupling, a hitch ball on a draw bar is better engaged by the trailer coupling as any vertical dislodgement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball is restricted by the underlying trailer hitch assembly. The underlying trailer hitch assembly cannot travel upward when locked into position as the draw bar obstructs its upward travel, thus preventing the trailer coupling from disengaging the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly is lockably pivotable away from the underside of the draw bar in order to allow controlled disengagement of the trailer coupling from the hitch ball. The trailer hitch assembly may act as a support when placed in the vertical or downward position with a wheel, pad, or skid providing support for the accompanying trailer and its load. Additionally, a new trailer hitch ball system is detachably attachable to the draw bar without a shank, nut, or washer.