Abstract: A coupling device (10) for allowing a user to connect a trailer (104) having a gooseneck assembly to a hitch ball (102) of a towing vehicle (106). The coupling device includes a housing (12), jaws (24 and 26) and a locking mechanism (32). The jaws are pivotably mounted in the housing and are biased into the open position by springs (30). The locking mechanism includes a locking slide bar (38) which moves across the front of the jaws when the jaws are in the closed position. When the jaws are in the open position and the locking slide bar is unlocked, the jaws prevent the locking slide bar from moving to the closed position. When the hitch ball is moved between the jaws, the jaws move to the closed position and, the unlocked, locking slide bar automatically moves to the closed position.

Abstract: A quick hitch coupling for use with a powered machine and a drawn machine. The coupling comprises a receiving unit attached to forward end of an implement in a substantially stationary position and an engaging unit attached to the powered machine which may be lowered and raised. The receiving unit comprises a cavity defined between a substantially vertically disposed rear plate laterally spaced from a substantially vertically disposed front plate. The engaging unit attaches to the powered machine so as to be movable between an elevated operative engaged position and a lowered disengaged position. The engaging unit includes a substantially vertical plate of a size and shape to fit within, and substantially fill, the cavity of the receiving unit. The engaging unit may thereby be positioned in its lowered position beneath the cavity of the receiving unit and raised to its operative position into coupled engagement with the receiving unit.

Abstract: Hitch mount for hydraulically driven snow blades or other accessories that includes a mounting frame for mounting to the vehicle chassis and a one piece plow assembly and lift frame readily removably coupled to the mounting frame, the plow assembly preferably including a blade trip frame and a snow blade removably coupled to the trip frame. A optional power operated jack can be used to raise or lower the lift frame relative to the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-propelled trailer dump truck which can convey earth and sand at an amount substantially corresponding to two dump trucks by one conveying operation without overloading, whereby excellent effects can be obtained on an economical field and an environmental field. The fixed platform self-propelled trailer TR is provided with a power engine 9 for self-propelling, a mechanism such as a steering system and the like, a dumping mechanism OS for taking off a load and a load box 6 connected to said dumping mechanism OS, wherein an open driver's seat 8 is positioned in front of said load box 6, a trailing member 12 provided in a front end side of a chassis 7 is provided so as to freely rise and fall, and the trailing member 12 is stood up at a time of self-propelling.

Abstract: A trailer coupler is described in which a pair of elongated hitch capturing members, each having a hitch socket part at a forward end are mounted to a base member for selective movement forward and rearwardly between a forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position wherein the hitch socket parts are separated and a rearwardly retracted and closed hitch capturing position wherein the hitch socket parts are closed together. A hitch positioner member is movably mounted to the base member and including a hitch abutment surface positioned between the hitch capturing members in the forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position. The hitch positioner member is connected to at least one of the hitch capturing members to move the hitch capturing member rearwardly in response to engagement by a rearwardly moving hitch.

Abstract: A mounting frame 10 is intended to be used with a three point hitch apparatus 4 on the rear of powered vehicle, such as a tractor. The frame 10 is rectangular so that the center is open to permit clearance for a power take off. A ball socket 20 is mounted on a horizontal lower frame beam 12 for attachment of a towed vehicle to the powered vehicle. The top of the frame 10 is attached to the tractor by a telescoping arm 60 that can be extended from a retracted to an extended position so that the frame 10 can be tilted or dumping or similar operations. A ball adaptor 34 can be mounted in the center of the mounting frame 10 to permit attachment of a towed implement or vehicle with a male attachment member, such as a ball. A center beam 78 can also be mounted on the center of the mounting frame 10 for supporting and carrying loads. The mounting frame 10 facilitates towing, hauling, dumping, scraping and is compatible with a power takeoff as used for conventional farm implements.

Abstract: A trailer coupler in which a pair of hitch capturing members, each having a hitch socket are movable relative to one another and to a base member. The base member mounts the hitch capturing members for selective movement between a forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position and a rearwardly retracted and closed hitch capturing position. A hitch positioner member is mounted or is mountable to the hitch capturing members to span the hitch capturing members in the forwardly extended and open hitch receiving position. The hitch positioner member is movably positioned with respect to at least one of the hitch capturing members and is configured to move the hitch capturing members rearwardly in response to engagement by a rearwardly moving hitch. A cam surface and cam actuator serve to close the hitch capturing members from the open hitch receiving position to the retracted hitch engaging position in response to rearward motion of the hitch capturing members.

Abstract: A pivotal guide for a trailer hitch which guides a trailer socket to engage a hitch ball when the user forces the trailer guide to engage the trailer socket. A base plate is pivotally connected to a hitch bar, which when a trailer tongue engages a base plate the hitch ball attached to the base plate is raised to be positioned directly below the trailer socket. The base plate has a pair of guiding walls for horizontal positioning of the trailer socket. The guide further has two locking devices for securing the base plate to the hitch bar. A second locking procedure is one in which a latch and latch receiver are attached between the base plate and the hitch bar respectively, thereby allowing the base plate to automatically be secured with the hitch bar when the base plate is in the final position.

Abstract: A ball hitch coupler which provides a simplified structure for coupling a ball hitch mounted on a towing vehicle to a coupler mounted on a trailer. This invention provides an innovative single cam pin locking mechanism, which in combination with a safety pin device and a tension spring provides a strong and secure ball coupler which has a minimum of moving parts and is designed to be easily used by a user by hand.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch operable between a fully locked condition and a fully released condition, having a top hitch plate and a lock jaw, a locking plunger shiftable between a biased, extended locking position engaging the jaw and a retracted position for releasing the jaw, a release lever pivotally mounted to the hitch plate and engaging the plunger to move the plunger therewith when actuated, for releasing the primary lock, a hitch release rod subassembly having an outer pull handle and an inner pivotal connection to the release lever for actuating the release lever, the release rod subassembly having a secondary stop aligned with an abutment surface in the fully locked condition to serve as a secondary lock, and shiftable out of alignment with the abutment surface to release the secondary lock, and having a limited play connection between its ends, enabling the subassembly to be lengthened a limited amount from its normal length to a lengthened condition, and biased toward the normal length condition, and hav

Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling a first agricultural implement, such as a forage wagon, to a second agricultural implement, such as a self propelled or pull type forage harvester. The hitch assembly includes a substantially vertical hitch pin affixed to the first agricultural implement, and a drawbar affixed to and extending rearwardly from the second agricultural implement. A hitch plate, affixed to the drawbar, has a rearwardly facing notch adapted to accommodate the pin under conditions where the first agricultural implement is positioned adjacent the drawbar. A latch plate pivotally mounted on the hitch plate, reciprocates between open and closed positions, for holding the pin in the notch under conditions where the pin is accommodated by the notch and the latch plate is in the closed position. The latch plate is held in the closed position by a latch reciprocal between extended and retracted conditions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch (10) including a pair of clamping jaws (12) and a retractable jaw locking member in the form of a wedge block (84) that is spring biased to move between the jaws (12) in order to lock the jaws in a closed position about a hitch ball. A latch mechanism (94) secures the wedge block (84) in its retracted position away from the jaws (12). A plunger dog (46) is pivoted by a handle mechanism (28) to reposition wedge block (84) and a safety pin mechanism (64) is provided to secure the plunger dog (46) in position and thereby secure wedge block (84) in position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch operable between a fully locked condition and a fully released condition, having a top hitch plate and a lock jaw, a locking plunger shiftable between a biased, extended locking position engaging the jaw and a retracted position for releasing the jaw, a release lever pivotally mounted to the hitch plate and engaging the plunger to move the plunger therewith when actuated, for releasing the primary lock, a hitch release rod subassembly having an outer pull handle and an inner pivotal connection to the release lever for actuating the release lever, the release rod subassembly having a secondary stop aligned with an abutment surface in the fully locked condition to serve as a secondary lock, and shiftable out of alignment with the abutment surface to release the secondary lock, and having a limited play connection between its ends, enabling the subassembly to be lengthened a limited amount from its normal length to a lengthened condition, and biased toward the normal length condition, and hav

Abstract: A towing head is provided including three primary members. The first member is stationary and includes a channel which receives the tow pin or towing fitting of an aircraft. The second member pivotally attaches to the first member and itself includes a channel which communicates with the channel of the first member. The third member rotatably attaches to the second member and includes a handle for which to place the towing head in either a locked, partially locked, or unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the second member is moved away from interfering with the channel of the first member so that the tow pin or fitting may be freely inserted or removed from within the channel of the first member. In the locked position, the second member is moved to a position so that it interferes with the channel of the first member and prevents the tow pin from being removed from the towing head.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler apparatus for a trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitch head assembly. The drawbar assembly is interconnected to a tow vehicle and includes an elongate bar and a drawbar angle adjuster that is pivotally interconnected and angularly adjustable relative to the bar. The hitch head assembly includes a ball component and a channel that is pivotally interconnected to the ball component. A horn is slidably received by the channel. The horn and the drawbar angle adjuster are selectively coupled to interconnect the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A winch driven cable guidance system for coupling trailers to tow vehicles. The system comprises of trailer having a trailer hitch coupler, a tow vehicle having a coupling ball joint, and a cable whereby one end of the cable is connected by means of a cable pulley guidance system and secured to a cable drum of a winch. The winch powers the cable drum to reel in the cable and the attached trailer to assist in connecting the trailer to the towing vehicle, thus effecting a universal joint between the trailer and towing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle capture device and method of utilizing such to stop the progress of a fleeing vehicle. The device is mounted to the front of a chase vehicle and includes arms which include hook portions that are capable of initially extending outwardly under portions of the fleeing vehicle and then extending upwardly so that the hook portions grasp undercarriage portions of the fleeing vehicle after which the chase vehicle may brake to a stop so as to, in effect, capture the fleeing vehicle in a safe positive manner.

Abstract: A hitch structure comprises a support frame adapted to be mounted to a tail portion of a work vehicle, a tube supported crosswise on the support frame and a hitch for connecting a work machine to the work vehicle. The hitch is comprised of an upper jaw plate and a lower jaw plate joined together by a pin in such a manner as to be capable of opening and closing actions, whereby the jaw plates can cooperate to hold the tube on the support frame. The hitch structure thus allows easy mounting and releasing, produces little play, and is free from worries about its parts being lost.

Abstract: A ball-type coupler is disclosed for attaching a trailer to a ball. The coupler includes a housing having an inner wall defining a void formed therein with a generally hemispherical end for receiving a ball. One or more elongate rotatable rods are disposed through the housing so that distal and proximal portions of the rods are disposed at least partially within the housing, and so that a portion of the rotatable rods are disposed so as to intersect and selectively extend into the void. The rotatable rods have a noncylindrical section, typically a curvature formed therein, such that when the rotatable rods are rotated about their central axis of rotation into a first position, the exterior surface of the rods align with the curvatures of the inner wall so as to enable a ball to be slid into the void past the rotatable rods.

Abstract: A self-latching trailer coupler for use with a ballhead coupling post is disclosed. The coupler includes a housing having a forward portion that forms a receiving socket, and a rear portion. A latching member is disposed within the rear portion of the housing and is adapted for movement between a latched and a released position, the movement of the latch member being controllably guided along a complex path by guide pins and guide slots. The latching member has a socket which engages the ballhead when the coupler is positioned over a ballhead. Downward force on the coupler, as would be due to the load on the tongue of a trailer, automatically translates and rotates the latch member to a fully engaged locked position. A self-actuating locking device is provided for locking the latching member in its latched position. In connection with the locking device, a lever for releasing the locking device is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic boat to trailer latching device. The invention is designed primarily to facilitate one person boat to trailer recovery operations, particularly in less than ideal conditions, such as choppy water surface, cross winds, and after dark or predawn recoveries. The invention allows operation of the boat to trailer latching mechanism without requiring constant vertical alignment of the boat and trailer, without requiring longitudinal alignment of the boat and trailer during the approach and permits one person to complete the operation either in the boat, or behind the boat, in daylight, or darkness, in positions where the actual latch mechanism cannot be visually observed. The invention is a boat to host trailer latch assembly generally comprised of an elongated vertically extended latch bar adapted to be secured to the prow of a boat and a latch structure adapted to mounted on the forward end of a boat trailer.

Abstract: A fully integrated, three-stage automatic weight distributing hitching system for a trailer and towing vehicle which utilizes a funnel-shaped receiver system (100), a head assembly (D) with elongated shank (160), spring bars (C) and chains (B), and a motorized electromechanical screw-driven piston device (382). The receiver, mounted on the Pear of the towing vehicle, is equipped with spring loaded dogs (140) which drop into machined recesses (240) of the shank when shank is inserted into the receiver, locking the shank in place and creating a secure coupling of the trailer and the towing vehicle. Solenoids (120) are affixed to the outside of the receiver and, when activated, will retract the spring-loaded dogs from the shank, and allow for uncoupling. The forward end of the receiver is fitted with a male portion of an electrical plug (180). The pivotable head assembly with ball (E) and shank extends from the trailer tongue (A).

Abstract: A hitch for securing a snowmobile to a trailer. The hitch comprises a base for connection to the trailer, which includes a flat, horizontal plate which is connectable to the trailer floor, and a vertical post extending upwardly from the plate. An actuator is supported in a fixed position by the base for releasable latching of the snowmobile. The actuator has a vertical oriented shaft assembly, a contact member pivotally connected to the shaft assembly, the contact member movably contacting and enclosing a connection member on the snowmobile, and a latch member for holding the contact member in a predetermined latched position. The hitch further comprises a pair of arms, each being attached at one end proximate a top end of the post and extending forwardly and downwardly. At least one arm further extends outwardly with respect to the other arm to form a predetermined angle. The arms stabilize the post and guide the snowmobile connection member toward the actuator.

Abstract: A coupling hook 5 for a lower steering arm 3 of a three-point attaching device of a tractor has a hook member 6 with a locking catch 7 which is spring-loaded in the direction of the locking position. The locking catch 7 is arranged in a recess 12 of the hook member 6 and extends through an aperture 13 into the bearing recess 10 to receive a bearing ball 11. For the purpose of supporting and guiding the locking catch 7, the hook member 6 is provided with a first stop face 14 and a second supporting stop 15, arranged at a distance therefrom and offset towards the rear. In the locking position, the locking catch 7 is supported on the hook member 6 by means of a first supporting face 19, a second supporting face 21 and a blocking face 22.

Abstract: A power operated, draw bar mounted hitch for connection to the tongue of a farm implement has a fixed draw pin and a bottom hammer strap that engages under the tongue and raises the tongue onto the draw bar, where it is captured in place between the bottom hammer strap and a top hammer strap mounted on the draw bar. The hitch has an automatic self locking feature that automatically locks the hitch when it reaches the engaged position.

Abstract: A latching device to be employed on farm tractor hitches or on large swinging gates or the like, wherein camming structure is provided for actuating a latch bolt, and wherein the camming structure is in the form of a downward, angled slot in a cylinder wall, and a camming arm extending out through the slot, whereby initial rotation of the arm will allow the bolt to move downwardly in the cylinder to a latching position extending through aligned apertures in the structures being latched together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coupling device which, when mounted to a transport, serves to catch and immobilize a moving vehicle equipped with a coupling unit. The coupling device may be mounted onto a snowmobile trailer and includes a coupling system which effectively couples onto a snowmobile ski eyelet when the ski enters a coupling zone. The device includes appropriate mounts for mounting the device to the snowmobile trailer bed and a ski impacting plate which, when struck by the ski, causes a coupling pin retainer to move sufficiently to release the coupling pin. The released coupling pin couples to the eyelet and stops the snowmobile from further movement.

Abstract: Method and device for coupling a self-propelled truck with a carrying truck, wherein the self-propelled truck is provided with a female engagement member having right and left catching spacings, whereas the carrying truck is provided with a male engagement pin, and wherein, while the self-propelled truck is moving along a rectilinear or curved path, the male engagement pin is caught and engaged in one of the right and left catching spacings, thereby effecting automatic, unmanned coupling of those two trucks. Also, an uncoupling arrangement is provided by disposing an uncoupling stand member at a proper uncoupling point and an uncoupling arm member at the self-propelled truck.

Abstract: A hitch for a vehicular tow trailer which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a sleeve has a shaft which slides into the sleeve and locks with a pin in a conventional manner. The shaft is divided into two sections that are separated by parallel planes that are inclined to the direction the shaft is inserted in the sleeve. The sections are connected by a bolt which traverses the inclined planes threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other. Tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide to opposite sides of the sleeve, wedging the shaft within the sleeve and eliminating play between the shaft and sleeve.

Abstract: A self aligning hitching device having a tongue support mountable on a vehicle or vehicle hitch. The tongue support has a mounting support so that the tongue support can easily be mounted on a vehicle. A tongue is provided that is mounted in the tongue support and is slideably free floating when in the unlocked position. It is at this time the connection is made between the towed & towing vehicles. Both the tongue and tongue support have wedging surfaces that guide the tongue now connected to a wedged or fully seated position at which time a spring biased locking pin secures them both together so that a towing vehicle carrying the tongue support and a towed vehicle connected to the tongue are now joined and ready for a towing movement.

Abstract: A coupling device for a tractor has a frame (4) which is mounted on the rear underside (3) of the tractor (1). A drawbar (14), with a coupling member (15), is guided in the frame (4). The drawbar (14) is moved by a slide (18) and can be swung sideways about a vertical axis. Centering pieces (34) and stop blocks with centering faces (35) and stop faces (38) engage one another to laterally align and fix the drawbar (14). In a lower position the drawbar facilitates lateral swivelling movement about the connecting pin (22). In an upper towing position the drawbar (14) is laterally fixed by the centering pieces (34) and the stop blocks (38). This results in improved control of the coupling members associated with the to be towed implement through lateral alignment of the drawbar and its automatic transfer into its centered position.

Abstract: An automatic hitch assembly for raising, positioning and coupling a tongue portion of a trailing vehicle to a drawbar portion of a pulling vehicle allowing for automatic coupling of the trailing vehicle with respect to the pulling vehicle while the driver remains in the pulling vehicle. A V-shaped guide member on the drawbar portion of the pulling vehicle is pivotal from an uncoupled substantially horizontal orientation, for receiving an elongated probe member on the tongue portion of the trailing vehicle during raising and positioning of the trailer vehicle, to a coupled substantially vertical orientation in which the V-shaped guide member is free from contact from the elongated probe member.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the alignment of the coupling socket of a trailer with the ball of a bumper trailer hitch utilizes paired horizontally disposed elongated bars having a parallel region and rearwardly directed funnel-shaped divergent portion. An upwardly directed guidepost is positioned upon the trailer above the socket. The bars are supported by downwardly directed posts in a manner to permit their removability when not in use or storage in a configuration closely adjacent the bumper.

Abstract: A trailer mounted boat retaining device that attaches to the bow eye bolt of a boat in order to hold the boat in place on the trailer. The retaining device consists of a Y-shaped set of padded brakets having a locking assembly at the junction. A spring-loaded trigger pin in the locking assembly is pushed by the eye bolt of the boat as it enters the trailer equipped with the invention, so that when the boat moves the pin far enough forward, a separate locking pin springs through the eye bolt of the boat holding the boat in place. A signal plate is provided that emits an audible sound when the locking pin springs into place. A separate safety bolt is also provided to hold the locking pin in place when the trailer holding the invention and boat is in motion.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism for mounting on a towing vehicle comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal plates that define an opening for receiving a pin oriented perpendicular to the plates, the pin being part of an assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle to be towed. A pair of jaws is pivotally mounted between the plates to be movable between a closed position coupling with the pin and an open position releasing the pin. These jaws have rear faces that in the closed position define a space. A downwardly spring-urged locking member is slidably mounted for vertical movement through the upper plate between a downward, locking position in which it extends through the space between the jaw faces and into engagement with the lower plate to retain the jaws in their closed position by engagement with the jaw faces, and an upward, withdrawn position in which the jaws are permitted to move to their open position under the action of a spring to release the pin.

Abstract: An automatic boat bow latch has an elongated sloping lip for properly positioning the bow hook into the latch; a pair of guide arms equipped with rollers to guide the bow into proper alignment with the latch as well as protect both the bow of the boat and the bow latch.

Abstract: A draw bar for a towing tractor includes a draw bar bracket mounted on a weight of the towing vehicle, a draw bar pin provided for axial movement in an insertion opening in the draw bar bracket, an actuating lever provided near a driver's seat of the towing tractor, and a link unit interconnecting the actuating lever and the draw bar pin for shifting the draw bar pin on actuation of the actuating lever. The link unit is provided in the weight through an opening formed in the vicinity of the draw bar bracket of the weight and an opening formed in the vicinity of the actuating lever.

Abstract: A coupling hook (5) comprises a housing (7, 8) defining a recess (10) in which a bearing ball (12) of an implement pin (41) is received. The hook also comprises a springt-loaded locking catch (14). The catch (14) is pivotal about a bearing pin (19) with play in the direction of a first line (18) connecting the center (13) of the recess (10) to a contact point (15) between the locking catch (14) and a ball (12) in the recess (10). The coupling hook (5) also comprises a locking stop (23) engaging the locking catch (14) in an undercut recess (25) thereof to define the locking position. The size of the undercut is less than or equal to the size of the play of the catch (14) on the bearing pin (19).

Abstract: A hitch device adapted to be mounted on a draft vehicle for towing a trailer vehicle having a tongue with a latch pin hole, including a rearward biased yoke member normally engaging and retaining a downward biased latch pin in an elevated armed position. When the draft vehicle is moved rearward toward the tongue, the yoke member is engaged and thrust forward by the tongue to release the latch pin which is thrust downward through the aligned latch pin hole in the tongue. Remote-control means are provided for elevating the latch pin in order to unlatch the draft tongue.

Abstract: A trailer coupling which receives the annular eye of a drawbar over a rearwardly and upwardly-projecting pintle, has a latch which engages the pintle and overlies the drawbar to prevent the drawbar from becoming dislodged during use. The latch is rotatable forwardly toward the body of the hitch, which is attached to the towing vehicle, to uncover the drawbar and permit its installation onto and removal from the pintle. A pawl mounted on the body of the coupling engages a tang on the latch when the latch is in its latched position to prevent rotation of the latch to its unlatched position. Thus the latch cannot inadvertently open during use. The pawl can be rotated away from the latch when it is desired to install or remove the drawbar.

Abstract: A safety quick-hitch system for coupling over-the-road tractors to utility trailers. A rigid mounting plate is secured to the tow vehicle in place of a conventional pintle-hook hitch assembly. Outwardly flaring walls extend horizontally forwardly from the mounting plate to define a drawbar-receptive mouth. A dual-diameter piston is slidably disposed within a cylindrical bore which perpendicularly intersects the mouth and may be displaced between a clearance position clearing the mouth and a deployed position obstructing the mouth and engaging the drawbar gudgeon. A mechanical trigger assembly slidably disposed within the mouth controls a slidable planar retainer. The retainer engages the piston and selectively activates it in response to deflection of the trigger by the entering drawbar gudgeon. As the drawbar gudgeon enters the hitch mouth, the gudgeon forcibly contacts the trigger and deflects it rearwardly a predetermined depth roughly equivalent to one-fourth the outer diameter of the gudgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching device designed to be used to detachably connect two vehicles together. The hitching mechanism includes two jaws which may pivot with respect to one another in a controlled manner by virtue of intermeshing gearing therebetween. The ends of the jaws have a complimentary tongue and groove connection to facilitate resistance of forces which would tend to separate the jaws in the absence thereof. A lock block is provided to control locking and unlocking of the jaws, while a safety pin is provided to protect against undesired jaw movements.

Abstract: A pintle hook type tractor-trailer coupling component for heavy duty use. Multiple detent and safety hook means are provided for maintaining it securely, but releasably, in its operative position, coupled to the eye component of a pulling truck or tractor. Automatic take-up means assure a snug fit between the hook and the eye, irrespective of wear.

Abstract: A trolley transfer unit for a tunnel furnace is to be used between trolleys when ceramic sintered products are loaded onto and unloaded from the trolleys in sintering the products in the tunnel furnace. The trolley transfer unit comprises a bar member for connecting the two trolleys with a predetermined interval, protrusions provided at both ends of the bar member for engaging the trolleys to be connected, and a support bar secured to the bar member and engaging a frame of the other trolley to support the bar member.

Abstract: An elongated member, adapted to be connected with a towed vehicle, is provided with an axial socket coaxial with a bell-shaped flange for guiding a shank, connected at one end by a ball joint to a traction vehicle, into the socket whereby a spring urged pawl engages a keeper notch formed in the shank for automatically coupling the traction vehicle to the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for connecting the bow of a boat to the staff of a boat-trailer. A horizontal bar is connected at one end of a staff and extends toward the rear of the trailer. This bar has a notch near the rear end. A swinging lock arm is pivotally attached to the horizontal bar and in the free position extends above and below the bar. A holding bar frame is attached to the bow of the boat and is substantially U-shaped with the open at the bottom. A round holding bar extends across the open end of the frame. A rolling bar is carried by a stop and release bar assembly which is guided up and down vertically by slots in the side members of the frame. When docking, the horizontal bar and swinging lock arm goes through the space between the round holding bar and the movable rolling bar. As soon as the horizontal bar passes through this space the swinging arms drop down and form a locking T-shape.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch for automatically connecting a vehicle to a trailer or connecting two vehicles for pushing or pulling one or the other. The hitch includes a coupling member mounted for pivotal movement in generally horizontal and vertical planes and provided with a shock absorber for cushioning certain forces and movements. An attachement pin has a cam surface to permit automatic coupling and can be locked in a disconnect position to simplify decoupling of the vehicle.

Abstract: The hitching aid disclosed is for use with agricultural tractors. It is used to allow the tractor to be backed onto a trailer, whereupon the trailer becomes automatically hitched to the tractor. The aid includes a converging channel which receives the head of the trailer's draw-pin. The channel draws the pin-head into a throat, thus aligning the pin before the pin enters the pin-receiving jaws. Thus, any abusive loads due to mismatch, etc., are taken by the bulbous head of the pin and the channel, rather than by the shank of the pin and the jaws.

Abstract: A three point or other hitch for use in conjunction with a tractor, preferably for mounting onto its front end, a pair of side plates permanently mount onto the front side edges of the tractor, each side plate incorporating shaped cradles for holding the hitch thereto. The hitch incorporates laterally extending trunions for mounting onto the side plates, and the lift arms of the hitch have a stabilizing plate arranged intermediate thereof, in order to provide enhanced support. Each lift arm incorporates a clamp, at their frontal ends, with each clamp incorporating a support for holding a draw pin, and a dog associated with each clamp for locking the pin into position, but which can be manipulated by a cam for holding the respective dogs out of their locking position, so that any implement can be freed therefrom.

Abstract: An automatic trailer hitch assembly mounts a shank unit on the trailer and a receiving unit on the towing vehicle. The shank unit provides an elongated shank member which mounts the trailer ball at one end coupled to a conventional trailer hitch ball socket housing secured to the trailer and at the opposite end is formed to slide on funnel-like guide passages into the receiving unit. A spring leveler assembly is detachably and adjustably secured as a subassembly to the trailing end of the shank unit, releasably grasps the ball socket housing and retains the shank unit properly positioned for coupling.