Abstract: A boat trailer latch includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a V-notch formed in a front portion of the top and bottom plates, and a latching element having a tooth. The latching element is sandwiched between the top and bottom plates and configured to rotate through the V-notch. The latch also includes a pawl having a rounded notch configured to lock in the tooth of the latching element and prevent the latching element from rotating. The latching element is configured to rotate in a first direction in response to a boat bow hook entering the V-notch so that as the latching element continues to rotate in the first direction the latching element closes behind the boat bow hook, and the tooth of the latching element engages the notch of the pawl so that the latching element is prevented from rotating in a second opposing direction and releasing the bow hook.

Abstract: A receiver for a heavy duty locking and pushing assembly. There is a second embodiment wherein the receiver is controlled by remote control. In a third embodiment, there is a combination of the receiver and a pushing assembly.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may extend from a hitch head. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. Pins may be utilized to secure the spring bars on the lateral extending portion of the brackets. The pins may each include a spring loaded clip that is rotatably between an unlocked position and a locked position.

Abstract: A latch to secure folding implements in a transport configuration. The latch is constructed so as to permit selective disengaging of the latch to allow the folding implement to be configured for operation. A latching mechanism with a pivoting portion engages a crossbar in latching. One of the latching mechanism or pivoting portion is suspended on an extension bar which is cantilevered and suspended from either a main frame or a folding arm. The latching system tolerates misalignment of the main frame and folding arms through the suspension system.

Abstract: A hitch system comprises a housing, a hitch plate, and an actuator system. The housing is secured to a hitch post, and the housing defines a housing opening and a housing chamber. The hitch plate is rotatably attached to the housing, and the hitch plate defines a first ball opening. The actuator system displaces the hitch plate relative to the housing such that the hitch system operates in an unhitched configuration in which the first ball opening is aligned with the housing opening and a hitched configuration in which the first ball opening is not aligned with the housing opening. A ball portion is inserted into the housing chamber and removed from the housing chamber when the hitch system is in the unhitched configuration. The ball portion is substantially secured within the housing chamber when the hitch system is in the hitched configuration.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a connection assembly can engage a cart, such as a retail shopping cart, to facilitate pushing and/or pulling the cart or a number of carts that have been nested together. In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes an engagement member with a recess. In an open position of engagement member, the recess can be configured to receive a portion of a frame member of the cart. In a closed position of the engagement member, the portion of the frame member can be secured with the connection assembly, thereby providing a secure connection with the cart to facilitate movement of the cart to a desired location.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for engaging and/or securing a generally vertical member of a vehicle or other object are provided. The apparatus includes a second plate secured to a first plate and rotatably moveable with respect to the first plate. The first plate has a throat for accommodating the generally vertical member of the vehicle or other object, and a notch angularly displaced from the throat. The second plate has a first arm that extends across the throat to secure the generally vertical member within, and a second arm that moves into alignment with the notch, concurrent with movement of the second plate. When the second arm is aligned with the notch, a biased latch can be urged to engage the notch to secure the second plate in a generally fixed orientation relative to the first plate, thereby securing the vehicle or other object.

Abstract: A ball clamp 30 has a semi-spherical surface that is urged by coil compression spring 34 into engagement with the spherical surface of a hitch ball. An L-shaped flange 73 on the rear of the ball clamp guides the groove 75 along the length of the sloped guide tongue 69 of the ball clamp support 65, assuring that the ball clamp 30 is properly supported and accurately positioned during its movements toward and away from the ball hitch 12. The ball socket housing 22 includes a recess 137 on its top surface and the locking lever 136 pivots into said recess upon contact by an approaching obstacle for avoiding destructive contact with the obstacle. The latch lever 136 has an intermediate portion 135 connected to the clamp pin 132, a fulcrum 140 at one end and a lifting end 146, and a latch catch surrounding said clamp pin for engaging the fulcrum end to hold the latch lever upright.

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.

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.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is provided that includes a body and a latch member that is movable relative to the body between an open position and a closed position for securing a hitch pin to the body. A locking pin is movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position for retaining the latch member in the closed position. An unlocking member is mounted to the latch member for movement between a retracted position and an extending position for preventing the locking pin from moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for engaging and/or securing a generally vertical member of a vehicle or other object are provided. The apparatus includes a second plate secured to a first plate and rotatably moveable with respect to the first plate. The first plate has a throat for accommodating the generally vertical member of the vehicle or other object, and a notch angularly displaced from the throat. The second plate has a first arm that extends across the throat to secure the generally vertical member within, and a second arm that moves into alignment with the notch, concurrent with movement of the second plate. When the second arm is aligned with the notch, a biased latch can be urged to engage the notch to secure the second plate in a generally fixed orientation relative to the first plate, thereby securing the vehicle or other object.

Abstract: A self-locking scissor coupler, provision for holding guide poles, for attaching a trailer to a trailer hitch ball. The coupler includes a body, a pair of movable jaws, and a bail. The body attaches to the trailer. The pair of movable jaws are pivotally mounted to the body and normally biased open. The bail is pivotally mounted to the body and normally biased down so as to allow the pair of movable jaws to be normally biased open when the bail is lifted up and disengaged from the pair of movable jaws, and when the pair of movable jaws are engaged by the trailer hitch ball, the pair of jaws close causing the bail to drop, engage the pair of movable jaws, and maintain the pair of jaws closed, thereby automatically capturing the trailer hitch ball in the pair of movable jaws.

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 coupler comprised of a coupler housing having a first opening formed therein. The opening has a concave cavity. A cylindrical socket is formed within the housing. A second opening in the housing communicates with the cylindrical socket. A lock ring is provided, the lock ring having a cylindrical portion and an arm portion extending therefrom. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is disposed within the cylindrical socket in the housing with the arm portion extending from the housing through the second opening. An opening is formed through the cylindrical portion of the lock ring. The cylindrical portion of the lock ring is rotatable in the cylindrical socket wherein the lock ring is movable between a first position wherein the opening in the lock ring is aligned with the concave cavity to allow a tow ball to be inserted into the concave cavity through the opening in the lock ring and a second position wherein the opening is not in alignment with the concave cavity.

Abstract: A trailer coupling (1) for a vehicle, in particular a tractor, has a coupling element (6). This coupling element (6) can grasp a drawbar (4) of a trailer and is displaceable between a coupling position and a release position. The coupling element (6) is fixed on a displaceable support which is connected fixedly to a cam (9). This cam (9) can be actuated by the drawbar (4) in order to displace the coupling element (6) into the coupling position.

Abstract: A coupling member 2 is brought into a mouth 23 to contact a camming surface 61 of an engagement member 60. The member 60 rotates clockwise to bring the securement means 50 up to retain the coupling member. A camming surface 62 of the engagement member 60 contacts surface 72 of a restrictor 70 to cause the restrictor to first move anticlockwise and then to drop back in a clockwise direction to trap the engagement member in position and to prevent the securement means 50 from allowing the coupling member 2 to be released.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods that reduce the number of mis-routed trolleys in an AGV system. The invention provides a solenoid driven automatic coupling for coupling a trolley to an AGV. When an AGV arrives at a particular preprogrammed destination, as determined for example by track patches read by the AGV, the AGV system switches the solenoid power causing the automatic coupling to free the trolley to disengage from the AGV. The AGV may then pull away from the trolley, leaving the trolley at its programmed destination. The system substantially eliminates the risk of a trolley not being uncoupled prior to the AGV's departing from the trolley's intended destination.

Abstract: A draw pin assembly includes a hammer strap that mounts on the drawbar and a draw pin that extends through aligned draw pin holes in the hammer strap and drawbar. A latch mechanism supports the draw pin in a retracted position while a trigger in the hitch-receiving space of the assembly releases the latch when a towed implement hitch comes into the proper alignment with the draw pin. An automatic locking mechanism is used to lock the draw pin against inadvertent release. The latch and locking functions are provided by a loop type handle connected to the draw pin. This eliminates elements projecting above the hammer strap to maximize the clearance for a tractor power takeoff.

Abstract: A draw pin assembly includes a hammer strap that mounts on the drawbar and a draw pin that extends through aligned draw pin holes in the hammer strap and drawbar. A latch mechanism supports the draw pin in a retracted position while a trigger in the hitch-receiving space of the assembly releases the latch when a towed implement hitch comes into the proper alignment with the draw pin. An automatic locking mechanism is used to lock the draw pin against inadvertent release. In one embodiment, the draw pin is fully recessed into the hammer strap when set and the latch and locking functions are provided by a loop type handle connected to the draw pin. This eliminates any elements projecting above the hammer strap to maximize the clearance for a tractor power takeoff.

Abstract: A self-latching trailer hitch for securing and releasing a hitch ball attached to a towing vehicle. The hitch maintains itself in a ball receiving position and when placed over the hitch ball, automatically locks into a ball securement position without the need for manual manipulation of a locking device. The hitch is provided with a release handle so that the hitch may be quickly and easily released from the hitch ball.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch is latched to a trailer platform by a pin which may be shifted linearly to an unlatched position against the bias of a spring so as to permit removal of the gooseneck from the platform. A first detent unit holds the latch pin in its unlatched position once the pin has been moved to that position and as long as the gooseneck remains in an installed position on the platform. As the gooseneck is removed from the platform, a second detent unit releases the first detent unit from the latch pin but continues to hold the latch pin in its unlatched position. Upon re-installation of the gooseneck, the second detent unit is automatically released from the pin and permits the spring to automatically shift the pin to its latched position.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch has a single swinging jaw, i.e., pivotal lock element, a unique cam arm, a locking plunger, a release arm, and release handle that all specially function in an interrelated manner to clearly indicate the locked or unlocked condition of the lock element. The release handle has special notches for cooperative interengagement with the top plate, specifically a lock notch and an unlock notch, engageable with a flange of the fifth wheel plate to cause the release handle to be located in specific positions. A cam surface on a finger of the pivotal lock element operates the novel cam arm to shift the release arm, for shifting it out of the unlock notch when the fifth wheel uncouples from the kingpin. The cam arm is held over center when the jaw is open, preventing the jaws from closing until the kingpin enters. When the release handle is pulled to release the locking plunger, the lock notch engages the top plate to retain the pull handle until released from this notch.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a tractor's three point hitch system to a ground working implement comprises a U-shaped frame mountable at one end to the hitch system and having rearwardly open grooves formed in its other end. An automatically locking and quick release latch assembly is mounted between the walls of the frame and responds automatically to movement of an implement's latch pins into the grooves to capture and lock the latch pins in place so that the implement can be pulled by the tractor. For release of the implement, a simple tug on a cord attached to the latch assembly releases the latch pins of the implement so that the tractor can simply pull away from the decoupled implement.

Abstract: A semi-automatic attach-detach snowplow mounting comprising two mounting mechanisms each comprising a pivotally mounted U-shaped latch member which cooperates with a slot to captively hold a mounting pin, the latch member being locked in place by a locking lever when in a first position and permitted to pivot to release the mounting pin in a second position of the locking lever. The locking lever being spring biased to both of its positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching device with automatic coupling, applicable in particular to the joining of automotive tractors to their trailers.This device consists essentially of a fork, in which the pulling member arranged on the tractor engages. Mounted on one of the branches of the fork is a closing arm which can be positioned transversely to the two branches so as to retain the pulling member between them.This arm is integral with a control lever, upon which the pulling member acts when it is reversed, so as to bring it to the coupling position.The closing arm is immobilized in this position by a locking device comprising a lock which engages in an indentation of the closing arm and which may be disengaged manually so as to release the closing arm in order to uncouple the trailer.

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: The trailer hitch comprises a channel-shaped body having a bottom wall containing therein two longitudinally offset holes and an elongated slot located forwardly of said holes. Associated with the slot is a trigger mechanism that can be rotated into a perpendicular relationship with the bottom wall of the channel-shaped body so as to flex a resilient strip downwardly. The resilient strip has mounted thereon a U-shaped rod that provides a pair of pins that project upwardly from the upper side of said strip, the pins being aligned with the holes in the bottom wall.

Abstract: A trailer hitch comprising a housing mountable on the vehicle, a ramp sloping downwardly and rearwardly from the housing away from the vehicle, and two laterally opposed pivotable jaws having recesses which when closed define a socket or pocket in which the ball coupling of the trailer tongue is retained. The ramp slopes downwardly at about 30.degree., and flares from a narrow neck to a wider lip, and has upstanding side curbs. The jaws pivot horizontally about vertical axes through jaw supports outboard of the housing. The jaws automatically close around the ball as it is moved forwardly along the channel into the socket. Aligned holes in interfitting locking arms of the jaws receive and are locked together and to the housing by a locking pin which drops into place when the jaws are completely closed. A load leveler distributes the trailer's weight between the wheels of the towing vehicle using a V-shaped rod detachably connected at its apex to a pivotable link below the housing.

Abstract: A coupler for a trailer reach ball, comprising a housing to be mounted on a vehicle, a pair of pivotally mounted coupling plates; mounted within the housing and extending out of the housing; the plates pivot within a limited arc on counter rotating axis; ball receiving cups are mounted on the coupling plates, spring biasing of the coupling plates holds the cups apart; the ball receiving cups have extending projections to engage a trailer reach; a deadbolt within the housing locks the coupler around the reach ball when the coupler is closed by the insertion of a trailer reach ball.

Abstract: An automatic latching device for connecting a tractor drawbar to a wagon or implement being towed in which connecting jaws are adapted to be closed around a pin in the tongue of the pulled device. The device actuating the closing includes a tapered pin adapted to force the jaws to close as the jaws are raised from a connecting level near the ground to a pulling level at approximately the drawbar height.

Abstract: System for storing and transporting guided missiles and similar flying bodies includes a storage building and movable storage structures for supporting multiple guided missiles. The storage building is sized so that a row of the storage structures can be arranged along one side wall of the storage building with the normal travel direction of the structures being arranged transversely of the direction of the row and of the adjacent side wall. In the row, the storage structures are closely spaced so that there is no walkway between them. A passageway is provided within the storage building along the row of storage structures so that each storage structure can be moved out of the row without moving adjacent storage structures and then turned on a minimum turning circle in the passageway for movement out of the storage building.

Abstract: A quick disconnect trailer hitch for connecting a trailer vehicle to a tractor vehicle wherein a pair of pivotally connected jaws are slidably mounted in a vertically disposed tube connected to the trailer vehicle draw bar. A spring is mounted in the tube for biasing the outer ends of the jaws outwardly therefrom to an open position, the jaws being slidable inwardly of the tube to a closed position wherein the outer ends of the jaws surround a ball hitching element connected to the tractor vehicle, the spring biased jaws being latched in the closed position.

Abstract: A coupler for a trailer and the like, the coupler having a body and cap hinged together at a front portion and closeable along parting faces and having an internal cavity formed by the body and the cap for the ball which is conventionally secured to either the trailer or the towing vehicle. The body forms a major portion of the ball cavity and includes a ball centering upper surface which extends substantially laterally across the upper surface of the cavity, forming a self-centering bearing surface for the ball. An automatic closing device is formed on a front portion of the cap and body wherein insertion of the ball into the ball cavity automatically closes the cap with respect to the body. The closing device includes a protrusion on the cap at an opposite side of the hinge where the cap encloses the ball cavity. The protrusion extends through an aperture in the body and projects into the ball cavity when the cap is in an open position.

Abstract: A coupling hook has a latch element extending from a pocket through a passage to block a coupling pin in the hook opening in the locked position. The latch element is arcuate and has opposed curvilinear surfaces one of which is engageable with a fulcrum in the vicinity of an opening in the pocket through which an actuating lever of the latch element extends. The other curvilinear surface is engageable with a fulcrum in the vicinity of the passage and has a notch engageable with a bolt in the pocket in the locked position of the latch element. The latch element may be displaced to a release position either by lifting and then pulling the actuating lever or by a coupling pin engaging the curved end of the latch element to urge the latch element to a released position.

Abstract: A coupling hook for lockingly engaging a coupling pin on an implement or the like has a pocket having a slot in which a pivot element is slidably received and an operating lever is pivotally mounted to the pivot element. A latch is pivotally connected to the operating lever and has one end extending through a passage toward the hook opening. The latch is pivotable and slidable upon a supporting or guiding pin such that when a coupling pin acts upon an unlocking surface on the nose-portion of the latch during a coupling operation, the latch will slide back into the pocket to permit the coupling pin to be received within the hook opening. When the coupling pin is locked within the hook opening, the pin will bear against a locking surface on the nose-portion of the latch to urge the supporting surface of the latch against an edge of the passage through which the latch extends so that a moment is produced acting upon the latch and operating lever to urge the latch into the hook opening.

Abstract: A coupling hook for lockingly engaging a coupling pin on an implement or the like has a pocket within which is pivoted an operating lever and a latch has one end pivotally connected to the operating lever and its other end projecting toward the jaw opening in which is received the coupling pin. The latch is pivotable and slidable upon a supporting pin such that when a coupling pin acts upon an unlocking surface on the latch during the coupling operation the latch will slide back into the pocket to permit the coupling pin to be received within the hook jaw. When the coupling pin is locked within the jaw the pin will bear against the locking surface of the latch to urge the supporting surface of the latch against an edge of an opening in the pocket through which the latch protrudes so that a moment is produced acting upon the latch and operating lever which urges the latch into the jaw opening.