Opened By Opposite Coupling Part Patents (Class 280/510)
  • Patent number: 11007831
    Abstract: Hitch assemblies are provided. The hitch assemblies includes a first body defining a receiving cavity and a locking mechanism, and a second body removably insertable into the receiving cavity of the first body. The first body is fixedly attachable to a vehicle and the second body is configured to operably connect to a trailing structure, and the locking mechanism includes a rotating member extending through the receiving cavity and rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the second body is positioned within the receiving cavity and the rotating member is in a secured position, the rotating member secures the second body to the first body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Nance
  • Patent number: 10589584
    Abstract: A latch and fail-safe mechanism suitable for use with an industrial cart, dolly, trailer or other types mobile platforms or carriers. According to an embodiment, the latch comprises a housing or enclosure, a latch mechanism, a hitch hook and a fail-safe mechanism. The housing includes a back-plate configured to attach the latch to amounting bracket or frame plate on the cart. The latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias the hitch hook in a closed or engaging position. The fail-safe mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias and maintain the hitch hook in the closed position in the event of failure of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Sailrail Automated Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Scarth, Shawn Dawson
  • Patent number: 10406963
    Abstract: Vehicle securing apparatuses may include a main support arm. A base arm may be carried by the main support arm. A retainer assembly arm may be carried by the main support arm in spaced-apart relationship to the base arm. A retainer space may be defined by and between the base arm and the retainer assembly arm. A retainer assembly may include a retainer hasp pivotally carried by the retainer assembly arm. The retainer hasp may be pivotal between a retaining position extending into the retainer space and a release position substantially clearing the retainer space by application of force from outside and toward the retainer space against the retainer hasp. A hasp retaining member may be disposed in mechanical cooperation with the retainer hasp to normally maintain the retainer hasp in the retaining position on the retainer assembly arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Thomas Neil Myron, J. J. Keeth
  • Patent number: 9566838
    Abstract: A latch and fail-safe mechanism suitable for use with an industrial cart, dolly, trailer or other types mobile platforms or carriers. According to an embodiment, the latch comprises a housing or enclosure, a latch mechanism, a hitch hook and a fail-safe mechanism. The housing includes a back-plate configured to attach the latch to a mounting bracket or frame plate on the cart. The latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias the hitch hook in a closed or engaging position. The fail-safe mechanism is operatively coupled to the hitch hook and configured to bias and maintain the hitch hook in the closed position in the event of failure of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventors: Ian Scarth, Shawn Dawson
  • Patent number: 9526663
    Abstract: A power lift and transfer system and method are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the power lift and transfer system and method may be realized as a power lift and transfer system. The power lift and transfer system may move, stow, and carry a mobility device for a user with a disability, and then assist the person with the disability to transfer in and out of a vehicle. The power lift and transfer system may further transport the wheeled or other mobility device from a position in a rear or on top of the vehicle to passenger or driver areas of the vehicle, and then assist the user by means of a conveyor belt to transfer laterally into the automobile seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas F. Egan
  • Patent number: 9259983
    Abstract: An improved aircraft towing apparatus, which is attachable to a small vehicle such as a golf or utility vehicle. The apparatus has a swiveling hitch bar pivotally mounted to a vehicle and a tow bar sleeve pivotally mounted to the center of the hitch bar, with the tow bar sleeve positioned underneath of the hitch bar. The device further comprises an extendable tow bar which is positioned within the tow bar sleeve. The tow bar is slidably insertable into the tow bar sleeve. The tow bar, when not in use, may be slid back through the tow bar sleeve such that the majority of the length of the tow bar is secured out of the way underneath the chassis of the utility vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Hans Hohlrieder
  • Patent number: 9114678
    Abstract: A hitch apparatus has a base with rearward extending upper and lower jaws. A pin extends upward from a rear end of the lower jaw. A lock plate is pivotally attached to a rear portion of the upper jaw limit can pivot through a pivot range from a closed position through a balanced position to an open position. When the lock plate is between the closed and balanced positions, gravity biases same toward the closed position where a locking portion of the lock plate extends downward into the gap and the closed stop prevents rearward movement thereof. The locking portion moves forward and upward as the lock plate pivots from the closed position to the open position, and when the lock plate is between the balanced and open positions, gravity biases same toward the open position where the locking portion extends upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: POWER PIN INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Olson, Lloyd Wach
  • Patent number: 8668221
    Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a trailer is provided. The device includes a base having a channel and a pair of side walls. The channel includes a mouth leading into a stop. The side walls are spaced apart from each other and the channel runs generally between the side walls. A catch is pivotally mounted between the side walls. The catch includes a mounting end, a catch end, and a contact surface. The catch end is pivotable between a first position, wherein the catch end abuts against the base; and a second position wherein the catch end is displaced from the base. The tow pin engages the contact surface of the catch and pivots the catch end towards the second position. The catch end returns to the first position so as to secure the tow pin between the catch end and the stop when the tow pin abuts against the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Michael Adkins, Charles Christopher Asebes, Sudhakar Pillarisetti
  • Publication number: 20130207368
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
  • Patent number: 8485545
    Abstract: The invention refers to a trailer coupling (10) for a towing vehicle (26), comprising a base body (12), a coupling unit (14) with a coupling element (16), that works with a counter-coupling element (18) of a trailing towing vehicle (22), whereby the coupling unit (14) relative to the base body (12) is adjusted between a coupling position and a release position, and a securing device (40), with a securing element (42), that can be adjusted between a securing position and a release position, whereby, in its securing position, it secures the coupling unit (14) in its coupling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Szczepanek
  • Patent number: 8444169
    Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler to couple a trailer to a trailer hitch includes a socket adapted for receiving a trailer hitch ball; a clamp associated with the socket and operable for engaging the trailer hitch ball; a sensor operatively connected with the socket and operable for determining a distance between an inner surface of the socket and an outer face of the trailer hitch ball when the trailer hitch ball is positioned within the socket; a clamp prevention device operatively connected with the socket and with the clamp and operable to prevent engagement of the clamp with the trailer hitch ball; and a release mechanism operatively connected with the sensor and the clamp prevention device and operable to release the clamp prevention device to allow the clamp to engage the trailer hitch ball when the sensor communicates a desired hitch condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Steven A. Katz
  • Patent number: 8408578
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Indigo Sierra Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory Staples
  • Patent number: 8393631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ergotech, LLC
    Inventors: Steven S. Sybert, Donald J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8382147
    Abstract: A hitch device for a trailer mount. The hitch device includes a mounting portion for being received within a receiver portion attached to a vehicle. The hitch device includes a tongue portion secured to the mounting portion. The tongue portion includes an upper face, a lower face and a through-hole for receiving a lower portion of a hitch ball. At least one of the upper and lower faces includes a pair of raised rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Thaddeus T Brej, Roy Edward Spaw
  • Publication number: 20110316255
    Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions. A retaining arrangement for retaining the pin in the retracted position will release the pin upon the pin being shifted to a release position, where after the pin is moveable under a biasing influence to shift to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INDIGO SIERRA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Gregory Staples
  • Patent number: 7900949
    Abstract: Described is a system, device and method for coupling of a towing vehicle to a trailer or other towed item. A skid plate provides a surface on which a tongue of the towed item slides toward alignment over a hitch such as a hitch ball or pintle hook. The tongue, when approaching the correct location, impacts a latch. Movement of the latch facilitates movement of the skid plate downward, out of the way of the tongue. The skid plate automatically drops or tilts below the level of the hitch. The tongue of the trailer then drops onto, engages, or couples to the hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Wayne B. Russell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7434826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Mark L. Lambros
  • Patent number: 7378013
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Buyers Products Company
    Inventor: Philip Sandler
  • Patent number: 7264260
    Abstract: A quick attach/detach adjustable hitch which allows the operator of a towing vehicle to connect to a trailer without leaving the driver seat. The preferred embodiment includes a lifting carriage connected within a frame by a hydraulic cylinder. Guiding members are used to ensure correct alignment of the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball, and a hold-down bar is used to prevent accidental detachment of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The preferred embodiment also includes an alarm to inform the operator when the hitch ball receiver and hitch ball are in correct alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sybelis Investments, Ltd
    Inventor: Troy E. Overstreet
  • Patent number: 7059419
    Abstract: An adapter that converts a tractor hitch coupling from a ball and pin type to a hook type. The adapter is a tubular member having an opening at one end into which an end of the hitch arm is inserted and a hook extends therefrom at the opposite end. A locking dog is movably mounted on the tubular member for selectively blocking the entry or throat of the hook and a spring biases the locking dog to it's locking state. Each of a pair of spaced apart side walls have at least one set screw threaded there through. The set screws engage opposite side faces of the lift arm on which the adapter is mounted permitting variously adjusting alignment of the adapter relative to the hitch lift arm on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Owen Patrick Greenwell
  • Patent number: 7011330
    Abstract: An automatic hitch may include a base, a support surface, a jaw assembly connected to the base and having engaged and disengaged positions and a biasing member associated with the jaw assembly. The biasing member may be configured to normally bias the jaw assembly toward the support surface. The automatic hitch may also include a release mechanism configured to apply upward force to the jaw assembly upon downward actuation of the release mechanism to move the jaw assembly into the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Blanton
  • Patent number: 7004489
    Abstract: A connection device is provided for interconnecting first and second tugger carts. The connection device includes a striker element projecting from the first tugger cart. A connecting arm is pivotably connected to the second tugger cart and includes a terminal end that partially defines a recess for receiving the striker element therein. The connecting arm is pivotable between a storage position and a locking position. A locking pin is operatively connected to the connecting arm and is movable between an extended wherein the locking pin extends over an opening to the recess in the connecting arm and a retracted position wherein the striker element may be inserted into and removed from the recess. A handle is provided to allow a user to maintain the locking pin in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Topper Industrial, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6464241
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer hitch formed of a top plate pivotally attached to a base plate, wherein each plate is formed by investment casting and the components and features of each plate are integrally formed therewith. The top plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass, a ball housing concentrically located over the aperture and a tab at one end of the plate. The base plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass and a spring enclosure formed at one end of the plate, the enclosure including a slot into which the tab of the top plate extends. Contained within the spring enclosure is a spring that bears against the tab. The top plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate so that the two apertures are concentrically aligned, thus permitting a trailer ball to pass through the base plate aperture and seat in the ball housing formed as part of the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Daniel
  • Patent number: 6394481
    Abstract: A draw bar clamping locking mechanism for locking and unlocking rapidly a draw bar mounted on the front end of a trolley to the rear end of an automatic guided vehicle. The locking bar mechanism includes a locking bar which is moveable rotatably between a locked position where the draw bar is received in a U-shaped slot and an unlocked position where the draw bar is disengaged from the U-shaped slot. A release paddle is provided for unlocking and releasing rapidly the draw bar from the U-shaped slot when depressed downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Watcharin Pinlam, Chalor Moogdaharn, Youthachai Bupparit
  • Patent number: 6390490
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Van Campbell
  • Patent number: 6193259
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Clarence B. Rupard
  • Patent number: 6099017
    Abstract: A pair of embodiments of latch structures for latching a driving vehicle to a towed vehicle include pivoting lock members. The pivoting lock members are simple to utilize, and do not require complex tooling or assembly operation. With the present invention, two vehicles may be quickly and easily connected together without the use of complex tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Paul T. Schooler
  • Patent number: 6089596
    Abstract: A quick attaching device for attaching a powered vehicle, ordinarily a farm tractor, to an implement without leaving the vehicle. The system is adaptable to implements having either a pulling tongue or having a relatively fixed attachment to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: William C. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6070679
    Abstract: The present inventive device generally allows a user to easily engage and push or pull heavy and unwieldy object(s), most notably a line of nested shopping carts, effectively and without undue strain. The cart is designed specifically with universal utility in mind. The power is supplied by either an electrically driven motor or internal combustion engine. Power is transmitted to a transaxle with belts or an electric motor electronically controlled. A simple forward/reverse control via throttle handles causes cart movement and steering is achieved through dual rear castors. The front of the cart contains a receiver that allows easy attachment for a multitude of attachments for a variety of uses. A square tube fitment with a quick release device lets the cart be configured for different markets and easy field change. One such attachment is a shopping cart adapter, which attaches to the cart through the receiver connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Lindbergh Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Berg, Joseph D. Berg, Dennis R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6047982
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. McClure, Larry D. Hall, William D. Hotaling
  • Patent number: 5997025
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
    Inventor: Warren R. Wisecarver
  • Patent number: 5839745
    Abstract: The lock mechanism for a fifth wheel hitch of the present invention includes a housing mounted on a pedestal, the housing having a hitch plate mounted on the upper end thereof. The hitch plate slot, for receiving a trailer pin, is mounted over a channel extending forwardly in the housing, such that the trailer pin will extend downwardly into the channel and slide along the channel bottom and between the channel side walls. A hook member is pivotally mounted on the housing and selectively projects through an opening in one side wall of the channel such that a hook arm retains the trailer pin in position in the channel. A handle mounted on the hook member to manually move the hook member between the engaged and disengaged positions. A lock plate is pivotally mounted to the housing and includes a throat with a first catch for retaining the handle in the disengaged position, and a second catch for retaining the handle in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventors: Lyle L. Cattau, Fred P. Smith, Larry D. Larcom
  • Patent number: 5489112
    Abstract: A support mounting unit is provided for mounting a transportable cart or like apparatus to a vehicle so as to provide an easy method of transport for an apparatus. The mounting unit includes a mounting means for securing the invention to the rear bumper of a vehicle, a top and bottom clamping jaw for securing the cart to the mounting unit, and an automatic locking mechanism. The top jaw of the invention is attached to a main body portion by means of hinges on each side of the body portion. The top jaw can then be moved from a nominally horizontal closed position to an angled upwardly open position. Thus, once a lower attachment bar secured to the transportable apparatus has been placed in the lower U-shaped bracket, the apparatus is rotated and the upper attachment bar pushes the top jaw into the open position. The attachment bar can now be secured in the U-shaped bracket embedded in top jaw, and the top jaw can return to a closed position where the locking bolt automatically secures it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Bruce Warrington, Tom Dula
  • Patent number: 5439069
    Abstract: A powered pusher vehicle for moving a train of nested shopping carts, the vehicle having a main body portion with a central drive wheel powered by an electric motor through a worm gear transmission. Caster wheels support one end of the vehicle for ease of steering and easy manipulation of the pusher vehicle when it is not connected to the carts. A pair of normally raised wheels, on each side of the drive wheel, may be lowered to raise the drive wheel from the ground. A remote control allows the operator to manually guide the lead cart while controlling speed of the pusher vehicle with the remote control. The vehicle includes a pair of latch members for automatically connecting the front of the vehicle to a rearmost one of the nested carts. The arrangement permits a single person to manipulate a long train of nested shopping carts with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Jimmy A. Beeler
  • Patent number: 5218737
    Abstract: A detachable hopper and vacuum apparatus which includes a mobile, detachable hopper adapted for use with the vacuum apparatus of this invention or towed by a tractor or alternative towing vehicle or apparatus, and characterized by a sliding tongue which is extendible in one embodiment for coupling to the towing apparatus and retractable in a second embodiment for coupling to the vacuum apparatus by means of a dual-contact coupling system. The hinged panel defines the upper half of the front panel of the detachable hopper and features a window for receiving the discharge chute of the towing vehicle or vacuum apparatus. Pivoting tandem wheels are provided on the detachable hopper for easily traversing uneven terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventors: Homer L. Dansby, William E. Green, Gary F. Floyd
  • Patent number: 5219436
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly is provided for coupling a trailer to a vehicle, the lead vehicle being equipped with a standard ball-type hitch, and the trailer hitch assembly comprising a body securely attached to the trailer, the interior surface thereof forming a cylindrical cavity, the cylindrical cavity being open at one end thereof for insertion of the ball-type hitch and the opposite end thereof being closed, the interior surface at the closed end forming a curved surface which substantially conforms to a portion of the ball-type hitch; a plurality of steel balls rotatably embedded within the body such that a portion of each steel ball extends through the interior surface of the body into the cavity to secure the ball-type hitch within the cavity; and retraction means for temporarily retracting the steel balls completely within the body to allow ingress and egress of the ball-type hitch into and out of the cavity, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: Vance Abbott
  • Patent number: 4998745
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: John David
  • Patent number: 4793626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: John A. Gefroh
  • Patent number: 4613149
    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 a 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 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. The receiving unit has a locking pin which can be latched into a position allowing entry of the shank member into the receiving unit and when the shank unit is properly positioned therein is automatically unlatched and moved into a position for locking the shank unit and receiving unit together. The locking pin can also be restored to a latched position which enables the shank unit to be withdrawn from the receiving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4502706
    Abstract: A hexagonal hitch frame is provided including short upper and lower horizontal sides and generally horizontal oppositely outwardly projecting mid-heights arms projected outward from the opposite sides of the frame supported from the opposite side apex portions thereof defined by the intersections between corresponding upper and lower sides of the frame on opposite sides thereof. The short upper side is supportable from the central upper hitch arm of a tractor hitch, the outer ends of the opposite side outwardly projecting arms of the frame are supportable from the lift arms of the tractor hitch and the short lower side of the frame includes a rearwardly projecting hitch coupler shiftable between open and closed positions and equipped a spring biased latch for latching the coupler in a closed position and the short lower frame side also includes hydraulic ram structure for releasing the latch against the spring bias thereof and enabling the hitch coupler to shift to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: James E. Frambach, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4492386
    Abstract: A trailer safety device for use in conjunction with a trailer hitch is provided having a bracket assembly from which a free-swinging body assembly is suspended. The bracket assembly and body assembly are positioned in spaced relationship above the trailer hitch to prevent inadvertant or accidential opening of the trailer hitch. The free-swinging body assembly is permitted to swing freely between points of constraint defined by inhibitors such as a bracket shoulder or an inhibitor latch. In this manner, a substantial portion of the body assembly remains positioned directly above the trailer hitch to block its opening and the body assembly absorbs shocks and jolts by swinging to and fro. To open the trailer hitch, the body assembly is manually retracted to one side of its swinging arc thereby enabling the trailer hitch to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Inventor: Hardy G. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4475741
    Abstract: In the case of the adjustable upper link in a three-point suspension device for a tractor, comprising a locking device in the form of a line fitted with a shut-off device and connecting together the two end-faces of the hydraulic cylinder, the invention simplifies the operation of the device in that it may be adjusted effortlessly from the tractor-seat. This is achieved in that the shut-off device is in the form of a ball-valve having an axis secured to a forked actuating lever, and in that springs are provided to urge the said actuating lever towards the shut-off position. A scale provides the tractor-driver with an accurate indication of the setting of the link. The design of a tube accommodating one end of the piston-rod as a compressed-air chamber ensures automatic displacement of the piston in the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventor: Ernst Conrad
  • Patent number: 4463965
    Abstract: A retainer device for use in combination with a boat trailer. The device includes a platform member having a slot formed therein which receives the bow eyelet of a boat. A hook is attached to the platform member and may secure the bow eyelet within the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Inventor: Floyd A. Lawson
  • Patent number: 4415175
    Abstract: A coupler latch mechanism is disclosed having a self-opening hook-up feature for facilitating the hook-up of an implement to the hitch on a tractor. The coupler latch mechanism includes a latch bar pivotally connected to a coupler frame immediately above a hook. A trigger member is pivotally connected to a midsection of this latch bar and has a downwardly projecting finger which is located rearward of the lower portion of the latch bar. The forward end of the trigger member is pivotally connected to a link, which is in turn pivotally connected to the frame. The point of attachment of the trigger member to the link is also the point of attachment of the trigger member to a vertical rod, which extends up through the frame. The upper end of the rod is pivotally attached to a lever pivotally connected to the frame. The control latch mechanism is able to open as an implement hitch pin presses against the finger of the trigger member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Carl E. Kainer
  • Patent number: 4408778
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Inventor: Ronald G. Steuben
  • Patent number: 4348035
    Abstract: Towing attachments for attaching trailers to the end of various vehicles are disclosed, including a tubular sleeve attached to the vehicle, an extension bar having one end rotatably attached to the tow bar of the trailer while the other end is adapted to be releasably attached to the tubular sleeve and having a cross-sectional shape which is complementary to that of the tubular sleeve so that it may slide smoothly into same for attachment thereto, and a clamp for releasably clamping the end of the extension bar to the tubular sleeve, the clamp including a fixed trunnion extending from the tubular sleeve and a resilient clamp affixed to the extension bar so that the resilient clamp can be releasably clamped to the fixed trunnion when the extension bar slides into the tubular sleeve, the resilient clamp being pivotable between a first position in which it does not interfere with the sliding of the extension bar into the tubular sleeve and a second position in which it prevents the extension bar from being slida
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: Francois Wasservogel
  • Patent number: 4268058
    Abstract: A coupler for rapidly joining a snowplow unit to a prime mover. A horizontally extended tongue is affixed to the push frame of the plow unit which is insertable into a receiving slot contained in the coupler. The tongue is provided with a pair of contoured camming surfaces that are arranged to translate a prescribed motion to a pair of jaw elements contained in a locking mechanism carried by the coupler. The jaw elements are biased to move in contact with the camming surfaces to first move to a fully opened position to allow the tongue to pass into the coupler and then into closed or locked position wherein the push frame of the plow unit is securely drawn into seated contact against the front wall of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Frink Sno-Plows
    Inventors: Eugene A. Farrell, Jean A. LaBow
  • Patent number: 4121893
    Abstract: A ball and socket coupling in which the ball is positively retained within the socket by means of a cap, removably secured to the socket for closing the open end of the latter and having a hole through which the ball stem extends. The cap hole allows pivotal movement of the ball relative to the socket. The socket and the cap have inter-engaging interrupted threads for securing and releasing the cap by a simple one-quarter turn of the same. A lever is pivoted to the cap and engages between ears on the socket in the secured position of the cap to provide a safety lock. The resulting coupling is much stronger than conventional ball and socket couplings, because the cap forms an abutment face all around the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1978
    Inventor: Gilles Morissette
  • Patent number: 3952431
    Abstract: A coupling between a snow plow and the front of a truck including a housing assembly adapted to be mounted on the truck and a loop and frame member adapted to be mounted on the snow plow. The housing has a convex front surface and a recess in said surface defined by rearwardly converging walls. A hook means is mounted in said recess and is adapted to pivot about an axis between open and closed positions. Means are provided for locking the hook member in its closed position. A frame member is adapted to abut the convex surface on the forward face of the housing member and the loop projects rearwardly from the frame member into the recess where it is held in place by the hook means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1976
    Assignee: Gledhill Road Machinery Company
    Inventors: William Gledhill, Philip Leland Sherman