Abstract: The present invention is a ball hitch connector for use with a conventional ball hitch socket. The ball hitch connector includes a spherical body having a polygonally shaped bore to receive a generally cylindrical stud, where the upper section of the stud has a polygonal shape complimentary to the bore of the spherical body. The stud attaches to a generally conical collar, by means of a latch pin through two bored holes, one located in the lower section of the stud and one located in the base of the collar. The stud and attached collar are insertable within a base plate. The base of the collar is polygonal in shape. The base plate is a ring which has an inner cavity of corresponding shape to the collar. The collar and attached stud are held in place by means of the complimentary configured base plate cavity. The stud is secured to the base plate by a fastening means such as a nut and washer.

Abstract: A load carrying apparatus that attaches to the trailer hitch or receiver of a vehicle that provides a secondary hitch or receiver on the apparatus to enable the towing vehicle to carry a load on the carrying apparatus while still being able to tow a trailer or boat-trailer or the like.

Abstract: A towing device for vehicles comprises a transverse support, which is mounted at the rearward end and has a receiving part for the releasable holding of a ball neck with a coupling ball. An end part of the ball neck is inserted from below into the receiving part and is non-rotatably held by a locking mechanism. During the releasing of the ball neck, this ball neck can only cover a defined falling course, due to the provision of a catching device, having a transversely extending pin, which penetrates the ball neck and projects beyond it on both sides, and further has a catch hook located underneath the ball neck. The catch hook has a stationary upper part and a swivelling lower part, which is connected with the upper part, the lower part, which cooperates with a spring element, having hook portions for receiving the projecting portions of the transversely extending pin located above it.

Abstract: A towing vehicle hitch assembly is pivotally mounted on a back plate and support element welded to a hitch bracket attached to the towing vehicle. The hitch assembly has a release arm maintaining a bottom plate with side guide plates integral thereto in an inclined position over a ball mounted on a post to the support element. There are a pair of pivoting release plates centered in the bottom plate. A corresponding hitch roller assembly is mounted to the tongue of a trailer with a ball socket at its distal end. The roller assembly has either ball bearings or rollers attached to its forward end. As the towing vehicle moves toward the trailer, the trailer's hitch assembly trips the release arm and stops at the forward edge of the towing vehicle hitch assembly. This places the socket above the ball and as it engages it falls by gravity over the ball.

Abstract: An article carrier for use with a trailer hitch ball wherein a tubular member deviced to fit the trailer hitch balls extended thereover to support the carrier. A latch pin is inserted to prevent the tubular member from coming off the ball. The tubular member is of non-circular construction to prevent the carrier from rotating relatively about the vertical axis of the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch ball assembly includes a vertical post for attachment to a vehicle drawbar. The post has a smooth cylindrical upper portion and a circumferential retainer groove for receiving and retaining a ball while permitting rotation of the ball. The ball includes a central bore which receives the post upper portion and a retainer screw for engaging the retainer groove. A threaded lower portion and two nuts are utilized to secure the post on the drawbar. The threaded portion may include an exposed free portion for storing a replacement ball of the same or different diameter.

Abstract: A trailer tongue alignment guide for centering the socket of a ball-type hitch above the ball as a vehicle is backed toward the trailer. A base plate having a flat bottom surface has a hole which is aligned with the hole in the vehicle draw bar so that the base plate is clamped between the ball and the draw bar by means of the ball fastener. No portion of this base plate extends into any substantial engagement with other portions of the vehicle or with the draw bar and therefore the base plate may be easily mounted to any conventional, existing ball-type draw bar. A rigid, V-guide is removably mounted to the base plate by means of engaging male and female coupling members formed on the base plate and the guide. These permit the guide to be simply lifted and removed from the base plate after the trailer socket is engaged with the ball, thus preventing the V-guide from restricting the articulation of the trailer with respect to the towing vehicle during turns.

Abstract: Presented is a trailer hitch apparatus or assembly that marries a spherical ball to a monolithic plug that may be detachably locked in a complementary socket fixed to a tractor vehicle. In another aspect of the invention, the spherical ball attached to the monolithic plug is permanently pivotally mounted on the tongue of a trailer-type vehicle.

Abstract: A self-centering hitch is set forth for securement of a trailer to an associated tow vehicle. The self-centering hitch includes a conventionally orthogonally oriented ball formed with an arcuate concave centering plate oriented rearwardly and integrally to a support securing said ball. Said centering plate is formed of a convex orientation relative to said ball with a radius of curvature oriented medially of said ball aligned with the center of said ball. The center plate is further formed with a plurality of switches formed integrally to said plate and associated with alarm means for indication of a right or left positioning of a hitch to be secured to said ball to assist in securement of said hitch to said ball.

Abstract: A slidably positionable trailer hitch guide apparatus is set forth wherein a trailer hitch guide is formed with a plurality of vertically oriented flanges formed with a connecting plate overlying a slot formed in each vertical flange wherein the slots are aligned with one another and the plate is formed with a "U" shaped recess for accepting a securement ball for use in cooperation with a connecting trailer socket. The vertical flanges each have secured thereto a directing flange formed at an obtuse angle relative to said vertical flange with an underlying connecting flange at an obtuse angle to said plate. A plurality of stabilizing webs are orthogonally and outwardly projectingly secured to each vertical flange for stabilizing the guide apparatus relative to an automotive type bumper having secured thereto the securement ball.

Abstract: An improved trailer hitch is disclosed for coupling a towing vehicle and a trailer. The invention is suitable for accommodating both ball and socket-type couplings and ring and pintle-type couplings. The integral body of the trailer hitch has the known elements of a rear mount for attaching the body to a towing vehicle, a ball housing with a bore for mounting a removable ball stud, a plate for mating with a towed vehicle, and a passge for connecting a latching arm. The improvement comprises four elements. First, the latching arm has a head, having a front face and a rear face, and a pair of substantially parallel legs integrally attached to opposite sides of the head and extending beyond the faces of the head. Each leg has an aperture for mating with the passage of the integral body and engaging a pin. Second, to prevent rotation of the latching arm, a notch on the integral body seats the rear face of the latching arm.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to allow the lubrication of a ball and coupler while being attached together. Unity of a ball and coupler are essential to this invention. The size of ball is immaterial to the function of the design. Lubrication is accomplished through a system comprising of internal ports and external exiting port holes. An internal port system that comprising a variety of ports and exiting port holes to the surface of the ball at various angles allowing lubrication between the ball and socket of the coupler. An external lubrication fitting is attached to the internal lubrication port system. Pressurization occurs when an external lubrication is introduced into the internal porting system through the external lubrication fitting. The amount of lubrication to the ball and socket is controlled by the amount of lubrication introduced into the internal porting system via the lubrication fitting.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for connecting a trailer to a hitch ball on a towing vehicle. There are two converging sides arranged as a V which has an apex at the hitch ball receiving area. A top plate covers extends over most of the sides. There are a pair of holes in the sides which extend through the hitch ball receiving compartment. A pin with pin lock lever extends through the holes for securing the hitch ball in place.

Abstract: A towing hitch is disclosed which has a housing for receiving a tow bar such that said housing can be pivotally connected to said tow bar. A tongue is coupled to the housing for receiving a towing element. The housing has a pin which project into said tow bar and said pin has a resilient block mounted thereon such that said block is arranged between said pin and said tow bar to dampen or absorb shock or vibration transmitted to said towing hitch.

Abstract: A device for releasably coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle comprising a support plate mountable on the towing vehicle, and a parallelogram-like arrangement of articulated mechanical members mounted on the support plate including a lifting bar movable between a raised position and a lowered position. A hitching ball that is matable with a socket on the trailer is mounted on the lifting bar. Mechanical means are provided for moving the lifting bar between its raised position and its lowered position. Also, means are provided for locking the device in its raised position.

Abstract: A ball hitch for towing trailers and the like may be assembled in either of two possible configurations so that the resultant assembled ball structure has a selected diameter complemental to the socket of the trailer tongue. The hitch includes an integral body presenting two end portions having a truncated spherical configuration, and a specially adapted bolt may be inserted in either of two directions in a central bore of the body so that the selected end portion of the latter may be located in an outermost disposition for use. Preferably, a smoothly rounded head of the bolt has a radius of curvature equal to the average of the radii of the end portions of the body so that the bolt head and the selected end portion of the body, when the hitch is installed in the vehicle, cooperate to present a rounded structure of a generally spherical configuration.

Abstract: A jointed two bar for towing one vehicle by a second vehicle which incorporates joints in such a way as to allow folding and imprecise alignment during attachment, but a fail safe rigid structure for towing. A rotating cross bar joint on beams can be lifting out of the fixed towing position for storage or attachment but is prevented by structure from downward movement. Lateral movement of beams can also be accomplished from a pivot joint after beams are lifted out of a keyed slot. In towing position, slots and structure prevent folding movement from tensile, compression or lateral forces. When not in use, tow bar can be tipped up and folded on front of towed vehicle or removed and conveniently carried to a trunk of a vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated coupling having a center coupling and a plurality of side bearings or couplings coaxial along a lateral axis to facilitate yaw and pitch between two cars while restricting roll. The side bearings each have a cylindrical member on one car received in a cylindrical recess associated with another car. The center coupling includes a mating of two spherical members with one of the member longitudinally movable to allow pitch. The axes of the cylindrical side bearings are coaxial and include the center of the spherical center coupling.

Abstract: A coupling for attaching one mechanical device, such as a truck, to another mechanical device, such as a trailer, by the use of a rotatable sleeve located around a coupling arm on which is positioned a socket member with one or more free floating cam which are allowed to move in and out of cam openings by rotating the rotatable sleeve, thereby locking or releasing a ball, or other type, of hitching member in the socket area. The coupling arm and rotatable sleeve can be fashioned in varying lengths so that the hitching ball, or other type of hitching member, can be located in recessed or otherwise remote and inaccessible areas and still be utilized for towing.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a vehicle comprises a support tube structure which is to be mounted to a vehicle and which removably carries a hitch ball bar. An engagement structure is provided which firmly locks the ball bar to the support tube structure with the aid of a safety bolt which is axially movably disposed in the ball bar and adapted to project from its end within the support tube structure and to lock the ball bar in the support structure in rattle-free engagement therewith. Preferably, the safety bolt is operable by a mechanism extending through the ball bar and the hitch ball so that the safety bolt cannot be actuated when a trailer tongue is disposed on the hitch ball.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly for attachment to motor vehicles has a front receiver tube mounted horizontally to the rear of vehicle with angle irons having their horizontal legs secured to the vehicle. The depending legs of the angles have holes therethrough which are aligned with a hole extending through the front receiver tube. An intermediate ensemble comprising a slide bar having a passageway therethrough, the bar telescopically sliding within the front receiver tube. The intermediate ensemble has a vertically oriented rear receiver tube secured to the slide bar, the rear receiver tube has openings therethrough.

Abstract: A self-aligning ball and socket type hitch including an elevated ramp member pivotally attached to an extension member which in turn is slidably engaged with the base of the hitch so that the ramp member and extension may be readily removed once the ball and socket are engaged. The ramp member includes a pair of converging sidewalls defining an adjustable width end opening therebetween and the rearward edge of the ramp member includes a slot for passage of the ball when the ramp member pivots out of position below the ball; and a support leg pivotally supported on the base member including a catch for supporting the rear edge of the ramp member in a canted position above the ball whereby engagement of the support leg with the trailer tongue and rotation of the support leg releases the ramp member for rotation about its pivoted connection with the extension member allowing it to drop to a horizontal position as the socket on the tongue engages the ball.

Abstract: A flat bed vehicle has a king pin mounted in the flat bed for connection to a trailer to create a fifth wheel tractor-trailer combination. The king pin is vertically reciprocated above the flat bed and below the flat bed by a hand crank located at an outside edge of the flat bed. The king pin is held in its upward position by means of a horizontal bolt passing through a hole in the king pin. The bolt is manually removed from the king pin, for lowering the king pin, by a manual pull rod extending to the exterior of the vehicle bed, preferably adjacent to the hand crank.

Abstract: A removable trailer hitch assembly for connecting a gooseneck trailer to a pickup truck is disclosed. The hitch assembly provides a base frame having a ball hitch mounted thereon and adapted to be positioned in the floor of the pickup truck box so the frame straddles both wheel wells and positions the ball hitch over the rear axle of the pickup truck. Two pairs of pivotable elongate members telescopingly attach to the base frame to frictionally engage the lower surface of the upper horizontal side rail caps of the pickup box. Biasing between and toward each side pair of side rail engaging members is provided to secure the hitch assembly in the pickup bed by making a positive frictional engagement with the box side rails. Upon the connection of the trailer to the hitch assembly the weight of the trailer and the fore and aft pull of the trailer further secure the hitch assembly to the pickup box. The hitch assembly is attached to the pickup box without the necessity for drilling, bolting or welding.

Abstract: An assembly for connection to a ball hitch in which a ring is connected to one end of a lever and extends around the ball and a second lever is mounted on a first lever in slidable engagement therewith. The second lever defines a groove which extends over a portion of the ring to lock the levers to the ball by the spring tension of the second lever. An actuating rod is provided for sliding the second lever in a direction away from the ring to release the groove from the ring portion and unlock the levers.

Abstract: A hitch uncouple detecting and signaling apparatus, being applied to a trailer hitch ball member, includes a plunger rod reciprocally mounted vertically through the ball member. The rod is longer than the ball member, allowing the rod to extend either above or below opposite upper and lower ends of the ball member. The rod is composed of electrically nonconductive material capable of being trimmed to a length which will exceed the ball member height at least by a desired amount. An electrical circuit adapted for connection to a source of electrical power includes an operator signaling device and a pair of contacts. One contact is carried by a lower end of the rod and the other contact is defined on the lower end of the ball member, which preferably is composed of electrically conductive material.

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.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a trailer to a vehicle, especially a motorcycle or land-roving vehicle. The hitch comprises two couplings, including a conventional ball member adjacent one end, and a ball-bearing assembly located intermediate the ball member and the means for attaching the hitch to the vehicle. The ball-bearing assembly is capable of rotational movement about a horizontal axis for a full 360 degrees. The hitch thus provides unlimited rotational movement between the vehicle and the trailer in addition to the conventional pivotal movement provided by the ball member coupling.

Abstract: A rectangular mounting plate is provided for mounting on the outer surface of a vehicle bumper in slightly spaced relation relative thereto and in the usual license plate mounting location. The mounting plate includes structure for supporting a license plate therefrom in position overlying the outerface of the mounting plate and a support plate is provided including structure defining opposing channels extending along opposite marginal portions thereof in which the corresponding marginal portions of the mounting plate are slidingly receivable, whereby the support plate may be slidingly engaged over the mounting plate. Further, the support and mounting plates include structure for releasably retaining the support plate in positions supported from the mounting plate in substantially full registry therewith and the support plate includes outstanding hitch structure to which the hitch construction on the forward end of the trailer tongue may be removably universally coupled.

Abstract: A ball hitch connector (10) for use with a conventional ball hitch socket (21). A ball hitch connector (10) includes a spherical body or ball connector (12), a support base (14) for supporting the spherical body (12) on a tow bar (18) or the like, a fastener device (16) for securing the support base (14) to the tow bar (18), and releasable attachment mechanism (20) providing for quick interchanging of ball connectors (12). The releasable attachment mechanism (20) includes a latch pin (70) positioned in transversely extending bores (50, 60) of the support base (14) and the ball connector (12). The latch pin (70) is slidable between a released position wherein the ball connector (12) can be detached/attached to the support base (14) and a locked position wherein the ball connector (12) cannot be so removed.

Abstract: An upstanding support is provided and open at its lower end for snug downward telescoping over an upwardly projecting hitch ball supported from a hitch tongue of a width greater than the diameter of the ball. The lower end of the upstanding support is downwardly abuttable against the upwardly facing surfaces of the hitch tongue spaced immediately outward of an upstanding cylindrical zone containing the outer periphery of the hitch ball and the support includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced clamp screws threadingly supported therefrom with the innermost ends of the clamp screws being clampingly engageable with the reduced diameter shank portion of the hitch ball spaced closely above the hitch tongue. The upper end of the upstanding support mounts a horizontal mounting plate therefrom which may be utilized to support a plurality of different objects such as a grinder, workbench, hoist, cycle carrier, sign, floodlight, pipe rack and the like.

Abstract: A retractable hitch ball for "gooseneck" type trailers is housed as a self-contained unit beneath the bed of a towing truck such as a pick-up truck. A hydraulic cylinder controlled and operated from the cab of the truck moves an elevating block relative to a pivoted lifting plate which is biased downwardly by a spring. The hitch ball has a slotted connection with the pivoted lifting plate whereby it can be elevated and lowered vertically through a provided opening in the truck bed to active and inactive positions of the hitch ball. A closure plug for the truck bed opening is provided.

Abstract: A trailer hitch adapted for attachment to a lunette coupler or a ball coupler comprises a pintle hook and a ball mounted on the hook and adapted to receive a ball coupler, and a closure pivotally mounted on the hook and pivotable between a closed position in engagement with the ball and an open position spaced from the ball.

Abstract: A trailer support stand. The stand includes a base having a plurality of peripheral edges. A series of legs extend upwardly from the base and are connected at their upper ends to a generally flat plate. A ball is mounted in spaced relation above the plate and the peripheral edge of the plate extends radially beyond the outer diameter of the ball. A conventional socket coupling member on the trailer tongue is adapted to be engaged with the ball to thereby support the trailer tongue at trailer hitch height. The stand is non-tipping and when the trailer coupling is locked to the ball, the trailer is theft proof.

Abstract: A universal trailer hitch assembly provides a variety of trailer hitch pin configurations to be secured to a load bed of a pickup truck and includes an under load bed support frame secured to a reinforcing plate within the load bed. The support frame is bolted to the truck frame and has a locking hitch mechanism secured thereto providing easy removal of the hitch pin configuration held by said hitch assembly.

Abstract: A hay carrier includes two long bale engaging fingers extending from a flat base. The base is pivoted to a crossbar of a subframe. The subframe is transferrable between the bed of a pickup, and a trailer towed by a pickup or other towing vehicle. A winch on a winch bar of the subframe pivots a bale speared by the fingers up or down by reeling or unreeling a cable connected to the hay carrier. The crossbar rests on the trailer axle or rear edge of the pickup bed. The winch bar is removably fastened to a trailer reach pole or pickup bed. The winch is preferably connectable for "in-the-cab" control, through a dashboard-mounted switch, to 12-volt power on the pickup and towing vehicle. The fingers engage the bale near the ground, and support most of the bale from below.

Abstract: An interchangeable trailer ball apparatus provides an elongated hollowed pin which is attached normally to the bumper or drawbar of a vehicle. The bumper provides an internal elongated longitudinal bore with a lateral bore intersecting the longitudinal bore at one end portion. Disposed within the lateral bore is a locking element which is moveably mounted between retracted and projected positions. Disposed slideably within the longitudinal bore of the bumper pin is an actuating rod which is moveably mounted between positions which alternatively allow the locking element to assume an inward retracted position and abut the locking element to move it into the projected position. A trailer ball having a closed end bore is removably attachable to the bumper pin when the locking element is in the retracted position and is secured to the bumper pin by the locking element when it assumes the projected position. The trailer ball can have an annular recess for receiving thereinto the locking element.

Abstract: The hitch comprises a tow bar section, which is connected to the motorcycle, and a tongue section, which is connected to the trailer. The two sections are connected by a swivel which permits rotation therebetween about their common longitudinal axis. Between the tow bar and the tongue is connected a pair of torsion springs which oppose rotation between tow bar and tongue.

Abstract: The thrust coupling has a thrust frame which can be readily coupled to the underside of a vehicle. The thrust frame is pivotally mounted on a hitching device on the rear of the vehicle and is suspended at the front of the vehicle via chains. In addition, an adjustable guide rod is provided to effect centering of the thrust frame at the front of the vehicle. The thrust frame can be raised and lowered at the front end of the vehicle via the chains and can be laterally centered via the guide rod. Vertical motion of the thrust frame at the front end can be effected from the driver's seat.

Abstract: A multiple connection trailer hitch comprising a plate member rotatably secured to a safety bumper of a vehicle and having at least two connection members of varying diametric sizes secured thereto. In one position of the plate with respect to the bumper, one of the connection members is disposed in position for receiving the connection member of a trailer thereon, and in another position of the plate with respect to the bumper, another connection member is disposed in position for receiving the connection member of the trailer. The plate is connected with the bumper by a sleeve and bolt arrangement whereby a locking pin, only, need be removed for permitting rotation of the plate to the desired position, thus eliminating a complete removal of the hitch securing members during adjustment of the hitch for repositioning of the desired connection member thereof.

Abstract: A ball hitch apparatus is provided for connecting a towing and a towed vehicle. The hitch provides a durable, snug socket to ball connection which is capable of fast hookup without tools and is particularly useful with construction or farm machinery. The hitch includes a lever connected for pivoting an eccentric cam into position for maintaining a ball in a socket. A resiliently urged locking device automatically secures the lever. The locking device can be manually released to permit lever movement to a disconnect position.

Abstract: The interchangeable ball hitch connector apparatus of this invention includes a generally spherical ball connector adapted to engage a conventional ball hitch socket, a support base adapted for fastening on the tow bar of a vehicle for supporting the ball connector, and a spring-biased latch pin in the support base for releasably attaching the ball connector to the support base. When the ball connector is assembled with and attached to the support base, the latch pin is contained entirely inside the ball connector and not exposed to damage from the socket or parts thereof on the exterior of the ball connector. A channel in the ball connector allows the latch pin to be readily unlatched from the ball connector by use of an elongated utensil, such as an ignition key.

Abstract: A safety hitch for connecting a trailer to a towing vehicle, the safety hitch including a plate, that is connected between the trailer tongue and a hitch member mounted on the vehicle, to coact with the ball and socket connection between the trailer tongue and hitch member to prevent dislodgment of the ball of the hitch member from the socket in the trailer tongue. The plate has a keyhole slot formed therethrough such that the plate can be placed on the hitch member and moved to a position to engage small portions of the slot with portions of the hitch member underlying the ball for securing the plate to the hitch member in such position. Upwardly extending, apertured lugs mounted on the base plate engage the sides of the trailer tongue and are pinned thereto via a pin that passes through a hole through the trailer tongue, such hole being positioned to align the socket in the trailer tongue with small portions of the slot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detachable coupling of a trailer equipped with pivoting wheels to a ball hitch of a vehicle. At the forward end of the trailer there is a coupling receptacle to receive the ball hitch and a locking member to lock the ball hitch in the coupling receptacle. In order to prevent the trailer from rotating about a vertical axis through the ball hitch two opposing stops are fitted at the forward end of the trailer at such a distance from each other in the lateral direction that when the trailer is coupled to the ball hitch of the vehicle the stops bear against corresponding opposing stop faces at the rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer swivel hitch guide for attachment on a bumper of a vehicle and received around a trailer hitch ball secured to the bumper. The guide used for guiding the tongue of a trailer so the tongue is centered over the top of the ball when securing the trailer to the vehicle. The guide can then be released so it swivels on the bumper when the trailer is pulled behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide is disclosed for guiding a ball, attached at the rear of an automobile or other towing vehicle, into a position of alignment directly under a socket on a trailer tongue of a trailer or other towed vehicle, the tongue being attached to the top surface of the trailer hitch guide. A v-flange on the bottom surface of the guide guides the ball into the position of alignment. Once the ball is in this position, the trailer hitch guide is removed in order to drop the socket of the trailer tongue over the towing ball.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and improved swivel connector assembly for connecting a member to be pivoted to a pivot. The assembly includes just two components which may be readily assembled, a socketed assembly and a retaining sleeve. The socketed assembly has a forward portion including a socket forming a bearing seat and a rearward portion having a cylindrically shaped socket. A slot which extends from a point forward of the bearing seat center to and through the rearward portion to form bifurcated opposed socketed portions which may be separated to enlarge the bearing seat and cylindrically shaped socket to permit ready assembly of the same to a pivot ball and a member to be pivoted. The sleeve is arranged to be axially slid over the socketed rearward portion to thereby maintain the assembly in assembled relation.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for converting a pintle hook hitch to a ball-and-socket type is disclosed. The assembly comprises a cylindrical bar of sufficient length that is closely received through the eyelet of the pintle hook hitch and a base plate which is affixed along the length of the bar and extends directly therefrom. The base plate includes a first aperture centrally located to accommodate the hook and closure members of the pintle hook and a second aperture spaced near the rear of the base plate to receive the ball member of a ball-and-socket hitch. Threaded bolts are placed through each end section of the bar and are directly threaded through the rear mounting of a towing vehicle to which the pintle hook hitch is mounted.

Abstract: A trailer coupler includes mounting wings which straddle and are welded to the outer sides of the webs of I-beams which form the A-frame tongue of the trailer. A tongue projects rearwardly from the coupler into the space between the webs and is welded to the inner sides of the webs to increase the load-carrying capacity of the coupler.

Abstract: A golf club cart carrier supportable on a trailer hitch mounting bar, there being an upwardly sloping arm pivotally attached to the bar having at an outer end a vertical tubular socket adapted to mate with a tubular extension on the carrier.