Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, including a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching, including operation from the perimeter of the vehicle. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support with one or more recessed faces is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure. Vertical adaptations are provided for use on gates and the like.

Abstract: A towing apparatus is provided including, in one embodiment, a pintle hitch having a retainer and an associated retainer lock. The retainer may be coupled with a mount by way of a pivot allowing it to rotate into and out one or more selected positions. The retainer may also be mounted on a guide such that it may translate relative to a mount. The apparatus may be configured to be selectively displaced between a towing position and a stowed position. Additionally, the mount of the apparatus may be adjustably coupled with the base. In such a case, the apparatus may have another guide to enable the mount to translate relative to the base. This may allow the mount to be height-adjustable and provide further versatility. In one embodiment, a swiveling mount may allow the mount to swivel relative to the base to accommodate the towing of trailers over rugged terrain.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle system for terrain navigation mobility provides a way to climb stairs, cross crevices, and navigate across difficult terrain by coupling two or more mobile robots with a coupling device and controlling the robots cooperatively in tandem.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, including a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching, including operation from the perimeter of the vehicle. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support with one or more recessed faces is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure. Vertical adaptations are provided for use on gates and the like.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting a first mobility platform to a second mobility platform in tandem. An example mobility platform is a robot. The coupling device has a loose link mode for normal steering conditions and a locking position, tight link mode for navigation across difficult terrain and across obstacles, for traversing chasms, and for navigating with a reduced footprint in tight steering conditions.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a trailer hitch includes a ball clamp member which has lateral arms or wings that limit the pivotal movement of the ball clamp member thereby improving the opportunity for the ball to properly fit in and totally seat within the cavity defined within the socket assembly.

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure.

Abstract: A trailer hitch module for engaging a trailer tongue socket includes a base and a ball fixed to the base for engaging a socket cup. A locking arm is provided and pivotally attached to the base so that it is movable in a plane parallel to the base between a close position engaging a protruding lip of the socket in order to prevent removal of the socket from the ball and an open position away from the lip in order to enable removal of socket from the ball. A lock mechanism is provided for securing the locking arm in the closed position.

Abstract: A coupling device is provided for receiving and securing a ball, the ball being attached to the structure to be coupled, such as a tow vehicle in the case of a trailer hitch application. Various embodiments of the device for both tongue and “goose neck” trailer hitch applications are included, which provide for simple and effective latching and unlatching, including operation from the perimeter of the vehicle. Hands free latching is provided for all coupling embodiments. A pivoting ball support is rotated and displaced as the ball enters the device, and is returned to a position whereby the ball is prevented from exiting the device. Various provisions are made for retaining the pivoting ball support in this position after such latching has occurred. Provisions for unlatching include various handles and hand pushed structure. Vertical adaptations are provided for use on gates and the like.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, where the hitch assembly incorporates a tow loop adapted to be easily coupled to a claw, hook or other like implement of a towing chain or alternatively to a towing strap or rope. The hitch assembly comprises a receiver and a hitch member. The hitch member includes a base portion which slides into the receiver such that only a tow loop of the hitch member is exposed. When not needed, the hitch member can be easily removed from the receiver and a different hitch implement attached to the receiver.

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

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

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

Abstract: A self-locking trailer hitch assembly includes an elongated housing attachable to the draw bar of a towed vehicle, and the housing includes an attachment end and an opposite socket which is shaped to receive a vertically-projecting ball member. The ball member is mounted to the draw bar at the rear of the towing vehicle. Disposed within the housing adjacent the socket is a jaw pivotable on a horizontal axis so that the jaw can be pivoted to a ball locking position for holding and retaining the ball member within the socket and also pivotable to a ball releasing position for unlocking and releasing the ball member from the socket so that the towed vehicle can be uncoupled from the towing vehicle. A unique releasing function is provided by a manually-operable latch which disengages the jaw from the ball locking position in order to facilitate removal of the ball member from the socket, but manual operation of the latch is not required to seat and positively lock the ball member within the socket.

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

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

Abstract: A coupler system attachable to a hitchball and a method and kit for retrofitting existing couplers where a lock hasp receiving opening is provided in a free end of a closing lever on the coupler and a lock pin opening is provided in the coupler frame. A lock pin with an eyelet is insertable in the lock pin opening and the eyelet is alignable with the hasp receiving opening. A lock hasp may be passed through the eyelet and the hasp receiving opening to lock the collar of the coupler in a closed position to prevent the unauthorized insertion or removal of a hitchball.

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 scissor coupler, for attaching to a trailer hitch ball having a widest point and a neck, comprising a top plate, a bottom plate, a hinge bolt, and a main spring connected between the top plate and bottom plate. The hinge bolt attaches the top plate and bottom plate so that they can pivot relative to one another from a closed position to an open position. The top plate and bottom plate have top plate and bottom plate bores that have a slightly larger diameter than the widest point of the trailer hitch ball, and are concentric when the top plate and bottom plate are in the open position. The top plate and bottom plate bores are not concentric when the scissor coupler is in the closed position. When the top plate and bottom plate are in the closed position, an elliptical hole is formed therebetween that is narrower than the widest point but wider than the neck of the trailer hitch ball. The main spring biases the scissor coupler to the closed position.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use with a trailer of the type having brakes is shown. If the latch mechanism on the trailer hitch is not properly closed, the brakes on the trailer are engaged thereby preventing the trailer from being towed. In addition, a warning device, such as a audible alarm and/or a light, signals the operator of the unlatched condition of the trailer hitch. If the latch mechanism becomes disengaged while the trailer is being towed, the warning device signals the operator and the brakes are engaged to stop the trailer. In a preferred embodiment actuation of the brakes is delayed to allow the operator time to stop the vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention may conveniently be mounted on the trailer so that it will be functional with any towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle includes a holding plate fixed to the end of a vertical column portion of the trailer hitch tongue. The holding plate possesses a first aperture dimensioned to receive a hitch ball. A latch plate mounted for pivotal movement in a horizontal plane underlies the holding plate and possesses a second aperture dimensioned to receive the hitch ball. In a locked position, the apertures of the holding plate and latch plate are misaligned to prevent movement of the hitch ball therethrough. In an unlocked position, the apertures in the holding plate and latch plate are aligned. A conical guide secured to a bottom face of the latch plate guides the hitch ball through the apertures in the latch and holding plates. A coil tension spring biases the latch plate to the locked position. The weight of the trailer, when lowered onto the hitch ball, forces the latch plate to the unlocked position against the bias of the tension spring.

Abstract: Interengageable male-female style coupling device with a pivotally movable lock plate having an entrance/egress aperture with a tapered entering surface. The tapered surface both facilitates engagement of coupling members and acts to securely fasten the coupled members in locked position. The device is particularly suited for "gooseneck" or "neckover" coupling devices commonly used in tractor-trailers hauling.

Abstract: A gripping device provided with handles is adapted to engage the ball of a conventional trailer hitch as a convenience in handling the hitch when it is removed from the towing vehicle. The preferred form of the device provides a clam shell-type grasping assembly that is manipulated by handles having overlapped portions that together form the handle. These overlapped portions are locked releasably against separation, and accommodation is also provided for receiving a padlock maintaining the closure of the clam shell components whenever this becomes desirable. A simplified version of the device is formed by a piece of bent rod having portions providing the handle and also for gripping the ball.

Abstract: A connector assembly for interconnecting a vehicle and a trailer having a hitch element includes a gripper assembly which is operable to engage the hitch element. The gripper assembly includes a plurality of jaws which are pivotally connected with and are disposed in a circular array on a base. A rotatable ring circumscribes the circular array of jaws. A motor is connected with the ring and is operable to rotate the ring in a first direction to pivot the jaws toward each other. The motor is operable to rotate the ring in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, to pivot the jaws away from each other. The ring and jaws are interconnected by a plurality of links. The motor is connected with the ring by a drive chain. A hitch element detector detects when the hitch element is positioned in the gripper assembly. A ring position detector detects when the ring is in predetermined positions relative to the base.

Abstract: A trailer coupling has a removable unitary coupler-receiving element that includes both a ball configured to receive a spherical cavity coupler and a cylindrical neck configured to receive a drawbar eye. A latch is movable about a vertical axis between a closed position, where it engages the coupler-receiving element, and prevents removal of the eye from the neck, and an open position where it is separated from the coupler-receiving element and permits use of the ball. A locking mechanism locks the latch in its closed position and holds it against free movement from its open position. A trigger located in a finger-receiving cavity in the latch releases the locking mechanism. Because the latch rotates about a vertical axis, it can have a low profile and not extend substantially above the ball in the orientation.

Abstract: An improved gooseneck trailer coupler device includes a body having an off-center, downwardly directed recessed socket in a bottom wall for receiving a ball-type hitch of a towing vehicle; a latching plate with an orifice spaced in slidable, rotational and abutting face-to-face relationship with the bottom wall such that the orifice aligns with the recessed socket in an unlatched configuration and misaligns with the recessed socket in a latch configuration confining the hitch to the recessed socket; a latching mechanism for positioning the latching plate in the latched and unlatched configurations; and a locking mechanism for automatically locking the latching plate in the latched configuration. A modified embodiment provides a latching plate extension pivotally connected to a bottom wall extension for positioning a latching plate having an orifice relative to a bottom wall having a recessed socket.

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.

Abstract: An improved trailer coupler is provided for a trailer having a forwardly extending tongue, which consists of a housing fixed on and extending forwardly from the tongue. A pair of opposed jaws are pivoted on vertical axes on the housing. Each jaw has an inner side formed with a spherical concavity for embracing a hitch ball and a surface for forcing said improved trailer coupler to align with a said hitch ball. A jaw locking bail has a bight portion with a finger tab to facilitate operation of the bail and a pair of side portions, each with an ear extension. The side portions are horizontally pivoted on the housing at the ear extensions at opposite sides of the housing. The ball is swingable forwardly and downwardly from an elevated retracted position to a horizontal jaw-locking position, wherein the side portions completely engage the outer sides of the jaws and the bight portion completely engages the forward ends of the jaws in the closed positions of the jaws.

Abstract: A self aligning trailer hitch, used by a driver alone without creating any personal lifting force, to couple and decouple a towing vehicle and a trailer, has a multiple piece assembly of a socket for securement to a towing vehicle, having a rotatable claw, which has a spherical recessed surface adapted to receive a portion of a lower ball of a vertical dual ball assembly, which is secured to a towed vehicle. Upon hitching the vehicles together, the rotatable claw contacts the lower ball, when this socket is moving horizontally, during movement of a towing vehicle toward the towed vehicle, causing the lower ball to be repositioned upwardly and over center, while being guided in a vertical plane, and then held in the radially upwardly repositioned spherical recessed surface of the rotatable claw. A three dimensional ramp guides the lower ball to fully contact the spherical recessed surface of the rotatable claw.

Abstract: A tamper resistant trailer hitch. The trailer hitch includes a body with a hitch ball receiving cavity therein and a conventional coupling mechanism. The hitch may be locked in a coupled position on the hitch ball or in an uncoupled position in which the ball receiving cavity is covered to provide tamper resistance. In a first embodiment, a side opening coupling configuration is used with the cover mounted on a rotating locking ring. In a second embodiment, a pivoting locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch. In a third embodiment, a sliding locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch.

Abstract: This invention relates to trailers and in particular to trailers for use with bicycles and motorcycles. This trailer will secure belongings inside, protecting them from the elements. The trailer is easily hooked and unhooked in a matter of seconds and is unmatched in its handling ability as it travels behind the cycle or motorcycle. The trailer may be removed 90 degrees relative to the bike when moving or parked. Locking it in such a position while parked prevents it from being wheeled away. The cyclist is a much more visible object on the road due to the added width the trailer provides and the trailer should contain reflectors or lights for added visibility. A pivot assembly allows up and down motion which will enable the trailer to follow undulations in the road or terrain; allows horizontal or sideways motion to enable the trailer to follow left or right turns by the cyclist and prevents rotation in the horizontal axis to enable the trailer to follow the cyclist's lean on corners.

Abstract: A tamper resistant trailer hitch. The trailer hitch includes a body with a hitch ball receiving cavity therein and a conventional coupling mechanism. The hitch may be locked in a coupled position on the hitch ball or in an uncoupled position in which the ball receiving cavity is covered to provide tamper resistance. In a first embodiment, a side opening coupling configuration is used with the cover mounted on a rotating locking ring. In a second embodiment, a pivoting locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch. In a third embodiment, a sliding locking plate is mounted on the lower side of the hitch.

Abstract: A remote actuator and interlock for a trailer hitch of the type having a main body, a ball receiving socket at one end of the main body with the other end of the main body being attachable to the end of a trailer. A pivotal member is hinged at the ball receiving socket end of the hitch. The main body and the pivotal member form hinged sections and the socket is formed jointly in the two hinged sections. A collar is reciprocatingly received about the main body and positioned to releasably receive the free marginal end of the pivotal member therein to thereby releasably latch the hinged sections together so that a ball can be captured therewithin. A remote actuator with interlock is mounted to the hitch apparatus by which the hinged sections are forced together and thereafter the collar is moved into the latched position over the hinged sections. The remote actuator includes a control lever pivotally mounted for movement respective to said main body.

Abstract: A trailer coupler having a ball-receiving cavity formed by a stationary and a movable ball-gripping member. A movable abutment at the edge of the cavity adapted to be displaced by the ball of a towing vehicle hitch entering the ball-receiving cavity. Before the movable abutment is displaced, it prevents movement of the coupler operating handle to locked position. When the movable abutment is displaced, the operating handle is able to move to locked position and to move the movable ball-gripping member to secure the ball in the ball-receiving cavity. A latch securing the operating handle in locked position until a movable latch piece is moved to unlatched position.

Abstract: A remote actuator for a trailer hitch of the type having a main body, a ball receiving socket at one end of the main body and the other end of the main body being attachable to the end of a tongue, for example. A pivotal member is hinged at the ball receiving socket end of the hitch. The main body and the pivotal member form hinged sections and the socket is formed jointly in the two hinged sections. A collar is reciprocatingly received about the main body in a position to releasably receive the free marginal end of the pivotal member therein to thereby releasably latch the hinged sections together so that a ball can be captured therewithin. A remote actuator is mounted to the hitch apparatus by which the hinged sections are forced together and thereafter the collar is moved into the latched position over the hinged sections. The remote actuator includes a control lever pivotally mounted for movement respective to said main body.

Abstract: In this improved ball-and-socket trailer hitch, the heavy coil spring, conventionally utilized to forwardly bias a latching collar, is eliminate; instead threaded means are provided to move the collar back and forth when it is rotated manually. Unlatching is much easier in the absence of strong spring bias on the collar, so the need for additional collar-actuating mechanism such as levers, handles and linkages, often required is conventional hitches, is eliminated. The collar may locked in a forward latched position by the inclusion of a pivoted, thumb-operated lock lever, which is spring loaded to automatically drop into the rear edge of the collar when the collar is moved into its latched position, and thus lock the collar in this latched position, constrained against rearward or rotational movement, to eliminate risk of trailer uncoupling due to unintended unlatching of the hitch. The lock lever may be adapted to accept a padlock to avoid trailer theft.

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 coupling assembly for coupling a tractor to a drawn vehicle or implement comprises a coupling body for attachment to one of a tractor drawbar or trailer tongue, and for engagement with a ball secured to the other of said tractor drawbar or trailer tongue, the body defining ramp means for guiding a ball into a socket forming part of the body, a movable element for locking a ball in said socket, movable second ramp means for guiding a ball out of the socket, and means for operating the movable element and second ramp means between a locking position in which the ball is held in the socket and a release position in which the ball is free to move out of the socket up the second ramp means.

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: A ball and socket joint for supporting the body of a dumper truck has an upright stem, designed to be fixed to the body of the truck, with a ball head positioned in a socket on the chassis of the truck so that the stem is upright when the body is horizontal. The socket has two or three cutouts in its upper edge for receiving the stem of the ball when the body of the truck is in any one of the positions of dumping. On the side of the socket having no such cutout, the socket has a keeper nosepiece extending outwardly therefrom which, in turn, pivotally supports a locking lever which has a spring for forcing it against the ball within the socket to lock it in position. The springs are generally upright and have their top ends joined with a top end of the locking lever and their lower ends joined with a part of the socket so that the locking part is levered about a turnpin of the pivotal support offset from a straight line joining the ends of the springs.

Abstract: The invention relates to towing couplings of a type comprising a fixed part and a moveable keeper which are together adapted to clamp on a tow-ball when the keeper is in a locking position but which are adapted to release the tow-ball when the keeper is moved to an unlocking position. A towing coupling according to the invention has a cam engaged with the keeper, a single spring urging the keeper away from its locking position into engagement with the cam, the spring also urging the cam in the direction of motion which causes it to apply a force to the keeper urging the keeper towards the locking position, and a lever connected to the cam for moving the latter against the action of the spring to allow the keeper to move away from the locking position.

Abstract: A tow hitch assembly for connecting a tractor vehicle to a trailer vehicle includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to the frame of one of the vehicles and a tow bar releasably securable to the mounting member at one end and adapted to be secured at its opposite end to the other vehicle. The connection between the tow bar and mounting member is defined by a pair of spaced-apart, parallel disc-shaped knuckles mounted on either side of a tangential flat surface on the mounting member and by a rounded nose forming the end of the tow bar which nose has a pair of flat sidewalls. The nose is sized for close-fitting insertion between the knuckles and has a radius of curvature that is the same as the radius of curvature of the knuckles. The knuckles and the nose have alignable bores so that a pin may be inserted therethrough to releasably secure the tow bar and mounting member together.

Abstract: A bail type ball and socket coupler has an extension bail handle welded to the bail and an extension catch handle welded to the catch. The ends of the handle are parallel. Therefore, the hitch may be operated from a remote position by the extension handles and also a positive lock may be used over the parallel ends of the handle so that the hitch is positively locked. Furthermore, the slide which positively locks the extension handle is readily visible from many positions so that the operator may know if the hitch is positively locked.

Abstract: A trailer is adapted to be hitched to a towing vehicle by a surge brake actuator which includes pivotally interconnected forward and rear units. When the rear unit moves forwardly relative to the forward unit, a plunger assembly is moved to a braking position to actuate a master cylinder and apply the trailer brakes. The disclosure pertains to (1) the construction and operation of the plunger assembly (2) the construction and mounting of the master cylinder (3) a friction lock for holding a breakaway cable in an emergency position when the trailer breaks away from the towing vehicle and (4) a clamping and latching mechanism for releasably coupling the forward unit of the actuator to a hitch ball on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A coupler for a trailer and the like, the coupler having a body and cap hinged together at a front portion and closable along parting faces and an internal cavity formed by the body and the cap for a ball which is conventionally secured to the towing vehicle or trailer. The body is rigidly secured to a tongue portion of the coupler. The collar is mounted around the tongue portion and axially slidable over the body and a portion of the cap to latch the cap in a closed position. The collar is biased to a latching position. The body and cap are tapered so that cap snugly engages the two when the cap is in the latching position. The collar is operably coupled to an actuating handle. The handle is pivotably mounted on the tongue portion to control the movement of the collar with respect to the body and cap by movement between two rotationally displaced positions.