Abstract: A motorized scooter cart system is a system that enables a user to comfortably move around while transporting objects or people. The system may include a scooter deck, at least one scooter wheel, a linkage arm, at least one seat assembly, a handlebar assembly, and a pushcart. The scooter deck is designed to support the weight of the user so that the user can freely maneuver the pushcart. The at least one scooter wheel provides the translational force necessary to move the present invention. The linkage arm enables the coupling of the scooter deck to the pushcart. The linkage arm also facilitates the maneuvering of the pushcart. The at least one seat assembly enables the user to comfortably seat while maneuvering the pushcart. The pushcart enables the transportation of objects or people mounted onto the pushcart. Finally, the handlebar assembly enables the control of the pushcart by the user.

Abstract: An improved hitch mechanism is provided that includes an elongated shaft for connecting with a ramp or trailer, and a mating member for connecting with a tow ball of a tow hitch. The mating member includes a chamber disposed therein for housing the tow ball in a first position and in a second position. When the tow ball is in the first position in the chamber, the mating member and the elongated shaft are rigid relative to the tow hitch. When the tow ball is in the second position in the chamber, the mating member and the elongated shaft are non-rigid relative to the tow hitch.

Abstract: An assembly for towing vehicles has a tow hook with an angularly adjustable hook member connected to a shank, the hook member used to secure a towing strap and the shank connected to a vehicular tow hitch. The shank includes two opposing side walls with co-axial openings and a connector wall connecting the opposing side walls and forming a channel therebetween for receiving a tow mount flange which has an opening co-axial with the side wall openings when received. In another embodiment, a tube bumper clamp has opposing clamping members with semi-cylindrical cutouts for receiving a tube bumper when connected. One of the clamping members includes a radially extending flange with an axial opening connectible to a tow hook or a D-ring shackle when the flange is received by the tow hook or D-ring shackle and positioned such that the tow hook or D-ring openings are co-axial to the flange openings. The hook member pivots about a pin for angular adjustment.

Abstract: A utility hitch provides a shaft defining a longitudinal axis. A socket is affixed to the shaft and at least partially receives a ball. A slide lock coupled with the shaft is translatable parallel with the shaft longitudinal axis. A tongue protrudes from the slide lock. The tongue secures the ball into the socket by engaging the ball at a bottom surface, and alternatively releases the tongue from the ball bottom surface to enable the ball to release from the socket. Retracting pins protrude from the shaft to retain the slide lock and tongue in a first position immediately adjacent to the ball, and are operative to retract inside the shaft and slide lock when the slide lock is translated to a second position distal to the ball, to permit the slide lock to translate or reciprocate relative to the shaft. Wings may be provided to facilitate actuation of the retracting pins.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a housing bracket having side members and a connecting member. A lower platform is attached to the housing bracket such that a cavity is formed between the lower platform and the connecting member. An L-shaped upper platform is configured to engage the cavity. A mounting bracket is connected to the housing bracket and has at least one adjustment aperture.

Abstract: A mining system and components for conveyance of mined material. The system may include a continuous miner, a series of one or more conveyor carts, and a loader, coupled in series. The loader may include a first end to be connected to the second end of the series of carts, a feeder assembly proximate to the first end of the loader and also having a first end and a second end, and an elevator at the second end of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly may include a plurality of spaced paddles connected to endless chains. The paddles convey mined material through a bin and to the elevator. Carts may be stackable, with leg supports of an upper cart being received on the side rails of an adjacent lower cart. Couplings include male and female connectors that couple when advanced toward each other.

Abstract: A hitch system includes a handle portion including a handle loop, a pin portion extending from the handle portion, a pair of opposite retainers and a trigger. The retainers are movable between a retracted position relative to the pin portion and an extended position relative to the pin portion. The trigger is coupled to the retainers to actuate the retainers between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An improved hitch mechanism is provided that includes an elongated shaft for connecting with a ramp or trailer, and a mating member for connecting with a tow ball of a tow hitch. The mating member includes a chamber disposed therein for housing the tow ball in a first position and in a second position. When the tow ball is in the first position in the chamber, the mating member and the elongated shaft are rigid relative to the tow hitch. When the tow ball is in the second position in the chamber, the mating member and the elongated shaft are non-rigid relative to the tow hitch.

Abstract: An electronically controlled tow hitch assembly for a vehicle is provided which has a controller for locking and unlocking the assembly. The assembly has a locking unit with a receiving aperture into which a connector attached to a flange for holding a load or trailer is inserted. The locking unit has a locking shaft that extends through the aperture of the unit and passes through a groove in the wall of the aperture and an aligned groove in the connector for locking. An electric motor with a reduction gearbox is utilized to lock and unlock the connector from the locking unit. A spring loaded safety pin is used for locking the locking shaft with the tip of the safety pin entering the aperture and locking the locking shaft in position. The locking unit has an activation switch that determines when the connector has been fully inserted into the unit.

Abstract: An end effector operatively coupled to an extendable tensile element extended from a first vehicle engages a primary receptacle of a second vehicle. The first and second vehicles are drawn together by retracting the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle until contact therebetween, after which roll axes of the first and second vehicles become substantially aligned responsive to a further retraction of the extendable tensile element into the first vehicle and a resulting tension in the extendable tensile element. At least one alignment post of at least one of the first and second vehicles engages with at least one surface of at least one corresponding secondary receptacle so as to at least substantially align the first and second vehicles in roll responsive to the tension in the extendable tensile element.

Abstract: A trailer for towing by a bicycle is disclosed comprising a tow arm adapted for coupling by a hitch to the bicycle. The tow arm is pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the trailer frame and can be collapsed against the frame. The frame can comprise plural frame sections that can also pivot to a collapsed position and a lower shelf foldable to a collapsed position as well. Locking elements can be provided for selectively locking the trailer components against relative pivoting motion. One or more actuators for selectively locking and unlocking the frame components can be provided. One such actuator can simultaneously unlock first and second transversely spaced apart hinge elements. The hitch can comprise a flexible coupling that provides torsional resistance against rolling motion of the trailer, particularly when the trailer is mounted to a seat post or other location above the rear wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch having an adjustable hitch bar for coupling with a tow vehicle and a front member coupled with the adjustable hitch bar. A rear member couples with a trailer frame and a yoke couples between the rear member and the trailer frame. Converging links connect between the front member and the rear member, whereby the angular position between the front member and the rear member can be varied. The converging links effectively move the pivot point between the tow vehicle and trailer forward of the hitch assembly.

Abstract: An automatically aligned docking system, comprises a multi-point kinematic rigidization system that provides precise, repeatable rotational alignment at the spacecraft-docking interface without over-constraining the interface.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling an actuator having an actuator rod that is linearly translatable along a first axis to a coupler having a lever arm with a contact face adapted to contact the draw arm and move the draw arm translationally along a second axis that is at an angle with respect to the first axis in the range of 1 degree to 120 degrees, the coupler mounted to an existing structure, the adapter including a base plate configured for attachment to the structure; a support plate depending from the base plate and adapted to receive the pneumatic actuator; at least one brace attached to the base plate and to the support plate; and a rotatable cam adapted to transfer force from the actuator rod as it moves along the first axis to the lever arm to cause the draw arm to move along the second axis and into contact with the hook on the coupler.

Abstract: The present invention includes a predetermined number of bins, constructed to accept one type of material in each bin. Each bin may have an easy to use deposit door. Each bin may be labeled to distinguish which particular material can be deposited into a particular bin. The internal components inside each bin allows for compacting, bundling, or chipping of the materials, or some combination thereof, into bins for storage until they are removed. The present invention can be moved as needed or set in a designated area. The bins slide out and dump making it easy for the user to empty the compacted, chipped, or bundled materials.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a hitch member defining a substantially vertical drawpin hole. A spacer member is movably mounted to the hitch member such that the spacer member is movable laterally from a working position, where the spacer extends forward to block a rear portion of the drawpin hole, to an idle position where the spacer is removed from the drawpin hole and the front end of the spacer is located lateral to the drawpin. A lock mechanism is operative to selectively maintain the spacer member in the working position and the idle position.

Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.

Abstract: For use in a vehicular trailer hitch system, a vehicular trailer hitch lunette assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one “U” shaped outer laminate plate having two legs with a semi-circular region therebetween, and at least one substantially flat inner laminate plate positioned between the legs of the U-shape of the outer laminate plate to provide support, stiffness, and additional mechanical strength to the assembly. The outer laminate plate and the inner laminate plate have cooperating apertures that are traversely positioned therethrough and the apertures are aligned and sized such that fasteners may be snugly inserted therein to mechanically couple the laminate plates together as a sandwich structure having first and second ends.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a receiver portion including a cylindrically-shaped cavity, a bushing member received within the cavity of the receiver portion, and a hitch member that includes a shaft pivotally received within the bushing member. At least a selected one of the bushing member and the shaft is constructed of a material that substantially eliminates the need for using a separately applied lubricant during use of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: A draw gear has a drawbar space formed in a rear part of a counterweight of a industrial vehicle. A drawbar is installed in the drawbar space. An upper section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be moved in a first direction in which the drawbar is drawn and also for positioning the drawbar in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A middle section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be moved in the second direction and also for positioning the drawbar in the first direction. A lower section positioning portion is provided in the drawbar space for positioning the drawbar at least in the second direction. An opening is formed at least on an upper side of the drawbar space for allowing the drawbar to be drawn out of the counterweight.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting perambulators comprising a coupling element and gripping members at opposing ends of the coupling element for gripping supporting members of the perambulators, thus allowing the perambulators to be coupled together. The gripping members have manually releasable jaws and the length of the coupling element is adjustable by relative translational movement of portions of the coupling element.

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

Abstract: A pintle hitch guard for protecting a pintle hitch extending from a vehicle. The pintle hitch guard may include a base plate and a loop member fixedly interconnected to the base plate. The loop member may be sized to receive a hook or horn portion of a pintle hitch. The base plate is generally sized to cover the pintle hitch and protect the hitch form rearward impacts. In further arrangements, the hitch guard may also include side plates to protect the pintle hitch from side impacts.

Abstract: A tow hook hitch assembly attaches to one or both of the front tow hooks provided on a four wheel drive vehicle for mounting a tow ball, winch, or other accessory to the front end of the vehicle. The tow hook hitch includes an upper member extending above the tow hook, a lower member extending below the tow hook, a shaped insert secured to the upper member or lower member for extending within the tow hook, and a clamp bolt for securing the aforementioned components together.

Abstract: A multiple accessory port assembly (10) for mounting an accessory to the frame of a vehicle includes a frame member (12), a pair of mounting brackets (14, 14) for securing the assembly to the vehicle frame, and a pair of accessory ports (22, 22) carried on the frame. Each of the ports projects from the frame member and includes an opening (24, 24) for receiving the mounting port of an accessory such as a cargo carrier (C).

Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism enables secure retention of a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch locking member comprises a shank and a clamp member. The clamp member includes a base, an arm, and a jaw. The jaw is pivotally attached to the base member, and moves relative to the arm between an upright position and an extended position. The shank is securely affixed to the clamp member at multiple points for secure retention of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. A first sleeve is positioned about the shank when the shank is retained to the clamp member. The first sleeve enables rotation of the shank relative to the clamp member when the shank is secured within the clamp member.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly for attaching to a tow vehicle such as a pickup truck. The hitch assembly may include a cylinder attached to the vehicle frame such that the cylinder extends through the vehicle cargo bed. A ball hitch may be removably inserted in the cylinder and may include a pair of slots for receiving projections in the interior of the cylinder. A locking member may be positioned on an upper portion of the ball hitch to secure the ball hitch to the cylinder and to provide a visual indication of the locked condition of the ball hitch. Grooves may be formed in the ball hitch to receive the cylinder projections so that the ball hitch may be stored in the cylinder in an inverted position. In the stored position, the bottom of the ball hitch may be flush with the top of the cylinder to prevent the ball hitch from obstructing the cargo bed.

Abstract: A connection (1) for a pintle hook tow point having a rearwardly and upwardly extending horn, and which extends rearwardly from a forward mounting plate of the pintle hook tow point. A bracket (2) of the connection (1) carries a transverse roller (3) mounted for rotation about an at eccentric axis. The roller (3) is connected to a handle (11) by which it can be rotated to vary the distance between the side of the roller and forward end feet (12, 13) of the bracket (2). For use, the bracket (2) is placed over the horn, and the feet (12, 13) are urged against the mounting plate of the pintle of the hook tow point or another fixed surface. By this, the connection (1) is locked on the pintle hook tow point.

Abstract: The quick hitch drawbar assembly accepts a standard yoke hitch but simplifies the tractor/scraper connection. Holes in the drawbar are replaced with slots which are angled to prevent accidental disconnection. These slots are wider at the top to simplify alignment of the yoke pin down the slots to be seated in a pin cradle. The forward portion of the drawbar ears are raised to form a stop for the horizontal pin when positioning the tractor.

Abstract: A one-piece pintle hitch is disclosed. The one-piece hitch utilizes an integral drawbar that may be engaged with a conventional receiver assembly such as installed along the underside of a vehicle. The one-piece pintle hitch avoids the use of prior art mounting plates that bolt to one another. Accordingly, the problems associated with threaded fasteners such as loosening, fracturing, and corrosion, are eliminated. In addition, the one-piece pintle hitch utilizes a unique configuration along its bar portion that results in a significant reduction in weight and materials.

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 hitch (10) with a lock indicator system (16) interacts with a rotor (18) to provide an indication that a kingpin (14) is properly inserted into the hitch. The rotor rotates in response to proper insertion of the kingpin to align a rotor slot (20) with a plunger (24). Once the rotor slot and the plunger are aligned, an indicator (28) moves from a first position, indicating an unlocked kingpin, to a second position, indicating a locked kingpin. A control pin (74, 174) prevents rotation of the rotor from improper insertion of the kingpin. The control pin is controlled by a control lever (70, 170).

Abstract: A hitch handle for engaging and facilitating carrying of a hitch head assembly of the type which includes a substantially vertically extending adjustable hitch bar having one or more circular openings. The handle has an L-shaped portion, the elongated leg of which forms a hand grasp for the user and the shortened leg of which extends in a direction to in use bear against a part of the hitch bar. The front leg of the U member is secured to the elongated leg of the L-shaped portion, the U member being in a plane transverse to the plane of the L-shaped portion. The second leg of the U-shaped member is removably receivable in an opening in the substantially vertical hitch bar.

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

Abstract: A connector system for coupling a suspension frame device to the rear part of a transport trailer for use in distributing the weight of the load of the trailer to extra wheels and/or providing an effective attachment arrangement for connecting a second trailer behind the first trailer in tandem fashion. The connector system includes a part formed at the front of the suspension frame device which includes a rigid frame portion carried by an additional set or sets of wheels, and the connector system further includes a second part formed integrally at the rear of the frame of the first trailer, the two parts having mating guiding portions for properly aligning the suspension frame device with the trailer as the parts come to an initial hitching position.

Abstract: A safety connector for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle having a trailer hitch mounting member. The safety connector includes a trailer hitch adapted to be secured to the trailer hitch mounting member of the towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a lower portion adapted to extend a distance below the trailer hitch mounting member when the trailer hitch is secured to the trailer hitch mounting member. A spool is connected to the lower portion of the trailer hitch such that the spool is positionable below the trailer hitch mounting member. The spool has a first shoulder portion spaced a distance away from the trailer hitch mounting member, and a medial portion positioned in between the first shoulder portion and trailer hitch mounting member. The medial portion has a diameter less than the diameter of the first shoulder portion. A base plate is connectable to the trailer. The base plate has a thickness less than a length of the medial portion, and a slot formed therethrough.

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 modified pintle assembly for an armored personnel carrier is secured to a swingable ramp at the rear of the carrier. The assembly comprises a back late affixed facially on the ramp and dogleg plates fixed to the back plate. The dogleg plates pivot on one of the ramp's hinges. A downwardly open shroud is fixed to the back plate and elongate plates. The shroud accommodates an extension block. An inner end of an extension block fits closely within the shroud and is pivotally connected thereto. A pintle is attached to the outer, free end of the extension block. The extension block and pintle are movable together between a deployed position in which the they extend away from the ramp and a retracted position in which they lie along the ramp. A lock pin through the shroud retains the extension block and pintle in either the deployed or the retracted position.

Abstract: A towable, auxiliary fuel tank designed to transport a supply of fuel, so that a towing vehicle is able to consume the fuel present in the tank, thus extending the range of the vehicle. A ring is affixed to the trailer of the tank so that it may be connected to a vehicle. Attached to the vehicle is a hitch with a channel extending across a recess and a pin slidably mounted therein. The recess of the hitch is designed to hold the ring when the pin is closed, thus connecting the auxiliary tank to the vehicle. A lever is attached to the pin so that the ring may be connected and disconnected from the hitch. A cable is also attached to the pin and extends to a handle within the interior of the vehicle. When this handle is operated, the pin is moved from across the recess, thus unlocking the auxiliary tank from the vehicle. Fuel is transported from the auxiliary tank to the vehicle via a hose that is connected to both the auxiliary tank and vehicle. A securing device is provided to secure the hose to the vehicle.

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.

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

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

Abstract: In a coupling hook for the lower links of a three-point linkage for connecting an agricultural implement to a tractor, side walls define the lateral confines of a pocket. The side walls are shaped to form a jaw into which a coupling element is seated. A latch within the pocket secures the coupling member in the jaw. A bottom wall extends across the lower ends of the side walls and forms a closure for the pocket. One of the side walls has an opening just above the bottom wall for removing dirt from the lower end of the pocket.

Abstract: A coupler to connect convertible rail-highway vehicles end to end to achieve train configuration to carry vertical loads of about 25,000 pounds and at the same time provide limited rolling, pitching and yaw actions between the coupled vehicles. The coupler includes a male member extending from the front of a rear vehicle and a female member in the rear sill structure of a forward vehicle receiving the male member and a releasable locking means comprised of a vertical hole through the male member, a bushing in the vertical hole, the outer surface of which bushing is spherical, a spherical seat in the rear sill structure upon which the male member rests, a vertical locking pin, the vertical axis of the hole, spherical seat and locking pin being the same, and linkage means to selectively extend the locking pin through the vertical hole in the male member to effect coupling and uncoupling.