Abstract: The present invention relates to a working machine, including a pair of front wheels having a front rotational axis, a pair of rear wheels having a rear rotational axis, a frame structure including a front frame portion connected to the front rotational axis, a rear frame portion connected to the rear rotational axis, and a pivot joint pivotally connecting the front and rear frame portions to each other around a laterally extending pivot axis, an actuator arrangement connected to the frame structure, the actuator arrangement being arranged to control a mutual motion between the front frame portion and the rear frame portion; and a lift arm including an inner end portion pivotably connected to the front frame portion at a position between the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved aftermarket lawn tractor hitch. The improved aftermarket hitch includes an upper support plate or member for attaching the plate to the tractor, a hitch pin for connecting to the towable implement, a compression spring surrounding the pin for holding the hitch pin in a closed position, and a lower support member. The user can open the hitch pin by lifting the handle on one end of the pin thereby releasing the tongue of the towable implement, which is held between the lower support member and the conventional tow tab.

Abstract: A fastener for securing a first object to a second object includes a push member, a rigid shaft, an engaging member, a biasing member, and an anchor. The push member and the anchor are fixed to opposite ends of the rigid shaft. The engaging member is slideably coupled to the rigid shaft between the push member and the anchor. The biasing member is disposed between the push member and the engaging member to urge the engaging member toward the anchor. In a particular embodiment, the anchor is deployable.

Abstract: A spring bar coupling device is described for coupling a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch to a trailer frame. The spring bar coupling device can include a spring bar support operable to interface with and support a spring bar of a weight distributing trailer hitch. The spring bar support can have a vertical support arm having a first coupler opening, and a lower spring bar stop extending from the vertical support arm to provide a lower interface for the spring bar. The spring bar coupling device can also include a channel bracket having at least two opposing walls defining a vertically oriented channel operable to receive the vertical support arm, and a second coupler opening in at least one of the two walls. The first and second coupler openings can be configured to be aligned with one another at a first coupling location when the vertical support arm is located at least partially within the vertically oriented channel.

Abstract: A controller for a trailer is disclosed. An example trailer controller assembly includes a force transducer that measures a force between a trailer and a towing vehicle connected to the trailer indicative of a difference in speeds between the trailer and the towing vehicle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the force transducer. The controller includes a brake controller that controls brakes of the trailer based on an input signal from the force sensor.

Abstract: A multifunctional fitness horizontal bar which relates to the technical field of fitness horizontal bars, comprises: an outer tube, an inner tube telescopically and axially assembled on both ends of the outer tube, a support part provided on the outer side of the inner tube, and a plurality of hanging buckles provided on the outer tube and/or the inner tube, wherein a mounting hole is provided on each of the plurality of hanging buckles. Adopting the above technical solution has the advantage of being convenient to be used in combination with other fitness equipment.

Abstract: A hitch pin for quick and easy release of a hitch assembly. The hitch pin has a shaft with added hole for connection to a removable lock cap by a coupler pin. The quick releasing hitch pin device may be used to secure a hitch and hitch receiver. In addition, the combination of a removable lock cap allows the hitch pin to gravity release thereby freeing the operator to operate the vehicle with hitch in order to release a bound-up hitch pin from the hitch receiver on the draft implement. This method makes for a less cumbersome and safer release of a hitch pin in varied situations, such as when an implement is on fire risking life, limb and property.

Abstract: A hitch module adapted to be coupled to a frame of a work machine or towed assembly. The hitch module includes a carrier assembly having a first plate and a second plate coupled to one another. The first and second plates are spaced from one another by a first distance, where both plates define a pivot axis. A guide assembly defines a longitudinal axis and is pivotally coupled to the carrier assembly about the pivot axis. The guide assembly has a first guide plate and a second guide plate coupled to and spaced by a second distance from one another. A hitch assembly is disposed at least partially between the first and second plate of the carrier assembly and the first and the second guide plate. The hitch link assembly is pivotal about the pivot axis and movable along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A hitch pin assembly for attaching to a receiver hitch and coupling the receiver hitch to a hitch is disclosed. In some embodiments, the hitch pin assembly comprises a mounting assembly for mounting to the receiver hitch and a mounting bracket configured to attach to the mounting assembly and comprising a hitch pin hole for a hitch pin to slide therethrough. The hitch pin may be forced through the hitch pin hole, the receiver hitch, and the hitch by a spring mounted on the hitch pin and the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A system for interfacing with a hitch of an implement or a vehicle includes: a frame including at least one channel that is shaped to accept a tine of a forklift; a generally vertical spindle carried by the frame; an actuator carried by the frame; and a spindle engager pivotably coupled to the frame and linked to the actuator, the spindle engager defining an engaging position where the spindle engager engages the spindle and a non-engaging position where the spindle engager is out of engagement with the spindle. A forklift incorporating such a system and a method of hitching a forklift to an implement or a vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: At a given insertion depth (D) of a drawbar (22, 60) in a trailer hitch receiver tube (24, 68), a pin arm (26, 56, 74) attached to the drawbar extends forward beside the receiver tube and holds a captive pin (21, 51, 76) beside a pin receiving hole (30, 71) in the receiver tube. A spring (36) urges the captive pin into the pin receiving hole to retain the drawbar in the receiver tube. The pin arm may be attached to the drawbar via a crossbar (40, 70, 73). Receiver tubes of different sizes (24, 68) may be accommodated by a drawbar size adapter (62) that slips over the drawbar, enlarging it, and by a vertical adjustment mechanism (83) for the pin arm (74) that aligns the pin with the pin receiving hole in either a smaller (24) receiver tube or a larger (68) receiver tube.

Abstract: An assembly secures a bicycle having first and second fork prongs to a vehicle. The assembly includes an elongated skewer for mounting the first and second fork prongs of the bicycle thereon. The elongated skewer defines a longitudinal axis, and has a first end portion and a second non-threaded end portion. The assembly also includes a stop removably coupled to the second non-threaded end portion of the elongated skewer, and a sleeve movably coupled to the elongated skewer and removably coupled to the stop to lock the stop on the elongated skewer.

Abstract: A receiver pin lock for insertion into first and second sized opposed engaging apertures of first and second hitch receivers is shown and described. The receiver pin lock may include a stem, a first stepped portion extend from the stem, and a lock member selectively engageable with the stem, the lock member preventing removal of stem from either of the first and second hitch receivers. The receiver pin lock may also include a second stepped portion positioned on the lock member and extending from the stem, where the stem is configured to operatively engage the first sized engaging apertures of the first hitch receiver and the first and second stepped portions are configured to operatively engage the second sized engaging apertures of the second hitch receiver.

Abstract: A tow hitch with a main body which is adapted to be fixed relative to a towing vehicle, and a coupling movable relative to the body between a first position arranged to engage a tow bar, and a second position for towing.

Abstract: An automobile-RV trailer hitch, the first half of which is securely mounted to the rear underside of the automobile, and the second half of which is securely mounted to the underside of the trailer. When the trailer is attached to the automobile, the two hitch halves interlock. A locking rod is inserted horizontally to cause the hitch to act as a single unit. Horizontal rotation is prevented, but the trailer is able to pivot vertically around the locking rod to compensate for the trailer going over bumps in the road.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.

Abstract: A safety lock for a trailer hitch is disclosed which not only eliminates the need for safety chains but also which prevents the theft of the trailer when the trailer has been disconnected from a vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch coupler, comprising a frame is disclosed, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates having apertures disposed there through. A vertically extending clevis pin is adapted to slide within the apertures of the vertically spaced apart plates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin further includes a pin housing having a guide slot, wherein the guide slot has an offset portion used to lock the pin in either the extended position or the retracted position. Further, the pin houses an internal spring having a torsional bias that urges the pin to a locked position in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: The Adjustable Pintle Mount Adapter Bracket is a device capable of attaching a pintle and a weight distribution shank at varying heights. The pintle and weight distribution shank are attached on opposite sides of the bracket. The unique adjustability of the design is accomplished through a series of holes and easily removable pins which thread through the holes in the bracket and the weight distribution shank. The invention comprises of a series of components which are combined through welding.

Abstract: Drawbar hitch mount assemblies for towing an implement such as a mower conditioner are disclosed. The assemblies include a hitch receiver capable of pivoting relative to the implement and/or towing vehicle.

Abstract: A drawbar pin-retention assembly for use with a drawbar mechanism has a swinging drawbar, a support housing, and a device configured to prevent the swinging of the drawbar, the device having at least one drawbar pin. The pin-retention assembly includes a hanger bracket having a body portion and a pair of overhanging arms and a retaining bracket mounted on the hanger bracket with hinge tabs and pivotable about a pivot axis to move between a pin-retaining position and a pin-removal position. When the retaining bracket is pivoted to its pin-retaining position, a strap is positioned over the drawbar pin. Outward movement of the pin causes it to contact a forward portion of the strap forward of the pivot axis causing the retaining bracket to contact the hanger bracket thereby preventing pivoting of the retaining bracket in a first direction. The retaining bracket pivots by gravity to the pin-retention position.

Abstract: A hitch coupler, comprising a frame is disclosed, wherein the frame includes a plurality of vertically spaced apart plates having apertures disposed there through. A vertically extending clevis pin is adapted to slide within the apertures of the vertically spaced apart plates between an extended position and a retracted position. The pin further includes a pin housing having a guide slot, wherein the guide slot has an offset portion used to lock the pin in either the extended position or the retracted position. Further, the pin houses an internal spring having a torsional bias that urges the pin to a locked position in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: An insert bar assembly for a hitch-rack carrier comprises a self-locating securement pin. The insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. The assembly can include a flexible securement pin or a rigid securement pin resiliently joined to the bar at a fixed distance from the engagement end of the pin. The assembly accommodates repetitive, same location positioning of the engagement end of the pin at a pin-tip facing surface on the bar in the pin-secured configuration of the insert bar assembly.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connecting a self-propelled trailing vehicle to a self-propelled leading vehicle and for measuring their relative positions is described. The hitch apparatus includes: a first hitch assembly for connecting a rear end of the leading vehicle to a front end of the trailing vehicle; a first angle sensor operatively connected to a pivot shaft and capable of measuring a horizontal angle between a centerline of a swivel base extending through a pivot shaft and a longitudinal centerline of the leading vehicle; a second hitch assembly for mounting on the front end of the trailing vehicle, the second hitch assembly including a connecting device mounted on the front end of the trailing vehicle and connectable to the swivel base of the leading vehicle; and a distance sensor for measuring a variable distance between a preselected point at the front end of said trailing vehicle and the swivel base.

Abstract: An insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. An insert bar assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar.

Abstract: A receiver assembly that attaches to a vehicles step-bumper, drop-center bumper, or other structurally sound mounting surface and provides at least an elongated horizontal box receiver to support cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories and leaves the vehicles frame mounted tow-hitch receiver available for trailer towing or additional tow-hitch receiver accessories, and in addition the receiver assembly provides at least one cargo anchor point to secure cargo, cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories.

Abstract: Insert bar assembly includes an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. Assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar. Adapter assembly includes expandable adapter mountable upon hitch-attachment bar that is square in cross-sectional shape and sized for insertion into first tubular hitch receiver and further includes an expander that diagonally extends and retracts relative to attachment bar. Adapter is configured to substantially house a hitch-receiver insert portion of the bar in a collapsed configuration. Adapter comprises a main body having an interior space defined by at least two substantially perpendicular interior walls positioned adjacent to two exterior walls of the hitch-receiver insert portion, the walls being expandable to attach the insert bar to a hitch.

Abstract: An implement hitch tongue apparatus has a nodular cast iron tongue member defining a vertical drawpin hole. A bottom recess is defined in a bottom surface of the tongue member forward of the drawpin hole, and a pin hole recess is defined in a front portion of the drawpin hole. The recesses are filled with hard surfacing welding electrode material by welding with a hard surfacing welding electrode. A grease conduit can provide grease to the bottom surface of the tongue member. A solid one-piece ball insert member can be removably installed in the drawpin hole instead of hard surfacing. The ball insert can provide different drawpin hole sizes, and can extend down below the tongue to support the tongue weight on the ball insert with the ball insert rotating with respect to the tongue during turns.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a towing bar assembly that may convert from an articulated assembly extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a support bracket having an upper support bushing and a lower support bushing separated from the upper support bushing. A hitch pin slideably engages the upper and lower support bushings. The hitch pin includes a ring shaped actuating collar disposed between the upper and lower support bushings. A release lever pivotally connects to a mounting pin and slideably engages the actuating collar between the upper and lower support bushings. An actuating arm is fixedly attached to the release lever for concurrent rotation therewith about the mounting pin. The release lever may be selectively pivoted around the mounting pin by apply an actuating force to the actuating arm to move the hitch pin between a latched position and an unlatched position. A latch plate attached to the support bracket includes an aperture for receiving the hitch pin when positioned in the latched position.

Abstract: A clevis pin combination comprises a clevis made of aluminum alloy; and a pin made of steel. This combination of parts and materials results in lighter weight and improved performance of maximum load carrying capacity over similar combinations of all aluminum or all steel. The clevis further comprises a first clevis leg having a first clevis aperture in a first clevis end and a second clevis leg having a second clevis aperture in a second clevis end. The second clevis end is spaced apart from the first clevis end forming an open end. A curved portion connecting the first clevis leg and the second clevis leg forms a closed end. The first clevis aperture and the second clevis aperture are axially aligned and the steel pin is sized to fit through the first clevis aperture and second clevis aperture allowing pivoting movement between the clevis and the pin. The clevis may be substantially U-shaped.

Abstract: A hitch coupler includes a frame having vertically spaced apart plates extending outwardly therefrom. Each plate includes a pin receiving aperture adapted to receive a pin member therethrough. The pin member is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The pin member includes a pin housing having a vertical guide slot disposed thereon. A lock mechanism is pivotally coupled to the frame member and includes a locking flange which is adapted to engage the guide slot when the pin member is in the extended position. The lock mechanism is biased towards a lock position such that the locking flange of the lock mechanism is adapted to automatically engage the guide slot disposed on the pin housing of the pin member when the guide slot is aligned with the locking flange of the lock mechanism. In the locked position, the locking mechanism acts to retain the pin member in the extended position.

Abstract: A tow hitch comprises an elongated tubular shank of rectangular cross-section having four side walls; and at least one tow ball mounted to an adjacent side wall of the shank with a mounting shank extending from a base of the tow ball through a first hole in the adjacent side wall and a second hole in a side wall opposite the adjacent side wall.

Abstract: A hitch includes a vertically extending trunk portion, a first limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion and a second limb horizontally extending from the trunk portion below the first limb.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets having a plurality of contact points may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The rigid brackets may include a spacing member and an attachment member.

Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be easier and quicker than prior art systems. Furthermore, the apparatuses and method disclosed herein may be more effective over rough terrain. The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein include a tongue attached to the conveyance, a floating hitch attached to the motor vehicle, and a compression-hitching pin. A conveyance can be hitched to a motor vehicle simply by inserting the hitching pin through the tongue of the conveyance and the floating hitch of the motor vehicle and then pushing down on the handle of the hitching pin and turning the handle to lock the hitching pin in place.

Abstract: A device for coupling a vehicle to a vehicle to be towed includes using an air blast typically from the brake system to automatically hitch the 2 vehicles. A three position pneumatic valve is utilized to allow for the hitching and unhitching of the 2 vehicles.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus has a tongue member with drawpin hole. Upper and lower clevis straps are pivotally attached to a corresponding top and bottom sides of the tongue member about vertical pivot axes, such that the clevis straps can pivot from an operating position, where the upper clevis strap is above the drawpin hole and the lower clevis strap is below the drawpin hole, to an idle position where the clevis straps extend laterally from the tongue member. When the clevis straps are in the operating position, upper and lower clevis holes in the corresponding clevis straps are vertically aligned with the drawpin hole in the tongue member, and a recess is formed between one of the upper and lower clevis straps and the tongue member. A drawpin retainer prevents upward movement of a drawpin out of engagement with the clevis and drawpin holes.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a support bracket having an upper support bushing and a lower support bushing separated from the upper support bushing. A hitch pin slideably engages the upper and lower support bushings. The hitch pin includes a ring shaped actuating collar disposed between the upper and lower support bushings. A release lever pivotally connects to a mounting pin and slideably engages the actuating collar between the upper and lower support bushings. An actuating arm is fixedly attached to the release lever for concurrent rotation therewith about the mounting pin. The release lever may be selectively pivoted around the mounting pin by apply an actuating force to the actuating arm to move the hitch pin between a latched position and an unlatched position. A latch plate attached to the support bracket includes an aperture for receiving the hitch pin when positioned in the latched position.

Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.

Abstract: A ground engaging machine includes a first and a second frame unit, and an articulation hitch coupling together the first and second frame units. The articulation hitch includes a pin, a first and a second bearing positioned about the pin, and abutting a first and a second axial side of an annular protrusion of a hitch plate in one of the first and second frame units. A clamping mechanism of the articulation hitch clamps the first and second bearings between first and second clamping components, such that they are preloaded against the annular protrusion.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus has a tongue member with a weight bearing surface and an opposite free surface, and defining a bushing hole extending substantially vertically. A bushing has a cylindrical portion defining a drawpin hole with an outside diameter equal to an inside diameter of the bushing hole and a flange extending outward from one end of the cylindrical portion. The flange has a tongue surface adjacent to the cylindrical portion of the bushing, and an opposite wearing surface. The cylindrical portion of the bushing extends into the bushing hole such that the tongue surface of the flange bears against the weight bearing surface of the tongue member, and the bushing has a Rockwell Scale hardness greater than a Rockwell Scale hardness of the tongue member. Different bushings may define a variety of drawpin hole diameters to suit different drawpins.

Abstract: A roll coupling system for roll coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes at least one load-transfer point between the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one load-transfer point includes a wear reducer. A yaw and/or pitch articulator is mounted between the vehicle and the trailer providing for yaw and/or pitch. The articulator has a corresponding substantially vertical yaw axis and/or substantially horizontal pitch axis.

Abstract: A hitch coupler includes a frame that includes a back plate, a first plate connected to the back plate, a second plate connected to the back plate at a position spaced from the first plate extending between the first plate and the second plate and cooperating therewith to define an interior space, and a third plate connected to the back plate spaced from the second plate, wherein the first, second and third plates each include an aperture extending therethrough. The frame also includes a pin extending through the first, second and third apertures, such that the pin extends through the interior space and is adapted to slide within the apertures between an extended position and a retracted position, and a spring member biasing the pin towards the extended position.

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 hitch coupler includes a frame having vertically spaced apart plates extending outwardly therefrom. Each plate includes a pin receiving aperture adapted to receive a pin member therethrough. The pin member is moveable between extended and retracted positions. The pin member includes a pin housing having a vertical guide slot disposed thereon. A lock mechanism is pivotally coupled to the frame member and includes a locking flange which is adapted to engage the guide slot when the pin member is in the extended position. The lock mechanism is biased towards a lock position such that the locking flange of the lock mechanism is adapted to automatically engage the guide slot disposed on the pin housing of the pin member when the guide slot is aligned with the locking flange of the lock mechanism. In the locked position, the locking mechanism acts to retain the pin member in the extended position.

Abstract: A boat coupling including a jaw for receiving an eye which is attached to the hull of a boat. A pin is movable to bridge across the jaw to capture the eye between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An implement hitch tongue apparatus has a nodular cast iron tongue member defining a vertical drawpin hole. A bottom recess is defined in a bottom surface of the tongue member forward of the drawpin hole, and a pin hole recess is defined in a front portion of the drawpin hole. The recesses are filled with hard surfacing welding electrode material by welding with a hard surfacing welding electrode. A grease conduit can provide grease to the bottom surface of the tongue member. A solid one-piece ball insert member can be removably installed in the drawpin hole instead of hard surfacing. The ball insert can provide different drawpin hole sizes, and can extend down below the tongue to support the tongue weight on the ball insert with the ball insert rotating with respect to the tongue during turns.