Draft Pin Patents (Class 280/515)
-
Patent number: 7637525Abstract: In its simplest form the present invention includes a drawbar hitch accessory having a hitch plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a left side edge and a right side edge. The top surface is generally rectangular in shape and is divided into six zones including a front right zone, a front center zone, a right center zone, a rear left zone, a rear center zone and a rear right zone. The rear left zone has a first hook opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in the rear left zone. The rear center zone has a second hook opening extending from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in said rear center zone and the rear right zone has a third hook opening which extends from the top surface to the bottom surface and is generally centered in the rear right zone. The front center zone has a first hitch plate ball mount opening extending from the top surface and is generally centered in the front center zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: CBR Design and Machine, LLCInventor: Clark Rightmire
-
Publication number: 20090302575Abstract: A hitch assembly for a bomb disposal robot has a female hitch receiver and a pinned flange coupled to the female hitch receiver, the pinned flange for removably attaching the hitch assembly to the ringed drawbar of the bomb disposal robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Geoffrey C. Archer, Tim Ignatiuk
-
Patent number: 7625003Abstract: A drawbar assembly includes a drawbar and a hammer strap that is fixed to the drawbar forward of a drawbar hanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: David L. Tveito, Russell V. Stoltman, Bob J. Overmann, John T Rasset
-
Publication number: 20090278334Abstract: A device 10 for installing and removing a cotter pin or similar clip 8 includes a clip receiving end 12 for urging the clip 8 through and/or about a hitch pin, and an extraction end 14 for removing the clip 8 from the hitch pin which ultimately secures a trailer to a trailer hitch. The extraction end 14 is integrally joined to the clip receiving end 12 via an extension portion 16 that separates the receiving and extraction ends 12 and 14 a predetermined distance, thereby forming a solid and continuous member 17 with an overall length that enables an operator to install or remove the clip 8.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: HUGH CARR, DONALD G. FLAYNIK, JR.
-
Publication number: 20090230657Abstract: An apparatus and a method providing for improved hitching of a towed implement to a tractor. The apparatus and method are of most use in small connections such as to a lawn tractor and provide for a handgrip to improve ease of moving the implement by hand and a hitching mechanism which serves to allow for the same hand to raise the hitch pin, engage the hitch, and then lower the hitch pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventor: David Miller
-
Publication number: 20090218789Abstract: A rigid trailer hitch is disclosed that uses pressure produced by a wedge into force against trailer hitch receiver walls, while still retaining a retaining pin as a backup. The wedge can be driven by rotary force translated through a compound miter or a split wedge across a retaining pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: Kent F. Beck
-
Patent number: 7568718Abstract: A hitch pin and hitch cable assembly comprising a hitch pin for a tow hitch ball mount with one end of a hitch cable securely attached to the pin; the other end of the hitch cable removably attached to the pin between the ends of the pin; the pin having a lock to lock the pin in a tow hitch ball mount and to lock the second end of the hitch cable on the pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Donald Thomas
-
Patent number: 7547036Abstract: A drawbar device for a tow vehicle having a vehicle body and a hood operable to open and close for covering a top surface of a rear portion of the vehicle body includes a drawbar bracket, a drawbar pin, an operation lever and a link mechanism. The drawbar bracket is provided on the vehicle body. The drawbar pin is provided at the drawbar bracket so as to be movable upward and downward. The operation lever is provided on the hood so as to be manually operated. The link mechanism is operable to move the drawbar pin upward according to operation of the operation lever.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Akira Mochizuki, Takanori Mizuno
-
Publication number: 20090121452Abstract: An extension coupling for interconnecting a trailer to a tow hitch with an angular opening including a mount securable to the trailer and an elongated arm having a proximal end portion rotatably attached to the mount and an opposite distal end portion. A connector pin is disposed on the distal end portion and adapted to releasably mate with the tow hitch. A retainer is mounted to the elongated arm and includes a head assembly operative to engage the angular opening of the tow hitch thereby to resist rotation of the arm relative to the tow hitch. The head assembly includes first and second faces respectively oriented at an angle with respect to one another. The faces are movable with respect to one another so as to change the angle between a larger angle and a smaller angle to correspond to the angular opening in the tow hitch.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: William M. Zilm
-
Patent number: 7530592Abstract: A towing mechanism includes a pair of brackets for receiving a drawbar therebetween, and a locking device. A towing bolt is received by locating bores in the brackets. The locking device includes a locking pin which is axially slidable in a pin bore in a component. The locking device is mounted on the upper bracket so that, in a locked condition, the locking pin projects out of the bore and prevents axial movement of the towing bolt. A blocking member at least partially covers the pin bore and prevents the extraneous material from contacting the locking pin, in order to reduce the likelihood of an unintentional release of the towing bolt.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Martin Heitlinger, Mario Patino
-
Publication number: 20090096189Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: M Group, Inc.Inventors: David J. Merten, Jay Z. Muchin
-
Patent number: 7516975Abstract: A drawbar pin adapter which can allow a smaller drawbar pin to be used with a larger drawbar. A drawbar pin adapter is provided for a tractor drawbar having a lower strap, an upper strap and a drawbar pin bore which extends through the upper and lower straps and which receives a drawbar pin. The adapter includes a cylindrical bushing mountable in the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap and a hollow housing which is mountable over the lower strap. The housing includes a lower plate, an upper plate and left and right side plates. The upper plate has an upper bore formed therein, and the lower plate has a lower bore formed therein. The upper and lower bores have a diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the bushing so that the upper and lower plates hold the bushing within the drawbar pin bore in the lower strap. The bushing and the upper and lower bores receive the drawbar pin when it is inserted through the upper and lower straps.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Rodney D. Lair, Michael Carl Harting, Deepak Bhoir, Gerald Ray Kinney, Michael Kollath, Peter Kosmicki, Scott L. Cook, Christopher Alan Schafer
-
Patent number: 7497459Abstract: A cable actuated pin latching mechanism adapted for releasably connecting a header to a feeder of a combine, which automatically maintains predetermined tension conditions on the cable during normal latching and unlatching operation, and when an actuator of the mechanism is held in an unlatch position with the latch pin stuck or restrained, applies and maintains a tension force for releasing the pin, for instance, to enable a user to move to the operator cab to operate lift, tilt and/or other controls, as required for freeing the pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Orlin W. Johnson, William L. Cooksey, Michael Tomtene, Mark S. Epperly, Neal R. Rosengren
-
Patent number: 7478823Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Joseph Luther Doubet, Bryan Kirk Buerkle
-
Patent number: 7478824Abstract: A vehicle drawbar hammer strap assembly may be coupled to an implement tongue with a drawbar pin. A cross pin with a lever arm is operable to releasably hold the drawbar pin. A trigger is engagable with the tongue and the cross pin, and is pivotal from a latched position wherein it engages the cross pin and holds the cross pin in its locked position to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the cross pin. The tongue engages the trigger and pivot the trigger in an over-center manner from its latched to its unlatched position. The trigger includes a latch member attached to a wire form part which is pivotally coupled to the hammer strap. The latch member is engagable with the lever arm and with an end of the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Bryan Kirk Buerkle, Michael Dean Kollath
-
Patent number: 7441793Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: James G. Lim
-
Patent number: 7425016Abstract: A ball hitch coupler including first and second sidewalls spaced apart and generally parallel. First and second pins extend transversely between the first and second sidewalls spaced apart along a length of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. At least one of the first and second pins is removable and the first and second pins are disposed adjacent a neck portion of a ball to movably connect the ball hitch coupler to the ball between the first pin and the second pin.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Agri-Fab, Inc.Inventors: Neil Edwin Bowsher, Ronald J. Hickenbottom, Greg Short, Andrew Lay, Steve Jankowski
-
Patent number: 7419178Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventor: Daisuke Inoue
-
Patent number: 7416206Abstract: A drawbar hammer strap assembly design achieves a low profile, and prevents rotation of the drawbar and of the cross pin. The drawbar hammer strap assembly includes a drawbar, a hammer strap member attached to the drawbar, a drawbar pin mountable to drawbar and hammer strap member and a cross pin rotatably mounted in the hammer strap for releasably holding the drawbar pin in its mounted position. The hammer strap has a pair of detent recesses formed in the sides thereof. The drawbar hammer strap assembly also includes a handle member which is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the drawbar pin. The handle member is pivotal to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the detent recess, and to a latched position wherein it is releasably received in the detent recess. The handle member is engagable with a lever arm of the cross pin to hold the cross pin in its locked position when the handle member is in its latched position.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Bryan Kirk Buerkle
-
Patent number: 7398987Abstract: A hitch coupler (10) including an E-shaped frame (11), a pin (30) and a conical spring (36). The frame (11) includes a back plate (12), a top plate (14), a middle plate (16) and a bottom plate (18). The top (14), middle (16) and the bottom (18) plates include aligned openings. The pin (30) extends through the aligned holes (21, 23, 27) in the top (14), middle (16) and bottom (18) plates, with the pin (30) being configured to slide within the aligned openings (21, 23, 27). The conical spring (36) surrounds and engages the pin (30). The conical spring (36) biases a bottom of the pin (30) through the middle plate (16) and the bottom plate (18). The pin (30) includes a retainer (38) that extends through a slot (37) in the top plate (14) as the pin (30) is pulled against the bias of the spring (36). The retainer (38) abuts against a top of the top plate (14) when the retainer (38) is located above the top plate (14). The retainer (38) is located between the pin (30) and the spring (36).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.Inventors: David O. Roe, John T. Buckley
-
Publication number: 20080164679Abstract: The present invention relates to a quick and easily released hitch pin (1) used for securing the coupling of a trailer or similar implement onto a trailer hitch. The hitch pin (1) comprises a guide member (4), pin member (2) and handle. Linkage means (5) provided in the pin member (2) connecting the guide member (4) and the handle (3), allows for the handle (3) to coordinately move the guide member (4) between a first position, where the handle (3) and guide member (4) are substantially aligned with the pin member (2), and a second position where the handle (3) and guide member (4) form an angle to the pin member (2). When the handle (3) and guide member (4) are in the first position, the hitch pin (1) can be easily inserted through a hitch orifice. Once positioned in the hitch orifice, the handle (3) can be physically, or by the force of gravity, moved to the second position to limit lateral movement of the hitch pin (1) through the hitch orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2005Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Kenneth L. MacDougall
-
Patent number: 7377193Abstract: A composite tubular housing for an automotive steering system, preferably an electronic power assist steering system, is formed of seamless metal tube section welded into an integral component. The housing includes a rack section and a pinion section having an opening that is welded to the rack section. A yoke section is formed of a tube having an end that is welded to the rack section opposite the pinion section. The pinion section may contain a drive pinion coupled to a steering wheel of the vehicle. The housing may also include sections for an assist pinion coupled to an electric motor, and a yoke which are attached to the rack section apart from the drive pinion.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Allen Bowling, Edward Francis McElmeel, Jr., Sunil Palakodati
-
Publication number: 20080100034Abstract: A draw pin hitch has a lower jaw, an upper jaw positioned above the lower jaw, and a draw pin receivable generally vertically in apertures in the upper and lower jaws for coupling elements to the hitch between the jaws. The hitch has a pin holding means which is moveable between a “pin raised” position in which the pin is supported by the pin holding means in the aperture of the upper jaw but does not project between the jaws, and a “pin lowered” position in which the holding means allows the pin to extend through both apertures between the jaws. The pin holding means at least partially encircles at least one of the jaws and is moveable between the “pin raised” and “pin lowered” positions by contact of an implement to be coupled to the hitch with a portion of the holding means. When in the “pin raised” position the holding means at least partially extends across the lower end of the aperture in the upper jaw.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: AGCO SAInventor: Thibaut Jean-Robert Maillet
-
Publication number: 20080067785Abstract: A vehicle drawbar hammer strap assembly may be coupled to an implement tongue with a drawbar pin. A cross pin with a lever arm is operable to releasably hold the drawbar pin. A trigger is engagable with the tongue and the cross pin, and is pivotal from a latched position wherein it engages the cross pin and holds the cross pin in its locked position to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the cross pin. The tongue engages the trigger and pivot the trigger in an over-center manner from its latched to its unlatched position. The trigger includes a latch member attached to a wire form part which is pivotally coupled to the hammer strap. The latch member is engagable with the lever arm and with an end of the tongue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Bryan Kirk Buerkle, Michael Dean Kollath
-
Patent number: 7338065Abstract: A hitch assembly 24 configured for reducing or eliminating undesirable play or movement between its components. The hitch assembly 24 includes a conventional hitch receiver 24 and a hitch receiver attachment structure 28, which is adapted to be telescopingly inserted into the hitch receiver 24. The hitch assembly 20 includes a securement and anti-chatter assembly for securing together the hitch receiver 24 and a hitch receiver attachment structure 28 while reducing the chatter generated therebetween during use.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Allsop, Inc.Inventor: Eivind Clausen
-
Patent number: 7322594Abstract: A draw coupling arrangement (1) for a vehicle including a coupling jaw (2) and a coupler (4) which can be lifted by a lifting device (5). The coupler is intended for coupling together with a towing eye on a towed vehicle, and where the coupling means (4) consists of a coupling bolt with two towing sections (6a, 6b), where the towing sections (6a, 6b) have different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Benny Liljeblad, Hans Regnell, Jens Gustafsson
-
Patent number: 7316534Abstract: An integrated pin and clip for securing vehicle trailer components. The integrated pin and clip includes a shaft member and a clip member. The clip member is movable between a locked and an unlocked position. The unlocked position allows for the integrated pin and clip to be inserted and withdrawn from a receiving aperture in a vehicle trailer component, such as a receiver. The locked position does not allow the integrated pin and clip to be inserted and withdrawn from the aperture. The integrated pin and clip also includes retention means that secures the clip in either the locked position or the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Assignee: Master Lock Company LLCInventors: Rolf Hohmann, Chris Irgens, Gary Burmesch, Kerry Jacques, Mark Van Handel, Michael Sheridan
-
Publication number: 20070290484Abstract: A drawbar hammer strap assembly design achieves a low profile, and prevents rotation of the drawbar and of the cross pin. The drawbar hammer strap assembly includes a drawbar, a hammer strap member attached to the drawbar, a drawbar pin mountable to drawbar and hammer strap member and a cross pin rotatably mounted in the hammer strap for releasably holding the drawbar pin in its mounted position. The hammer strap has a pair of detent recesses formed in the sides thereof. The drawbar hammer strap assembly also includes a handle member which is pivotally coupled to an upper end of the drawbar pin. The handle member is pivotal to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the detent recess, and to a latched position wherein it is releasably received in the detent recess. The handle member is engagable with a lever arm of the cross pin to hold the cross pin in its locked position when the handle member is in its latched position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Bryan Kirk Buerkle
-
Patent number: 7198283Abstract: A cart assembly comprises an undercarriage supporting a cart frame, the undercarriage having one end and a connecting portion extending from cart frame and/or the undercarriage for connecting the cart assembly with an adjacent article, the cart frame including a handle portion disposed at an elevation for manipulation by a human operator in an upright standing position to steer or otherwise control the cart assembly, and an actuating member mounted on the handle portion for actuating the connecting portion between a first connecting position and a second disconnecting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bryan Van Den Bosch, Roy Potts, John Mariciak, Bryan Jennings, Gary Jennings
-
Patent number: 7048294Abstract: A securing bolt device is inserted into a bore of a subassembly body. The device has a bolt and a spring element. The bolt has a shank which is insertable into the bore. A radial transverse bore extends through an end portion of the shank opposite to the insertable portion of the shank, and the shank has a blind bore in an axially directed end face. The spring element includes a loop, a first end of which is insertable into the transverse bore and a second end which is insertable into the end face bore. The loop forms a crossmember which extends across the shank of the bolt, and pressed against the bolt element by the spring force of the spring element. The locking device includes a subassembly body having a bore in which the bolt is axially movable. In a locked state a free end of the shank extends out of the bore and locks the securing bolt.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Martin Heitlinger
-
Patent number: 7044495Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hitch assembly for a vehicle, comprising a support portion, an engaging pin and an actuating portion movably mounted in the support portion along spaced substantially parallel axes, the engaging pin being movable between disengaged and engaged positions, wherein in the engaged position, the engaging pin is operable to engage a passage in a tongue on an adjacent article.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Rozina Van Den Bosch, legal representative, Bryan Jennings, Bryan Van Den Bosch, deceased
-
Patent number: 7036841Abstract: A safety device (20) for maintaining in place a pin (30) retaining a double hand attach (22) of a trailer hitch to a tractor or truck tow bar (24). The device prevents the release of the pin during the transport of the trailer by having a superior plate (34) above the pin limiting the vertical movement of the pin avoiding the popping out. The attaching and the detaching of the device is done because the superior plate may pivot when the pin is released and is maintained in place by a latch (36) that has a counterweight (38). The latch is then rocked and kept closed with the action of gravity. The device comprises also fitting screws (52, 74) allowing to adapt the safety device to several sizes and thicknesses of the different tow bars used on tractors and trucks nowadays so that the device fits any trailer of a farmer yard.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Inventor: Marcel Champagne
-
Patent number: 7017935Abstract: A ball hitch coupler for use with a towing vehicle having a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler provides an improved and simplified structure designed to make assembly and coupling to the ball hitch easy, while not compromising coupler strength or security. The ball hitch coupler comprises a coupler housing having a ball hitch cavity, a locking passageway also located in the coupler housing, and a locking rod having a keyed section. The locking rod operates as a restraining mechanism to hold the ball hitch within the ball hitch cavity, thereby resulting in a secure coupling of the ball hitch with the ball hitch coupler. In addition, the locking rod, in conjunction with the locking passageway, also serves as a theft protection feature by operating as an inherent lock-key mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: Dominic S. Bonfanti
-
Patent number: 7011330Abstract: An automatic hitch may include a base, a support surface, a jaw assembly connected to the base and having engaged and disengaged positions and a biasing member associated with the jaw assembly. The biasing member may be configured to normally bias the jaw assembly toward the support surface. The automatic hitch may also include a release mechanism configured to apply upward force to the jaw assembly upon downward actuation of the release mechanism to move the jaw assembly into the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Blanton
-
Patent number: 7004489Abstract: A connection device is provided for interconnecting first and second tugger carts. The connection device includes a striker element projecting from the first tugger cart. A connecting arm is pivotably connected to the second tugger cart and includes a terminal end that partially defines a recess for receiving the striker element therein. The connecting arm is pivotable between a storage position and a locking position. A locking pin is operatively connected to the connecting arm and is movable between an extended wherein the locking pin extends over an opening to the recess in the connecting arm and a retracted position wherein the striker element may be inserted into and removed from the recess. A handle is provided to allow a user to maintain the locking pin in the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Topper Industrial, Inc.Inventor: Edmund W. Brown
-
Patent number: 7004488Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hitching and unhitching of trailers or other towed devices are disclosed. The hitch assemblies may include alignment features to correct for errors in alignment of the hitch and trailer tongue during the hitching process. The hitch assemblies may compensate for vertical as well as horizontal misalignment. In addition, the hitch assemblies may include automated capture and release of the tongue on the hitch. The hitch assemblies may also disengage integral braking systems that are present on the trailer during the hitching process and re-engage the brakes after unhitching. All of these operations may be accomplished without requiring the driver of the towing vehicle to leave the driving position.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: New Design Corporation, Inc.Inventors: William P. Reiter, Dean A. Kovash
-
Patent number: 6981716Abstract: A towing device for selectively locking a towing load has a support member that pivotably supports a link member at a first pivotal point near the first proximal end. A stopper is located on the support member for regulating a pivotal movement of the link member. A joint member is pivotably coupled to the link member near the first proximal end at a second pivotal point and has a tendency to pivot about the second pivotal point toward the first pivotal point to contact the stopper as the first proximal end pivots toward the stopper about the first pivotal point. A coupling member is connected to the second distal end of the joint member. An interference avoiding unit is located near the joint member for guiding the joint member to maintain a certain distance from the stopper as the link member pivots about the first pivotal point.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventor: Mitsumasa Takeda
-
Patent number: 6945550Abstract: A spring nut assembly is inserted within the internal cavity of a shank tube until the nut is aligned with opposing side holes in the side walls of the shank tube. The spring maintains the nut in alignment with the opposing side walls. A hitch pin including a threaded portion for engaging the spring nut assembly is inserted through the side holes of the receiver tube and the shank tube until the threaded portion of the hitch pin engages the nut mounted within the shank tube. The hitch pin is then rotated relative to the nut to clamp the shank tube against the receiver tube. A lock or clip can be attached to the end of the hitch pin to prevent accidental or unauthorized removal of the hitch pin from the receiver assembly. A bushing can also be used over the reduced diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Let's Go Aero, Inc.Inventor: Marty Williams
-
Patent number: 6896283Abstract: An aircraft tug hitch assembly includes deflectable guide plates providing a converging pocket for mechanically positioning a tow bar eyelet with the hitch lock pin. The hitch includes a lock assembly including a lock pin is mounted on a slidable piston for operator controlled movement between a detented raised unlocked position and a lower locked position capturing the tow bar eyelet. An indicator ball carried by the piston is observable by the tug operator when the lock assembly is in the unlocked position, but is not visible in the locked position thereby confirming hitch status without the need for verbal communication with ground personnel.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6877757Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer pin assembly characterized by having a horizontally pivoting joint to reduce the transmission of lateral flex and stress between the units coupled by the hitching assembly. The trailer pin assembly is designed to be used with conventional fifth wheel locking assemblies, which are designed to allow for horizontal rotation of the trailer pin within the locking assembly and far longitudinal pivoting between the units coupled by the hitching assembly, to provide a fifth wheel hitching system which minimizes the transmission of unwanted forces and stresses between the units that are coupled together.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: Dwayne Hayworth
-
Patent number: 6857650Abstract: A dual mode trailer hitch that operates in both a “vehicle-tow” mode and a “manual tow” mode. In the vehicle-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured such that a trailer can be pivotally coupled to and towed by a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. In the manual-tow mode of operation, the trailer hitch is configured to not articulate, so that the trailer can be towed manually by a person. The trailer hitch includes bar pivot attachment member, a connecting link, a handle attachment fitting, at least one side plate, a tow bracket, and a vehicle coupling pin 23. In the preferred embodiment, the side plates are coupled on both sides of the tow bracket. The combined side plates and tow bracket are pivotally coupled to both the bar pivot attachment member and one end of the connecting link by a first pivot pin. The handle attachment fitting is pivotally coupled to the other end of connecting link by a second pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: World Factory, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth M. Ward
-
Patent number: 6837510Abstract: A hitch couples alternatively through either a ball or an implement pin. The implement pin is provided at a first elevation which is substantially below the ball coupling, which preserves optimum coupling heights for the different nature of towed vehicles. The pin coupling is shifted longitudinally relative to the ball sufficiently to prevent any vertical interference between the pin and the ball member above the pin. A sloped member between ball and pin coupling members provides interconnection therebetween. The sloped member is further coupled to a male receiver insert adapted to couple with a vehicle female receiver or other similar or alternative vehicular component capable of supporting the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: James L. Karls
-
Publication number: 20040251660Abstract: A hitch coupler (10) including an E-shaped frame (11), a pin (30) and a conical spring (36). The frame (11) includes a back plate (12), a top plate (14), a middle plate (16) and a bottom plate (18). The top (14), middle (16) and the bottom (18) plates include aligned openings. The pin (30) extends through the aligned holes (21, 23, 27) in the top (14), middle (16) and bottom (18) plates, with the pin (30) being configured to slide within the aligned openings (21, 23, 27). The conical spring (36) surrounds and engages the pin (30). The conical spring (36) biases a bottom of the pin (30) through the middle plate (16) and the bottom plate (18). The pin (30) includes a retainer (38) that extends through a slot (37) in the top plate (14) as the pin (30) is pulled against the bias of the spring (36). The retainer (38) abuts against a top of the top plate (14) when the retainer (38) is located above the top plate (14). The retainer (38) is located between the pin (30) and the spring (36).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: David O. Roe, John T. Buckley
-
Publication number: 20040232655Abstract: A securing bolt device is inserted into a bore of a subassembly body. The device has a bolt and a spring element. The bolt has a shank which is insertable into the bore. A radial transverse bore extends through an end portion of the shank opposite to the insertable portion of the shank, and the shank has a blind bore in an axially directed end face. The spring element includes a loop, a first end of which is insertable into the transverse bore and a second end which is insertable into the end face bore. The loop forms a crossmember which extends across the shank of the bolt, and pressed against the bolt element by the spring force of the spring element. The locking device includes a subassembly body having a bore in which the bolt is axially movable. In a locked state a free end of the shank extends out of the bore and locks the securing bolt.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporationInventor: Martin Heitlinger
-
Patent number: 6817503Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Thomas W. Lindenman
-
Patent number: 6769710Abstract: A trailer hitch apparatus for use with a lunette eye mounting includes a housing with a lunette eye on one end. A housing has a plurality of rectangular inserts, the inserts having a recess on one face adapted to hold and enclose a lunette eye and hold the lunette eye of the trailer firmly within the housing. A retention pin extends through the apertures in the housing the lunette eye of the trailer and the apertures in the rectangular inserts to hold the adapter and parts together. For attachment to a towing truck or other vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: James G. Lim
-
Patent number: 6758486Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly is attached to a drawbar having a first bore in an end thereof. The clevis assembly includes a clevis member which has a second bore spaced apart from and aligned with the first bore. The clevis member also has a pair of cross bore aligned with each other and extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first and second bores. A drawbar pin is insertable through the second bore and into the first bore. The drawbar pin includes a shaft and a plate attached to one end of the shaft. A cross pin movably mounted in the cross bores and engagable with the plate to releasably retain the drawbar pin in the first and second bores. In a first embodiment, the cross pin is removable from the cross bores to permit withdrawal of the drawbar pin from the clevis member and drawbar.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Dean Kollath
-
Publication number: 20040119263Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly is attached to a drawbar having a first bore in an end thereof. The clevis assembly includes a clevis member which has a second bore spaced apart from and aligned with the first bore. The clevis member also has a pair of cross bore aligned with each other and extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first and second bores. A drawbar pin is insertable through the second bore and into the first bore. The drawbar pin includes a shaft and a plate attached to one end of the shaft. A cross pin movably mounted in the cross bores and engagable with the plate to releasably retain the drawbar pin in the first and second bores. In a first embodiment, the cross pin is removable from the cross bores to permit withdrawal of the drawbar pin from the clevis member and drawbar.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation.Inventor: Michael Dean Kollath
-
Patent number: 6739614Abstract: A trailer hitch for heavy vehicles has a coupling housing arranged on the traction vehicle with a rear, vertical end piece from which extends an upper, forward protruding coupling yoke piece and a lower, forward protruding coupling yoke piece, between which a tow eye on a trailer and a tow ball arranged in the tow eye are intended to be secured by means of a coupling pin running through a hole in the tow ball. A principally vertical wedge (12) is arranged between both coupling yoke pieces (3, 4) in front of the rear end piece (2) and is so designed that the wedging action increases, i.e. the force of the wedge increases, as the wedge is pressed down. An intermediate piece (14), equipped partly with an upper, forward protruding part (15) and partly a lower, forward protruding part (17), is arranged between the wedge (12) and the tow ball (6), whereby the parts are intended to abut against an upper (16) and a lower (18) part of the tow ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventors: Sven-Erik Holmgren, Tord Jonsson
-
Publication number: 20030160431Abstract: The present invention concerns a trailer hitch for heavy vehicles, which exhibits a coupling housing arranged on the traction vehicle comprising a rear, vertical end piece from which extend's an upper, forward protruding coupling yoke piece and a lower, forward protruding coupling yoke piece, between which a low eye on a trailer and a low ball arranged in the tow eye are intended to be secured by means of a coupling pin running through a hole in the tow ball. In accordance with the invention, the trailer hitch is characterised by the following distinctive features: A principally vertical wedge (12) that is arranged between both coupling yoke pieces (3, 4) in front of the rear end piece (2) and is so designed that the wedging action increases, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Sven-Erik Holmgren, Tord Jonsson