| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 280477000 | Connection facilitating | 87 |
| 20080197606 | Trailer hitch for automatically allowing a trailer to tilt for facilitating driving a vehicle on and off the trailer - A trailer hitch for automatically allowing a trailer to tilt for facilitating driving a vehicle on and off the trailer which comprises a hitch coupler having forward and rearward ends. The forward end of the hitch coupler is adapted for removable connection to a receiver hitch of a towing truck. A vertically oriented main support assembly is connected to the rearward end of the hitch coupler. A sliding mechanism is carried on the main support assembly, wherein the sliding mechanism can freely travel between a lower position and an upper position on the main support assembly. A hitching mechanism is attached to the sliding mechanism. The hitching mechanism is suited for coupling the trailer to the towing truck. When the vehicle is driven off the trailer onto a ramp of the trailer, the weight of the vehicle on the ramp will make wheels of the trailer act as a fulcrum, causing the trailer to tilt and the hitching mechanism to lift up the sliding mechanism from the lower position to the upper position on the main support assembly. In a second embodiment the trailer hitch is provisioned to accommodate for the installation on towing trucks of various heights. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080217885 | TRAILER HITCH ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY KIT - A kit for a trailer hitch alignment assembly is disclosed. The assembly elements may include a base assembly and a wing assembly having pivotal elements for guiding the trailer hitch connection process. The assembly elements may also include a trailer tongue element, protective covers, a container and instructions on assembly and use. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080224446 | Goose neck hook-up helper - One embodiment of a custom extruded tube, 30 inches in length with a ¾ inch slit the entire length. This single piece making up this device is specifically designed for the application of attaching a goose neck trailer to a truck. The material is rubberized plastic with an integral reflective yellow pigment added in the extrusion process for superior visibility. The material of the tube allows for it to be used over and over without stretching or breaking. The interior diameter measurement is 2.312 inches and the outer diameter measurement is 2.512 inches. It is designed to fit snuggly over a 2 5/16 Gooseneck ball. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080238035 | Self aligning trailer hitch - A device for bringing the truck and trailer borne portions of a goose neck hitch arrangement fully into position for completing the mating of the two sections without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080238036 | Safety chain anchors - An apparatus engageable with a framework or supporting member of a tow vehicle for securing drop down safety chains from a gooseneck trailer. The apparatus comprises a bracket member having a predetermined shape and formed of a predetermined material, such shape includes a bend formed therein. The bend being bent at an angle. An aperture is disposed on a bottom portion of the bracket. A generally U-shaped member is disposed as a loop on the bracket, the U-shaped member is disposed on an upper portion of the bracket for engagement with such safety chains from such gooseneck trailer. A rod member is engageable with the aperture in the bracket and is further engageable with an aperture in one of the framework or supporting member on such tow vehicle. A cotter pin secures the rod member in place. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080246254 | Foldable mirror assembly for hitching trailers - A foldable mirror assembly used to assist an operator to align a hitch on a trailer to the hitch of a vehicle while hitching a vehicle to a trailer, consisting of a base for mounting to the rear of a vehicle, support arms that pivot upwards and outwards to the rear of the vehicle, that support a convex mirror that is angled to give the operator a line of sight to the rear of the vehicle. The support and mirror components fold substantially flat to the base which enables the base to remain installed on the rear of the vehicle in the closed position while not in use. Alternatively, The assembly can be removably attached, and therefore folded to the closed position, and then removed and stored after using. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080277903 | APPARATUS FOR RAISING A SPRING ARM ON A TRAILER HITCH - An apparatus for raising a spring arm of a trailer hitch. The apparatus may include a lift, such as a jack, for attaching to a tongue of a trailer. A link member may be pivotally attached to the lift. The link member may also be pivotally attached to a bracket which may be attached to the spring arm. A brace member may be attached to the link member on an end opposite the bracket. As the lift raises the link member, the link member may pivot about the brace member such that movement of the bracket may be amplified as compared to movement of the lift. Moreover, lifting of the spring arm can be easily accomplished. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20090014982 | Roll coupling trailer hitch assembly - A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes- a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090033061 | TRAILER HITCH WITH ADJUSTABLE HITCH BAR - 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. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090045604 | Integrated hitch step - The hitch step assembly has a platform securable to a hitch bar and pivotable from a storage position to a stepping position with respect to the hitch bar. The platform is preferably substantially planar and parallel to the length of the hitch bar at the stepping position. The platform is pivotable to the storage position that exposes a ball mount assembly connected to the hitch bar. Walls extending downward from the platform to substantially enclose the ball mount assembly and prevent its exposure as a trip hazard during use of the hitch step. A locking pin is provided that maintains the platform at the storage position or the stepping position. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090058043 | Three point hitch alignment tool - The present invention is used to align the holes of a 3 pint hitch implement with a primary device, for example, a tractor. Many times the points of attachment between the implement and the primary device are difficult to align for easy insertion of a hitch pin. The present invention is a system and a method to utilize an alignment tool which is tapered on one end and with an indentation on the other end for inserting a tip of the hitch pin. The tool is inserted into the hitch pin holes of the implement and the primary device allowing for the manipulation of the holes with the tapered portion and finely aligning the holes and finally pushing the alignment tool through the holes with said hitch pin. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090072516 | AUTOMATIC LOCKING TRAILER HITCH - An automatic locking trailer hitch comprising a housing having a first portion adapted to be connected to the tongue of a draft vehicle and a second portion forming a socket for receipt of a ball member, a trigger assembly responsive to a ball entering a socket to move a keeper assembly and a locking assembly to maintain said keeper assembly in a locked position relative to the ball. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090108563 | Method and apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a towing vehicle to reverse the vehicle into alignment and proximity with a trailer, so that the towing vehicle and the trailer can be easily hitched together. The invention includes a detachable alignment system with a signal device to show a stop point via side mirrors to the driver while he is reversing the vehicle toward the trailer. The invention includes two complementary units respectively releasably attached to the vehicle and trailer, each unit having equal-length transverse support beams that respectively extend beyond the sides of the vehicle and trailer and that have visible markers depending from their distal ends, whereby the markers are visible to the driver via the side view mirrors. Being of equal length, the distal ends of support beams on either side of the vehicle and trailer permit the end markers to visually line up or come together as viewed by the driver through the side view mirrors when a tow ball on the vehicle and a trailer hitch on the trailer are accurately lined up for a positive connection. The markers permit the driver to align the vehicle unit to the trailer unit while reversing the vehicle, and therefore align the tow ball to the trailer hitch as those units are mounted to these parts specifically and respectively. A trigger switch on the trailer unit may be deployed to activate a signal device, for example a light, when in contact with the tow ball. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090108564 | Positioning Guide for Aiding Connection of a Fifth Wheel Towed Vehicle - A positioning guide for aiding connection of a fifth wheel towed vehicle to a towing vehicle, where the fifth wheel towed vehicle has a pin box assembly. A mirror is secured to a cover for the pin box assembly, the mirror being located at an orientation so that it is visible from the towing vehicle when the cover is attached to the pin box assembly. The mirror may be convex and located in a cowl forming part of a cover. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090127824 | Hitch Assistance System - A hitch assistance system including a tow ball position indicator; wherein the tow ball position indicator includes a base member having a gripping member, a bias member, and an extension member. The tow ball position indicator also includes a telescoping staff coupled to the extension member and an indicating member. The system includes a hitch position indicator configured to facilitate knowing a position of a hitch, wherein the hitch position indicator includes a base member configured to couple to a hitch. The base member includes a coupling member, a flared extension extending upwardly and outwardly, and a bias member, wherein the bias member is configured to bias the arms against contraction such that the flared extensions of the coupling member is disposed within an interior of a hitch and thereby couple thereto. The base member includes an extension member, a telescoping staff, and an indicator includes an indicating member. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090127825 | Coupler for towed vehicles - Apparatus, methods, and other examples associated with a hitch ball coupler are described herein. In one example, a coupler includes a body and a cap. The body and cap are pivotally connected on a first end. The body includes a first recess and a shoulder. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position. The cap includes a second recess that selectively forms a socket with the first recess, and an arm extending from a second end that engages the shoulder when the cap is in the open position. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090146393 | Guide it - A mirror is mounted on the tailgate of a truck and is oriented to reflect the tailgate target to the rear view mirror of the truck whereby a driver can align a trailer and the tailgate. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090189368 | 3 Way ATV/UTV tractor receiver hitch - A three-way hitch assembly for a tractor-type vehicle, such as an ATV/UTV, is designed facilitates the attachment of multiple accessory devices to the vehicle. The hitch assembly includes:
| 07-30-2009 |
| 20090194969 | TRAILER HITCH ALIGNMENT GUIDE - An apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch and receiver includes an elongated channel or tube defining an angle, such that when the trailer is tilted back for hitching, the upper tube is substantially vertically aligned. A rubber tipped rod extends from the lower tube and contacts the vehicle when the vehicle draws near the trailer. As the rod is pushed into the lower tube, a connecting rod drives an actuator or indicating rod upwards. A calibration tube is slid over the upper tube, and is aligned along the upper tube to expose a brightly colored painted region on the indicating rod at the point where the receiver and hitch are aligned one above the other. Alternatively, the calibration tube moves a series of switches up or down, whereby the actuator is pushed by the rod to contact the switches successively to indicate the approach to and arrival at a hitching position, by the illumination of electric lights, and or by activation of an audible signal. The calibration rod may alternatively slide on the lower tube, wherein the contact rod creates or activates electrical connections within the calibration tube. The apparatus may further be incorporated into the trailer frame, before or after manufacturing. One or more of the apparatus may be placed near the rear of the trailer to aid lateral alignment, or to gauge the distance of the trailer to an object behind the trailer, either before or after hitching. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090200770 | Alignment unit for campers and method of use - A camper alignment system for use in guiding a pickup under a camper for loading of the camper uses a light source and a target for alignment. The pickup has a pickup cab and a pickup bed having a bed length. The camper has a camper front portion and a camper base. There is a light source capable of emitting a beam of light in the visible light spectrum when in operation. The light source is affixed on the camper front. There is a beam target disposed along the bed length. The beam target is substantially perpendicular with respect to the rear edge of the pickup bed. When the beam of light is substantially parallel to and projecting on the beam target, the pickup can be safely backed up toward the camper front portion and under the camper base for transport of the camper with the pickup. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090236825 | SYSTEM FOR ASSISTING THE ATTACHMENT OF A TRAILER TO A VEHICLE - A system for assisting the alignment of a hitch pin mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a hitch socket mounted on the front of a trailer. The system includes a camera mounted to the vehicle and positioned to capture an image rearwardly of the vehicle. A video display is contained within the vehicle which displays the image captured by the camera. A processor is also contained in the vehicle which calculates a preferred path of travel of the vehicle to position the hitch pin in alignment with the hitch socket. The processor is programmed to provide instructions to an operator of the vehicle of the required steering to maintain the vehicle on the preferred path of travel. The processor recalculates the preferred path of travel whenever the vehicle veers from the preferred path of travel by a preset threshold. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100013188 | Trailer Connection Assist System - A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100038882 | ADJUSTABLE TOWING HITCH - Provided is a hitch for towing a trailer behind a vehicle licensed to navigate public roadways. The hitch includes a base member to be coupled adjacent to a tail section of the vehicle, and a first support member portion coupled transversely to the elongated shank and extending outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A first arm is telescopically adjustable relative to the support member and supports a first connector provided adjacent to a distal end thereof. The first gimbal connector is cooperable with a first trailer connector to establish a linkage with first trailer connector. A second support member portion is coupled to the base member and extends outwardly in a direction generally away from the base member. A second connector is supported adjacent to a distal end of the second support member and is also cooperable with a second trailer connector to establish a linkage with the second trailer connector. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100078914 | Storage and carrying rack - A storage and carrying rack for a military hitching apparatus. This carrying rack allows for the quick hitching and unhitching of various trailers, cannon, and other military equipment that are towed on wheels. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100109286 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED TOW HITCH ASSEMBLY - 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. The controller will only control the motor to lock the locking shaft when activated by the activation switch. A roller switch is provided to determine when the safety pin has been removed from the locking shaft and conveys the information to the controller which may not allow the motor to unlock the locking shaft unless the safety pin has been held out for a specified length of time. The controller measures the rotation of the locking shaft during locking, the amperage being drawn by the electric motor and the time for locking and uses these factors to determine whether the locking has been satisfactory or not. If not, the controller will reverse the motor which will unlock the connector. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100117332 | SELF-LOCKING, UNIVERSAL TRAILER HITCH AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the pivoting second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a pivoting second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100140900 | Hitch Guide Device - A hitch device assembly having a lift and alignment guide that is moveably positioned relative to a ball. The guide is moveably connected to a hitch having a ball connected thereto. The guide includes a top wall having an opening and a pair of side wall that extend downward from the top wall. The opening cooperates with the ball such that the guide is movable between an up position wherein the ball is not exposed, and a down position wherein the ball is exposed for engagement with a towable device. A number of cams extend from the hitch and cooperate with respective channels formed in the side walls of the guide. The ball opening and the respective channels and cams are positioned such that the guide cooperates with the tongue of a towable device in a manner that guides the tongue forward and downward into position over the ball. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100164202 | ACCESSORY MOUNTING SYSTEMS FOR NON-HIGHWAY VEHICLES - A height adjustable multiple implement mounting system for use with off-road vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmowers. A mount assembly is secured at a forward portion of the vehicle. A space frame extends from the mount assembly and supports one or more ground care implements at a location forward of the vehicle. An electric actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount assembly and a second end that is attached to the space frame. Operation of the actuator alters the elevation of the implement such that the implement can be moved between in-use and out-of-use positions relative to a ground surface. In a preferred aspect, the mount assembly allows lateral or side-to-side rotation of the space frame and actuator so that the implement can be laterally inclined or pitched with respect to the vehicle. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100187793 | Trailer Bump - A trailer hitch alignment device facilitates the alignment of the trailer tongue with the drop hitch ball of the towing vehicle. The device includes a vertical back plate, curved in the middle to create an obtuse angle to partially surround a drop hitch ball in order to guide the tongue of a trailer toward the ball hitch. The invention is held in proper orientation by a snug, tight fit between the hitch post and base plate with the hitch ball working as a locking devise. The 1′×¼″ bar at the top of the device is used as added security to keep the trailer attached to the towing vehicle. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100201100 | Hitch adapter - A hitch adapter for use with a forwardly extending tongue of an implement which enables the hitch on the forward end of the tongue to be converted from a clevis-type hitch to a hitch ball-type hitch. The hitch adapter of this invention may also be used with hitch balls having different diameters. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100207358 | LASER GUIDED TOWING HITCH ALIGNMENT SYSTEM - This invention relates to a device that assists a user in positioning a tow vehicle next to a trailer such that the hitch component affixed to the tow vehicle aligns properly with, and connects easily to, the hitch component affixed to the trailer. This invention particularly relates to a laser guided alignment apparatus that aligns a hitch component mounted on a tow vehicle to a trailer with either a bumper ball or gooseneck hitch. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100225091 | AUTOMATIC COUPLING DEVICE - A device for coupling a vehicle to a trailer is provided. The device includes a base having a channel and a pair of sidewalls. The channel includes a mouth leading into a stop. The sidewalls are spaced apart from each other and the channel runs generally between the sidewalls. A catch is pivotally mounted between the sidewalls. The catch includes a mounting end, a catch end, and a contact surface. The catch end is pivotable between a first position, wherein the catch end abuts against the base; and a second position wherein the catch end is displaced from the base. The tow pin engages the contact surface of the catch and pivots the catch end towards the second position. The catch end returns to the first position so as to secure the tow pin between the catch end and the stop when the tow pin abuts against the stop. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100264626 | VEHICLE TOW HITCH WITH COUPLING GUIDE - A trailer hitch guide device may include a guide ramp, a guide ramp release, a hitch guide base, and a bottom metal layer. The trailer hitch guide device may enable a person to couple a trailer and a towing vehicle with ease. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100289249 | Hitch Apparatuses and Methods of Securing Hitch Apparatuses - The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100314853 | Mallory trailer hitch - The Mallory Trailer Hitch, eliminates the embarrassing need to align the tow vehicle repetitively. Giving the purchaser the ease of move ability in securing the Trailer Ball in a single attempt. The Mallory Trailer Hitch is self Locking insuring a safe and secure hook up of the tow vehicle. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20110037242 | TRAILER HITCH WITH ADJUSTABLE HITCH BAR - 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. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110115196 | ROLL COUPLING TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY - A roll coupling assembly includes a roll torque transfer structure and an alignment mechanism. The torque transfer structure includes a first load bearing structure mountable to the rear of the tow vehicle, and a second load bearing structure mountable to the front of the trailer drawbar. Corresponding first and second load bearing surfaces cooperate so as to releasably mate with one another for towing of the trailer behind the tow vehicle. The bearing surfaces are distributed across a substantially planar interface between the rear of the tow vehicle and the front of the trailer drawbar so as to distribute to the tow vehicle torque imparted to the drawbar by relative rolling motion between the trailer and tow vehicle. The coupling alignment mechanism adjusts the relative orientation of the first and second load bearing surfaces so as to align them for mating to one another. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110133431 | One-stop trailer hitch - A trailer receiver hitch (shank and ball) style is provided that enables safer hook-ups to a trailer. The hitch includes a shank and ball assembly that is combined with a v-shaped guard that protects the rear of the vehicle; tailgate, bumper, license plate, etc. from collision damage from the trailer tongue as the user backs the vehicle towards the trailer for hook-up. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110187081 | Tow hook support device for vehicle - A tow hook support device for a vehicle, includes a vehicle structural member having a tubular shaped sidewall, and integrally provided to a vehicle body in a posture such that an axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall coincides with a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a nut member integrally fixed to a tip of the vehicle structural member so as to be extended parallel to the axial direction of the tubular shaped sidewall, to which a tow hook is screwed and detachably fitted, the tow hook support device comprises, multiple grooves formed in the tubular shaped sidewall of the vehicle structural member so as to be positioned around an axis O of the tubular shaped sidewall and extended in the axial direction, by bending portions of the sidewall, and the nut member being arranged at a position in the tubular shaped sidewall and further inward than the multiple grooves so as to be coaxial with the axis O or extended parallel to the axis O, and being integrally fixed to the multiple grooves. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110221164 | Hitch Apparatus for Vehicles - A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. The first section includes an elongated slot formed through a portion thereof. A tow bar guide is attached to an interior side of the first section and includes an elongated opening formed therethrough with opposite first and second portions. The tow bar includes a first guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof, and a second guide member that extends outwardly from a medial portion of the tow bar. The first guide member extends through the first portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide and is operably engaged with the slot in the first section. The second guide member is operably engaged with the second portion of the elongated opening in the tow bar guide. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110221165 | Connector bracket for a semitrailer of a semitrailer truck - The invention relates, inter alia, to a connector bracket for a semitrailer of a semitrailer truck. Said connector bracket comprises a support element which can be swiveled about a bearing and a connector arranged inside the support element, the support element having a casing frame with a section that is complementary to an insertion opening of a fifth wheel. The aim of the invention is to provide a connector bracket or a plug-in coupling which is highly reliable even under adverse external conditions. This aim is achieved, inter alia, by the connector bracket according to the invention, wherein the casing frame can be displaced in relation to the connector by contact with the insertion opening, thereby displacing the connector from a closed standby position to an open coupling position. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110233897 | SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND TRAILER CONNECTION - The present application is directed to a system and related methods for connecting a vehicle with a trailer. The system includes, but is not limited to, embodiments featuring (a) a docking assembly for securing to the vehicle, the docking assembly being pivotable; and (b) a coupler assembly comprising a first part operationally configured to secure to a trailer, and a second part operationally configured for releasable securement to the docking assembly. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110291384 | ADJUSTABLE RECEIVER HITCH SYSTEM - An adjustable receiver hitch system including a slide member that may be installed on a receiver tube attached to a vehicle, extending therethrough. Near the distal end of the slide member is disposed a rotationally pivotable bearing assembly. Interchangeable connection ends may be attached to the bearing assembly and are used to connect to a towed trailer. One interchangeable end may feature a height adjustment capability, while others may have fixed vertical heights. The system allows a user to adjust the attachment portion of the hitch in multiple ways to connect to a towed trailer to allow for attachment without an exact alignment between the primary vehicle and the trailer. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110316254 | TOWMOTOR SECONDARY LOCK - The present invention provides for a secondary locking assembly for a towmotor when the towmotor is connected to a dolly. The towmotor includes a first lever pivotally connected to a rear panel of the towmotor. The lever is connected to the rear panel of the towmotor by means of a first pivot point. A sleeve having a second extended lever covers a portion of the first lever. The sleeve abuts the first pivot point of the first lever. The sleeve is pivotally connected about a second pivot point located on the first lever. By clamping the first lever and the second lever together, the sleeve moves from the locked position abutting the first pivot point to an unlocked position wherein the first lever as a whole may be pivotally raised to an unlocked position. The locking assembly further includes an elongated member extending between the first lever and the hitch pin. The elongated rod forces the hitch pin into place and also operates to remove the hitch pin from the locked position when the first lever is moved to the unlocked position. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120032416 | COMBINED TRAILER HITCH COUPLER GUIDE AND SECUREMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide means of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement means of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides means for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120119467 | CLASS IV ADJUSTABLE TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY - A horizontally and vertically adjustable Class IV certifiable trailer hitch assembly that has a 16 inch range of 12 vertical adjustments in the most common vertical increments. The main body of the trail hitch assembly, the trailer hitch minus the hitch ball components, has a two part connectable construction of a support member and a ball mount member, each of which can be rotated 180 degrees before connection. In any of these four configurations an optional coupling plate may be utilized. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120119468 | Vehicle Coupling Device - 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. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120200065 | Electric controlled trailer hitch and link assembly alignment device - The electric controlled trailer hitch is a new approach to connecting to a boat, trailer, etc. with only one person. This will enable one person to back up a vehicle to a boat, trailer, etc. and with a switch activate the moveable chain. The chain can sway from right to left and the electric motor works the chain backwards and forwards in order to align with the tongue of the boat, trailer, etc. The old method of needing another person to navigate or one person having to keep backing up or moving from right to left in order to get aligned is no longer necessary. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200066 | SELF-LATCHING PIN HITCH - A self-latching pin assembly that allows for the insertion of a hitch ball assembly comprising: a square tubing, where the square tubing extends horizontally from a vehicle chassis; a horizontally retracting bumper within the square tubing, where the bumper allows for the insertion of a hitch assembly; a vertical tube, where the vertical tube enables the retraction and extension of a round bar; flat bars, where the flat bars extend horizontally from the square tubing; and holes in the flat bars, where the holes are aligned with the round bar and allow for the insertion of the round bar into the hitch ball assembly. In one particular embodiment, the vertical tube may include a cap and a vertical compression spring, where the vertical compression spring enables the vertical retraction and extension of the round bar to secure the hitch ball assembly. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120235381 | ROLL COUPLING TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY - A roll coupling system for roll-coupling the drawbar of a trailer to the rear of a tow vehicle includes a roll torque transfer structure wherein a cumulative combined roll resistance of the tow vehicle and the trailer resist rolling of the trailer about the drawbar. The roll torque transfer structure includes a selectively rotatable coupler, selectively rotatable about a roll axis of the drawbar, and having a remotely-controlled selectively releasable lock. The rotatable coupler thus provides remotely-controlled selectively lockable roll coupling between the tow vehicle and the trailer. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120242061 | ROLL COUPLING TRAILER HITCH ASSEMBLY - 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. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120261904 | ADAPTABLE TRAILER HITCH AND MOUNTING SYSTEM - A trailer and hitch mounting system that includes a hitch insert assembly that is attached to a hitch attachment of a trailer and additionally has a hitch mount. A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate that is secured to the bed of a truck and has a frustoconically shaped hitch guide with an angled surface that receives and is engaged by the hitch mount in order to guide the hitch mount toward an opening within the hitch guide to place the hitch mount at a predetermined location for securing the trailer to a truck. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20130087991 | Goose-neck Trailer Hitch Guide - A goose-neck trailer hitch guide uses a reference strap held by support posts attached by suction cups to opposite side walls of a truck. The reference strap is oriented in a plane between vertical and horizontal to face a driver in the tow vehicle who can then move a center indicator on the strap into alignment with a hitch pipe of the trailer until the strap touches the hitch pipe, which assuredly brings the hitch into registry with a hitch ball in the bed of the tow vehicle. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130285349 | TRAILER JACK ADAPTOR AND METHOD - In one example, a jack adaptor is mounted to a trailer structure. A jack flange, which can comprise a jack flange extension, of a jack is inserted downwardly through an opening in an upper portion of the jack adaptor. The jack can be rotated to a position that misaligns the jack flange with the opening through which it has been inserted. The jack can then be actuated to raise the jack flange into engagement with the upper portion of the adaptor for use in raising the trailer structure. The process is reversed to disengage the jack flange from the adaptor to permit removal of the jack. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130313805 | HITCH GUIDE ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLACEABLE GUIDE MEMBER - Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20140054874 | INJECTION-MOLDED PLASTIC HITCH STEP - A trailer hitch step, integrally injection-molded of a thermoplastic polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while capable of absorbing energy from rear impacts. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140151979 | Fifth Wheel Backup Camera System and Method - A system for facilitating coupling between a trailer kingpin and a fifth wheel of a vehicle includes at least one camera mounted on the vehicle and adapted to provide an image of the kingpin. A monitor is in communication with the camera and is adapted to display the image of the kingpin. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140265246 | TRAILER TONGUE LOCK & GUIDE - A device having a first member disposed at an angle with a second member such that the first member is integral with the second member along a first edge there between having a mounting plate attached to top edges of the first and second member respectively and a mounting spheroid attached to a portion of the mounting plate lying between the first and second members. The device further has a first extension integral with the first member and a second extension integral with the second member. Additionally, there is a first extension disposed at an angle and a second extension disposed at an angle. Finally, a first vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and a second vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and at an edge of the mounting plate. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140291963 | HITCH GUIDE ASSEMBLY WITH DISPLACEABLE GUIDE MEMBER - Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140333046 | Trailer Hitching and Tracking Steering - Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20150008657 | Hitch Coupler Receiving Apparatus - A hitch coupler receiving apparatus includes a base having opposite first and second surfaces, and a pair of spaced-apart first and second openings extending through the base from the first surface to the second surface. A pair of opposing, elongated first and second walls extend outwardly from the base first surface in adjacent, spaced-apart relationship. Each wall includes a plurality of spaced apertures formed therethrough. A hitch coupler is secured to the apparatus via a fastener that engages aligned apertures in the respective first and second walls. Each wall overlies a respective one of the first and second openings and includes an access opening. Each access opening is substantially larger than a respective opening in the base and facilitates insertion of a fastener into a respective opening in the base and rotation of the fastener via a tool. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150035253 | HITCH DETECTING SYSTEM - A hitch detecting system for a vehicle. The system includes a coupling assembly arranged to connect the vehicle to a hitchable apparatus. A sensor is operably coupled to the coupling assembly and monitors one or more parameters related to the coupling assembly. A controller is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to change, during operation of the vehicle, one or more functions of the vehicle in response to information detected by the sensor. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150042071 | APPARATUS INCLUDING POWERED-ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FOR MOVING LOAD-BEARING FRAME ASSEMBLY RELATIVE TO HITCH ASSEMBLY OF VEHICLE - An apparatus is for a tool box and a vehicle having a hitch assembly. The apparatus includes a frame assembly and a powered-actuator assembly. The frame assembly is configured to be load bearing, and is also configured to facilitate secured connection with the hitch assembly of the vehicle. The powered-actuator assembly is configured to be powered by a power source, and is also configured to move the frame assembly relative to the hitch assembly of the vehicle in such a way as to facilitate secured connection between the frame assembly and the hitch assembly. The powered-actuator assembly is fixedly connected to the frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to supportably receive the tool box. The frame assembly is selectively removable from the tool box. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150069736 | Towing Vehicle Guidance for Trailer Hitch Connection - Apparatus and a method for its use to assist an operator of a towing vehicle in backing the towing vehicle accurately into a position in which parts of a hitch can be mated to connect the towing vehicle with a trailer. A camera in a towing vehicle module provides the towing vehicle operator a video image of the trailer and a target mounted on it. A beam of light from the towing vehicle module and falling on the target is visible in the video image to show when the towing vehicle approaches and reaches a position in which the hitch can be mated. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150108736 | Trailer autoconnect system - The trailer autoconnect system is an apparatus for bringing into close juxtaposition a trailer and a trailer hitch attached to a tow vehicle. Specifically, an electric or manual winch is attached to the trailer to be attached to the hitch of the towing vehicles. The cable of the winch extends through a guide bracket and through a series of pulleys so that the end of the winch cable is connected to the tow hitch of the tow vehicle. The winch is activated electrically or manually by a crank or lever and the trailer is pulled directly to the tow hitch of the tow vehicle. A laser emitter attached to the coupling mechanism of the trailer emits a beam of light which illuminates the hitch receiver of the towing vehicle enabling the operator to raise or lower the coupling mechanism of the trailer to bring the coupling mechanism of the trailer into proper alignment with the hitch receiver. When the two coupling mechanisms are located in place so that the trailer can be coupled to the tow hitch of the tow vehicle, the trailer is lowered onto the receptacle of the tow hitch of the tow vehicle and the union of the trailer and tow vehicle is made secure. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150115571 | SMART TOW - A system and method for providing visual assistance through a graphic overlay super-imposed on a back-up camera image for assisting a vehicle operator when backing up a vehicle to align a tow ball with a trailer tongue. The method includes providing camera modeling to correlate the camera image in vehicle coordinates to world coordinates, where the camera modeling provides the graphic overlay to include a tow line having a height in the camera image that is determined by an estimated height of the trailer tongue. The method also includes providing vehicle dynamic modeling for identifying the motion of the vehicle as it moves around a center of rotation. The method then predicts the path of the vehicle as it is being steered including calculating the center of rotation. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150137483 | LEVELOADER - A hitch device comprising: (a) a hitch bar that connects the hitch device to a vehicle; (b) a hitch mount in communication with the hitch bar; (c) a ball mount, a ball, or both that is in communication with and extends through a portion of the hitch mount; (d) a lifting device that is connected to the hitch mount, the hitch bar, or both, wherein the lifting device includes a lifting cylinder; and (e) one or more gears in communication with the lifting cylinder; wherein the lifting device assists in moving the ball mount, the ball, or both through the hitch mount; and wherein the lifting cylinder is an electric motor. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20160114638 | DRAWBAR AUTO-CONNECT ASSEMBLY - A coupling assembly is provided for coupling an implement to a vehicle having a pickup hitch. The pickup hitch has a drawbar which is slidable in a pivotal drawbar housing. A coupler frame is attached to the implement, and has a socket which receives a ball mounted to the drawbar. Side members are attached to the coupler frame. Recesses are formed on the sides of the drawbar. In a coupled position, the side members are received by the recesses and are held between the drawbar housing and the drawbar. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160176253 | TRAILER TONGUE ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY | 06-23-2016 |
| 280478100 | Draft element bodily shiftable | 18 |
| 20080265546 | DRAWBAR UNIT FOR A DRAWBAR GOVERNED FLOOR CONVENYOR - A drawbar unit for a drawbar governed floor conveyor, in which a drawbar head is coupled to a vertical steering shaft, which optionally co-operates with a swivelling angle transmitter for an electronic steeling of the floor conveyor, wherein the steering shaft can be rotatably and axially fixedly mounted in a stationary bearing arrangement of the floor conveyor, wherein the drawbar head is connected to the upper end of a longitudinal guiding member, on which an upper portion of the steering shaft is axially guided, a lever is pivotably mounted on the guiding member, which engages with one arm into an axis parallel guiding channel on the steeling shaft such that a rotary union is produced, and adjustment means act on the lever in order to selectively bring the arm into clamping engagement with the steering shaft and to couple guiding member and steering shaft even axially. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090267321 | Connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer - A connector bracket for a trailer vehicle of a tractor trailer is described, comprising a support frame which can swivel on a bearing about a coupling means and a connector arranged stationary on the support frame. The problem on which the invention is based was to provide a connector bracket on the trailer that lessens the risk of damage to the connector from components of the tractor. The problem is solved, among other things, with a connector bracket in which the connector is at least partly covered by the coupling means in the lengthwise axis of the vehicle and a guide ramp is formed in front of the connector and tilting toward the connector at least during the coupling process. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267322 | CART TRANSPORTING APPARATUS - A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20110057417 | HITCH MOUNTED RECEIVER PLATFORM AND COMPLEMENTARY WAGON - A removable wagon may be attached to a hitch insert for transportation by a vehicle. After transport the wagon may be rolled by the user to a desired location. Devices for hitching the wagon to the vehicle are described. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110089669 | TRAILER-HITCH SYSTEM AND METHOD - A trailer-hitch system comprises a hitch frame adapted to be secured to a vehicle and having a receiver for accommodating a foremost end of a mount unit. The mount unit has a member portion in mating engagement with the receiver of the hitch frame. A connector for connection with a trailer is provided at a rearmost end. The trailer-hitch system also comprises a mechanism actuated to press a portion of the member portion against the receiver for locking the mount unit into the mating engagement with the receiver. A method for locking a mount unit in a receiver of a hitch frame is also provided. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110121540 | GOOSENECK TRAILER HITCH ACTUATOR - An improved hitch actuator for a gooseneck trailer includes a cam assembly mounted on the hitch receiver, a pivotal lever on the trailer, and a cable extending between the cam assembly and the lever. When the lever is pivoted, the cam assembly is moved via the cable so as to control the movement of the hitch latch between latched and unlatched positions and controls movement of the hitch pin between locked and unlocked positions. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20120119469 | Hitch Receiver Apparatuses and Methods for Securing Hitch Receivers to Frame Members. - The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20140062062 | CART CONNECTION ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - In certain embodiments, a connection assembly can engage a cart, such as a retail shopping cart, to facilitate pushing and/or pulling the cart or a number of carts that have been nested together. In some embodiments, the connection assembly includes an engagement member with a recess. In an open position of engagement member, the recess can be configured to receive a portion of a frame member of the cart. In a closed position of the engagement member, the portion of the frame member can be secured with the connection assembly, thereby providing a secure connection with the cart to facilitate movement of the cart to a desired location. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140125034 | ARTICULATING HITCH APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES - A hitch apparatus includes a frame configured to be secured to a vehicle and that is pivotable about a first axis, a guide that is movably secured to the frame and pivotable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and a tow bar movably secured to the guide and movable relative to the guide between retracted and extended positions. The hitch apparatus includes a user controlled positioning system with a user input device that is configured to allow a user to extend and retract the tow bar and to articulate the tow bar up-down and left-right so as to position the tow bar distal end at a desired position within a three-dimensional coordinate system. | 05-08-2014 |
| 280479100 | With motor | 4 |
| 20110101646 | Vehicle equipped with coupler - The vehicle operated on highways and streets of the present invention includes a front coupler and a rear coupler, at least one on-board computer, a lateral location sensor, at least one lateral location sensor guidance means, a lateral position control means, a longitudinal sensor, a longitudinal position control means, a GPS coordinates receiver, a display unit, and at least one communication means. The coupler includes a pair of retractable snubber assemblies and a pair of coupling means. The coupling means is affixed to the outer end of the coupler by springs, and movable in the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20150028564 | TOW HITCH WITH MOVABLE COUPLING - 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. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20160185169 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING A TRAILER TO A VEHICLE - System and method for connecting or disconnecting a trailer ( | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160185170 | HITCH RECEIVER - A height adjustable hitch receiver is disclosed and described. | 06-30-2016 |
| 280479300 | Extensible swingable tow bar with coacting guide for centering | 5 |
| 20090322059 | QUICK RELEASE TELESCOPING AND SWIVELING HITCH ASSEMBLY - A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles by decoupling a hitch assembly having a telescopic and swiveling probe assembly carried in a housing assembly and mounted on the towed vehicle. In one embodiment, the release assembly includes an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle that releases the components retaining the probe assembly in the housing. In another embodiment, an actuator remotely controlled from the towing vehicle decouples the entire hitch assembly from the associated vehicle. In both instances, the towing vehicle may resume movement clear of the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the probe assembly and/or the hitch assembly may be recoupled for subsequent use. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100117333 | ADJUSTABLE HITCH FOR TOWING - An adjustable ball-type hitch assembly, and a method for using it. The hitch assembly is connected to a hitch receiver of a towing vehicle on one end, and to a vehicle to be towed having a ball receiver, on the other end. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable hitch assembly may include a base attachable to the receiver, and a sliding element such as a tongue supporting the ball and pivotally attached to the base. The sliding element may include a slot or groove enabling the sliding element to move along its longitudinal axis relative to the base, and to also rotate about a vertical axis perpendicular to a horizontal plane containing at least a portion of the sliding element, enabling the ball to be moved in various directions in a substantially horizontal plane to facilitate connection of the ball to the towed vehicle. Preferably the hitch includes means for locking and unlocking angular and linear movement of the sliding element and ball, such as a cam lock, which is preferably and easily manipulable by one hand. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100270774 | Rotatable Trailer Hitch - A hitch assembly that allows a hitch portion to be rotated between extended and retracted positions. The hitch portion may be selectively fixed in either the extended or retracted position using a lock. A release may be provided to actuate the lock. Typically, the release includes a cam that acts on a surface of a shaft to actuate the lock. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110204593 | Trailer hitch system - The present invention comprises a trailer hitch system, for attaching a trailer to a vehicle having a winch attached to the frame of a vehicle, a hollow receiver attached to the frame of a vehicle, where the receiver has a receiver opening, which is defined by a top guide, bottom guide and at least two side beams. The winch wire attaches to the winch, travels through the receiver, out of the receiver opening and attaches to a hitch bar at a tab. When the winch is activated the winch wire pulls hitch bar and thus, the attached trailer, into receiver opening. A bearing located on the forward facing side of the hitch bar reduces friction between the hitch bar and the receiver as the hitch bar enters the receiver opening. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20120068438 | FOLDING HITCH LIFT ARM - A lift arm assembly is provided for a hitch having a hitch frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. The lift arm assembly includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame and having a having a pivot bore therein. A second arm is adapted for coupling to an implement and has a pivot pin which is rotatably and slidably received by the pivot bore. The second arm is slidable with respect to the first arm from an inboard position to an outboard position. When the second arm is in its outboard position, the second arm is pivotal about the pivot pin from a lowered position to a raised position. | 03-22-2012 |
