Patent classifications
B60D1/583
Weight Distribution Hitch System with Sway Reduction
A weight distribution system used with a hitch on a vehicle and a trailer, the weight distribution system comprising a moment bar with a forward end attached to the hitch so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis, the moment bar extending rearwardly along a center longitudinal plane of the trailer toward a rearward portion, the moment bar configured to exert a forward moment on the vehicle in response to an upward force on the rearward portion; a bracket attached to a trailer frame element, wherein the bracket is above the first rearward portion and further from the center longitudinal plane of the trailer than the rearward portion; and a tension member combined with a tension mechanism so as to increase and decrease a tensile force between the bracket and the rearward portion, to thereby increase and decrease the upward force on the rearward portion whereby sway of the trailer is reduced by biasing the system back to the centerline when the vehicle and trailer are out of alignment is disclosed.
Weight Distribution Hitch System with Engagement Member
A weight distribution system used with a hitch on a vehicle and a trailer, the weight distribution system comprising a jack with a foot attached to and configured to raise and lower a front portion of the trailer; a moment bar with a forward end attached to the hitch so as to pivot about a generally vertical axis, and a rearward portion, the moment bar configured to exert a forward moment on the vehicle in response to an upward force on the rearward portion; an engagement member positioned between the jack and the rearward portion, whereby the jack can exert the upward force on the rearward portion; wherein the engagement member comprises at least one arced surface whereby the engagement member maintains the upward force on the rearward portion despite vertical or horizontal pivoting between the vehicle and the trailer is disclosed.
Weight Distribution Hitch System with Barrel Coupling
A weight distribution hitch system comprising an attachment member with a forward end configured to rigidly attach to a vehicle and a rearward end extending rearwardly toward a trailer, the rearward end comprising an upper portion with a ball mount configured to pivotably attach to a trailer coupler; a lower portion with a barrel coupling allowing pivoting about a vertical access, but not allowing pivoting about a horizontal access; and a moment bar comprising a moment bar forward end fixedly attached to the barrel coupling and a moment bar rearward end wherein the moment bar imparts a forward moment on the vehicle when an upward force is applied to the moment bar rearward end is disclosed.
Trailer tow assist apparatus and method
A trailer tow assist apparatus comprises a screw and nut drive with a housing, an actuation member coupled to a screw, a wheel assembly, a rigid member upstanding on said wheel assembly and a compressible and resilient member mounted within the housing in a contact with rigid member. A mounting member is provided for attaching the housing to the trailer frame or tow bar. The housing and the mounting member can be adapted with apertures for height adjustment purposes.
SAFETY CHAIN ENGAGING DEVICE FOR GOOSENECK HITCH
A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.
Safety chain engaging device for gooseneck hitch
A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.
Safety chain tie-down inserts
A tie-down apparatus securable within a slot of a slotted receiver includes a pedestal, a safety chain connector and a locking member pivotally connected to the safety chain connector. A vertical bore extends through the pedestal and two legs depend from the pedestal body on opposite sides of the bore. Each leg is narrower in width than a width of the slot so that the legs may be inserted widthwise into the slot to prevent the pedestal from rotating in the slot. The safety chain connector includes a bail and a downwardly extending latching member extending through the bore in the pedestal and is rotatable relative to the base to rotate the latching member into engagement with the slotted receiver whereupon the locking member pivots into engagement with the pedestal preventing rotation of the safety chain connector out of latching engagement with the slotted receiver.
Hitch it safe trailer hitch
A disclosed trailer hitch device includes an upper member to restrain the movement of the trailer hitch and a lower member to connect to the upper member and to connect to a vehicle. The upper member is rotatably connected to the lower member. The upper member is substantially U-shaped. The lower member is also substantially U-shaped and substantially symmetrical to the upper member. The upper and lower members include a respective side section, a respective arm section and a respective connecting plate configured to restrain the upper member from rotating with respect to the lower member. The upper connecting plate is connected to the lower connecting plate with a fastening device. A single component step washer includes a flanging washer concentric with a collar washer, the flanging washer comprising a ball mounting surface. The collar washer is configured to fit rotatably inside the hitching aperture of the lower member.
TRAILER COUPLER GUARD
A guard for protecting a trailer coupler and any associated components (such as a lock or an electrical connector) from elements such as rain, dust, dirt, snow and ice when the trailer is in storage and exposed to the elements. The guard is made from waterproof fabric or film configured into a bag shape having an open mouth comprising a cut so that the guard can be slid over and around a trailer coupler and then the mouth of the guard closed around and secured to the trailer coupler to protect the trailer coupler and any associated components from elements such as rain, dust, dirt, snow and ice when the trailer is in storage and exposed to the elements.
Tugger cage cart locking device
A system and method for securing the connection between carts that are configured to connect to each other to form a train of carts, as well as for securing the connection between a cart and a tugger that tows the carts. The system and method involves providing a spring biased blocking plate that is positioned above the boss of the drawbar when the drawbar is engaged with a hitch plate. The blocking plate limits vertical movement of the drawbar thereby preventing inadvertent disconnection of the drawbar from the hitch plate.