Patent classifications
B60D1/065
Weight distribution hitch with angled moment bar for pre-load adjustment
A weight distribution hitch system comprising a vehicle attachment member comprising 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 comprising a trailer attachment member configured to pivotally attach to a coupler of the trailer, and a lower portion configured to receive a moment bar; a tension member comprising a top end configured to be supported by a frame member of the trailer, and a bottom end, and a moment bar, the moment bar comprising a first end configured to either be attached the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member or to be supported by the bottom end of the tension member, a second end also configured to either be attached to the lower portion of the rearward end of the vehicle attachment member or to be supported by the bottom end of the tension member, a first major face configured to face either generally upward or generally downward, a second major face opposite the first major face and also configured to face either generally upward or generally downward, and a bend between the first end and the second end; wherein, when the tension member is in tension, it imposes an upward force on the end of the moment bar that is supported by the tension member, which, in turn, imposes a forward moment on the vehicle; and wherein a preload on the moment bar is varied depending on whether the first major face faces generally upward or generally downward is disclosed.
Hitch assembly
A vehicle hitch assembly is provided. The receiver tube is connectable with a bumper structure and defines a longitudinally-extending opening. The hitch assembly includes a drawbar assembly with an elongated body and a rod. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received within the opening in the receiver tube and defines a longitudinally-extending passageway. The rod is rotatably received within the longitudinally-extending passageway between a first position and a second position. The rod includes a detent feature that couples together the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the second position and detaches the elongated body and the receiver tube when the rod is rotated to the first position.
SECURE TRAILER COUPLER
A secure trailer coupler includes an adjustable plate that can be locked in a number of positions to thereby secure the trailer coupler when a trailer is disconnected from or connected to a vehicle. The adjustable plate can be integrated into the base of the trailer coupler such that no pry points are provided. The trailer coupler also includes a locking mechanism that is integrated inside the trailer coupler where it is inaccessible to any would-be thieves.
Lock Device for Self Latching-Coupler
A coupler lock device is configured for use with a self-latching trailer coupler securing a hitch ball in the coupler socket. The coupler lock device has a housing that includes a top panel portion defining a cavity configured so that, when the housing is secured in position over the trailer coupler, the housing top panel prevents seating of the hitch ball in the coupler socket by restricting upward movement of the release lever when an attempt is made to insert the hitch ball into the coupler socket. Also, when the housing is secured in position over the trailer coupler with a hitch ball seated in the coupler socket, the housing top panel prevents removal of the coupler socket from the hitch ball by restricting upward movement of the release lever that would otherwise release the coupler socket from the hitch ball.
Stabilizer System for an Off-Road Trailer
A stabilization system for an off-road trailer may include a hitch ball assembly, a tower assembly, and a stabilizer arm assembly. The tower assembly may include a pivot mechanism that allows the stabilizer arm assembly to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the hitch ball assembly. The stabilizer arm assembly may include one or more arms extending between the pivot axis and the off-road trailer and one or more piston damping assemblies extending between the arms and the off-road trailer. The piston damping assemblies may be configured to exert forces on the off-road trailer in response to the off-road trailer moving with respect to a towing vehicle to reduce further motion of the off-road trailer with respect to the towing vehicle.
Trailer coupling
In order to solve the problem, in the case of a trailer coupling comprising a ball neck supporting a coupling ball, and also comprising a socket receptacle for a socket for the power supply of units acting on the coupling ball, the socket having a socket housing with a housing sleeve, which is provided with an insertion opening, and the insertion opening being closable by a cover that is mounted pivotably on the housing sleeve, of being able to mount the sockets as conveniently and easily as possible, it is proposed that the socket receptacle has a receiving channel, into which the housing sleeve extends starting from a first side of the socket receptacle, that the housing sleeve bears against the first side of the socket receptacle via a bearing surface, and that the housing sleeve is fixed to the socket receptacle by a retaining element, which is fitted starting from a second side of the socket receptacle and which is supported on the socket receptacle and is connected to the housing sleeve by a latched connection.
Trailer coupling
In a trailer coupling comprising a cross member which is mountable on a rear region of a vehicle body, a pivot bearing unit arranged on the cross member, by means of which a ball neck carrying a coupling ball is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis between a working position and a rest position, and a contact unit arranged on the ball neck as well as a cable harness guided from the contact unit to a vehicle-mounted cross member and provided for connecting to a vehicle electrical supply system, it is provided that a transition portion of the cable harness which runs in a movable manner relative to the ball neck and relative to the pivot bearing unit from the ball neck to an attachment point connected fixedly to the cross member forms at least one loop which extends over an end face of the pivot bearing unit extending transversely to the pivot axis and which varies in size when transferring from the working position to the rest position or vice versa.
Apparatus that facilitates moving a trailer
An apparatus fitted onto the forks of a forklift assembly for moving trailers, wherein the apparatus includes a right and a left rectangular tubular sections that are large enough to accommodate a fork. The sections are joined with a spanning beam having a center mounted trailer ball. The spanning beam is welded to the right and the left sections. A clamping element is mounted on a top wall of each section proximate to the rear of each section. Leveling elements are frontally affixed partially occluding an upper front opening of each section, such that tips of a fork are wedged under the leveling element and projecting beyond the front opening. Tightening the clamping elements secures attachment to the forks preventing the apparatus from sliding or rocking.
Mechanical coupling (hitch) device for use in vehicles for towing trailers
A constructive arrangement in mechanical coupling device applied in vehicles for tow traction is described comprising a square tubular structure (10) arranged horizontally provided in its ends by through-holes (11) receiving the fastening fitting structures (20) next to the vehicle chassis, said square tubular structure (10) showing in the central portion a set of fastening through-holes (12) of a “T”-shaped structure (30) enabling to fit an end cap (40) in a sinuous shape, describing technical improvements by reducing the number of parts, simplifying the constructive process and fast coupling system between the bracket and the end cap, facilitating the use, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of the equipment.
Rattle-reducing vehicular hitch pin assembly
An improved anti rattle hitch pin assembly for a trailer hitch assembly enables a threaded member to be inserted into the shank receiver, and allows for an easy alignment of a threaded device to the side hole of the shank receiver. The anti-rattle hitch pin assembly includes an arc-shaped retainer wire, a threaded receiver pin, a threaded member, and an optionally lockable member. The threaded member can be easily moved to the alignment position once the internal components of the hitch pin assembly including the retainer wire has been inserted inside the shank receiver tube.