Patent classifications
B60D1/075
SLIP HITCH SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE
Disclosed is a slip hitch system for coupling and uncoupling trailers from tractors having a three point lift. The slip hitch system comprises a tractor component mounted directly to the three point lift or in other embodiments to a standard 3 point hitch connected to the tractor's 3 point lift. A trailer component is configured for mating with the tongue of one or more trailers to be moved. A tractor plate on the tractor component is configured for seating within a capture space of the trailer component. Elevation of the tractor's 3 point lift consequently lifts the trailer component and trailer tongue for trailer relocation. Once relocated, the 3 point lift is lowered and the trailer and tractor components are separated while the operator may remain in the tractor cab. Also disclosed are various locking mechanisms between the tractor and trailer components and methods of use.
UNDER BED HITCH MOUNTING SYSTEM
A hitch mounting system capable of attaching to a vehicle, where, the vehicle includes a frame and a load bed is disclosed. The hitch mounting system may include at least one rail, the rail being a generally continuous member, where the rail includes at least one end portion, and where the end portion is deformed in a shape capable of attaching to the frame of the vehicle. The hitch mounting system may also include at least one mounting aperture located in the rail, the mounting aperture capable of having secured thereto an accessory.
Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses for Engaging and Transporting Objects
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.
Recovery tool to use with a vehicle
A recovery tool configured to attach to the rear or front a vehicle with a receiver hitch class III and up to provide interconnect and control between the vehicle and various accessory tools necessary to perform lift, drag, tow and pull using the vehicle. The recovery tool has a head gear connected to a hitch attachment where the hitch attachment connects the recovery tool to the vehicle. The recovery tool has lights for signaling, work lights, and other uses. The recovery tool can be controlled by a wireless controller. The recovery tool is adaptable to three-point tractor implement. The recovery tool may further include a hydraulic unit and can endure heavy mechanical work to perform dragging snow or dirt, road cleaning, driveway scraping, towing and recovery, search and rescue operation, pull boat docks and launch boats, dragging logs or broken articles as well as jump start truck or car.
Forklift-mounted implement or vehicle towing system
A system for interfacing with a hitch of an implement or a vehicle includes: a frame including at least one channel that is shaped to accept a tine of a forklift; a generally vertical spindle carried by the frame; an actuator carried by the frame; and a spindle engager pivotably coupled to the frame and linked to the actuator, the spindle engager defining an engaging position where the spindle engager engages the spindle and a non-engaging position where the spindle engager is out of engagement with the spindle. A forklift incorporating such a system and a method of hitching a forklift to an implement or a vehicle is also provided.
Easy trailer hitch attachment hold-down device
A trailer hitch attachment hold-down device for providing attachment points to a trailer frame has a trailer attachment plate that has a central portion and two side portions and a ratchet tie-down rotatably connected to the trailer attachment plate. In one embodiment the trailer attachment plate is angled downward. In one embodiment the trailer attachment plate is secured to a trailer frame by inserting a trailer ball through a trailer ball opening in the trailer attachment plate. In another embodiment, the trailer attachment plate is secured by using a lower attachment plate and bolts to clamp the trailer frame between the attachment plate and the lower attachment plate. In another embodiment, a standoff attachment bracket is provided that clamps the trailer frame between the lower portion of the bracket and an attachment plate using bolts. A ratchet tie-down is attached to the upper portion of the bracket.
Gooseneck puck extender
A gooseneck ball extender is designed to mate with a center socket and receivers mounted to a towing vehicle and provide a gooseneck bell that is offset from the center socket. The extender has a cylindrical shaft with captured balls that can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position through a spring-loaded locking shaft that moves between an unlocked and locked position. The locking shaft is biased towards the locked position where the captured balls are extended. The extender has an outrigger portion that has puck locks. The puck locks are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. As attached to the towing vehicle, the outrigger portion provides additional support to the gooseneck ball.
GOOSENECK PUCK EXTENDER
A gooseneck ball extender is designed to mate with a center socket and receivers mounted to a towing vehicle and provide a gooseneck ball that is offset from the center socket. The extender has a cylindrical shaft with captured balls that can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position through a spring-loaded locking shaft that moves between an unlocked and locked position. The locking shaft is biased towards the locked position where the captured balls are extended. The extender has an outrigger portion that has puck locks. The puck locks are rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. As attached to the towing vehicle, the outrigger portion provides additional support to the gooseneck ball.
Quick release tow hitch and method of using the tow hitch
Provided is a trailer platform having an adjustable ball position. The platform has a first end portion sized to removably mount within a trailer hitch receiver and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A movable ball mount having a ball hole sized to mount a trailer ball is on the movable ball mount and the movable ball mount is movably mounted on the second end portion of the platform so that the movable ball mount can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position on the platform to adjust a distance between the first end of the platform the ball hole, with the extended position providing a greater distance between the ball hole and the first end portion than the distance between the ball hole and the first end portion in the retracted position. Also provided is a method of using the movable ball mount to provide slack to disconnect a trailer coupler from the trailer ball. Also provided is a method of using the movable ball mount to locate the trailer ball under a trailer coupler to connect a trailer coupler to the trailer ball.
Adapter for supporting an apparatus on a vehicle tow high assembly
An adapter for use with a tow hitch assembly attached to a vehicle so the adapter may support a useful apparatus which can be utilized with the vehicle and/or be utilized to carry bicycles or other items without compromising the ability to tow a towable vehicle. The adapter comprises an adapter collar having a collar opening sized and configured to be received on and engage either a hitch shaft or a receiver collar of the tow hitch assembly. A pair of arms extend forwardly toward the vehicle from the adapter collar. Each arm has an aperture that aligns with apertures on the hitch shaft and receiver so a locking device may be received through the aligned apertures to secure the adapter to the tow hitch assembly. The useful apparatus attaches to or is integral with outer sides of the adapter collar and/or one or more of the arms.