Tow bar arrangement (100) for interconnection of a pulling vehicle (10) and a pulled trailer (20). The arrangement (100) comprises a control device (110) with a force sensor (111) arranged to sense an instantaneous relative force between vehicle (10) and trailer (20). The control device (110) is arranged to produce a control signal for an electric motor (21) arranged to propel the trailer (20) so that a motor force counter-acts said measured force. The invention is characterised in that the control device (110) is arranged to a first time series of force measurements, in that the control device (110) comprises a low-pass filter (112) producing a second low-pass filtered time series, and in that a regulator (113) is ar-ranged to regulate said second time series to produce said control signal.

A hitch vibration dampener assembly and method of use thereof including a tow mount member including a base portion with a vibration dampener pad affixed to the back surface such that coupling of the tow mount member by locked engagement of at least one elongated pin successively received through paired side holes disposed in flanges of a hitch platform channel compresses vibration dampener pad upon the back panel of the hitch platform to thereby reduce the movement between the tow mount member and hitch assembly.

A shock absorbing pin box system includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an upper wall. The first sidewall defines at least a first plurality of apertures arranged in first column, and the second sidewall defines at least a second plurality of apertures arranged in a second column. A plurality of tubes extend from each of the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. A plurality of flexible and resilient tubular bushings are received in a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes. A plurality of bolts are received within corresponding ones of the pluralities of apertures of the pin box and the plurality of tubes.

A shock absorbing pin box system includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and an upper wall. The first sidewall defines at least a first plurality of apertures arranged in first column, and the second sidewall defines at least a second plurality of apertures arranged in a second column. A plurality of tubes extend from each of the first plurality of apertures and the second plurality of apertures. A plurality of flexible and resilient tubular bushings are received in a corresponding one of the plurality of tubes. A plurality of bolts are received within corresponding ones of the pluralities of apertures of the pin box and the plurality of tubes.

A vehicle is structured for exerting a force on a dolly to move the dolly along a ground surface includes a locking pin mechanism having a locking pin, and a dolly tongue receptacle coupled to the locking pin mechanism so as to be movable with respect to the locking pin mechanism to a first position and a second position. A switch is coupled to the dolly tongue receptacle and structured to be operated by movement of the dolly tongue receptacle from the first position to the second position. The locking pin mechanism is structured to extend the locking pin into an opening formed in the portion of the dolly tongue responsive to operation of the switch.

A hitch with a force dampening assembly and a kingpin adapter. The hitch includes upper and lower arms coupled via a dampening assembly that includes a resilient member disposed in a passage in the lower arm and an axle coupled to the upper arm and disposed coaxially through the resilient member. Facets or asymmetries on the passage and axle resist rotational movement of the resilient member relative thereto. The resilient member is flexed between the wall of the passage and the axle to enable pivotal movement of the upper arm relative to the lower arm. The kingpin adapter includes a wedge ring disposed on a kingpin and retained thereon by a clamping ring. A housing is coupled to the clamping ring to affix the housing to a trailer and to retain the wedge ring in position. A hitch can be coupled to the housing.

Draft control mechanism (400) for an implement coupled to vehicle hitch (50) is provided. Draft control mechanism (400) includes a sliding assembly (402), a first end cover (404), a housing (406), a second end cover (407), at least one resilient and shock absorber arrangement 408 and an adjustable assembly (410). The first end cover (404) is connected to housing (406). The second end cover (407) is connected to the housing (406) and disposed opposite to the first end cover (404). The resilient and shock absorber arrangement (408) is adapted to dampen a shock load received by the implement. The resilient and shock absorber arrangement (408) is provided between sliding assembly (402), and at least one of second end cover (407) and adjustable assembly (410). At least one of the adjustable assembly (410) and the sliding assembly (402) is configured to be moved with respect to the housing (406) to vary the draft of the implement.

The invention relates to an impact compactor which includes a first part on which at least one non-round compactor drum is rotatably mounted; and a second part which is connected to, and movable relative to, the first part. The impact compactor also includes a damping arrangement which is connected between the first and second parts and which is configured to provide a damping function for the relative movement between the first and second parts. The damping arrangement includes an outer tubular member which defines a non-circular inner channel/passage; a non-circular inner shaft member which defines a first axis of rotation and which is positioned, at least partially, in the channel/passage defined by the outer tubular member; and at least one wedge formation which is wedged between the shaft member and the tubular member. The wedge formation is at least partially resiliently deformable and is configured to resist/oppose relative rotation between the shaft member and the tubular member about the first axis of rotation. One of the members is connected to the first part, while the other member is connected to the second part.

A hitch vibration dampener assembly and method of use thereof including a tow mount member including a base portion with a vibration dampener pad affixed to the back surface such that coupling of the tow mount member by locked engagement of at least one elongated pin successively received through paired side holes disposed in flanges of a hitch platform channel compresses a vibration dampener material upon the back panel of the hitch platform to thereby reduce the movement between the tow mount member and hitch assembly.

A pin box assembly with gooseneck coupler for coupling a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle is described. The pin box assembly may include a first member capable of being secured to a towed vehicle and a second member pivotally coupled to the first member about an axis of rotation relative to the first member. The pin box assembly may further include a gooseneck ball coupler coupled to the second member, and a suspension system coupled to at least one of the first and second members, the suspension system damping motion between the first and second members.