Abstract

A coupling apparatus includes a base, an arm extending from the base, a first tow ball extending from a first side of the arm, and a second tow ball extending from an opposite second side of the arm. The base is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle in opposite first and second positions such that the first tow ball is in an upright orientation when the base is attached to a vehicle in the first position, and the second tow ball is in an upright orientation when the base is attached to a vehicle in the second position. Each of the first and second end portions of the base includes a respective post, and a retainer assembly is configured to be removably attachable to each post.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/06 - Ball-and-socket hitches
• B60D 1/64 - Couplings or joints therefor
• B60P 3/12 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles

Abstract

Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/36 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers
• B60D 1/04 - Hook or hook-and-hasp couplings
• B62D 53/00 - Tractor-trailer combinationsRoad trains

Abstract

A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, a hitch member assembly, and a fastener configured to removably secure the hitch member assembly to the height adjustment member at any of a plurality of selected elevations. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. As such, a hitch member at the distal end of the tow bar has horizontal and vertical adjustment capabilities.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
• B60D 1/01 - Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
• B60P 3/12 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles

Abstract

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
• B60D 1/01 - Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
• B60P 3/12 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles

Abstract

A hitch apparatus includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The housing includes spaced-apart first and second sections. At least one of the sections includes an elongated slot. The tow bar includes a guide member that extends outwardly from the tow bar at the proximal end thereof and that is operably engaged with the slot. The housing may include a pair of tow bar guide doors pivotally secured between the first and second sections that limit the extent which the tow bar pivots and that guide the tow bar as it is retracted. The housing may include a pair of guide posts extending between the first and second sections and the tow bar may include a pair of guide wings that contact the guide posts to limit the extent to which the tow bar can pivot and guide the tow bar as it is retracted.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/01 - Traction couplings or hitches characterised by their type
• B60D 1/145 - Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube

Abstract

A towing apparatus that can be mounted to a vehicle chassis/frame or other structural member without requiring relocation of the spare tire or removal of the bumper includes a frame and a hitch apparatus secured to the frame. The frame includes an elongated base member having opposite end portions. A pair of arms extend away from the base member end portions in side by side, spaced-apart relationship. Each arm includes a mounting bracket configured to be attached to the underside of a vehicle. The hitch apparatus is secured to the base member and includes a housing and a tow bar movably disposed within the housing. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. A locking member releasably engages the tow bar to maintain the tow bar when fully retracted.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60D 1/04 - Hook or hook-and-hasp couplings
• B60D 1/00 - Traction couplingsHitchesDraw-gearTowing devices
• B60P 3/12 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for salvaging damaged vehicles