Trailer brake device
US5855418A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T7/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present trailer brake device is a portable, quickly and easily installable and removable assembly which secures to the existing conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a towing vehicle to provide for the attachment of a trailer to the towing vehicle. A telescoping component actuates a hydraulic brake master cylinder when the assembly is compressed, as when the brakes of the towing vehicle are applied and the inertia of the trailer (or towed vehicle) applies a compressive force to the device. The brake master cylinder of the device is connected to the hydraulic brakes of the towed vehicle or trailer, thus automatically actuating them proportionally to the amount of force being applied by the towed vehicle to the brake device. The present device includes adjustment for the initial brake application as well as for the braking force applied to the trailer brakes by the master cylinder, and is quickly and easily adjusted to preclude trailer brake actuation during backing maneuvers. No modifications are required to the towing vehicle for use of the present braking device, and the only modification required of the hydraulic brake equipped towed vehicle or trailer, is a quick release…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.