Device for guiding alignment in trailer hitching
US5970619A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A device for guiding alignment in trailer hitching with a trailer cup attachment and a towing vehicle attachment. The trailer cup attachment adjustably clips over the trailer cup on the drawbar of the trailer. The trailer cup attachment has at least one vertical rod and an alignment indicator equipped with guide lights and a sound generator to indicate when the ball on the towing vehicle is in hitching position relative to the trailer cup. The towing vehicle attachment has a mounting base for removable temporary mounting on the towing vehicle. Telescoping rods are rotatably mounted in the mounting base. At the end of the telescoping rods is a fluorescent colored activating ball which is positioned directly above the tow ball on the towing vehicle. The alignment guide and activating ball are positioned to be visible to the operator of the towing vehicle through a rear view mirror, rear window, or the like. As the towing vehicle backs toward the trailer, the activating ball and alignment guide provide immediate visual feedback to the operator of the towing vehicle, so that angle and speed of the backing vehicle may be accordingly adjusted. When the activating ball touches the alignme…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.