Patent · US Expired

Rear lamp module with trailer tow connector

US6097283A · kind A · utility

7Cited by
4References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 1, 1998
Grant dateAug 1, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 1, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60Q1/305
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An inventive rear lamp module for a vehicle incorporates a trailer tow connector to provide electrical signals to a trailer that is to be pulled by the vehicle. Preferably, two separate connectors are formed on a rear face of an electric lamp module. A first connector receives input signals from the vehicle and a second connector is an optional connector to be connected to a trailer connector when the trailer is connected to a vehicle. The present invention eliminates the need of a separate wire harness for the trailer connector, and thus reduces cost. In addition, by positioning the trailer tow connector within a plastic part mounted in a secure position in the vehicle, the trailer tow connector is easily maintained.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.