Visual alignment aid for connecting trailers
US6102423A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The visual alignment aid for connecting the ball of the hitch on a towing vehicle to the socket on the tongue of the trailer is a device constructed of three components which are connected to each other by hinges. One of the components is a base component, a second one of the components has a convex mirror attached thereto and the third of the components has a means for attaching the device to the rear of a vehicle. All three components may assume an angulated position relative to each other and the vehicle to establish a correct line of vision between the driver and the ball and the socket. The three components can be arrested relative to each once a correct line of vision has been established. Color coding may be used on the arresting means to indicate the angulated positions. The same device could be used on a different type of vehicle and once a correct line of vision has been established for that different vehicle, a different color would be used to indicate the rotational positions. After the aid device has been used for its intended purpose, it may be collapsed into a flat configuration whereby two of the components are nestled within the base component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.