Trailer hitch alignment apparatus
US6341794B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60D1/36
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A trailer hitch alignment apparatus comprises a first guide member removably attached to a vehicle bumper and a second guide member removably attached to a trailer hitch socket. The first guide member includes a magnetic base with a telescopically extensible rod adjustably coupled thereto. The second guide member includes a magnetic base having an upwardly extending telescopic rod and a downwardly extending semi-flexible shaft attached thereto. The shaft extends downwardly through a bore defined by the trailer hitch tongue so as to contact the trailer hitch ball when the ball and socket are aligned. Contact between the shaft and ball causes vertical displacement of the shaft and guide rod. Therefore, the two telescopic guide rods, visible from a driver's seat, facilitates lateral alignment of the ball and socket while vertical displacement of the second rod indicates perfect forward alignment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.