Vehicle-to-trailer light connection verification tester

US7339465B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• John C. Cheng · Sunnyvale, US
• Zhen Huang · Zhejiang, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 6, 2005
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2008
• Expiry date: Apr 18, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01R2201/26
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A vehicle-to-trailer light-connection verification tester (10) designed to be located within a towing vehicle (20), a towed trailer (30) or within a cable adapter (24) that is connected between the vehicle (20) and the trailer (30). The tester (10) features an electronics circuit (12) that includes a plug (P1), a receptacle (J2), a three-position mode switch (S1), a plurality of isolation diodes (D1-D4), and a loudspeaker (LS1). The mode switch (S1) has a vehicle test position V, a trailer test position T, and a normal lighting position N. When the switch (S1) is in the vehicle test position the rear vehicle lights are tested and when the switch (S1) is in the trailer test position (T) the rear trailer lights are tested. If each light in either the vehicle (20) or the trailer (30) is operational the loudspeaker (LS1) produces an audible sound. Conversely, if a particular light is not functioning no sound is heard. Thus, if there is a lighting problem a determination can be easily made if the problem is in the vehicle or in the trailer.