Towed vehicle brake controls
US9315173B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T17/221
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A towed vehicle braking system and method for applying brakes to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle braking system may include a master controller, a brake pedal activation device, and a breakaway cable. The master controller may be mountable in a towing vehicle and may be selectively placed in a trailer mode or a powered vehicle mode. A brake signal wire used to apply braking power to trailer brakes may be used for communication between the master controller and the brake pedal activation device. The brake pedal activation device may use a force sensor to determine that a force applied to a brake pedal of the towed vehicle corresponds to a desired amount of braking force as indicated by the master controller. The breakaway cable may be a combination of a traditional breakaway switch and an electrical cord between the towed and towing vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.