Trailer Coupling Assistant

• US 20140125795A1
• Filed: 10/28/2013
• Published: 05/08/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James Arnold Yerke
• Original Assignee: James Arnold Yerke
• Inventors: Yerke, James Arnold
• Application Number:
  US14/064,252
• Publication Number:
  US 20140125795A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/118
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/003 for viewing trailer hitches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/808 for facilitating docking to a trailer

Abstract

A trailer hitch alignment and coupling assistant is provided that is adapted to provide the driver of a towing vehicle with a clear indication of the relative positioning of the vehicle trailer hitch ball mount and the trailer coupler when maneuvering the towing vehicle. The system comprises a rear-mounted, downward facing imaging means and light source, which is adapted to capture the position of a first and second marker placed on the ball mount and trailer coupler, respectively. The image is communicated to a display unit within the vehicle cab for the operator to see the relative positioning of the two markers while reversing the vehicle. The markers are preferably reflective and visible in low light conditions. The rear-mounted image means comprises an operably mountable, wireless device, or alternately a hardwired device along the vehicle rear. Similarly, the display unit is a mountable fixture or hardwired into the vehicle cab.

Claims

1. ) A trailer hitch alignment system for a towing vehicle, comprising:

a digital imaging means adapted to be mounted to the rear of a towing vehicle and view an area behind said towing vehicle;

said digital imaging means having a light source;

said imaging means having a processing means, a lens, and a power supply;

a viewer comprising a display screen, a processing means, a power supply, and a communication means with said digital imaging means;

said viewer adapted to display a plot of the field of view of said imaging means;

a first and second reflective marker having an attachable surface, wherein said first marker is adapted to be positioned on the hitching components of said towing vehicle and said second is adapted to be positioned on the hitching components of a trailer.

2. ) The trailer hitch alignment system of claim 1, wherein:

said viewer comprises an operably affixable display within said towing vehicle cab;

said viewer further comprises a battery power supply and charging cable adapted to charge said battery power supply with vehicle power.

3. ) The trailer hitch alignment system of claim 1, wherein:

said viewer is permanently affixed within the dash of said towing vehicle cab;

said viewer further comprises a hardwired connection to said vehicle power supply, and said communication means of said with digital imaging means comprises a hardwired connection.

4. ) The trailer hitch alignment system of claim 1, wherein:

a digital imaging means further comprises a housing affixable to the rear of said towing vehicle;

said a digital imaging means further comprises a wireless antenna;

said communication means of said viewer with digital imaging means comprises a wireless connection.

5. ) The trailer hitch alignment system of claim 1, wherein said viewer further comprises a handheld smartphone device having a wireless antenna, processing means, and display.