Guide apparatus for trailer hitch
First Claim
1. Apparatus for guiding the driver of a towing vehicle in positioning a first hitch element on the towing vehicle adjacent a complementary second hitch element on a trailer so that they can be readily engaged, the apparatus comprising:
- arm means adapted to be mounted to the trailer and having a first portion extending transversely from the second hitch element to beyond the side of the towing vehicle and a second portion attached to the first portion and extending forwardly closely adjacent the side of the towing vehicle to indicate to the driver when the towing vehicle and the trailer are transversely aligned;
sensing means mounted proximate the second hitch element and adapted to be actuated by the first hitch element as the towing vehicle and trailer are moved into positions in alignment with one another as established by the arm means so that their hitch elements are adjacent; and
means responsive to the actuation of the sensing means for indicating to the driver that the hitch elements are adjacent and ready for engagement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for guiding the driver of a towing vehicle in positioning a first hitch element on the towing vehicle adjacent a complementary second hitch element on a trailer so that they can be readily engaged. The apparatus includes an arm which is adapted to be releasably mounted to the second hitch element. The arm has a first portion extending transversely from the second hitch element to beyond the side of the towing vehicle, and a second portion extending forwardly closely adjacent the side of the towing vehicle to indicate to the driver when the towing vehicle and trailer are transversely aligned. The guide apparatus further includes sensing means which are mounted proximate the second hitch element and are adapted to be actuated by the first hitch element as the towing vehicle and trailer are moved into positions in alignment with one another so that their hitch elements are adjacent. Indicator means, which may include an electric light or buzzer, are activated in response to the actuation of the sensing means to indicate to the driver that the hitch elements are adjacent and ready for engagement.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for guiding the driver of a towing vehicle in positioning a first hitch element on the towing vehicle adjacent a complementary second hitch element on a trailer so that they can be readily engaged, the apparatus comprising:
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arm means adapted to be mounted to the trailer and having a first portion extending transversely from the second hitch element to beyond the side of the towing vehicle and a second portion attached to the first portion and extending forwardly closely adjacent the side of the towing vehicle to indicate to the driver when the towing vehicle and the trailer are transversely aligned; sensing means mounted proximate the second hitch element and adapted to be actuated by the first hitch element as the towing vehicle and trailer are moved into positions in alignment with one another as established by the arm means so that their hitch elements are adjacent; and means responsive to the actuation of the sensing means for indicating to the driver that the hitch elements are adjacent and ready for engagement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. Apparatus for guiding the driver of a towing vehicle in positioning a first hitch element on the towing vehicle adjacent a complementary second hitch element on a trailer so that they can be readily engaged, the apparatus comprising:
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arm means having a transversely extending first portion, a forwardly extending second portion, and a downwardly extending third portion, the arm means adapted to be mounted to the second hitch element so that the first portion will extend from the second hitch element to beyond the side of the towing vehicle, the second portion will extend adjacent the side of the towing vehicle, and the third portion will extend to the support surface upon which the vehicle and trailer rest; means for releasably mounting the arm means to the second hitch element; means for hingedly attaching the second and third portions of the arm means to the first portion of the arm means at one of a plurality of points along their lengths; sensing means mounted proximate the second hitch element including a downwardly depending member and an electrical switch, the upper end of the member operatively coupled to the switch and the lower end of the member adapted to be engaged and moved by the first hitch element to close the switch as the towing vehicle and the trailer are moved into positions so that their hitch elements are adjacent; and means responsive to the closing of the switch for indicating to the driver that the hitch elements are adjacent and ready for engagement including an electric power source and an electric light, the light mounted to the forwardly extending second portion of the arm means and electrically connected to the power source through the switch. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification