Trailer hitch alignment device

• US 5,680,706 A
• Filed: 02/28/1996
• Issued: 10/28/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Terry R. Talcott
• Original Assignee: Terry R. Talcott
• Inventors: Talcott, Terry R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Fulton, Christopher W.
• Application Number:
  US08/608,499
• Time in Patent Office: 608 Days
• Field of Search: 33/286, 33/264, 116/28 R, 280/477
• US Class Current: 33/286
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003

Abstract

A device is provided for alignment of a trailer and a towing vehicle which consists of a visible mast placed on the trailer tongue to allow the towing vehicle driver to view the mast and to easily back into a correct position for coupling with the trailer. The mast has a pivotable arm which can be secured in either an extended contact position or a relaxed, downward position as necessary.

Claims

1. A trailer alignment device for attachment to a trailer comprising a mast, means to attach said mast to a trailer, said attaching means affixed to said mast, a pivotable contact arm, said contact arm affixed to said mast, locking means to releasably lock said pivotable contact arm, said locking means comprising means to lock said contact arm in a first extended posture and means to lock said contact arm in a second relaxed posture, said locking means joined to said mast.

2. The trailer alignment device of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a bracket, said bracket comprising a vertical component, a horizontal component and said horizontal component attached to said vertical component.

3. The trailer alignment device of claim 2 wherein said vertical component and said horizontal component are planar.

4. The trailer alignment device of claim 1 further comprising a mast plate, said mast plate affixed to said mast, said pivotable contact arm joined to said mast plate.

5. The trailer alignment device of claim 4 wherein said locking means is attached to said mast plate.

6. The trailer alignment device of claim 1 further comprising a flag, said flag attached to said mast.

7. The trailer alignment device of claim 1 wherein said mast is bendable.

8. A trailer alignment device for attachment to a trailer to assist in coupling with a towing vehicle, the alignment device comprising:

a mast, means to attach said mast to a trailer, said attaching means affixed to said mast, a mast plate, said plate positioned on said mast, said plate comprising a pair of locking members formed integrally with said plate, and a pivotable contact arm, said contact arm joined to said mast plate.

9. The trailer alignment device of claim 8 further comprising a contact arm sleeve, said sleeve affixed to said contact arm, and said sleeve rotatably joined to said mast plate.

10. The trailer alignment device of claim 8 wherein said attaching means comprising a vertical component and a horizontal component.

11. A trailer alignment device for attachment to a trailer, the device comprising:

(a) an elongated flexible mast;

(b) means for attaching one end of said mast to the trailer;

(c) a contact arm pivotally attached to said mast at the end opposite said attaching means, said contact arm for contacting a vehicle moving toward the trailer;

(d) means for locking said contact arm into an extended position perpendicular to said mast and in a relaxed position parallel to said mast, said locking means positioned on the end of said mast opposite said attaching means; and

(e) a wavable flag positioned on said mast.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said locking means comprises a mast plate and a pair of locking members integrally formed with said mast plate, said locking members for selectively receiving said contact arm.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said locking members are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees relative to one another.