Trailer hitch alignment device

• US 5,821,852 A
• Filed: 05/20/1997
• Issued: 10/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fairchild O. Dean
• Original Assignee: Fairchild O. Dean
• Inventors: Fairchild, O. Dean
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, TOAN NGOC
• Application Number:
  US08/859,493
• Time in Patent Office: 511 Days
• Field of Search: 340/815.4, 340/901, 340/431, 280/477
• US Class Current: 340/431
• 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

Apparatus for indicating axial alignment or deviation from alignment, and proximity between a tow vehicle and a trailer towards which the tow vehicle must be maneuvered. The apparatus comprises a storage reel mounted on the tow vehicle for storing and paying out a cord, a pulley having a magnet for mounting the pulley temporarily on the trailer hitch, and a take up reel mounted on the tow vehicle for applying tension to the cord. As the tow vehicle is maneuvered, changes in relative position between tow vehicle and trailer cause the cord to change length and angular orientation relative to the tow vehicle. These changes are sensed as one or both of the storage reel and take up reel rotate responsive to cord changes. A plurality of switches make or break contact to a matrix of indicating lamps located in the cabin of the tow vehicle, the indicating lamps indicating position of the tow vehicle relative to the trailer. The reels are permanently or temporarily mounted on the tow vehicle. The pulley has a magnet for temporary, readily removable attachment to the trailer hitch.

Claims

1. Apparatus for indicating relative axial alignment and proximity between a tow vehicle and a trailer comprising:

a plurality of visual indicators;

a plurality of switches each having a plurality of contacts for rendering each visual indicator active;

a probe for sensing relative axial alignment and proximity between the tow vehicle and the trailer, where said probe further comprises

a flexible cord;

a storage reel for mounting on the tow vehicle for storing and paying out said flexible cord;

a pulley having a mounting element for mounting said pulley to the trailer, where said mounting element is a magnet;

a take up reel mounted on the tow vehicle for taking up said flexible cord, said take up reel having a tensioning element for biasing said take up reel such that said flexible cord is wound in to said take up reel;

where said switches located proximate said storage reel are attached to indicators to indicate the relative angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer and where said switches located proximate said take up reel are attached to indicators to indicate the distance between the tow vehicle and the trailer.