Trailer hitch positioning apparatus
First Claim
1. A hitch positioning apparatus comprising:
- a transceiver coupled to a towing vehicle, said transceiver including a plurality of spaced apart light emitters for generating a plurality of light beams and a light sensor for sensing reception of said light beams;
a reflector coupled to a towed vehicle for receiving said light beams from said light emitters and reflecting said light beams to said light sensor; and
a transmitter coupled to said light sensor for transmitting a signal to a built in vehicle radio within the towing vehicle which emits a plurality of tones indicating which portion of said light sensor receives said reflected light beams from said reflector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A trailer hitch positioning apparatus is provided for directing the driver of a vehicle that is backing up to a trailer. The apparatus includes an infrared light and sensor unit mounted on the bumper or receiver of the towing vehicle for transmitting a light beam of predetermined vertical and horizontal width toward the trailer. A reflecting device mounted under the trailer tongue returns infrared light impulses with information back to the sensors which are analyzed by a microprocessor that controls a transmitter. The transmitter audibly guides the driver'"'"'s ball to the trailer hitch for coupling. A stop tone warns the driver to stop when the ball and hitch are accurately positioned for coupling.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A hitch positioning apparatus comprising:
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a transceiver coupled to a towing vehicle, said transceiver including a plurality of spaced apart light emitters for generating a plurality of light beams and a light sensor for sensing reception of said light beams;
a reflector coupled to a towed vehicle for receiving said light beams from said light emitters and reflecting said light beams to said light sensor; and
a transmitter coupled to said light sensor for transmitting a signal to a built in vehicle radio within the towing vehicle which emits a plurality of tones indicating which portion of said light sensor receives said reflected light beams from said reflector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A hitch positioning apparatus comprising:
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a transceiver coupled to a towing vehicle, said transceiver including;
a first light sensor for sensing received light;
a first light emitter for emitting a first light beam adjacent but spaced apart from said first light sensor;
a second light sensor for sensing received light adjacent but spaced apart from said first light emitter;
a second light emitter for emitting a second light beam adjacent but spaced apart from said second light sensor;
a third light sensor for sensing received light adjacent but spaced apart from said second light emitter;
a reflector coupled to a towed vehicle for receiving said first and second light beams from said first and second light emitters and reflecting said first and second light beams toward at least one of said first, second, and third light sensors; and
a transmitter coupled to said first, second, and third light sensors for transmitting a signal to a built in vehicle radio of said towing vehicle which emits one of a plurality of tones according to which of said first, second, and third light sensors receives said first and second light beams reflected from said reflector. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification