Vehicle hitch positioning apparatus and method

• US 6,382,653 B1
• Filed: 05/12/1998
• Issued: 05/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Inventors: Bass, James S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Olszewski, Robert P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): McClellan, James S.
• Application Number:
  US09/075,943
• Time in Patent Office: 1,456 Days
• Field of Search: 280/477, 280/478.1, 280/511
• US Class Current: 280/477
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/363 Hitch guiding or catching elements, e.g. V-shaped plates partially surrounding a coupling member for guiding the other coupling member

Abstract

A vehicle hitch positioning apparatus and method for positioning a vehicle hitch over a trailer ball accurately, without the problems of lifting and positioning the vehicle hitch manually. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus includes a base plate having a first hole through which the trailer ball is inserted, the base plate being attached to the vehicle by the trailer ball; a guide plate connected to the base plate and made to be in alignment with the base plate, the guide plate having a second hole through which the trailer ball is inserted, and the guide. plate guiding and supporting the trailer hitch into position over the second hole; and a movable catch for holding the guide plate in an apart position from the base plate. In operation, after the base plate is fixed to the vehicle using the trailer ball, the vehicle hitch is guided and positioned over the second hole by the guide plate, the movable catch is moved in a predetermined direction to release and drop the guide plate such that the trailer ball is inserted through the second hole and the guide plate drops and aligns with the base plate, and the vehicle hitch is securely positioned over the trailer ball.

Claims

1. A vehicle hitch positioning apparatus for positioning a vehicle hitch extending from a trailer onto a trailer ball attached to a vehicle, comprising:

a base plate having a first hole through which said trailer ball is inserted, said base plate being connected to the vehicle by said trailer ball;

a guide plate having a lower ramped portion and an upper slanted portion, said upper slanted portion having a lower angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane than said lower ramped portion, said upper slanted portion having lateral sides being formed into winged guide portions, said lower ramped portion of said guide plate being connected to said base plate for covering said base plate, said upper slanted portion of said guide plate having a second hole through which said trailer ball is inserted, said guide plate guiding and supporting said trailer hitch into position over said second hole;

a movable catch for holding said guide plate in an apart position from said base plate;

wherein when said movable catch is moved in a predetermined direction by a user after said trailer hitch is positioned over said second hole and said trailer ball, said movable catch releases and drops said guide plate such that said trailer ball is inserted through said second hole, said guide plate adjoins said base plate, and said trailer hitch is positioned over said trailer ball.

2. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising first connecting means for connecting said base plate and said lower ramped portion of said guide plate.

3. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said first connecting means is a hinge.

4. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said guide plate and said base plate are formed of one of a metal and a synthetic material.

5. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a protective material fixed to at least one of said base plate and said movable catch, to protect said vehicle from damage.

6. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said movable catch comprises:

a vertical plate; and

second connecting means for connecting said vertical plate to said base plate.

7. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said vertical plate further comprises:

at least one projection extending horizontally from said vertical plate, said projection being provided to support said guide plate;

wherein when said vertical plate is moved in a predetermined direction, said projection is moved in said predetermined direction and allows said guide plate to drop, and cover said base plate, thereby positioning said trailer hitch over said trailer ball.

8. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second connecting means is a hinge.

9. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said movable catch comprises:

a vertical plate comprising an upper portion and a lower portion; and

third connecting means for connecting said upper portion to said lower portion.

10. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said vertical plate further comprises:

at least one projection extending horizontally from said upper portion of said vertical plate, said projection being provided to support said guide plate;

wherein when said upper portion of said vertical plate is moved in a predetermined direction, said projection is moved in said predetermined direction and allows said guide plate to drop and cover said base plate, thereby positioning said trailer hitch over said trailer ball.

11. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said third connecting means is a hinge.

12. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said lower portion of said vertical plate and said base plate are integrally formed.

13. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a switch positioned on said trailer hitch, such that when said guide plate falls and covers said base plate, said switch is partially depressed and activates a notification mechanism.

14. The vehicle hitch positioning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said notification mechanism is at least one of a light and a buzzer.