Apparatus for vehicle/trailer hitch guidance device

• US 7,057,498 B1
• Filed: 08/03/2004
• Issued: 06/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert A. Cook, Roy A. Blasius
• Original Assignee: Robert A. Cook, Roy A. Blasius
• Inventors: Blasius, Roy A., Cook, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mehmood, Jennifer
• Application Number:
  US10/910,526
• Time in Patent Office: 672 Days
• Field of Search: 340/431, 340/901, 280/477, 332/64
• 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

A visual aid for assisting a driver backing a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The visual/audible display consists of a ten-segment bar graph, with various colors, an indicator lamp and a beeper. A sensor is placed on the ball hitch of the towing vehicle and an emitter is placed on the hitch of the towed vehicle. The sensor receives a signal from the emitter and processes it to be sent to the display. The display indicates the relative positions of the two vehicles. It also provides visual and audible signals to indicate approach of the devices and the proper alignment for hitching. Attachment is temporary and universal, enabling use with any hitch configuration. Data transmission is wireless eliminating the need for cables between the units. All units have enclosed batteries so no external power connection is required.

Claims

1. An apparatus for directing a driver of a towing vehicle having a towing coupling element toward a towed vehicle having a towed coupling element for hitching said couplings of said vehicles together, comprising:

(a) first emitting means mounted on said towed vehicle transmitting a beam of infrared light toward said towing vehicle;

(b) first receiver means mounted on said towing vehicle and comprising a plurality of phototransistors in predetermined relation to said towing coupling element for detecting the presence of said first beam;

(c) first indicator means coupled to said first receiver means by radio frequency for indicating the position and distance of said towed coupling element in relation to said towing coupling element, said indicator means being wireless, portable and operable at locations out of line of sight of said first receiver means;

(d) first spring operated retaining device, encircling a vehicles towing coupling element, wherein semi-circular inserts are attached within said retaining device to enable automatic centering of said receiving means placing said receiving means horizontal and centered above said towing coupling element,

(e) first tripod form magnetic fixture being attached to said emitting means enabling said emitting means to be removeably attached to various shapes of towed vehicles coupling element.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said emitting means includes a plurality of infrared emitting devices placed at predetermined angles and said infrared emitters are pulsed at a predetermined rate by a microchip timing device.

3. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein said receiving means is removably attached to said towing vehicles coupling element in a horizontal plane.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means has a plurality of phototransistors spaced apart at a distance lesser than the width of said towing coupling element.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means has an additional phototransistor directed at an angle providing a means to detect the approach of said emitting means and give an alarm at approximatly 12 inches seperation.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means has additional phototransistors directed downward providing a means to detect the proper positioning of said towing and said towed coupling elements for hitching.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means contains a means to filter and process signals from said phototransistors and deliver said signals to said indicating means.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicating means is wireless, portable and self contained.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicating means includes a plurality of light emitting diodes of various colors for indicating the relative lateral position and seperation of said vehicles coupling elements.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicating means provides an indication of the approach within 12 inches of said towing coupling element to said towed coupling element by means of audible and visual means.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicating means provides an indication of the proper position for hitching of said towing coupling element to said towed coupling element by audible and visual means.