Trailer backing up device and method
First Claim
1. A method of determining a direction for a first vehicle connected to and being pushed by a second vehicle comprising the steps of:
- a) measuring the angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle,b) measuring the amount of turning of the second vehicle,c) determining a projection of the direction for the first and second vehicle at that point where the first and second vehicle would become generally in-line given said angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle and the amount of turning of the second vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention helps a driver steer a vehicle while backing up a trailer. A trailer being pushed wants to turn around and be pulled (i.e., to jackknife). To compensate for this instability, the driver must skillfully control his steering to cause the trailer to alternately move to be pulled from the opposite side thereby repeatedly crossing the centerline of the pushing vehicle. The moment when the trailer crosses this centerline is the moment of greatest instability and the position in which the driver would most desire to have the trailer travel. A pointer indicates in what direction the trailer is presently being directed; to backup the trailer, the driver turns the vehicle'"'"'s wheel such that the pointer is kept pointing in the direction of the intended trailer destination. The present invention can be adapted to most vehicle and trailer combinations with minimal cost and complexity.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of determining a direction for a first vehicle connected to and being pushed by a second vehicle comprising the steps of:
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a) measuring the angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle, b) measuring the amount of turning of the second vehicle, c) determining a projection of the direction for the first and second vehicle at that point where the first and second vehicle would become generally in-line given said angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle and the amount of turning of the second vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for projecting the direction of travel of a first vehicle being pushed by a second vehicle comprising:
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a) an angle measuring device to measure the angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle, b) a turn measuring device to measure the amount of turning of the second vehicle, c) a direction determining device to determine a projection of the direction of said vehicles where said first and second vehicle would become generally in-line. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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17. A system comprising a first vehicle and a second vehicle connected by a movable joint, further comprising:
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a) an angle measuring device to measure the angle of the connection between the first and second vehicle, b) a turn measuring device to measure the amount of steering of the second vehicle, c) a direction determining device to determine a projection of the direction of said vehicles where said first and second vehicle would become generally in-line.
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Specification