Trailer reversal self-correcting assembly

• US 7,905,507 B2
• Filed: 05/20/2005
• Issued: 03/15/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ottavio Perri
• Original Assignee: Ottavio Perri
• Inventors: Perri, Ottavio
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley; Kevin
• Application Number:
  US11/597,255
• Publication Number:
  US 20080217884A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,125 Days
• Field of Search: 280/455.1, 280/456.1, 280/459, 280/460.1
• US Class Current: 280/455.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/173 consisting of at least two bars which are not connected or articulated to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/322 using fluid dampers fluid dampers per se F16F9/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 3/00 Fittings to facilitate pushing B60D1/00 takes precedence; vehicle bumpers B60R19/02; steering arrangements for backing a normally-drawn trailer B62D13/06
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 13/06 for backing a normally drawn trailer

Abstract

A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly (10) adapted to be disposed between the tow bar (12) of a vehicle (14) and the tow member (16) of a trailer (18), the assembly (10) comprising a tow arm (20) pivotally connected to the tow bar (12) at its first end and to the tow member (16) at its second end, a first extension mount (26) extending laterally from the tow bar (12), and a second extension mount (30) extending laterally from the tow member (16), a first correcting linkage device having at least a first linkage member (38) connected between the first extension mount (26) and the second extension mount (30).

Claims

1. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly adapted to be disposed between the tow bar of a vehicle and the tow member of a trailer, said assembly comprising:

(a) a tow arm pivotally connected at or near its first end to said tow bar at a first pivot connection and also pivotally connected at or near its second end to said tow member at a second pivot connection, said second pivot connection lies on a first axis of said tow member;

(b) a first extension mount extends laterally from said tow bar and a second extension mount extends laterally from and in fixed relation to said tow member to the same side as the first extension mount;

(c) a first correcting linkage device having at least a first linkage member connected between said first extension mount at a third pivot connection and said second extension mount via a fourth pivot connection, said third pivot connection lies on a second axis that intersects with said first axis at a location behind said tow arm.

2. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon reversal of said trailer by said vehicle, movement of said trailer away from a straight line followed by the vehicle is self-corrected by forces applied by said first correcting linkage device on the linkage provided by said tow arm.

3. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein a third extension mount extends laterally from said tow bar opposite said first extension mount, and a fourth extension mount extends laterally from said tow member to the same side as the third extension mount, and a second correcting linkage device having at least a second linkage member is connected between said third extension mount at a fifth pivot connection and said fourth extension mount via a sixth pivot connection, said fifth pivot connection lies on a third axis that intersects with said first axis at a location behind said tow arm.

4. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein upon reversal of said trailer by said vehicle, movement of said trailer away from a straight line followed by the vehicle is self-corrected by forces applied by said first and second correcting linkage devices upon each other.

5. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein an axle of said trailer is disposed between said tow arm and the intersection of said first axis and said second axis.

6. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein an axle of said trailer is disposed between said tow arm and the intersection of said first axis and said third axis.

7. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first correcting linkage device comprises a plurality of linkage members.

8. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first correcting linkage device and said second correcting linkage device each comprise a plurality of members.

9. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first linkage member is length adjustable.

10. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first linkage member is a pneumatic strut.

11. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pivot connections are pivot bolt and nut arrangements.

12. A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said assembly is provided with a powered drive unit and/or powered actuators to assist said trailer to be self corrected when said trailer moves away from a straight line followed by said vehicle.