Tru-hitchin using dual beam technology and triangulation

• US 8,365,422 B1
• Filed: 01/05/2012
• Issued: 02/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Lawrence Ott
• Original Assignee: Charles Lawrence Ott
• Inventors: Ott, Charles Lawrence
• Primary Examiner(s): GUADALUPE, YARITZA
• Application Number:
  US13/374,646
• Time in Patent Office: 397 Days
• Field of Search: 332/64
• US Class Current: 33/264
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/62 involving supply lines, electric circuits, or the like

Abstract

The problems of hitching are typically focused on the alignment of the mating components. As a result, assist products tend to offer fragmented solutions and lack universal appeal in the marketplace. The Tru-Hitchin Model using Dual Beam Technology and Triangulation develops a Spatial Triangle with the aid of hardware, as a framework for positioning and alignment of any mating components. The Model transforms two dimensional vehicle movements into a 3rd dimensional beam movement for operator viewing. The operation requires a one-time initialization after which all future hitching is performed safely by one operator with ordinary parking skills. Alignment is complete when the dual functional laser beams are on selected pivot points.

Claims

1. A method wherein a laser creating a spatial triangle of directional means on a towing vehicle, an operator viewing said directional means maneuvers said towed vehicle into position for coupling alignment with towing vehicle, comprising;

a structure of laser beams creating directional lines and angles forming a triangle, a one-time setup of both vehicles coupled together on a straight line axis, a dual beam technology laser level mounted on towed vehicle transmitting a visible laser light to a point PP1 on the towing vehicle and measuring the distance to said PP1 in units on a display attached to said laser, a second laser mounted directly below said dual beam technology laser on towed vehicle pointing slightly up transmitting a visible laser light to a point PP2 on the towing vehicle.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a right triangle formed by sides 1, 2, and 3 as beam1 to PP1, beam2 to PP2, and a line PP1 to PP2 respectively, similar triangle formed inside said right triangle by beam1 to PP1E, beam2 to PP2E and a line PP1E to PP2E, extending said line bisects mating components, target on PP1E and PP2E supported by extension mounted on PP1 and PP2 respectively, distance of beam1 to PP1E measured by said laser means, uncoupling both vehicles completes the one-time setup creating directional means and distance to PP1 and distance to PP1E.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein an operator moving towed vehicle forward, alignment of towed vehicle mating component with the towing vehicle mating component indicated by said level beam1 on PP1E and said angled beam2 on PP2E, uneven surface or vehicle loading corrected by operator adjusting spatial triangle up or down to align beam1 on PP1E, physical connection of mating components completes hitching process.

4. The method of claim 3 further including optional alignment indicated by said level beam1 on PP1E and said laser displaying said distance to PP1E.

5. The method of claim 1 whereby modeling the structure with geometric formulas and laser data, documenting current structure for alignment accuracy, and developing optional placements of mating components on various types of vehicles.