Optically guided alignment system

• US 6,176,505 B1
• Filed: 03/24/2000
• Issued: 01/23/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: New Standards Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Adair Brown, Dan Capik
• Inventors: Capik, Dan, Brown, Adair
• Primary Examiner(s): Schwartz, Christopher P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RODRIGUEZ, PAMELA
• Application Number:
  US09/534,794
• Time in Patent Office: 305 Days
• Field of Search: 280/477, 280/478.1, 280/504, 280/511, 280/DIG.14, 340/431, 340/435, 340/436, 356/138, 356/139.05, 359/641
• US Class Current: 280/477
• 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: Y10S 280/14 Tractor-trailer backing connections

Abstract

A tow hitch alignment apparatus having a pair of light sources that emit different colored light beams. The light sources are positioned such that, when the trailer hitch components are in proper position for engagement, both light beams intersect at the target location and emit a third colored light, which indicates to the driver that the tow vehicle is in the proper position for coupling with the trailer. In an alternate embodiment, the tow vehicle has a horizontal sensor plate embedded with photoelectric cells adjacent the tow ball which detects the approach of the tow hitch from the trailer. A laser emitter is placed adjacent the trailer hitch and directed at a pre-focused position. As the tow ball approaches the hitch, laser light from the emitter strikes various photoelectric cells on the sensor plate, which is in connection with a display within the driver'"'"'s compartment. The display provides information and guides the driver regarding the tow vehicle'"'"'s path towards the trailer hitch.

Claims

1. A system for aligning objects, comprising:

(a) a first optical source capable of emitting an optical beam of a first color toward a first object; and

(b) a second optical source capable of emitting an optical beam of a second color toward said first object;

(c) wherein said first and said second optical sources are configured for attachment to a second object such that when said first colored optical beam and said second colored optical beam intersect at a target location on said first object, a light emission of a third color is produced at said target location and said objects are aligned.

2. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein said target location comprises a reflective surface.

3. A system as recited in claim 2, wherein said reflective surface extends horizontally.

4. A method for aligning objects using a system recited in claim 1, comprising the steps of:

(a) activating said first and said second optical sources;

(b) moving one of said objects in relation to said other of said objects;

(c) monitoring said target location on said first object while performing said moving step;

(d) maneuvering said first or second object as necessary to cause alignment of said first and said second optical beams on said target location; and

(e) stopping said moving and maneuvering steps when said first optical beam and said second optical beam intersect at said target location.

5. A system for aligning objects, comprising:

(a) a first optical source capable of emitting a first colored optical beam toward a first object; and

(b) a second optical source capable of emitting a second colored optical beam toward said first object;

(c) wherein said first and said second optical sources are configured for attachment to a second object such that when said first colored optical beam and said second colored optical beam intersect at a target location on said first object, a light emission of a third color is produced; and

(e) wherein said first and said second optical sources are configured for attachment to said second object such that when said first colored optical beam and said second colored optical beam intersect at a target location on said first object, said objects are aligned.

6. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein said target location comprises a reflective surface.

7. A system as recited in claim 6, wherein said reflective surface extends horizontally.

8. A method for coupling objects using a system recited in claim 6, comprising the steps of:

(a) activating said first and said second optical sources;

(b) moving one of said objects in relation to said other of said objects;

(c) monitoring said target location on said first object while performing said moving step;

(d) maneuvering said first or second object as necessary to cause alignment of said first and said second colored optical beams on said target location; and

(e) stopping said moving and maneuvering steps when said first colored optical beam and said second colored optical beam intersect together at said target location and produce said light emission of said third color.