초록 ▼

An apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch and receiver includes an elongated channel or tube defining an angle, such that when the trailer is tilted back for hitching, the upper tube is substantially vertically aligned. A rubber tipped rod extends from the lower tube and contacts the vehicle when th

An apparatus for aligning a trailer hitch and receiver includes an elongated channel or tube defining an angle, such that when the trailer is tilted back for hitching, the upper tube is substantially vertically aligned. A rubber tipped rod extends from the lower tube and contacts the vehicle when the vehicle draws near the trailer. As the rod is pushed into the lower tube, a connecting rod drives an actuator or indicating rod upwards. A calibration tube is slid over the upper tube, and is aligned along the upper tube to expose a brightly colored painted region on the indicating rod at the point where the receiver and hitch are aligned one above the other. Alternatively, the calibration tube moves a series of switches up or down, whereby the actuator is pushed by the rod to contact the switches successively to indicate the approach to and arrival at a hitching position, by the illumination of electric lights, and or by activation of an audible signal. The calibration rod may alternatively slide on the lower tube, wherein the contact rod creates or activates electrical connections within the calibration tube. The apparatus may further be incorporated into the trailer frame, before or after manufacturing. One or more of the apparatus may be placed near the rear of the trailer to aid lateral alignment, or to gauge the distance of the trailer to an object behind the trailer, either before or after hitching.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed: 1. An apparatus for facilitating hitching a trailer to a vehicle, comprising:a body attachable to the trailer proximate a hitch of the trailer, having an elongated main channel defininga first length attachable to the trailer and containing a first end; anda second length disposed a

What is claimed: 1. An apparatus for facilitating hitching a trailer to a vehicle, comprising:a body attachable to the trailer proximate a hitch of the trailer, having an elongated main channel defininga first length attachable to the trailer and containing a first end; anda second length disposed at an angle to said first length, extending upwards with respect to a longitudinal axis of the trailer, containing a second end;an elongated calibration channel operative to slideably engage said main channel between a first position wherein a portion of said calibration channel and main channel overlaps, and a second position wherein a relatively greater portion of said calibration channel and main channel overlaps;an elongated contact extension operative to contact the vehicle during use, movable by the vehicle to slide within said body in connection with said first end;at least one visible indicator associated with said body or said calibration channel, viewable by an operator of the vehicle, to indicate a hitching position of the vehicle and trailer that is substantially correctly aligned for hitching;means to communicate a change in position of said contact extension to said at least one visible indicator, whereby said at least one visible indicator will indicate the hitching position when said contact extension is slid a predetermined amount within said body;wherein said calibration channel is operative to set the predetermined amount that said contact extension is slid within said body before the hitching position is indicated.