Patent US5009391A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3710370A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Warning system for automobile trailer hitches
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1971-11-03
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Granted: 1973-01-09
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Expires: 1991-11-03
Abstract
Abstract A warning system for signalling the improper coupling of a trailer hitch to an automobile includes a two-part coupler ball mounted on the rear of the automobile and comprising a fixed portion, an auxiliary portion movably mounted on the fixed portion, and spring means biasing said portions away from each other. Switch means are mounted within the coupler ball and are connected to a signal lamp and buzzer mounted on the automobile dashboard. The auxiliary ball portion is compressed upon the fixed ball portion when the trailer hitch is tightened upon the coupler ball, the ball portions maintaining the switch means in a position to deenergize the signal lamp and buzzer. When the trailer hitch is not properly tightened on the coupler ball, the switch means is actuated to energize the signal lamp and buzzer thereby providing a warning signal to the automobile driver.
Inventors
- 👤 A Quilici
- 👤 W Wilson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:09
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H35/00; B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/01; B60D1/06; B60D1/065; B60D1/24; B60D1/28; B60D1/36; B60D1/58; H01R; H01R35/00; H01R35/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
212 words
For use with a trailer hitch having a socket member adapted to be secured tightly on a coupling member mounted on an automobile, an electrically-operated warning system for signalling a loose coupling of said socket member on said coupling member, said warning system including said coupling member, electrical signal means, and an electrical circuit operative to selectively connect said signal means to an electrical power source for energization of said signal means, said coupling member comprising a main body portion, means for rigidly mounting said main body portion of the rear end of said automobile, an auxiliary body portion movably mounted on said main body portion, electrical contacts mounted respectively on said auxiliary body portion and main body portion in confronting relationship, spring means biasing said auxiliary body portion away from said main body portion to an extended position in which said electrical contacts are separated, said auxiliary body portion being movable toward said main body portion to a compressed position in which said electrical contacts are in engagement in response to tightening of said trailer hitch on said coupling member, said electrical contacts constituting switch means in said electrical circuit for energizing said signal means when said contacts are separated, and deenergizing said signal means when said contacts are in engagement.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
212 words
For use with a trailer hitch having a socket member adapted to be secured tightly on a coupling member mounted on an automobile, an electrically-operated warning system for signalling a loose coupling of said socket member on said coupling member, said warning system including said coupling member, electrical signal means, and an electrical circuit operative to selectively connect said signal means to an electrical power source for energization of said signal means, said coupling member comprising a main body portion, means for rigidly mounting said main body portion of the rear end of said automobile, an auxiliary body portion movably mounted on said main body portion, electrical contacts mounted respectively on said auxiliary body portion and main body portion in confronting relationship, spring means biasing said auxiliary body portion away from said main body portion to an extended position in which said electrical contacts are separated, said auxiliary body portion being movable toward said main body portion to a compressed position in which said electrical contacts are in engagement in response to tightening of said trailer hitch on said coupling member, said electrical contacts constituting switch means in said electrical circuit for energizing said signal means when said contacts are separated, and deenergizing said signal means when said contacts are in engagement.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
84 words
A warning system according to claim 1 in which said coupling member main body portion is a sphere having a cut-away section providing a flat surface and a bore extending inwardly from said flat surface, and in which said auxiliary body portion has a first section shaped as a segment of a sphere and a second cylindrical section sized to fit slidably within said bore with said first section overlying the flat surface thereof and forming with said main body portion a completed sphere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A warning system according to claim 2 in which said spring means is a spring washer mounted on said cylindrical section between the flat surface of said main body portion and the first section of said auxiliary body portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A warning system according to claim 2 in which said electrical contacts comprise a first contact mounted on the free end of the cylindrical section of said auxiliary body portion and a second contact mounted within the bore of said main body portion and electrically insulated from the body thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
A warning system according to claim 4 in which the main body portion and auxiliary body portion of said coupling member are made of electrically conductive material and in which an electrically conductive member mounts said main body portion on a grounded chassis portion of said automobile.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A warning system according to claim 5 in which said signal means includes a signal lamp and a sound device mounted on the dashboard of said automobile, and in which an insulated lead wire is connected to said second contact and extends through the main body portion of said coupling member to the signal means on said automobile dashboard.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
A warning system according to claim 6 in which said electrical circuit includes a first circuit portion connecting said electrical power source to said signal means, and a second circuit portion by-passing said first circuit portion, said electrical contacts being connected in series with said second circuit portion for completing the latter and interrupting the first circuit portion when said contacts are in engagement.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
A warning system according to claim 7 in which said electrical circuit includes switching means in series with said power source and said signal means, said switching means being operative to complete a current path from said power source through said signal means to ground in response to separation of said electrical contacts from each other, said switching means being also operative to interrupt said current path in response to engagement of said electrical contacts with each other.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
A warning system according to claim 8 in which said switching means includes a solenoid having a coil and an armature, and a switch mechanically coupled to said armature, said switch having a first fixed contact connected to said signal devices and a second fixed contact connected to one end of said coil, the other end of said coil being connected through said insulated lead wire to the second contact of said coupling member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
A warning system according to claim 8 in which said switching means comprises an SCR having its cathode and anode terminals connected between said signal devices and ground, and its gate electrode connected through said insulated lead wire to the second contact of said coupling member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2797406A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-09 | 1976-07-10 | 1977-01-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-07-10 | 1981-01-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-09 | 1984-07-10 | 1985-01-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |