US3720000A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer hitch guide assembly
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-07-31
•
Granted: 1973-03-13
•
Expires: 1990-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A device is provided for assisting an operator in backing up a trailer towing vehicle to couple the ball hitch member mounted on the rear of the vehicle with the complementary socket hitch member mounted on the tongue of the trailer. The device comprises a guide having sighting means such as a ball at the end thereof adapted to be mounted on the towing vehicle and a second guide having target means at the end thereof adapted to be mounted on the tongue of the trailer. When both guides of the device are properly mounted and adjusted, the operator backs the towing vehicle toward the trailer while aiming the sighting ball at the target means. When the sighting ball engages the center of the target means, as indicated by a signal such as the lighting of an electric light bulb or the sound of a buzzer, the vehicle and the trailer are in proper alignment for coupling.
Inventors
- 👤 F Schlegel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:55
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/30; B60Q1/305; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for assisting the operator of a tow vehicle in coupling the ball and socket members of a trailer hitch by enabling the operator to direct the towing vehicle toward the trailer hitch and by indicating when the socket mounted on the tongue of the trailer is superposed over the ball mounted on the towing vehicle, which comprises: a. a towing vehicle mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed reLationship to said ball, b. said vehicle mounting member including sighting means at one end thereof and adjustable means for positioning said sighting means properly with respect to said ball, c. a trailer mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed relationship to said socket, d. said trailer mounting indicating member including a first vertical arm, a second arm affixed to and extending forwardly and upwardly from said first vertical arm and a target member mounted at the end of the second arm, e. said second arm being movable in a forward and rearward direction with respect to said first vertical arm, f. means for adjusting said trailer mounting indicator member to place the target member over the socket in proper position to be engaged by said sighting means, and g. means for providing a signal when said sighting means engages said target member thereby indicating to the operator that said socket is superposed over said ball, h. said signal providing means comprising an electrical circuit including an electrical current source, an electrical switch adapted to be actuated by rearward movement of said target member with respect to said first vertical arm, and an electrically operated signal means adapted to provide a signal when said switch is actuated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for assisting the operator of a tow vehicle in coupling the ball and socket members of a trailer hitch by enabling the operator to direct the towing vehicle toward the trailer hitch and by indicating when the socket mounted on the tongue of the trailer is superposed over the ball mounted on the towing vehicle, which comprises: a. a towing vehicle mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed reLationship to said ball, b. said vehicle mounting member including sighting means at one end thereof and adjustable means for positioning said sighting means properly with respect to said ball, c. a trailer mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed relationship to said socket, d. said trailer mounting indicating member including a first vertical arm, a second arm affixed to and extending forwardly and upwardly from said first vertical arm and a target member mounted at the end of the second arm, e. said second arm being movable in a forward and rearward direction with respect to said first vertical arm, f. means for adjusting said trailer mounting indicator member to place the target member over the socket in proper position to be engaged by said sighting means, and g. means for providing a signal when said sighting means engages said target member thereby indicating to the operator that said socket is superposed over said ball, h. said signal providing means comprising an electrical circuit including an electrical current source, an electrical switch adapted to be actuated by rearward movement of said target member with respect to said first vertical arm, and an electrically operated signal means adapted to provide a signal when said switch is actuated.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for assisting the operator of a tow vehicle in coupling the ball and socket members of a trailer hitch by enabling the operator to direct the towing vehicle toward the trailer hitch and by indicating when the socket mounted on the tongue of the trailer is superposed over the ball mounted on the towing vehicle, which comprises: a. a towing vehicle mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed reLationship to said ball, b. said vehicle mounting member including sighting means at one end thereof and adjustable means for positioning said sighting means properly with respect to said ball, c. a trailer mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed relationship to said socket, d. said trailer mounting indicating member including a first vertical arm, a second arm affixed to and extending forwardly and upwardly from said first vertical arm and a target member mounted at the end of the second arm, e. said second arm being movable in a forward and rearward direction with respect to said first vertical arm, f. means for adjusting said trailer mounting indicator member to place the target member over the socket in proper position to be engaged by said sighting means, and g. means for providing a signal when said sighting means engages said target member thereby indicating to the operator that said socket is superposed over said ball, h. said signal providing means comprising an electrical circuit including an electrical current source, an electrical switch adapted to be actuated by rearward movement of said target member with respect to said first vertical arm, and an electrically operated signal means adapted to provide a signal when said switch is actuated.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
283 words
A device for assisting the operator of a tow vehicle in coupling the ball and socket members of a trailer hitch by enabling the operator to direct the towing vehicle toward the trailer hitch and by indicating when the socket mounted on the tongue of the trailer is superposed over the ball mounted on the towing vehicle, which comprises: a. a towing vehicle mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed reLationship to said ball, b. said vehicle mounting member including sighting means at one end thereof and adjustable means for positioning said sighting means properly with respect to said ball, c. a trailer mounting indicating member adapted to be vertically mounted in fixed relationship to said socket, d. said trailer mounting indicating member including a first vertical arm, a second arm affixed to and extending forwardly and upwardly from said first vertical arm and a target member mounted at the end of the second arm, e. said second arm being movable in a forward and rearward direction with respect to said first vertical arm, f. means for adjusting said trailer mounting indicator member to place the target member over the socket in proper position to be engaged by said sighting means, and g. means for providing a signal when said sighting means engages said target member thereby indicating to the operator that said socket is superposed over said ball, h. said signal providing means comprising an electrical circuit including an electrical current source, an electrical switch adapted to be actuated by rearward movement of said target member with respect to said first vertical arm, and an electrically operated signal means adapted to provide a signal when said switch is actuated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said signal means comprises an electric lamp and means for electrically connecting said lamp to said source, and the electrical switch is adapted to close the circuit between said lamp and said source when said target member is engaged by said sighting means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable means for positioning said sighting means with respect to said ball comprises a plumb bob cord connected at one end to said sighting means and having a plumb bob connected to the other end thereof, and means for storing said plumb bob and cord.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said means for adjustably positioning said sighting means with respect to said ball comprises a ball and socket joint.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
84 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said towing vehicle mounting indicating member comprises a plate adapted to be permanently mounted below the ball of said hitch and being provided with lateral guides in a central locking aperture, said towing vehicle mounting indicating member being provided at its end with a tab adapted to seat between said lateral guides, and releasable hook means adapted to engage said aperture whereby said towing vehicle mounting indicating member may be quickly mounted or removed from said vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said target member is provided with a cross, the center of which indicates the proper position for engagement by said sighting means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-03-12 | 1976-09-11 | 1977-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-03-12 | 1980-09-11 | 1981-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-03-12 | 1984-09-11 | 1985-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |