US3966231A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trailer aligner
Assignee: RPM MARKETING ENTERPRISES Inc
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Filing: 1974-12-06
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Granted: 1976-06-29
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Expires: 1994-12-06
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a device for the alignment of an automotive vehicle and a trailer. Also disclosed is a simple method of alignment for coupling of the automotive vehicle and trailer which utilizes two of the devices. The aligner device consists of a marking rod having attached at one end thereof and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rod magnetic positioning means.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert P. Metzler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:26
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/30; B60Q1/305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A trailer aligner device for trailers equipped with a ball and socket type trailer hitch comprising in fixed non-rotatable combination an indicating rod having attached at one end thereof magnetic positioning means which is axially aligned with said rod, the gripping surface of said means is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rod, said means being adapted to retain said device when positioned only on the top flat portion of the coupler ball whereby the bottom of the aligner device is engaged with the flat top portion of said ball and is disengaged from said ball by contacting said aligner with the socket of the trailer hitch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A trailer aligner device for trailers equipped with a ball and socket type trailer hitch comprising in fixed non-rotatable combination an indicating rod having attached at one end thereof magnetic positioning means which is axially aligned with said rod, the gripping surface of said means is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rod, said means being adapted to retain said device when positioned only on the top flat portion of the coupler ball whereby the bottom of the aligner device is engaged with the flat top portion of said ball and is disengaged from said ball by contacting said aligner with the socket of the trailer hitch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The aligner of claim 1 wherein the magnetic positioning means is comprised of a magnet receiving means in combination with a magnet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The aligner of claim 2 wherein the rod and magnet receiving means is one continous piece of shaped plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The aligner of claim 2 wherein the rod and magnet receiving means are two separate pieces joined togather. pg,7
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
175 words
A method of aligning automotive vehicles with trailers for the purpose of coupling said vehicle and said trailer togather said trailer being larger than Society of Automotive Engineers Class I trailers and equipped with a ball and socket type trailer hitch which comprises placing a first aligner device of claim 1 in an upright position on the flat top portion of said ball, coupler on said automotive vehicle, placing a second aligner device of claim 1 in an upright position on or adjacent the socket of the tongue of the trailer to be coupled, slowly rearwardly moving the vehicle towards the trailer while through the rear window of said vehicle the operator of said vehicle aligns said first aligner device with the second aligner device and then continuing rearwardly the vehicle until the first aligner device on the ball coupler is disengaged from said ball by the socket of said tongue, at which point said vehicle is stopped and now aligned for coupling with said trailer, there being no mechanical linkage between the two aligners.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-06-29 | 1979-12-29 | 1980-06-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-29 | 1983-12-29 | 1984-06-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-29 | 1987-12-29 | 1988-06-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |