US4012056A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual guide device for hitching vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-12-29
•
Granted: 1977-03-15
•
Expires: 1995-12-29
Abstract
Abstract A guide device assists the driver of a towing vehicle in properly positioning the hitch ball located on same for connection with the hitch socket of a trailer. A cover is closely fit over the hitch ball to mount a telescoping sight arm thereto. A compressible ball is tightly inserted in the socket to mount a second telescoping sight arm to the trailer hitch. The sight arms provide guides which enable the driver to accurately back a towing vehicle toward the trailer for connection of the cooperating hitch portions.
Inventors
- 👤 Justin D. Christensen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:15
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60D; B60D1/00; B60D1/24; B60D1/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A guide device for assisting in the positioning of a first vehicle having a hitch ball with respect to a second vehicle having a hitch socket, said guide device comprising: a first sight member for sighting by the vehicle driver; a ball member coupled with said first sight member to mount same to said hitch socket, said ball member being removably insertable in said socket and fitting tightly therein to mount said first sight member in generally upward extension from said socket to a height visible to the driver; a second sight member for sighting by the vehicle driver; and a mounting member coupled with said second sight member to mount same to said hitch ball, said mounting member attaching directly to said hitch ball to mount said second sight member in generally upward extension therefrom to a height visible to the driver for positioning in proximity to said first sight member, whereby said ball and socket are positioned in proximity to one another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A guide device for assisting in the positioning of a first vehicle having a hitch ball with respect to a second vehicle having a hitch socket, said guide device comprising: a first sight member for sighting by the vehicle driver; a ball member coupled with said first sight member to mount same to said hitch socket, said ball member being removably insertable in said socket and fitting tightly therein to mount said first sight member in generally upward extension from said socket to a height visible to the driver; a second sight member for sighting by the vehicle driver; and a mounting member coupled with said second sight member to mount same to said hitch ball, said mounting member attaching directly to said hitch ball to mount said second sight member in generally upward extension therefrom to a height visible to the driver for positioning in proximity to said first sight member, whereby said ball and socket are positioned in proximity to one another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A guide device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said ball member is constructed of a resiliently compressible material for tight retention in said hitch socket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
A guide device as set forth in claim 1 including a bracket interconnecting said ball member and first sight member in spaced relation, said bracket extending generally laterally from said ball member below said socket and having means for adjusting the spacing of said first sight member from said ball member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A guide device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mounting member includes a hollow flexible cover to which said second sight member is attached in generally upward extension, said cover being sized to closely fit over said hitch ball with the body of said cover in contact with said hitch ball.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A guide device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said cover includes side walls presenting a plurality of inwardly projecting corners for engagement with said hitch ball to firmly retain said cover thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A guide device as set forth in claim 5, wherein said corners are formed at substantially parallel bend lines spaced apart from one another on said side walls and extending substantially the entire height thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1980-03-14 | 1980-09-13 | 1981-03-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-14 | 1984-09-13 | 1985-03-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-14 | 1988-09-13 | 1989-03-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |