Abstract: A controlled steering system includes a sliding carriage attached to the steering at least one steering rod. As the carriage slides from one side of the horizontal pivot pint of the towbar, the direction off steering with respect to the towbar reverses. Also, the distance of the sliding carriage from the horizontal pivot point controls the degree of steering. By controlling the movement of the sliding carriage in response to measurements of towbar angle, the backing process can be partially or completely automated.

Abstract: A controlled steering system includes a sliding carriage attached to the steering at least one steering rod. As the carriage slides from one side of the horizontal pivot pint of the towbar, the direction off steering with respect to the towbar reverses. Also, the distance of the sliding carriage from the horizontal pivot point controls the degree of steering. By controlling the movement of the sliding carriage in response to measurements of towbar angle, the backing process can be partially or completely automated.

Abstract: A steering system for a trailer is disclosed. A drawbar is attached to an elongated slide, with the slide attached to the trailer for rotation about a pivot axis. A carriage is mounted for movement along the slide and between ends of the slide. At least one control rod extends between the carriage and a steered wheel of the trailer. With the carriage positioned to one side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the direction of sideways towbar displacement when towed, and with the carriage positioned to the other side of the pivot axis, the trailer wheels are steered in the opposite direction of sideways towbar displacement when backed. An electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual actuator may be used to move and position the carriage on the slide.

Abstract: A switchable mechanism for steering a trailer when towing and backing is disclosed. A turntable having a rotatable upper portion is attached to a front of a trailer, with a slide mounted to the turntable with a center of the slide mounted generally over an axis of rotation of the turntable. A carriage is mounted to the slide, the carriage being movable between a first position and a second position. At least one steering controller is coupled between the carriage and steerable wheels of the trailer. A towbar is coupled to the turntable, with sideways displacement of the towbar steering the steerable wheels in both forward and backward directions. The towbar is connectable to any conventional hitch, meaning that no modifications are needed to the tow vehicle, and any tow vehicle with a conventional hitch can tow a trailer of the instant invention.