Patents by Inventor Van Lockwood

Van Lockwood has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5669621
    Abstract: A device for facilitating the alignment of a trailer hitch socket with the ball mounted on the towing vehicle is composed of a fixed sight member, a pivoting sight member, and a stop plate. The pivoting sight member mounts on the edges of the trailer tongue and extends vertically upward to the point which it is visible from the towing vehicle. The fixed sight member is magnetically attached to the towing vehicle and mounted adjacent the towing ball on the trailer hitch. The fixed sight member extends vertically upward to a height at which it is visible from within the towing vehicle. As the vehicle backs up toward the trailer, the driver can see the two sight members and steer such that they will come closer and closer together. When the socket is directly over the ball the pivoting sight member is actuated and signals the driver that alignment is achieved. The stop brace prevents the towing vehicle from colliding with the trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Van Lockwood