Abstract: A hitch for coupling a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, particularly in situations where the vehicles are misaligned. The hitch has a tongue housing for attachment to one of the vehicles and a tongue for extension and retraction within a throat defined by the tongue housing. The tongue articulates laterally to couple misaligned vehicles. The tongue has a coupler, such as a clevis, ring or ball, on one end to effect coupling between the two vehicles. The tongue is movable to a locked position where a spring-biased pin is insertable through apertures in the tongue housing and the tongue to lock it in place. The tongue and the tongue housing have cooperating guide members to effect a smooth, guided movement of the tongue from an extended position to its retracted, locked position. The guide members have cooperating, rounded cam members and pockets which facilitate the smooth, guided movement of the tongue to its locked position.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, particularly in situations where the vehicles are misaligned. The hitch has a tongue housing for attachment to one of the vehicles and a tongue for extension and retraction within a throat defined by the tongue housing. The tongue articulates laterally to couple misaligned vehicles. The tongue has a coupler, such as a clevis, ring or ball, on one end to effect coupling between the two vehicles. The tongue is movable to a locked position where a spring-biased pin is insertable through apertures in the tongue housing and the tongue to lock it in place. The tongue and the tongue housing have cooperating guide members to effect a smooth, guided movement of the tongue from an extended position to its retracted, locked position. The guide members have cooperating, rounded cam members and pockets which facilitate the smooth, guided movement of the tongue to its locked position.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle includes a coupling frame and six variable length links. The frame has couplers for coupling to the implement. Each link has a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to the coupling frame. The links are preferably arranged in the form of a hexapod, so that, in addition to the functions of known three-point hitches, the implement may be steered sideways or shifted sideways, and so that the motion of the coupling frame has six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods especially useful for the alignment of trailer hitch components by an unaided individual are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a visual guide attached to the top of a mast which is mounted in an angularly adjustable mast mount on the winch strut of a trailer, and a target mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle, visible to the driver. The position of the visual guide is pre-adjusted so the visual guide strikes or nearly strikes the target on the towing vehicle when the trailer hitch components are aligned. The target and mast are then removed, or placed in a stowed position for towing. When alignment is again desired the target, mast and mast mount are returned to the pre-adjusted position, and the driver of the towing vehicle uses the pre-adjusted position of the visual guide to guide maneuvering of the towing vehicle to align the trailer hitch components.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for removably coupling a trailer to a tow vehicle provides fore and aft cushioning, vertical cushioning and roll accommodation. When it is mounted on the tow vehicle, a mounting assembly is situate in the truck bed of the tow vehicle and includes a pair of rails pivotally coupled at a first end with the truck bed. A carriage is mounted on the rails by means of a pair of rail guides, each of which slidably receives a corresponding one of the rails, and is thus slidable in directions fore and aft on the tow vehicle. A shock absorber is pivotally, diagonally coupled between the truck bed, at one end, and the lower surface of the carriage at the other end. A cradle is pivotally mounted for side-to-side rocking within the carriage. A hitch adapted to receive the trailer is mounted to the cradle. A first plate is mounted to the second ends of the rails. An air bag is mounted to the truck bed directly underneath the first plate to provide vertical cushioning.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment device configured to be connected to a drop bar of a drop hitch, the drop bar having a substantially horizontal portion, an upwardly extending portion, and an elbow therebetween, the device comprising a substantially horizontal base plate having an aperture configured to accommodate a stem of a trailer hitch ball, a substantially vertical back plate, fixedly attached to the base plate, having outwardly flared sides and an apex therebetween, and being configured to partially surround the trailer hitch ball, and a drop bar notch, formed in the base plate and the back plate in a region of the apex, and configured to receive a portion of the elbow of the drop bar.

Abstract: A double-acting, weight distributing trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitchhead assembly. The drawbar assembly is releasably connected to a tow vehicle and includes a first coupling component at its rearward end. The hitchhead assembly includes a second coupling component and a rearwardly extending drawbar extension, which are pivotably connected along substantially vertical axis by a yoke. The drawbar extension is pivotally connected to the yoke by a cam. The drawbar extension is also mounted pivotably to the hitch ball along a first horizontal axis that is transverse to the direction of travel. A rearward portion of the drawbar extension is pivotably interconnected to the trailer along a second horizontal axis, which is parallel to the first horizontal axis and located behind the hitch ball. This creates an overlap between the forward end of the trailer and the drawbar extension.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailer deck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.

Abstract: A double-acting, reduced tongue weight trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitchhead assembly. The drawbar assembly is releasably connected to the tow vehicle and includes a first coupling component at its rearward end. The hitchhead assembly includes a second coupling component and a drawbar extension pivotally connected to the second coupling component along a vertical axis. The drawbar extension is pivotally interconnected to the hitch ball along a first horizontal axis that is transverse to the direction of travel. A rearward portion of the drawbar extension is pivotally interconnected to the trailer along a second horizontal axis, which is parallel to the first horizontal axis and located behind the hitch ball. This creates an overlap between the forward end of the trailer and the drawbar extension. A spring assembly dampens upward and downward movement of the trailer relative to the drawbar extension.

Abstract: A hitch for coupling a towing vehicle and a trailer vehicle, particularly in situations where the vehicles are misaligned. The hitch has a tongue housing for attachment to one of the vehicles and a tongue for extension and retraction within a throat defined by the tongue housing. The tongue articulates laterally to couple misaligned vehicles. The tongue has a coupler, such as a clevis, ring or ball, on one end to effect coupling between the two vehicles. The tongue is movable to a locked position where a spring-biased pin is insertable through apertures in the tongue housing and the tongue to lock it in place. The tongue and the tongue housing have cooperating guide members to effect a smooth, guided movement of the tongue from an extended position to its retracted, locked position. The guide members have cooperating, rounded cam members and pockets which facilitate the smooth, guided movement of the tongue to its locked position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling device includes an elongate rigid member mountable at a first end thereof to a forward end of a trailer so as to dispose, when the first end is mounted to the forward end of the trailer, a distal end of the rigid member forwardly of the forward end of the trailer into proximity to an appliqué when the appliqué is mounted to a rear surface of a towing vehicle. The appliqué is mounted so as to: (a) be viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the vehicle is translated rearwardly; and, (b) vertically align a hitch hood on the trailer with a hitch ball on the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for assisting a user in aligning a vehicle and trailer hitch. The trailer hitch and tongue alignment system includes a vehicle-mountable apparatus provided for mounting on a hitch ball support of a vehicle. The vehicle-mountable apparatus includes a first mount for mounting to the hitch ball support. A locator post is mounted to the first mount for extending in a substantially vertical orientation when the first mount is mounted on a hitch ball support. A light source is adapted for selectively shining light. The light source is mounted on an upper end of the locator post. A switch is designed for selectively activating the light source when the tongue of the trailer is located above the hitch ball of the hitch ball support. The switch is located on the locator post.

Abstract: A trailer hitch positioning apparatus is provided for directing the driver of a vehicle that is backing up to a trailer. The apparatus includes an infrared light and sensor unit mounted on the bumper or receiver of the towing vehicle for transmitting a light beam of predetermined vertical and horizontal width toward the trailer. A reflecting device mounted under the trailer tongue returns infrared light impulses with information back to the sensors which are analyzed by a microprocessor that controls a transmitter. The transmitter audibly guides the driver's ball to the trailer hitch for coupling. A stop tone warns the driver to stop when the ball and hitch are accurately positioned for coupling.

Abstract: An automatic fifth wheel loading and unloading system which is designed to automatically unlock and disengage a trailer from the fifth wheel apparatus in a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and level and then recouple the trailer to the vehicle. The automatic fifth wheel loading and unloading system initially raises the trailer coupler a predetermined distance, unlocks the trailer hitch mechanism in the fifth wheel and opens it on command. The truck or towing vehicle is then pulled forwardly from beneath the trailer coupling mechanism and the trailer is automatically lowered into a level position. When the trailer is to be recoupled to the towing vehicle, the trailer is automatically raised to an access position by operation of a memory circuit, the truck is positioned such that the fifth wheel mechanism is located beneath the trailer coupling mechanism and the trailer coupling mechanism is automatically lowered into engagement with the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A visual observation system, using the towing vehicle's rearview mirror and a trailer mounted mirror apparatus to align the vehicle's hitch ball and the trailer's hitch receiver without having to use a second person to observe the hitch and guide the driver. The driver does not have to leave the vehicle to observe the relative position of the trailer hitch and the vehicle ball. This allows the driver to align the hitch without damaging the vehicle or the trailer. This apparatus uses a mirror assembly (60), comprising a combination of a convex mirror and a flat mirror mounted on a offset bracket attached to telescoping support (50), on a rotating base assembly (30) offset to the side of the trailer tongue, forming a unit that can be rotated into offset storage clip (75), mounted on the trailer tongue, or easily removed for storage without the use of tools. The unit gives a large field of vision while backing up the vehicle, using the convex mirror.

Abstract: The trailer hitch guide includes a V-shaped fence removably attached to a base plate, the base plate being attached to a tow bar by a ball hitch. The V-shaped fence formed by a pair of plates defining a dihedral angle. The fence is temporarily and removably attached to the base plate by a pair of studs extending from the bottom edges of the fence plates. The base plate has a pair of elongated cylindrical tubes which define sockets into which the fence studs may be inserted. In a first embodiment, the base plate has a U-shaped member attached to the sides of the base plate with the crossbar in a plane vertically below the base plate, defining a rectangular collar in conjunction with the base plate having a perimeter slightly larger than the tow bar so that the collar slides over and encircles the tow bar. The elongated cylindrical tubes are attached to the sides of the U-shaped member.

Abstract: A detachable gooseneck trailer (20) having a gooseneck (24) and a detachable trailer deck (22) utilizes a trailer attachment assembly (30) to draw the trailer deck (22) toward the gooseneck (24) during attachment. The attachment assembly (30) includes a pivoting carrier (66) having a retainer leg (84) with a rearward facing load carrier engagement surface (90). A slide member (68) is attached to the trailer deck (22) and provides a forward facing slide member engagement surface (94). As actuators (70) pivot the carrier (66) rearward, the load carrier engagement surface (90) slides over the slide member engagement surface (94). A latching mechanism (34) utilizes an elongated latch plate (122) pivotally mounted on the retainer leg (84) to automatically latch the carrier (66) to the trailerdeck (22). A latch biasing spring (124) biases the latch plate (122) toward its latched position, so that it automatically engages a catch (126) mounted on the trailer deck.

Abstract: A trailer hitching system (10) and method is provided for facilitating an operator's maneuvering of a towing vehicle hitch component (16) into alignment with a towed vehicle hitch component (18) to enable mechanical interconnection of the hitch components. The trailer hitching system (10) includes an alignment sensor (24) attached to either the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) for emitting a light beam over a field of view. A reflector (32) attached to the other of the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) is mounted at a predetermined location relative to the alignment sensor (24). The reflector (32) reflects a portion of the light beam emitted from the alignment sensor (24). An alarm (46) in the alignment sensor (24) emits an audible alarm in response to detecting a portion of the reflected light beam.

Abstract: A viewing mirror device to assist a vehicle driver when connecting the vehicle to a trailer. The mirror device comprises a viewing mirror, an attachment tube or channel for attaching the device to the vehicle hitch, and a mast that connects the viewing mirror to the attachment tube or channel. The position of the viewing mirror can be adjusted so that the vehicle driver can see both the vehicle hitch connection point and the trailer tongue connection point in the mirror.

Abstract: A trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for the purpose of helping a user line up the hitch ball of a vehicle to a hitch ball receiver of a trailer. The trailer hitch and tongue alignment system includes a trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for mounting on a vehicle and a trailer to be hitched to the vehicle. The system comprises a projecting apparatus for mounting on the hitch ball support of the vehicle, and a target apparatus. The projecting apparatus includes a first support mount, and support post mounted to the support mount for extending in a substantially vertical orientation when the support mount is mounted on a hitch ball support. A connector is mounted on the support post. A top member is mounted to the connector with a light source mounted on the top member for projecting a focused beam of light. The target apparatus is adapted for mounting on the tongue of the trailer. The target apparatus includes a second support mount for mounting to the tongue of the trailer.

Abstract: A guide device for attachment adjacent the rear of a boat trailer to assist the driver of a towing vehicle in backing the unloaded trailer into the water. The guide device includes a mounting bracket for attaching the device onto a rear part of the boat, such as onto the front face of the rear lateral frame member, and a signal member mounted on the bracket and pivotal between raised and lowered positions. The signal member includes an elongated staff above the bracket and a flotation element attached to the lower end of the staff beneath the bracket. The flotation element is lighter than water, and has a weight greater than the weight of said staff. When the trailer is out of the water, the staff is pivoted by the weight of the flotation element to a generally vertical position. When the rear of the trailer is backed into the water, the flotation element rises to pivot the staff to a generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A mounting frame 10 is intended to be used with a three point hitch apparatus 4 on the rear of powered vehicle, such as a tractor. The frame 10 is rectangular so that the center is open to permit clearance for a power take off. A ball socket 20 is mounted on a horizontal lower frame beam 12 for attachment of a towed vehicle to the powered vehicle. The top of the frame 10 is attached to the tractor by a telescoping arm 60 that can be extended from a retracted to an extended position so that the frame 10 can be tilted or dumping or similar operations. A ball adaptor 34 can be mounted in the center of the mounting frame 10 to permit attachment of a towed implement or vehicle with a male attachment member, such as a ball. A center beam 78 can also be mounted on the center of the mounting frame 10 for supporting and carrying loads. The mounting frame 10 facilitates towing, hauling, dumping, scraping and is compatible with a power takeoff as used for conventional farm implements.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for aligning the trailer hitch ball on the towing vehicle, and for lifting the trailer hitch on and off the ball. The device comprises a swiveling vertical post assembly in close proximity to the hitch ball. The swiveling vertical post assembly pivots at its attachment point with the towing vehicle, thereby allowing the user to load or unload a trailer from the vehicle even when the trailer is not perfectly aligned directly behind the vehicle. The swiveling vertical post assembly has a pivotal arm which can be moved from an upper pivot point position to a lower pivot point position. In both the upper position and the lower position, the pivotal arm is allowed to rotate from a generally vertical position to a rearwardly inclined position in order to provide a moving cable guide that helps determine the location and direction of movement of the cable and hence the forces exerted on the tongue end.

Abstract: A trailer hitch positioning system that provides a visual and an audible indication to a vehicle driver of the position of the trailer ball with respect to the tongue of the trailer. The trailer hitch positioning system includes a pinpoint light source assembly, a light beam sensing array assembly, and a passenger compartment display unit wherein a pinpoint beam from the pinpoint light source assembly strikes and activates light beam sensors within the light beam sensing array assembly, the activations of the light beam sensors being detected by a digital controller within the display unit which then provides a corresponding positional information output to the vehicle driver through an LED display and an audible alerting buzzer.

Abstract: A hitch guide for use in guiding a gooseneck trailer hitch into alignment with a hitch ball mounted in the bed of a truck with the gooseneck trailer hitch including a substantially vertically disposed post having a substantially horizontally disposed plate secured to the lower end thereof which has an opening formed therein for receiving the hitch ball. The hitch guide is pivotally secured to the support plate at the lower end of the post and is funnel-shaped to assist in aligning the trailer hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer (10) comprises a tractor (12) and a trailer (14), a trailer coupling (12b) and a supply coupling (16/18) between the two component vehicles (12, 14) with a tractor-side coupling half (16) and a trailer-side coupling half (18), which can be coupled together by bringing them together along a predefined coupling axis (K). One of the coupling halves (16) is connected to the supply unit of the associated first component vehicle (12) through a flexible supply line (16d). To establish the coupled state between the two coupling halves (16, 18), an actuator (20) is arranged on the first component vehicle (12) that moves the first coupling half (16) toward the second coupling half (18) and joins the one to the other along the predefined coupling axis (K). The first coupling half (16) is arranged on the actuator (20) such that it can be oriented in all spatial directions at least within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A tow hitch alignment apparatus having a pair of light sources that emit different colored light beams. The light sources are positioned such that, when the trailer hitch components are in proper position for engagement, both light beams intersect at the target location and emit a third colored light, which indicates to the driver that the tow vehicle is in the proper position for coupling with the trailer. In an alternate embodiment, the tow vehicle has a horizontal sensor plate embedded with photoelectric cells adjacent the tow ball which detects the approach of the tow hitch from the trailer. A laser emitter is placed adjacent the trailer hitch and directed at a pre-focused position. As the tow ball approaches the hitch, laser light from the emitter strikes various photoelectric cells on the sensor plate, which is in connection with a display within the driver's compartment. The display provides information and guides the driver regarding the tow vehicle's path towards the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A trailer alignment backing aid for vehicles that includes a target sticker and a hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly. The target sticker has aiming indicia provided on a front surface thereof and an adhesive covered back surface having a peel off backing cover. The hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly includes a ball attachment tube and an extender tube. The ball attachment tube includes two ball insertion flaps at a lower end thereof, a trailer tongue insertion window adjacent to the ball insertion flaps, and incremental measuring marks along the length thereof. The two ball insertion flaps are sized and spaced to resiliently grip the ball of a ball hitch and maintain the hitch ball attachable aiming tube assembly in an upright position during use.

Abstract: A trailer hitching alignment aid for helping a driver of a vehicle properly align the vehicle's hitch with the trailer tongue of the trailer. The trailer hitching alignment aid includes a vehicle mounted assembly designed for mounting to a vehicle above a ball hitch of the vehicle and a trailer mounted assembly designed for mounting to a trailer tongue of a trailer. The vehicle mounted assembly comprises a main member and an elongate end member coupled to the main member. The end member is designed for coupling to the vehicle such that the main member is positioned above the ball hitch of the vehicle. An elongate first guide rod is upwardly extended the main member. The trailer mounted assembly comprises an upper member and a lower member having a top portion coupled to a lower end of the upper member. An upwardly facing trailer magnet is coupled to a bottom portion of the lower member. A center extent upwardly extends from a center region of the trailer magnet.

Abstract: A tow hitch alignment apparatus having a pair of light sources that emit different colored light beams. The light sources are positioned such that, when the trailer hitch components are in proper position for engagement, both light beams intersect at the target location and emit a the third colored light, which indicates to the driver that the tow vehicle is in the proper position for coupling with the trailer. In an alternate embodiment, the tow vehicle has a horizontal sensor plate embedded with photoelectric cells adjacent the tow ball which detects the approach of the tow hitch from the trailer. A laser emitter is placed adjacent the trailer hitch and directed at a pre-focused position. As the tow ball approaches the hitch, laser light from the emitter strikes various photoelectric cells on the sensor plate, which is in connection with a display within the driver's compartment. The display provides information and guides the driver regarding the tow vehicle's path towards the trailer hitch.

Abstract: The visual alignment aid for connecting the ball of the hitch on a towing vehicle to the socket on the tongue of the trailer is a device constructed of three components which are connected to each other by hinges. One of the components is a base component, a second one of the components has a convex mirror attached thereto and the third of the components has a means for attaching the device to the rear of a vehicle. All three components may assume an angulated position relative to each other and the vehicle to establish a correct line of vision between the driver and the ball and the socket. The three components can be arrested relative to each once a correct line of vision has been established. Color coding may be used on the arresting means to indicate the angulated positions. The same device could be used on a different type of vehicle and once a correct line of vision has been established for that different vehicle, a different color would be used to indicate the rotational positions.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide with a retractable yoke assembly. The yoke assembly presents, at its yoke end, a vee shaped receptacle to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball into contact with a trailer hitch. The yoke assembly yoke end is formed of at least one yoke guide, which positions the yoke assembly, received into at least one yoke guide receiver tube. The yoke end, in the preferred embodiment, is composed of a first and second yoke guide which are received respectively into the first and second yoke guide receiver tubes. A plate assembly is composed of a plate and a yoke guide receiver tube is affixed to either side of a trailer hitch tongue with each sized to receive a yoke guide. The yoke assembly is extended, when positioned to receive and guide a trailer hitch ball for connection with a trailer hitch, and fixed into the extended position by means including one or more pins.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a control that is mountable to a visor of the vehicle in view of the driver, a receiver unit attachable to the bumper of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a transmitter unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch that transmits a locating signal that is detectable by the receiver unit, and a storage case. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the transmitter unit from the receiver unit from the reception of the locating signal. The control unit includes a turn right indicator and a turn left indicator for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing toward the conventional trailer. The control unit also includes a buzzer and stop indicator light for indicating to the user when the ball hitch is positioned below the coupler of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling safety system for indicating when a king pin is properly locked into a fifth wheel assembly. The system includes a fifth wheel assembly having a slot for receiving a king pin of a trailer and a locking mechanism for coupling the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly. The locking mechanism has a locking jaw adapted for coupling the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly, and a pull handle for positioning the locking jaw between locked and unlocked positions. The locking jaw couples the king pin to the fifth wheel assembly when in the locked position and permits separation of the king pin from the fifth wheel assembly when in the unlocked position. The pull handle is positionable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The pull handle positions the locking jaw in the locked position when the pull handle is in the locking position and the pull handle positions the locking jaw in the unlocked position when the pull handle is in the unlocking position.

Abstract: A visual alignment aid to assist in the proper alignment of a 5th wheel RV hitch to a 5th wheel trailer king pin when the view of the 5th wheel RV hitch is obstructed, due to extended cab length or other restrictions in the front portion of the bed area, such as but not limited to a tool box mounted in the front portion of a tow vehicle bed area.

Abstract: An elongate post removably supported on a towed vehicle and extending upwardly therefrom; a traveler removably fitted to the post and movably positionable along a length thereof throughout a range of fixed, adjusted positions and including opposing arm members surrounding and gripping the post when in a relaxed state to thereby hold the traveler fixed to the post at the adjusted positions, and the arm members being structured to be urged outwardly from the relaxed state to release the grip, thereby permitting sliding movement of the traveler along the post; and a mirror device pivotally fitted to the traveler member and being angularly adjustable for positioning the mirror in a manner which presents a reflected image of a hitch component on the towed vehicle viewable by the operator in the rear view mirror of a towing vehicle, to thereby allow the operator to maneuver the towing vehicle so that a hitch component on the towing vehicle moves toward and into alignment with the hitch component on the towed vehicl

Abstract: A guide member mountable on the rear portion of a carrier or boat trailer, which would include a mounting bracket for mounting onto a rear, for example, bumper of the trailer, a post portion hingedly engaged to the mounting bracket, the post portion having on its upper end a reflective surface in the shape of a circle or the like, and on its lower end, a counter weight. There is further provided a spring member engaged between the mounting bracket and the post, so that the guide would normally be in the vertical position with the reflective surface extending a distance above the trailer visible by the driver of the vehicle, but when a boat or other material is loaded onto the trailer, the guide would move into the horizontal position against the bias of the spring and the counter weight, held in the horizontal position by the material or both placed thereupon.

Abstract: A trailer hitch guide system comprising a trailer hitch having an inboard end coupled to a truck and having an outboard end with an upstanding ball. The trailer has a central extent for receiving a boat and an inboard end with an associated coupling component adapted to receive the ball and with an associated locking component. An attachment assembly interfacing between the ball and guide assists the driver of a truck in positioning the ball into position with respect to the guide. The assembly includes a rod with an upstanding vertical section and with a flag marker at the top thereof and a C-shaped section adjacent to the bottom thereof. A short vertical section at the bottom of the attachment assembly is coupled at its central extent to the bottom of the rod and has a contact plate therebeneath and an associated sphere thereabove. The sphere has a cylindrical aperture extending upwardly from the bottom of the sphere with a coil spring within the ball.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning hitches of towing vehicles and towed vehicles consisting of a base box detachably fastened to a trailer tongue. A scissors lift consisting of a series of levers is pivotally connected in the base box and a top box is pivotally mounted on the upper portion of the scissors lift. When the top box is lifted, the top box, having a mirror fastened to the underside, is set at a 45.degree. angle to focus the relative positions of the hitch ball and the hitch cup in the rear view mirror of the towing vehicle for alignment.

Abstract: The trailer hitch alignment system of the present invention includes an alerting device and a tow bar assembly for attachment to a towing vehicle. The tow bar assembly includes a photoelectric sensor for detecting the vertical alignment of a trailer tongue. The tow bar assembly has a hitch ball with a spherical top and a cylindrical body for coupling with a trailer tongue having a semi-spherical socket. In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is mounted on the tow bar of the tow bar assembly, adjacent to the hitch ball. In another embodiment, the hitch ball houses the photoelectric sensor within its interior. During operation, the driver of the towing vehicle typically maneuvers the vehicle toward the trailer in a rearward direction. Once the photoelectric sensor detects the vertical alignment of the socket with the ball, the alerting device is activated informing the driver of the alignment.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler apparatus for a trailer hitch includes a drawbar assembly and a hitch head assembly. The drawbar assembly is interconnected to a tow vehicle and includes an elongate bar and a drawbar angle adjuster that is pivotally interconnected and angularly adjustable relative to the bar. The hitch head assembly includes a ball component and a channel that is pivotally interconnected to the ball component. A horn is slidably received by the channel. The horn and the drawbar angle adjuster are selectively coupled to interconnect the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: This is an improved trailer hitch apparatus which is self-aligning and essentially self-connecting, and which allows for maximum horizontal and vertical movement of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle. The device includes a plurality of connected guide walls which converge into a spherical housing, having a circular opening at the point of convergence, and a double ring coupler device, which is attached to a standard trailer tongue, having an inner and outer annulus-shaped ring, formed so that the outer ring is a rigid extension of the trailer tongue and the inner ring rotates freely within the said outer ring. The spherical housing device is attached to the interior channel of a standard trailer hitch and when the towing vehicle is backed toward the trailer, the guide walls capture the double ring device, and slides into the spherical housing, and is secured by a coupler pin, which is inserted through the spherical housing vertically through the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: The invention is an aligning apparatus which can be removably mounted to or built as an integral part of a towable trailer tongue for vertically aligning the inverted socket of the tongue with the mating ball which is conventionally mounted in cantilevered fashion on the rear end of the towing vehicle. The aligning apparatus includes a horizontally-lying V-shaped guide member having the open end of the V facing the drawbar in the operative position. The V-shaped guide member is positioned relative to the socket such that when the socket is at such a height so as to allow the socket to be positioned above the ball, the vertical center of the legs, the height of each leg constituting a camming surface, is at the height of the drawbar. This tongue height is achieved by use of a standard jack mechanism or pin-height adjustable vertical support pole on the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A visual aid system for attachment to a hitch of a motor vehicle to a trailer including a first pole cantably attached onto the hitch connector ball of the motor vehicle and a second pole articulated to the hitch mechanism of the trailer so as to move to a position directly above the socket of the hitch mechanism. The first pole includes a pole member and a receptacle affixed to a lower end of the pole member. The receptacle has a groove formed circumferentially around an interior thereof. An elastomeric band is located within the groove so as to be interposed between the ball and the receptacle. The second pole includes a pole member, an articulatable connector pivotally connected to an end of the pole member, and a base affixed to the hitch mechanism of the trailer. The articulatable connector is pivotally connected to the base. A phosphorescent cap is affixed to a top of the first pole so as to emit light outwardly from an upper portion of the first pole.

Abstract: A self aligning hitch arrangement for attachment to the drawbar of a towing vehicle for lifting and aligning a trailer tongue into place on a towing ball includes a mounting plate attachable to the drawbar and having side members which support a horizontal transverse pivot in front of (i.e. on the vehicle side of) the ball. A ramp member supported by the pivot has a ramp plate with its front edge spaced behind the ball member, and is pivotable between a raised position in which the plate lies at a suitable angle for lifting the trailer tongue onto the ball, and a lowered position in which the plate lies at a steeper angle and allows the tongue to fall onto the ball. The ramp member also has diverging flanges to guide the trailer tongue laterally into position over the ball.

Abstract: A device for aligning the tongue and hitch first portion on a trailer (trailer hitch) with the receiver and hitch second portion (ball) on a towing vehicle, and for lifting the trailer hitch on and off the ball. The device comprises a vertical post on the towing vehicle in front of and in close proximity to the ball. The post has a pivotal arm which can rotate from a vertical position to a rearwardly inclined position. The post has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The pivotal arm also has a cable guide at or near its top surface. The cable guides are for receiving and guiding a cable connected to a winch on the tongue of the trailer. The tongue of the trailer also has a cable guide in front of the winch near the front end of the tongue. The invention has two (2) modes of operation (please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2): 1) on-loading the trailer hitch onto the ball; and, 2) off-loading the trailer hitch from the ball.

Abstract: An electronic coupling control system for a vehicle trailer hitch assembly having a hitch plate in which a throat is defined for receiving a trailer kingpin and having a locking mechanism for locking the kingpin in the hitch throat. The electronic coupling control system includes a trailer proximity sensor for sensing when a trailer is in proximity to the hitch assembly, a kingpin sensor for sensing the presence of the kingpin in the hitch throat, a lock sensor for sensing when said locking mechanism is in a locked and secured position, and indicator means located in the vehicle for providing hitch coupling status information to an operator of the vehicle. The indicator means is coupled to the trailer proximity, kingpin, and lock sensors for informing the operator when a trailer is in proximity to the hitch assembly, when the kingpin is positioned in the hitch throat, and when the locking mechanism is in a locked position. The indicator means may include an indicator light and control circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating axial alignment or deviation from alignment, and proximity between a tow vehicle and a trailer towards which the tow vehicle must be maneuvered. The apparatus comprises a storage reel mounted on the tow vehicle for storing and paying out a cord, a pulley having a magnet for mounting the pulley temporarily on the trailer hitch, and a take up reel mounted on the tow vehicle for applying tension to the cord. As the tow vehicle is maneuvered, changes in relative position between tow vehicle and trailer cause the cord to change length and angular orientation relative to the tow vehicle. These changes are sensed as one or both of the storage reel and take up reel rotate responsive to cord changes. A plurality of switches make or break contact to a matrix of indicating lamps located in the cabin of the tow vehicle, the indicating lamps indicating position of the tow vehicle relative to the trailer. The reels are permanently or temporarily mounted on the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for aligning a towed vehicle (12) with a towing vehicle (14) is disclosed. The method is implemented with an alignment apparatus (10) including a base (22) configured for attachment to the towed vehicle (12), a platform (23) rotatably mounted on the base (22), and a level device (24) mounted on the rotatable platform (23). While the towed vehicle (12) is connected to the towing vehicle (14), the platform (23) and level device (24) are rotated until the level device (24) is in its level position. This sets a reference height position for the towed vehicle (12). When it is desired to reconnect the towed vehicle (12) with the towing vehicle (14), the towed vehicle (12) is raised until the level device (24) is once again in its level position. In one embodiment, the alignment apparatus includes a base hingedly connected to a mounting bracket for permitting side-to-side leveling of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A guide system arrangement for a tow vehicle having a ball. The guide system is universally mountable on the upper surface of a bumper or on the draw bar of the hitch of the tow vehicle by providing non-rotatable pillars to the side and in front of the ball and wings removably attachable to the pillars forming a wide V channel which accepts most couplers attached to a trailer vehicle to position the coupler above the ball as the tow vehicle is driven toward the trailer vehicle. Upon lowering of the coupler onto the ball, the stepped stop formed in the wing portion of the guide system releases any tension that may have been formed during the guide process so that the wings may be removed from the pillars for storage thereby allowing a variety of accessories to be mounted on the pillars for use either while the vehicle is in motion or stationary. If the accessories are too heavy or unstable, a support may be coupled onto the ball to provide a tripod mounting for the accessory.