Trailer alignment device

[0001] The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/521,713, filed Jun. 23, 2004, by Ramsey et al. for a TRAILER ALIGNMENT DEVICE, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to trailer locating devices and more specifically it relates to a trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch.

[0003] Users of trailers often have great difficulty in aligning their vehicle's hitch with the trailer hitch of a conventional trailer. A conventional trailer has a plurality of wheels rotatably supporting a frame and a trailer hitch for removably coupling with a vehicle that will be towing the conventional trailer. The user must align the hitch of the vehicle with the raised trailer hitch. This is extremely difficult since the hitch is usually out of viewing because of its location upon the vehicle's bumper. Generally, two persons are required to effectively and efficiently align the vehicle hitch with the trailer hitch. However, when the user is trying to align the hitches alone, the user must then slowly back up to the trailer hitch so as to prevent damage to the vehicle and trailer, stop the vehicle, exit the vehicle, view the position of the hitch relative to the trailer hitch to prevent damage to the trailer hitch and/or the vehicle, and then re-enter the vehicle to repeat the process. This process is then generally repeated numerous times until the vehicle hitch and trailer hitch align. Hence, there is a need for a trailer hitch alignment system that allows a user to conveniently and precisely align a vehicle hitch with a trailer hitch without the user having to repeatedly exit the vehicle.

[0004] The repeated exiting and entering the vehicle is undesirable to users. In addition, the constant exiting and entering of the vehicle is time consuming and potentially dangerous. Another issue is the inevitable likelihood of vehicle or trailer damage during attempts for trailer hitch alignment.

[0005] Devices presently in the art for trailer hitch alignment include systems utilizing cameras that are attached to the rear of the vehicle and display in the passenger compartment a view of the vehicle trailer hitch. Other devices include systems with mirrors mounted to provide a view of the vehicle's hitch. These systems are often expensive, inconvenient, and cumbersome to use.

[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of trailer locating devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new electronic trailer hitch alignment system wherein the same can be utilized for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. In these respects, the trailer hitch alignment system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch.

[0007] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new electronic trailer hitch alignment system that has many of the advantages of the trailer locating devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new trailer hitch alignment system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art trailer locating devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0008] To obtain this, the present invention generally comprises a control unit that is handheld, or mountable within the passenger compartment of a vehicle in view of the driver. A hitch sensor unit attachable to a hitch of a vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a trailer hitch sensor unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch and in communication with a control unit. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor. The control unit includes a display screen for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing towards the conventional trailer. The control unit may also include a speaker and/or indicator light for indicating to the user when the vehicle hitch is positioned directly below the coupler of the trailer hitch. The control unit display screen may also visually indicate the position of the vehicle hitch sensor with respect to the trailer hitch sensor. If the user needs to turn left or right, the display screen, in real time, will indicate to the user which turn is appropriate for proper alignment of the vehicle with the conventional trailer.

[0009] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limited.

[0010] An electronic trailer hitch alignment system in one detailed embodiment that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. In particular, an electronic trailer hitch alignment system is provided that allows a user to easily align a vehicle with a trailer. It further reduces the number of times the user must exit the vehicle during attachment of a vehicle to a conventional trailer.

[0011] A further object is to provide an electronic trailer hitch alignment system according to this embodiment that offers superior portability and can be easily removed for utilization upon multiple trailers or vehicles. In particular, it does not require additional apertures to attach the components of the system to either the vehicle or conventional trailer. It does not utilize mechanical devices, switches or cables for the alignment process. Also, the electronic trailer hitch alignment system does not utilize electrical wires or cables between the components of the system for the alignment process.

[0012] Further, the electronic trailer hitch alignment system visually and audibly indicates the position of the vehicle hitch with respect to the conventional trailer. It further indicates to the user in a display the relative position of the user vehicle with the conventional trailer. The electronic trailer hitch alignment system indicates to the user whether they should turn right or left, and continue moving backward, when aligning the vehicle with the conventional trailer.

[0013] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Referring now specifically to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic trailer hitch alignment system 10 of the present invention integrated onto a vehicle 14 and a trailer 11. Trailer hitch alignment system 10 includes a control unit 20, a vehicle hitch sensor unit 40, and a trailer hitch sensor unit 60.

[0031] Control unit 20 may be portable and mountable in the passenger compartment of vehicle 14 to provide guidance to a user during a trailer alignment process. Control unit 20 includes a display screen 24 that is mounted in a convenient location which is viewable to the user, such as a visor 18 of vehicle 14, as best illustrated in FIG. 1. Control unit 20 includes a housing 22 receiving illuminated display screen 24, a light 26, a speaker 28, a plurality of buttons 30, 32, and an electronic circuit 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. Housing 22 may include a mounting means to mount control unit 20 within the passenger compartment of vehicle 14, such mounting means include but are not limited to clips, Velcro, hooks, or any other suitable attachment means. Alternatively, control unit 20 may be permanently mounted in the vehicle. Also, display screen 24 may be a separate unit from housing 22.

[0032] Electronic circuit 34 preferably communicates wirelessly with vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 which may sense a coupler 76 of a trailer hitch 12. Alternatively, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may be used in combination with trailer hitch sensor unit 60 to determine and calculate the relative positions of a vehicle hitch sensor 42 and a trailer hitch sensor 70 with respect to one another. Electronic circuit 34 includes a receiver and/or a transmitter to communicate with vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 and/or trailer hitch sensor unit 60. Electronic circuit also includes a processor for calculating the relative positions of sensor units 40, 60. Communications between control unit 20, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 and trailer hitch sensor unit 60 is preferably accomplished by radio frequency (RF) coupling. However, the present invention also contemplates other similar wireless communication means for communication between the components, such as infrared, WiFi, other IEEE standards, any RF algorithmic programming means or hard wiring between electronic circuit 34 and vehicle hitch sensor unit 40. Alternatively, the present invention also contemplates the utilization of global positioning systems (GPS) technologies to display the relative positions of sensor units 40,60 from each other.

[0033] Display screen 24 is electrically connected to electronic circuit 34. Electronic circuit 34 communicates the relative positions of vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 and trailer hitch sensor unit 60 for display screen 24 to display. Display screen 24 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a light emitting diode (LED) display screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display screen, a quartz display screen, a touch screen display screen, a plasma display screen, or the like. For example, screen 24 may be a LED type display screen with a plurality of LEDs forming the display screen, such as 600 LEDs across by 1024 LEDs down. Moreover, magnification overlays may be added onto screen 24 to enlarge screen to ease viewing. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, display screen 24 displays the relative positions of vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70, represented by a ball 52 and a ring 54, respectively. When vehicle hitch sensor is directly below trailer hitch sensor 70, ball 52 will be displayed inside of ring 54 on display 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Additionally, display screen 24 may display other information to the user, such as information used to calibrate or adjust settings and parameters for trailer alignment system 10. Moreover, display screen 24 may be a backlit screen, or any like display illuminating means, to allow for use at night or when in a dark space.

[0034] Control unit 20 may further include audio and visual indicators to assist users during the trailer alignment process, such as a light 26 and/or a speaker 28. Electronic circuit 34 sends a message, a pulse, or the like, to illuminate light 26 or to sound speaker 28, during the alignment process or when there is an indication of alignment. Light 26 is received by housing 22 and viewable by the user. Light 26 is connected to electronic circuit 34. Light 26 may be a standard bulb light, an LED, or any other type of illuminating means. Speaker 28 is electrically connected to electronic circuit 34, received by housing 22 and audible by the user. Speaker 28 may be a buzzer, beeper or any other type of sound producing means to notify the user. Additionally, light 26 and speaker 28 may provide further indications of relative positions of vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70. For example, light 26 may flash slower when the relative distance between vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70 is greater. As vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70 get closer to each other, light 26 may flash quicker and eventually turn solid when the sensors align. Likewise, speaker 28 emits a beeping sound that beeps quicker as vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70 get closer to each other, and eventually, the speaker emits a constant sound when alignment of the sensors occurs.

[0035] In the illustrative embodiments, control unit 20 includes a connectable power source 36. Connectable power source 36 is an adaptor to connect with a cigarette automobile light power adapter as shown in FIG. 2. Alternatively, control unit 20 includes a portable power source integrated into the control unit, such as a battery, to make the control unit fully portable. Further, in this embodiment, connectable power source 36 is detachable from central unit 20 and provides power to the battery for recharging. It should be recognized that a plurality of power sources may be used, such as a lithium ion rechargeable battery or the like. Control unit 20 also includes a plurality of user inputs 30, 32 to perform a plurality of functions. For example, button 30 may be an on/off button and button 32 may be a reset or recalibration button. It should be appreciated that the functionality of buttons 30, 32 may be any user-determined function appropriate for the device and application. Moreover, a plurality of buttons may be integrated onto control unit 20. For example a Qwerty keypad may be placed onto control unit 20. Also, other user interface devices, such as dials, knobs, or the like, may be integrated onto control unit 20. Alternatively, the control unit may be hard wired to the vehicle battery's system.

[0036] In the illustrative embodiments, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is releaseably positioned on a vehicle hitch 16 located on vehicle 14, as best illustrated as a ball hitch in FIGS. 3a-3c. Vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is preferably in wireless communication with control unit 20. Vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is also capable of communicating and interacting with trailer hitch sensor unit 60. Vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 preferably includes a housing 46 with a dome-shaped cavity 44 for receiving vehicle hitch 16. Housing 46 receives a vehicle hitch sensor 42, which includes sensor circuitry such as ultrasonic transducers, piezoelectric circuitry, electromagnets, and/or the like for use in determining relative positions of the vehicle hitch sensor to trailer hitch sensor 70 or other components and structures. In the illustrative embodiments, vehicle hitch sensor housing 46 has a dome-like shape with cavity 44 receiving vehicle hitch 16. Cavity 44 preferably has a diameter slightly larger than standard diameters of vehicle hitches to accommodate a plurality of vehicle hitches, with various diameters easily and securely. One of the many advantages of the present invention is vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is placed directly on, or substantially proximate to, vehicle hitch 16 for a precise reference location of the vehicle hitch during the alignment process. Moreover, the present invention is capable of placement directly onto vehicle hitch 16 of a plurality of configurations and hitch lengths.

[0037] However, it can be appreciated that housing 46 may be a plurality of shapes and sizes, and including a dome-like recess cavity 44 to receive vehicle hitch 16. When vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is received by vehicle hitch 16, as illustrated in FIG. 3c, the size, height, and the overall diameter of vehicle hitch 16 is not substantially increased, increasing the overall clearance height of the vehicle hitch in a range between 0.1″ and 3″. Vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 provides enough clearance for trailer hitch 12 and coupler 76 to be placed directly over the vehicle hitch, during the alignment process, making coupling of the vehicle hitch with the trailer hitch easier and more precise. Vehicle hitch sensor is preferably powered by a small power source provided within housing 46 of vehicle hitch sensor unit 40, such as a battery or the like.

[0038] Optional trailer hitch sensor unit 60, best illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, includes a base 62 and an elongate arm 64 received in an opening sleeve 68 of the base. Base 62 includes a clamping means 66 for securing trailer hitch sensor unit 60 to trailer hitch 12. It should be appreciated that clamping means 66 may include a plurality of methods for attaching to a neck of trailer hitch 12, such as a clamp, a clip, a friction fitted clamp, and the like. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5c, trailer hitch sensor unit 60 attaches to the neck of trailer hitch 12 using clamping means 66 (FIGS. 4a and 4b). A plurality of clamping means 66 may be utilized to secure trailer hitch sensor unit 60 to trailer hitch 12 such as a magnetic attachment means to secure base 62 onto the trailer hitch or a U-shaped clamp that frictionally engages the trailer hitch. Trailer hitch sensor 70 and a stopper rim 72 are received on opposite ends of elongate arm 64. In this illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 4a and 4b, elongate arm 64 slides relative to base 62 along opening sleeve 68, as shown by arrow 74 of FIGS. 4a and 5b, to position trailer hitch sensor 70 over coupler 76 of trailer hitch 12 (FIG. 5c). Stopper rim 72 prevents elongate arm 64 from completely disengaging from opening sleeve 68. Elongate arm 64 may be adjustable within opening sleeve 68 with the use of detents or the like to adjust the position of trailer hitch sensor 70. Elongate arm 64 may also be provided with a means for securely fastening elongate arm 64 in opening sleeve 68, such as with a screw or the like. Trailer hitch sensor unit 60 may be powered with a portable power source, such as a lithium ion battery.

[0039] During the alignment process, the user positions vehicle sensor unit 40 on vehicle hitch 16, which is a ball valve in the illustrative embodiments, and positions trailer hitch sensor unit 60 on trailer 11 to position trailer hitch sensor 70 over coupler 76. The user backs vehicle 14 towards trailer 11 (FIG. 1) using control unit 20 and display 24 to assist in aligning vehicle hitch sensor 42 with trailer hitch sensor 70, as illustrated in FIG. 6a. As vehicle 14 moves toward trailer 11, vehicle hitch sensor 42 and/or trailer hitch sensor 70 communicate with control unit 20 to provide electronic circuit 34 with information to calculate and display the relative positions of sensors 42, 70 on display screen 24. Display screen 24 displays non-vertical alignment distance, illustrated by an arrow 80 in FIG. 6a, between vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70 with ball 52 representing vehicle hitch sensor and ring 54 representing trailer hitch sensor 70. Communication between vehicle hitch sensor, trailer hitch sensor 70, and control unit 20 may by accomplished with radio frequency coupling. Display screen 24 graphically represents the positions of vehicle hitch sensor and trailer hitch sensor 70 relative to one another to assist the user in aligning the sensors, as shown in FIGS. 5b, 6a, and 6b. Display screen 24 may include a grid pattern to represent the spatial relationship between sensors 42, 70. The grid may be scaled to represent one unit as a foot or other distance determined by user.

[0040] The user uses display screen 24 to determine whether to turn left, turn right, back in or go forward in order to align vehicle hitch sensor 40 with trailer hitch sensor 70. The process continues until vehicle hitch sensor 40 is directly aligned below trailer hitch sensor 70, as represented by an arrow 82 (FIG. 6b). When vehicle hitch sensor 40 is directly aligned with trailer hitch sensor 60, ball 52 and ring 54 intersect on display screen 24. Further, electronic circuit 34 recognizes an intersection or alignment of sensors 42, 70 and may send a message to illuminate light 26 or sound speaker 28. At this time, the user places vehicle 14 into park, exits to the rear of the vehicle, removes vehicle hitch sensor unit 40, and uses jack 13 to lower trailer hitch coupler 76 onto vehicle hitch 16. The precise positioning of vehicle hitch 16 directly under coupler 76 allows coupling without requiring additional movement of trailer 11 for coupling with the vehicle hitch. There are various methods mapping the relative coordinates of each sensor 42, 70 to be displayed on display screen 24. A plurality of methods, well known in the art, can be utilized to precisely map and display the relative positions of each sensor 42, 70, such methods include using a Cartesian coordinate system, a robotics coordinate system, or the like. Alternatively, mapping methods and coordinate systems utilizing electromagnetic fields can also be utilized to display relative positions of sensors 42,70.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, control unit 20 may be integrated into vehicle 14 as an original equipment manufacturer installed part into the dash, rear view mirror, side mirror, instrument panel, steering wheel, or any location viewable and defined by the user. In this embodiment, control unit 20 can use the display for the vehicle instead of having a separate display 24.

[0042] Additionally, control unit 20 may be completely portable with wireless communications and a portable power source, like a battery. Alternatively, control unit 20 may be hardwired to vehicle hitch sensor and/or trailer hitch sensor 70 in a plurality of combinations. For example, control unit 20 may be hardwired to only one of the sensors, such as vehicle hitch sensor unit 40. Alternatively, control unit 20 may communicate with vehicle hitch sensor 42. Vehicle hitch sensor 42 communicates with, or merely sees and/or senses, trailer hitch sensor 70.

[0043] In another form of the method for displaying the position of sensors 42,70 in the present invention, display 24 may be configured to show the position of trailer hitch sensor 42 as a stationary base point on the display with position of vehicle hitch sensor 70 being dynamic, and vice versa. Furthermore, display screen 24 may be a touch screen communicating with electronic circuit 34. The touch screen provides user select inputs for calibrating, adjusting and setting up components of trailer alignment system 10, such as sensor sensitivity.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment for vehicle hitch sensor unit 40, the vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may be attached to vehicle hitch 16 in a plurality of ways while still keeping within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may be integrated with a C-shaped clamp to attach to neck 48 of vehicle hitch 16. The C-shaped housing frictionally engage neck 48 of vehicle hitch 16. Further, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may attach to vehicle hitch 16 using a magnet, tape, or other adhesive means. Additionally, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may attach below or around vehicle hitch 16 to expose the vehicle hitch to directly couple with trailer hitch 12.

[0045] Further, another embodiment of the present invention provides a single sensor, such as vehicle hitch sensor unit 40, configured for displaying the position of the sensor unit relative to other objects and structures surrounding the sensor. The single sensor set up could use ultrasonic, sonar, radar, or light methods to determine objects and structures surrounding the sensor. For example, a single sensor can be placed on vehicle hitch 16 with the one sensor able to detect surroundings including trailer hitch 12, as well as other objects and structures. Such a sensor could be ultrasonic or light-based to discern surroundings for providing a display on screen 24. Alternatively, a camera may be integrated into vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 with picture displayed on screen 24. In this embodiment, the screen display can be reversed as to help reduce disorientation by the user of the system.

[0046] Vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 also may be integrated directly within vehicle hitch 16. Cavity 44 of vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 may be designed to accommodate a plurality of different vehicle hitch diameters. Recess cavity 44 may be adjustable or flexible to accommodate a plurality of different vehicle hitch diameters. For example, recess cavity 44 may include a plurality of interconnected concentric rings which are movable and interconnected and allow the cavity to accept vehicle hitches 16 of a plurality of diameters securely.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment for clamping means 66 includes a bolt on body 90 with a bolt 92 that may be tightened to secure and clamp trailer hitch sensor unit 60 onto trailer hitch 12, as best illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7b. Body 90 includes an aperture 94 for receiving bolt 92 therethrough. Bolt 92 is then tightened to secure body 90 onto trailer hitch 12. Moreover, an additional bolt 92 may be tightened on an opposite side of body 90 as another embodiment for positioning sensor 70. Trailer hitch sensor unit 60 operates in a similar manner as discussed above. Additionally, in another embodiment for clamping means 66, body 90 may include a magnet that may be releasably positioned at trailer hitch 12.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment for elongate arm 64, the positioning of elongate arm 64 may be accomplished in a plurality of methods to place trailer hitch sensor 70 directly over trailer hitch coupler 76 (as best illustrated in FIG. 5c). One method provides elongate arm 64 as a telescopic arm 96 connected to base 62, as illustrated in FIG. 8a, and thus eliminating the need for opening sleeve 68. The telescopic elongate arm retracts to and from base 62 to position trailer hitch sensor 70 directly over coupler 76. Another method provides elongate arm 64 is a pivoting arm 98 received in base 62 with trailer hitch sensor 70 at the end of the arm to be positioned over trailer hitch 12, as best illustrated in FIG. 8b.

[0049] Additionally, it should be mentioned that the present invention contemplates the application of trailer hitch alignment system 10 with other trailer hitching systems such as pintle hook systems, fifth wheel hitches, or any other coupling device, in addition to ball and socket hitches illustrated in the figures. In the alternative systems, vehicle hitch sensor unit 40 is releasably mounted to the coupling device, which may be a pintle hook or a fifth wheel hitch. Trailer hitch alignment system 10 assists users in aligning these additional types of coupling devices with the hitch of a trailer in the same manner provided above while still keeping within the spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Therefore, the present invention provides an electronic trailer hitch alignment system for assistance in a trailer alignment process. The electronic trailer hitch alignment system includes a control unit with a display, a first sensor attached to a vehicle hitch on a trailer and a second sensor attached to a socket hitch of the trailer hitch. The two sensors communicate with the control unit to display the relative positions of each sensor with respect to each other to provide an aid to a user for aligning a vehicle hitch with the socket hitch of the trailer. Additionally, the present invention provides an electronic trailer hitch alignment system that is wireless and portable and easily integrated onto a vehicle and a trailer. Further, the present invention provides an electronic trailer hitch alignment system with a plurality of indicators of the relative position of the sensors to one another, including a display, a light, a speaker, and the like.

[0051] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0052] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact instruction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modification and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.