Self-aligning hitch assembly

Details Self-aligning hitch assembly Self-aligning hitch assembly

2006-02-28

2006-02-28

Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3611)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Articulated vehicle

C280S515000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07004488

ABSTRACT:
Apparatus and methods for hitching and unhitching of trailers or other towed devices are disclosed. The hitch assemblies may include alignment features to correct for errors in alignment of the hitch and trailer tongue during the hitching process. The hitch assemblies may compensate for vertical as well as horizontal misalignment. In addition, the hitch assemblies may include automated capture and release of the tongue on the hitch. The hitch assemblies may also disengage integral braking systems that are present on the trailer during the hitching process and re-engage the brakes after unhitching. All of these operations may be accomplished without requiring the driver of the towing vehicle to leave the driving position.

REFERENCES:
patent: 2048310 (1936-07-01), Wohldorf
patent: 2826432 (1958-03-01), Clever
patent: 3744819 (1973-07-01), Cook et al.
patent: 3783982 (1974-01-01), Wells
patent: 3892296 (1975-07-01), DePuydt et al.
patent: 4131295 (1978-12-01), Highberger
patent: 4225149 (1980-09-01), Koopman
patent: 4350362 (1982-09-01), Landers
patent: 4417748 (1983-11-01), Dortch
patent: 4792151 (1988-12-01), Feld
patent: 4844497 (1989-07-01), Allen
patent: 4871185 (1989-10-01), Chakroff et al.
patent: 4953883 (1990-09-01), Helie
patent: 4998745 (1991-03-01), David
patent: 5080386 (1992-01-01), Lazar
patent: 5114170 (1992-05-01), Lanni et al.
patent: 5161815 (1992-11-01), Penor, Jr.
patent: 5193838 (1993-03-01), Olson
patent: 5236215 (1993-08-01), Wylie
patent: 5503422 (1996-04-01), Austin
patent: 5516139 (1996-05-01), Woods
patent: 5529330 (1996-06-01), Roman
patent: 5758893 (1998-06-01), Schultz
patent: 5769443 (1998-06-01), Muzny
patent: 5769559 (1998-06-01), Olson
patent: 5797616 (1998-08-01), Clement
patent: 5909892 (1999-06-01), Richardson
patent: 5927742 (1999-07-01), Draper
patent: 5941551 (1999-08-01), Harman et al.
patent: 5997025 (1999-12-01), Wisecarver
patent: 6027134 (2000-02-01), Hart et al.
patent: 6164681 (2000-12-01), Grammer
patent: 6224084 (2001-05-01), Ray et al.
patent: 6234510 (2001-05-01), Hammons
patent: 6264228 (2001-07-01), Westervelt
patent: 6328326 (2001-12-01), Slatten
patent: 6428030 (2002-08-01), Melesko et al.
patent: 6446999 (2002-09-01), Davis, Jr.
patent: 6494477 (2002-12-01), Parker

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Self-aligning hitch assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Self-aligning hitch assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Self-aligning hitch assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3691104