Land vehicles – Wheeled – Articulated vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-17
2001-07-03
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Articulated vehicle
C280S507000, C280S455100, C293S117000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254118
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices for reducing occurrences of over-articulation of a trailer attached to a towing vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When operating a towing vehicle and a trailer the possibility of the trailer jackknifing exists. Jackknifing is an uncontrollable over-articulation between the towing vehicle and the trailer and can often cause damage to the trailer tongue and/or towing vehicle. Jackknifing often occurs when backing the trailer or when operating the vehicle/trailer combination on a slippery road surface, among other situations. Various anti-jackknifing devices have been previously proposed. However, many of these devices are provided for use with semi-trailers, and not for trailers and towing vehicles having a hitch and detachable coupler (such as a hitchball). Many of the anti-jackknifing devices that have been provided for trailers having a detachable coupler are relatively complex and require added attachments to the towing vehicle.
A long felt need exists for a jackknife prevention device that can be used with a trailer having a hitch ball connector and is relatively simple in design and construction.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention provides a device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. One embodiment of the preferred device includes a connection member and a contact portion affixed to and extending outwardly from the connection member. The connection member includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions so that the device can be secured to the tongue of the trailer. The contact portion includes a middle portion having opposite ends, a pair of end portions affixed to the opposite ends of the middle portion, and a pair of shock absorbing members each affixed to an outer surface of the end portions. The end portions each have an upper portion that is bent inwardly.
The present invention also provides a method of preventing contact of a trailer tongue with a rear portion of a towing vehicle. The preferred method includes the steps of affixing a body to the trailer tongue, wherein the body extends outwardly of the tongue, articulating the trailer tongue with respect to the rear portion of the towing vehicle, and contacting the body with the rear portion of the towing vehicle.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a trailer and towing vehicle in combination. The trailer has a tongue with a body affixed thereto. The body extends outwardly of the tongue.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle that includes a bracket and a pair of opposed shock absorbing members affixed to and extending outwardly from the bracket. The bracket includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions for connecting the device to a trailer tongue.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
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Berman Rod S.
Draper Deanna
Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro LLP
Johnson Brian L.
U-Haul International Inc.
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