Patent ID: 6259170
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
An electrical trailer plug device for connecting a trailer electrical system to a tow vehicle electrical system; the trailer plug device comprising:an electrical connector configured to connect a vehicle electrical system current path to a trailer electrical system current path, the connected current paths completing an electrical circuit for supplying electricity from the vehicle electrical system to one or more trailer lamps connected to the trailer electrical system;a current protection device connected in the circuit and configured to limit current in the circuit to no greater than a predetermined value;a first sensor light connected to the circuit; anda combination of circuit elements connected in the circuit and configured to illuminate the first sensor light when current is flowing in the circuit but has not exceeded the predetermined value;the first sensor light including two leads, one lead being connected to the current path at a point between the connector and the circuit protection device and the other lead being connected to the input of a transistor;the output of the transistor connected to ground;the base of the transistor connected to the current path between the circuit protection device and the trailer electrical system;the second sensor light including two leads, one lead being connected to the current path at a point between the circuit protection device and the trailer electrical system and the other lead being connected to the current path at a point between the connector and the circuit protection device; andthe transistor being configured to turn on when the circuit protection device is closed and current is flowing in the current path.