Patent ID: 8590918
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for changing an angular orientation of a trailer relative to a tow vehicle without moving the tow vehicle, the trailer having at least one axle and a center point defined by the at least one axle, said apparatus comprising: a base; a pivot pin connected to said base; a carriage plate operatively connected to said pivot pin, said carriage plate rotatable about said pivot pin in a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; a hitch connected to said carriage plate at a selected distance from said pivot pin, said hitch connectable to one of the tow vehicle and the trailer, said hitch moveable to a first position with a first distance between said pivot pin and the center point of the at least one axle of the trailer, said hitch moveable to a second position with a second distance between said pivot pin and the center point of the at least one axle of the trailer, said second distance being greater than said first distance, said hitch moveable in a first lateral direction to change the angle between said pivot pin and the center point of the at least one axle of the trailer while moving from said first position to said second position, said hitch moveable in a second lateral direction opposite to said first lateral direction to change the angle between said pivot pin and the center point of the at least one axle of the trailer while moving from said second position to said first position; and a motor operatively connected to said carriage plate to drive said carriage plate in said clockwise direction and said counterclockwise direction to move said hitch in a circuit from said first position to said second position and back to said first position.