Patent ID: 6218952
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
A trailer light monitoring apparatus for monitoring the function of safety signal lights on a trailer during use of the trailer with a vehicle, said safety signal lights and the electrical system of said vehicle being directly connected by a two-part connector during normal use, said apparatus comprising:a monitoring apparatus with at least one monitoring circuit which can instantaneously detect variations beyond predefined parameters in at least one light circuit of a trailer during combined operation of the trailer with a vehicle;said monitoring apparatus having a one-piece connector insertable between the two parts of said two-part connector to connect said at least one monitoring circuit to the at least one safety signal light circuit of the trailer and the vehicle electrical system;said monitoring apparatus connecting into both the at least one safety signal light circuit of the trailer and the vehicle electrical system to form a connection therebetween, and wherein the signal light circuit and the vehicle electrical system can operate directly connected to each other or with said monitoring apparatus connected therebetween; andsaid monitoring apparatus has at least one indicator operatively connected to the at least one monitoring circuit and positioned for observation by the vehicle operator during combined vehicle and trailer operation, whereby said at least one indicator, upon receipt of a signal from said at least one monitoring circuit that the at least one electrical signal light circuit of the trailer has varied beyond certain predefined parameters, warns the operator of the vehicle.