Abstract:
A trailer hitch alignment device including a first swivel joint adapted to be secured to a trailer and a height adjustment bar having a first end and a second opposite end wherein the first end is mounted to the first swivel joint and a second swivel joint mounted on the second opposite end of the height adjustment bar. The height adjustment bar supports a switching unit connected to the second swivel joint. The switching unit includes a switch connected between and extending vertically above the switching unit and an adjustable length activation rod extending horizontally forward from the switching unit which is adapted to contact a towing vehicle to activate the switch. A power source is connected to the switch and a stoplight via an electrical circuit such that the adjustable length activation rod contacts a towing vehicle when the vehicle backs up into proper position and moves the activation rod in order to activate the switch and complete the circuit between the stoplight and power source thereby illuminating the stoplight to provide a visual indication to the towing vehicle driver.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates to a trailer hitch alignment device. More particularly, the invention relates to a trailer hitch alignment device employing a stoplight which is actuated when the hitch ball on the vehicle is aligned with the trailer tongue.  
         [0003]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0004]     The use of trailer hitch alignment systems is well known in the prior art and there have been numerous previous attempts in assisting drivers align their vehicle for hitch attachment. Some prior attempts have been quite simple, while others are quite complex. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the prior art hitch alignment systems do not disclose the new and inventive trailer hitch alignment device of the present invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention provides a trailer hitch alignment device including a first swivel joint adapted to be secured to a trailer. The device also includes a height adjustment bar having a first end and a second opposite end, wherein the first end is mounted to the first swivel joint, a second swivel joint is mounted on the second opposite end of the height adjustment bar and a switching unit is connected to the second swivel joint. The switching unit includes a switch connected between a stoplight extending vertically above the switching unit and an adjustable length activation rod extending horizontally from the switching unit adapted to contact a towing vehicle. A power source is connected to the switch and stoplight via an electrical circuit, wherein when the adjustable length activation rod contacts a towing vehicle as it moves to activate the switch and complete the circuit between the stoplight and power source. This illuminates the stoplight to provide a visual indication to the towing vehicle driver.  
         [0006]     It is also an object of the invention to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the length of the height adjustment bar is variable.  
         [0007]     It is a further object of the invention to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the adjustable length activation rod is formed from a pair of telescoping rods which can be locked in place relative to one another.  
         [0008]     Still a further object of the invention is to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the power source is a battery.  
         [0009]     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the stoplight is mounted above the switching unit, approximately at the height of the towing vehicle&#39;s rear window by a hollow light bar.  
         [0010]     Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the switch includes a spring biased lever which moves against the bias when contacted by the adjustable length activation rod.  
         [0011]     Another object of the invention is to provide a trailer hitch alignment device wherein the height adjustment bar, the second swivel joint, the switching unit and power source are removable from the first swivel joint as a single unit for storage when not in use.  
         [0012]     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present trailer hitch alignment device in operation.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a disassembled view of the component parts that make up the present trailer hitch alignment device.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  shows an assembled trailer hitch alignment device in its highest adjusted position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  shows an assembled trailer hitch alignment device in an adjusted height and forward position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  shows an assembled trailer hitch alignment device in an adjusted height and aft position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  shows in a flow chart manner the steps involved with installing and using the trailer hitch alignment device for aiding in hitching up a trailer to a towing vehicle.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0019]     The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.  
         [0020]     With reference to the  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  3 ,  4  and  5 , a trailer hitch alignment device  10  mountable to a trailer  60  is disclosed. Generally, the trailer hitch alignment device  10  includes a stoplight  12  operated by a battery  14 . The stoplight  12  is preferably a high output LED which operates on low voltage. The stoplight  12  is mounted on a hollow light bar  18  so as to be visible through the rear window of a vehicle  50  upon which a hitch ball  55  is mounted. The stoplight  12  is actuated by a switch  21  when the hitch ball  55  on the vehicle  50  is aligned with the hitch ball receiver  63  on the tongue  62  of the trailer  60  and an adjustable length activation rod  25  makes contact with the vehicle  50 .  
         [0021]     The switch  21 , stoplight  12  and adjustable length activation rod  25  form a switching unit  20  that is mounted on a height adjustment bar assembly  30 . The height adjustment bar assembly  30  includes a lower swivel mount  32 , a height adjustment bar  31  and an upper swivel mount  34 .  
         [0022]     More specifically, the height adjustment bar assembly  30  includes a height adjustment bar  31  that may be telescopically adjustable in length or may be simply cut to a desired length. Located at the lower end of the height adjustment bar  31  is a lower swivel mount  32 . The lower swivel mount  32  includes a base  32   b,  a pivotal arm  32   a  and a wing nut assembly  33 . The wing nut assembly  33  secures the base  32   b  to the pivotal arm  32   a  such that the pivotal arm  32   a  can be locked in various orientations with regard to the base  32   b.  The base  32   b  of the lower swivel mount  32  is secured to the tongue  62  of a trailer  60  upon which a boat  70  or other object may be loaded.  
         [0023]     Located at the upper end of the height adjustment bar  31  is an upper swivel mount  34 . The upper swivel mount  34  includes a base  34   b,  a pivotal arm  34   a  and a wing nut assembly  35 . The wing nut assembly  35  secures the base  34   b  to the pivotal arm  34   a  such that the pivotal arm  34   a  can be locked in various orientations with regard to the base  34   b.  The base  34   b  of the upper swivel mount  34  is secured to the switching unit  20 .  
         [0024]     As can be seen in  FIGS. 3, 4  and  5 , the height adjustment bar assembly  30  allows the switching unit  20  to be positioned at various heights, as well as forward and aft positions, with regard to the hitch ball receiver  63  of trailer tongue  62 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the pivotal arms  32   a,    34   a  of the swivel mounts  32 ,  34  are locked at 180 degrees relative to the bases  32   b,    34   b  and provide the maximum height attainable. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the arms  32   a,    34   a  of the swivel mounts  32 ,  34  are locked at 45 degrees relative to the bases  32   b,    34   b  and provide one of the many forward and height positions attainable. With reference to  FIG. 5 , the arms  32   a,    34   a  of the swivel mounts  32 ,  34  are locked at 45 degrees relative to the bases  32   b,    34   b  and provide one of the many aft and height positions attainable.  
         [0025]     As previously discussed, the adjustable height bar assembly  30  is secured to the switching unit  20  via the base  34   b  of the upper swivel mount  34 . The switching unit  20  is formed of a switch  21  located within a housing  23 , a hollow light bar  18  extends vertically upward from the housing  23 , a stoplight  12  located on the upwardly extending light bar  18  and an adjustable length activation rod  25 .  
         [0026]     More specifically, the adjustable length activation rod  25  is formed from an inner telescoping rod  22  and an outer telescoping rod  24  which are secured together by a threaded screw  27 . The adjustable length light activation rod  25  extends horizontally and transversely to the light bar  18 . It has a first end  22   a  which slides within the housing  23  to make contact with, and activate, the switch  21  and a second end  24   b  which includes a soft vehicle contacting object  26 , such as a tennis ball or rubber ball. The telescoping rods  22 ,  24  of the adjustable length activation rod  25  slide apart and together to adjust in length, and are locked in a selected length by a threaded screw  27  traveling through the outer rod  24  into contact with the inner rod  22 . As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, other methods of locking telescopic rods are well known and may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. One such method contemplated is wherein the rods are twisted relative to one another and an eccentric cam located on the inner rod, and within the outer rod, rotates and locks the cam against the inner surface of the outer rod.  
         [0027]     The stoplight  12  located on the light bar  18  is powered by a replaceable battery or batteries  14 , which are stored within the hollow light bar  18  when the switching unit  20  is assembled. Further, wires  16  run through the light bar  18  and connect the switch  21 , the battery  14  and the stoplight  12  to form an open electrical circuit that closes when the switch  21  is activated by the adjustable length activation rod  25 .  
         [0028]     As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, the switch  21  may take a variety of forms. However, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the switch  21  includes a lever  29  which is spring biased in an open position and is closed when the adjustable length activation rod  25  moves horizontally and contacts the lever  29  to overcome the bias of the spring  28 .  
         [0029]     As will be appreciated based upon the following discussion, the present trailer hitch alignment device  10  is highly adjustable for accommodating various vehicle sizes and trailers. In particular, the height adjustment bar assembly  30  includes two pivot points linking the height bar  31  to the switching unit  20 . As such, the trailer hitch alignment device  10  may be pivoted in a variety of orientations allowing for proper calibration of the device  10  as discussed herein in greater detail.  
         [0030]     The various components forming the trailer hitch alignment device  10  are made from non-corrosive materials, such a plastic and aluminum.  
         [0031]     In practice, the present trailer hitch alignment device  10  is mounted and calibrated upon the trailer tongue  62  for a particular vehicle  50  in the following manner. First, the center of the rear glass of a vehicle  50  or the center of the tailgate on a pick-up truck is identified and a center marker  56  is positioned thereon. The center marker  56  may simply be a removable sticker. The trailer  60  is then mounted upon the hitch ball  55  of the vehicle  50  and the hitch ball receiver  63  of the trailer tongue  62  is raised one inch above the hitch ball  55 .  
         [0032]     Thereafter, the trailer hitch alignment device  10  is oriented such that the stoplight  12  is clearly visible from within the vehicle  60  and the adjustable length activation rod  25  is adjusted to extend and touch the back of the vehicle  50  with the activation rod  25  being level and activating the switch  21 . Those skilled in the art will understand that, depending upon the trailer height, the height adjustment bar assembly  30  may need to be pivoted via the upper and lower swivel mounts  32 ,  34  so as to properly orient the switching unit  20  to accommodate different vehicle heights. Once the activation rod  25  is level and activating the switch  21 , the stoplight  12  on and clearly visible, holes within the base  32   b  are marked on the trailer tongue  62 . The holes are then drilled and the lower swivel base  32   b  is rigidly coupled to the trailer tongue  62  via various fasteners, such as weather resistant screws or bolts. Now the device is ready for use.  
         [0033]     Once the trailer hitch alignment device  10  is properly secured to the trailer tongue  62  and the adjustable length activation rod  25  is properly adjusted to activate the switch  21  when contact is made with the vehicle  50 , one may readily bring the vehicle  50  into proper orientation for mounting the hitch ball receiver  63  of the trailer tongue  62  upon hitch ball  55 . In particular, the vehicle  50  is pulled forward of the trailer tongue  62  and backed up, slowly aligning the center marker  56  with the stoplight  12  or the light bar  18 . The driver will continue moving backward until the stoplight  12  at the top of the light bar  18  comes on. This indicates the rear of the vehicle  50  has contacted the soft object  26  at the second end  24   b  of the activation rod  25 , moving the light activation rod  25  horizontally into contact with and overcoming the spring bias of the switch  21 .  
         [0034]     When this movement occurs, the switch  21  is actuated to activate the stoplight  12 . This will indicate that the hitch ball  55  and the hitch ball receiver  63  of the trailer tongue  62  are aligned. Thereafter, the driver places the vehicle  50  in park and lowers the hitch ball receiver  63  of the trailer tongue  62  upon the hitch ball  55 . Before the trailer  60  can be towed, the hitch ball receiver  63  is locked in place on the hitch ball  55 , safety chains  58  are attached and the adjustable length activation rod  25  is telescopically shortened so that it is no longer in contact with the vehicle.  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the installation steps and operation of the trailer hitch alignment device  10  are illustrated and described in a flow chart manner. Step  1 , find the center of the rear window  51  or tailgate as long as it is visible through the rear window and install a center marker sticker  56  thereon (the center of the window should align with the center of the hitch ball.). Step  2 , hitch up the trailer  60  to the towing vehicle&#39;s hitch ball  55  and then raise the trailer tongue  62  such that the hitch ball receiver  63  is about 1 inch above the hitch ball  55 . Step  3 , remove the trailer hitch alignment device  10  from the packaging and assemble to form a complete unit as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thereafter, depending upon the trailer height, the height bar  31  and swivels  32 ,  34  are adjusted to assure that the activation rod  25  contacts the towing vehicle at a desired center line  52  location and that the stoplight  12  is visible through the rear window  51 . Step  4 , level the activation rod  25  and adjust the unit fore and aft so that the end  26  of the activation rod  25  contacts the towing vehicle. Step  5 , mark and drill four mounting holes into the trailer tongue  62  assuring the stoplight is visible through the rear window  51  and that the end  26  of the activation rod  25  is in contact with the center line  52  on the towing vehicle and secure the swivel  32  via screws to the tongue  62 . Step  6 , set up the trailer hitch alignment unit after launching a boat off the trailer by pulling back on the rear half or inner telescoping rod  22  of the activation rod  25  to illuminate the stoplight  12  while moving the front half or outer telescoping rod  24  forward into contact with the towing vehicle  50  and locking the front and rear rods together. Thereafter, the vehicle is pulled forward and the stoplight  12  will go out. Step  7 , to use the device  10  for hitching a trailer to the vehicle, pull the vehicle forward of the trailer and back up slowly aligning the center sticker marker  56  up with the stoplight  12  and until the stoplight  12  illuminates. The hitch ball  55  and the hitch ball receiver  63  are now aligned. Step  8 , lift the trailer hitch alignment device  10  from the swivel  32  and store it in the vehicle, then lower the hitch receiver  63  onto the hitch ball  55  and operate the latch  64  to lock trailer to vehicle.  
         [0036]     While various preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.