Abstract:
Systems and methods for aligning trailer hitches are provided. A method for aligning a tow vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver to a trailer having a hitch pin compatible for use with the trailer hitch receiver comprises mounting an alignment device to the tow vehicle; observing the alignment of a mast section of the alignment device with the hitch pin; visually aligning the mast section of the alignment device with the hitch pin; and adjusting the relative position of the tow vehicle with respect to the trailer while backing the tow vehicle towards the trailer to keep the mast section aligned with the hitch pin.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/138,839, filed May 26, 2005 entitled “HITCH ALIGNMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS” (the &#39;839 application). The &#39;839 application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The following description relates generally to trailer hitches and more specifically to systems and methods for aligning tow vehicles with trailers.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     The coupling of a tow vehicle to a towed unit is frequently accomplished through the use of hitch known as a fifth wheel hitch system (hitch system). The first part of the hitch system consists of a steel receiver assembly that is mounted in the back of an open bed truck such as a pickup truck. This portion of the hitch assembly is generally removable from the truck bed and consists of a slotted plate assembly on pivot and rotating sub assemblies. The second part of the hitch system is at the front of the towed unit (trailer) and is usually an integral portion of the towed unit frame; this portion of the hitch system comprises a steel peg that slips into the slotted receiver on the truck. This type of hitch system is commonly used in the joining of a pickup truck to a recreational or farm type trailer.  
         [0004]     The use of this hitch system requires backing the truck towards the trailer with a reasonable degree of lateral accuracy so that the steel peg will slip into the slot on the receiver. One of the problems inherent in this system is that many farm and recreational users do not posses the physical skill or attributes to consistently accomplish the mating of these two components of the hitch system. To aid in the backing of the truck to the trailer, trailer hitch manufacturers often apply a decal of an arrow to the backside of the truck&#39;s portion of the hitch to aid the driver to properly align the truck to the trailer unit. This decal is meant to be seen through the rear view window of the truck and act as a visual guide to aid the driver in aligning the truck to the trailer in a reasonably accurate manner.  
         [0005]     The problem with the manufactures&#39; decal is that while a driver attempts to align the truck to the trailer, the driver can only see the decal in the overhead rear view mirror or by looking directly out of the back window of the truck. To accomplish the latter, the driver must physically turn in the seat. The placement of the decal on the backside vertical portion of the tow vehicle hitch makes it difficult for a person of short stature to see in the overhead rear view mirror without either rising up in the seat or sitting on a bolster. Physically turning in the seat to observe the location of the decal generally makes it difficult for a person of any stature to safely back the truck into place. Additionally, when cargo is placed between the truck&#39;s portion of the hitch and the rear view window the decal becomes more difficult or impossible to see regardless of the driver&#39;s physical stature. Because the decals are generally made of paper, they tend to fade, wear out, or become torn which causes them to diminish in usability. It was because of these limitations in the manufactures&#39; truck/trailer alignment system that the present invention was first conceived.  
         [0006]     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for aligning hitch systems.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     The Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for trailer hitch alignment, and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment, a device to aid the aligning and coupling of a tow vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver, to a trailer having a hitch pin compatible for use with the trailer hitch receiver, is provided. The device comprises a positionable base section, and a mast section having an aligning end and a mounting end. The mounting end is secured to the positionable base section. The positionable base section is adapted to support the aligning end in a viewable position when the device is positioned on the tow vehicle.  
         [0009]     In another embodiment, a method for aligning a tow vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver, to a trailer having a hitch pin compatible for use with the trailer hitch receiver is provided. The method comprises mounting an alignment device to the tow vehicle, observing the alignment of a mast section of the alignment device with the hitch pin, visually aligning the mast section of the alignment device with the hitch pin, and adjusting the relative position of the tow vehicle with respect to the trailer while backing the tow vehicle towards the trailer to keep the mast section aligned with the hitch pin.  
         [0010]     In yet another embodiment, a tow vehicle adapted to be coupled with a trailer is provided. The vehicle comprises means for coupling the tow vehicle to the trailer; means for visually aligning the means for coupling the tow vehicle to the trailer with a means for coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle, wherein the means for visually aligning includes an aligning end and a mounting end; and means for securing the mounting end of the means for visually aligning, wherein the means for securing is adapted to support the aligning end of the means for visually aligning in a position viewable from the rear view mirror of the tow vehicle. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
       [0011]     The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent when considered in view of the detailed description and the following figures in which:  
         [0012]      FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  1 C are top view diagrams illustrating the alignment of a tow vehicle with trailer using one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIGS. 2A, 2B ,  2 C and  2 D illustrate alignment devices of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an alternative base section of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrates alternate embodiments of an alignment device of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0017]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate alternative mast sections of embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
       [0018]     In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0019]     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.  
         [0020]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , embodiments of the present invention assist the driver  105  of a tow vehicle  100  (such as a truck or other vehicle typically utilized for towing) having a fifth wheel hitch receiver  110  to accurately guide tow vehicle  100  towards a trailer  120  having a fifth wheel pin assembly (pin)  150  so that the two units may be coupled.  
         [0021]     Illustrated in  FIG. 2A , embodiments of the present invention include an alignment device  200  which is adapted to project above a receiving plate surface  113  of a hitch receiver  110  so as to be readily seen from the rear view mirror  104  of a tow vehicle regardless of whether cargo is carried in the tow vehicle&#39;s cargo bed. Alignment device  200  is advantageous over the existing art because it is easily seen in the rear view mirror by most drivers, regardless of the physical stature of the driver, is highly visible against a variety of backgrounds, is resistant to weather, and is moveable. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention do not require drilling or other modification to hitch receiver  110 , tow vehicle  100 , pin  150 , or trailer  120 . In one embodiment, alignment device  200  comprises base section  220  and mast section  230 . Mast section  230  comprises a wand which is supported in place (above receiving plate surface  113  so as to be viewable from rear view mirror  104 ) by base section  220 . Base section  220  is adapted to hold mast section  230  in place, and in a viewable position, when attached either to the floor of cargo bed  102  of a tow vehicle  100  or to hitch receiver  110 .  
         [0022]      FIGS. 2B, 2C  and  2 D illustrate three separate examples for constructing a mast section  230 . In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2B , a mast section  230 ′ comprises a cylindrical mold cast member  210  made of a plastic, plastic like resins, or similar material. In one embodiment, the mounting end  214  of mast section  230 ′ has a pilot hole  213  either formed or drilled into member  210  to facilitate the use of a screw for assembly with base section  220 . In other embodiments, members  210 ′ and  210 ″ comprise the elements of member  210  wherein aligning ends  212 ′ and  212 ″ of mast section  210 ′ and  210 ″ are adapted to shed water. Aligning end  212 ′ of member  210 ′ is angled to allow water to shed. In embodiment, aligning end  212 ″ of member  210 ″ is rounded to shed water. The exact length and diameter of member  210  and pilot hole  213  is readily determined by one skilled in the art based on the requirements of the specific application. In one embodiment, member  210  is a mold cast member of approximately ⅜″ (0.375″) to ½″ (0.50″) in diameter. In one embodiment, pilot hole  213  is approximately 9/64″ (0.141″) in diameter and 1″ deep. The axis of pilot hole  213  aligns with the axis of member  210  to facilitate mounting with base section  220 . In one embodiment, member  210  is cast with a plastic material colored to increase visibility when seen against various backgrounds. In one embodiment, member  210  is painted, colored, or otherwise marked in such a way that it is readily discernable when viewed against various backgrounds, such as, but not limited to, the pin  150  area of trailer  120 , plants, campgrounds, parking lots, loading docks, and buildings.  
         [0023]     In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2C , a mast section  230 ″ comprises a shaft member  231  adapted with an aligning end cap  232  and a mounting end cap  233  respectively affixed to an aligning end  234  and mounting end  235  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, shaft member  231  comprises a length of commercially available Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride (CPVC) water line material. In one embodiment, the aligning end cap  232  comprises a commercially available PVC or CPVC rounded end cap. In one embodiment, mounting end cap  233  comprises a commercially manufactured PVC or CPVC flat end cap. In one embodiment, mounting end cap  233  is drilled to form a pilot hole  236  to facilitate the use of a screw, a nut and bolt, or similar fastener for assembly with base section  220 .  
         [0024]     As discussed above, the exact length and diameter of shaft member  231  and pilot hole  236  is readily determined by one skilled in the based on the requirements of the specific application. In one embodiment, shaft member  231  is ½″ nominal diameter PVC or CPVC water line material, and aligning end cap  232  and mounting end cap  233  are comprised of a ½″ nominal PVC or CPVC rounded end cap and a ½″ nominal PVC or CPVC flat end cap, respectively. In one embodiment, pilot hole  236  has a diameter of 9/64″ (0.141″). In one embodiment, aligning end cap  232  and mounting end cap  233  are affixed to shaft member  231  using an adhesive such as, but not limited to, commercially available PVC and CPVC cement. In one embodiment, mast section  230  is painted, colored, or otherwise marked in such a way that it is readily discernable when viewed against various backgrounds, such as, but not limited to, the pin  150  area of trailer  120 , plants, campgrounds, parking lots, loading docks, and buildings.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2D , mast section  230 ″′ comprises shaft member  231  adapted with an aligning end cap  252  and a mounting end cap  253  respectively affixed to an aligning end  234  and mounting end  235  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment one or both of aligning end cap  252  and mounting end cap  253  comprise solid mold cast members made of plastic, plastic like resins, or similar material. In one embodiment, aligning end cap  252  further comprises an inserting end  254  adapted to be inserted into the aligning end  234  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, inserting end  254  is shouldered in to a diameter of approximately 1/32″ (0.03″) less than the inside diameter of shaft member  231  so that it can be inserted into the aligning end  234  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, aligning end cap  252  further comprises a visible end  255  having a diameter greater than or equal to the outside diameter of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, to enhance the overall visual appeal of mast section  230 , visible end  255  is cast with a diameter that matches the outer diameter of shaft member  231 . Aligning end caps  252 ′ and  252 ″ comprise the elements of aligning cap  252  wherein aligning end caps  252 ′ and  252 ″ are adapted to shed water. In one embodiment, visible end  255 ′ of end cap  252 ′ is angled to allow water to shed. In one embodiment, visible end  255 ″ of end cap  252 ″ is rounded to shed water.  
         [0026]     In one embodiment, mounting end cap  253  further comprises an inserting end  256  adapted to be inserted into the mounting end  235  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, mounting end cap  253  is adapted to be inserted into the mounting end  235  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, inserting end  256  is shouldered in to a diameter of approximately 1/32″ (0.03″) less than the inside diameter of shaft member  231  so that it can be inserted into the aligning end  234  of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, mounting end cap  253  further comprises a visible end  257  having a diameter greater than or equal to the outside diameter of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, to enhance the overall visual appeal of mast section  230 ″′, visible end  257  is cast with a diameter that matches the outer diameter of shaft member  231 . In one embodiment, mounting end cap  253  is formed with a flat bottom surface  258  and pilot hole  259  either formed or drilled through the solid material to facilitate fastening with base section  220 . In one embodiment, pilot hole  259  is 9/64″ (0.141″) in diameter. In one embodiment, aligning end cap  252  and mounting end cap  253  are affixed to shaft member  231  using an adhesive such as, but not limited to, commercially available contact cement or other suitable glue. In one embodiment, mast section  230 ″′ is painted, colored, or otherwise marked in such a way that it is readily discernable when viewed against various backgrounds, such as, but not limited to, the pin  150  area of trailer  120 , trees, campgrounds, parking lots, loading docks, and buildings.  
         [0027]     Utilization of PVC or CPVC plastic water line material to construct shaft member  231  (as described in  FIGS. 2B and 2C ) makes the manufacture of various lengths for mast section  230  more economically feasible than the totally cast option provided in  FIG. 2A . Additionally, PVC and CPVC are inherently light color and have favorable weather resistant properties. The use of solid mold cast end caps, such as aligning end cap  252  and mounting end cap  253 , streamline the overall appearance of alignment device  200 , making it more attractive to potential purchasers. The choice of using CPVC or PVC in the manufacture of the shaft member  231  depends upon the specific length of mast section  230  to be manufactured. Standard CPVC water pipe material has an outside diameter of approximately ⅝″ (0.625″) and is better suited for use for a shorter length mast section  230  while PVC water pipe material has an standard outside diameter of approximately 27/32″ (0.835″) and is better suited for use for a longer mast section  230 .  
         [0028]     It is foreseen by the inventor that alignment device  200  will be manufactured with several lengths of mast section  230  available, or alternately with an adjustable length mast section  230 . The choice of the exact lengths and method of manufacture is a market driven decision. A user will have the option of purchasing an alignment device  200  with the best mast section  230  length to suit the user&#39;s specific needs and applications. The size and locations of cargo carried in cargo bed  102 , the distance from the hitch receiver  110  to rear window  103  of tow vehicle  100 , and the skill of driver  105  are factors that a purchaser will need to consider prior to purchasing an alignment device  200  of a particular height.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3A  illustrates one embodiment  300  of a base section  220  as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . As discussed above, base section  220  functions to provide physical support to maintain mast section  230  in a position viewable from the overhead rear view mirror  104  of tow vehicle  100  while securing alignment device  200  to either cargo bed  102  or hitch receiver  110  of tow vehicle  100 . In one embodiment, a base section  320  comprises a flat platform  310  adapted to secure to a mast section  330 . In one embodiment, mast section  330  is secured to the top side  312  of platform  310  through an adhesive such as, but not limited to, a glue, contact cement, an epoxy adhesive, or similar bonding agent. In one embodiment, mast section  330  is secured to the top side  312  of platform  310  by a fastener  315  such as, but not limited to, a screw, a nut and bolt, a pin, a threaded stud, or similar fastening mechanism. In one embodiment, platform  310  is adapted with a recessed pilot hole  313  to facilitate mounting platform  310  to a mast section  330  using fastener  315 . In one embodiment, fastener  315  is a screw inserted into pilot hole  313  and mast section  330  pilot hole  335  (such as pilot holes  213 ,  236  and  259 ) and tightened to secure base section  320  to mast section  330 .  
         [0030]     In one embodiment, platform  310  comprises a magnetic material having sufficient magnetic strength to hold mast section  330  in a viewable position while securing alignment device  200  to either cargo bed  102  or hitch receiver  110  of tow vehicle  100  while tow vehicle  100  is in motion. The advantage of using a magnet to hold alignment device  200  in place is that a magnet allows the device to be fitted to most all fifth wheel hitch assemblies or tow vehicles without the use of tools or adhesives. A user can position alignment device  200  without physically modifying tow vehicle  100  or hitch receiver  110 . A magnetic platform  310  assures that an alignment device  300  can be placed where it will best suit the needs of the user. A magnetic platform  310  allows the user to quickly remove alignment device  300  from tow vehicle  100  when it is not needed and to move it from vehicle to vehicle. Further, if alignment device  300  is dislodged from hitch receiver  110  at any time during the hitching operation or during transport, the magnetic platform  310  will engage steel parts of the hitch assembly or truck bed so that alignment device  300  will not be lost. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art upon reading this specification, the selection of magnetic material for use in constructing base section  320  is a function of the mass and height of mast section  330  and is readily determined by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation. In one embodiment, base section  320  comprises a flat disk shaped magnetic, part number 07216 manufactured by Master Magnetics Incorporated of Castle Rock, Colo., or similar product.  
         [0031]      FIG. 3B  illustrates one embodiment  305  of an alternate base section  340 , integrating a magnetic material  343  directly into a solid mold cast mounting end cap  350 . End cap  350  comprises an inserting end  356  adapted to be inserted into mounting end  335  of a shaft member  331  (such as shaft member  231  described in  FIG. 2C ). In one embodiment, mounting end cap  350  further comprises an impression  352  to facilitate the insertion of magnetic material  343 . In one embodiment, end cap  350  is a molded solid material and impression  352  is a circular impression approximately 19/32″ (0.59″) in diameter and ⅛″ deep formed into the solid material. In one embodiment, magnetic material  343  is placed into circular impression  352  so that approximately 1/16″ of the magnet protruding from base section  340 . In one embodiment, magnetic material  343  is secured in place by an adhesive such as contact cement, glue, or similar produce.  
         [0032]      FIG. 4A  illustrates one embodiment of an alternate alignment device  400  having a magnetic base section  420  comprising an angular adapter  425  adapted to secure mast section  430  to base section  420  at an angular orientation to base section  420 , as illustrated generally by alternate mast section angular orientations  430 - 0 ,  430 - 1 ,  430 - 2 ,  430 - 3  and  430 - 4 . In one embodiment, angular adapter  425  is adapted to allow for an adjustable angular orientation of mast section  430 . In one embodiment, angular adapter  425  is adapted to allow mast section  430  to be angularly adjusted anywhere between +90 degrees (e.g. angular orientation  430 - 1 ) and −90 degrees (e.g. angular orientation  430 - 1 ). By providing for alternate mast section angular orientations, an alignment device  400  may be secured to receiving plate surface  113  of hitch receiver  110 , as illustrated by alignment device  200  in  FIGS. 1C and 2A . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , alignment device  400  may be secured to the back vertical portion  114  of hitch receiver  110  in order to hold mast section  430  in a viewable position.  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method  500  of one embodiment for aligning a hitch receiver and pin using an alignment device of the present invention as illustrated in  FIG. 1C . Embodiments of the present invention enable the driver to maneuver the tow vehicle to the precise location where the hitch receiver will mate with the fifth wheel pin assembly. Alignment device  200  is designed to be seen in the overhead rear view mirror  104  of tow vehicle  100  and act as a visual cue to the driver  105  while backing tow vehicle  100  towards trailer  120 . By visually aligning mast section  230  with pin  150  (indicated by line-of-site  180 ), driver  105  can make adjustments to the relationship of tow vehicle  100  to trailer  120  and thereby more easily arrive at the precise location where the hitch receiver  110  will mate with pin  150 . Method  500  first comprises mounting an alignment device onto a tow vehicle ( 510 ). In one embodiment, alignment device  200  is mounted on the tow vehicle cab  103  side of hitch receiver  110 , approximately centered between the driver&#39;s side  111  and passenger side  112  of hitch receiver  110  (shown generally at  190 ). In one embodiment, alignment device  200  is mounted on the surface of cargo bed  102  between the tow vehicle cab  103  and hitch receiver  110  and approximately centered between the driver&#39;s side  107  and passenger side  106  of tow vehicle  100  (shown generally at  192 ). The exact position for placement of the device in relationship to the hitch receiver or tow vehicle can be readily determined by the user upon reading this specification. Method  500  continues with the driver of the tow vehicle looking into the rear view mirror ( 520 ) and aligning the mast section of the alignment device with the trailer pin ( 530 ) while backing the tow vehicle towards the trailer ( 540 ). The mast section acts to provide a visual cue to the driver while backing the tow vehicle towards the trailer. While visually aligning the mast section with the trailer pin through the rear view mirror, the driver adjusts the relative position of the tow vehicle with respect to the trailer, backing the tow vehicle towards the trailer until the tow vehicle hitch receiver mates with the trailer pin ( 550 ). Embodiments of the present invention enable the driver to maneuver the tow vehicle to the precise location where the hitch receiver will mate with the fifth wheel pin assembly.  
         [0034]     Although examples of embodiments presented in this specification included cylindrical mast sections, and mast sections constructed from commercially available PVC or CPVC waterline and waterline fittings material, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the material or the cylindrical shape described by these examples. In other embodiments, an alignment device may comprise a mast section manufactured from one or more alternate materials including, but not limited to, plastics, woods, metals, and composite material. In other embodiments, an alignment device may comprise a mast section having a shape including, but not limited to a triangular, square, semi-cylindrical, or other poly-sided or curved shape. As illustrated in  FIG. 6A , in one embodiment, and alignment device  600  may comprise an offset mast section  630 . In one embodiment, the offset mast section  630  is secured to a base section  620  by an angular adapter  625 . Further, as previously discussed, the choice of the exact length for a mast section may be based on the user&#39;s specific needs. This application is also intended to cover a mast section having adjustable lengths to aid a user in placing the mast section in a viewable position. As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , in one embodiment, a mast section  650  comprises a plurality of telescoping sections (e.g. sections  651 - 1 ,  651 - 2 ,  651 - 3 ) which allow a user to adjust the overall length of mast section  650 .  
         [0035]     Additionally, although example embodiments presented in this specification focused on tow vehicles adapted with fifth-wheel hitch system, embodiments are not limited to fifth-wheel hitch systems but include other embodiments where the operator of a tow vehicle must visually align a tow vehicle mounted hitch with a trailer mounted hitch pin in order to couple the trailer to the tow vehicle.  
         [0036]     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.