Abstract:
A scale including a frame configured to mount a caravan or trailer at a very similar height and location as a trailer hitch, to provide the trailer with weighing geometry similar to real towing conditions. There is also described a scale which mounts on a prime mover hitch, having a weighing station adjacent the hitch, disposed at the same level as the hitch. Also, there is described a tow ball load scale including: a frame including: a mount for mounting the frame to a coupler, towball or hitch of a prime mover; a towball or coupler receiver spaced along the frame from the mount, the towball or coupler mount being configured to cooperate with a trailer coupler for measuring a vertical towball load, and further including one or more load cells disposed thereon. There is also described a method of measuring a trailer towball downforce, the method including the steps of: receiving downforce load cell signal data relating to towball load in a computer processor from a towball or coupler receiver; using the downforce load cell signal data in a fit function saved in the computer processor to output a calculated trailer downforce load data; comparing the calculated trailer downforce load data with threshold load data to produce a safety data signal; sending the safety data signal and/or calculated trailer downforce data to a mobile device, or selecting a lamp or alert actuation signal and sending to a selected lamp or loudspeaker mounted on the frame, based on the safety data signal.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for aligning a vehicle and a trailer. The system includes a guide coupled to a tow hitch of the vehicle, a plurality of sensors disposed along the guide, and an electronic control unit (ECU). The guide includes a first arm extending from a hinge and a second arm extending from the hinge. The first arm and the second arm are configured to provide a space therebetween to receive a tongue of the trailer. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect sensor data indicative of an alignment between the vehicle and the trailer. The ECU is configured to receive the sensor data, determine a position of the tongue relative to the first arm and the second arm, and transmit the determination to the vehicle.
Abstract:
A vehicle hitch assistance system includes first and second cameras on an exterior of the vehicle and an image processor. The image processor is programmed to identify an object in image data received from the first and second cameras and determine a height and a position of the object using the image data. The system further includes a controller outputting a steering command to a vehicle steering system to selectively guide the vehicle away from or into alignment with the object.
Abstract:
An alignment assembly that automatically aligns the inverted ball socket on a trailer tongue and temporarily raises the ball socket over a ball mounted on the end of the towing vehicle as the towing vehicle is being backed up. The assembly includes a tongue mount attached to the front edge of the ball socket on a trailer. The tongue mount includes a vertical, transversely aligned front plate in front of the ball socket. Selectively attached to the front plate is a vertical sliding transverse plate that attaches to a forward extending, diagonally aligned guide tunnel. The guide tunnel includes a wide front opening and narrow rear opening that terminates directly in front of the ball socket. During use, the ball travels rearward into the guide funnel which creates a lifting force on the guide funnel. Upward force on the guide funnel causes the trailer tongue to lift. When the ball clears the guide tunnel, the ball socket falls and is aligned with the ball.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for assisting in coupling a vehicle and a trailer include at least one sensing device disposed on the vehicle. A first coupling is coupled the vehicle and a second coupling is coupled to the trailer. A controller in communication with the at least one sensing device is configured to identify a spatial location of the first coupling. The controller is also configured to determine a spatial location of the second coupling using data from the at least one sensing device. The controller may also calculate a path between the spatial location of the first coupling and the spatial location of the second coupling and convey the path for facilitating movement of the first coupling toward the second coupling.
Abstract:
A coupling assembly couples an implement to a vehicle having a pickup hitch. The coupling assembly includes a coupler frame attached to the implement. A jack stand member is mounted on two coupling pins which project from the coupler frame. The jack stand member has a first slot which receives the first pin and a second slot which receives the second pin. The second slot forms a first shoulder which engages the second pin to support the coupler frame when the jack stand member is in a ground engaging lowered position. A block mounted to the pickup hitch is spaced apart from the jack stand member to allow it to fall to the lowered position when the coupler frame is uncoupled from the vehicle. The block engages a surface of the jack stand member to raise the jack stand member when the coupler frame is moved towards the vehicle.
Abstract:
A hitch system for coupling a hitch post to a ball portion employs a control system configured to operate in a service mode and a master mode. The control system operates in the master mode upon entry of a master code. Entry of the master code is not required to operate the control system when the control system is in the service mode. Entry of the master code is required to operate the control system when the control system is in the master mode.
Abstract:
Hitch guide assemblies having a displaceable guide member are described. In certain embodiments, the hitch guide assembly comprises a guide a guide member and a guide mechanism that is adapted to displace the guide member upon the application of an external force to at least a portion of the guide mechanism.
Abstract:
A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.
Abstract:
A device having a first member disposed at an angle with a second member such that the first member is integral with the second member along a first edge there between having a mounting plate attached to top edges of the first and second member respectively and a mounting spheroid attached to a portion of the mounting plate lying between the first and second members. The device further has a first extension integral with the first member and a second extension integral with the second member. Additionally, there is a first extension disposed at an angle and a second extension disposed at an angle. Finally, a first vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and a second vertical flange is perpendicularly disposed to a top surface of the mounting plate and at an edge of the mounting plate.