Patent classifications
B60D1/64
POWER THROUGH TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A trailer hitch system of the present disclosure includes a power through ball hitch and a power through trailer coupler equipped with electronic connectors such that an electric connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer is automatically made when the trailer coupler is attached to the ball hitch. The trailer hitch system may further include a ground plate configured to contact the trailer coupler for forming a continuous ground connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. The trailer hitch system may further include a ball hitch adapter configured to couple to a hitch receiver and electrically connect to the ball hitch for grounding the ball hitch to the tow vehicle and/or supplying power to the power through ball hitch. The ball hitch adapter may be adaptable to various existing receiver hitch lengths, ball hitch lengths, and/or class ratings.
POWER THROUGH TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A trailer hitch system of the present disclosure includes a power through ball hitch and a power through trailer coupler equipped with electronic connectors such that an electric connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer is automatically made when the trailer coupler is attached to the ball hitch. The trailer hitch system may further include a ground plate configured to contact the trailer coupler for forming a continuous ground connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer. The trailer hitch system may further include a ball hitch adapter configured to couple to a hitch receiver and electrically connect to the ball hitch for grounding the ball hitch to the tow vehicle and/or supplying power to the power through ball hitch. The ball hitch adapter may be adaptable to various existing receiver hitch lengths, ball hitch lengths, and/or class ratings.
POWER THROUGH TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A trailer hitch system of the present disclosure includes a power through ball hitch and a power through trailer coupler equipped with electronic connectors such that an electric connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer is automatically made when the trailer coupler is attached to the ball hitch. The trailer hitch system may further include a power through hitch receiver (e.g., for bumper pull hitch systems) whereby an electrical connection is made between the hitch receiver and the ball hitch automatically when the ball hitch is installed in the hitch receiver.
POWER THROUGH TRAILER HITCH SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A trailer hitch system of the present disclosure includes a power through ball hitch and a power through trailer coupler equipped with electronic connectors such that an electric connection between a tow vehicle and a trailer is automatically made when the trailer coupler is attached to the ball hitch. The trailer hitch system may further include a power through hitch receiver (e.g., for bumper pull hitch systems) whereby an electrical connection is made between the hitch receiver and the ball hitch automatically when the ball hitch is installed in the hitch receiver.
HITCH ASSISTANCE SYSTEM WITH INTERFACE PRESENTING SIMPLIFIED PATH IMAGE
A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a controller acquiring image data from the vehicle and deriving a vehicle path to align a center of a hitch ball of the vehicle with a centerline of a trailer coupler within the image data. The controller also outputs a video image including a representation of a simplified path from the hitch ball to the coupler and outputs a steering signal to cause the vehicle to steer along the vehicle path.
CONNECTING SYSTEM AND TRACTOR LINKAGE
A connecting system may be included for connecting tractor utility interfaces to corresponding trailer utility interfaces. Without limitation, the connecting system may include a trailer adapter that has a trailer adapter connector and a fastener, where the trailer adapter is configured to be releasably connected to the respective trailer utility interfaces, and where the fastener is configured to releasably fasten the trailer adapter to the trailer. The connecting system may also include a tractor adapter that has a tractor adapter connector and a positioning device, where the tractor adapter connector is configured to be connected to the respective tractor utility interfaces, and where the positioning device is configured to automatically move the tractor adapter connector in relation to the tractor in order to position the tractor adapter connector on the trailer adapter connector to obtain a functional connection between the respective utility interfaces.
Trailer visibility safety system
A safety lighting system for use with trailers is described herein. In some embodiments, the trailer lighting system comprises a sensor, a controller, and safety lights. The safety lighting system may be used for illuminating trailers while being towed, for example, in shipping yards, construction yards, and shipping and receiving docks. The safety lighting system may be activated upon connection of a pneumatic system with a spotting tractor and deactivated upon establishing an electrical connection from a tractor to the trailer.
Trailer visibility safety system
A safety lighting system for use with trailers is described herein. In some embodiments, the trailer lighting system comprises a sensor, a controller, and safety lights. The safety lighting system may be used for illuminating trailers while being towed, for example, in shipping yards, construction yards, and shipping and receiving docks. The safety lighting system may be activated upon connection of a pneumatic system with a spotting tractor and deactivated upon establishing an electrical connection from a tractor to the trailer.
Apparatus and method for winch lighting
A winch drum light assembly comprises a bracket having at least one attachment location for attaching the bracket to a vehicle or to a vehicle component that is attached to the vehicle; and a light member for producing light and situated on the bracket, the light member including a power connection adapted for connecting the vehicle's power or an alternative source of power to the light member.
Apparatus and method for winch lighting
A winch drum light assembly comprises a bracket having at least one attachment location for attaching the bracket to a vehicle or to a vehicle component that is attached to the vehicle; and a light member for producing light and situated on the bracket, the light member including a power connection adapted for connecting the vehicle's power or an alternative source of power to the light member.