CA2008200A1 - Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehiclesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2008200A1 CA2008200A1 CA002008200A CA2008200A CA2008200A1 CA 2008200 A1 CA2008200 A1 CA 2008200A1 CA 002008200 A CA002008200 A CA 002008200A CA 2008200 A CA2008200 A CA 2008200A CA 2008200 A1 CA2008200 A1 CA 2008200A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rods
- vehicle
- towed
- tow vehicle
- enlarged
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 11
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003760 hair shine Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/24—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions
- B60D1/36—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices characterised by arrangements for particular functions for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers, visual guide means, signalling aids
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
- Liquid Crystal (AREA)
- Yarns And Mechanical Finishing Of Yarns Or Ropes (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A method and Apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The method consisting of the following described steps. Firstly, attach rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible on each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled. An unattached end of each of the rods is enlarged. Secondly, attach to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle. The enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
A method and Apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The method consisting of the following described steps. Firstly, attach rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible on each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled. An unattached end of each of the rods is enlarged. Secondly, attach to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle. The enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
Description
The preserlt inverltiorl relates to a me~hod and apparatus for morlitoring towed vehicles.
~ . . -BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many types of towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The problem is particularly acute with the owners of motor homes. A
vehicle being towed behind a motor home is not visible 10 to the driver of the motor home in the sight lines of any of his rear view mirrors.
There are many things which can go wrong with a towed vehicle. The hitch can fail. One of the tires 15 can become flat. A bearing can seize. An axle can fail. Suspension can fail. The towed vehicle can be struck from the rear.
In the absence of a timely warning to the driver of 20 the tow vehicle, hitch failure may result in a loss of the towed vehicle or a hazardous condition known as "jackknifing". In the absence of a timely warning to the driver when tire, bearing, axle, or suspension problems occur, the towed vehicle will literally be 25 dragged behind the tow vehicle resulting in damage or destruction of the towed vehicle. The heat generated by such dragging over a prolonged distance, with metal in contact with pavement, presents a danger of fire consuming the towed vehicle when the tow vehicle 30 eventually does stop. As for rear end impact, a minor impact can occur sufficient to damage a towed vehicle without alerting the driver of the tow vehicle.
The problem has recently been addressed by "high 35 tech" solutions, such as mounting a video camera on the .
~``` 2 2008200 back of the tow v~hicle with the c:amera foc:used upon the towed vehicle. The video camera solution i9 expensive and does not give as early a warnirly of developing problems as is desirable. The camera is unavoidably 5 focused on the top of the towed vehicle. A problem manifesting itself in a change in the positioning of the wheel of the towed vehicle must be well advanced in order to be visible from that vantage point.
10 S~ARY OEr 1~ INVENTION
What is required is a simple and inexpensive method of monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, WhiC}l are not visible in a rear view mirror of a t ow veh i c l e .
According to the present invention there i8 provided a method for monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The method being 20 comprised of the following described steps. Firstly, ,, . _ . _ . . .. _ attaching rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible on each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled. An unattached end of each of the rods is enlarged thereby improving visibility.
25 Secondly, attaching to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle. The enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear 30 alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
According to another aspect of the invention the ~-` 2008200 :: ~
Apylicant ha~- developed an apparatus whic}l can be used in accordance with the teachings of the described method. The apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, which i9 comprised of a tubular telescopic body having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured by a spring to means to pivotally attach the telescopic body to a towed vehicle. The second end is enlarged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRANINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein~
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a vehicle 15 being towed having two axles to monitor.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1, the vehicle being -towed having a flat tire.
FIGURE 5 is a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 6 is a side elevation view of a vehicle being towed having a single axle to monitor.
FIGUR8 ~ is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 6, the vehicle being towed having developed hitch problems.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE ~
FIGURE 9 is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1, the front wheels of the vehicle being towed having started to come off a trailer used 35 for towing.
",, ,, ~ .. , , , ,.,,: .. , . ., , , .: . . . .
2008200 ~
FIGURE 10 i~ a top plarl view of t~le ve~licle~
illustrated in FIGUR~ 9.
FIGURE 11 i5 a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURES 7 or 9.
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a preferred form of apparatus to be used with the described method.
FIGURE 13 is a top plan view illustrating a preferred method of illuminatiny the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 12 for night operation.
FIGURE 14 is a de-tailed view taken from FIGURE 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 14. The underlying 15 premise behind the described method is that when there is a problem with a vehicle which is being towed it manifests itself in an alteration of the positioning of the vehicle. Therefore, the solution is the described method which monitors the relative positioning of the 20 vehicle. The method was developed by the applicant to monitor towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle.
The method consists of the following steps, as illustrated in FIGUR~S 1 and 2. Firstly, attaching rods 12 to a towed vehicle 14. The Applicant prefers to attach rods 12 adjacent each axle 16. It is to be noted that in FIGURES 1 and 2 two rods are used, whereas the 30 single axle trailer illustrated in FIGURE 6 uses only one axle. Rods 12 are arranged to extend until they are visible beyond each side 18 of a tow vehicle 20 to which towed vehicle 14 is coupled. An unattached end 22 of each of rods 12 is enlarged so as to be clearly visible.
35 Secondly, attaching to each side 18 of tow vehicle 20 a projection 24 positiorled such that projectiorl 24 i~ in linear alignment with enlarged unattached ends 22 of rods 12 wherl viewed from a rear view mirror 26 of tow vehicle 20. The desired linear alignment as viewed from rear view mirror 26 is illustrated in FIGURE 3. If enlarged attached ends 22 of rods 12 cease to be in linear alignment with projection 24 during highway driving the misalignment serves as a signal to the driver of tow vehicle 20 an alteration of -the 10 positioning of towed vehicle 14 indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles 20 and 14.
', :
A linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURE 4 with respect to a flat tire. What the driver of tow 15 vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 5.
A further example of linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURES ~ and 8, where the single axle 20 trailer illustrated in FIGURE 6 has developed a problem with a hitch. This results in towed vehicle 14 not travelling properly behind tow vehicle 20. The towed vehicle 14 in such a case begins to whip back and forth from side to side. In the absence of the preferred 25 method, the movement of towed vehicle 14 would not be visible to the drive of tow vehicle 20 until a "jack knifing" occurred. With the preferred method, what the driver of tow vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 11.
A further example of linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10. Towed vehicle 14 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, consists of a car with its front wheels mounted on a trailer. In PIGUR~S 9 and 35 10, towed vehicle 14 is illustrated in a condition where ,. ~ ,; , , -: .,- , ... . . . . . . .
one of the tie downs for the caL wheel~ haY come loo~e permi-tting with one of the wheels of the car to come off the trailer. This is a situation WhiC}l iS not uncommon.
In the absence of the preferred method the car would be dragged down the highway at an angle wearing away the rubber on the rear tires and eventually the metal rims of the rear wheels. With the preferred method, what the driver of tow vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 11.
The Applicant experimented with various forms of rods 12. After experiencing many broken rods 12, the Applicant devised a preferred embodiment for an apparatus which will now be described with reference to 15 FIGURE 12. Illustrated in FIGURE 12 is a rod-like apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, which will be generally referred to by reference numeral 12. Rod 12 consists of a plurality of tubular sections 30 telescopically cormected. The sections may be 20 telescopically extended to lengthen rod 12 or telescopically nested to shorten rod 12. Rod 12 has a first end 32 and a bulbous enlarged second end 22. It is preferable that bulbous enlarged second end 22 be made of materials which reflect light or are capable of 25 illumination so as to improve its visibility. However, bulbous enlarged second end 22 must withstand .
considerable abuse, and for this rçason the materials used must durable; being both impervious to the elements and impact resistant in the event it is struck. The 30 Applicant has found that a fluorescent coloured golf ball is particularly suitable. First end 32 of rod 12 is secured by a spring 34 to towed vehicle 14. The Applicant has found that in the absence of spring 34, rods 12 tend to break as a result of çxcessive vibration 35 on rough roads or as a result of striking objects. An : :~ . ~... - .. ..
:- ::::: : . ::
: . . :
~ 7 2008200 example where an object may be s~ruck by bulbous unattached end 22 of rod 12 is in turniny a tight corner where a power pole i5 positioned immediately adjacent the corner. Rod 12 must be secured to towed vehicle 14 in such as manner as to permit adjustment on a vertical plane in order to allow bulbous unattached end of rod 12 to be placed in linear alignment with projection 24.
The preferred embodiment uses a bracket 36 which permits pivotal movement of rod 12, not only for linear 10 adjustment but also for movement into a stored position when rods 12 are not required.
- : :
The use of the preferred apparatus has been described in relation to the preferred method. Rods 12 15 are pivoted from a stored position to an operative position. The operative position is, as previously described in relation to the method, extending until enlarged bulbous ends 22 of rods 12 are visible beyond each side 18 of a tow vehicle 20. Spring 34 provides 20 the resiliency required if objects are struck during use.
~ ~'':'',:
In order to use the preferred method and apparatus at night enlarged ends 22 of rods 12 must be visible to 26 the driver of tow vehicle 20 in his rear view mirror 26.
It is not practical to place light bulbs at enlarged ends 22 due to the impacts rods 12 receive. The Applicant has therefore devised an alternate method of illumination. The method involves drilling a hole 41 30 through each of rear tail lights 40 of tow vehicle 20.
An optic fibre 42 is then inserted into each of holes 41. Optic fibre 42 would normally be sealed in position by a clear sealant 43. Optic fibre 42 is aligned with one of enlarged ends 22 of one of rods 12. Light from a 35 light bulb 46 within rear tail light 40 shines through "'~ " ~ ' , ., ., ,.,~;.,c',~.
_ 8 optic fibre 42 producing a beam of ligh-t 44. Beam of light 44 is focused upon one of enlarged ends 22 of one of rods 12 to make them visible for night driving. In appropriate cases where two sets of rods 12 are used a like procedure would be followed insert an optic fibre 50 into tail lights 48 of towed vehicle 48 to project a beam of light 52 upon bulbous enlarged ends 22 of rearwardly positioned rods 12. As previously described, -the Applicant has had good results using fluorescent 10 coloured golf bulbs for bulbous enlarged ends 22. ~ ~
- ' ' ,~ . ::~:
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the method as described provides a simple and inexpensive method of monitoring towed vehicles, such as 15 trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the apparatus, as described, provides an effective device for use in accordance with the teachings of the method. It will -20 finally be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, enlarged unattached end 22 of rods 12 need not be bulbous, as a 25 different geometric figure can be used.
.:; . ,. ~ -. , , ~ . :, :. :: . ., ~ : :
: " "' ~.
: ::
~ . . -BA~KGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many types of towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The problem is particularly acute with the owners of motor homes. A
vehicle being towed behind a motor home is not visible 10 to the driver of the motor home in the sight lines of any of his rear view mirrors.
There are many things which can go wrong with a towed vehicle. The hitch can fail. One of the tires 15 can become flat. A bearing can seize. An axle can fail. Suspension can fail. The towed vehicle can be struck from the rear.
In the absence of a timely warning to the driver of 20 the tow vehicle, hitch failure may result in a loss of the towed vehicle or a hazardous condition known as "jackknifing". In the absence of a timely warning to the driver when tire, bearing, axle, or suspension problems occur, the towed vehicle will literally be 25 dragged behind the tow vehicle resulting in damage or destruction of the towed vehicle. The heat generated by such dragging over a prolonged distance, with metal in contact with pavement, presents a danger of fire consuming the towed vehicle when the tow vehicle 30 eventually does stop. As for rear end impact, a minor impact can occur sufficient to damage a towed vehicle without alerting the driver of the tow vehicle.
The problem has recently been addressed by "high 35 tech" solutions, such as mounting a video camera on the .
~``` 2 2008200 back of the tow v~hicle with the c:amera foc:used upon the towed vehicle. The video camera solution i9 expensive and does not give as early a warnirly of developing problems as is desirable. The camera is unavoidably 5 focused on the top of the towed vehicle. A problem manifesting itself in a change in the positioning of the wheel of the towed vehicle must be well advanced in order to be visible from that vantage point.
10 S~ARY OEr 1~ INVENTION
What is required is a simple and inexpensive method of monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, WhiC}l are not visible in a rear view mirror of a t ow veh i c l e .
According to the present invention there i8 provided a method for monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. The method being 20 comprised of the following described steps. Firstly, ,, . _ . _ . . .. _ attaching rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible on each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled. An unattached end of each of the rods is enlarged thereby improving visibility.
25 Secondly, attaching to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle. The enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear 30 alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
According to another aspect of the invention the ~-` 2008200 :: ~
Apylicant ha~- developed an apparatus whic}l can be used in accordance with the teachings of the described method. The apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, which i9 comprised of a tubular telescopic body having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured by a spring to means to pivotally attach the telescopic body to a towed vehicle. The second end is enlarged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRANINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein~
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a vehicle 15 being towed having two axles to monitor.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1, the vehicle being -towed having a flat tire.
FIGURE 5 is a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 6 is a side elevation view of a vehicle being towed having a single axle to monitor.
FIGUR8 ~ is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 6, the vehicle being towed having developed hitch problems.
FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE ~
FIGURE 9 is a side elevation view of the vehicles illustrated in FIGURE 1, the front wheels of the vehicle being towed having started to come off a trailer used 35 for towing.
",, ,, ~ .. , , , ,.,,: .. , . ., , , .: . . . .
2008200 ~
FIGURE 10 i~ a top plarl view of t~le ve~licle~
illustrated in FIGUR~ 9.
FIGURE 11 i5 a view through a rear view mirror from the tow vehicle illustrated in FIGURES 7 or 9.
FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a preferred form of apparatus to be used with the described method.
FIGURE 13 is a top plan view illustrating a preferred method of illuminatiny the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 12 for night operation.
FIGURE 14 is a de-tailed view taken from FIGURE 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred method will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 14. The underlying 15 premise behind the described method is that when there is a problem with a vehicle which is being towed it manifests itself in an alteration of the positioning of the vehicle. Therefore, the solution is the described method which monitors the relative positioning of the 20 vehicle. The method was developed by the applicant to monitor towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle.
The method consists of the following steps, as illustrated in FIGUR~S 1 and 2. Firstly, attaching rods 12 to a towed vehicle 14. The Applicant prefers to attach rods 12 adjacent each axle 16. It is to be noted that in FIGURES 1 and 2 two rods are used, whereas the 30 single axle trailer illustrated in FIGURE 6 uses only one axle. Rods 12 are arranged to extend until they are visible beyond each side 18 of a tow vehicle 20 to which towed vehicle 14 is coupled. An unattached end 22 of each of rods 12 is enlarged so as to be clearly visible.
35 Secondly, attaching to each side 18 of tow vehicle 20 a projection 24 positiorled such that projectiorl 24 i~ in linear alignment with enlarged unattached ends 22 of rods 12 wherl viewed from a rear view mirror 26 of tow vehicle 20. The desired linear alignment as viewed from rear view mirror 26 is illustrated in FIGURE 3. If enlarged attached ends 22 of rods 12 cease to be in linear alignment with projection 24 during highway driving the misalignment serves as a signal to the driver of tow vehicle 20 an alteration of -the 10 positioning of towed vehicle 14 indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles 20 and 14.
', :
A linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURE 4 with respect to a flat tire. What the driver of tow 15 vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 5.
A further example of linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURES ~ and 8, where the single axle 20 trailer illustrated in FIGURE 6 has developed a problem with a hitch. This results in towed vehicle 14 not travelling properly behind tow vehicle 20. The towed vehicle 14 in such a case begins to whip back and forth from side to side. In the absence of the preferred 25 method, the movement of towed vehicle 14 would not be visible to the drive of tow vehicle 20 until a "jack knifing" occurred. With the preferred method, what the driver of tow vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 11.
A further example of linear misalignment is illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10. Towed vehicle 14 as illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, consists of a car with its front wheels mounted on a trailer. In PIGUR~S 9 and 35 10, towed vehicle 14 is illustrated in a condition where ,. ~ ,; , , -: .,- , ... . . . . . . .
one of the tie downs for the caL wheel~ haY come loo~e permi-tting with one of the wheels of the car to come off the trailer. This is a situation WhiC}l iS not uncommon.
In the absence of the preferred method the car would be dragged down the highway at an angle wearing away the rubber on the rear tires and eventually the metal rims of the rear wheels. With the preferred method, what the driver of tow vehicle 20 would see in rear view mirror 26 in such a case is illustrated in FIGURE 11.
The Applicant experimented with various forms of rods 12. After experiencing many broken rods 12, the Applicant devised a preferred embodiment for an apparatus which will now be described with reference to 15 FIGURE 12. Illustrated in FIGURE 12 is a rod-like apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, which will be generally referred to by reference numeral 12. Rod 12 consists of a plurality of tubular sections 30 telescopically cormected. The sections may be 20 telescopically extended to lengthen rod 12 or telescopically nested to shorten rod 12. Rod 12 has a first end 32 and a bulbous enlarged second end 22. It is preferable that bulbous enlarged second end 22 be made of materials which reflect light or are capable of 25 illumination so as to improve its visibility. However, bulbous enlarged second end 22 must withstand .
considerable abuse, and for this rçason the materials used must durable; being both impervious to the elements and impact resistant in the event it is struck. The 30 Applicant has found that a fluorescent coloured golf ball is particularly suitable. First end 32 of rod 12 is secured by a spring 34 to towed vehicle 14. The Applicant has found that in the absence of spring 34, rods 12 tend to break as a result of çxcessive vibration 35 on rough roads or as a result of striking objects. An : :~ . ~... - .. ..
:- ::::: : . ::
: . . :
~ 7 2008200 example where an object may be s~ruck by bulbous unattached end 22 of rod 12 is in turniny a tight corner where a power pole i5 positioned immediately adjacent the corner. Rod 12 must be secured to towed vehicle 14 in such as manner as to permit adjustment on a vertical plane in order to allow bulbous unattached end of rod 12 to be placed in linear alignment with projection 24.
The preferred embodiment uses a bracket 36 which permits pivotal movement of rod 12, not only for linear 10 adjustment but also for movement into a stored position when rods 12 are not required.
- : :
The use of the preferred apparatus has been described in relation to the preferred method. Rods 12 15 are pivoted from a stored position to an operative position. The operative position is, as previously described in relation to the method, extending until enlarged bulbous ends 22 of rods 12 are visible beyond each side 18 of a tow vehicle 20. Spring 34 provides 20 the resiliency required if objects are struck during use.
~ ~'':'',:
In order to use the preferred method and apparatus at night enlarged ends 22 of rods 12 must be visible to 26 the driver of tow vehicle 20 in his rear view mirror 26.
It is not practical to place light bulbs at enlarged ends 22 due to the impacts rods 12 receive. The Applicant has therefore devised an alternate method of illumination. The method involves drilling a hole 41 30 through each of rear tail lights 40 of tow vehicle 20.
An optic fibre 42 is then inserted into each of holes 41. Optic fibre 42 would normally be sealed in position by a clear sealant 43. Optic fibre 42 is aligned with one of enlarged ends 22 of one of rods 12. Light from a 35 light bulb 46 within rear tail light 40 shines through "'~ " ~ ' , ., ., ,.,~;.,c',~.
_ 8 optic fibre 42 producing a beam of ligh-t 44. Beam of light 44 is focused upon one of enlarged ends 22 of one of rods 12 to make them visible for night driving. In appropriate cases where two sets of rods 12 are used a like procedure would be followed insert an optic fibre 50 into tail lights 48 of towed vehicle 48 to project a beam of light 52 upon bulbous enlarged ends 22 of rearwardly positioned rods 12. As previously described, -the Applicant has had good results using fluorescent 10 coloured golf bulbs for bulbous enlarged ends 22. ~ ~
- ' ' ,~ . ::~:
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the method as described provides a simple and inexpensive method of monitoring towed vehicles, such as 15 trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the apparatus, as described, provides an effective device for use in accordance with the teachings of the method. It will -20 finally be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, enlarged unattached end 22 of rods 12 need not be bulbous, as a 25 different geometric figure can be used.
.:; . ,. ~ -. , , ~ . :, :. :: . ., ~ : :
: " "' ~.
: ::
Claims (5)
1. A method for monitoring towed vehicles, such as trailers and the like, which are not visible in a rear view mirror of a tow vehicle, comprising the steps of:
a. firstly, attaching rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible beyond each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled, an unattached end of each of the rods being enlarged;
b. secondly, attaching to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle, whereby the enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
a. firstly, attaching rods to a towed vehicle such that the rods are visible beyond each side of a tow vehicle to which the towed vehicle is coupled, an unattached end of each of the rods being enlarged;
b. secondly, attaching to each side of a tow vehicle a projection positioned such that the projection is in linear alignment with the enlarged ends of the rods when viewed from a rear view mirror of the tow vehicle, whereby the enlarged ends of the rods ceasing to be in linear alignment with the projection during highway driving signals to a driver of the tow vehicle an alteration of the positioning of the towed vehicle indicating a problem requiring a stoppage of the vehicles.
2. A method as defined in Claim 1, including the further step of, thirdly, drilling a hole through at least one rear tail light and inserting an optic fibre, the optic fibre being aligned with one of the enlarged ends of one of the rods such that light is focused upon the enlarged ends of the rods to make them visible for night driving.
3. An apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, comprising:
a tubular telescopic body having a first end and a second end, the first end being secured by a spring to means to pivotally attach the telescopic body to a towed vehicle, the second end being enlarged.
a tubular telescopic body having a first end and a second end, the first end being secured by a spring to means to pivotally attach the telescopic body to a towed vehicle, the second end being enlarged.
4. An apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles as defined in Claim 3, the enlarged second end of the tubular telescopic body being bulbous.
5. An apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles, comprising:
a tubular telescopic body having a first end secured by a spring to a bracket which permits pivotal movement of the telescopic body and an impact resistant, fluorescent, bulbous second end.
a tubular telescopic body having a first end secured by a spring to a bracket which permits pivotal movement of the telescopic body and an impact resistant, fluorescent, bulbous second end.
Priority Applications (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002008200A CA2008200A1 (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-01-19 | Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles |
| PCT/CA1991/000016 WO1991010580A1 (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1991-01-18 | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus |
| DE19914190068 DE4190068T (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1991-01-18 | |
| AU70612/91A AU7061291A (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1991-01-18 | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus |
| CA002073863A CA2073863C (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1991-01-18 | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus |
| GB9215194A GB2260110B (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1992-07-17 | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus |
| US07/947,372 US5274432A (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1992-09-18 | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002008200A CA2008200A1 (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-01-19 | Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2008200A1 true CA2008200A1 (en) | 1991-07-19 |
Family
ID=4144077
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002008200A Abandoned CA2008200A1 (en) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-01-19 | Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU7061291A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2008200A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4190068T (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2260110B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991010580A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2504986C (en) | 2005-04-14 | 2010-04-13 | Ortwin W. Groh | Hitch alignment device |
| US11648999B1 (en) * | 2021-11-24 | 2023-05-16 | Stephen A. Delmar | Tandem slide rule |
| CN117416356B (en) * | 2023-12-18 | 2024-03-08 | 自行科技(武汉)有限公司 | Method and system for hanging auxiliary trailer of electronic rearview mirror |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1576793A (en) * | 1925-04-25 | 1926-03-16 | Sadler Luther | Rear-vision mirror |
| US2091028A (en) * | 1936-12-02 | 1937-08-24 | Philip G Darling | Indicator device |
| US3670423A (en) * | 1970-01-06 | 1972-06-20 | Don Leber | Vehicle backing guidance device |
| GB2085382B (en) * | 1980-10-15 | 1984-02-22 | Brierley David | Improvements in reversing mirror for road vehicles |
| US4645315A (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1987-02-24 | Joseph Morgavo | Trailing distance and safe passing indicator for trailer |
| GB9103485D0 (en) * | 1991-02-20 | 1991-04-10 | Spalding Gordon D | Improvements in trailers |
-
1990
- 1990-01-19 CA CA002008200A patent/CA2008200A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1991
- 1991-01-18 DE DE19914190068 patent/DE4190068T/de not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-01-18 WO PCT/CA1991/000016 patent/WO1991010580A1/en active Application Filing
- 1991-01-18 AU AU70612/91A patent/AU7061291A/en not_active Abandoned
-
1992
- 1992-07-17 GB GB9215194A patent/GB2260110B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU7061291A (en) | 1991-08-05 |
| DE4190068T (en) | 1992-12-10 |
| GB2260110A (en) | 1993-04-07 |
| WO1991010580A1 (en) | 1991-07-25 |
| GB9215194D0 (en) | 1992-12-16 |
| GB2260110B (en) | 1994-03-09 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US2778273A (en) | Rearview mirror | |
| CA2504986C (en) | Hitch alignment device | |
| US6422728B1 (en) | Safety light | |
| US6164804A (en) | Truck light bar and mudflap holder apparatus | |
| US6400262B2 (en) | Towed vehicle monitor system | |
| US5274432A (en) | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus | |
| CA2274107C (en) | Automatically adjustable passenger mirror for a trailered vehicle | |
| US4895097A (en) | Tire deflation indicator | |
| US4811173A (en) | Refractive apparatus for vehicles | |
| US5627688A (en) | Automatically adjustable passenger mirror assembly for a trailered vehicle | |
| US4214772A (en) | Laterally adjustable trailer hitch system | |
| US6734786B2 (en) | Line guide | |
| CA2008200A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring towed vehicles | |
| CN2836380Y (en) | Novel device for improvement of night viewing effect for automobile | |
| CA2073863C (en) | Tow vehicle alignment method and apparatus | |
| US6466127B1 (en) | Low-tire indicator for wheeled vehicles | |
| US10035390B1 (en) | High visibility safety strap and methods for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle | |
| US3830522A (en) | Adjustable trailer tongue | |
| US5112075A (en) | Vehicular towing system | |
| US7388480B1 (en) | Safety lights for multiple-axle vehicles | |
| CN203844671U (en) | Anti-collision alarming device on side face of semi-trailer | |
| CN110696722A (en) | Intelligent steering rearview mirror of tractor | |
| US6880255B2 (en) | Highway parameter gauge for precise operation of a tractor-trailer | |
| US12000100B2 (en) | Snow-clearing trailer with secure drawbar locking | |
| CN210912217U (en) | Intelligent steering rearview mirror of tractor |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |