GB2583769A

GB2583769A - Towed vehicle light controller device

Info

Publication number: GB2583769A
Application number: GB1906639.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Fletcher Richard
Original assignee: Ignys Ltd
Current assignee: Ignys Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2019-05-10
Publication date: 2020-11-11
Also published as: GB201906639D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a test system (10) for testing the operational status of one or more lights of a towed vehicle. The system comprises a receiver configured to receive a signal from a vehicle configured to tow the towed vehicle, the signal configured to activate the one or more lights. A relay device is configured to intercept the signal prior to activation of the one or more lights and to control output of a signal to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the received signal according to control logic of the relay device.

Description

Towed vehicle light controller device The present invention relates to a device to test/control the functionality of one or more lights on a towed vehicle.

Towed vehicles (e.g. trailers, caravans etc.) are required to have a system of lights similar to conventional powered vehicles. For example, towed lights may comprise tail lights, brake lights and indicators.

In a typical configuration, the towed vehicle is electrically connected to the vehicle via an electrical plug/socket arrangement provided on the powered vehicle and the towed vehicle respectively. This provides electrical power to the lights and will allow signals for activation for a light from the powered vehicle to be transmitted to the towed vehicle accordingly. For example, during braking of the powered vehicle, a signal will be sent to the towed vehicle to activate the brake light thereon.

It is important, and often essential, for a vehicle operator to check that each of the lights on the towed vehicle are correctly functioning. Typically, this will involve the operator activating one or more lights from the powered vehicle and visually inspecting whether the light is activated on the towed vehicle. As some of the lights are located at the rear of the towed vehicle, the operator may have to exit the powered vehicle in order to make a visual inspection.

Certain lights require active manual activation (e.g. the brake lights) and so cannot be activated whilst the user is outside of the powered vehicle. This may be remedied by reversing the towed vehicle adjacent a wall and then observing the reflection from the lights. However, this arrangement requires a suitable wall to be present and reversing up to the wall may result in accidental damage to the vehicle/wall.

Alternatively, a system of mirrors or a banksman may be used, however, this may not be available offsite (e.g. outside of a depot).

Additionally, trailer indicator lights are wired through a buzzer or sounder that emits sound in the vehicle concurrently with the lights flashing. With modern LED lighting boards, the sounding can be very quiet and often inaudible above ambient/road noise.

Due to the problems outlined above, a visual inspection may be lacking or performed at all, and nor is a record of performing such an inspection provided. This may pose legal/liability issues in case of an accident or like, as the operator is unable to prove that the functioning of the towed vehicle lights was adequately tested.

It is an objective of the present invention or overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a test system for testing the operational status of one or more lights of a towed vehicle comprising: a receiver configured to receive a signal from a vehicle configured to tow the towed vehicle, the signal configured to activate the one or more lights; a relay device configured to intercept the signal prior to activation of the one or more lights and to control output of a signal to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the received signal according to control logic of the relay device.

The control logic may be configured to delay output of the signal to activate the one or more lights for a specified period of time.

The specified period of time may be variable.

The control logic may be configured to initiate the specified period of time by a user input.

The control logic may be configured to initiate activation of the one or more lights by a user input.

A remote device may be operatively connected to the system to provide control thereof.

The user input may be transmitted via the remote device.

The control logic may be configured to receive a plurality of signals, each signal corresponding to one or more lights of the towed vehicle, the relay device configured to intercept the plurality of signals prior to activation of the one or more lights and to control output of a plurality of signals to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the plurality of received signals according to control logic of the relay device.

The plurality of received signals may be provided in a sequence, the control logic configured to activate each of the plurality lights of the towed vehicle in a corresponding sequence.

The system may be configured to determine the functionality of one or more lights by measuring one or more electrical characteristic of the one or more light during illumination thereof The system may be configured to measure the electrical current flowing through the one or more lights during illumination thereof.

A visual indicator may be configured indicate the functionality of the one or more lights.

The visual indictor may be remote from the relay device.

An auditory indicator may be configured indicate the functionality of the one or more lights.

The relay device may comprise an inline device, comprising a first electrical interface to operatively connect to an electrical connector of the towing vehicle and a second electrical interface to operatively connect to an electrical connector of the towed vehicle.

The relay device may be configured to log the signal(s) received/sent via the relay device and/or the functionality of the more or more lights to allow an audit of the test at a later time.

The relay device may be configured to record the time and/or location of the signal(s) received/sent via the relay device.

The relay device may be configured record the functionality of the one or more lights at a given time and/or location.

The system may comprise a theft alert system configured to activate the one or more lights upon triggering of one or more states indicating potential theft of the towed vehicle.

The activation of the theft alert system may be triggered by movement of the device to outside a given location range/area According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle and/or trailer comprising the system according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided: a method of testing the operational status of one or more lights of a towed vehicle comprising: receiving a signal from a vehicle configured to tow the towed vehicle, the signal configured to activate the one or more lights; intercepting the signal by a relay device prior to activation of the one or more lights and controlling the output of a signal to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the received signal.

Any optional or essential features defined in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be applied to any other aspect, wherever practicable. Workable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a powered vehicle and a trailer with a testing device therebetween.

Figure 2 shows a socket arrangement of a testing device.

Figure 3 shows a pin arrangement of a testing device.

Figure 4 shows a control arrangement of a testing device. Figure 5 shows a power arrangement of a testing device.

Figure 1 shows a vehicle 2 configured to tow a towed vehicle 4. The vehicle 2 comprises a vehicle suitable to tow a towed vehicle, for example, a car, a van, a truck, a lorry, tractor, or other powered vehicle. The towed vehicle 4 comprises a suitable vehicle to be towed, for example, a trailer, a caravan, horsebox, articulated trailer, refrigerated trailer, tank trailer, or any other towed cargo/passenger vehicle.

The powered vehicle 2 is mechanically attached to the towed vehicle via a mechanical connection 6. The mechanical connection 6 may comprise any conventional connection used in towing vehicles, for example, a tow bar/hitch arrangement, or an articulated joint.

An electrical connection 8 is operatively provided between the powered vehicle 2 and the towed vehicle 4. The electrical connection 8 provides electrical power to the towed vehicle 4, for example, to power one or more lights, a refrigerator, or other electrical components. The electrical connection 8 may comprise a conventional plug/socket type arrangement used in towing electrical connections, for example, 15-pin (ISO 12098), 13-pin (ISO 11446), 7-pin (ISO 7638-2, ISO 7638-1, ISO 1724, ISO 3732, ISO 1185, ISO 3731), or 5 pin (ISO 1724) connectors. The electrical connection 8 may comprise a plurality of discrete circuits to allow activation of each of the electrical components individually, for example, each light comprises an individual circuit to permit independent illumination thereof.

The electrical connection 8 comprises a testing device 10 configured to the test the functionality of one or more light 12 provided on the towed vehicle 4 (e.g. whether the one or more light 12 illuminates as desired).

According to an embodiment shown in figure 2, the testing device 10 is provided inline with the electrical connection 8, such that the device 10 is located between an electrical connector 13 operatively connected to the powered vehicle 2 and an electrical connector 14 operatively connected to the towed vehicle 4. The testing device 10 may therefore be retrofit to existing vehicle/trailer connectors.

The electrical connectors comprise a conventional plug/socket type arrangement, with one connector comprising a plurality of male pins 16 and the other connector comprising a plurality of female sockets 18, with each pin/socket providing a connection for an individual circuit.

In the present example, the powered vehicle connector 13 comprises a plurality of pins 16 and the towed vehicle connector 14 comprises a plurality of sockets 18, however, it can be appreciated that either connector may have pins 16 or sockets 18 as required by conventional connector arrangements.

The testing device 10 comprises corresponding connectors (e.g. a pin/socket arrangement) to allow electrical connection of the powered vehicle connector 12 and the towed vehicle connector 14 respectively.

For example, a first side of the testing device 10 comprises a plurality of sockets configured to receive the pins 16 provided on the powered vehicle connector 12. A second side of the testing device 10 comprises a plurality of pins 22 configured to engage the sockets 18 provided on the towed vehicle connector 14.

The testing device 10 may comprise a securing means to secure the connection between the powered vehicle connector 13 and/or towed vehicle connector 14.

In some embodiments, the testing device 10 is integral to the towed vehicle connector 14 and/or the powered vehicle connector 13.

In other embodiments, the testing device is integral with the electrical system of 5 the towed vehicle 4 and/or the powered vehicle 2.

Figure 3 shows an example of the pin configuration of the testing device 10, according to a 13-pin (ISO 11446) connector configuration. Each of the pins 20 is connected to an independent circuit to provide electrical power of the electrical components indicated in the table.

As shown in figure 4, the testing device 10 comprises a controller 24 configured to perform the testing of the lights on the towed vehicle, using control logic therein. The controller 24 may comprise a microprocessor, microcontroller and/or other processor. The controller 24 may comprise other conventional components, for example, volatile memory (RAM), non-volatile memory, read-only memory, wireless communication interfaces (e.g. Wifi) and/or wired communication interfaces (e.g. USB, ethernet).

Each of the input pins 20 is operatively connected to the controller via a control circuit 26. The control circuit 26 controls/limits the amount of the power transferred and/or voltage between the pins 20 and the controller 24, thereby preventing electrical damage to the controller 24. The control circuit 26 may comprise one or more of: a diode; a transistor; or a MOSFET. A potential divider; opto-isolator; or mechanical isolator/relay may used to electrically drive the one or more transistor/MOSFET.

The controller 24 is configured to record the signals received at each of the pins 20 and store them in the memory (e.g. RAM) of the controller 24. The controller 24 can associate the signals with one or more identifiers, for example, the pin number or a light identifier (e.g. tail light, brake light etc.) The controller 24 may be configured to receive a plurality of signals. For example, the controller may receive a signal from a plurality of different input pins 22, corresponding to a plurality of different lights 12 on the towed vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, the individual pins may receive a plurality of signals (e.g. if the operator desires to repeat one or more light activations).

The controller 24 stores the plurality of signals sequentially, such that the signals are stored in the sequential order they are received by the controller. The controller 24 may assign each signal a timestamp, such that a time spacing 10 between each signal may be recorded/deduced.

Additionally or alternatively, the controller 24 may record the length of time each light signal is active.

The controller 24 is configured to retrieve the one or more signal stored in memory and output a corresponding signal (e.g. to the output pins 22), thereby providing illumination of the corresponding light 12 on the towed vehicle. Where a plurality of signal are provided, the controller 24 outputs a sequence of signals corresponding to the sequence of received signals, thereby illuminating the lights 12 in said sequence. The sequence may be output with the same time spacing between each light signal as recorded by the controller 24. Alternatively, the sequence may be output with a uniform and/or predetermined time spacing The one or more output light signal may be active for the same length of time as recorded by controller 24. Alternatively, the output light signal may be active for a uniform and/or predetermined length of time.

The output pins 22 are operatively connected to a control/regulation circuit 28, to provide power to illuminate the light 12 on the towed vehicle and/or to control/regulate said power. The control circuit 28 may comprise one or more of: a transistor, MOSFET, or other transistor-type switched power supply.

The controller 24 therefore records the sequence of light inputs generated by the operator in the powered vehicle 2 and can replay the sequence to the outputs at a later time to illuminate the lights 12 on the towed vehicle correspondingly.

The electrical, logical and/or mechanical components of the device 10 and/or controller 24 thus act as a relay device to relay signals from the powered vehicle 2 to at least some of the lights 12 of the towed vehicle 4, e.g. for operating those lights 12 at a later time and/or in the same, or an alternative, sequence. The term relay device' as used herein should be construed accordingly as a device capable of such relaying functionality, rather than being limited to a specific type of electrical switch device.

The controller 24 may be configured to retrieve the one or more signals after a specified period of time (e.g. to provide a delay). This allows the operator to exit the powered vehicle and move to a position where they can clearly see the lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4 before activation of the lights 12. The specified period of time may be selectively variable (e.g. the operator can vary the period of time if required).

The specified period of time may be selectively initiated by the operator (i.e. the 20 operator can begin a tountdown'). This may allow the user to complete other tasks before beginning the inspection procedure.

In other embodiments, the controller may be configured to selectively retrieve the one or more signals and illuminate the lights 12 (e.g. without the delay period). For example, the replay sequence may begin upon manual activation by the operator. This may be performed by a switch or like on the device 10 and/or via a remote device 42.

The device 10 may be configured to operate in a first 'recording mode', where the controller 24 listens and records any inputs received from the powered vehicle 2.

When this mode is initiated, the controller 24 memory may be cleared (i.e. from previous tests) and/or the controller 24 may log that a new test has been started.

The device 10 may then be switched to a 'replay mode', where the controller 24 repeats the recorded sequence and illuminates the respective lights, after a time delay or via manual actuation, as described above.

In other embodiments the controller 24 automatically determines when the recording mode has been completed and switches the to the replay mode. For example, the controller 24 may determine the recording mode is complete when no input signals are received by the controller 24 after a specified period of time.

The device 10 may be in communication with a remote device 42. The remote device 42 may comprise a remote computing device, for example, a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a computer, a server etc. The remote device 42 may send/receive messages and/or send/receive instructions from the test device 10. The remote device 42 may be connected by a wired or wireless connection (e.g. Wifi, Bluetooth (RTM), GSM, 3G, 4G, etc.). Alternatively, the remote device 42 may be directly connected to the test device 10 via an interface (e.g. USB).

The remote device 42 may allow control the device 10 from a centralised location (e.g. a logistics depot).

For example, the operator may send instructions via the remote device 42 to begin the replay sequence/countdown timer of the light 12 test.

In other examples, the remote device 42 may retrieve the test logs from the controller 24, allowing examination/inspection of the tests.

In some embodiments, the controller 24 is configured to record the test to allow an audit of the test procedure at a later time (e.g. in non-volatile memory). The controller may record one or more of: the type of lights tested; the number of lights tested; the time/date of the test; or the result of the test (e.g. whether the light is indicated as functional or not).

In some embodiments, the testing device 10 can switch between a 'testing mode', where the controller 24 performs the light testing sequence and a 'normal mode', where the testing device 10 may selectively allow the light signals from the powered vehicle 2 to pass through the device 10 and active the lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4. In the in 'normal mode', the controller 24 may merely repeat the light input signal from the input pins 20 to the output pins 22. Alternatively, a bypass circuit may be activated to allow the signal to bypass the controller 24 so that signals on the input pins travel directly to the output pins 22.

The 'normal mode' allows the towed vehicle lights 12 to operate in a conventional manner and thereby removes the need to disconnect from the device from the electrical connectors 12, 14.

Figure 5 shows a power arrangement for powering the testing device 10 and/or illuminating the lights 12 on the towed vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The device 10 comprises a power input generally designated as 30. The power input 30 connects to a power source 32 to provide power to illuminate the lights 12 and/or the device 10.

The power source 32 may comprise one or more of the circuits provided by the powered vehicle electrical connector 12. Therefore, the power is drawn from the vehicle (e.g. from the vehicle battery).

In an embodiment, the power source 32 comprises one or either of pin 5 (right hand tail and number plate light) or pin 7 (left hand tail and number plate light). Additionally or alternatively, the power source 32 comprises one or either of pin 9 (continuous 12V power) or pin 10 (fridge 12V power).

In some embodiments, the power source 32 is directly connected to power supply on the powered vehicle/towed vehicle (e.g. when the device 10 is integral therewith).

In other embodiments, the power source 32 comprises a battery or the like. The battery may be within the device 10, thereby allowing the device record signals and/or to illuminate the towed vehicle lights 12 without drawing power from the powered vehicle 2. The battery may be configured to power only the controller 24, therefore, when the device 10 is removed from the vehicle, the test device will still be powered, preventing the loss of data etc. The power source 32 is operatively connected to the output control circuits 28 to provide power thereto. Therefore, when a control circuit 28 receives a signal from the controller 24, power is drawn from the power source 32 to the output pins 22 to illuminate the towed vehicle lights 12. For example, the output control circuits are arranged in a typical transistor/MOSFET arrangement, with the collector/source connected to the power source 32 and the base/gate connected to the controller 24.

The power source 32 is operatively connected to the controller etc to provide power therein. The current/voltage will be regulated to be suitable for use by the controller circuitry etc. A switch 34 may be provided between the power source 32 and the output control circuits 28/controller 24 to provide electrical isolation thereof. The switch 24 may comprises a manual switch provided on the device. Alternatively, the switch may be controlled by the controller 24.

In an embodiment, the test device 10 is configured to test the functionality of one or more of the towed vehicle lights 12 by measuring one or more electrical characteristics of the light 12.

For example, if a light 12 is malfunctioning, then little or no current may flow, or alternatively a large current may flow if there is a short circuit present. Therefore, a functioning light will have a range of current in which the light 12 is presumed to be functional. Each light 12 can be assigned a reference value/range in which the light 12 is deemed functional, which can then be stored in the test device 10.

During illumination of the light 12, the test device 10 may measure the electrical current flowing therethrough. The test device 10 is configured to compare the measured current against the reference value/range of current to determine whether the measured current lies outside said value/range, and therefore detect whether the light 12 is faulty.

Whilst the present disclosure is directed toward measuring the current flowing through the lights 12, it is appreciated that the functionality of the lights 12 may be determined using other electrical characteristics, for example, voltage, capacitance, impedance etc. In an embodiment, the test device 10 is configured to continuously monitor the functioning of the lights 12 (e.g. whilst the operator is driving the powered vehicle). For lights 12 that are activated periodically (e.g. brake lights), each time the light 12 is activated, the device 10 measures the current flowing therethrough to determine whether a fault is present. For lights 12 that are activated continuously (e.g. tail lights), the device 10 may make continuous or intermittent measurements.

Therefore, the device 10 can provide continuous feedback on the functioning of the lights, and notify the operator as soon as a fault occurs.

Additionally or alternatively, the test device 10 is configured to periodically monitor the functioning of the lights 12 using electrical characteristics. For example, this may be performed before and/or after the vehicle has completed a journey and/or when the operator performs the visual inspection sequence. The device 10 may activate each of the lights 12 of the towed vehicle 4 (e.g. without the operator activating the light form the powered vehicle) to determine the functionality thereof.

This allows testing of each of the lights, thus testing lights that might not be used in normal driving conditions (e.g. reverse lights). Such a test may be manually initiated by the operator.

If a fault is detected, the device 10 is configured to provide an indication to the operator of said fault.

In an embodiment, the device 10 comprises a visual indicator 36 is operatively connected to the device 10, such that upon performance of the light functionality test, if a fault is found on a given light 12, a corresponding indication is given on the visual indicator 36.

The visual connector 36 may be remote from the device 10. For example, the visual indicator 36 may be located in a vehicle cab (e.g. proximal the dashboard), so that the operator may be able to see the indictor 36 whilst operating the vehicle and provide real-time feedback of the light 12 functionality. The visual indicator 36 may be connected to the device 10 by a wired and/or wireless connection.

The visual connector 36 may be powered using power from the vehicle 2 (e.g. via US B, a 12V auxiliary socket or a cigarette light socket). Additionally or alternatively, the visual connector 36 is powered via a battery or the like.

As shown in figure 6, the visual indicator 36 comprises a plurality of indicators 38 (e.g. lights) to indicate the functionality of each of the respective lights 12a-f on the towed vehicle 4. For example, the visual indicate the functionality of the left hand indicator 12a, the fog light 12b, the right hand indicator 12c, the left hand side light 12d, the brake light 12e and the right hand side light 12f. The lights 12a-f may illuminate/extinguish according to the functionality of the corresponding light 12 on the towed vehicle.

In some embodiments, the indicators 38 are arranged in a similar positional arrangement to the lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4 (e.g. the indicator mimics the positions of the light 12 on the towed vehicle 4), thereby allowing the operator to easily identify which lights 12 may be faulty.

The visual indicator 36 may comprise a status indicator 40 configured to indicate whether the system/device 10 is active and whether there is a light 12 fault present. For example, the status indicator 40 may be a first colour (e.g. green) if the visual indicator 36 is connected to the device 10 and/or both the device 10 and the visual indicator 40 are performing correctly. The status indicator 40 may be a second (e.g. orange) if the visual indicator is not connected to the device 10 and/or one or both the device 10 and the visual indicator 40 are not performing correctly.

The status indicator 40 may be a third colour (e.g. red) if one or more of the lights 12 are tested and deemed not to be functional by the device 10.

In other embodiments, the visual indicator 38 may be provided on the remote device 42 (e.g. displayed on a GUI). For example, the operator may display the visual indictor on a mobile phone.

In some embodiments, an auditory indication may be provided. This may be provided by one or more of: the visual indicator 36, an in-built car stereo system, or the remote device 42.

In some embodiments, a message/notification (e.g. text notification) may be sent to the remote device to indicate the fault. Additionally or alternatively, a fault may be logged by the system. This may then be retrieved at a later time, for example, when an audit is required.

In some embodiments, the device comprises a location detection means, for example, using GPS and/or using multilateration of mobile phone towers. The controller 24 may log the position of the device 10 at a given set of time intervals and/or when a test is performed. This data may be correlated with the light 12 inspection data, thus allowing determination of when/where a light fault was present and/or a light test was performed.

The location data may be used to determine the speed of the vehicle at a given time, thus indicating whether the vehicle was travelling within permitted speed limits at a given time/location. The speed and/or location of the vehicle may be transmitted to the remote device 42, to allow monitoring of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the device 10 comprises a theft alert system. The theft alert system is configured to activate the one or more lights upon triggering/activation/detection of one or more states indicating potential theft of the towed vehicle.

For example, the theft alert system may be automatically activated when the towed vehicle 4 is outside a given location range/area (e.g. geofencing). Therefore, if the towed vehicle is taken outside a normal area of operation (e.g. outside the country or away from a normal route), the system will activate.

The system may be activated if movement of the vehicle is detected during a certain time period. For example, the operator may store the towed vehicle overnight, where no movement of the vehicle is to be expected. The operator may be able to programme a schedule when the towed vehicle 4 is expected to be immobile.

In other examples, the theft alert system may be remotely activated by the operator (e.g. via the remote device). The allows manual activation in the event the theft is discovered by the operator.

Once the theft alert system is activated, the system will illuminate one or more lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4 visually indicate to the police and/or other traffic that the towed vehicle has been stolen.

The lights 12 may be illuminated in a way not associated with conventional operation to draw attention to the vehicle, i.e. in an abnormal lighting frequency, sequence and/or abnormal combinations of lights. For example, one or more lights 12 (e.g. the hazard lights) may flash continually. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of lights 12 may illuminate sequentially and/or randomly.

The theft alert system may comprise an audible indicator.

The theft alert system may notify the user of a potential theft via the remote device 42. The device 10 may provide location data to the remote device 42, such that the stolen vehicle may be tracked.

The theft alert system may temporarily deactivate/partially deactivate during certain operation of the vehicle. For example, the system temporality deactivates when the brakes are used, such that the brake lights can be illuminated in a conventional fashion, thereby reducing the hazard to other road users.

Operation of the invention The operator plugs the testing device 10 into the powered vehicle connector 13 and the towed vehicle connector 14, thus connecting the towed vehicle 4 and testing device 10 to electrical power provided by powered vehicle 2. Where the device is integral with the connectors or the vehicles, the powered vehicle connector 13 and the towed vehicle connector 14 will be connected in a conventional manner.

The operator may activate the device and set the device to a 'recording' mode 20 where required.

The operator of the powered vehicle will activate one or more lights of the powered vehicle, for example, by switching on the lights or pushing the brake pedal etc. The powered vehicle 2 sends a signal through the electrical connection 8 to activate the one or more lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4. The testing device 10 intercepts the signal and prevents illumination of the one or more lights 12. The signal is received by a corresponding pin input 20 and is sent to the controller 24. The controller 24 stores the signal in memory to be retrieved at a later time.

The operator of the powered vehicle may then activate a further light of the powered vehicle. The powered vehicle 2 sends a further signal through the electrical connection 8 to activate the one or more further lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4. The testing device 10 intercepts the further signal and stores the signal in memory.

The process is repeated for each light 12 on the towed vehicle 4 as required.

The controller 24 initially waits a specified period of time whilst the operator exits the vehicle and moves into a position where they can see the lights 12 clearly. In other embodiments, replay sequence may be started manually by the operator once they are in position.

The controller 24 then retrieves the light signals sequence from memory and relays the signal to the corresponding outputs 22. The corresponding lights 12 on the towed vehicle 4 are illuminated in sequence and the operator can make a visual inspection to ascertain the lights 12 are operating correctly.

The controller 24 makes a record of the test to permit an audit at a later time.

Claims

Claims: 1. A test system for testing the operational status of one or more lights of a towed vehicle comprising: a receiver configured to receive a signal from a vehicle configured to tow the towed vehicle, the signal configured to activate the one or more lights; a relay device configured to intercept the signal prior to activation of the one or more lights and to control output of a signal to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the received signal according to control logic of the relay device. 10 2. A system according to claim 1, where the control logic is configured to delay output of the signal to activate the one or more lights for a specified period of time.3. A system according to claim 2, where the specified period of time is 15 variable.4. A system according to any of claims 2 and 3, where the control logic is configured to initiate the specified period of time by a user input.5. A system according to any preceding claim, where the control logic is configured to initiate activation of the one or more lights by a user input.6. A system according to any preceding claim, comprising a remote device operatively connected to the system to provide control thereof.7. A system according to claim 6, when dependent on any of claims 4 or 5, where the user input is transmitted via the remote device.8. A system according to any preceding claim, where the control logic is configured to receive a plurality of signals, each signal corresponding to one or more lights of the towed vehicle, the relay device configured to intercept the plurality of signals prior to activation of the one or more lights and to control output of a plurality of signals to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the plurality of received signals according to control logic of the relay device.9. A system according to claim 8, where the plurality of received signals are provided in a sequence, the control logic configured to activate each of the plurality lights of the towed vehicle in a corresponding sequence.10. A system according to any preceding claim, where the system is configured to determine the functionality of one or more lights by measuring one or more electrical characteristic of the one or more light during illumination thereof 11. A system according to claim 10, where the system is configured to measure the electrical current flowing through the one or more lights during illumination thereof.12. A system according to any of claims 10 and 11, comprising a visual indicator configured indicate the functionality of the one or more lights.13. A system according to any of claims 10-12, where the visual indictor is remote from the relay device.14. A system according to any of claims 10-13, comprising an auditory indicator configured indicate the functionality of the one or more lights.15. A system according to any preceding claim, where the relay device comprises an inline device, comprising a first electrical interface to operatively connect to an electrical connector of the towing vehicle and a second electrical interface to operatively connect to an electrical connector of the towed vehicle.16. A system according to any preceding claim, where the relay device is configured to log the signal(s) received/sent via the relay device and/or the functionality of the more or more lights to allow an audit of the test at a later time.17. A system according to any preceding claim, where the relay device is configured to record the time and/or location of the signal(s) received/sent via the relay device.18. A system according to any preceding claim, where the relay device is configured record the functionality of the one or more lights at a given time and/or location.19. A system according to any preceding claim comprising a theft alert system, the theft alert system configured to activate the one or more lights upon triggering of one or more states indicating potential theft of the towed vehicle.20. A system according to claim 19, where the activation of the theft alert system is triggered by movement of the device to outside a given location range/area 21. A vehicle and/or trailer comprising the system of any preceding claim.22. A method of testing the operational status of one or more lights of a towed vehicle comprising: receiving a signal from a vehicle configured to tow the towed vehicle, the signal configured to activate the one or more lights; intercepting the signal by a relay device prior to activation of the one or more lights and controlling the output of a signal to activate the one or more lights corresponding to the received signal.