Anti-sway control device for trailers

Abstract

An apparatus for reducing the sway of a trailer includes a first portion that is attached to a towing vehicle at any of several locations including an end portion of a receiver hitch, a bumper, a frame or body member, or by the use of a modified type of a drawbar having an offset member. A second portion is attached to a trailer at any of several locations including to a ball coupler by the use of an adapter plate, a modified ball coupler bracket, or directly to a tongue of the trailer. Intermediate the first and second portion at least one damper is disposed, preferably a hydraulic damper of the type that is generally used to form an automobile steering damper. The damper preferably includes spherical type bearings at each end thereof to allow for limited articulation about a point. A geometric arrangement (i.e., an angle) for the damper is provided whereby a sufficient dampening force is experienced the moment the trailer begins to deviate from normal. Alternative embodiments are described that increase the number of the hydraulic dampers that are utilized or affect the resistance they provide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.