Remote control towing-hitch assembly

Abstract

An adjustable trailer hitch which provides an operator improved remote control of the lateral position of a trailer hitch, and simplifies the procedure of hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle. The trailer hitch comprises a hitch assembly (such as a ball receptacle) attached to a roller carriage which moves from side-to-side along a bumper-like housing. The roller carriage engages a positioning screw, and an electric motor mounted in a sealed end cap powers the positioning screw. Rotation of the screw translates into rightward or leftward lateral movement of the roller carriage and consequently of the ball receptacle assembly. Motion of the ball receptacle assembly is controlled via a wireless remote control unit. Such direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse. During hook-up, lateral movement of the hitch enables the operator to connect the trailer and the tow vehicle from a greater range of positions, and eliminates the need for absolute accuracy of alignment between the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle as required by traditional fixed hitches.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.