Trailer alignment apparatus

Abstract

A trailer hitch alignment apparatus designed to be used with an existing trailer hitch that includes a hollow frame tube mounted transversely on the rear of a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a first leg member that slides into an end opening on the transversely aligned frame tube attached to the frame on the towing vehicle. Attached to the distal end of the first leg member is a joint bracket with a ratchet mechanism disposed therein. Pivotally attached to the distal end of the joint bracket is a second leg member. The ratchet mechanism is coupled to the second leg member enabling the user to forcibly pivot the second leg member around the first leg member. Attached inside the rear surface of the first leg member is a cable assembly containing a cable wound onto a spool. Attached to the spool is a locking, tightening mechanism that allows the cable to be forcibly wound and unwound from the spool. Extending from the distal end of the second leg member is a telescopic extension arm. During assembly, the cable extends from the cable assembly through the second leg member and into the extension arm. The cable then exits from the distal end of the extension arm and attaches to the tongue receiver on the trailer. The user then selectively tightens the cable and adjusts the length of the extension arm with respect to the second leg member and the angular orientation of the second leg member to the first leg member to pull the trailer along a desired line offset from the line that runs directly between the ball and the trailer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.