Trailer reversal self-correcting assembly

Abstract

A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly adapted to be disposed between the tow bar of a vehicle and the tow member of a trailer, the assembly comprising a tow arm pivotally connected to the tow bar at its first end and to the tow member at its second end, a first extension mount extending laterally from the tow bar, and a second extension mount extending laterally from the tow member, a first correcting linkage device having at least a first linkage member connected between the first extension mount and the second extension mount.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A trailer reversal self correcting assembly adapted to be disposed between the tow bar of a vehicle and the tow member of a trailer, said assembly comprising a tow arm pivotally connected to said tow bar at a first pivot connection and also pivotally connected to said tow member at a second pivot connection, and wherein movement of said trailer away from a straight line followed by the vehicle is self corrected by forces imposed by said assembly. 
     
     
         14 . A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein in addition to said tow arm, said assembly comprises a linkage device pivotally connected to said tow bar via a third pivot connection and also pivotally connected to said tow member via a fourth pivot connection. 
     
     
         15 . A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said second pivot connection lies on a first axis of said tow member, and said third pivot connection lies on a second axis that intersects with said first axis at a location behind said tow arm. 
     
     
         16 . A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein an axle of said trailer is disposed between said tow arm and the intersection of said first axis and said second axis. 
     
     
         17 . A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said linkage device comprises a rotatable shaft supported by a shaft guide mounted on said tow arm, and said third and fourth pivot connections each comprise a mesh connection. 
     
     
         18 . A trailer reversal self correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said third pivot connection is a crown wheel and pinion connection. 
     
     
         19 . A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein said fourth pivot connection is a rack and pinion connection. 
     
     
         20 . A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said first pivot connection is at or near a first end of said tow arm and said second pivot connection is disposed between said first pivot connection and a second end of said tow arm, and a powered actuator mounted to said trailer is adapted to actuate said tow arm. 
     
     
         21 . A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein a switch mechanism is adapted to detect movement of said trailer away from said straight line followed by said vehicle and activate said powered actuator in response thereto. 
     
     
         22 . A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein said assembly is provided with a powered drive unit and/or powered actuator to assist said trailer to be self-corrected when said trailer moves away from a straight line followed by said vehicle.