Adjustable Trailer Coupling System

Abstract

Towing adjustment and coupling techniques may include a retentive lateral trailer adjustment device of a trailer ( 1 ) configured to provide lateral adjustment of the trailer ( 1 ). In some embodiments, a trailer ( 1 ) may include a coupler element ( 3 ) and at least one retentive lateral adjustment device configured to provide adjustment in a lateral direction ( 8 ) of the coupler element ( 3 ). Embodiments may have configurations directed to couplers such as a gooseneck hitch, a fifthwheel hitch, and a pull-type or tongue hitch. Embodiments may also provide a fore-aft position indicator ( 44 ) with or without a fore-aft position sensor ( 50 ) through which proper positioning of a source of tow power ( 54 ) relative to a trailer ( 1 ) may be facilitated in a fore-aft direction ( 7 ). Corresponding methods are included as embodiments of the invention.

1 - 90 . (canceled) 
     
     
         91 . A trailer coupling system comprising:
 a. a trailer;   b. a source of towing power;   c. a coupler element configured responsive said trailer and said source of towing power when in a coupled configuration; and   d. a relative fore-aft position indicator configured for use in establishing said coupler element in said coupled configuration.   
     
     
         92 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 91  wherein said source of towing power comprises a vehicle. 
     
     
         93 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said vehicle comprises a pickup and wherein said trailer comprises a gooseneck trailer. 
     
     
         94 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  or  93  and further comprising a continuous movement, retentive lateral trailer adjustment element. 
     
     
         95 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said trailer comprises a trailer selected from a group consisting of a boat trailer, a recreational vehicle trailer, a fifth wheel trailer, a camper trailer, a horse trailer, a utility trailer, an agricultural use trailer, a flat bed trailer, and a heavy duty trailer. 
     
     
         96 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said coupler element configured responsive said trailer and said source of towing power when in a coupled configuration comprises a gooseneck coupler. 
     
     
         97 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said coupler element configured responsive said trailer and said source of towing power when in a coupled configuration comprises an A-frame hitch element. 
     
     
         98 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said coupler element configured responsive said trailer and said source of towing power when in a coupled configuration comprises a pintle hitch element. 
     
     
         99 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said coupler element configured responsive said trailer and said source of towing power when in a coupled configuration comprises a trailer coupler element selected from the group consisting of: a 5 th  wheel element, a pin hitch element, a ball hitch element, a receiver hitch element, an insert hitch element, a tube hitch element, a bumper hitch element, and a plate hitch element. 
     
     
         100 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said relative fore-aft position indicator configured for use in establishing said coupler element in said coupled configuration comprises high visibility indicia. 
     
     
         101 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 100  wherein said relative fore-aft position indicator configured for use in establishing said coupler element in said coupled configuration comprises a reflective surface visible indicator. 
     
     
         102 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  wherein said relative fore-aft position indicator configured for use in establishing said coupler element in said coupled configuration comprises a relative distance gauge. 
     
     
         103 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 102  wherein said relative distance gauge comprises a calibrated distance gauge. 
     
     
         104 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 103  wherein said calibrated distance gauge comprises a parallax factored distance gauge. 
     
     
         105 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 102  wherein said relative distance gauge comprises a hidden distance gauge. 
     
     
         106 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 105  wherein said hidden distance gauge comprises a hidden distance gauge selected from a group consisting of a door jamb gauge, a vehicle running board gauge, and a vehicle step gauge. 
     
     
         107 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 92  and further comprising a relative position sensor to which said fore-aft position indicator is responsive. 
     
     
         108 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 107  wherein said relative position sensor comprises a laterally dynamic position sensor. 
     
     
         109 . A trailer coupling system as described in  claim 108  wherein said laterally dynamic position sensor comprises a bail element. 
     
     
         110 - 132 . (canceled) 
     
     
         133 . A method of trailer coupling comprising the steps of:
 a. establishing a trailer in a coupling accessible location;   b. positioning a source of tow power in a vicinity of said trailer;   c. indicating a relative fore-aft position of said source of tow power;   d. moving said source of tow power relative to said trailer;   e. utilizing said relative fore-and-aft position indication while accomplishing said step of moving said source of tow power relative to said trailer;   f. stopping moving said source of tow power relative to said trailer; and   g. coupling said source of tow power and said trailer.   
     
     
         134 - 173 . (canceled)