US Patent:
20060097480, May 11, 2006
Inventors:
Raymond Hegefeld - Forney TX, US
International Classification:
B60D 1/36
Abstract:
A trailer hitch guide and step is disclosed, which includes the combination of a drawbar, a ball mount affixed to the drawbar, an alignment guide centered between the ball mount and the drawbar and a brace affixed to the drawbar and affixed to the back of the alignment guide. The alignment guide includes a back, two sides extending at angles of from about 40 degrees to about 50 degrees, and preferably approximately 45 degrees, from the edges of the back and two wings extending in curving arcs out from the edges of the two sides opposite the edges attached to the back. In a preferred arrangement, the two side are of equal length and the width of the back is greater than half the length of either side and the length of the two wings are equal and greater than half the length of the two sides. The brace is in the shape of a right triangle with one leg affixed to the drawbar and one leg affixed to the back of the alignment guide. The thickness of the alignment guide and the thickness of the brace are sufficient to support the weight of an adult, typically at least one fourth inch. In a preferred arrangement, the wings form angles of from about 25 degrees to about 35 degrees with respect to the sides, and preferably at angles of approximately 30 degrees.