Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation

Other

E Leon Hopkins

Evan L Hopkins

Gary Truesdale Gibbs

A method and apparatus (10) for aligning a towed vehicle (12) with a towing vehicle (14) is disclosed. The method is implemented with an alignment apparatus (10) including a base (22) configured for attachment to the towed vehicle (12), a platform (23) rotatably mounted on the base (22), and a level device (24) mounted on the rotatable platform (23). While the towed vehicle (12) is connected to the towing vehicle (14), the platform (23) and level device (24) are rotated until the level device (24) is in its level position. This sets a reference height position for the towed vehicle (12). When it is desired to reconnect the towed vehicle (12) with the towing vehicle (14), the towed vehicle (12) is raised until the level device (24) is once again in its level position. In one embodiment, the alignment apparatus includes a base hingedly connected to a mounting bracket for permitting side-to-side leveling of the towed vehicle.

Method and apparatus for aligning a towed vehicle with a towing vehicle

An automotive electrical wiring harness for connecting the electrical system of a towing vehicle to that of a trailer or the like has a flat connector at one end which is foldable along a hinge line of weakness in the body of the connector. When folded, the connector body is smaller than the diameter of a small opening in the bumper of the towing vehicle so as to permit the connector to be passed through the opening while the rest of the harness stays behind. Once on the far side of the opening, the connector is unfolded to reestablish its original flat, full size configuration, whereupon it may be coupled with other connector components of the vehicle's electrical system. Optionally, a protective sleeve may be slipped over the connector and frictionally retained in place thereon once the connector has been passed through the opening, so as to maintain structural integrity of the connection and to guard against the ingress of moisture and contaminants. Additionally, a storage container may be mounted on the rear face of the bumper in overlying relationship to the installation opening for neatly housing the remaining parts of the harness during periods of nonuse.

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Emporia, KS, United States of America

E Leon Hopkins