Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems and methods for adapting a first receptacle to power a second receptacle. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for adapting a first receptacle wired to a towing vehicle's electrical system to power a second receptacle with zero or minimal modification (e.g., cutting or splicing) of the towing vehicle's electrical system wiring.
Towing vehicle receptacles such as receptacles for use with a towed object (e.g., a vehicle, a cargo hold, a trailer such as a Gooseneck trailer, a camper, a fifth wheel, etc. to be towed by the towing vehicle) are known in the art. Such receptacles are typically included as standard equipment on vehicles equipped with a towing package. That is, the towing vehicle receptacle is typically pre-wired to the towing vehicle's electrical system (e.g., by the vehicle manufacturer or reseller) in a manner that allows the receptacle to provide power to a towed object. In many cases, this receptacle is mounted on or below the rear bumper of the vehicle in close proximity to the tow hitch. Towing vehicle receptacles are available in a wide variety of standardized forms including, without limitation, two-way receptacle (e.g., a 12-volt receptacle such as those use as a cigarette lighter receptacle, cell phone charger receptacle, etc.), four-way, five-way, six-way, and seven-way receptacles. These standardized receptacles facilitate insertion of standardized plugs that are typically included and pre-wired to objects to be towed such as trailers and the like. As used herein, the term “way” denotes the quantity of differing electrical connections. For example, the seven-way receptacle described herein has seven different electrical connections for electric brakes, taillights, 12V, ground, left turn, right turn, and auxiliary/backup even though it has eight electrical terminals due to the inclusion of two terminals for the same electrical connection of ground.
A typical standardized towing vehicle receptacle as known in the prior art is depicted in FIG. 2 as receptacle 202′. Receptacle 202′ is typically mounted through an aperture such as receptacle aperture 216′ of a commercially-available receptacle bracket such as partially shown receptacle bracket 216′. Receptacle bracket 214′ may be integral to or detachable from any stationary part of the towing vehicle such as, for example, the towing hitch, the rear bumper, and extensions thereof.
Receptacle 202′ includes two connection points, namely, power inlet 204′ and power outlet 206′. Power inlet 204′ is configured to receive plug 204′, which is connected to the towing vehicle's electrical system via wiring bus 212′. In many cases, plug 204′ is installed and wired to the towing vehicle's electrical system during the towing vehicle's manufacture; however, it may also be added at a later time. Connecting plug 204′ to power inlet 204′ provides power from the towing vehicle's electrical system to receptacle 202′ and power outlet 206′.
Power outlet 206′ is configured to receive a plug connected to the towed object's electrical system (i.e., the wiring connected to the towed object's brake lights, turn signals, etc.). Weatherproof cap 210′ is typically included in receptacle 202′ to protect power outlet 206′ when it is not in use. Connecting the towed object's electrical system plug to power outlet 206′ of receptacle 202′ provides the power provided by the towing vehicle's electrical system via plug 204′ and receptacle 202′ to the towed object's electrical system. This allows the taillights, brake lights, turn signals, etc. of the towed object to operate as required by local and/or federal laws.
As depicted in FIG. 3, towing vehicle receptacle kits such as kit 300′ are also known in the art. An example of one such kit 300′ is the 7-Way Pre-Wired Car Connector, 7′ Lead having model no. 20023 and manufactured by Draw-Tite. Such kits typically facilitate the addition of a second receptacle to a towing vehicle having a first receptacle or such kits may facilitate the addition of a first receptacle to a towing vehicle having no receptacles.
Kit 300′ typically includes receptacle 302′ and wiring harness 312′. Receptacle 302′ includes two connection points, namely, power inlet 304′ and power outlet 306′. Power inlet 304′ is configured to receive plug 308′, which is connected to a first end of wiring harness 312′. The second end of wiring harness 312′ is typically connected to the towing vehicle's electrical system via splicing or other methods. Such connection typically involves disruption (e.g., cutting) of the towing vehicle's existing electrical system. After this connection is made, connecting plug 308′ to power inlet 304′ provides power from the towing vehicle's electrical system via wires 316′, wiring harness 312′, and plug 308′ to receptacle 302′ and power outlet 306′. Power outlet 306′ is configured to receive a plug connected to the towed object's electrical system (i.e., the wiring connected to the towed object's brake lights, turn signals, etc.). Weatherproof cap 310′ is typically included in receptacle 302′ to protect power outlet 306′ when it is not in use. Connecting the towed object's electrical system plug to power outlet 306′ of receptacle 302′ provides the power provided by the towing vehicle's electrical system via plug 308′ and receptacle 302′ to a plug inserted in power outlet 306′.