Method and apparatus to automatically convert trailer marker lights to flashing hazard lights upon disruption of trailer lighting power supplied from a towing vehicle

摘要

Apparatus for providing emergency actuation of lights on a trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electrical input connector for electrically connecting the apparatus with the plug of a towing vehicle lighting pigtail, an electrical output connector for electrically connecting the apparatus with an electrical connector of a trailer lighting harness, a battery, a battery charging circuit operable to receive power from a towing vehicle through the electrical input connector and to charge the battery, and a control circuit comprising a flasher and a solenoid switch. The control circuit is operable, in a first mode, to electrically connect the towing vehicle lighting pigtail with the trailer lighting harness with a towing vehicle lighting harness and operable, in a second mode, to connect the battery of the apparatus, through the flasher, to the trailer lighting harness. The solenoid switch switches the control circuit from the first mode to the second mode when no power is delivered to the electrical input connector. The control circuit may include an actuation switch. When the apparatus is connected to the towing vehicle lighting pigtail and actuated by the switch with the lights of the towing vehicle turned off, the apparatus will cause the trailer lights to flash until the towing vehicle lights are actuated. The trailer lights will thereafter be controlled by the lighting controls in the towing vehicle until such time as the towing vehicle lighting pigtail stops delivering power to the electrical input connector of the apparatus.