Abstract: A receiver pin is provided for attaching a ball mount to a receiver on a vehicle. The receiver pin includes a body having an insertion portion and a retaining portion. The insertion portion is sized for insertion through aligned openings in the ball mount and the receiver. The retaining portion extends at least partially laterally from a proximal end of the insertion portion for limiting axial movement of the inserted body in a first direction. The insertion portion also includes a transverse receiving aperture at a distal end for receiving a retaining clip to limit axial movement of the inserted body in a second direction.

Abstract: A trailer/cargo alarm detects the proximity of trailer or cargo attached to a vehicle with an alarm system. If the trailer/cargo is moved out of proximity of the vehicle, the alarm system issues an alert. The proximity of the trailer or cargo may be detected, for example, by detecting the presence of the trailer lighting within the vehicle's electrical circuit, by dedicated hardwired sensors, or wireless detection apparatus.

Abstract: A lock includes a lock body, a lock body engaging member, and a usage indicator. The lock body includes a sidewall portion and a lock interface. The usage indicator is assembled with the lock body and includes a spanner portion secured to the lock body by a severable seal member. The usage indicator further includes a first flanged portion extending laterally from a first end portion of the spanner portion to engage a first end face of the lock body, and a second flanged portion extending laterally from a second end portion of the spanner portion to engage at least one of the lock body engaging member and the second end face of the lock body. At least one of the spanner portion, the first flanged portion, and the second flanged portion covers the lock interface to restrict access to the lock interface.

Abstract: A lockout device for securing a toggle switch. The lockout device includes a body, a first clamping surface, a second clamping surface, and a cam. The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are moveably coupled to the body and are positioned to define a slot for accommodating the toggle switch. The cam is rotateably coupled to the body. When the cam is rotated in a first direction, the cam moves the first clamping surface towards the second clamping surface.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for detecting attachment to a surface are disclosed. The sensors include a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing. An elongated member or fastener extends through the passage and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing to attach the sensor to a surface. First and second electrical contacts are disposed within the housing so that when the sensor is attached to the surface an electrical path is formed between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: A receiver pin is provided for attaching a ball mount to a receiver on a vehicle. The receiver pin includes a body having an insertion portion and a retaining portion. The insertion portion is sized for insertion through aligned openings in the ball mount and the receiver. The retaining portion extends at least partially laterally from a proximal end of the insertion portion for limiting axial movement of the inserted body in a first direction. The insertion portion also includes a transverse receiving aperture at a distal end for receiving a retaining clip to limit axial movement of the inserted body in a second direction.

Abstract: A customizable towing hitch ball mount arrangement for a vehicle is provided. The arrangement includes a ball mount and a customizing element. The ball mount includes a proximal end for insertion into an opening in the hitch receiver, an elongated tube portion, a drop portion extending from the elongated tube portion and angled with respect to a length of the elongated tube portion, and a plate extending substantially horizontally from the drop portion. The drop portion includes at least one mounting feature, and the plate includes a ball mount aperture for attachment of a hitch ball. The customizing element includes at least one mating feature disposed on a mounting surface of the customizing element. The customizing element is removably attachable to the ball mount by engaging the at least one mating feature of the customizing element with the at least one mounting feature of the ball mount.

Abstract: A lockout device for securing a toggle switch. The lockout device includes a body, a first clamping surface, a second clamping surface, and a cam. The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are moveably coupled to the body and are positioned to define a slot for accommodating the toggle switch. The cam is rotateably coupled to the body. When the cam is rotated in a first direction, the cam moves the first clamping surface towards the second clamping surface.

Abstract: An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body, a ball cavity engagement member; and a securing mechanism. The body is configured for engagement with at least one surface of the coupler. The body includes a coupler engagement portion. The ball cavity engagement member is movably coupled to the body and configured for engagement with a ball cavity of the coupler. The securing mechanism can fix the position of the ball cavity engagement member relative to the body such that the assembly is secured to the coupler.

Abstract: Retractable cord reels are disclosed. The retractable cord reels include a housing portion and a spool disposed within the housing portion. The spool has an outer surface associated with an expansion chamber within the housing portion, an inner channel configured to hold a wound length of flat electrical cable and a passage extending between the outer surface and the inner channel. The retractable cord reels also include a flat electrical cable having a first portion disposed in the expansion chamber, a second portion disposed in the inner channel, and a third portion disposed in the passage to follow a path from the outer surface of the spool to the inner channel.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for detecting attachment to a surface are disclosed. The sensors include a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing. An elongated member or fastener extends though the passage and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing to attach the sensor to a surface. First and second electrical contacts are disposed within the housing so that when the sensor is attached to the surface an electrical path is formed between the first and second electrical contacts.

Abstract: Retractable cord reels are disclosed. The retractable cord reels include a housing portion and a spool disposed within the housing portion. The spool has an outer surface associated with an expansion chamber within the housing portion, an inner channel configured to hold a wound length of flat electrical cable and a passage extending between the outer surface and the inner channel. The retractable cord reels also include a flat electrical cable having a first portion disposed in the expansion chamber, a second portion disposed in the inner channel, and a third portion disposed in the passage to follow a path from the outer surface of the spool to the inner channel.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for detecting attachment to a surface are disclosed. The sensors include a housing having an inner surface, an outer surface and a passage extending through the housing. An elongated member or fastener extends though the passage and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing to attach the sensor to a surface. First and second electrical contacts are disposed within the housing so that when the sensor is attached to the surface an electrical path is formed between the first and second electrical contacts.