Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of mechanical and electronic engineering, focusing on energy efficiency on freight transport systems. More specifically, the invention applies to Long Combination Vehicles (LCV), in which the semi-trailer is provided with an auxiliary traction system, such as electric traction with regenerative braking, for example. The invention provides means for controlling the actuation of the auxiliary traction, which provides safe use and enhances economic and environmental savings in freight transport. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system for managing the auxiliary traction on a road implement that provides improved, safer drivability of the set.

Abstract: A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly includes a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, wherein the kingpin is secured within the recess of the housing, and wherein the kingpin includes an axis extending along a length of the kingpin, and a sensor arrangement configured to sense a force exerted on the kingpin in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A terminal tractor includes a fifth wheel coupling which is rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the terminal tractor such that an opening in the fifth wheel coupling may be reoriented depending on the terminal tractor's direction of approach to a semi-trailer.

Abstract: A hitch mount configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the vehicle having an under bed hitch mounting system is shown and described. The hitch mount may include at least one transverse member, at least one longitudinal member attached with the at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member including first and second apertures, the first and second apertures of different size, and first and second fastening devices configured to selectively engage the under bed hitch mounting system and the first and second apertures, respectively. The hitch mount may also include first and second biasing members operatively engaged with the first and second fastening, the biasing members applying a load against the under bed hitch mounting system, and first and second handles pivotally and rotatably attached with the first and second fastening devices, the handles having a camming surface configured to engage the first and second biasing members.

Abstract: Multiple exemplary systems for preventing jackknifing are disclosed. The systems comprise an electric motor for extending a shaft into a fifth wheel coupling when a tractor trailer is traveling at above a predetermined speed in a forward direction, physically preventing the tractor trailer from jackknifing. In order to avoid dependence on integration with a tractor, sensors on a trailer are used to determine speed without communication with the tractor or any instruments therein, via reception of one or more waves. When the trailer is determined to be traveling at below the predetermined speed in a forward direction, or at any speed in a backward direction, the shaft is retracted to allow the trailer to freely rotate with respect, to the tractor.

Abstract: An emergency trailer release device for separating a trailer from a towing truck during an emergency situation includes an actuating module and a controller, which are mountable to a fifth wheel and within a cab of the towing truck, respectively. The actuating module is operationally engaged to and can selectively open a set of locks so that a king pin engaging the trailer to the fifth wheel is released. The controller is operationally engaged to the actuating module and can be engaged an electrical circuit of the towing truck. The controller can be selectively actuated by a driver of the towing truck in an emergency situation to signal the actuating module to open the set of locks to disengage the trailer from the towing truck, for example, when the driver believes the towing truck, the trailer, or both, are in danger of rolling over.

Abstract: Techniques are described for measuring angle and/or orientation of a rear drivable section (e.g., a trailer unit of a semi-trailer truck) relative to a front drivable section (e.g., a tractor unit of the semi-trailer truck) using an example rotary encoder assembly. The example rotary encoder assembly comprises a base surface; a housing that includes a second end that is connected to the base surface and a first end that is at least partially open and is coupled to a housing cap; and a rotary encoder that is located in the housing in between the base surface and the housing cap, where the rotary encoder includes a rotatable shaft that protrudes from a first hole located in the housing cap, and where a top of the rotatable shaft located away from the rotary encoder is coupled to magnet(s).

Abstract: An electropneumatic trailer supply module, for an electropneumatic parking brake system for a tractor vehicle/trailer combination, includes a supply connection configured to connect a compressed air supply, a trailer supply connection configured to deliver a supply pressure for a trailer vehicle, a pneumatically controlled main valve unit configured to provide the supply pressure to the trailer supply connection, and an electropneumatic pilot control unit configured to select at least a first control pressure at the pneumatically controlled main valve unit. When the first control pressure exceeds a predefined first threshold value of the pneumatically controlled main valve unit, the supply pressure provided to the trailer supply connection can be selected. When the first control pressure falls below the predefined first threshold value of the pneumatically controlled main valve unit, the trailer supply connection is configured to be vented.

Abstract: Shock absorber assembly structures are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a body of a vehicle having a first longitudinal structural member adjacent a wheel arch area of the body, a first locating rib integrally formed in the first longitudinal structural member to position a shock absorber of a chassis of the vehicle during assembly of the vehicle body to the chassis, and a first attachment boss integrally formed in the first longitudinal structural member adjacent to the first locating rib to receive a first fastener to fasten the shock absorber to the body.

Abstract: A fifth wheel cover is disclosed herein. The fifth-wheel hitch cover includes a magnetically attachable support with an integrated reel apparatus. Additionally, the reel supports a cover that is retractable, and the cover has a magnetic anchor bar on the end opposite the reel. The fifth wheel cover may come in the form of a storage box containing the cover therein. The storage box is then mounted onto a frame of a truck. A user may then retract the cover to provide protection to the fifth wheel from weather and debris. Additionally, a heated underplate may be included beneath the fifth wheel to provide protection from debris that may come in contact with the fifth wheel. Another embodiment includes a fifth wheel cover having a frame including foldable arms which extend a cover over the fifth wheel.

Abstract: A coupling plate for a fifth wheel coupling, wherein the coupling plate on a top side includes a planar bearing surface and at a rear end it includes two entrance horns bordering on an entrance opening, the entrance opening extends in a longitudinal axis (x) of the coupling plate and ends in a kingpin bearing region, and the coupling plate is configured with a respective receiving structure for a bearing block on its bottom side, on either side of the kingpin bearing region and spaced apart from each other on a transverse axis (y). The problem which the invention proposes to solve is to provide a standardized coupling plate, having a minimal natural weight, given a slight loading, and whose strength can be adapted for higher anticipated loads. The problem is solved according to the invention in that at least one connection means for the releasable mounting of at least one stiffening element is formed on the coupling plate beneath the planar bearing surface.

Abstract: A dirt protection cover arrangement with a semi-trailer (2) and a towing vehicle (3), for closing a hollow-bored king pin (21) on the semi-trailer (2) for an automatic fifth-wheel coupling, the king pin (21) being arranged on the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2) as a counter-bearing for a fifth wheel (31) of the towing vehicle (3), a dirt protection cover device (1) being arranged such that it is adjacent to the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2) and can rotate about the king pin (21), said dirt protection cover device including a dirt protection cover (11) for covering the borehole (22) in the king pin (21), and the dirt protection cover (11) being configured on the dirt protection cover device (1) such that, during the coupling process, it can be displaced from a base position covering the borehole (22) in the king pin (21) into a coupled position exposing the borehole. Also, a dirt protection cover device (1) for a dirt protection cover arrangement, and a coupling method involving same.

Abstract: Examples include an apparatus configured for attaching a rib of an aircraft wing to a panel of the aircraft wing, the apparatus including: an insert that is configured to be attached, via an interference fit, to a hole in the rib; a shear tie including a socket at a first end of the shear tie, where the shear tie is configured to be attached to the panel at a second end of the shear tie; a ball stud including a shaft and a ball that is opposite the shaft, where the shaft is configured to be attached to the insert and the ball is configured to be positioned within the socket; and a fastener that is configured to secure the ball within the socket, thereby attaching the ball stud to the shear tie.

Abstract: A short circuit protection circuit may comprise a first configuration channel line extending from a first connector, a first resistor connected to the first configuration channel line; a voltage divider connected to a junction point on the first configuration channel line, the voltage divider comprising a second resistor and a thermistor, and a field effect transistor (FET) comprising a source, gate, and drain. The thermistor may be connected to a ground line. The drain of the FET may be connected to the first resistor, the source of the FET may be connected to the ground line, and the gate of the FET may be connected to a second junction point between the second resistor and thermistor of the voltage divider.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a fifth wheel hitch plate having a body portion and a pair of extensions extending outwardly from the body portion, wherein the extensions cooperate to form a throat therebetween, a locking arrangement moveable between an unlocked position where a kingpin may be moved into and out of the throat, and a locked position where the kingpin is prevented from being removed from within the throat, and a sensor arrangement that includes at least one sensor located within at least one component of the locking arrangement, wherein the at least one sensor includes an accelerometer configured to sense vibrational movement of the at least one component of the locking arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetoelastic hitch receiver force detection are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a chassis, a trailer hitch receiver configured to receive a trailer hitch arm along an axis, a first pin having a first magnetic field, the first pin disposed above and perpendicular to the axis, a second pin, the first pin and the second pin coupling the trailer hitch receiver to the chassis and a first sensor configured to detect changes in the first magnetic field.

Abstract: A hitch mount configured to be selectively attached to a vehicle, the vehicle having an under bed hitch mounting system is shown and described. The hitch mount may include at least one transverse member, at least one longitudinal member attached with the at least one transverse member, the at least one longitudinal member including first and second apertures, the first and second apertures of different size, and first and second fastening devices configured to selectively engage the under bed hitch mounting system and the first and second apertures, respectively. The hitch mount may also include first and second biasing members operatively engaged with the first and second fastening, the biasing members applying a load against the under bed hitch mounting system, and first and second handles pivotally and rotatably attached with the first and second fastening devices, the handles having a camming surface configured to engage the first and second biasing members.

Abstract: A fifth-wheel that includes a horizontal plate and a pair of legs extending upward therefrom. Also including pair of anchors, each having a bushing mounted under the plate, a cap, above the plate, secured to the respective bushing, a T-bolt extending vertically through the respective bushing and cap, and a handle secured to and extending radially outward from the respective T-bolt through a slot in the respective cap; and nuts securing each T-bolt to the respective anchor. The fifth-wheel may also include a cover, pivotable to selectively provide and block access to the anchors.

Abstract: A system for allowing a chassis for an intermodal shipping container having fittings and a floor to be secured to a loading dock is provided. The system is capable of being stowed away into the chassis when not in use, and moveable to a locking position for interfacing with the dock's restraining system when the chassis is to be secured to the loading dock.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor assembly for force sensing, the sensor assembly comprising: a first portion having a first and a second through hole, a second portion having a third and fourth through hole, and a first pin and a second pin coupling the first portion to the second portion. At least one out of the first and the second pin comprises a magnetoelastic based sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a stress-induced magnetic flux emanating from a magnetically polarized region of the pin. The magnetoelastic based sensor comprises at least one direction sensitive magnetic field sensor in an at least partially hollow portion of the pin, which field sensor is configured for determination of a shear force in at least one direction. The invention further provides a tow coupling comprising the sensor assembly. The invention further provides a method for detecting a load.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining force direction and magnitude acting on a trailer hitch are disclosed. An example vehicle includes two magnetoelastic pins, having respective magnetic fields, configured to couple a trailer hitch receiver to a vehicle chassis. The vehicle also includes a plurality of sensors corresponding to the two magnetoelastic pins, configured to detect changes in the respective magnetic fields. And the vehicle further includes a processor configured to determine a magnitude and direction of a force acting on the trailer hitch receiver based on data from the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch having a base assembly mounted to a bed of a towing vehicle, an intermediate assembly mounted to the base assembly, and a hitch head assembly which reduces or entirely eliminates the need for a lubricant, has jaws with mated, intermeshing teeth, and a locking mechanism which clearly indicates whether or not a kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer is properly connected to the fifth wheel hitch. The fifth wheel hitch is easily uninstalled into separate light-weight modules for re-installation on another towing vehicle.

Abstract: The kingpin assembly is securable to a semitrailer for engagement with a fifth wheel coupling of a towing vehicle, the kingpin assembly comprising: a rotation axis, a housing configured to be secured to the semitrailer, the housing having a cavity and an aperture leading to the cavity along the rotation axis, and a kingpin member having a base portion journaled in the cavity and a kingpin portion protruding from the aperture along the rotation axis for engagement with the fifth wheel coupling. In one embodiment, the kingpin member is journaled in the cavity via a polymeric bushing. In one embodiment, the housing is secured to the semitrailer via an assembly frame to which it is fastened with bolts, and a lock ring is used to prevent the heads of the bolts from rotating. In one embodiment, a swiveling plate is secured to the kingpin member.

Abstract: A dump body for a truck has rear left and right pillars, a tailgate pivotally connected to the pillars, left and right upper rails connected to the rear left and right pillars at their rear ends, a front wall connected to the front ends of the upper rails, a left side wall connected to the front wall, the left upper rail and the rear left pillar, a right side wall connected to the front wall, the right upper rail and the rear right pillar, a floor connected to the front wall, the rear pillars, and the lower ends of the side walls, and front and rear support assemblies connected to an underside of front and rear portions of the floor. A majority of an underside portion of the floor located longitudinally between the support assemblies is free of structural support members. A truck having the dump body is also described.

Abstract: A seat for a motor vehicle includes a cap in the seat back for covering an ISOFIX bar. The cap includes a cap body and a grip portion. The grip portion includes a scoop portion in the cap body for receiving a hand and an indented portion longitudinally forward of the scoop. A second seat for a motor vehicle includes a frame and an inner cover on the frame. The inner cover being generally L-shaped and located on a laterally inward side of the frame. The inner cover includes a smooth lower external surface and a smooth and recessed external upper surface.

Abstract: A road tractor semi-trailer combination 1 is equipped with a system for detecting the position of a road tractor relative to a semi-trailer. This system comprises a magnet 13 which is accommodated in the center of the bottom of the kingpin and a sensor unit 11 which is fixed to the bottom of the fifth wheel 9. The sensor unit can be displaced between a resting position at a distance from the magnet where the position of the magnet cannot be detected, and an operating position at a distance from the magnet where the position of the magnet can be detected indeed. The fifth wheel is equipped with a handle for displacing a locking pawl which locks the kingpin in the fifth wheel in coupled state of the road tractor and the semi-trailer. This handle is connected via a pulling cable to the sensor unit for displacing the sensor unit to the operating position simultaneously with the displacement of the locking pawl.

Abstract: An upper coupler assembly for use with a trailer includes an apron assembly and a grid assembly coupled with the apron assembly. The apron assembly is arranged to engage a coupling of a vehicle to cause the coupling to be aligned with the grid assembly when the upper coupler is being coupled with the vehicle. The grid assembly couples the upper coupler assembly with the coupling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second direction positions the locking member in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A platform trailer neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a first beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the first beam; and, (ii) and a first beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the first beam. The neck reinforcement structure also includes a second beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a second beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the second beam; and, (ii) and a second beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the second beam. Internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first beam inner insert and the second beam inner insert. A first group of external cross members are located between the first beam outer insert and the left side rail, and a second group of external cross members are located between the second beam outer insert and the right side rail.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch attachable to a cross member secured to a frame below a load bed of a vehicle, the cross member having a width is shown and described. The gooseneck hitch may include a beam selectively attachable to the cross member below the load bed and a rail monolithically formed with the beam and extending from the beam. The gooseneck hitch may also include a receptacle monolithically formed with the rail, where the receptacle is capable of selectively securing a hitch ball.

Abstract: A lock device that locks or unlocks a locking subject includes a lock member moved between a lock position where the lock member locks the locking subject and an unlock position where the lock member unlocks the unlocking subject and a movable transmission member that acts to move the lock member to at least the lock position. A guide mechanism is arranged between the transmission member and the lock member. The guide mechanism includes a sloped lock guide surface. The lock guide surface guides the lock member to the lock position when the transmission member moves in a first direction.

Abstract: A hitch ball is shown and described. The hitch ball may include a ball member, a body extending from the ball member, and a locking member in communication with the body. The hitch ball may also include a first release mechanism positioned in the ball member, the first release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the first release mechanism in an first direction positions the locking member in a disengaged position, and a second release mechanism positioned in the body, the second release mechanism operatively coupled with the locking member, where positioning the second release mechanism in a second direction positions the locking member in the disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capture plate for preventing rotation between a trailer and a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly mounts on a vehicle, and is preferably a sliding hitch assembly. The capture plate has a lip which mates with the pin box of a fifth wheel trailer, the lip prevents rotation between the trailer and the capture plate. The capture plate has a restriction part which mates with the pin slot on the hitch assembly, the restriction part restricts rotation between the capture plate and the hitch. The capture plate has a fastener which removably secures the capture plate to the pin box.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle system and method comprising a safety sensor disposed on a fifth wheel assembly to indicate an unlocked position of the fifth wheel assembly. The safety sensor is configured to transmit a signal, either hard wired or wireless, to a valve controller which maintains a valve in the brake line to a trailer parking brake in a closed position based on the unlocked position of the fifth wheel. When the fifth wheel locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the valve is maintained in a “no go” closed position so that the trailer parking brake remains engaged. The methods include steps to both operate the system and to assemble the fifth wheel safety system.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, a coupler member operably coupled to the kingpin, and a collet member engaging the housing and the kingpin, and engaging the coupler member such that an uncoupling of the coupler member from the kingpin at least partially disengages the collet member from the kingpin.

Abstract: A trailer safety device is provided having two attachment legs that are mounted to frame rails of a towing vehicle. The attachment legs are mounted behind a hitch using U-bolts. The legs continue rearward of the vehicle and meet to form a catch. Failure of the hitch causes a trailer kingpin to become disengaged from the towing vehicle and travel rearward. Rearward travel of the trailer will cause the kingpin to become ensnared on the catch.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle system and method comprising a safety sensor disposed on a fifth wheel assembly to indicate an unlocked position of the fifth wheel assembly. The safety sensor is configured to transmit a signal, either hard wired or wireless, to a valve controller which maintains a valve in the brake line to a trailer parking brake in a closed position based on the unlocked position of the fifth wheel. When the fifth wheel locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the valve is maintained in a “no go” closed position so that the trailer parking brake remains engaged. The methods include steps to both operate the system and to assemble the fifth wheel safety system.

Abstract: A fifth wheel for use between a tractor and a trailer wherein the trailer has a king pin comprising a frame mounted on the tractor, a lower plate member, an intermediate plate member formed of a low friction material and mounted on the lower plate member, an upper plate member covering the low friction layer, a coupling support mounted on the upper plate member and a king pin retention device mounted on the coupling support.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling with a pull handle, having a pull lever and a safety lever. The pull handle can move in a travel space of a guide mechanism of the fifth wheel coupling plate into a closed position and a release position. Elements are provided for blocking the pull handle, consisting of a safety mechanism with a movably disposed blocking element. The safety mechanism is arranged on the fifth wheel coupling plate. The pull handle has a device for manipulation of the safety mechanism.

Abstract: An improved universal greaseless fifth wheel plate cover and method of installation are disclosed. The fifth wheel plate cover can be retrofitted to almost every existing conventional (greased) fifth wheel, or it could optionally be manufactured into new fifth wheels. The disclosed device comprises a slip plate, which preferably is comprised of a pair of mirror-imaged slip plate members, a plurality of tie down plates, and at least two ramp plate members. The slip plate(s) contain recessed pockets with a plurality of slip plate holes for receiving the plurality of tie down plates. Each tie down plate contains a plurality of corresponding tie down plate holes with sloped edges for contacting a fifth wheel top surface at a distance removed from the bottom edge of the slip plate, thereby ensuring that a weld to fixedly attach the tie down plate to the fifth wheel top surface does not compromise the integrity of the slip plate upon installation.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, a collar member operably coupled to the kingpin, and a collet member extending about the kingpin and frictionally engaging the housing and the kingpin.

Abstract: A platform trailer neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a first beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the first beam; and, (ii) and a first beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the first beam. The neck reinforcement structure also includes a second beam reinforcement structure that includes: (i) a second beam inner insert connected to an inner side of the second beam; and, (ii) and a second beam outer insert connected to an outer side of the second beam. Internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first beam inner insert and the second beam inner insert. A first group of external cross members are located between the first beam outer insert and the left side rail, and a second group of external cross members are located between the second beam outer insert and the right side rail.

Abstract: A bearing assembly having a bearing block of a fifth wheel coupling. The bearing block has at least one vertical fastening flange. The tractive unit has a frame element, which has a vertical section. The vertical fastening flange is connected to the outside of the vertical section by a screw connection. A component, on which the vertical fastening flange is supported at least in the vertical direction, is fastened to the vertical section.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the articulation angle between a tractor and trailer connected by a kingpin and fifth wheel include a transfer assembly associated with the kingpin and interacting with the fifth wheel such that the transfer assembly is rotationally moved relative to the kingpin by relative rotational movement between the kingpin and the fifth wheel. This rotational movement is read by an articulation sensing mechanism having one of a reader element and output element mounted to the transfer assembly and the other of the reader element and the output element operatively mounted to the trailer such that the reader element and the output element interact to provide a signal corresponding to the articulation angle between the tractor and trailer. This signal can be analyzed by a processor for any beneficial use, for example, outputting to a counter steering mechanism.

Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one mounting bracket adapted to support a hitch plate and a vehicle frame rail having a vertical portion and at least one horizontal portion, wherein the at least one mounting bracket is disposed on the at least one horizontal portion. Also included is a support bracket having a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the lower portion is releasably secured to the vertical portion of the vehicle frame rail and the upper portion is releasably secured to the at least one mounting bracket.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, a coupler member operably coupled to the kingpin, and a collet member engaging the housing and the kingpin, and engaging the coupler member such that an uncoupling of the coupler member from the kingpin at least partially disengages the collet member from the kingpin.

Abstract: An easy to use trailer anti-theft device that forms an integral part of said trailer comprising a front exterior wall mounted locking mechanism having a rotatable lock bar extending therefrom with the lock bar having an upper arm pivotally and swivelably connected to a lower swing bar that can be unlocked and moved from a stored position to a downwardly depending blocking position. The lock bar has a partially rotative lower swing arm that under force extends under the trailer substantially in the direction of the trailer king pin. A trailer lock assembly can include a housing mounted on a front wall of a trailer, an upper arm operably connected to the housing, and a swing arm pivotally connected to the upper arm. The swing arm is capable of pivoting under the bottom of the trailer in order to prevent a tractor's fifth wheel from engaging the trailer's king pin.