Protector Or Lock Patents (Class 280/507)
-
Patent number: 6971663Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a motor vehicle includes a hitch insert having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough to fit over a hitch tube of a trailer hitch on a motor vehicle, and a rotatable door covering the aperture. The trailer hitch cover assembly also includes a top cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and a front cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and having an aperture extending therethrough aligned with the hitch tube of the trailer hitch.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Blake Design Group, LLC.Inventor: Robert B. Blake
-
Patent number: 6969085Abstract: A trailer hitch having a tubular column between a hitch ball and a towing vehicle. A mating shaft with a horizontal retaining plate has a mating shaft fitting removably within the tubular column. A pin through mating openings in the shaft and tubular column maintain the retaining plate above a trailer arm socket mounted on the hitch ball. A guide with a pair of tapered vertical walls forming a horizontal V-shape has a mating shaft which fits alternately in the tubular column to guide a trailer arm into engagement with the hitch ball.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: James G. Causey, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6969084Abstract: A bumper assembly for a motor vehicle includes a bumper structure having a bumper beam adapted for attachment to a structure of a motor vehicle such as a frame or rails, or the like. A hitch is attached to the bumper beam, and a bumper cover conceals the bumper beam. The bumper cover has an opening for accessing the hitch and an access door for selectively concealing the hitch. The access door is mounted to the bumper structure such that the access door will be retained upon the bumper structure not only when the access door is concealing the hitch but also when the access door is open to allow an accessory such as a trailer to be coupled to the hitch.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Kaepp, Conrad M. Kudelko, Robert T. Laster, Irfan Sharif
-
Patent number: 6962361Abstract: A security device used with trailers comprising first and second attached security chambers, the first chamber providing a security bolt orifice allowing insertion of a security bolt. A security pin orifice bored through one side of the chamber allows insertion of a security pin. The second chamber provides security bolt orifices to also allow insertion of the security bolt. A lock is inserted into the first chamber, with a lock body portion dimensioned to fit within the proximal interior portion of the first chamber, and a non-linear shackle portion dimensioned to fit within the distal interior portion of the first chamber. A security bar having a security bolt orifice bored therethrough permits traversing of the bar by the security bolt. The security bar is dimensioned to allow its insertion within the second chamber and unimpeded passage of the security bolt through the bar's bolt orifice.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventor: Thomas Price
-
Patent number: 6945552Abstract: A device for securing the locking nut on trailer hitches. An exemplary embodiment comprises: (1) a protective cup that attaches to a (2) top member, by (3) an internal hinge, so that when the cup and the top member are closed, and locked by (4) a lock, the device encloses the locking nut of the trailer hitch so that the locking nut cannot be loosened or removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Clyde M. Stone
-
Patent number: 6945551Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a hitch receiver including a main body operatively connected to a hitch tube and adapted to allow insertion of a hitch into the hitch tube. The trailer hitch cover assembly also includes an insulating member disposed between the main body and the hitch tube. The trailer hitch cover assembly further includes a cover plate hingedly connected to the main body and being movable between a closed position and an open position.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Blake Design Group, LLC.Inventor: Robert B. Blake
-
Patent number: 6941780Abstract: A wheel lock system for an at least two wheeled trailer with an object or a personal water craft, the trailer having leaf springs, the wheel lock system including two hook shaped members which attach to each of the leaf springs and protrude through slotted holes in the wheels and is locked into position and retained in position by respective locks engaging one of a plurality of upper grooved indentations on each hook shaped member, a locking member slidably engaged between the hook shaped members placed upon the crook shaped member prior to application of the lock to protect the wheel from damage when removing and engaging the wheel lock device, and a chain connecting between the two hook shaped members attached to the wheels with a vertical shaft locking member engaging an impeller shaft on the small personal water craft, securing the personal water craft to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Kendall Joe Marr
-
Patent number: 6938912Abstract: Trailer hitch protectors have a flexible body member sized and configured to be sleeved over a tow bar tongue associated with a trailer hitch assembly. The body member most preferably includes an opposed pair of generally U-shaped inner and outer lateral walls which are spaced apart from one another so as to define a cushion space therebetween and thereby provide cushioned protection laterally of the tow bar tongue when received within the body member. A series of spaced-apart flexible connecting webs extending between said inner and outer lateral walls within the cushion space may be provided so as to provide further cushioning effect. In especially preferred embodiments, the flexible body member has an upper wall joined to both the inner and outer lateral walls, and has an aperture adapted to surround a hitch ball attached to the tow bar tongue of the trailer hitch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: United Plastics Molders, Inc.Inventors: Don S. Norton, Eddie Slater
-
Patent number: 6932376Abstract: A safety fastener for ball and socket hitches provides two laterally spaced vertical fastening collars structurally carried on each side of a vehicle hitch tongue forwardly of the hitch ball and defining a plurality of vertically spaced fastening pin holes extending diametrically therethrough. Each vertical fastening collar carries a vertical fastening post at least one of which defines a plurality of vertically spaced fastening pin slots therein for adjustable positioning in at least one fastening collar by a fastening pin in releasably extending therebetween. The fastening posts carry a horizontal beam extending therebetween, the horizontal beam having a rearwardly extending fastening protuberance over the socket beam carried on the ball. Fastening pins may be lockable to prevent unauthorized disconnection of the socket beam from the ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Ronald E. Profitt
-
Patent number: 6925842Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a king pin lock device that prevents theft of trailers and other objects equipped with a king pin trailer hitch. The lock device has a lock body with a first end and a second end. The second end has a moveable lock bar to engage and disengage the king pin sitting in the first end, and an internal aperture to receive a conventional round puck lock or other suitable lock or locking mechanism. The puck lock is locked onto an immobile retaining bar on the lock body and secures the lock body onto the king pin, preventing any attempt to access the king pin trailer hitch. The puck lock is protected by a perimeter wall surrounding it in the second end of the lock body. The perimeter wall has a key insert window for user access to the keyhole of the puck lock.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventors: Duane E. Hillabush, Kenneth G. Gustafson
-
Patent number: 6913413Abstract: A coupling lock comprising a lock base having a hole includes a core member received in the hole of the lock base and a core plug at an end thereof running out of the hole of the lock base. A driving member, having two driving portions at opposite ends thereof, is coupled with the core member at the distal end of the plug. A locking assembly has two locking and two elastic members. Each of the locking members has two lateral ends pivoted on the lock base, and a hooking portion. The elastic members have ends fixed on the base and other ends resting against the locking members. A housing has a stepped central hole receiving and securing the core in a larger section thereof, and a locking plug inserted into a small section of the center hole of the housing and an annular locking slot receiving the hooking portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Yao-Kun Yang
-
Patent number: 6913278Abstract: A bumper has an elastic body shaped to fit on a conventional trailer coupler to prevent damage to the coupler to a towing vehicle during attachment of the coupler to a ball-type hitch on the vehicle. The body has side flanges with longitudinal grooves for receiving coupler lateral flanges and a transverse strap joined to the side flanges to retain the body on the coupler and prevent removal of the bumper when the coupler is attached to the ball-type hitch.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Roger C. Laska
-
Patent number: 6910705Abstract: A cover for a hitch receiver includes a removable cover plate, which may incorporate a theft deterrent design and may be illuminated by an electroluminescent sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Inventors: Cary J. Harwood, Samuel M. Adams, Beverly T. Adams, Terrence P. McGrath, William P. Pleasants, III
-
Patent number: 6908097Abstract: A protective device for use with a tow-bar having a towing hitch coupling. The protective device includes a substantially T-shaped member. The leg of the T is adapted to be coupled to the towing hitch coupling and the head of the T extends rearwardly of the towing vehicle past any rearwardly projecting components of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Peter J. Roberts
-
Patent number: 6908096Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. The door may be biased toward the stationary member, such as by one or more of a living hinge, a coiled spring, a magnetic field, or the like. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be opened against the bias so as to expose the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Uara Services, Inc.Inventors: Myron C. Lewis, Wes Bagley
-
Patent number: 6889995Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism enables secure retention of a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch locking member comprises a shank and a clamp member. The clamp member includes a base, an arm, and a jaw. The jaw is pivotally attached to the base member, and moves relative to the arm between an upright position and an extended position. The shank is securely affixed to the clamp member at multiple points for secure retention of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. A first sleeve is positioned about the shank when the shank is retained to the clamp member. The first sleeve enables rotation of the shank relative to the clamp member when the shank is secured within the clamp member.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Inventor: Arnol Staggs
-
Patent number: 6883822Abstract: A hitch ball assembly includes a mounting element secured to a vehicle and having an upright post with a cylindrical end portion provided with a key structure and a hitch ball that is keyed to be mated on that end portion in one rotational state. The hitch ball may be rotated to a second rotational state wherein the key structure is trapped in a cavity in the ball. A latch notch is provided in either the ball or the post, and a latch element in provided the other of them. The latch element can move between a latch position to prevent rotation of the ball thereby to maintain engagement and an unlatch position to permit rotation and thereby separation of the ball from the post. A spring clip may be used to hold the latch element in the latch position.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Inventor: Jerry R. Smith
-
Patent number: 6880368Abstract: A method and an apparatus for locking a gooseneck trailer hitch such that a hitch ball cannot be inserted into or removed from the hitch. In one preferred embodiment, the hasp of a lock is passed through the retainer bracket of the hitch and locked with or without passing through the hitch handle. In another embodiment, a lock pin with an eyelet on one end is inserted into the retainer bracket of the hitch, and the hasp of a lock is passed through the eyelet and the hitch handle. In yet another embodiment, a lock pin with an eyelet on one end is inserted into a pair of openings on the cover plate surrounding the hitch handle, and the hasp of a lock is passed through the eyelet and the hitch handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventors: Dennis R. Ulbrich, Derrick A. Pizarro
-
Patent number: 6874805Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver of a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. A biasing element, such as a spring, causes the door of the receiver cover to be biased in a closed position over the stationary element of the receiver cover. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be manually opened against the bias of the biasing element so as to expose the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Uara ServicesInventor: Wes Bagley
-
Patent number: 6874806Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly includes a bumper fascia for attachment to a motor vehicle having an aperture for allowing a hitch tube to extend therethrough. The trailer hitch cover assembly also includes a main body adapted to be disposed over the hitch tube and adapted to allow insertion of a hitch into the hitch tube. The trailer hitch cover assembly further includes a cover plate hingedly connected to either one of the main body and the bumper fascia for moving between a closed position to close the aperture to conceal the hitch tube and an open position to open the aperture to expose the hitch tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Blake Design Group, LLC.Inventor: Robert B. Blake
-
Patent number: 6862904Abstract: A protective lock assembly for preventing unauthorized access to a pintle receiving hitch which assembly includes opposing plate members which are mounted on opposite surfaces of the hitch and wherein a tongue carried by one plate member is engageable by a lock whose shackle is protectively seated within a housing which extends from the other plate member.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: James R. Hubbart
-
Patent number: 6857652Abstract: A cover shield for a trailer coupler comprising an elongated hollow, tubular shield, internally sized to receive the forward portion of a trailer coupler and coupler means mounted thereon. The shield is preferably of flexible two-ply padded material and impervious to moisture. The shield includes a pouch-like portion sized to snugly encompass and cover the trailer coupler means. A seam means extends longitudinally from an aft opening toward the front opening and may be selectively manually opened to an open mode and closed to a closed mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventor: Edward H. Dougherty
-
Patent number: 6846002Abstract: A lock assembly for securing a trailer including a hitch ball, a lock housing, a lock washer and a nut. The lock housing is placed over the lock washer and nut to prevent the nut from turning. A threaded portion of the hitch ball is placed through a hole in the lock housing and through the lock washer and nut to secure the hitch ball. When a trailer coupler is locked to the ball portion of the hitch ball, the trailer and hitch ball are secure from theft.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Master Lock CompanyInventors: Christopher R. Irgens, John Weber
-
Patent number: 6846017Abstract: A hitch mounted cargo carrier is used in combination with a vehicle having an adapter. The cargo carrier has a connecting bar received in the adapter. An extending arm on the connecting bar is connected to a channel on the lower side of a body of the cargo carrier. Accessories are removably connected to the cargo carrier to provide various use of the cargo carrier. A method of use of the cargo carrier is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Inventor: Dwayne A. Martin
-
Patent number: 6832775Abstract: A trailer hitch cushion assembly that includes a foam cover structure having a fastener provided along a split opening section thereof and having a cavity therein of sufficient size and shape to receive the hitch shaft portion and trailer connecting ball portion of a trailer hitch; the cover being constructed from a resilient foam having a brightly colored fabric outer cover and having weather-proof fasteners such as plastic snaps and/or hook and pile fasteners and one or more safety chain securing attachments that are securable to the safety chain of the hitch to secure the safety chain in place.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Inventor: Robert E. Muller
-
Patent number: 6832709Abstract: A holder and method of use are provided for storing a ball mount having a stem and a ball supported on the stem in a ball hitch in which the stem is slidably received within a receiver supported on a vehicle. The holder includes a pocket for slidably receiving the stem therein and mounting means for mounting the pocket on a supporting surface of the vehicle, for example a side wall of a truck box. The use of a pocket with suitable mounting means for mounting to a supporting surface of the vehicle while securing the stem of a ball mount therein provides proper storage for ball mounts which are not in use. The result is that potentially damaging or annoying sliding movement of the ball mounts within a moving vehicle can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Inventor: Dwayne E. Henry
-
Patent number: 6829915Abstract: A trailer lock comprises a rocket bolt, a lock body, and a chain couple. The inner side of the fixed end in the rocket bolt and one of the lock bodies individually has a mounting segment for matching a chain couple with a two-end mounting part and its connection. By the winch design of the chain, it can winch the carrying goods such as bicycle of the supporting base in the end of the car for achieving anti-theft purpose on carrying goods.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Show-Mon Li
-
Patent number: 6830274Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for closing an opening which is formed in a wall, especially in a trim part of a motor vehicle. The wall has on its inside in the area of the opening a supporting shape for the cover which makes it possible to turn the cover inserted in the opening between a closed position, wherein the cover closes the opening, and a tilted position around a tilt axis in which the cover is tilted from its closed position and is removable from the opening at the outside of the wall and/or insertable into the opening. On the cover a first ramp is formed which, when the cover is turned from its tilted position to the closed position, cooperates with a wall-mounted first guide such that the cover when in the closed position assumes a predetermined relative position.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Dynamit Nobel Kunststoff GmbHInventors: Steffen Burkhardt, Dietmar Preissler, Anton Sautner
-
Publication number: 20040240934Abstract: An integral locking coupler comprising a locking mechanism mechanically coupled to a set of engagement pins for securing a coupler to a receiver. The locking mechanism translates movement to the engagement pins to move them to and from an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the engagement pins engage the receiver thereby securing the coupler. When in the retracted position, the engagement pins are generally contained within the coupler housing allowing the coupler to be inserted into and removed from the receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANYInventors: Tim Makos, Chris Irgens, Joe Elliot, John Zapushek
-
Publication number: 20040232654Abstract: A device comprising means for securing trailer hitches is disclosed. The device is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment comprising: (1) a protective cup that attaches to a (2) top member, by (3) an internal hinge, so that when the cup and the top member are closed, and locked by (4) a locking means, the device encloses the locking nut of the trailer hitch so that the locking nut cannot be loosened or removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Clyde M. Stone
-
Patent number: 6820890Abstract: A reinforcement ring (14) for a vehicle hitch (10) has a square shape with elongated portions (38) each having a J-shaped cross section that extends around the rear end of a hitch receiver tube (12) to provide reinforcement and a smooth transition upon insertion of a hitch tongue (16).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Midway Products Group, Inc.Inventor: David L. Westerdale
-
Patent number: 6802523Abstract: A safety fastener for ball and socket hitches of medium to heavy vehicles provides a base defining a channel to fit about a hitch tongue beam of a towing vehicle with holes in the base to receive the fastening bolt of a hitch ball to fasten the base and hitch ball on the hitch tongue. The base carries at least one collar for adjustable positioning of at least one vertical fastener arm by a pin fastener. The vertical fastener arm carries a horizontal fastening beam extending over the hitch beam carried by the ball to prevent removal of the hitch from the ball. Species provide one or two vertical fastening arms carrying the fastening beam. The pin fastener may carry a lock to prevent unauthorized removal of the hitch from the ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Ronald E. Profitt
-
Publication number: 20040188982Abstract: A reinforcement ring (14) for a vehicle hitch (10) has a square shape with elongated portions (38) each having a J-shaped cross section that extends around the rear end of a hitch receiver tube (12) to provide reinforcement and a smooth transition upon insertion of a hitch tongue (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Midway Products Group, Inc.Inventor: David L. Westerdale
-
Patent number: 6788190Abstract: An object detection system is mounted at the rear of a vehicle the trailer receiver for the vehicle. The object detection system warns the driver of the vehicle of persons or objects behind the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving backwards. The system emits microwaves rearwardly of the vehicle and senses microwave reflected from objects behind the vehicle. The microwave transceiver is mounted in the trailer receiver in place of the trailer ball that is normally mounted in the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Sense Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hugh Bishop
-
Patent number: 6786068Abstract: A locking device for trailer hitches of the pintle ring/hook type is disclosed to include a lower base portion with an upstanding locking eye insertable into the pintle ring. An upper lock portion containing a shank lock is mountable onto the lower base portion with the locking eye within a lock slot of the shank lock. The shank lock is then locked in position after having passed through the locking eye so as to securely lock the base and lock portions of the locking device within the pintle ring and with the locking bolt of the shank lock completely contained within the lock and not being exposed outside of the lock.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Inventor: John G. Spooner
-
Publication number: 20040164518Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism enables secure retention of a towing vehicle to a towed vehicle. The hitch locking member comprises a shank and a clamp member. The clamp member includes a base, an arm, and a jaw. The jaw is pivotally attached to the base member, and moves relative to the arm between an upright position and an extended position. The shank is securely affixed to the clamp member at multiple points for secure retention of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. A first sleeve is positioned about the shank when the shank is retained to the clamp member. The first sleeve enables rotation of the shank relative to the clamp member when the shank is secured within the clamp member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Arnol Staggs
-
Publication number: 20040160037Abstract: An invertible gooseneck trailer hitch mechanism is provided. A frame supports a housing having an opening therein for receiving a hitch member in an upright use position or in inverted storage position. A base portion of the hitch member has a circumscribing groove therein to permit cooperation with a pin of a retaining assembly. A user may selectively extend or retract the pin from receipt in the groove by rotating a spaced apart handle when the ball is in either the use or storage positions to retain the hitch member in the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: PopUp Industries, Inc.Inventor: Bernard L. Dick
-
Patent number: 6761050Abstract: A kingpin lock device generally including a lock housing, a selectively engageable lock, and a sliding member. The lock housing can include a kingpin receiving aperture, a lock receiving channel, and a sliding channel. The sliding member can include a concave portion at one end for engaging the surface of the kingpin, a slot portion intermediate the sliding member for receiving the selectively engageable lock, and a stop lip/flange portion at the end distal the curved portion. The stop flange portion includes at least one lip for engaging the outer surface of the lock housing upon positioning of the sliding member within the sliding channel. As such, movement of the sliding member within the sliding channel is limited and the introduction of a substantial longitudinal force on the sliding member will not bring the lock into damaging forceable contact with the slot portion of the sliding member.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Cargo Protectors, Inc.Inventor: Avron S. Rosenberg
-
Publication number: 20040130125Abstract: A cover shield for a trailer coupler comprising an elongated hollow, tubular shield, internally sized to receive the forward portion of a trailer coupler and coupler means mounted thereon. The shield is preferably of flexible two-ply padded material and impervious to moisture. The shield includes a pouch-like portion sized to snugly encompass and cover the trailer coupler means. A seam means extends longitudinally from an aft opening toward the front opening and may be selectively manually opened to an open mode and closed to a closed mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Edward H. Dougherty
-
Patent number: 6758486Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly is attached to a drawbar having a first bore in an end thereof. The clevis assembly includes a clevis member which has a second bore spaced apart from and aligned with the first bore. The clevis member also has a pair of cross bore aligned with each other and extending generally perpendicularly with respect to the first and second bores. A drawbar pin is insertable through the second bore and into the first bore. The drawbar pin includes a shaft and a plate attached to one end of the shaft. A cross pin movably mounted in the cross bores and engagable with the plate to releasably retain the drawbar pin in the first and second bores. In a first embodiment, the cross pin is removable from the cross bores to permit withdrawal of the drawbar pin from the clevis member and drawbar.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Dean Kollath
-
Patent number: 6739487Abstract: An arrangement for securing a load carrier to a transporting vehicle that includes an anchor mechanism adapted for securement to a transporting vehicle and for releasable engagement with a carrier foot. The carrier foot has a latching mechanism for releasable engagement with the anchor mechanism. The latching mechanism is adapted for latching engagement to, and disengagement from the anchor mechanism by movement of the carrier foot in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the carrier foot. An example of such movement is vertical movement substantially of an up and down nature. The latching mechanism has a latching and an unlatching configuration and the latching mechanism is urged toward the latching configuration by a resilient biasing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Thule Sweden ABInventors: Thomas A. Chimenti, Fred Clark, Andreas Anidsson
-
Publication number: 20040080141Abstract: Trailer hitch and security system employing interchangeable coupling hitch and security plug that can be locked in a receiver tube rigidly coupled to the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventor: Robert B. Hart
-
Patent number: 6722686Abstract: A device for closing the socket of a trailer hitch, generally called a coupler lock, generally comprises a locking bar and a base having a plug member, a locking bar-receiving aperture, and an integral locking means for lockingly engaging the locking bar within aperture. When the coupler lock is attached to a trailer coupler, the trailer hitch socket is not accessible without removing the coupler lock with the appropriate key. Thus, theft of an unattended trailer is deterred due to the difficulty in attempting to remove the locking device. Providing a coupler lock having an integral locking mechanism better deters the tampering with or removal of the locking mechanism to remove the coupler lock from the trailer hitch as is possible in the art.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Cequent Trailer Products, Inc.Inventor: Tim Vander Koy
-
Patent number: 6719318Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a motor vehicle includes a hitch insert having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough to fit over a hitch tube of a trailer hitch on a motor vehicle, and a rotatable door covering the aperture. The trailer hitch cover assembly also includes a top cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and a front cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and having an aperture extending therethrough aligned with the hitch tube of the trailer hitch.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Blake Design Group, LLCInventor: Robert B. Blake
-
Publication number: 20040046361Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. The door may be biased toward the stationary member, such as by one or more of a living hinge, a coiled spring, a magnetic field, or the like. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be opened against the bias so as to expose the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Myron C. Lewis, Wes Bagley
-
Publication number: 20040046360Abstract: A receiver cover includes a stationary member that is configured to be secured to an end of a receiver for a trailer hitch. The receiver cover also includes a door which is hingedly connected to the stationary member. A biasing element, such as a spring, causes the door of the receiver cover to be biased in a closed position over the stationary element of the receiver cover. Thus, when the receiver is not in use, the door automatically closes and is secured in a closed position over a receptacle in a receiver with which the receiver cover is used. When access to the receptacle of the receiver is desired, such as for coupling a trailer hitch therewith, the door may be manually opened against the bias of the biasing element so as to expose the receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventor: Wes Bagley
-
Patent number: 6698794Abstract: A vehicle protector has a sheet with peripheral channels containing an endless elasticized cable, such as a bungee cord, chock cord. At the corners exposures exposing the cable, and karabiners engage the cable and attach to eyebolts mounted on vehicles. The protector is slung below a tow bar connecting the vehicles. The sheet has side exposures exposing the endless cable, to which is attached a support bar. This has end hooks engaging the peripheral cable at the side exposures, connected by a second elasticized cable, such as a bungee cord. This second cable passes through tubes and collars so the support bar can rest on top the tow bar and support the protector at its sides. A loop of another cable, such as bungee cord, is attached by grommet and knot or ball bungee in the middle of the protector. The support bar is passed through this loop supporting the protector in the middle. A kit of protector, support bar and eyebolts is supplied.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Klaus Trampe
-
Patent number: 6698256Abstract: A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock comprises an upper plate and a base plate attached by means of a secure rachet type system. A male hitch anchor is attached to the base plate. The male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Bryan Witchey
-
Patent number: 6694781Abstract: A tow-deterrent lock for camping trailers includes a latch assembly and a latch bolt dock coupling with each other. The latch bolt dock has a transverse beam on one end that has an inner side bonding to a spherical shell which has a housing chamber with an opening. When a coupling dock extending from a camping trailer is coupled with a towing rod of a vehicle, the housing chamber of the spherical shell may house a fastening nut located below the towing rod to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to confine and lock the coupling dock and the lower end of the spherical head rod to form a theft-proof protection. When the camping trailer is not coupled with the vehicle, the spherical shell may be wedged into a spherical trough of the coupling dock to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to lock the coupling dock and form a theft-proof protection. Thus the invention can provide locking and theft-proof function in two use conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Show-Mon Li
-
Publication number: 20040017061Abstract: A protective device for use with a tow-bar having a towing hitch coupling. The protective device comprises a substantially T-shaped member whereby the leg of the T is to be coupled to the towing hitch coupling and the head of the T extends rearwardly of the towing vehicle past any rearwardly projecting components of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Peter J. Roberts