Encased Patents (Class 70/232)
  • Patent number: 6701759
    Abstract: An antitheft apparatus comprising a steering assembly for a vehicle, the steering assembly providing a centrally positioned hub portion enclosing a shock actuated airbag, and extending around the hub portion, a steering wheel portion; and a theft-resistant cover. The cover provides a circular face portion covering the steering assembly and a circular peripheral flange portion extensive circumferentially from the face portion and therefrom, around the steering wheel portion of the steering assembly. The cover is split into two opposing cover halves along a central split line. At one end of the split line and integral with the cover halves, a device for locking the cover halves about the steering wheel portion is engaged. And at the other end of the split line, and integral with the cover halves, a hinging device allows pivotal movement of the cover halves between a closed position engaging the locking device and an open position disengaging the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Javed H. Joffrey
  • Patent number: 6684548
    Abstract: A locking assembly for securing an object to a wall comprising a sleeve, a fastening assembly and a lock. The sleeve includes a body, an axial bore and an opening through the body. The axial bore includes a internal fastener assembly contact surface. The fastening assembly is capable of extending through the sleeve and into engagement with a wall, and includes a collar and a threaded fastener. The collar includes an axial bore mating surface. The threaded fastener includes a tool engagement region and a wall engagement region. The lock includes a portion which is positionable through the at least one opening in the body. The internal fastener assembly contact surface and the axial bore mating surface interface to facilitate rotative and pivotable relative movement of the sleeve and the fastening assembly. In turn, the retained movement of the fastening assembly with rotation of the sleeve is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Victor M. Petrus
  • Patent number: 6644071
    Abstract: A trailer hitch locking system is provided for securing a trailer while hitched to a vehicle or protecting the trailer from theft while unhitched. The locking system includes a hitch lock, a ball lock, and a receiver pin lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ProductSource LLC
    Inventors: Mark Gilbertson, Edward Raleigh, Charles Russell
  • Patent number: 6644075
    Abstract: A flange junction lock has two identical approximately L-shaped parts, each with a circular nut or bolt cover mounted to a support neck forming one end portion of a shaft having a series of holes along the shaft leading to a free end, the holes being of such size as to accommodate a lock such as a padlock, and a shaft receiver attached to the support neck forming a slot to receive the shaft of the other L-shaped part. The circular covers fit over a nut and bolt head or nut on the opposite sides of the joined flanges while a lock, such as a padlock, secures the shafts together. Each cylindrical cover has a partial end cap which allows the threaded portion of a bolt to extend through and beyond the cylindrical cover while blocking insertion of a socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Danny B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6634195
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for preventing unauthorized release of the air brakes on a vehicle includes a lockable button for the valve stem for the control valve. The lockable button includes a button body, a coupling member, and a lock assembly having a latch member that selectively inserts into an annular groove on the coupling member. The coupling member is secured to move axially with the axially movable valve stem of the air brake control valve. The latch member extends into the annular groove on the coupling member to position the button body so as to limit the axial movement of the valve stem and thereby prevent the release of the air brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Neff Co Technologies
    Inventors: Randy M. Lenz, Jeff M. Grote
  • Patent number: 6626016
    Abstract: A secure, anti-theft, tamper resistant locking device for 5th wheel type trailer hitch pins which conceals the padlock and the hinge inside a solid block of aluminum, which is placed around the 2″ pin of the 5th wheel trailer, thus denying access to the hitch pin for towing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kathy Ann Nilges
  • Patent number: 6615627
    Abstract: A lock for a door has a casing, a bolt, a pivoted operating handle operable to retract the bolt, and lock structure comprising a lock cylinder. The lock cylinder is secured to the housing by a screw covered by a rose around the part of the housing, the rose being secured in place by fixing screws which can only be accessed upon removal of the casing assembly from the door and with the bolt in a retracted position. In this state, the shank of the screwdriver to undo each fixing screw can easily be passed through respective aligned openings in a cover plate of the housing assembly, the bolt, and the housing, thereby allowing removal of the rose and subsequent replacement of the cylinder without the need to remove components of the door lock itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6609401
    Abstract: A car wheel anti-theft device having a lug nut and a sleeve installed onto the bolt of the car wheel and an individual wrench to install and remove the lug nut from the bolt. The lug nut and the sleeve each include an engaging flange. When the lug nut is secured within the sleeve, the engaging flange of the sleeve engages the engaging flange of the lug nut, thereby preventing the bolt from being removed and the wheel from being moved. The lug nut has a front surface having a key projection of a particular shape. The individual wrench includes a cylindrical cavity having a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a key opening extending from the bottom surface towards the depth of the individual wrench. The key opening preferably has a shape complementing the particular shape of the key projection of the lug nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Yuriy Iskhakbayev
  • Patent number: 6606887
    Abstract: An anti-theft equipment locking cover, including a first cover part adapted to overlie a first part of an item of equipment; the first cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a first edge of the item of equipment; a second cover part to overlie a second part of the item of equipment; the second cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a second edge of the item of equipment; the first and second cover parts being disposed in confronting relation to one another so that the item of equipment is fully covered by the confronting first and second cover parts; a tab secured to the first cover part; a slot formed in the second cover part that slideably receives the tab; a distal free end of the tab extending through the slot; an aperture formed in the distal free end of the tab; and a locking device adapted to extend through the aperture to prevent retraction of the tab from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David Zimmer, John LeBlanc, Decha Narkmongkon, Raymond H. Williams
  • Patent number: 6601417
    Abstract: A lock for a door (10) comprising a casing (11), a bolt (55) operable to extend from or retract into the casing, a pivoted operating handle (36) operable at one side of the door movable from a rest position to an operating position to retract the bolt, the interior of the casing having a lug (21) through which a screw (27) passes into engagement in a tapped hole (23) in a fixing plate (12a) which is secured to said one side of the door, thereby indirectly securing the casing to the door. A screwdriver blade (27a) can be inserted through an opening (34, 35) in the casing to access the screw (27) when the handle is in its operating position, such access being prevented when the handle is in its rest position, by said handle blocking said opening, the handle being lockable in its rest position from said one side of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Banham Patent Locks Limited
    Inventor: Brian Edward Cowper
  • Patent number: 6598432
    Abstract: A trailer hitch lock is disclosed that is particularly useful for preventing the theft of trailers that utilize pintle-type hitches. The lock includes a pair of steel plates which are hinged at one end. An upstanding steel projection is located substantially at the center of the interior of one of the plates. When the plates are pivoted toward their closed position, the pin fits within the opening of the trailer hitch pintle. The forward end of each of the plates includes a flat steel locking flange extending toward the other plate. Each steel locking flange has a hole passing therethrough which cooperates with the other when the plates are in their closed positions so that a padlock can be passed therethrough to maintain the device in a closed position. Located to either side of these cooperating locking flanges are a further pair of steel guards which protect the padlock by preventing a cutting tool from reaching the padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6598435
    Abstract: A locking device suitable for NID housing security. The device includes a slotted cylinder, a key and key tool. The slotted cylinder has a resistance component contained in the cylinder. The key is mateable with the slotted cylinder and is held in place by the force of the resistance component. The key head has a cavity therein of a complimentary shape to the key tool so that the tool may be used to turn the key for locking or unlocking. A cylindrical sleeve is used for additional security. The sleeve fits over the mated key and slotted cylinder to protect against release of the parts and may further provide a barrier to removal from a structure being locked. By use of different key head cavity shapes each subscriber may only access their own line in a NID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Avaya Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Douglas L. Cowan, David S. Kerr, Jason A. Kay, Ronald Marchisin, Ivan Pawlenko
  • Patent number: 6588239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose device designed to prevent thefts of trailers, heavy tows and so called dollies, i.e., having coupling elements with a pull rod and a turn table, designed to haul a trailer by means of a truck, all of which being provided with coupling devices, designed to connect the trailers to a traction vehicle. The locking device comprises a box-shaped lock house (1) in which the coupling device on the tow, the trailer and the dolly is designed to be positioned and locked by means of a locking shaft (4), which is inserted through the lock house (1) and can be located in the lock house (1) in various positions, depending on the character of the coupling device to be locked, and consequently said coupling device is enclosed in the lock house (1), and the tow, the trailer or the dolly is prevented from being connected to any unauthorized traction trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Stacker Stop Euro AB
    Inventor: Lars Johansson
  • Patent number: 6546766
    Abstract: A lock nut designed for securing a nut on bolt, specifically for those situations in which the bolt cannot be rotated and the bolt is located proximate to an object that can obstruct the ability to rotate the lock nut on the bolt. The lock nut can change form by the addition of pieces, the removal of pieces, or by changing the shape of a single piece. The lock nut is designed such that in one form it can be threaded onto the bolt and, thereafter, it can be changed in form and locked into this new form, the new form being such that the lock nut cannot be fully rotated on the bolt without encountering an obstruction, thus preventing the ability to remove the lock nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory L. Klingler
  • Publication number: 20030051518
    Abstract: A flange junction lock has two identical approximately L-shaped parts, each with a circular nut or bolt cover mounted to a support neck forming one end portion of a shaft having a series of holes along the shaft leading to a free end, the holes being of such size as to accommodate a lock such as a padlock, and a shaft receiver attached to the support neck forming a slot to receive the shaft of the other L-shaped part. The circular covers fit over a nut and bolt head or nut on the opposite sides of the joined flanges while a lock, such as a padlock, secures the shafts together. Each cylindrical cover has a partial end cap which allows the threaded portion of a bolt to extend through and beyond the cylindrical cover while blocking insertion of a socket wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Danny B. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6532780
    Abstract: A wheel locking assembly provides a mounting base that can be permanently attached to a wheel stud underneath the lug nut, the mounting base providing a platform for a cylinder lock, a length of chain or the like, and a cylinder lock that, when locked, secures both ends of the chain. A rectangular chain connector is provided and fits over the mounting base such that a square column of the mounting base engages a square hole of the connector. A circular chain connector is also provided and overlays the rectangular chain connector. The rectangular chain connector is attached to one end of a chain and the circular chain connector attached to the other end. The cylinder lock engages a latch portion of the mounting column. The device of the present invention further provides an easy and convenient assembly that is designed to secure small vehicles with a wide variety of wheel sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Donald R. Frantz
  • Patent number: 6530249
    Abstract: A hitch ball locking plate for securing equipment in the bed of a truck, a trailer, or the like. The hitch ball locking plate comprises a first plate having a first guiding aperture. The first plate further comprises a second plate normal to the first plate and extending across the first plate. The second plate has a substantially semi-circular removed portion in communication with the first guiding aperture. Pivotably connected to the first plate is a locking bar which locks the first and second plate to a hitch ball in the bed of a truck, trailer, or the like. From this position, equipment and goods can be locked to the plate for security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert G. Burkhead
  • Patent number: 6526789
    Abstract: A hitch pin used for releasably connecting a load carrier frame to a receiving hitch attached to a carrying vehicle for transporting objects such as bicycles on the load carrier. The hitch pin includes a bolt having a head portion opposite a threaded section and a stem integrally formed between the head portion and the threaded section. A sleeve includes a bore, sized to receive the head and the stem of the bolt which is slidably held inside the bore of the sleeve using a transverse pin, secured inside the bore of the sleeve and passing through an elongate slot in the stem of the bolt. When the sleeve is rotated, the transverse pin transmits the rotation to the bolt providing the turning motion used during connecting of the frame to the receiving hitch. The connection may be made in two stages with hand-tightening as the first stage, followed by application of mechanical force, operating from a set screw, through the bolt to intensify the contact between the frame and the receiving hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Edgerly, Neil McDaid
  • Patent number: 6519981
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a lower unit of an outboard engine including a collar extending around the outboard engine, pivoting apparatus operatively connected to the collar, and locking apparatus operatively connected to the collar and selectively maintaining the collar around the outboard engine. The collar includes a pair of legs pivotally attached to each other by the pivoting apparatus and longitudinally curved to conform to, extend along, and capture, the cavitation plate of the outboard engine. A pair of plates extend inwardly from the pair of legs and are shaped and positioned so as to cover an opposing pair of mounting bolts and any space therebetween so as to deny access thereto when the anti-theft device is in place. The terminal edges of the plate are tongue and grooved, respectively, so as to form a tongue and groove joint when the anti-theft device is in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Lovak
  • Patent number: 6519985
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking device for securing outboard motors and stern drives mounted on a plurality of exposed studs on the stern of a boat, and construction equipment on a plurality of studs inset in concrete or other media and other items which can be mounted. The invention is comprised of a 304 work hardened stainless steel body which has two blind holes connected by a slot. In one blind hole, a keyed lock assembly is fitted. The keyed lock deploys a catch which engages a groove in a stainless steel lock pin. The lock pin can be attached to items having protruding studs or other protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher J. Grant
  • Publication number: 20030019259
    Abstract: The present invention relates to locking devices and in particular to apparatus and methods for securing components to a bicycle frame (60). A first exemplary embodiment of a locking device (100) includes a first retainer (120), a second retainer (170) and a key (190). The first retainer (120) includes a coupler (124) which is configured to couple with a coupler (196) on key (190). The first retainer (120) further includes a first radial surface (130) having a frusto-conical configuration. The second retainer (170) includes a tab member (174) configured to prevent the rotation of the second retainer (170) relative to the bicycle frame (60). In a second exemplary embodiment of a locking device (300) includes a first retainer (320), a sleeve (360), a second retainer, and a key. The first retainer (320) includes a coupler (324) which is configured to couple with a coupler on the key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne F. Nicodemus, William S. Meyers
  • Patent number: 6481126
    Abstract: A lockable license plate holder for securing a license plate via a plurality of conventional fasteners to a vehicle wherein the license plate holder includes a license plate holder housing member provided with an open generally rectangular framework element having an upper portion and a lower portion provided with a plurality of apertured mounting tabs dimensioned to receive the conventional fasteners, and a locking unit including a lock member operatively connected to a pair of locking arms provided with a plurality of cover tabs that will selectively cover and expose the apertured mounting tabs in response to the position of the lock member. In addition, the interior of the open framework element is further provided with at least one bracket element that is dimensioned to surround a registration decal provided on most state license plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Philip B. Paulhill
  • Patent number: 6439010
    Abstract: A ring-type meter lock including a resilient ring, first and second ends on the ring, a lock housing on the first end, a first slot in the lock housing, a latch unit in a threaded bore in the lock housing, the latch unit consisting of a threaded plug and a stem slidably mounting a latch with a spring between the plug and the latch which biases the latch into the first slot, an apertured tongue on the second end of the ring enterable into the first slot, at least one second slot in the tongue for receiving the spring-biased latch, and a key-receiving configuration on the threaded plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: McGard, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Julicher
  • Patent number: 6434982
    Abstract: A lock for securing a lowered or non-lowered landing gear of a tractor trailer comprising two hinged interlocking halves secured by a keyed locking cylinder which has a pin intersecting apertures in flanges of the halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Rowland
  • Patent number: 6427496
    Abstract: A locking device (10) for the conventional hitch pin (100) on a trailer (200) wherein the device (10) includes a generally U-shaped rigid one piece collar member (20) having an enlarged opening (21) dimensioned to slidably receive the recessed neck portion (101) of the hitch pin (100). The legs (29) and (22) of the collar member (20) are provided with a pair of oppositely facing counterbores (24), (25) and a through bore (30) that are dimensioned to receive a tempered steel bar member (40) and a lock member (60) for captively engaging the bar member (40) across the enlarged opening (21) in the collar member (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Harvey Hurst
  • Publication number: 20020092330
    Abstract: A locking device (10) for the conventional hitch pin (100) on a trailer (200) wherein the device (10) includes a generally U-shaped rigid one piece collar member (20) having an enlarged opening (21) dimensioned to slidably receive the recessed neck portion (101) of the hitch pin (100). The legs (29) and (22) of the collar member (20b) are provided with a pair of oppositely facing counterbores (24), (25) and a through bore (30) that are dimensioned to receive a tempered steel bar member (40) and a lock member (60) for captively engaging the bar member (40) across the enlarged opening (21) in the collar member (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Harvey Hurst
  • Patent number: 6412313
    Abstract: A trailer security device includes a housing configured to permit placement over a trailer hitching device with the housing enclosing an enlarged perimeter segment of a trailer hitch. An enlarged perimeter segment is defined as an end portion of the trailer hitching device that is relatively larger in its perimeter or cross-sectional dimension than an adjoining or adjacent relatively narrow or reduced perimeter segment. A slot is formed on face of the housing and fits over a reduced perimeter segment of the trailer hitch while the enlarged perimeter segment of the trailer hitch will not pass through the slot. The hitch security device also includes a housing closure configured to close the entry aperture of the housing in a locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: John C. Bernstrom
  • Patent number: 6412314
    Abstract: A trailer hitch module for engaging a trailer tongue socket includes a base and a ball fixed to the base for engaging a socket cup. A locking arm is provided and pivotally attached to the base so that it is movable in a plane parallel to the base between a close position engaging a protruding lip of the socket in order to prevent removal of the socket from the ball and an open position away from the lip in order to enable removal of socket from the ball. A lock mechanism is provided for securing the locking arm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce Jenks
  • Patent number: 6401504
    Abstract: A device that is a simple means to secure an equipment having a threaded hole and a localizer such as a wire cable, chain or padlock. The device consists of an attachment connector having a threaded rod and attached to the attachment connector. The attachment connector includes an obstructor, which when the device is tightened in place, interferes with the equipment such that the attachment rod can not be rotated and the device removed. A localizer, such as a cable for example, attached to the attachment plate, constrains movement of the attachment plate (and the attached equipment) to be within a predetermined distance from an object other than the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay S. Derman, Greg Zeren
  • Patent number: 6394480
    Abstract: An anti-coupling device for a semi-trailer to prevent the coupling of a semi-trailer's kingpin to a tractor's fifth wheel comprising of a housing assembly mounted within a specific radius of the kingpin having a half sphere for engaging the tractor's fifth wheel when the half sphere is locked in an active position by a locking assembly. The anti-coupling device may move between an active and a passive position by pneumatic valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Victoria Brennan
  • Patent number: 6354116
    Abstract: A valve cover apparatus is provided having a housing, lock and hook. The housing includes a top wall, bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls. The bottom wall includes an opening to a central chamber of the housing which is sized for receipt of a valve handle and valve stem of a pipe valve. Preferably, the sidewalls include one or more inlets for receipt of the pipe's conduit. The lock is affixed and integrated into the top wall of the housing and constructed to lockably engage and disengage the hook. The hooks includes a vertically extending shaft and one or more shanks. The shanks extend horizontally under a pipe valve to inhibit upward movement of the hook once the hook has been positioned in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert R. Drake
  • Patent number: 6349959
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method to actively warn the operator of the work vehicle of the status of the hitch without the operator having to inspect the hitch or dismounting from the cab of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel K. Schlegel, Richard A. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 6322308
    Abstract: A locking device for securing outboard motors and stern drives mounted on a plurality of exposed studs on the stern of a boat, and construction equipment on a plurality of exposed studs inset in concrete or other media. The invention consists of a stainless steel lock nut, a lock body, and a lock assembly having a lock catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher J. Grant
  • Patent number: 6305107
    Abstract: The present invention is a license plate locking device that operates with a cylindrical lock. The license plate locking device has a renewal sticker theft prevention window locking device that is applicable for license plates which display such renewal stickers in any corner of the license plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Steve Parenti
  • Patent number: 6202453
    Abstract: An anti-theft, anti-damage and/or anti-vandalism device for trailers that includes a trailer guard for preventing access to the trailer ball attachment portion of a trailer and, thereby, preventing damage to the trailer ball attachment portion as well as theft of the entire trailer. The trailer guard includes a ball attachment portion shield assembly, a shield assembly locking plate, and a lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: William R. Disher, Gail M. Disher, John E. Bechard
  • Patent number: 6186742
    Abstract: A cover is provided, preferably for securing valves, propellers, door knobs and the like. The cover entails a hinged plate having two sections. Each section contains an indentation which, when the sections are closed, forms an aperture. A pair of arms may depend from each section in alignment with the indentations. When the sections are closed, the arms will form a hollow column in alignment with the aperture. The hollow column will also preferably contain a constriction, preferably formed by a pair of lips extending inwardly from each arm. The sections will also contain sidewalls rising from the sections opposite the hollow column if it is present. A cap is provided which will fit over the sidewalls. A tongue and groove mechanism may be provided to allow the cap to engage the sidewalls and the sections to which they are attached. A plurality of locking apertures may also be provided in the sections and the cap so that the cover may be locked with a padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jack P. F. Gremillion, III
  • Patent number: 6161402
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for locking a fifth wheel king pin includes a cylindrically shaped lock body that fits over the king pin and covers it. A lateral passageway through the locking body receives a locking member that includes a pair of shanks that fit the king pin at annular shoulder portions. The lateral passageway has open end portions that communicate with the outer wall of the lock housing or lock body. End portions of the locking member occupy the channel at the openings to prevent a thief from gaining access to either end portion of the locking member with a hammer, saw or torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Donald F. Moore
  • Patent number: 6139235
    Abstract: A lock-down assembly for securing a vehicle to a platform to prevent unauthorized removal such as an all-terrain vehicle to the deck of a trailer. The lock-down assembly includes a retractable bracket secured to the platform and a locking device securing the vehicle to the bracket. The locking device is an extendable bar having U-shaped members at both ends to engage the vehicle and bracket. The retractable bracket includes a base plate fastened to the platform and a selectively extendable U-bolt mounted to the base plate. The U-bolt is fastened to the base plate with a cylindrical bracket which prevents access to the fastening nuts of the U-bolt when the U-bolt is extended for connection to the vehicle. Accordingly, with the vehicle lockingly secured to the bracket, the bracket cannot be removed from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Vander Koy, Todd Krzanowski
  • Patent number: 6109078
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer jack stand locking assembly having an extendable longitudinal locking brace extending from the gooseneck trailer coupling post hitch ball to the drop leg of the leveling jack of the trailer or alternatively to a plate attached to the underside of the trailer preventing positioning or hitching of a vehicle thereto and including a lock to prevent removal of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Bob Marshall Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6109077
    Abstract: An access control device to discourage and prevent theft of the contents of a box, enclosure or container, such as a computer, is provided; the access control device comprises an anchor member and a cover engagement member for engaging the cover of the container, the device is configured and disposed such that the anchor member can be secured to the container in a way that the cover engagement member prevents the unauthorized opening of the cover. The anchor member comprises an anchor opening, and may be releasably locked into position in such a way as to render a fastener inaccessible and therefore impede the unauthorized removal of the access control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Kin (Kim) Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 6085557
    Abstract: An anti-theft device, for preventing unauthorized access to the propeller retaining nut, includes two sections that fit together to form an access-preventing cap. The cap fits around an expanded rim normally found on propeller center-bodies, and the cap cannot be pulled off the propeller center-body without disengaging the two sections from one another. A tongue extending from one section is engaged by a grooved dowel going through the base portion of the second section to hold the two sections together. A key operated locking flap engages the groove in the dowel to prevent removal of the dowel without possession of the appropriate key. In a second embodiment, an adapter is placed on the propeller shaft, between the propeller and the propeller retaining nut. The access-preventing cap is of smaller dimensions than in the first embodiment and is shaped to engage the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Kaye, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6070688
    Abstract: A semitrailer (1) with anti-theft protection, which prevents the parked semitrailer (1) from being hitched to a tractor-trailer (2) by unauthorized persons, has a latching device (7) with a securing element (8), which element can be moved by an actuating means (9) into the region of a coupling pin (4) and blocks the sliding of the fifth wheel coupling pin (4) into a fifth wheel (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Gerd Schulz
  • Patent number: 6070441
    Abstract: A trailer hitch security device includes a hitch receiver housing for placement over the receiver end of the trailer hitch with the receiver end of the trailer hitch extending through a hitch receiver slot formed in a first face of the hitch receiver housing. The hitch security device also includes housing closure member which is configured to enclose an open face of the hitch receiver housing in a locking engagement. In one embodiment of the relative dimensions and configurations of the hitch receiver slot and receiver end of the trailer hitch are such that withdrawal of the receiver end of the trailer hitch through the hitch receiver slot is impossible. Alternatively, the receiver end of the trailer hitch may be configured originally or by modification to include a whole or partial collar member or an ear attached for limiting withdrawal of the receiver end of the trailer hitch through the hitch receiver slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Bernstrom
  • Patent number: 6062524
    Abstract: A stabilizer device attachable to a king pin of a fifth wheel recreational vehicle requiring stabilizing for stabilizing the vehicle upon a support surface. A cup device, which is adjustably attachable to a substantially horizontally oriented support device, is positioned to accept a king pin member of the vehicle. The cup includes a locking device attachable thereto for securing the king pin by means of a lock. A screw member is secured to the bottom of the cup and passes through the support device. The screw member is vertically adjustable upon a threaded block member positioned upon the support device. A pair of handles extend sideways from the block member for easy adjustment. A pair of leg members are pivotally attached to the support device and are attached to each other by an adjustable brace device which provides rigid connection of the legs at chosen positions to secure the chosen angle of attachment of the legs to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Phillip N. Jackson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6044674
    Abstract: A device for preventing access to a nut or bolt fastening a valuable item such as an outboard motor on a boat, a riding lawnmower to a burglar cable, or the like. The device is independent of the nut and bolt, and includes a body that receives the bolt head or nut in a chamber, with the shaft protruding to the exterior where it is threadedly fastened to the valuable item. At a second aperture the chamber receives a flanged plug that prevents access to the head of the bolt. A locking pin threadedly engaged through a third aperture in the body engages an annular indented region on the plug to prevent its removal. A unique head on the locking pin is matched with the same style key to thread and unthread the locking pin from the body. An optional slotted chamber design permits securing of a cable to the nut and bolt combination by including a slot in the body that is occluded by the plug when it is inserted into the chamber and locked by the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Robert E. Rushing, Linda L. Rushing
  • Patent number: 6044670
    Abstract: A theft prevention device is provided for an anhydrous ammonia tank having a feed pipe with an open end. The theft prevention device includes a plug body which is inserted into the open end of the feed pipe. The plug body includes a flexible member which can be expanded by a keyed lock actuator so as to engage the interior of the feed pipe and prevent removal of the plug member. Locking and unlocking of the plug member to the interior of the feed pipe can be accomplished only by use of a key having a predetermined configuration which fits the keyed lock actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Kirk A. Citurs, Jeffrey D. Baker
  • Patent number: 5987936
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for securing items, such as boat batteries and gas tanks, against theft and breakage. The locking unit is formed of dual base units, hingeably connected to vertical walls. The base units are connected to a support structure through use of screws or bolts. The top plates are connected to the vertical walls through use of hinges. The top plates can be provided with an adjustable locking member to secure various sized containers. L-shaped plates can be used to prevent any end to end horizontal movement of the container while the locking unit prevents side to side and vertical movement. The base unit can be one or two pieces, depending upon required adjustability. Parallel, opposing, side units, are affixed to the base unit at approximately right angles and a pair of top locking plates are then secured at right angles to the opposite end of the side units. The object is secured within the locking device through use of a lock which secures the top locking plates to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Charles William Hartman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5987938
    Abstract: A trailer kingpin locking apparatus, for use with a trailer having a kingpin with an annular groove, features a lock body with a cylindrical opening to receive a kingpin. A padlock channel, running transversely to the axis of the kingpin opening and sized to accommodate the body of a padlock, extends partially into the sidewall of the lock body. A shackle channel, parallel to and narrower than the padlock channel, extends inward from the padlock channel and intercepts the kingpin opening to form an opening thereinto. A retaining pin bridges the shackle channel near the kingpin opening. The locking apparatus may be slipped over a kingpin such that the shackle channel coincides with the annular groove of the kingpin. The shackle of a standard padlock is inserted into the shackle channel and around the retaining pin, with the shackle projecting partially into the annular groove and preventing the locking apparatus from being slipped off of the kingpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger E. Frei
  • Patent number: 5983684
    Abstract: A new anti-theft device for locking a telescopic fluidic piston-cylinder actuator in an extended piston position. The inventive device includes an elongate strut wall member having an arcuate wall portion with a pair of side wall portions. The side wall portions are spaced apart to define an elongate channel extending between the first and second ends of the strut wall member. The channel is designed for receiving the extended piston portion of a piston-cylinder actuator therein. Each side wall portion has an aperture extending through each of them. The distal end of an elongate locking pin is insertable through the apertures of the side wall portions such that the locking pin is extendible between the side wall portions across the channel of the strut wall member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Richard M. Boisvert
  • Patent number: 5970756
    Abstract: A dead bolt lock cover for a dead bolt lock assembly comprises a cover and a lock assembly. The cover is sized to enclose the lock casing of the dead bolt lock assembly to prevent unauthorized tampering therewith. The lock assembly fixes the cover to the dead bolt lock base or a separate base member. With the lock assembly, only an authorized person can gain access to the lock casing of the dead bolt lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Federal Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Miller, Russell Waller, J. Clayton Miller