Protector Or Lock Patents (Class 280/507)
  • Patent number: 9393936
    Abstract: A jack lock for a landing gear crank of a tractor-trailer includes a four sided box to enclose the crank on four sides. A pin extends rearwardly within the box and extends through the crank yoke on the inner end of the crank, to preclude the yoke and crank from being moved from a lowered inoperative position to a raised operative position. A padlock is mountable on the end of the shaft to lock the box onto the crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Neffco Technologies
    Inventor: Jeff M. Grote
  • Patent number: 9358850
    Abstract: A security device for a coupler for a trailer includes a bracket, a clamp lever cover, and a cover lock. The bracket is connected to the coupler, which includes a socket, a ball clamp, and a clamp lever. The clamp lever cover is engaged with the bracket and, in a secured arrangement, prevents movement of the clamp lever, thereby holding the ball clamp in a clamped arrangement, in turn retaining a hitch ball within the socket or preventing insertion of a hitch ball into the socket; in an unsecured arrangement the cover permits movement of the clamp lever from the engaged structural arrangement to the disengaged structural arrangement, thereby releasing the hitch ball or permitting insertion of a hitch ball. When unlocked the cover lock permits movement of the clamp lever cover to the unsecured arrangement; when locked retains the clamp lever cover in the secured arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce H. Bale
  • Patent number: 9333821
    Abstract: A ball/lock component formed with a C-shaped central section having horizontal upper and lower legs. A ball extends upwardly from the lower leg. A bolt is threadedly received in the upper leg. The bolt is axially movable toward and away from the ball. An adjustment collar is attached to the bolt for rotating the bolt. An attachment leg extends forwardly from the central section and has a horizontal bore. A support component has vertical walls with vertically spaced adjustment apertures extending there through. An adjustment rod extends through selected aperture pairs. The support component has a coupling leg. A support bore extends through the coupling leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Israel Rosario
  • Patent number: 9254723
    Abstract: A trailer coupler may be provided with an opening and socket for a hitch ball, and a clamping bar in an internal channel for locking the coupler and hitch together. The internal channel may extend horizontally and be positioned above the opening and below the socket. The channel may include a laterally-facing aperture adjacent the second end, out of which one end of the clamping bar may extend. That end of the clamping bar may include a bracket with an open channel to fit over a flange on the coupler body. The coupler may be assembled by inserting a first end of the clamping bar through the laterally-facing aperture, and moving the first end of the clamping bar into the coupler body channel while fitting the bracket over the flange at the open channel of the clamping bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Pacific Rim International, LLC
    Inventor: Yibin Ye
  • Patent number: 9242521
    Abstract: A multi-function hitch accessory retaining device and method which includes an assembly comprising a housing, receiver engagement pin, biasing mechanism, fastener, and coupling pin that is inserted into an accessory shank and configured to easily engage and disengage a conventional hitch receiver as well as a method of firmly securing the shank within the hitch receiver tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 9067630
    Abstract: A locking device according to the present invention, for use with a trailer gooseneck, the trailer gooseneck having a post with upper and lower ends, the upper end being attached to a trailer and the lower end. The lower end forms a recess and a pair of bore holes at a right angle to the centerline of the recess for accepting a coupler for receiving a hitch. The coupler is removed to allow insertion of the locking device. The locking device includes a body adapted to fit into the recess of the lower end, a pair of locking pins within the body of the locking device, a cam within the body of the locking device and a lock to prevent the cam from being turned when the lock is engaged. The locking pins face opposite directions and are adapted to be inserted into the bore hole on the two sides of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Cline
  • Publication number: 20150137485
    Abstract: There are provided a cap having an expanded pad and an apparatus having a towing pipe provided with the cap. The cap includes a body having opened ends and an expanded pad attached to an inner circumferential surface of the body. The expanded pad does not close the opened ends of the body before being heated, expands when being heated, and closes the opened ends of the body after being heated. The body includes a ring-shaped ring plate and a plurality of legs that protrudes from one side of the ring plate and spaces apart from each other along a circumference of the ring plate. When the expanded pad is heated, ends of the legs are bent radially outwardly by expansion of the expanded pad. The body includes a head and a screw protruding from one side of the head. The head and screw are opened in a longitudinal direction of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong-Wook Kim, Hyun-Baek Jung
  • Publication number: 20150137484
    Abstract: A hitch accessory retaining device includes a pair of opposed engagement pins and a biasing device. When positioned within a shank body, the engagement pins are slidable within shank pinning apertures and are normally urged in outward, extended positions by the biasing device. When biased outwardly, a portion of each engagement pin extends outwardly from and projects beyond a shank sidewall while an additional portion of each engagement pin is retained within the shank body. A portion of the biasing device contacts, is attached to, or is part of, the engagement pins. The normally outwardly biased engagement pins are biasable inwardly to a retracted position within the shank pinning apertures to a position wherein the outward ends of the engagement pins are flush with the outward sides of shank sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 9033358
    Abstract: A trailer hitch coupler guard including a trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a trailer hitch coupler covering member; an extraction stopping lug attached to and extending upwardly from the trailer hitch coupler receiving member; a hinge interconnecting the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer hitch coupler covering member, the hinge facilitating movement of the trailer hitch coupler covering member between opened and closed positions, the trailer hitch coupler covering member overlying the trailer hitch coupler receiving member upon movement to the closed position, and being displaced away from the closed position upon movement to the opened position; and a pair of eyed flanges fixedly attached to one of the members among the trailer hitch coupler receiving member and the trailer coupler covering member; the flanges' eyes being positioned for alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher H. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20150121975
    Abstract: A locking device for obstructing towing of an unattached trailer has a lock base and a single-armed curved interlock bracket. The lock base has a cylindrical leg. The single-armed interlock bracket has an grooved arm sliding along an aperture on the cylindrical leg and may be permanently attached to the lock base. Grooves on the arm allows a locking means to be engaged with the lock bracket at different height. When engaged, the locking means may restrict the interlock bracket from swirling. The open end of the interlock bracket provides flexibility to accommodate trailer couplers with different cap/rim sizes. The cylindrical leg may have a sealed bottom end and may function as a handle. The locking device may also feature a push-in locking mechanism to lock the interlock bracket in a position without using a key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Guoji Yuan
  • Publication number: 20150123379
    Abstract: A locking device for obstructing towing of a trailer has a lock base and a lock bracket. The lock base has an upright ball-shaped member and two legs each with an aperture. The lock bracket has two arms. When the locking device is in a locked condition, both arms are engaged in their corresponding apertures. When the locking device is in an unlocked condition, one arm of the lock bracket remains attached to its corresponding aperture, and the other arm is removed from the other aperture to release the coupler. Grooves on one of the arms allow a locking means to engage with the lock bracket at different height. In another aspect of the invention, the ball member is detachable and can be replaced by different sized ball member so that the same locking device can be used on trailer couplers with different socket sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Guoji Yuan
  • Patent number: 9010796
    Abstract: The Adjustable Pintle Mount Adapter Bracket is a device capable of attaching a pintle and a weight distribution shank at varying heights. The pintle and weight distribution shank are attached on opposite sides of the bracket. The unique adjustability of the design is accomplished through a series of holes and easily removable pins which thread through the holes in the bracket and the weight distribution shank. The invention comprises of a series of components which are combined through welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Diapa Info Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Eckhart, Victor H. Grande
  • Publication number: 20150097356
    Abstract: A coupler lock for attaching to a trailer hitch coupler. The hitch coupler has a socket. The coupler lock includes a locking bar and a plug member for receipt within the socket of the hitch coupler and supported by the locking bar. The coupler lock includes a base structure removably attached to the locking bar. The base structure includes a locking structure actuatable to lockingly retain the base structure attached to the locking bar so as to retain the plug member within the socket of the hitch coupler. The locking structure is positioned above the plug member with the base structure attached to the locking bar and the plug member retained within the socket of the hitch coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Winston Breeden, III, Thaddeus T. Brej, David Edward Birn Rathman
  • Patent number: 8966945
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for use on a hook of a carting container, the device comprising: an engagement unit including a shaft dimensioned to occupy an engagement portion of the hook, a first plate coupled to one end of the shaft, and having a passageway associated therewith, and a second plate coupled to an other end of the shaft, a retaining bar including a stop plate, a locking arm having at least one hole therein dimensioned to accept a lock shackle, the locking arm being dimensioned such that a distal end of the locking arm can be inserted through the passageway, the locking arm further having a length such that, when the distal end has been inserted through the passageway, the stop plate will be on one side of the engagement unit and the at least one hole will be on the other side of the engagement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Buechel
  • Patent number: 8967654
    Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed which eliminates the need for safety chains. The trailer hitch includes a locking device which is selectively pivotally secured to the tongue of a trailer or the hitch ball coupler assembly at the forward end of the tongue or to both the hitch ball coupler assembly and the tongue. The locking device is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. When the locking device is in its locked position, the locking device prevents the disconnection of the hitch ball coupler assembly from the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Riibe
  • Patent number: 8960709
    Abstract: An insert bar assembly for a hitch-rack carrier comprises a self-locating securement pin. The insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. The assembly can include a flexible securement pin or a rigid securement pin resiliently joined to the bar at a fixed distance from the engagement end of the pin. The assembly accommodates repetitive, same location positioning of the engagement end of the pin at a pin-tip facing surface on the bar in the pin-secured configuration of the insert bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Keith L. Prescott, Kevin S. Bogoslofski, John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8915514
    Abstract: A multi-function, anti-rotational, power-sports utility hitch receiver assembly includes a four-sided hollow receiver tube having a forward end configured to attach to a tow vehicle and a rearward end configured to house an attachment of an accessory shank. Aligned apertures are present in the opposing sidewalls between the forward end and the rearward end for securing a hitch accessory shank within the receiver tube by inserting a hitch-pin through apertures. A removable, adjustable tightening bar is attachable to an underside of the hitch receiver tube for maintaining the receiver tube in a stationary position when the receiver tube is installed on a tow vehicle by abutting a surface on the tow vehicle. The assembly further includes a tow loop, e.g., for attaching tow chains, straps, bungee cords, tow hooks and the like to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8915515
    Abstract: A gooseneck hitching system is disclosed which couples the gooseneck hitch of a trailer to a hitch ball of a vehicle through the use of a remotely RF controlled linear actuator which also includes a locking receptacle structure mounted on the bed of the vehicle which replaces the conventional safety chain arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Riibe
  • Patent number: 8910965
    Abstract: A hitch system comprises a housing, a hitch plate, and an actuator system. The housing is secured to a hitch post, and the housing defines a housing opening and a housing chamber. The hitch plate is rotatably attached to the housing, and the hitch plate defines a first ball opening. The actuator system displaces the hitch plate relative to the housing such that the hitch system operates in an unhitched configuration in which the first ball opening is aligned with the housing opening and a hitched configuration in which the first ball opening is not aligned with the housing opening. A ball portion is inserted into the housing chamber and removed from the housing chamber when the hitch system is in the unhitched configuration. The ball portion is substantially secured within the housing chamber when the hitch system is in the hitched configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: John Wasem LaPrade
  • Patent number: 8910964
    Abstract: An insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. An insert bar assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Kevin S. Bogoslofski, Keith L. Prescott
  • Patent number: 8876143
    Abstract: A nut member having a groove is used to replace the existing nut that holds a ball mount for a trailer to the mounting location. A sleeve is positioned over the nut member and a locking mechanism in the sleeve is engaged so that a locking arm is positioned within the groove of the nut member thereby inhibiting removal of the sleeve when the lock is engaged. Access to the nut member is inhibited by being enclosed by the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Craig Hicks
  • Publication number: 20140312596
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn H. Mida, Gail R. Matheus
  • Publication number: 20140306427
    Abstract: A trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus includes a main frame, a first pin assembly, a second pin assembly, a locking mechanism, and an automatically engaging safety mechanism. The first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are engaged in between the main frame and the locking mechanism in such way that the first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are operated in between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by the locking mechanism. The main frame is connected with the hitch receiver so that the trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus is able to secure different hitch devices with the hitch receiver through operation of the automatically engaging safety mechanism, the locking mechanism, the first pin assembly, and the second pin assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Gary D. EDWARDS
  • Publication number: 20140300083
    Abstract: The invention is to a protective cover for providing cushioned protection to a desired object. In preferred embodiments, the protective cover is comprised of an outer shell that is durable, and water and stain resistant. An inner portion of the cover is comprised of a soft and pliable material that is segmented either by axial slits, a radial opening, and/or a spiral shaped slit to allow enough free space to allow an object to be protected to be inserted therein. The design allows the protective cover to engage the desired object to be protected, while also allowing the cover to be easily removed without the needs of a separate mechanical fastener or attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kevin Patrick Barklage
  • Patent number: 8844962
    Abstract: The hitch step assembly has a platform securable to a hitch bar and pivotable from a storage position to a stepping position with respect to the hitch bar. The platform is preferably substantially planar and parallel to the length of the hitch bar at the stepping position. The platform is pivotable to the storage position that exposes a ball mount assembly connected to the hitch bar. Walls extending downward from the platform to substantially enclose the ball mount assembly and prevent its exposure as a trip hazard during use of the hitch step. A locking pin is provided that maintains the platform at the storage position or the stepping position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Bernart
  • Patent number: 8840130
    Abstract: The maximum security/maximum versatility ball mount assembly provides an assembly for securing a ball mount or other accessory shank to a receiver hitch on automotive vehicles, tractors, ATVs, and other vehicles equipped with a receiver-type hitch. As the shank of a hitch accessory or implement is inserted into a receiver, dual retractable hitch pins automatically engage the receiver when the pins align with the two hitch-pin apertures in the receiver tube, thereby securing the ball mount/accessory's shank to the vehicle's receiver. A shank end cap shields the hitch pin assembly's internal components from dirt and/or rust particles, and the end cap also serves as an innovative and useful alignment aid when inserting the shank into a vehicle's receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8833791
    Abstract: Insert bar assembly includes an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. Assembly can include an expander which accommodates attachment of the assembly to a hitch which is larger than the insert portion of the bar. Adapter assembly includes expandable adapter mountable upon hitch-attachment bar that is square in cross-sectional shape and sized for insertion into first tubular hitch receiver and further includes an expander that diagonally extends and retracts relative to attachment bar. Adapter is configured to substantially house a hitch-receiver insert portion of the bar in a collapsed configuration. Adapter comprises a main body having an interior space defined by at least two substantially perpendicular interior walls positioned adjacent to two exterior walls of the hitch-receiver insert portion, the walls being expandable to attach the insert bar to a hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventors: Keith L. Prescott, Kevin S. Bogoslofski, John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8814197
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a support bracket adapted to operably couple with a vehicle frame. The hitch assembly also has a hitch plate that includes a throat adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer and a rear portion. The hitch plate is pivotably coupled with the support bracket and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Further, the hitch assembly has a limiter linkage that includes a first end pivotably coupled with the rear portion. A second end of the limiter linkage is movable between a stowed and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end is spaced from the vehicle frame. In the deployed position the second end of the limiter linkage is detachably coupled with the vehicle frame, thereby limiting movement of the hitch plate between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: SAF-Holland, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin Keatley
  • Publication number: 20140197618
    Abstract: A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: RANDALL T. SCHOTT, DARYL ADAMS, JOHNNY H. ALLISON
  • Patent number: 8757654
    Abstract: The anti-theft device is for use with a trailer hitch regardless of whether the trailer hitch is attached or unattached to a towing vehicle ball. The device is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. It includes two complementary and substantially coplanar base plates, two mutually-facing rim members defining an inner slotted space receiving the lateral flanged edge of the trailer hitch when the device is in the closed position on the trailer hitch, and two anchoring members. Each anchoring member is rigidly connected to and downwardly projecting from the corresponding plate. The device is very compact, effective, easy to use, and can be installed or removed in a few seconds. It provides a very convenient way of preventing the theft of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cojega Inc.
    Inventor: Ephrem Lachance
  • Publication number: 20140167391
    Abstract: A lockout device for a trailer hitch coupler includes a bottom member and a ratchet body. The bottom member includes a body, a coupler blocking member extending from the body in a vertical direction for engagement with a trailer hitch coupler, and an extension extending from the body in the vertical direction. The ratchet body includes a housing defining a vertical bore sized to receive the extension, a locking mechanism disposed within the housing, and a lock interface assembled with the housing. The locking mechanism is configured to lockingly engage a recess in the extension when the extension is received in the bore. The lock interface is configured to move the locking mechanism from a locked condition to an unlocked condition to disengage the extension recess thereby permitting movement of the ratchet body in a direction away from the bottom member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Elliott, Thomas Walczak
  • Patent number: 8752856
    Abstract: A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Trik Topz
    Inventors: Kissak T. Sarajian, Chad M. Cushman
  • Publication number: 20140117645
    Abstract: A sliding hitch with a self-arming latch is described. The hitch includes a carriage slideably mounted on a base. The base includes a latching pin on a pivot arm that is biased to extend toward engagement with the carriage and a rotatable shaft with an arming member and a locking member. Rotation of the shaft to an unlocked orientation, cams the pivot plate away from the carriage to withdraw the pin and enable sliding of the carriage on the base. An arm of the arming member is also rotated into the path of a protuberance associated with the carriage. Contact between the protuberance and the arm during sliding of the carriage along the base causes rotation of the shaft to a locked orientation enabling extension of the pin toward engagement with the carriage and engaging the locking member with the pivot plate to restrict withdrawal of the pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: B & W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventor: Travis M. McCall
  • Patent number: 8707537
    Abstract: A security lock assembly includes a channel blocking frame, deadbolt and a pin-lock assembly. The channel blocking frame defines a central opening along a first axis and a pair of opposing apertures along a second axis orthogonal to the first. The deadbolt also defines an aperture or bore extending therethrough for alignment with the frame's opposing apertures when positioned at least partially within the central opening of the channel blocking frame. The pin lock assembly has an elongated shaft dimensioned to extend through opposing apertures of the lock frame and deadbolt thereby entrapping the deadbolt within the channel blocking frame. Enlarged ends of the pin lock assembly prevent unauthorized removal of the pin-lock, the deadbolt, and thus the installed lock assembly from a detachable assembly (e.g., plow). The security lock assembly when secured within an attachment channel of a plow prevents unauthorized attachment without first removing the security lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Donald E. Clark
  • Patent number: 8707745
    Abstract: A lock includes a lock body, a lock bar, and a locking mechanism. The lock body extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end defining a longitudinal passage and a second end. The lock bar is disposed within the passage and movable in a longitudinal direction between a securing position proximal to the second end and a release position distal to the second end, with a proximal end portion of the lock bar and the second end defining a first gap when the lock bar is in the release position. The locking mechanism is assembled within one of the lock body and the lock bar and is operable between a locking condition securing the lock bar against movement from the securing position to the release position, and an unlocked condition permitting movement of the lock bar from the securing position to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: D. Scott Kalous
  • Patent number: 8708369
    Abstract: A protection device for a towed vehicle. The protection device includes a moveable support. The moveable support is adapted to be coupled with a towing vehicle member. A fixed support is adapted to be coupled with a towed vehicle member. A flexible material is coupled between the moveable support and the fixed supports. A biasing device is coupled with the moveable support. The biasing device allows the moveable support to move and maintains the flexible material in a taut condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry A. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8684391
    Abstract: A hook coupling with a hook body (12), which has a hook-in opening (14), and with a closure latch (16) which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position furthermore comprises: a blocking lever (26) which is displaceable between a blocking position, in which it blocks an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a release position in which it permits an adjustment of the closure latch (16) from the closed position towards the open position, and a triggering device (36) which, in its basic position, whenever blocking lever (26) is in the blocking position, prevents displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position, and which, when actuated out of its basic position, permits displacement of the blocking lever (26) into the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Szczepanek
  • Publication number: 20140070518
    Abstract: A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: TRIK TOPZ
    Inventors: Kissak T. Sarajian, Chad M. Cushman
  • Publication number: 20140028000
    Abstract: The anti-theft device is for use with a trailer hitch regardless of whether the trailer hitch is attached or unattached to a towing vehicle ball. The device is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. It includes two complementary and substantially coplanar base plates, two mutually-facing rim members defining an inner slotted space receiving the lateral flanged edge of the trailer hitch when the device is in the closed position on the trailer hitch, and two anchoring members. Each anchoring member is rigidly connected to and downwardly projecting from the corresponding plate. The device is very compact, effective, easy to use, and can be installed or removed in a few seconds. It provides a very convenient way of preventing the theft of a trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Ephrem LACHANCE
  • Patent number: 8632091
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic engaging drawbar pin retention device includes a biased locking plate configured to retain a drawbar pin within a drawbar bore. The locking plate may be movably coupled to a drawbar clevis between a pin-lock to at least partly cover the bore and prevent removal of the drawbar pin and a pin-unlock condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Shaw, Alan D. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20140015225
    Abstract: A hitch cover is shown and described. The hitch cover may include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface having at least one engagement member attached thereto. The hitch cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: CEQUENT CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Corless, Steven Duane Miller, Gregory Y. Rotenberg
  • Publication number: 20140008892
    Abstract: A cart transporting apparatus including a hitch assembly and a cart coupling assembly. The hitch assembly may include an elongated body, at least one catch member, and a hitch stop. The hitch stop may be, for example, a rotating hitch stop or a sliding hitch stop. The rotating hitch stop may include at least three flanges configured to abut a cart and may further include a detent mechanism. The cart coupling assembly may include at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be pivotally coupled to the second portion. The first portion may include first and second engagement members. The second portion may include third and fourth engagement members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: DANE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Dane Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130334792
    Abstract: A hitch comprising an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve removably disposed within said outer sleeve and wherein each sleeve is adapted to receive a draw bar; a first end of the hitch operatively engaging a securing tab and adapted to receive at least one securing member; and the inner and outer sleeves further comprising at least one aperture adapted to receive at least one locking device to secure a draw bar. The hitch further comprising alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; a securing tab disposed on the inner sleeve; a securing tab disposed on the outer sleeve; or, a securing member with a flexible connection, j-hook, or a rigid connection engaging the securing tab and alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; or, a locking hook securably engaging at least one aperture on the inner and outer sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Marcia Pell
  • Publication number: 20130334793
    Abstract: A hitch system for coupling a hitch post to a ball portion employs a control system configured to operate in a service mode and a master mode. The control system operates in the master mode upon entry of a master code. Entry of the master code is not required to operate the control system when the control system is in the service mode. Entry of the master code is required to operate the control system when the control system is in the master mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: John Wasem LaPrade
  • Patent number: 8596665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer coupling (1) for fastening to a towing vehicle, having a flange plate (2) and a hitch ball (3), wherein a neck (4) that connects the flange plate (2) and the hitch ball (3) is formed. For a high force load capacity, small installation space requirements, weight efficient constructability and assurance of large swivel angles, it is suggested, that the maximal extent of the neck (4) in a first direction (91) is smaller than in a second direction (92), which is normal to the first direction (91).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Josef Scharmüller, Josef Scharmüller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8585073
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-locking hitch pin for joining a hitch device to a receiver hitch in a quick and easy manner using a single, self-contained mechanism. The hitch pin is comprised of shaft with a locking member on one end and a handle and weight on the other end and a spring and retainers to keep the hitch pin in place. The self-locking hitch pin allows for single-handed installation and securing of a hitch device to a receiver hitch with no pin or locking mechanism to be lost or dropped. The self-locking hitch pin can be inserted into the hitch orifice, have pressure applied to the spring, rotate the hitch pin allowing gravity to engage the locking member and then release pressure on the spring coupling both devices together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Max M. Smoot
  • Patent number: 8567807
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking assembly and tow bar that allows for one handed locking and unlocking of the tow bar and can be easily manipulated with one person. The tow bar has a receiver joint connecting the ends of two tow bar arms, the receiver joint including upper and lower plates. The receiver joint is connected by a coupling link to a clevis hitch, which has a horizontally mounted pivot bolt mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. The tow bar rotates at the receiver joint about the pivot pin from a horizontal, or deployed position, to a vertical, or stowed position. The clevis hitch is received by a tow bar receiver, which in turn is disposed in a hitch socket on the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Austin Su
  • Patent number: 8556288
    Abstract: A lockbox for a coupler of a trailer comprises a bottom assembly, a top cover, and a locking mechanism. The bottom assembly includes a post mounted on a bottom panel within an interior volume defined by bottom, front, and side panels. That post is received into a socket of the coupler with the coupler received into the interior volume through an open back area. The top cover engages the bottom assembly to cover an open top area above the post; the engaged top cover prevents removal of the coupler from the post. When locked, the locking mechanism retains the top cover engaged with the bottom assembly; when unlocked, the locking mechanism enables disengagement of the top cover and removal of the coupler. The bottom assembly includes a rigid tubular member around a lower portion of the post that is rotatable around the post and obstructs access to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce H. Bale
  • Patent number: 8550487
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a trailer hitch ball cover comprising an outer shell, an inner socket positioned within the outer shell, and a channel positioned adjacent a lower end of the inner socket, which substantially conforms to a trailer hitch ball and a trailer hitch ball neck. The outer shell may also comprise a first and second component that, when adjacent, form the inner socket and channel. The second component may be pivotally and/or releasably coupled to the first component. The outer shell may also be shaped to resemble human headgear, including a football helmet with facemask, chin strap, and face. Light sources may be positioned on an upper surface and a lower surface of the football helmet and a lower surface of the facemask for illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Otis Dale Fox
  • Patent number: 8505954
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Haley