Protector Or Lock Patents (Class 280/507)
  • Patent number: 8491009
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft system for a camper. The camper is supported at its front end by a pair of spaced-apart jacks. The system includes a barrier having a first end operatively connecting to a first one of the jacks and a second end opposite thereof. The second end of the barrier operatively connects to a second one of the jacks. The barrier extends in a horizontal direction and is positioned and configured to prevent an unauthorized vehicle from passing underneath the camper and mounting of the camper onto the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Mathew Bradley Shelton
  • Publication number: 20130175787
    Abstract: A tractor trailer fifth wheel cover is disclosed forming an enclosure over the fifth wheel locking mechanism along the underside of the fifth wheel bearing plate. The cover comprises an upper surface and upstanding sidewalls having a plurality of penetrations therethrough. The cover forms an open interior to accept the fifth wheel kingpin locking mechanism therein and prevents dirt and debris from interfering with the mechanism operation over periods of environmental exposure. The pull handle of the locking mechanism routes through an aperture along the cover sidewall, while the design of the cover is such that it forms an enclosure supported within the underside structure of the bearing plate. The device is fastenably secured to the bearing plate structure and over the locking mechanism, while grease fittings allow lubrication of the locking mechanism assembly therewithin. The cover remains installed during deployment of the fifth wheel without interfering with normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: David L'Heureux, Bonnie Anfield
  • Patent number: 8465043
    Abstract: A vehicular collision protection device is provided. The device includes a plastic shaft having a first end portion and a second end portion and extending along a longitudinal axis. The first end portion is received in a vehicle hitch receiver. The plastic shaft has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and are spaced apart from one another. At least one of the plurality of apertures receives a locking pin therethrough that removably couples the plastic shaft to the vehicle hitch receiver. The device further includes a plate member coupled to the second end portion of the plastic shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: John Frederick Buckert, Andrew Vaughan Balash, Alex Khakhalev
  • Publication number: 20130140794
    Abstract: A hitch mounted waste container transporter for mounting in a standard hitch receiver on a vehicle using a locking pin includes a hitch bar having a first end equipped for connection to the hitch receiver and having a distal end, a hitch bar bracket having a lower end rigidly connected to said distal end of the hitch bar and an upper end which includes a transverse locking pin, an intermediate bar is pivotally connected at its first end to the hitch bar bracket such that the intermediate bar moves between about 0 and 25 degrees from a common axis of the hitch bar, and a rigid container support bar connected to a second end of the intermediate bar which is about 110-115 degrees obtuse to the axis of the intermediate bar having a tine to removably engage a waste container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Marc A. Bohse
  • Patent number: 8454047
    Abstract: An improved hitch pin system for improving the speed and safety of attaching a receiver insert into a receiver on a tow vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Progress Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Gary M. Scott
  • Patent number: 8448973
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an attachment member for securing the apparatus to a gooseneck trailer. A rectangular housing is secured to the attachment member, and has a front wall, a back wall, and at least one side wall. A cavity is formed by these walls. A ball receiver is pivotably secured internal to the housing and has an opening for the passage of a spring rod. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided, which is secured generally perpendicularly to the housing, and includes at least one spring element. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the front wall, it pushes a bushing disposed on the central rod into the spring element, causing the spring element to compress. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the back wall, it pulls a back plate that causes the spring element to compress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Danny Burns
  • Patent number: 8444168
    Abstract: Invention patent application for one Lock Controller (1) made in a cast casing fitted with a closure lid (2) designed with a bearing for the solenoid (3) guiding axle (3a) and one micro-processed control unit (4), being said Lock Controller (1) installed in the free niche (C) of the bottom half of the fifth wheel (5) where the hole (5b) is made through the wall (5c) in order to allow the passage of the extension (1d) of the Lock Controller (1) and one hole (6a) made into the Locking bar (6) face coinciding with the wall (5c) limits the course and one safety ring (8) is welded or glued at section (7a) of the long rod (7), to limit its course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Maxilock Industria E Comercio Ltda
    Inventor: Jose Aldo Jacinto
  • Patent number: 8444167
    Abstract: A hitch lock device for preventing theft of a trailer featuring a hitch ball with a threaded bolt and a nut adapted to be threaded onto the bolt. Locking pin slots are disposed in the threaded bolt. A lock can be inserted into a slot in the threaded bolt. Locking pins are slidably disposed in each locking pin slot. The locking pins are connected by a spring and can move between an in position in the threaded bolt and an out position protruding from the bolt. The pins are biased in the out position by the spring. When the locking pins are squeezed to the in position the nut can be threaded past the locking pins to sandwich a trailer hitch with the hitch ball. When the lock is inserted into the slot the lock blocks movement of the locking pins and locking the lock prevents removal of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nour-Eddine Derdari
  • Patent number: 8419038
    Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism that includes a pin that extends axially from a pivotal mounting of a platform of a trailer tow bar. The pin is preferably cylindrical and is grooved circumferentially adjacent to its bottom end for fitting into an a key way forward end lip formed in a mounting plate that is attached to a truck bed for prohibiting the pin from lifting from the key way. The pin includes a plug that, by turning a cam rod journaled through the pin, will extend or retract axially from a pin center opening to fit into a plug hole formed in the mounting plate in the center of the key way forward end, preventing, when extended, the pin from sliding therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Darrel J. Burns, Brigitte Paula Strecker Burns
  • Patent number: 8419041
    Abstract: A hitch, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kimpex Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bessette, Robert Handfield
  • Patent number: 8376387
    Abstract: The Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Publication number: 20130038040
    Abstract: A carrier device for mounting at a rear side of a body of a vehicle, said carrier device comprising, a receiving element, adapted to be fixed to the body of said vehicle, said receiving element comprising a receiving channel with an insert opening, a carrier element, adapted to be releaseably received in said receiving element in a mounted position, said carrier element being insertable into said receiving channel to arrive at its mounted position by movement through said insert opening in direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of said receiving channel, a locking unit for locking said carrier element in said mounted position in said receiving element, a key unit comprising a first key element arranged on said receiving element and a second key element arranged on said carrier element said first and second key elements cooperating in a keying position of said carrier element in order to only allow said carrier element provided with said second key element to arrive at the mounted position when inserte
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Scambia Holdings Cyprus Limited
    Inventors: Raffaele Di Parma, Bert Wegner, Joerg Riehle
  • Patent number: 8371603
    Abstract: A vehicle ball mount assembly includes a shank, an upper platform attached to the shank, and a lower platform attached to the shank and spaced from the upper platform. The lower platform extends beyond the upper platform. A first tow ball extends from the upper platform and a second tow ball extends from the lower platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8371600
    Abstract: A fifth wheel comprising a coupling plate and an anti-theft protection device, the anti-theft protection device being configured such that it is integrally connected to the coupling plate and can be electrically actuated and the anti-theft protection device being arranged such that it is not discernible from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND Verkehrstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Büttner
  • Publication number: 20130033021
    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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: THULE SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Keith L. Prescott, Kevin S. Bogoslofski, John Laverack, Greg G. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20130009386
    Abstract: A fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism that includes a pin that extends axially from a pivotal mounting of a platform of a trailer tow bar. The pin is preferably cylindrical and is grooved circumferentially adjacent to its bottom end for fitting into an a key way forward end lip formed in a mounting plate that is attached to a truck bed for prohibiting the pin from lifting from the key way. The pin includes a plug that, by turning a cam rod journaled through the pin, will extend or retract axially from a pin center opening to fit into a plug hole formed in the mounting plate in the center of the key way forward end, preventing, when extended, the pin from sliding therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Darrel J. Burns, Brigitte Paula Strecker Burns
  • Patent number: 8342559
    Abstract: A ball latch 46 is reciprocally mounted in a latch slot 44 and is biased downwardly by coil compression spring 68 until the semi-spherical recess at its lower end becomes coextensive with the spherical surface of the ball socket 36. When the trailer hitch 16 is placed on the hitch ball 26, the force applied by the hitch ball against the ball latch 46 moves the ball latch upwardly against the bias of its spring 68 to make room for the hitch ball to enter the ball socket 36. Once the hitch ball is fully inserted in the ball socket 36, the spring 68 pushes the ball latch 46 back to its locked position about the hitch ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Charles J. MacKarvich
  • Patent number: 8328223
    Abstract: An attachment assembly for a vehicle having a receiver for pulling an object or being pulled. The attachment assembly includes a support member for connection to the receiver and an attachment member connected to the support member to provide both pivotal and rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Bradley R. Leinenger
  • Patent number: 8313119
    Abstract: An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide structure of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement structure of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides structure for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Donald R. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20120261904
    Abstract: A trailer and hitch mounting system that includes a hitch insert assembly that is attached to a hitch attachment of a trailer and additionally has a hitch mount. A mounting plate assembly has a mounting plate that is secured to the bed of a truck and has a frustoconically shaped hitch guide with an angled surface that receives and is engaged by the hitch mount in order to guide the hitch mount toward an opening within the hitch guide to place the hitch mount at a predetermined location for securing the trailer to a truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Arends
  • Patent number: 8286987
    Abstract: An animated novelty device for mounting on a ball of a trailer hitch on a vehicle, the device including an electric motor for imparting motion to selected elements of the device. The motor is electrically connected to the vehicle braking system whereby the device is set in motion by energizing the vehicle brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Evoke Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Campbell, Daniel J. Chesnicka, Mark J. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20120256393
    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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Max M. Smoot
  • Publication number: 20120248739
    Abstract: A bumper hitch and guard composed of a hitch bar and transverse bars for vehicles with trailer hitch receivers where the hitch bar is insertable and secured into the trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle, the bumper hitch and guard serving to protect the rear of the vehicle from damage. The bumper hitch and guard are easily removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Yim Man Wu
  • Patent number: 8276931
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus includes a base, an arm extending from the base, a first tow ball extending from a first side of the arm, and a second tow ball extending from an opposite second side of the arm. The base is configured to be removably attached to a vehicle in opposite first and second positions such that the first tow ball is in an upright orientation when the base is attached to a vehicle in the first position, and the second tow ball is in an upright orientation when the base is attached to a vehicle in the second position. Each of the first and second end portions of the base includes a respective post, and a retainer assembly is configured to be removably attachable to each post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Williams Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: David Allen DeKarske, Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120235383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device that generates a “halo” around a trailer hitch and/or ball mount on towing equipment. By providing an extended buffer area around a traditional truck ball mount/hitch, the knee, shin, leg or other body part will contact an angled area of the device, producing a glancing effect and avoiding serious pain and/or injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Roland Hanes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120228852
    Abstract: A hitch for a trailer, or other hitch-mounted accessories, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, is disclosed. The hitch comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Robert BESSETTE, Robert Handfield
  • Patent number: 8262122
    Abstract: A coupler assembly for coupling a trailer to a towing vehicle hitch ball is provided. The assembly includes a housing with a coupler socket adapted to receive a hitch ball. A ball clamp is disposed within the interior of the coupler housing and is movable toward and away from the coupler socket. The ball clamp has a clamping portion that retains the hitch ball within the coupler socket with the ball clamp positioned toward the coupler socket in a hitch ball retention position. A guide ramp is disposed within the coupler housing rearward of the coupler socket. The guide ramp projects toward the ball clamp and slopes upward and forward toward the coupler socket. A lateral guide member is disposed on the ball clamp rearward of the guide ramp. The lateral guide member cooperates with the guide ramp surface to limit forward movement of the ball clamp into the coupler socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Votruba
  • Publication number: 20120211966
    Abstract: A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a first member, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, where the second member is capable of pivoting relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The gooseneck coupler may also include an opening in the first member, the opening sized to receive a hitch ball, and a clinch mechanism located within the opening where the hitch ball is wedged between the clinch mechanism and the second member when the second member is in the second position relative to the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Drake, Kevin Rabska
  • Publication number: 20120211965
    Abstract: A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a first tube, a base member attached to the first tube, and a locking member pivotally attached to the base member—the locking member being capable of engaging a hitch ball. The gooseneck coupler may also include a locking mechanism attached to the locking member, where the locking mechanism is capable of securing the locking member in engagement with the hitch ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Drake, Kevin Rabska
  • Publication number: 20120205895
    Abstract: A trailer assembly including a load deck and a detachable gooseneck. The load deck includes a rotatable shaft and latch wedge and the detachable gooseneck includes a hook. The attachment of the gooseneck to the load deck will result in the rotation of the shaft and latch wedge and engage the latch wedge and hook preventing detachment of the gooseneck and load deck. Misalignment of the gooseneck and load deck may be compensated for by a chamfer of the hook and a v-shaped groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: FELLING TRAILERS, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Skalbeck, Gary Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20120200067
    Abstract: A lock for trailer hitches that is inexpensive and easy to use and that will secure the coupler fixed to the end of a trailer hitch to prevent unauthorized hook-up and towing of the trailer and items carried on or in the trailer. The lock is formed with a bottom plate having a flat top surface, a top plate having a flat bottom surface to overlie a portion of the bottom plate and a pivot pin fixed to the bottom plate and about which the top plate revolves. A bumper fixed to the top of the pivot pin holds the top plate over the bottom plate and extends upwardly to engage the interior of the coupler and to keep the lock from sliding off the coupler when side flanges on the plates are positioned over a surrounding flange on the coupler and a padlock hasp is positioned through aligned holes in the plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Brent Bonham
  • Patent number: 8235411
    Abstract: A self latching trailer coupler includes a housing having a downwardly oriented ball receiver for receiving a head of a hitch ball and a latch member mounted in the housing which is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the latch member prevents the hitch ball from being withdrawn from the ball receiver. The latch member automatically moves into the closed position upon insertion of the head of the hitch ball into the ball receiver and retains the latch member in the closed position. A lock assembly is mounted in the housing and is selectively engageable to lock the latch member in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: B&W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Works, Dirk A. Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20120193890
    Abstract: A cover for a fifth wheel trailer hitch that includes a rigid body with a front planar section and a rear planar section. Formed on the front planar section is a downward extending lip that engages the front edge of the head assembly on the hitch. The cover includes a holding mechanism for preventing the cover from moving forward and laterally over the head assembly. In two embodiments, the holding mechanism is a pivoting torsion plate attached to the bottom surface of the cover that presses against the rear portion of the head assembly. In another embodiment, the torsion plate is replaced by a center post with lateral beveled ears that slide into the head assembly's pin slot. In a fourth embodiment, the holding mechanism is at least one downward biasing clip attached to the cover's rear section that presses against the rear portion of the head assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Kim David Rogers
  • Patent number: 8226107
    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: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: John R. Columbia
  • Patent number: 8220820
    Abstract: A trailer hitch immobilizer is provided. The trailer hitch immobilizer includes a first face operatively configured to block an aperture defined by a hitch receiver. The first face is substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the hitch receiver. A second face is also provided where the second face is integral to the first face. The second face is substantially perpendicular to the first face. A third face is also provided where the third face is integral to the first face. The third face is substantially perpendicular to the first face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: James G. Bow
  • Patent number: 8210559
    Abstract: A trailer hitch device that includes a yoke assembly with a yoke section and a latch section, a latch assembly integral with the latch section with a latch pivot bolt, two latch plates pivotally connected by the latch pivot bolt and a horizontal coupling shaft having two external ends, where the external ends are dimensioned to fit into a vertical opening on the sides of latch section secured by the latch plates. There is also a trailer yoke that the horizontal coupling shaft passes through that can be securely and pivotally connected to the latch assembly by placing the horizontal coupling shaft in the vertical openings of the latch section, rotating the latch plates down over the horizontal coupling shaft and securing the latch plates in position and a longitudinal pivot rivet adjustably disposed on the vehicle side of trailer hitch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Russell
  • Patent number: 8201844
    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: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Max M. Smoot
  • Patent number: 8196949
    Abstract: A protective cover for use in connection with a weight distribution type towing hitch assembly includes means for encasing a weight distribution type towing hitch assembly, having both means for preventing contact injury to passersby and means for containing grease associated with the weight distribution type towing assembly; and means for securing the protective cover to the weight distribution type towing assembly. The cover is formed as a laminate of an outer layer, a grease barrier and a cushion located between the outer layer and the grease barrier. The outer layer forms a number of attachment flaps, which are provided and arranged such that in addition to providing a means for securing the protective cover to the hitch assembly also at least in part provide the means for containing grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Luis Hector Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8177253
    Abstract: A device for use with an anti-theft locking assembly which comprises an enclosure, a noise emitter mounted within the enclosure, a battery, and a control circuit, an actuator extending externally of the enclosure and being designed to be plugged into a first actuator receptor on a towing vehicle or a second actuator receptor on the locking assembly, the noise emitter being activated when the actuator is unplugged from one of the receptors. The device will strongly remind the user that the anti-theft locking device is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: André Paré
  • Publication number: 20120112434
    Abstract: A coupling lock for a trailer coupling. The coupling lock comprises a receptacle (9) in which a coupling element (6) is inserted, an angle measuring device (13, 19) is connected to the receptacle (9), and the angle measuring device (13, 19) is provided for detecting rotation of the receptacle (9), about a rotational axis (18), relative to the coupling element (6). A magnetically adhering body (24) is elastically connected to the receptacle (9) and magnetically connectable to the coupling element (6) for actuating the angle measuring device (13, 19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Ingo Albers, Christoph Elbers, Joachim Spratte, Katharina Matzold
  • Patent number: 8172249
    Abstract: A tow bar protection device for a tow bar assembly having a hitch bar portion with a ball mount and mounting a bail, the hitch bar portion extending rearwardly from the vehicle to which the assembly is attached, the protection device including a resilient pouch having an opening for receiving and covering at least a part of the rearwardly extending portion of the tow bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Towbar Safety Sock Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Albert Trubody
  • Publication number: 20120104728
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises an attachment member for securing the apparatus to a gooseneck trailer. A rectangular housing is secured to the attachment member, and has a front wall, a back wall, and at least one side wall. A cavity is formed by these walls. A ball receiver is pivotably secured internal to the housing and has an opening for the passage of a spring rod. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided, which is secured generally perpendicularly to the housing, and includes at least one spring element. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the front wall, it pushes a bushing disposed on the central rod into the spring element, causing the spring element to compress. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the back wall, it pulls a back plate that causes the spring element to compress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Danny Burns
  • Publication number: 20120098236
    Abstract: A self latching trailer coupler includes a housing having a downwardly oriented ball receiver for receiving a head of a hitch ball and a latch member mounted in the housing which is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the latch member prevents the hitch ball from being withdrawn from the ball receiver. The latch member automatically moves into the closed position upon insertion of the head of the hitch ball into the ball receiver and retains the latch member in the closed position. A lock assembly is mounted in the housing and is selectively engageable to lock the latch member in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: B&W CUSTOM TRUCK BEDS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Works, Dirk A. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 8152194
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a way for a person to lock and secure the hitch of an unhitched utility trailer. Another object of this invention is to allow a person to keep an unhitched utility trailer from being stolen when the utility trailer is not hooked to a truck hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Larry Landgraf, Sam F. Manna, Jr., Maggie Ann Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8151605
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for locking to a gooseneck-type trailer tongue of the type having a lockable tongue mechanism and a lower surface. A ball member has a semi-spherical upper portion and a lower surface. The lower surface is traversed by a threaded aperture. A peripheral side of the upper portion has at least one set screw aperture traversing through to the threaded aperture. A tang is threaded at a top end thereof for threaded rotational engagement with the threaded aperture of the ball member and includes a lower end that has at least one bolt aperture therethrough. A collar member includes a tang slot traversing the top and bottom surfaces thereof. A puck lock has a selectively positionable bolt adapted to traverse the bolt aperture of the tang to lock the collar member onto the tang and ball member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Gustafson
  • Publication number: 20120049484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a trailer hitch storage apparatus for storing a trailer hitch on a trailer having a frame. The apparatus includes a trailer hitch receptacle shaped to receive the trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart side plates. The side plates have first ends. At least one of the first ends of the side plates is connected to the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates have second ends opposite the first ends which extend outwards from the trailer hitch receptacle. The side plates are configured to receive the frame of the trailer between the side plates. The apparatus includes a connector connected to the side plates near the second ends of the side plates. The connector is extendable between the side plates for fixedly securing the frame of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Anthony Brass
  • Patent number: 8117873
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer lock is provided including a body having a coupler engaging portion and a trailer frame engaging portion. A lock secures the body to the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Paul J. Bickel, III
  • Patent number: 8113532
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards, in one embodiment, a process, apparatus or assembly to prevent the theft of or movement of a towable trailer while the trailer is un-hitched from its corresponding original tow vehicle. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a support strip coupled to a support housing. Preferably, at least one off-the-shelf locking means is integrated with the support housing which is adapted to securely couple to or otherwise engage a trailer having an integrated locking dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: James R. Garton
  • Publication number: 20120032416
    Abstract: An assembly has a bracket attached to the hitch ball mount of a towing vehicle. The bracket is used with a first removable item which allows for the alignment of a trailer coupler with the hitch ball. Once the coupler has been aligned and attached to the hitch ball, the first removable item can be removed. The first accessory item is then replaced by a second removable item which allows for securement of the coupler to the hitch ball and prevents removal of the coupler from the hitch ball. The alignment and guide means of the first removable item is interchangeable with the securement means of the second removable item. The second removable item further provides means for locking the second removable item to the bracket. A method for guiding the coupler toward alignment with the hitch ball and for securing the coupler to the hitch ball is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Donald R. Frantz
  • Patent number: 8096572
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer alignment system includes a hitch receptacle having a receptacle opening, a trailer guide plate positional beneath the receptacle opening and a plate notch provided in the trailer guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Lee E. Greene