Protector Or Lock Patents (Class 280/507)
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Publication number: 20100096837Abstract: A trailer coupler assembly includes a coupler grid plate, a support bracket coupled to the coupler grid plate, and a kingpin coupled to the coupler grid plate and the support bracket. The kingpin is positioned to extend below a bottom surface of the coupler grid plate. The trailer coupler assembly further includes a sacrificial anode coupled to one of the coupler grid plate and the support bracket in order to retard corrosion of one or more of the coupler grid plate, the support bracket, and the kingpin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2009Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Rodney P. Ehrlich, David P. Kunkel
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Patent number: 7699336Abstract: An anti-theft device for a towed trailer vehicle wherein a pivotable cover housing is mounted to the tongue of the trailer in spaced relation to the socket lock mechanism of a conventional ball socket attachment of a trailer hitch bar. The protective housing adapts to all standard ball and socket arrangements, does not require extensive rework of the tongue of the trailer, has adequate securing means, is low cost, and provides anti-theft protection while the trailer is in tow, as well as when the trailer is parked and/or unhitched from the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Jason Robert Van Laere
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Patent number: 7690673Abstract: A ball hitch coupler permits self-latching with a ball hitch. The ball hitch coupler has a housing with a generally downwardly facing open socket for receiving a ball hitch. A ball clamp member within the open socket is attached to an adjustment lever by a clamp rod that extends through a top surface of the housing. A camming surface provided on the lever causes the clamp rod to pull the ball clamp member upwardly and outwardly from the socket as the lever is pivoted to an open position. When the lever is in a neutral ready position, a ball hitch may be inserted into the socket and will automatically be coupled with the ball hitch coupler without further adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Dethmers Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Jason J. Kraai
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Patent number: 7690974Abstract: A debris deflector having a proximal end, a distal end, and opposed sides. The debris deflector uses a flexible connecting device for attaching the proximal end to a combine and a rigid connecting device for attaching the distal end to a header of the combine. The flexible connecting device comprises a spring device at each opposed side of the debris deflector adjacent the proximal end having hooks or other device for fastening or connecting to the combine and a rigid member releasably retained by a sleeve at the proximal end of the debris deflector. The rigid connecting device comprises a magnet at each opposed side of the debris deflector adjacent the distal end for magnetically connecting to the header of the combine and a nut and bolt fastener or other device for fastening or connecting the magnet to another rigid member releasably retained by a sleeve at the distal end of the debris deflector.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Inventor: Lowell D. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100072729Abstract: The present invention is directed to a trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch to prevent unauthorized use. An embodiment of the trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch, wherein the trailer hitch includes a receiver and a hitch bar, may include a body including a locking mechanism and a pin member including a base. A first leg may extend from the base, wherein the first leg may include an end capable of insertion into an aperture in the receiver and an aperture in the hitch bar. A second leg may extending from the base, wherein the second leg may include an end capable of insertion into the body. The second leg may also include at least one engagement portion capable of engagement with the locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventor: Francis Bernart
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Publication number: 20100072728Abstract: A pin box assembly is provided for a trailer. The pin box assembly includes a first section having a trailer attachment point, a second section carrying a king pin and a pivot connecting the first and second sections together. In addition the pin box assembly includes a shock absorber having a first end connected to the first section and a second end connected to the second sections. Still further, the pin box assembly includes an air spring connected between the first and second sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Mater, JR., Gomer B. Jones
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Patent number: 7677589Abstract: The hitch cover is adaptable to several commercially available trailer hitches. The cover has a flat portion with a hexagonal recess, the recess being about 3 inches across opposite corners. A protective portion, generally perpendicular to the flat portion has a “U” shape and provides a polyurethane padding approximately 1.25 inches thick and 3 inches in depth. A steel plate, interposed between the flat portion and the perpendicular portion, has a hole, the center of which is in alignment with the center of the hexagonal recess. The semicircular portion of the “U” shaped protective portion, moreover, has a general diameter of 5.25 inches between opposite external surfaces of the protective portion and the parallel arms of the “U” shape protruding about 3.75 inches from the semicircular portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventor: Gary V. Prine
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Patent number: 7669878Abstract: A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles includes a lock bolt ejection assembly for remotely ejecting a lock bolt normally maintaining a coupling between the vehicles thereby allowing independent movement of the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Williams Innovations, LLCInventor: Thomas M. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 7665755Abstract: An improved kingpin locking system includes a kingpin lock body having upper and lower sections, the lower and upper section each having a truncated generally pyramidal shape, with the lower one being inverted, a central kingpin-receiving chamber formed in the kingpin lock body, a kingpin engagement bar movably mounted in the kingpin lock body adjacent the kingpin-receiving chamber which releasably engages the kingpin when positioned within the chamber, and a kingpin engagement bar locking device which releasably locks the kingpin engagement bar in the engagement position thereby releasably securing the kingpin lock body on a kingpin to prevent unauthorized engagement of the kingpin and thereby preventing unauthorized use of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Verne E. Thomsen
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Patent number: 7661543Abstract: A hitch device holding assembly for organized and efficient storage of one or more hitch devices includes a panel adapted for being attached to a wall. One or more receiver hitches extend outwardly from the panel for receiving hitch devices. The hitch devices are secured by a pin extending through the hitch device and the receiver hitch of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Inventor: Christopher Townsend
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Publication number: 20100025965Abstract: An automotive accessory, specifically a ball mount cover made from a compressible material that covers the ball mount, when the tongue is positioned in a chamber molded into the device; the devices does not interfere with the normal use of the trailer hitch and that minimizes injuries to knee, shin, and ankle from accidentally hitting or contacting the ball mount.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: David Lee Caldwell
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Publication number: 20090322061Abstract: A towing hitch cover device comprising a housing connectable to a towing hitch assembly and a detachable decorative portion connected to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: Eric Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20090315298Abstract: An assembly for drawbar retention from a hanger bar on the rear of a tractor includes bottom and top capture plates spanning the intersection of the drawbar and hanger bar, front to back and side to side, and held together by four bolt and nut fasteners that are passed vertically through the four corners of the two plates such that there are two bolts on either lateral side of the drawbar and two on the front and back sides of the hanger bar. A pair of spacer blocks are provided across the front and back edges of the hanger bar releasably captured between the cover plates by the bolts. Cutouts in the spacer blocks can receive tongues on wear pads to permit pads to be captured between the top cover plate and hanger and/or the hanger and the drawbar by the bolts and spacers. The method is the arrangement of top and bottom cover plates with spacers and fasteners as stated, with or without wear pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: CNH America LLCInventors: John T. Rasset, Russell Victor Stoltman
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Patent number: 7635143Abstract: A system for protecting a trailer coupler contains a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm. The first arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion of the first arm containing a first opening. The second arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the second arm contains a first opening. The trailer coupler fits within the system and aligning the said first opening of the first arm and the first opening of the second arm forms a system top portion opening that allows access to a hitch of the trailer coupler while not allowing access to other top portions of the trailer coupler or side portions of the trailer coupler.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Inventor: Adam J. Pappalardo
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Patent number: 7631523Abstract: The invention is a security locking device that secures a forklift while hitched to a commercial trailer. The invention includes a “U” shaped base member having a pin hole, a pin, and an attaching locking mechanism. The invention is designed so as to place the “U” shaped base member over the locking pin hole located on the trailer bed, insert the locking pin through both the pin hole of the “U” shaped base member and the locking pin hole of the trailer bed, and then place a locking mechanism onto the pin and “U” shaped base member. The components of the invention shall be made of a tool-grade steel or a metal of like strength-ness.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Jorge Sosa
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Publication number: 20090302575Abstract: A hitch assembly for a bomb disposal robot has a female hitch receiver and a pinned flange coupled to the female hitch receiver, the pinned flange for removably attaching the hitch assembly to the ringed drawbar of the bomb disposal robot.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventors: Geoffrey C. Archer, Tim Ignatiuk
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Publication number: 20090302574Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: John R. Columbia
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Publication number: 20090250904Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventor: James R. Garton
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Publication number: 20090200771Abstract: The hitch cover is adaptable to several commercially available trailer hitches. The cover has a flat portion with a hexagonal recess, the recess being about 3 inches across opposite corners. A protective portion, generally perpendicular to the flat portion has a “U” shape and provides a polyurethane padding approximately 1.25 inches thick and 3 inches in depth. A steel plate, interposed between the flat portion and the perpendicular portion, has a hole, the center of which is in alignment with the center of the hexagonal recess. The semicircular portion of the “U” shaped protective portion, moreover, has a general diameter of 5.25 inches between opposite external surfaces of the protective portion and the parallel arms of the “U” shape protruding about 3.75 inches from the semicircular portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Gary V. Prine
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Patent number: 7568718Abstract: A hitch pin and hitch cable assembly comprising a hitch pin for a tow hitch ball mount with one end of a hitch cable securely attached to the pin; the other end of the hitch cable removably attached to the pin between the ends of the pin; the pin having a lock to lock the pin in a tow hitch ball mount and to lock the second end of the hitch cable on the pin.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Donald Thomas
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Publication number: 20090189369Abstract: A hitch ball mount assembly includes a biometrically-actuated locking mechanism. The biometrically-actuated locking mechanism cooperates with a mechanical engagement mechanism to lock or unlock the hitch ball mount assembly to an associated vehicle mount in response to detection of an authorized user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: DONALD THOMAS LLCInventor: Donald A. Thomas
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Patent number: 7547036Abstract: A drawbar device for a tow vehicle having a vehicle body and a hood operable to open and close for covering a top surface of a rear portion of the vehicle body includes a drawbar bracket, a drawbar pin, an operation lever and a link mechanism. The drawbar bracket is provided on the vehicle body. The drawbar pin is provided at the drawbar bracket so as to be movable upward and downward. The operation lever is provided on the hood so as to be manually operated. The link mechanism is operable to move the drawbar pin upward according to operation of the operation lever.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Akira Mochizuki, Takanori Mizuno
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Patent number: 7547035Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) for tractive vehicles or similar. Said device comprises a frame (2), a coupling ball (3) and a retaining element (4). According to the invention, the frame (2) is equipped with a guide (21) and a carriage element (5) is displaceably mounted in said guide (21). The coupling operation is carried out by a sliding motion of the carriage element (5).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Inventor: Josef Scharmüller
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Patent number: 7543838Abstract: An anti-theft mechanism for a trailer coupler designed such that it can be locked or secured to the coupler is such a manner that the coupler cannot be utilized. The mechanism includes a body, which is securable to the trailer coupler. The body includes a retention portion that is sized to mate with the lip portion of the trailer coupler. The mechanism also includes a lock cylinder, an extension member attached to the lock cylinder, and a locking pin moveable between retracted and extended positions. When the lock cylinder is rotated from the unlocked position to the locked position, the extension member moves the locking pin from the retracted position to the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Master Lock Company LLCInventor: Kerry Jacques
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Patent number: 7530591Abstract: A pin box assembly is provided for a trailer. The pin box assembly includes a first section having a trailer attachment point, a second section carrying a king pin and a pivot connecting the first and second sections together. In addition the pin box assembly includes a shock absorber having a first end connected to the first section and a second end connected to the second section. Still further, the pin box assembly includes an air spring connected between the first and second sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Mater, Jr., Gomer B. Jones
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Patent number: 7530592Abstract: A towing mechanism includes a pair of brackets for receiving a drawbar therebetween, and a locking device. A towing bolt is received by locating bores in the brackets. The locking device includes a locking pin which is axially slidable in a pin bore in a component. The locking device is mounted on the upper bracket so that, in a locked condition, the locking pin projects out of the bore and prevents axial movement of the towing bolt. A blocking member at least partially covers the pin bore and prevents the extraneous material from contacting the locking pin, in order to reduce the likelihood of an unintentional release of the towing bolt.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Martin Heitlinger, Mario Patino
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Patent number: 7530590Abstract: The hitch locking and alarm mechanism comprises a hitch member for attachment to the towing vehicle, a tow vehicle mount for attachment to the towed vehicle, a locking pin, and a locking pin housing assembly with an alarm. A drawbar of the hitch member is insertable into a receiver tube of a tow vehicle mount secured to the undersurface of the towed vehicle. The drawbar and the receiver tube each have cross bores that are alignable with each other. The hitch member has a drawbar, and the drawbar has a cross bore. The tow vehicle mount comprises a receiver tube secured to a vehicle guide plate. The hitch member is engageable within a receiver tube positioned within the tow vehicle mount. A locking pin is insertable through the two cross bores, and the end of the locking pin connects with the locking pin housing assembly. The alarm switch is mounted within the locking pin housing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Inventor: Arnol Staggs
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Publication number: 20090102159Abstract: An anti-theft device for a towed trailer vehicle wherein a pivotable cover housing is mounted to the tongue of the trailer in spaced relation to the socket lock mechanism of a conventional ball socket attachment of a trailer hitch bar. The protective housing adapts to all standard ball and socket arrangements, does not require extensive rework of the tongue of the trailer, has adequate securing means, is low cost, and provides anti-theft protection while the trailer is in tow, as well as when the trailer is parked and/or unhitched from the towing vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Jason Robert Van Laere
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Publication number: 20090085327Abstract: A trailer security system for use with a trailer having a trailer coupling member, such as a trailer coupling channel. The trailer security system may include a security device joined to the trailer coupling member, a locking device to selectively lock the security device to trailer, and security elements attached to trailer. The security device may be a security box formed from walls that define a space for receiving flanges of the trailer coupler channel. The security box may include slots for receiving the trailer coupling member flanges and may be slid onto the trailer coupling member. The security device may include a post extending from the security box for anchoring the trailer to the ground. Access to lock may be restricted by the security elements and/or the configuration of the security box and post. The security system may include other features to increase the difficulty to tamper with or disable the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: Westem Environmental, LLCInventors: Todd Bachman, Christopher B. Downs
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Patent number: 7510203Abstract: A hitch release system for releasing the locked engagement of a hitch, the hitch having a manually operable release bar coupled to a locking mechanism, the hitch release system includes a selectively actuatable power assist system, the power assist system being releasably, operably coupled to the release bar, wherein actuation of the power assist system acts to translate the release bar in a first axial direction, such translation acting to release the locking mechanism. A method of release is further included.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Towmaster, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Domine
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Publication number: 20090079162Abstract: A freely pivoting lock ball fits within a trailer hitch ball receiver. A top lock shaft on the ball extends up through a hole in the top of the ball receiver into a lock collar welded to the top of the ball receiver. A cylinder lock fits into a top opening in the lock collar over the lock shaft to lock the lock ball within the ball receiver to prevent theft by towing the trailer with a conventional towing hitch ball. The cylinder lock and lock ball spin freely within the ball receiver and collar to prevent drilling or sawing the lock. There is no room between the cylinder lock and collar or between the ball lock and ball receiver to pry them loose. The lock collar is too thick for cutting with a bolt cutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Joel L. Lovenberg
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Publication number: 20090079163Abstract: An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body having a coupler engagement portion for engagement with a first surface of a coupler, a coupler engagement member laterally movable within a laterally extending slot in the body, with the coupler engagement member extending perpendicularly from the slot for engagement with a second surface of the coupler opposite the first surface. The assembly further includes a securing mechanism for selectively securing the coupler engagement member relative to the body against lateral movement away from the coupler engagement portion. When at least a portion of the coupler is received between the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member and the coupler engagement member is secured in a coupler lockout position, at least one of the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member prevents withdrawal of the coupler from the assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLCInventors: Maja A. Cuellar, D. Scott Kalous
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Publication number: 20090066059Abstract: The present invention provides a trailer coupler having an integrated locking device attached to the handle or the coupler body. The handle of the trailer coupler moves from a first position where the hitch ball is insertable to a second position where the hitch ball is prevented from insertion. The locking device having a locking pin that is insertable into the aperture of the handle to prevent movement of the handle from the second position to the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: Toby Most, Francis Bernart
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Publication number: 20090058045Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2005Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Paul Albert Trubody
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Publication number: 20090039618Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a structure of a rear bumper cover capable of improving appearance and rigidity of the rear bumper cover. A rear bumper cover 1 made from a resin disposed in the backward part of the vehicle 5 forms an opening portion 11 at the position of attachment of a tow hook 4. In the opening portion 11, a cover attaching member 2 made from a resin which has a member opening hole 21 capable of leaving the tow hook 4 open is disposed with the state of covering whole the outer edge of the opening portion 11. On the cover attaching member 2, a hook cover 3 capable of covering whole a member opening hole 21 is detachably attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: Toyota Shatai Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuya TAKEMURA
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Publication number: 20090033063Abstract: An adapter for coupling an actuator having an actuator rod that is linearly translatable along a first axis to a coupler having a lever arm with a contact face adapted to contact the draw arm and move the draw arm translationally along a second axis that is at an angle with respect to the first axis in the range of 1 degree to 120 degrees, the coupler mounted to an existing structure, the adapter including a base plate configured for attachment to the structure; a support plate depending from the base plate and adapted to receive the pneumatic actuator; at least one brace attached to the base plate and to the support plate; and a rotatable cam adapted to transfer force from the actuator rod as it moves along the first axis to the lever arm to cause the draw arm to move along the second axis and into contact with the hook on the coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: BEALL CORPORATIONInventors: Gordon S. Groshong, Douglas D. Drader
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Patent number: 7478823Abstract: A drawbar clevis assembly includes a drawbar with a greater offset between the upper inboard member and the lower outboard member. The clevis assembly also includes a strap which is mounted to the drawbar and which has an opening in a mid portion. The strap is slid over the drawbar so that the opening receives a portion of the drawbar and so that the inner portion of the strap is attached to an underside of the inboard portion of the drawbar.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Joseph Luther Doubet, Bryan Kirk Buerkle
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Patent number: 7478821Abstract: A pintle hitch adaptor enables a vehicle equipped with a drawbar or DMI bumper to tow trailers having different towing components. The pintle hitch adaptor comprises a sleeve that fits over arid is held to the drawbar. A pintle hitch is mounted to the sleeve. Aligned holes in the sleeve and the drawbar receive a hitch ball shank. A trailer tongue with a cup or eye engages the ball. A pintle hitch latch locks to prevent disengagement of the trailer tongue cup or eye from the ball. Shoulders on a pintle hitch post prevent: the latch from contacting the cup. Alternately, the ball can be removed, and a tow pin can to used between a hole in the trailer tongue and the drawbar and sleeve holes. A locking screw on the sleeve holds the sleeve and drawbar holes in alignment when the ball is removed.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Inventor: Dean Konsela
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Patent number: 7478824Abstract: A vehicle drawbar hammer strap assembly may be coupled to an implement tongue with a drawbar pin. A cross pin with a lever arm is operable to releasably hold the drawbar pin. A trigger is engagable with the tongue and the cross pin, and is pivotal from a latched position wherein it engages the cross pin and holds the cross pin in its locked position to an unlatched position wherein it is spaced apart from the cross pin. The tongue engages the trigger and pivot the trigger in an over-center manner from its latched to its unlatched position. The trigger includes a latch member attached to a wire form part which is pivotally coupled to the hammer strap. The latch member is engagable with the lever arm and with an end of the tongue.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Bryan Kirk Buerkle, Michael Dean Kollath
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Patent number: 7469919Abstract: An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body, a ball cavity engagement member; and a securing mechanism. The body is configured for engagement with at least one surface of the coupler. The body includes a coupler engagement portion. The ball cavity engagement member is movably coupled to the body and configured for engagement with a ball cavity of the coupler. The securing mechanism can fix the position of the ball cavity engagement member relative to the body such that the assembly is secured to the coupler.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Master Lock Company LLCInventors: Scott Kalous, Mike Sheridan, Paul R. Peot
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Patent number: 7469920Abstract: A kingpin lock including a body having a substantially frustoconical portion and a kingpin cavity having a central axis, a slide channel having a central axis and a sleeve channel having a central axis. The slide channel intersects the kingpin cavity such that its central axis is substantially offset from a radius that extends outwardly from the central axis of the kingpin cavity. The sleeve channel intersects the slide channel. A slide member is shiftable between an engaged position extending partially into the kingpin cavity and a disengaged position where the slide member does not engage the kingpin. A locking member is shiftable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that the locking member engages an indentation in the slide member so that the slide member is secured in the engaged position and the kingpin lock is secured to the kingpin.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Cargo Protectors, Inc.Inventors: Avron Rosenberg, Kirk Busse, Jon Hample
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Patent number: 7467805Abstract: The present invention provides a locking device for a hinged, body and cap trailer coupler to prevent unauthorized use of an unattended and unattached trailer. The device consists of a cylindrical bar member joined to an elongated tongue member. The elongated tongue member is sized for insertion between the body and cap portion of a trailer coupler in the open position such that the cap portion is forced against the sliding collar of the trailer coupler, preventing the trailer coupler from closing on the ball of a tow vehicle. The elongated tongue member provides a slotted hole portion to receive the shackle of a padlock to lock the system in place.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Inventor: Thomas Robnett, II
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Publication number: 20080303647Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Andre Pare
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Publication number: 20080303247Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Andre Pare
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Patent number: 7455311Abstract: A Rudder Hitch Cover that simulates a sailboats rudder assembly in appearance and motion. The Rudder Hitch Cover attaches to a vehicles trailer hitch in such a way as to be easily removable. The rudder blade bracket (24) may swing side to side in response to the vehicles motion. The rudder blade (30) may rotate up if contacted by a fixed object such as a curb or speed bump.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventor: Frederick Robert Moore
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Patent number: 7455313Abstract: The trailer hitch receiver cover of the present invention has a resilient means for covering and sealing the peripheral collar or flange of the hitch receiver. It also has integrally-formed means for covering and sealing the lateral holes in the hitch receiver. In alternative embodiments, the lateral hole sealing means is accomplished by structure that is disposed either internally to the trailer hitch receiver or externally to it.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Inventors: Steven M. Yokosh, Bryon P. Martin
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Publication number: 20080284135Abstract: A system for protecting a trailer coupler contains a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm. The first arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion of the first arm containing a first opening. The second arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the second arm contains a first opening. The trailer coupler fits within the system and aligning the said first opening of the first arm and the first opening of the second arm forms a system top portion opening that allows access to a hitch of the trailer coupler while not allowing access to other top portions of the trailer coupler or side portions of the trailer coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Adam J. Pappalardo
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Patent number: 7448236Abstract: An adjustable coupler lock for locking a trailer hitch such that a trailer cannot be removed from a vehicle. The coupler lock comprises a lock body with a locking mechanism and a locking plate, and also comprises a shaft having a narrow and a flange end, and also having multiple recesses along the length of the shaft for engagement with the locking plate of the lock body. The recesses along the length of the shaft have a vertical edge which engages the locking plate such that the lock body cannot be removed from the shaft without unlocking the locking mechanism. The recesses also have a tapered edge that allows for slidable movement of the lock body along the shaft, without unlocking the locking mechanism, for the purpose of adjusting the lock to the size of the latch.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Master Lock Company LLCInventors: Jim Recknagel, Ken Burmesch, Victor Yip, John Zapushek
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Patent number: 7448640Abstract: A pin-engaging drawbar wedge and lock plate wedge are designed to mount in the drawbar of a trailer hitch or alternative trailer and accessory hitch or receiver assembly. The pin-engaging drawbar wedge includes a bolt extending into the drawbar and in one embodiment, having the bolt head secured to a wedge positioned beneath the locking pin extending transversely through the receiver and the drawbar. Alternatively, the bolt threads into a nut secured to the wedge. The wedge bevel face or surface engages the locking pin and the locking pin openings are typically elliptical or elongated in the drawbar, to facilitate rotating the bolt or nut and forcing the wedge against the locking pin, thus tightening the drawbar against the hitch receiver. In another embodiment the bolt extends through the drawbar and a slotted guide plate to a lock plate and rotating the nut forces the lock plate against the locking pin and the guide plate and tightens the drawbar against the hitch receiver.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Inventor: Danny C. Weaver
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Patent number: RE40878Abstract: An object detection system is mounted at the rear of a vehicle the trailer receiver for the vehicle. The object detection system warns the driver of the vehicle of persons or objects behind the vehicle, when the vehicle is moving backwards. The system emits microwaves rearwardly of the vehicle and senses microwave reflected from objects behind the vehicle. The microwave transceiver is mounted in the trailer receiver in place of the trailer ball that is normally mounted in the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Sense Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hugh Bishop