Abstract: A hitch cover includes a face plate and a wire form attached thereto for being inserted into the hitch tube and securing the face plate across the open end of the hitch tube. A lock or pin extending through the conventional hitch tube openings, passing through the wire form prevents removal of the hitch cover and protects against rattling of the wire from within the tube.

Abstract: A device for preventing over-articulation of a trailer towed by a towing vehicle. The device includes a bracket and a pair of opposed shock absorbing members affixed to and extending outwardly from the bracket. The bracket includes a horizontally oriented upper portion, a pair of side portions extending downwardly from the upper portion, and at least one opening defined in at least one of the side portions for connecting the device to a trailer tongue.

Abstract: A display plate kit 10 is provided which allows a message display plate 20 to be attached to the rear bumper B of a vehicle V in various modes without the use of adhesives. In a first mode, the plate 20 may be attached to a tow ball T on a vehicle V by means of a top tab 30 having a slot 35 to receive a post P of the tow ball T which is threadably secured to a tow ball nut N. In a second mode, the plate 20 may be attached by means of bottom tabs 40 with holes 45 whose spacing corresponds to those of a standard license plate L so that the same screws 47 used to attach the license plate L to the vehicle V may be used to secure the display plate 20 to the front or rear bumper B of the vehicle V. In a third mode, the display plate 20 may be attached to a receiver R extending from a vehicle V by means of a tube 60 which is attachable to a front surface 24 of the display plate 20 and slidably mates with the receiver R.

Abstract: A display plate kit 10 is provided which allows a message display plate 20 to be attached to the rear bumper B of a vehicle V in various modes without the use of adhesives. In a first mode, the plate 20 may be attached to a tow ball T on a vehicle V by means of a top tab 30 having a slot 35 to receive a post P of the tow ball T which is threadably secured to a tow ball nut N. In a second mode, the plate 20 may be attached by means of bottom tabs 40 with holes 45 whose spacing corresponds to those of a standard license plate L so that the same screws 47 used to attach the license plate L to the vehicle V may be used to secure the display plate 20 to the front or rear bumper B of the vehicle V. In a third mode, the display plate 20 may be attached to a receiver R extending from a vehicle V by means of a tube 60 which is attachable to a front surface 24 of the display plate 20 and slidably mates with the receiver R.

Abstract: A ball fastened to a base plate is received within the socket of a trailer hitch, with a box shaped, open ended housing slipped over the exposed end of the tongue, hitch, and plate. The plate has a pierced tang that extends through the closed end of the housing and into a tubular extension projecting from the housing. A purchase item cylindrical, keyed, tumbler operated, lock slips into the bore of the extension and projects a key operated, retractable, transversely movable, shot bolt through the pierced hole of the tang. The lock is protected within the extension, and the apparatus has no parts exposed for tampering.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting injuries and collision damage, intended for mounting on at least one hook located adjacent a rear side of a vehicle, the apparatus being provided with at least one hook-catching element and with an inflatable element pressing the at least one hook-catching element against the at least one hook, the apparatus comprising a functional provision connected to the at least one hook-catching element. The functional provision preferably comprises a bumper, optionally in combination with a detachable bicycle carrier or detachable housing for the storage of objects. An important advantage of the invention is that the crushable zone of the vehicle, rendered inoperative through the presence of the towing hook construction, is operative again after the apparatus according to the invention has been mounted, due to the fact that forces occurring during collisions are transmitted to the rear side of the vehicle again and not, of to a much lesser extent, to the towing hook construction.

Abstract: A ball hitch and lock assembly is described in which a hitch ball member is connected to the top of a threaded shaft or bolt, the lower end of which is received into a notch of a locking mechanism. A removable locking pin within the locking mechanism extends from one side of the notch, through a bore in the shaft, and into the other side of the notch. The lower end of the shaft received within the notch includes two opposed flats, with each flat being disposed at a respective one of the two opposing ends of the shaft bore. The flats are separated by a distance less than the diameter of the shaft enabling the lower end of the shaft to be snugly received within the notch such that each of the flats interfaces with a respective side of the notch. The shaft threads above the flats extend beyond the width of the notch to prevent the introduction of a cutting instrument for the locking pin.

Abstract: An anti-theft, anti-damage and/or anti-vandalism device for trailers that includes a trailer guard for preventing access to the trailer ball attachment portion of a trailer and, thereby, preventing damage to the trailer ball attachment portion as well as theft of the entire trailer. The trailer guard includes a ball attachment portion shield assembly, a shield assembly locking plate, and a lock assembly.

Abstract: A gooseneck hitch assembly for mounting on a vehicle includes a hitch ball, a housing and a mounting assembly for securing the hitch ball and housing to the frame of a vehicle. The hitch ball is pivotally connected to the housing and includes a conveniently located lubrication fitting, a pivotally mounted security door with a torsion spring to hold the door in fully open and closed positions, and a latch thereon for securing the door in a closed position and the hitch ball in a towing position. A pair of safety chain anchors in alignment with the hitch ball is pivotally connected to the housing such that one of the anchors overlies and protects the lubrication fitting in the storage position.

Abstract: A safety connector for securing a trailer to a towing vehicle having a trailer hitch mounting member. The safety connector includes a trailer hitch adapted to be secured to the trailer hitch mounting member of the towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a lower portion adapted to extend a distance below the trailer hitch mounting member when the trailer hitch is secured to the trailer hitch mounting member. A spool is connected to the lower portion of the trailer hitch such that the spool is positionable below the trailer hitch mounting member. The spool has a first shoulder portion spaced a distance away from the trailer hitch mounting member, and a medial portion positioned in between the first shoulder portion and trailer hitch mounting member. The medial portion has a diameter less than the diameter of the first shoulder portion. A base plate is connectable to the trailer. The base plate has a thickness less than a length of the medial portion, and a slot formed therethrough.

Abstract: Convertible receiver hitch cover that fits at least first and second receiver tubes having respective first and second bores of respective first and second cross-sections. The cover includes a faceplate having a periphery, a front side and a backside. A shaft extends from the backside of the faceplate, wherein the shaft has a first end proximal to the faceplate and a second end distal from the faceplate. The shaft has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the first bore of the first receiver tube. A removable spacer is adapted to fit over the shaft and has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the second bore of the second receiver tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quick release hitch pin which comprises an elongated member having a handle thereon which includes a locking assembly. The elongated member has a rod disposed in a central bore spring tensioned outwardly having a plunger on its inner end positioned between a pair of balls positioned in apertures which balls are urged outwardly by the plunger. As the balls are urged outwardly they form a locking member against the underside of the tow bar thereby preventing removal of the elongated member or pin. Alternative embodiments disclose a pair of tabs communicating with the lower portion of a looped rod, with the tabs having tangs thereon which tangs contact the underside of the tow bar when in the extended position thereby preventing removal of the elongated member.

Abstract: A hitch pin retainer assembly that prevents unintended displacement of a shear pin from a trailer hitch includes a hitch plate assembly having a base plate formed with an aperture adapted to receive the shear pin assembly and having a retainer ledge. The hitch plate assembly also includes a latch plate that carries a latch assembly that incorporates a receptacle projecting from the latch plate that captures a spring biased, slidable latch pin that is sized to extend, when in an extended position, above the shear pin. The latch pin is also formed with a handle at one end. The hitch pin retainer assembly can be either bolted or welded to an existing trailer hitch and also includes a tether that can be attached to the shear pin to prevent accidental loss.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a motor vehicle includes a hitch insert having an aperture extending longitudinally therethrough to fit over a hitch tube of a trailer hitch on a motor vehicle, an anti-vibration mechanism positioned between the hitch insert and the hitch tube, a top cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and a front cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and having an aperture extending therethrough aligned with the hitch tube of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A hitch socket cover (12) is provided which is adapted to be releasably secured in covering relationship over the open end (16) of a hitch socket (10). The cover (12) includes a face plate (20) and a rearwardly extending marginal sidewall (24); the face plate fully covers the open end (16), whereas the sidewall (24) extends rearwardly in closely adjacent relationship with the sidewall (15, 18) of the socket (10). One or more threaded set screws (26, 28) extend through the sidewall (24) to releasably yet securely lock the cover (12) in place.

Abstract: A hemispherical bumper plate that is positioned on a fifth wheel hitch in a manner that makes it impossible to inadvertently contact the protruding surface of the hitch itself is provided. The protective properties of the bumper plate are also enhanced by the use of an additional coating of rubber or other elastic material that softens any contact made with the bumper, further the bumper itself may be made of plastic, hard rubber or other suitable material as desired. The present invention is connected to the fifth wheel trailer by the use of a cylindrical locking tube which fits over the kingpin of the fifth wheel hitch and is held in place by a locking pin which passes through the tube and engages the kingpin. The locking tube also has a plurality of outwardly radiating support bars which connect to and support the bumper plate in the desired position to provide the maximum amount of protection for the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A trailer hitch locking assembly for locking a trailer hitch to a vehicle to prevent theft. The trailer hitch locking assembly includes a plate member with front and back sides and a pair of opposite ends. The plate member is positionable over a hitch ball coupled to a rear bumper of a vehicle. The plate member has a pair of apertures extending through it. The apertures of the plate member are alignable with holes extending through the rear bumper. A pair of threaded fasteners extend through the apertures of the plate member and the holes of the rear bumper. A pair of nuts are threadedly coupled to the threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus conceals a trailer hitch socket and provides a step. The apparatus includes a generally planar main body portion having a first side and second side. The apparatus further includes a mounting arrangement for pivotally interconnecting the generally planar main body portion for articulation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the generally planar main body portion is vertically oriented and conceals the trailer hitch socket. In the second position, the trailer hitch socket is horizontally oriented and provides the step.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer jack stand locking assembly having an extendable longitudinal locking brace extending from the gooseneck trailer coupling post hitch ball to the drop leg of the leveling jack of the trailer or alternatively to a plate attached to the underside of the trailer preventing positioning or hitching of a vehicle thereto and including a lock to prevent removal of the brace.

Abstract: A removable cover for towing balls featuring, in its preferred embodiments: (a) a towing ball hitch cover; (b) locking apparatus for maintaining said towing ball hitch cover engaged on said towing ball and/or for preventing its unauthorized removal and theft; and (c) electrically operative apparatus capable of being plugged into a trailer plug connector and responsive to electrical current received therefrom.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover system for use with vehicle-mounted trailer towing hitches having a crossbar includes at least one cover segment adapted to at least partially cover the trailer hitch crossbar and includes an accessory mount. The system further includes means for securing the cover segment to the trailer hitch crossbar, and at least one accessory mountable on the accessory mount.

Abstract: A lighted messaging system that is attachable to a vehicular trailer hitching assembly and can provide suitable protection for the open hitch after the ball is removed. This system utilizes all of the various components of a conventional trailer hitch after the ball joint element is removed therefrom and serves not only to provide an attractive and useful means of communication or advertisement and the like, but also to cover up exposed parts of the trailer hitch after the ball joint element is actually removed. Trailer hitches that use the so-called "draw-tight" system are preferred. Messages in the form of writing or drawings and can encompass any desired communication. Since the messaging system employs a light system, they can be illuminated for better visibility during all light conditions.

Abstract: A locking device to fit over a tractor trailer or container carrier air hose coupling consists of a rectangular cage of cut tubular steel with perpendicular welded flange and adjacent hole into which fits an angle flange with welded pin. Alternatively the locking device with semicircular flanges can be fabricated from sheet steel in a continuous bending, stamping, welding and laser drilling operation. A high impact strength plastic is required when the locking device is produced by injection molding. In use a flanged cage is placed over an air hose coupling with the hole directly over the air hole, and a pin or tongue insert is inserted while the hasp of the padlock passes through matching hasp holes. The locking device can be connected and color coded and used for an inventory control system.

Abstract: A trailer hitch security device includes a hitch receiver housing for placement over the receiver end of the trailer hitch with the receiver end of the trailer hitch extending through a hitch receiver slot formed in a first face of the hitch receiver housing. The hitch security device also includes housing closure member which is configured to enclose an open face of the hitch receiver housing in a locking engagement. In one embodiment of the relative dimensions and configurations of the hitch receiver slot and receiver end of the trailer hitch are such that withdrawal of the receiver end of the trailer hitch through the hitch receiver slot is impossible. Alternatively, the receiver end of the trailer hitch may be configured originally or by modification to include a whole or partial collar member or an ear attached for limiting withdrawal of the receiver end of the trailer hitch through the hitch receiver slot.

Abstract: A semitrailer (1) with anti-theft protection, which prevents the parked semitrailer (1) from being hitched to a tractor-trailer (2) by unauthorized persons, has a latching device (7) with a securing element (8), which element can be moved by an actuating means (9) into the region of a coupling pin (4) and blocks the sliding of the fifth wheel coupling pin (4) into a fifth wheel (3).

Abstract: A novel hitch lock device, which can be removably mounted to vehicular ball type towing hitch arrangements for removably locking a ccmmon vehicular pivot ball type coupler to a ball hitch, while enabling hitch function in a plurality of angles and planer orientations.

Abstract: A stabilizer device attachable to a king pin of a fifth wheel recreational vehicle requiring stabilizing for stabilizing the vehicle upon a support surface. A cup device, which is adjustably attachable to a substantially horizontally oriented support device, is positioned to accept a king pin member of the vehicle. The cup includes a locking device attachable thereto for securing the king pin by means of a lock. A screw member is secured to the bottom of the cup and passes through the support device. The screw member is vertically adjustable upon a threaded block member positioned upon the support device. A pair of handles extend sideways from the block member for easy adjustment. A pair of leg members are pivotally attached to the support device and are attached to each other by an adjustable brace device which provides rigid connection of the legs at chosen positions to secure the chosen angle of attachment of the legs to each other.

Abstract: A cushioning device for a trailer hitch, includes an opening capable of fitting onto a tow ball of a vehicle, with protrusions extending away from it's body and toward nearby parts of the vehicle or tow bar, exerting pressure against those parts, the rest of the body extending beyond all of the tow ball's outer perimeters thereby providing protection to passersby against accidental injury and enhanced visibility at all times, even when hitched.

Abstract: A protector has been invented for positioning in a space between two vehicles, one positioned behind the other the protector including a protective member configured to fit into and substantially fill the space between the two vehicles, and movement apparatus connected to the protective member for accommodating relative movement between the two vehicles. In one aspect the protector is formed of flexible material such as screening, mesh, metal foil, cloth, canvas, fencing, fiberglass, nylon and plastic. In another aspect the protector has a sub-member formed of or secured to the protective member and positioned to protect the protective member from effects of a vehicle exhaust adjacent the protective member when the protector is emplaced between two vehicles.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in conjunction with a receiver hitch on a vehicle for towing a trailer. The protective cover includes a housing having a flexible frame and a jacket coupled to the frame by a living hinge. The flexible frame is formed to surround the receiver hitch and the jacket closes about the opening of the hitch. A locking mechanism is provided on the jacket opposite the living hinge to lock the jacket to the flexible frame about the receiving hitch. The flexible frame also includes a seat for supporting an electrical component such as a flat plug for supplying a light system to the trailer. The flat plug is removably placed within the seat and is covered by the jacket when the jacket is in a closed position. The jacket is also provided with an interior frame and an exterior frame for aiding in clamping the jacket around the opening of the receiver hitch. The interior frame of the jacket has an outer perimeter equal to or smaller than the interior perimeter of the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A Lockable Stand for Trailers is disclosed. The preferred stand comprises an upwardly-extending pedestal assembly terminating in a head assembly that is configured to lockably attach to a trailer tongue. The preferred head assembly will further include a detachable ball for accepting the trailer tongue and a pair of vertical side brackets through which a removable tongue lock extends to prevent the tongue from being removed from the ball. The stand is very compact for convenience, while also being stable to prevent trailer roll-away. In another preferred form, the pedestal assembly is height-adjustable to accommodate a variety of trailer styles and designs. The pedestal assembly might also be made from two telescoping pieces that can further be disassembled for storage or transport.

Abstract: A spring-biased mechanism for a trailer coupler to positively connect a trailer to a towing vehicle. The coupler is attached to a tongue of a trailer and adapted to receive a hitch ball of a towing vehicle. A locking assembly mounted within the coupler prevents withdrawal of the hitch ball from the coupler housing to prevent inadvertent separation of the trailer from the towing vehicle. The lock includes a rotatable pin extending transversely through the coupler housing to selectively prevent withdrawal of the hitch ball. The rotatable pin is connected to a spring-biased lever positioned externally of the coupler housing. In addition to pivoting between a locked and an open position to rotate the pin, the lever can be laterally shifted to be held open against the biasing of the spring allowing insertion of the ball. To lock onto the hitch ball, the lever can be pulled outwardly causing the spring to bias the lever to the locked position.

Abstract: A trailer kingpin locking apparatus, for use with a trailer having a kingpin with an annular groove, features a lock body with a cylindrical opening to receive a kingpin. A padlock channel, running transversely to the axis of the kingpin opening and sized to accommodate the body of a padlock, extends partially into the sidewall of the lock body. A shackle channel, parallel to and narrower than the padlock channel, extends inward from the padlock channel and intercepts the kingpin opening to form an opening thereinto. A retaining pin bridges the shackle channel near the kingpin opening. The locking apparatus may be slipped over a kingpin such that the shackle channel coincides with the annular groove of the kingpin. The shackle of a standard padlock is inserted into the shackle channel and around the retaining pin, with the shackle projecting partially into the annular groove and preventing the locking apparatus from being slipped off of the kingpin.

Abstract: A hitch covering device including an enclosure dimensioned for slidable coupling over a pin box of a trailer hitch. An extension member is coupled with respect to the enclosure for coupling over a king pin of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A trailer hitch bumper guard that is formed from three-sided box-like apparatus mounted to the rear bumper of the towing vehicle with a fourth, open side of the apparatus which faces outward from the rear of the towing vehicle. The bottom of the box has a round hole, through which the ball of a trailer hitch may be attached. The three closed sides of the box provide protection from dents and scratches to the rear bumper of the towing vehicle if the trailer's receiver apparatus passes the ball and comes into contact with the rear portion of the bumper. A hinged cover is attached to the rearmost side of the box, and pivots upward to allow greater access to the ball hitch. During attachment, the hinged cover is placed in the open position and thus, extends the amount of protection supplied to the vehicle by the present invention. When in the lowered position, the hinged cover creates a step on which the driver can stand to gain easy access to the rear portion of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided which, when used on a trailer coupler, locks on to the trailer coupler and covers the receptacle of the coupler, thereby preventing the insertion of a hitch ball or other towing means into the receptacle. Locking engagement is achieved by a retaining member being moved and held in a position inside the receptacle of the coupler by the operation of a lock housed in the body of the anti-theft device. In another embodiment of the invention locking engagement is achieved by the retaining member being moved to a position inside the coupler receptacle through operation of a lever independent of the retaining member and being held in such position through operation of a lock housed in the body of the anti-theft device. No tools or auxiliary parts are required to attach or remove the device.

Abstract: A trailer hitch cover assembly for a motor vehicle includes a hitch insert for connection to either a hitch tube of a trailer hitch or vehicle structure on a motor vehicle, a top cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and a front cover plate mounted to the hitch insert and having an aperture extending therethrough aligned with the hitch tube of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: A covering apparatus is usable with a pickup truck having a bed that is fitted with a fifth-wheel hitch, and protects interior cargo space from the elements and theft, and also tends to reduce the aerodynamic drag of the truck. The covering apparatus provides a cover defining a hitch opening allowing access to the fifth wheel hitch. A trough defines a channel between the hitch opening and the tailgate, which is notched to fit the trough. A boot forms a weather-tight seal with a trailer gooseneck attached to the fifth-wheel hitch. Side rail supports allow the width of the covering apparatus to be adjusted according to the width of the truck bed. A removable trough floor allows the hitching and unhitching where the trailer gooseneck would otherwise make contact with the floor of the trough.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for a trailing hitch having a sleeve member mounted on a tongue of a trailer and constituting an extension thereof. A removable coupling member is detachably attached to a hitch, wherein the coupling member slidably engages with the sleeve member and is moveable between a rear locking position and a forward detaching position that detaches the coupling member from the sleeve member. A locking bar pivotally is mounted on the sleeve member, wherein when the coupling member is in the rear locking position and the locking bar is in the closed position, the locking bar lockingly engages the sleeve member and the coupling member. When the locking bar is in the open position and the hitch is detached, the removable coupling member can be detached from the sleeve member and stored.

Abstract: A locking device for a trailer and hitch of the ball and socket type, comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw interconnected together by a shaft for reciprocal movement relative to each other. A locking mechanism keeps the two jaws apart at fixed distances over a ribbed portion of the shaft. In use, the two jaws are locked about the socket portion of the hitch to prevent unauthorized removal of the trailer. When the trailer is attached to a tow vehicle, the tow ball nut is received in an opening in the lower jaw. When the trailer is unattached, a dummy ball extends into the socket of the hitch. In both position, the socket portion of the hitch is received in an aperture in the upper jaw.

Abstract: A ball hitch apparatus comprises a ball portion having a ball connected to a shaft, an aperture longitudinally defined therethrough and a slot communicating with the aperture. A rod is disposed in the aperture and biased toward the ball and a pin is attached to the rod and movable within the slot. A socket portion has a central bore for receiving the shaft and a keyway communicating with the central bore for receiving the pin. The ball portion and socket portion are releasably secured in both a first locking position characterized by the rod extending beyond the ball and a second locking position characterized by the rod positioned substantially flush with the top of the ball.

Abstract: A ball-exchange trailer bitch system having a post for receiving a ball where the ball is removable from the post for exchangeability with different size balls. The system includes at least a double locking feature between the ball and post. The double lock consists of a side pin lock and a ball and cage lock. The system may also include a third lock which includes threads on the post and the ball.

Abstract: A combination removable bumper and hitch apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus contains a removable bumper that may be releasably coupled to a hitch located in the rear portion of a vehicle, for concealing the hitch from view and for providing a step support for a user of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protector has been invented for positioning in a space between two vehicles, one positioned behind the other the protector including a protective member configured to fit into the space between the two vehicles, and movement apparatus connected to the protective member for accommodating relative movement between the two vehicles. In one aspect the protector is formed of flexible material such as screening, mesh, metal foil, cloth, canvas, fencing, fiberglass, nylon and plastic. In another aspect the protector has a sub-member formed of or secured to the protective member and positioned to protect the protective member from effects of a vehicle exhaust adjacent the protective member when the protector is emplaced between two vehicles.

Abstract: A trailer tongue cover which encloses the jack mechanism is provided by a soft, lightweight protective cover which is preferably made of a flexible, yet durable, water repellent material, such as a heavy gauge vinyl. The cover includes a jack compartment which extends vertically upward from a V-shaped top portion of the cover which rests directly upon the trailer frame members. The cover is secured to the trailer frame by simple ties which pass through eyelets located on the sides of the cover and which pass underneath the frame members. The ties are preferably single drawstrings knotted at opposing side eyelets to secure the cover from being lifted off.

Abstract: An anti-theft device that can be used on different size trailer tongues of the type having a socket for receiving a tow ball of a trailer hitch. The device includes a base and a socket insert that projects from the base and is received within the socket of the trailer tongue. A pair of side members are joined to the base and oriented so that the trailer tongue must be passed between the side members for insertion and removal of the socket insert from the trailer tongue socket. Each side member has first and second holes formed therein. A retaining rod inserts into either of the first and second holes of the side members so that the retaining rod extends between the side members and above the trailer tongue to prevent the passage of the trailer tongue between the side members and thus prevent removal of the socket insert from the trailer tongue socket. The first and second holes are each located at different positions to accommodate trailer tongues of different sizes.

Abstract: A hitch cover for preventing injury to individuals moving within the area located beneath the overhang portion of a fifth-wheel type camper trailer, the hitch cover including a cover member of an oversized solid one-piece foam rubber construction having a blind hole in the top surface for receiving therein the depending hitch pin for mounting the cover member on the hitch pin with the cover member underlying the bottom of the hitch pin support, the outer diameter of the cover member being sufficiently large as to permit the cover member to extend radially outward with its peripheral edge located beyond the front and sides of the hitch pin support, thus preventing direct contact with the hitch pin and/or the hitch pin support by an individual, such as a child, when moving within the area beneath the overhang pin and/or the hitch pin support.

Abstract: A trailer hitch lock for enclosing a trailer hitch to secure the trailer against theft. The trailer hitch lock includes a base plate, a set of locking plates pivotably mounted to opposing sides of the base plate and a locking mechanism for securing the locking plates together. A mounting ball is mounted on the base plate and is configured to engage the trailer hitch ball socket. The first ends of the locking plates are hingeably connected to the opposing sides of the base plate. The second ends of the locking plates and the locking mechanism cooperate to secure the locking plates together.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided which, when used on a trailer coupler, locks on to the trailer coupler and covers the receptacle of the coupler, thereby preventing the insertion of a hitch ball or other towing means into the receptacle. Locking engagement is achieved by a retaining member being moved and held in a position inside the receptacle of the coupler by the operation of a lock housed in the body of the anti-theft device. In another embodiment of the invention locking engagement is achieved by the retaining member being moved to a position inside the coupler receptacle through operation of a lever independent of the retaining member and being held in such position through operation of a lock housed in the body of the anti-theft device. No tools or auxiliary parts are required to attach or remove the device.

Abstract: A trailer locking device adapted to be fixedly inserted into the cup of a trailer hitch. The locking device, which can be in the shape of a ball, includes an outer shell made from a plurality of movable plates. Once inserted into the cup of a trailer hitch, a locking mechanism is used to separate or otherwise move the plates apart in order to expand the size of the outer shell. Once locked into position, the trailer locking device becomes lodged within the cup of the trailer hitch preventing a trailer in association with the trailer hitch from being stolen.