Portable Patents (Class 70/14)
  • Patent number: 6834896
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for locking the doors of a cargo container, such as the rear doors of a trailer, is disclosed. The locking assembly may include a second tubular member that telescopes and slides within a first tubular member and an L-shaped assembly mounted on or near the ends of the respective first and second tubular members. The locking apparatus may be placed in a perpendicular fashion between the securing rods of the doors of a cargo container, and the tubular members may be slidably telescoped until the L-shaped assemblies substantially fill the spaces between the cam pins of the securing rods and the walls of the cam pin housings containing the cam pins when the securing rods are in a locked position. In this manner, the cam pins will be prevented from being removed from the cam pin housings, thereby preventing the securing rods from rotating, which in turn keeps the doors of the cargo container securely and tightly locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Barry F. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040250576
    Abstract: A latch assembly for securing to devices together, the latch assembly comprising a stem with a fixed connection element at a first end and a detachable connection element at a second end, a first connector attached to a first of the devices to hold the fixed connection element of the stem, a second connector attached to a second of the devices from which the detachable connection element is connected and disconnected from, a first securing device connected to the stem operable to prevent the detachable connection element from being removed from the second connector, and a second securing device preventing the first securing device from releasing the detachable connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Emory H. Flanders
  • Patent number: 6829914
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the movement of control arm of a machine relative to a second arm having a tubular main shaft body connected to a first hook base plate, a telescopic shaft body with a diameter adapted to be inserted into the main shaft body and connected to a second hook base plate, a pair of hooks connected to each of the first and second base plates at the ends of the plates and oriented substantially parallel to the shaft bodies and further oriented such that each member of the hook pair opposes the other member by substantially one hundred and eighty degrees. Various applications for the device are disclosed, as well as method for securing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Bullock
  • Publication number: 20040206137
    Abstract: A locking device for inhibiting the movement of control arm of a machine relative to a second arm having a tubular main shaft body connected to a first hook base plate, a telescopic shaft body with a diameter adapted to be inserted into the main shaft body and connected to a second hook base plate, a pair of hooks connected to each of the first and second base plates at the ends of the plates and oriented substantially parallel to the shaft bodies and further oriented such that each member of the hook pair opposes the other member by substantially one hundred and eighty degrees. Various applications for the device are disclosed, as well as method for securing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Terry Bullock
  • Publication number: 20040200246
    Abstract: The changeable combination skidsteer lock is an anti-theft device for a skid steer loader. The device attaches to the safety cage of the skid loader, proximate to one of the skid loader's drive controls. A U-bar component of the skid steer lock fits around one of the skid loader's drive controls to prevent operation of the drive control, preventing theft of the skid loader. A base plate is located on the inside of the cage, and is bolted to a mounting plate on the outside of the cage. Legs of the U-bar engage with a pair of sleeves extending from the base plate. In one embodiment, a locking mechanism is contained within a housing on the base plate to lock the U-bar securely in place. In an alternate embodiment, the U-bar is adapted to receive the shackle of a separate padlock, whereby the padlock secures the U-bar in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Patent number: 6796152
    Abstract: A burglarproof lock for a computer which blocks the connecting port so that an unauthorized person cannot connect another connector with the connecting port to steal data. The burglarproof lock includes a housing having a connecting section and defining a cavity in which a lock apparatus is mounted. A clutch is disposed in the cavity for controlling unlocking/locking of the lock apparatus. The clutch includes a tool mounted on a lock core of the lock apparatus, a valve body controlled by the tool to be movable or unmovable and a complex bolt having an axially movable and rotatable adjustment press button and a bolt member rotatable along with the adjustment press button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 6789405
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for deterring unauthorized removal of an electric trolling motor from a vessel. The device is adapted to secure a trolling motor's control shaft and motor assembly to the trolling motor mount or directly to the vessel. The device includes only a clevis pin, a clevis and a padlock, the device is compact in design and easy to use. A uniquely designed hasp is employed in some instances to accomplish proper attachment of the anti-theft device. The hasp is secured directly to the hull or deck of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Mathers
  • Publication number: 20040172990
    Abstract: A locking device designed for use with aluminum staging poles to prevent theft of the aluminum poles. Aluminum staging poles are approximately three inches square aluminum with a heavy rubber pad attached to one side of the pole and are the most preferred type of staging poles. The locking device of the present invention provides a means for securing the aluminum poles while in position at the job site to prevent removal. The locking device is comprised of two interconnecting plates that wrap around the pole and provide an aperture through which a chain or cable can be fed and secured to a non-movable structure. Gripping feet on the locking device grip into the rubber pad of the aluminum pole to prevent the locking device from being slid off of the pole while in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: David O' Rouke
  • Patent number: 6786068
    Abstract: A locking device for trailer hitches of the pintle ring/hook type is disclosed to include a lower base portion with an upstanding locking eye insertable into the pintle ring. An upper lock portion containing a shank lock is mountable onto the lower base portion with the locking eye within a lock slot of the shank lock. The shank lock is then locked in position after having passed through the locking eye so as to securely lock the base and lock portions of the locking device within the pintle ring and with the locking bolt of the shank lock completely contained within the lock and not being exposed outside of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: John G. Spooner
  • Patent number: 6779370
    Abstract: A security device secures an apparatus having a wall (1110) with a slot (1120). The security device includes first and second shafts. The shafts have arms (10) rotatable about their respective axis into and out of their respective unlocked positions. Each of the axes of the arms are different from each other. The shafts also have tangs (12) extending from the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Belkin Components
    Inventors: Stephen Lester Bellow, Jr., Rodger D. Thomason, William Patrick Conley, Lawrence G. Kurland, George C. Chen
  • Publication number: 20040139770
    Abstract: A locking system and method for securing an vehicle, particularly, a large truck, by means of a cover placed on the extended shaft of the power steering hydraulic cylinder of the vehicle, which is engaged with a clamp that can be locked on the cover by a locking mechanism preventing the hydraulic steering shaft from further retraction and thereby disabling the vehicle steering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: William E. Curl
  • Patent number: 6763689
    Abstract: A locking assembly for a surfboard enables the board to be tethered to a non-portable object with a lockable cable. The cable passes through a transverse hole in one of the fins. To prevent the fin from being removed from the by a thief, a rigid sleeve is provided that slides over the fin. It is provided with a transverse hole in registry with the hole in the fin, so that the cable will pass through the sleeve and the fin. This renders the two inseparable. A flange affixed to the base of the sleeve covers the fasteners that fasten the fin to the board. This prevents the thief from removing the fin from the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jerry L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6763688
    Abstract: A computer lock includes a lock body, a cover, a lock core, an action body, an action shaft, and a locking block. Thus, the computer lock is used for securing the notebook computer to an article, such as a fixed upright or leg, thereby providing an anti-theft function to protect the notebook computer efficiently. In addition, the computer lock is operated easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the computer lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Jing Shu Syu
  • Patent number: 6763690
    Abstract: A security device for securing an equipment component, such as a laptop computer, having opposite corner portions. The security device includes a first securing member including a first restraining member for engaging a first corner of the component, and an elongate arm extending from the first restraining member, and a second securing member including a second restraining member for engaging a second corner of the component that is diagonal to the first corner, and a releasable locking device for engaging the arm to prevent movement of the first and second restraining members away from each other when in an engagement position. The first and second restraining members each include a first pair of spaced apart opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the component in a first plane, and a second pair of spaced apart opposed engagement members for restraining movement of the component in a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Compucage International Inc.
    Inventor: Steve N. Galant
  • Publication number: 20040134242
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to secure the coupler section of a trailer provides a locking device that includes a lock housing having a hitch ball element to engage the recess in the coupler, a shackle member lockable to the housing and having a bridge section that spans the hitch ball element and, and a latch assembly to latch and unlatch the shackle member. The shackle member is shown to be U-shaped with legs that extend through and secure to the lock housing. The latch assembly provides a ratchet-type engagement to allow adjustable locking. A rotatable lock mechanism drives a cam based latch mechanism between a latch state and an unlatch state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Philip W Wyers
  • Patent number: 6761050
    Abstract: A kingpin lock device generally including a lock housing, a selectively engageable lock, and a sliding member. The lock housing can include a kingpin receiving aperture, a lock receiving channel, and a sliding channel. The sliding member can include a concave portion at one end for engaging the surface of the kingpin, a slot portion intermediate the sliding member for receiving the selectively engageable lock, and a stop lip/flange portion at the end distal the curved portion. The stop flange portion includes at least one lip for engaging the outer surface of the lock housing upon positioning of the sliding member within the sliding channel. As such, movement of the sliding member within the sliding channel is limited and the introduction of a substantial longitudinal force on the sliding member will not bring the lock into damaging forceable contact with the slot portion of the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Cargo Protectors, Inc.
    Inventor: Avron S. Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20040129037
    Abstract: A laptop lock assembly is provided. The assembly includes a lock body configured to be coupled to a laptop, the lock body having a locking portion; a cable plug slidably coupled to the lock body, the cable plug including an arm; and a lock positioned at the lock body and configured to place the laptop lock assembly into a locked state in which the arm of cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body cooperate with one another to form an enclosed area between the arm of the cable plug and the locking portion of the lock body for constraining an object attached to or part of the laptop within the enclosed area, the lock being further configured to place the laptop lock assembly into an unlocked state in which the arm of the cable plug is slidably positioned away from the locking portion of the lock body, so that the object attached to or part of the laptop may be removed from the area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander G. Avganim
  • Patent number: 6758069
    Abstract: Security locks for portable electronic devices and other portable devices that have a relatively high economic value. The locks include housings that have a locking member extending therefrom. The locking member extends into a slot defined within the portable device and is configurable into a locked configuration that inhibits removal from the slot. The housing is coupled to a separate object that prevents movement of the portable device away from the object when the locking member is in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: ACCO Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Derman
  • Patent number: 6755450
    Abstract: A safety door lock is constructed to include a positioning plate for plugging into a mounting hole in the doorjamb, the positioning plate having a longitudinal sliding way and a serrated longitudinal rail along one side of the sliding way, and a stop plate assembly detachably inserted into the sliding way of the positioning plate for stopping the door panel in the closed status, the stop plate assembly including an angled bottom plate for stopping the door panel in the closed status, a movable engagement plate forced by a spring member into engagement with the serrated longitudinal rail of the positioning plate to stop the bottom plate from backward movement, and a spring-supported button for pressing by the user to disengage the movable engagement plate from the serrated longitudinal rail for enabling the stop plate assembly to be removed from the positioning plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Hong Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 6755053
    Abstract: A security cover for a coin-operated car wash machine is rectangular and slides over a car wash machine. It has a partial front panel that covers the coin drawer of the car wash machine. A bar extends through the machine and through a slot in each of the side panels of the security cover. Each end of the bar extends slightly beyond the side panels of the security cover and each end has an opening through which a padlock could extend to deter theft and vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: William A. Dias
  • Publication number: 20040103699
    Abstract: A lock serves for locking a high pressure wind tube joint and a fluid tube joint. The lock comprises a casing for enclosing a housing of the wind tube joint; a lock body locking to the casing; and a core portion fixed to the lock body. Connecting ends of the high pressure wind tube joint and the fluid tube joint are located in the casing; then a stud of the core portion is inserted into the connecting ends so that the high pressure wind tube joint and fluid tube joint are combined with the casing. The casing is a seal body with only one opening. The core portion further includes a cover fixed in the lock body by a pin, a sleeve locked in the cover by a short pin, a stud below the sleeve, a spring at a periphery of the stud and pressed by the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: I-Hui Ho
  • Patent number: 6739792
    Abstract: An adjustable key-locked clamp for securing car stereo equipment against a mounting surface. A single rotary lock fixes the adjustable clamping member and secures the clamp to its base. A key is required to release the clamping member and remove the device from its base. Thus, without the key, it is very difficult to remove the car stereo equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: James D. George, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6735990
    Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. The equipment must have an external wall provided with a specially designed, approximately rectangular slot having preselected dimensions. An attachment mechanism includes a housing for a spindle having a first portion rotatable within the housing, a shaft extending outwardly from the housing, and a crossmember at the end of the shaft having peripheral dimensions closely conforming to the internal dimensions of the slot. An abutment mechanism also emanates from the housing, and is located on opposite sides of the shaft intermediate the housing and the crossmember. The peripheral cross-sectional dimensions of the abutment mechanism and the shaft in combination closely conform to the dimensions of the slot. The length of the shaft from the housing to the crossmember is approximately equal to the thickness of the external wall of equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Murray, Jr., Stewart R. Carl, Arthur H. Zarnowitz
  • Publication number: 20040083776
    Abstract: The kingpin lock device of the present invention generally includes a lock housing, a selectively engageable lock, and a sliding member. The lock housing can include a kingpin receiving aperture, a lock receiving channel, and a sliding channel. The sliding member can include a concave portion at one end for engaging the surface of the kingpin, a slot portion intermediate the sliding member for receiving the selectively engageable lock, and a stop lip/flange portion at the end distal the curved portion. The stop flange portion includes at least one lip for engaging the outer surface of the lock housing upon positioning of the sliding member within the sliding channel. As such, movement of the sliding member within the sliding channel is limited and the introduction of a substantial longitudinal force on the sliding member will not bring the lock into damaging forceable contact with the slot portion of the sliding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Avron S. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6708535
    Abstract: A computer lock with a locking plate and protruding hook joined to a cylindrical assembly wherein the hook is inserted into a computer chassis security slot. The locking plate interacts with grooves within the cylindrical assembly to position and hold the protruding hook longitudinally within the security slot. A lockable cable engages the cylindrical assembly. The cable is secured to a fixed object to prevent the computer from being stolen or removed from a fixed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Sanders
  • Patent number: 6705137
    Abstract: A lock device is provided for use with a truck semi-trailer. The semitrailer has a dolly wheel or landing gear system alternately configurable between a trailer support configuration and a trailer travel configuration. The lock device comprises a rigid, one-piece hollow box adapted to fit over and enclose portions of both a crankshaft and a drive shaft of a dolly wheel or landing gear system so as to prohibit movement of a crank into a crank operating position. The box has first and second adjacent but mutually perpendicular closed sides which are adapted to be located adjacent to portions of the crankshaft and the drive shaft. Third and fourth adjacent but mutually perpendicular box sides are at least partially open and are adapted to permit the crankshaft and the drive shaft to extend therethrough. Fifth and sixth mutually parallel sides are located perpendicularly to and at the edges of the first, second, third and fourth sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: American Lock Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Saladin, Edward C. Flory
  • Patent number: 6705133
    Abstract: A laptop lock for securing portable computers and the like against theft with an entrapment mechanism for securing one or more cables, cords, wires, or the like, which is adaptable for locking the one or more cables, cords, wires, or the like to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander G. Avganim
  • Patent number: 6698257
    Abstract: A helmet can be secured using a front fork lock by placing an end of the motorcycle's handlebars through the helmet and then locking the handlebars. In some configurations a sturdy protrusion, such as metal, graphite, etc., is affixed to an end of the handlebars or to a part of the motorcycle frame to make removal of the helmet in the locked position impossible, or very difficult. Different embodiments disclose a protrusion attached to an end of a hand grip, to a swing point on a handlebar, or some other portion of a handlebar. Protrusions can also be affixed to the motorcycle frame. Protrusions can be made to swing out for securing a helmet and to swing flush with the motorcycle frame to prevent unwanted encumbrance to a rider. Other embodiments disclose protective ways to attach the protrusions so that they cannot be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Kulas
  • Patent number: 6698256
    Abstract: A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock comprises an upper plate and a base plate attached by means of a secure rachet type system. A male hitch anchor is attached to the base plate. The male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Patent number: 6694781
    Abstract: A tow-deterrent lock for camping trailers includes a latch assembly and a latch bolt dock coupling with each other. The latch bolt dock has a transverse beam on one end that has an inner side bonding to a spherical shell which has a housing chamber with an opening. When a coupling dock extending from a camping trailer is coupled with a towing rod of a vehicle, the housing chamber of the spherical shell may house a fastening nut located below the towing rod to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to confine and lock the coupling dock and the lower end of the spherical head rod to form a theft-proof protection. When the camping trailer is not coupled with the vehicle, the spherical shell may be wedged into a spherical trough of the coupling dock to couple with the latch bolt dock and latch assembly to lock the coupling dock and form a theft-proof protection. Thus the invention can provide locking and theft-proof function in two use conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Patent number: 6691537
    Abstract: A sportsboard locking apparatus for a sportsboard having an attachment channel having an elongated insertion groove indented on an attachment surface of the sportsboard and an engagement groove perpendicular extended along the insertion groove, wherein the sportsboard locking apparatus includes an engagement member having an engaging latch transversely formed at a foot end of an outer surface thereof and a first shackle bore, a locking member having a predetermined thickness and a second shackle bore, and an attachment device for slidably attaching the locking member to the engagement member that limits the locking member to move longitudinally with respect to the engagement member between a locking position and an unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Calvin Conrad Tan
  • Patent number: 6688145
    Abstract: A sportsboard locking apparatus for securing sportsboard from theft includes a simple, multiple element apparatus which engages elements of a standard sportsboard and further provides for a method by which the sportsboard may be secured to a stationary article avoiding theft. The apparatus operates simply with few moving parts and fits standard sportsboard designs. A cross bar is intimate to the sportsboard's body and located within a cylindrical cup which is recessed below the sportsboard's outer surface, the cross bar being securely fixed to the board's core structure. The apparatus incorporates a hooked element which surrounds the crossbar and a pin element which encloses the cross bar within a space formed between pin and hook element's engagement end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Calvin Conrad Tan
  • Patent number: 6684670
    Abstract: A security device comprises a first component having a through first passageway surrounded by an internal first recess, and a second component having a second passageway surrounded by an internal second recess. The first and second components are configured for assembly in a mating relationship with the first and second passageways in communication with each other and in coaxial alignment. A lock has a barrel containing a spring and plunger and carrying radially shiftable locking elements, with the plunger being normally biased by the spring in one direction urging the locking elements into expanded positions protruding radially from the barrel. The barrel is insertable into and releasably retained in an unlocked position in the first passageway with the locking elements expanded radially outwardly into the first recess, and is shiftable by a forwardly applied axial force into a locked position in the second passageway with the locking elements expanded into the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Agbay, John Mahaney
  • Patent number: 6675615
    Abstract: A T-bar lockable linkage between the gunnels and forward of a marine craft limits opening of side and central storage containers. The linkage includes a pair of tubular outer arms independently pivotally connected to a center link having an extended position for connection to the mounting brackets and a shortened position for removal therefrom. A shiftable lock block slidably supported on the linkage effects rigidized coaxial alignment of the outer arms in the extended position, The lock block includes a locking hub for releasable connection with a transverse center arm for limiting opening of the storage containers. The hub carries a keyed locking device including a latch bolt that engages the cross arm assembly to unitize the assembly and prevent separation of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: J. Mark Williams
  • Patent number: 6672115
    Abstract: A locking device includes a shackle member having a shank and a latch portion at one end and a stop at the other end. A locking head mounts in a locked state on the latch portion but is removable when unlocked. A sleeve is carried on the shank but is removable. The sleeve and the shank together define a size conversion structure for the shackle. When the sleeve is on the shank, the shackle has one operative thickness to closely fit one size aperture, but when the sleeve is removed, the shackle has another, smaller operative thickness to fit a smaller aperture. A retaining member may be employed to resist removal of the sleeve. Two or more sleeves may be used to fit more than two apertures. These can be separately mountable onto the shank or may be nested on the shank, one inside of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Philip W. Wyers
  • Patent number: 6666051
    Abstract: A guarding lock for a camping trailer and particularly an anti-theft guarding lock for a camping trailer to prevent the trailer from being stolen and hauled away illegitimately mainly includes a lock having a semispherical dome located thereon. A U-shaped lock bar is provided to couple with the lock for fastening to a connection socket of the trailer such that the semispherical dome is housed in and coupled with a semispherical trough formed in the connection socket to achieve anti-theft function for the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Patent number: 6662602
    Abstract: An apparatus which inhibits the theft of equipment such as personal computers is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a locking interface for the specially designed slot includes two legs pivotably coupled together about an articulation point. The two legs each have opposing flanges on a first end and handles on a second end. The two legs define a first and a second position, with the flanges and legs adapted for insertion and removal when in the first position. The flanges engage an inner surface of the wall when the legs are in the second position. The preferred embodiment includes a retainer that is coupled to the handles of the first and second legs that retain the legs in the second position when the flanges engage the inner surface. In the preferred embodiment, the handles define an aperture and an object extends through the aperture to hold the legs in the second position. The object may be any suitable object, including a cable or shackle of a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart R. Carl
  • Patent number: 6644071
    Abstract: A trailer hitch locking system is provided for securing a trailer while hitched to a vehicle or protecting the trailer from theft while unhitched. The locking system includes a hitch lock, a ball lock, and a receiver pin lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ProductSource LLC
    Inventors: Mark Gilbertson, Edward Raleigh, Charles Russell
  • Patent number: 6629440
    Abstract: The present lock construction, for securing a movable object to a fixed object, includes a housing having an interior cavity and an elongated member having a first portion secured within the housing and a second portion slidably received within the housing. The elongated member is slidable within the passageway to a locked position, securing the movable object to the fixed position and to an unlocked position, releasing the object from the fixed object. First and second members are slidably disposed in the housing and are movable to engage the cable in the locked position. A rotatable locking mechanism is disposed within said housing and is engageable with the first member to permit slidable movement of the first member and thereby allow slidable movement of the elongated member to different locked positions. The rotatable locking mechanism is also engageable with the second member to permit slidable movement of the second member and thereby prevent movement of said elongated member in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Glenn P. Meekma, John B. Zapushek
  • Patent number: 6626016
    Abstract: A secure, anti-theft, tamper resistant locking device for 5th wheel type trailer hitch pins which conceals the padlock and the hinge inside a solid block of aluminum, which is placed around the 2″ pin of the 5th wheel trailer, thus denying access to the hitch pin for towing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Kathy Ann Nilges
  • Patent number: 6622532
    Abstract: A cable lock assembly has a base, a cylinder, a cable and a cord holder. The base is adapted to be attached to the computer with a fastener. The cylinder is mounted on the base and has a lock unit, a keyhole and a lock post. The cable is detachably connected to the base with one end and locked by the lock post. The other end of the cable is used to loop around an object. The cord holder is detachably attached to the base and locked by the lock post to hold the cords of the computer. Consequently, the computer can be locked to an object with the cable lock assembly. The computer will not be stolen or inappropriately moved even if the cords of the computer are cut off or are pulled out from the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Shu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6619081
    Abstract: Steel cable lock structure having an inner stop member movably and relatively rotatably fitted with one end of a lock casing. The center of the inner stop member is formed with a cross-shaped perforation. A core shaft extends through the perforation to rotatably connect with a driving member drivingly connected with the lock core. The circumference of the core shaft is formed with axially extending lateral ribs that extend into guide channels on the at least one lock bolt to connect the at least one lock bolt with the core shaft and enhance torque strength of the lock bolt structure. The core shaft is driven by the driving member to make an outward extending hook section of the at least one lock bolt lock or unlock a lock bolt hole of an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 6619708
    Abstract: A door locking system for a tractor trailer cab for locking a pair of opposed doors from the inside in order to prevent them from being opened while the driver sleeps. The locking system includes a pair of links and shoe elements adapted to engage various parts of the door in a way that makes them non-removable when the links are tensioned, even when the windows are rolled partially down for ventilation. A toggle bolt assembly is provided between adjacent links to shorten the assembled links in order to pull the doors together and prevent their opening or to lengthen the assembly to release the doors. One or both of the shoes may be removable and replaceable with attachment shoes having a different shape in order to adapt the device for different door configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Wayne Naylor
  • Patent number: 6619080
    Abstract: A lock bolt structure having a center of one end of a casing being formed with an intresting perforation for a shaft to extend through. Multiple axially extending lateral ribs are formed on the circumference of the core shaft, which has a cross-section with a shape corresponding to the intesecting perforation. Two lock bolts having guide channels on opposite faces are disposed on two sides of the intersecting perforation. The outer ends of the bolts are formed with hook sections which extend symmetrically outwards. The lateral ribs are slidably inserted in the guide channels to integrally connect the lock bolts with the core shaft. The cross-shaped cross-section of the core shaft provides enhanced torque strength for the lock bolt structure to avoid damage to the lock by external twisting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Publication number: 20030167806
    Abstract: A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock comprises an upper plate and a base plate attached by means of a secure rachet type system. A male hitch anchor is attached to the base plate. The male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Publication number: 20030167805
    Abstract: A skid steer attachment lock for preventing the theft of a tool attached to a skid steer loader. The device comprises of an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism disposed in the outer shaft of the extendable shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Patent number: 6609739
    Abstract: A locking device (20) for double-wing gates (10, 12). The lock comprises a pair of base plates (16, 18), each secured to one of the wings so that in the closed position thereof the members (18d, 16d) are located side by side. At least one of the projecting members is formed with a dead-body receiving cavity (16g, 18g). A lock body (20) is provided, having a side portion formed with respective recesses (20a, 20b) configured and located so as to fit over both the projecting members. The lock body (20) is equipped with a key-operated locking mechanism (22) comprising at least one dead-bolt receiving cavity of the respective anchor member thereby preventing the disengagement of the lock body (20) from both anchor members. The projections (16d, 18d) may be in the form of elongated ribs, or cylindrical pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Meir Avganim
  • Patent number: 6609399
    Abstract: A cable lock comprising a housing, a cable anchored to the housing, and a cable passageway through the housing for receiving the free end of the cable includes a cable clamping member and a key operated cam assembly which the lock is selectively operable for introducing the free end of the cable into either of the opposite ends of the cable passageway, for enabling displacement of the free end only in the direction of introduction through the passageway, for precluding displacement of the cable in either of the opposite directions in the passageway, and for releasing the cable for movement freely in both of the opposite directions. The mounted end of the cable is pivotally displaceable between positions in which the mounting end extends toward the side of the housing on which the selected entrance end of the passageway is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty LLC
    Inventor: E. Kent Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6606887
    Abstract: An anti-theft equipment locking cover, including a first cover part adapted to overlie a first part of an item of equipment; the first cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a first edge of the item of equipment; a second cover part to overlie a second part of the item of equipment; the second cover part having a flange adapted to underlie a second edge of the item of equipment; the first and second cover parts being disposed in confronting relation to one another so that the item of equipment is fully covered by the confronting first and second cover parts; a tab secured to the first cover part; a slot formed in the second cover part that slideably receives the tab; a distal free end of the tab extending through the slot; an aperture formed in the distal free end of the tab; and a locking device adapted to extend through the aperture to prevent retraction of the tab from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: David Zimmer, John LeBlanc, Decha Narkmongkon, Raymond H. Williams
  • Patent number: 6601416
    Abstract: A lock with a cam action joined to a cylindrical assembly with a front portion adapted to being inserted into a computer chassis security slot. The cylindrical assembly front portion is comprised of two fixed prongs and a lever each terminating in a hook. The lever is pivotally attached to the cylindrical assembly and is pivoted within the security slot by the cam action of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Sanders