Accessories Patents (Class 70/258)
  • Patent number: 6880368
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for locking a gooseneck trailer hitch such that a hitch ball cannot be inserted into or removed from the hitch. In one preferred embodiment, the hasp of a lock is passed through the retainer bracket of the hitch and locked with or without passing through the hitch handle. In another embodiment, a lock pin with an eyelet on one end is inserted into the retainer bracket of the hitch, and the hasp of a lock is passed through the eyelet and the hitch handle. In yet another embodiment, a lock pin with an eyelet on one end is inserted into a pair of openings on the cover plate surrounding the hitch handle, and the hasp of a lock is passed through the eyelet and the hitch handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventors: Dennis R. Ulbrich, Derrick A. Pizarro
  • Patent number: 6862904
    Abstract: A protective lock assembly for preventing unauthorized access to a pintle receiving hitch which assembly includes opposing plate members which are mounted on opposite surfaces of the hitch and wherein a tongue carried by one plate member is engageable by a lock whose shackle is protectively seated within a housing which extends from the other plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: James R. Hubbart
  • Publication number: 20040093918
    Abstract: The combination of a wheeled vehicle with a power source and a security system for the wheeled vehicle. The security system has an elongate bar secured to a support and a connecting assembly. The connecting assembly has a secured state wherein the connecting assembly cannot be separated from the elongate bar and is releasably attached to the wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Roger J. Leyden, Terrance J. Surma, E. Joel Martin, Jerry D. Biggs
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 6598432
    Abstract: A trailer hitch lock is disclosed that is particularly useful for preventing the theft of trailers that utilize pintle-type hitches. The lock includes a pair of steel plates which are hinged at one end. An upstanding steel projection is located substantially at the center of the interior of one of the plates. When the plates are pivoted toward their closed position, the pin fits within the opening of the trailer hitch pintle. The forward end of each of the plates includes a flat steel locking flange extending toward the other plate. Each steel locking flange has a hole passing therethrough which cooperates with the other when the plates are in their closed positions so that a padlock can be passed therethrough to maintain the device in a closed position. Located to either side of these cooperating locking flanges are a further pair of steel guards which protect the padlock by preventing a cutting tool from reaching the padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 6588239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multipurpose device designed to prevent thefts of trailers, heavy tows and so called dollies, i.e., having coupling elements with a pull rod and a turn table, designed to haul a trailer by means of a truck, all of which being provided with coupling devices, designed to connect the trailers to a traction vehicle. The locking device comprises a box-shaped lock house (1) in which the coupling device on the tow, the trailer and the dolly is designed to be positioned and locked by means of a locking shaft (4), which is inserted through the lock house (1) and can be located in the lock house (1) in various positions, depending on the character of the coupling device to be locked, and consequently said coupling device is enclosed in the lock house (1), and the tow, the trailer or the dolly is prevented from being connected to any unauthorized traction trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Stacker Stop Euro AB
    Inventor: Lars Johansson
  • Patent number: 6575000
    Abstract: An improved lock for a trailer enables a latch bolt to be inserted conveniently, and allows locking and unlocking operations be done easily. The lock mainly consists of a latch bar and a lock member. The lock member includes a latch sleeve, a lock ring, a connection shaft and a lock core. The lock may be easily locked or unlocked by turning a key for 90°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Vulcan Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Show-Mon Li
  • Patent number: 6564599
    Abstract: A tailgate limiter for restricting a pickup truck tailgate from being opened. A vertical post is removably mounted in a base which is mounted to the truck. The post impedes the tailgate from opening, thereby preventing theft of objects in the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Mark T. Eagleson, Curt M. Luburgh
  • Patent number: 6543260
    Abstract: A coupler lock for securing a device within a sleeve of a vehicle hitch to prevent unauthorized removal of the device which can include a hitch ball insert, a cargo platform, bike carrier or similar accessory designed to be attached to the vehicle. The coupler lock includes a lock housing removably attached to one end of a lock bar configured to pass through apertures within the hitch sleeve and insert. The lock housing has a plurality of ball bearings radially movable in and out of an annular groove to lock and release the bar. A locking cup longitudinally movable within the lock housing in response to movement of the lock cylinder retains the bearings within the groove or releases the bearings from removal of the lock bar from the lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fulton Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Vander Koy, Sung Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 6530249
    Abstract: A hitch ball locking plate for securing equipment in the bed of a truck, a trailer, or the like. The hitch ball locking plate comprises a first plate having a first guiding aperture. The first plate further comprises a second plate normal to the first plate and extending across the first plate. The second plate has a substantially semi-circular removed portion in communication with the first guiding aperture. Pivotably connected to the first plate is a locking bar which locks the first and second plate to a hitch ball in the bed of a truck, trailer, or the like. From this position, equipment and goods can be locked to the plate for security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert G. Burkhead
  • Patent number: 6519985
    Abstract: The present invention is a locking device for securing outboard motors and stern drives mounted on a plurality of exposed studs on the stern of a boat, and construction equipment on a plurality of studs inset in concrete or other media and other items which can be mounted. The invention is comprised of a 304 work hardened stainless steel body which has two blind holes connected by a slot. In one blind hole, a keyed lock assembly is fitted. The keyed lock deploys a catch which engages a groove in a stainless steel lock pin. The lock pin can be attached to items having protruding studs or other protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher J. Grant
  • Patent number: 6434980
    Abstract: A tire clamp for immobilizing a vehicle including a fixed bar having a generally L-shaped configuration. The fixed bar is comprised of a horizontal segment and a vertical segment. The horizontal segment is comprised of an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion has a plurality of sharpened teeth extending downwardly therefrom. The vertical segment has an inwardly angled lower portion. The fixed bar is positionable with respect to a tire with the horizontal segment disposed above and extending across the tire with the plurality of teeth abutting the tire and pointed thereat. A movable bar has an inwardly angled lower portion and is coupled with the fixed bar and is slidably mounted thereon. The movable bar is positionable with respect to a tire with both inwardly angled lower portions positioned against an exterior of the rim the tire is mounted on while the sharpened teeth remain oriented toward and abutting the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Foster
  • Patent number: 6434982
    Abstract: A lock for securing a lowered or non-lowered landing gear of a tractor trailer comprising two hinged interlocking halves secured by a keyed locking cylinder which has a pin intersecting apertures in flanges of the halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Rowland
  • Patent number: 6419258
    Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a casing having a cavity therein, a shaft with an annular recess insertable into the cavity, a lock tumbler with a rotatable output member, and a spring-biased rigid locking clip pivotally mounted to the casing in the cavity so as to normally engage the recess in the shaft to secure the shaft to the casing unless pivoted out of the recess by the output member of the lock tumbler. Such a lock mechanism can used be to solve many different security problems, including securing a ball to the ball socket of a trailer hitch as a deterrent to theft of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Neff Co Technologies
    Inventor: Jeff M. Grote
  • Patent number: 6412313
    Abstract: A trailer security device includes a housing configured to permit placement over a trailer hitching device with the housing enclosing an enlarged perimeter segment of a trailer hitch. An enlarged perimeter segment is defined as an end portion of the trailer hitching device that is relatively larger in its perimeter or cross-sectional dimension than an adjoining or adjacent relatively narrow or reduced perimeter segment. A slot is formed on face of the housing and fits over a reduced perimeter segment of the trailer hitch while the enlarged perimeter segment of the trailer hitch will not pass through the slot. The hitch security device also includes a housing closure configured to close the entry aperture of the housing in a locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: John C. Bernstrom
  • Patent number: 6412315
    Abstract: A receiver lock for a trailer box hitch designed to secure a ball mount in place and protect it from unauthorized removal. The receiver lock consists of a solid metallic cylindrical pin (20) with a head (28) on one end and round end (40) on the other end. The pin includes a body (22) with a notched recess (32) essentially adjacent to the head with a bore (38) running through the head and body communicating with the recess. A cam lobe (42) is located within the recess and has a shape that conforms to the body when in an unlocked position, and extends above the body when locked. A circular keyway lock (48) is placed in the bore in the head and held captive with a set screw (50). A hexagonal lock connecting rod (56) joins the cam lobe to the lock through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Cheng, Calvin S. Wang
  • Patent number: 6412314
    Abstract: A trailer hitch module for engaging a trailer tongue socket includes a base and a ball fixed to the base for engaging a socket cup. A locking arm is provided and pivotally attached to the base so that it is movable in a plane parallel to the base between a close position engaging a protruding lip of the socket in order to prevent removal of the socket from the ball and an open position away from the lip in order to enable removal of socket from the ball. A lock mechanism is provided for securing the locking arm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce Jenks
  • Patent number: 6393874
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lock construction for securing to a trailer socket and thereby preventing attachment of the trailer socket to a connecting member of an unauthorized towing vehicle. The lock construction comprising a base with a first upstanding member extending from the base and adapted to engage the trailer socket of the trailer. A second upstanding member is disposed on the base in spaced relation to the first upstanding member. A shaft like member is positioned in the housing and is slidable toward the first upstanding member from an unlocked position where the third member is spaced away from the first upstanding member to a locked position wherein the third member engages the trailer socket once it is attached to the first upstanding member. A locking mechanism is operative connected to the third member and to allow slidable movement of the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: John B. Zapushek, Jerry R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6370927
    Abstract: A security device for spare wheel winch for preventing the spare wheel winch from being lowered beneath the vehicle. The security device for spare wheel winch includes a tubular member having a first open end and a second open end and also having a bore extending therethrough and further having a bracket-like portion disposed at the first end thereof; and also includes a locking assembly for preventing the spare wheel winch from being lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Angel M. Gonzalez, Lisa Brendel
  • Patent number: 6349959
    Abstract: A work vehicle including a hitch assembly having a mechanism mounted thereon, with a warning device connected to the mechanism. The warning device comprises a status indicator operatively associated with the mechanism indicates the status of the mechanism by being displayed when the mechanism is in a first condition and not displayed when the mechanism is in a second condition. The warning device of the present invention displays the status indicator when the mechanism is in the unlocked condition and in an offset position. The status indicator of the present invention is not displayed when the mechanism is in the locked condition. As such, the present invention provides a method to actively warn the operator of the work vehicle of the status of the hitch without the operator having to inspect the hitch or dismounting from the cab of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel K. Schlegel, Richard A. Hardesty
  • Patent number: 6311530
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a truck tool box including a central housing having a lateral opening extending therethrough. A first J-shaped member is provided having an elongated portion extending through the lateral opening in the central housing. The elongated portion has an open free end. The first J-shaped portion has a hooked portion for coupling with a hole formed in a front wall of a truck mounted tool box. A second J-shaped member is provided having an elongated portion extending through the opening in the central housing and inwardly of the open free end of the elongated portion of the first J-shaped member. The second J-shaped member has a hooked portion for coupling with a hole formed in a back wall of a truck mounted tool box. A locking mechanism is disposed within the central housing. The locking mechanism selectively engages the second J-shaped member to the first J-shaped member for locking the tool box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Woodward
  • Publication number: 20010023601
    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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Mark Gilbertson, Edward Raleigh, Charles Russell
  • Patent number: 6202453
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventors: William R. Disher, Gail M. Disher, John E. Bechard
  • Patent number: 6193261
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Duane E. Hahka
  • Patent number: 6141997
    Abstract: A semitrailer antitheft system is described for use with a semitrailer landing gear of the type having a housing-enclosed gear train coupled to a telescoping lower strut. The antitheft system includes a non-rotatable shaft-mounted gear segment for engaging the gear on the stationary shaft of the existing gear train, thereby preventing unauthorized raising or lowering of the telescoping lower strut. A lock is provided on one end of the non-rotatable shaft to prevent unauthorized disengagement of the gear segment from the gear train. The antitheft system may be incorporated into an existing housing, if room permits, or the housing may be modified so as to provide for incorporation. Alternatively, the antitheft system may be provided as an add-on kit to be attached to the existing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Blehi, III
  • Patent number: 6109078
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Bob Marshall Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6076380
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Joseph Hulak
  • Patent number: 6070441
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Bernstrom
  • Patent number: 6058749
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination anti-skid, anti-theft and vehicle lifting device. In particular, the device disclosed herein attaches easily and quickly to a vehicle tire to help extract the tire and the vehicle to which it is attached from ice, mud, snow, or other immobilizing medium. It also converts readily to a conventional vehicle lifting jack for changing tires. It also converts readily to a "tire boot" and so can be used to prevent vehicle theft. Finally, it is readily convertible to as to immobilize the vehicle steering wheel, also for theft prevention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Rekemeyer
  • Patent number: 6055832
    Abstract: A locking device includes a shackle member and a key operable locking head that may be fastened onto a latch portion of the shackle member. The locking head has a housing and a rotatable retainer and a lock core in the interior of the housing. The lock core is mechanically coupled to the retainer, and both the retainer and the lock core are axially oriented with respect to an axial opening in the housing. The latch portion is axially insertable through the axial opening when the lock core is in an unlocked state and has a latch head which becomes fastened by the locking head when the retainer is rotated by the lock core into a locked state. A seal is supported by the housing proximately to the axial opening and acts to seal against a seal surface on the latch portion. The shackle member can be a linear portion with a stop portion, such as a knob, or alternatively, a cable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Philip W. Wyers
  • Patent number: 5992193
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device uses a rigid bar removably set between a turned vehicle wheel and the wheel well to block movement of the vehicle and prevent its theft. The anti-theft device consists of a rigid rod attached to a bracket by a locking pin locked through mating transverse aperatures in the rod and bracket. The bracket is mountable in the wheel well of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Hank Bronk, III
  • Patent number: 5987938
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Roger E. Frei
  • Patent number: 5937679
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Guardian Industries
    Inventor: Severo Leonard Villalon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5873271
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Patent number: 5823022
    Abstract: A lock and keeper assembly are employed to secure a pickup truck tailgate against theft. A conventional keeper is modified by flattening its bight region. The flattened bight is placed into capturing relation to a transversely disposed, inwardly extending protrusion formed in a side wall of the pickup truck adjacent the tailgate. A transversely disposed, outwardly extending hollow, "C"-shaped axle integral with the tailgate receives the protrusion, so the flattened bight and the lock body cooperate to trap the protrusion within the hollow axle. The hollow axle cannot be separated from the protrusion without first defeating the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Bob Barker
  • Patent number: 5816076
    Abstract: A computer security apparatus is disclosed. In a departure from the art, a metal box having a padlocked front closure is used to mount a computer to the underside of a surface, such as a counter or desk top, in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to and removal of the computer. In a preferred embodiment, the security device of the present invention comprises a substantially rectangular-shaped metal housing having a top, opposing left and right sides, and a door hingedly connected across the front of the housing. Each of the left and right sides includes a rear flange extending approximately one quarter of the way across the rear of the housing and a bottom flange extending approximately one third of the way across the bottom of the housing for securing the rear and bottom sides of the computer, respectively. Spaced-apart clips are provided along one end of the door for securing the door to the front end of one of the opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Biedermann, Reynold Liao
  • Patent number: 5782115
    Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for use with semi-trailers of the type which have a Dolly-Leg, a Dolly-Leg crank, and a Dolly-Leg crank handle. The anti-theft device includes a housing, a locking bar, and a lock. The housing has a top, an end panel, a first side, a second side, and a notched bottom, with the first side and the second side each having formed therein a first side aperture and a second side aperture respectively. The notched bottom has downwardly depending therefrom at least two lock chain guide harnesses. The locking bar has formed therein at one end thereof a locking bar aperture. The locking bar extends through both the first side and the second side of the housing, such that the locking bar passes through both the first side aperture as well as the second side aperture. The lock is secured to the locking bar by attachment thereto through the locking bar aperture. The device also preferably includes a chain, with the chain also being secured to the locking bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Danny Lee Judy
  • Patent number: 5775139
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Fred J. Sellers
  • Patent number: 5752398
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Guardian Hitch Corporation
    Inventor: Severo Leonard Villalon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5675997
    Abstract: A locking device to fit over a tractor trailer or container carrier glad hand air coupling consists of a rectangular cage of cut structural steel with a drilled pin hole and a welded perpendicular flange with a hasp hole as one piece and an angle flange with a hasp hole and plug welded pin as a second piece. In use the flanged cage is placed over the air coupling with the pin hole over the air hole and the pin passed through the pin hole into the air hole and the hasp of a padlock passed through the hasp holes and locked to secure the air coupling. The locking device is fabricated from structural steel and angle irons using conventional cutting, drilling and welding techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Andrew Joseph Hulak
  • Patent number: 5558385
    Abstract: A movable glove compartment for a motor vehicle has a locking device fitted to the rear portion, and a locking device adapted for use in the rear portion of a glove compartment. Use of the locking device in the rear portion eliminates safety hazards associated with protrusions of locking device components from the exposed portions of the glove compartment, improves esthetics, and allows the entire exposed face of the glove compartment to be cushioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Helmut Gross, Martin Leilich, Hans Zuschanko
  • Patent number: 5520030
    Abstract: A gooseneck trailer locking apparatus is formed by a pair of elongated telescoping members having a hitch ball and chain lock at one end for connection with the king pin of a goooseneck trailer. The other end of the telescoping members is provided with a clevis element lockably closely surrounding the depending portion of a trailer leveling and supporting jack by a clevis arm and lock securing the clevis to the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: John E. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 5490403
    Abstract: A locking device adapted to be mounted upon a hand brake lever handle of an automobile in a manner to prevent theft of the automobile includes a tubular inner sleeve adapted to attach to the handle, and a tubular outer sleeve which removably and telescopically engages the inner sleeve. A lock located at the upper extremity of the outer secures the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, thereby preventing access to an underlying depressable brake release button on the lever handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bianco, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5441295
    Abstract: A hitch lock assembly which is readily attachable to a trailer hitch assembly to provide a means for securing a hitch ball latch assembly from unauthorized removal from a hitch ball member. The hitch lock assembly includes a pair of lock pin members operable with a padlock member to provide means for securing the hitch ball latch assembly about the hitch ball member. Each lock pin member is of a high strength steel rod construction having a vertical hitch lock section mountable within aligned holes through a main hitch housing assembly and a ball contact member to insure that these elements are not movable relative to each other to an unlatched condition. The padlock member is removed from the interconnected lock pin members and the hitck lock sections are removed from the aligned holes to achieve an unlatched condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5426961
    Abstract: Anti-theft security device for trailers of trucks is provided with a security lock integrated to a mechanism actuating the props of trailers. The anti-security device acts either mechanically on the lifting-lowering motion transmission mechanism while preventing the gears from meshing or by clocking the bevel gear by means of a metal part fitting between two teeth, or by impeding the rotation of the rotary drive bar connecting the two props. The device can also act electrically by cutting the supply of an electric motor supplied by the tractor battery and actuating the props. The mechanical and electrical locks can be combined. The device is particularly applicable to the field of road trucks of large loading capacity which are comprised of a tractor part and a trailer part articulated to each other and which may be detached, and is intended to prevent the theft of the trailer when it is not running and uncoupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventors: Pierre Rimbaud, Paul Rimbaud, Joseph Agius, Leopold Sassi, Patrick Vignapiano