| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 280507000 | Protector or lock | 84 |
| 20080224448 | BALL MOUNT STORAGE DEVICE - A storage device is configured to be coupled to the receiver of a tow vehicle. A ball mount, or tongue, may be stowed within a receptacle of the storage device when not in use. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080258433 | Stowaway, receiver hitch - A trunnion, adapted to fit in a receiver, attached to a vehicle as a receiver-type hitch system, provides selective deployment and stowage of a hitch. An optional base secured to the trunnion may receive a pivot. A mount, secured by the pivot to the base, swings between a deployed and a stowed position. Alignments are one-dimensional, typically circumferentially positioning a locking pin aperture and a corresponding locking pin about a radius with respect to a pivot axis. A platform of the mount may contain an aperture for operating as a pin hitch aperture or for receiving a stud or bolt for securing a ball hitch or two hitches. In certain embodiments, multiple ball hitches may be attached at once to the platform. Selection of ball hitch sizes and positioning of the ball hitch altitude may also be accomplished by pivots built into the mount. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080284135 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A TRAILER COUPLER - A system for protecting a trailer coupler contains a first arm rotatably connected to a second arm. The first arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, the top portion of the first arm containing a first opening. The second arm contains a top portion, a side portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the second arm contains a first opening. The trailer coupler fits within the system and aligning the said first opening of the first arm and the first opening of the second arm forms a system top portion opening that allows access to a hitch of the trailer coupler while not allowing access to other top portions of the trailer coupler or side portions of the trailer coupler. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080303247 | Accessory for a locking assembly - A device for use with an anti-theft locking assembly which comprises an enclosure, a noise emitter mounted within the enclosure, a battery, and a control circuit, an actuator extending externally of the enclosure and being designed to be plugged into a first actuator receptor on a towing vehicle or a second actuator receptor on the locking assembly, the noise emitter being activated when the actuator is unplugged from one of the receptors. The device will strongly remind the user that the anti-theft locking device is to be connected. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20090033063 | AIR-OPERATED COUPLING ASSEMBLY - An adapter for coupling an actuator having an actuator rod that is linearly translatable along a first axis to a coupler having a lever arm with a contact face adapted to contact the draw arm and move the draw arm translationally along a second axis that is at an angle with respect to the first axis in the range of 1 degree to 120 degrees, the coupler mounted to an existing structure, the adapter including a base plate configured for attachment to the structure; a support plate depending from the base plate and adapted to receive the pneumatic actuator; at least one brace attached to the base plate and to the support plate; and a rotatable cam adapted to transfer force from the actuator rod as it moves along the first axis to the lever arm to cause the draw arm to move along the second axis and into contact with the hook on the coupler. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090039618 | STRUCTURE OF REAR BUMPER COVER - An object of the invention is to provide a structure of a rear bumper cover capable of improving appearance and rigidity of the rear bumper cover. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090058045 | Tow bar protection device - A tow bar protection device for a tow bar assembly having a hitch bar portion with a ball mount and mounting a bail, the hitch bar portion extending rearwardly from the vehicle to which the assembly is attached, the protection device including a resilient pouch having an opening for receiving and covering at least a part of the rearwardly extending portion of the tow bar assembly. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090066059 | Trailer coupler having an integrated lock - The present invention provides a trailer coupler having an integrated locking device attached to the handle or the coupler body. The handle of the trailer coupler moves from a first position where the hitch ball is insertable to a second position where the hitch ball is prevented from insertion. The locking device having a locking pin that is insertable into the aperture of the handle to prevent movement of the handle from the second position to the first position. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090079162 | TRAILER HITCH RECEIVER LOCK - A freely pivoting lock ball fits within a trailer hitch ball receiver. A top lock shaft on the ball extends up through a hole in the top of the ball receiver into a lock collar welded to the top of the ball receiver. A cylinder lock fits into a top opening in the lock collar over the lock shaft to lock the lock ball within the ball receiver to prevent theft by towing the trailer with a conventional towing hitch ball. The cylinder lock and lock ball spin freely within the ball receiver and collar to prevent drilling or sawing the lock. There is no room between the cylinder lock and collar or between the ball lock and ball receiver to pry them loose. The lock collar is too thick for cutting with a bolt cutter. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090079163 | Coupler Lockout Device - An assembly for restricting access to a coupler includes a body having a coupler engagement portion for engagement with a first surface of a coupler, a coupler engagement member laterally movable within a laterally extending slot in the body, with the coupler engagement member extending perpendicularly from the slot for engagement with a second surface of the coupler opposite the first surface. The assembly further includes a securing mechanism for selectively securing the coupler engagement member relative to the body against lateral movement away from the coupler engagement portion. When at least a portion of the coupler is received between the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member and the coupler engagement member is secured in a coupler lockout position, at least one of the coupler engagement portion and the coupler engagement member prevents withdrawal of the coupler from the assembly. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090085327 | TRAILER SECURITY DEVICE AND SYSTEM - A trailer security system for use with a trailer having a trailer coupling member, such as a trailer coupling channel. The trailer security system may include a security device joined to the trailer coupling member, a locking device to selectively lock the security device to trailer, and security elements attached to trailer. The security device may be a security box formed from walls that define a space for receiving flanges of the trailer coupler channel. The security box may include slots for receiving the trailer coupling member flanges and may be slid onto the trailer coupling member. The security device may include a post extending from the security box for anchoring the trailer to the ground. Access to lock may be restricted by the security elements and/or the configuration of the security box and post. The security system may include other features to increase the difficulty to tamper with or disable the system. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090102159 | Protective housing for a trailer coupler - An anti-theft device for a towed trailer vehicle wherein a pivotable cover housing is mounted to the tongue of the trailer in spaced relation to the socket lock mechanism of a conventional ball socket attachment of a trailer hitch bar. The protective housing adapts to all standard ball and socket arrangements, does not require extensive rework of the tongue of the trailer, has adequate securing means, is low cost, and provides anti-theft protection while the trailer is in tow, as well as when the trailer is parked and/or unhitched from the towing vehicle. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090189369 | HITCH BALL MOUNT ASSEMBLY HAVING A BIOMETRIC ENGAGEMENT MECHANISM - A hitch ball mount assembly includes a biometrically-actuated locking mechanism. The biometrically-actuated locking mechanism cooperates with a mechanical engagement mechanism to lock or unlock the hitch ball mount assembly to an associated vehicle mount in response to detection of an authorized user. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090200771 | Hitch cover - The hitch cover is adaptable to several commercially available trailer hitches. The cover has a flat portion with a hexagonal recess, the recess being about 3 inches across opposite corners. A protective portion, generally perpendicular to the flat portion has a “U” shape and provides a polyurethane padding approximately 1.25 inches thick and 3 inches in depth. A steel plate, interposed between the flat portion and the perpendicular portion, has a hole, the center of which is in alignment with the center of the hexagonal recess. The semicircular portion of the “U” shaped protective portion, moreover, has a general diameter of 5.25 inches between opposite external surfaces of the protective portion and the parallel arms of the “U” shape protruding about 3.75 inches from the semicircular portion. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090250904 | Trailer locking system and apparatus - The present invention is directed towards, in one embodiment, a process, apparatus or assembly to prevent the theft of or movement of a towable trailer while the trailer is un-hitched from its corresponding original tow vehicle. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a support strip coupled to a support housing. Preferably, at least one off-the-shelf locking means is integrated with the support housing which is adapted to securely couple to or otherwise engage a trailer having an integrated locking dome. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090302574 | Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly - The Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090302575 | HITCH SYSTEM - A hitch assembly for a bomb disposal robot has a female hitch receiver and a pinned flange coupled to the female hitch receiver, the pinned flange for removably attaching the hitch assembly to the ringed drawbar of the bomb disposal robot. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090315298 | Method and assembly for drawbar retention - An assembly for drawbar retention from a hanger bar on the rear of a tractor includes bottom and top capture plates spanning the intersection of the drawbar and hanger bar, front to back and side to side, and held together by four bolt and nut fasteners that are passed vertically through the four corners of the two plates such that there are two bolts on either lateral side of the drawbar and two on the front and back sides of the hanger bar. A pair of spacer blocks are provided across the front and back edges of the hanger bar releasably captured between the cover plates by the bolts. Cutouts in the spacer blocks can receive tongues on wear pads to permit pads to be captured between the top cover plate and hanger and/or the hanger and the drawbar by the bolts and spacers. The method is the arrangement of top and bottom cover plates with spacers and fasteners as stated, with or without wear pads. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090322061 | DECORATIVE TOWING HITCH SECURITY COVER - A towing hitch cover device comprising a housing connectable to a towing hitch assembly and a detachable decorative portion connected to the housing. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100025965 | Ball Hitch Leg Guard - An automotive accessory, specifically a ball mount cover made from a compressible material that covers the ball mount, when the tongue is positioned in a chamber molded into the device; the devices does not interfere with the normal use of the trailer hitch and that minimizes injuries to knee, shin, and ankle from accidentally hitting or contacting the ball mount. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100072728 | PIN BOX ASSEMBLY FOR TRAILER - A pin box assembly is provided for a trailer. The pin box assembly includes a first section having a trailer attachment point, a second section carrying a king pin and a pivot connecting the first and second sections together. In addition the pin box assembly includes a shock absorber having a first end connected to the first section and a second end connected to the second sections. Still further, the pin box assembly includes an air spring connected between the first and second sections. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100072729 | Trailer receiver lock - The present invention is directed to a trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch to prevent unauthorized use. An embodiment of the trailer receiver lock for locking a trailer hitch, wherein the trailer hitch includes a receiver and a hitch bar, may include a body including a locking mechanism and a pin member including a base. A first leg may extend from the base, wherein the first leg may include an end capable of insertion into an aperture in the receiver and an aperture in the hitch bar. A second leg may extending from the base, wherein the second leg may include an end capable of insertion into the body. The second leg may also include at least one engagement portion capable of engagement with the locking mechanism. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100096835 | Drawbar protector - A drawbar protector comprising a generally rectangular plate which is positioned on the upper rearward end of a tractor drawbar so that wear on the drawbar is prevented. If the protector plate becomes excessively worn, it is easily replaced. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096836 | Trailer Hitch - A trailer hitch having a retaining latch bolt to reduce shaking includes a locking head, a bolt seat, a retaining element, a latch bolt and an elastic element. The retaining element has a first directing rib to be rapidly positioned in a first bolt aperture of a first coupling member. The bolt seat has a positioning rib anchored in a second bolt aperture of a second coupling member to facilitate coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. Hence the latch bolt can be coupled easily and adjustment of coupling tolerance can be performed as desired. Locking can be done to thwart pilferage of the trailer. And the latch bolt can be held firmly without sliding or shaking. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096837 | Trailer Coupler Assembly Including A Sacrificial Anode - A trailer coupler assembly includes a coupler grid plate, a support bracket coupled to the coupler grid plate, and a kingpin coupled to the coupler grid plate and the support bracket. The kingpin is positioned to extend below a bottom surface of the coupler grid plate. The trailer coupler assembly further includes a sacrificial anode coupled to one of the coupler grid plate and the support bracket in order to retard corrosion of one or more of the coupler grid plate, the support bracket, and the kingpin. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100117334 | Self-Locking, Universal Trailer Hitch and Method of Use Thereof - A self-locking universal trailer hitch comprising a hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver, wherein the hitch receiver is secured to a towing vehicle, and wherein the bar is removably secured to the hitch receiver, and wherein the second receiver comprises a locking mechanism to removably secure the second receiver to the bar. The self-locking universal trailer hitch is utilized by securing a trailer to a towing vehicle by obtaining a towing vehicle with a first hitch receiver and a universal trailer hitch with a second hitch receiver, a bar and a second receiver having a locking mechanism, inserting the bar into the pivoting second hitch receiver, locking the bar to the second hitch receiver, inserting the bar into the second receiver and locking the bar to the second receiver via the locking mechanism. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100117335 | Quick Release Hitch Assembly - A quick release assembly for remotely actuating operative disconnection between vehicles includes a lock bolt ejection assembly for remotely ejecting a lock bolt normally maintaining a coupling between the vehicles thereby allowing independent movement of the vehicles. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100213689 | Accessory for a locking assembly - A device for use with an anti-theft locking assembly which comprises an enclosure, a noise emitter mounted within the enclosure, a battery, and a control circuit, an actuator extending externally of the enclosure and being designed to be plugged into a first actuator receptor on a towing vehicle or a second actuator receptor on the locking assembly, the noise emitter being activated when the actuator is unplugged from one of the receptors. The device will strongly remind the user that the anti-theft locking device is to be connected. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100230932 | Safety Sentry - A trailer hitch guide for restraining a trailer hitch may include an upper member to restrain the movement of the trailer hitch and a lower member to connect to the upper member and to connect to a vehicle. The upper member may be rotatably connected to the lower member. The upper member may be substantially U-shaped. The lower member may be substantially U-shaped. The upper member may include a upper side section. The upper side section may include a upper arm section. The lower member may include a lower side section. The lower side section may include a lower arm section. The upper arm section may be connected to a upper connecting plate. The lower arm section may be connected to a lower arm connecting plate which may cooperate with the upper connecting plate to restrain the upper member from rotating with respect to the lower member. The upper connecting plate may be connected to the lower connecting plate with a fastening device. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100244407 | Trailer Coupling Dock Theft-Proof Lock - A trailer coupling dock theft-proof lock to prevent unauthorized coupling and hauling of a trailer during parking includes a locking dock, a coupling assembly and a lock assembly. The coupling assembly can be latched in a dome of a trailer coupling dock. By locking and unlocking of the lock assembly the coupling assembly can be retained or removed so that unauthorized towing of the trailer can be prevented. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100276907 | Trailer hitch security clamp - A two-piece security clamp for trailer hitches of the pintle and pintle ring type in order to prevent the unintended removal or theft of the trailer and its equipment, the security clamp having a first planar member dimensioned to cover the aperture of a pintle ring, the bottom surface of the first planar member having a perpendicular finger member extending perpendicular thereto, and depending through the aperture in the pintle ring, the planar member further having angularly extending wing members, which wing members extend a distance sufficient to cover or deny access to the bolts securing the pintle ring, there being a second clamp member having a surface area greater than the area of the aperture of the pintle ring, the second clamp member having a slot there through for the slidable receipt of the depending finger member, the lower surface of the second clamp member having a cylindrical cavity into which said depending finger member extends, the finger member having an aperture proximate its end for the accommodation of a padlock for securing the two clamp members together about the pintle ring, the cylindrical cavity denying access to the hasp of the padlock to prevent its being severed by bolt cutters. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100320730 | Resiliently deformable padding installed on a hitch so as to protect bumpers - A resiliently deformable protective padding system, has a padding element laterally connected to a trailer coupler in a movable configuration, the padding element comprising a groove having a predetermined size, the groove configured to engage an edge extending integrally from the trailer coupler. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110095509 | TRAILER HITCH IMMOBILIZER - A trailer hitch immobilizer is provided. The trailer hitch immobilizer includes a first face operatively configured to block an aperture defined by a hitch receiver. The first face is substantially perpendicular to an inner surface of the hitch receiver. A second face is also provided where the second face is integral to the first face. The second face is substantially perpendicular to the first face. A third face is also provided where the third face is integral to the first face. The third face is substantially perpendicular to the first face. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110101648 | Trailer coupling dock theft-proof lock - A trailer coupling dock theft-proof lock to prevent unauthorized coupling and hauling of a trailer during parking includes a locking dock, a coupling assembly and a lock assembly. The coupling assembly can be latched in a dome of a trailer coupling dock. By locking and unlocking of the lock assembly the coupling assembly can be retained or removed so that unauthorized towing of the trailer can be prevented. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110156371 | Fifth wheel locking pin - The Fifth Wheel Locking Pin is a pin fitted with a lock, providing security for a trailer. The device consists of a hardened steel bar one-half inch in diameter, and approximately sixteen to twenty inches in length. The proximal end of the bar is a T-shaped handle made from the same stock. The distal end of the bar is fitted with a lock. The end of the bar is machined to fit the lock, and the bar is grooved, enabling the lock to mate with the bar through pins that extend from the lock into the grooves. The lock is mechanically operated by the turn of a key, extending or retracting the pins. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110175324 | TRAILER HITCH DEVICE - The present invention is a trailer hitch device that includes a yoke assembly with a yoke section and a latch section, a latch assembly integral with the latch section with a latch pivot bolt, two latch plates pivotally connected by the latch pivot bolt and a horizontal coupling shaft having two external ends, where the external ends are dimensioned to fit into a vertical opening on the sides of latch section secured by the latch plates. There is also a trailer yoke that the horizontal coupling shaft passes through that can be securely and pivotally connected to the latch assembly by placing the horizontal coupling shaft in the vertical openings of the latch section, rotating the latch plates down over the horizontal coupling shaft and securing the latch plates in position and a longitudinal pivot rivet adjustably disposed on the vehicle side of trailer hitch device. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110204595 | TRAILER HITCH BALL COVER - Certain embodiments of the present invention include a trailer hitch ball cover comprising an outer shell, an inner socket positioned within the outer shell, and a channel positioned adjacent a lower end of the inner socket, which substantially conforms to a trailer hitch ball and a trailer hitch ball neck. The outer shell may also comprise a first and second component that, when adjacent, form the inner socket and channel. The second component may be pivotally and/or releasably coupled to the first component. The outer shell may also be shaped to resemble human headgear, including a football helmet with facemask, chin strap, and face. Light sources may be positioned on an upper surface and a lower surface of the football helmet and a lower surface of the facemask for illumination. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110227316 | Hitch - The invention refers to a trailer coupling ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110291385 | Apparatus for Universal Rear Impact Guard Connection Adapter Plate - The present invention is a multi-use rear impact guard connecting adapter. It is used to connect the user's vehicle to a freight carrier, such as a dolly, trailer, another vehicle, etc. The unique adapter plate of the present invention provides a more stable and durable link from one vehicle to another. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110304123 | CONFIGURATION OF AN ELECTRO-MECHANICAL FIFTH WHEEL LOCK CONTROL UNIT (LOCK CONTROLLER) - Invention patent application for one Lock Controller ( | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110309599 | Multi-Function Anti-Rotational/Anti-Theft Hitch Ball Assembly - The multi-function anti-rotational/anti-theft hitch ball assembly of the present invention provides a trailer hitch assembly that includes an anti-rotational hitch ball mechanism that can also serve as an anti-theft hitch ball mechanism and can further simultaneously function as an attachment method for securing additional hitch accessories to the ball mount. The invention provides an engagement method for interlocking the hitch ball with the ball mount preventing rotation of the hitch ball relative to the ball mount. The interlocking engagement assembly may also be locked in place preventing the hitch ball from being removed from the ball mount if the hitch ball fastener is removed. In addition, a component of the assembly can serve as an attachment method for securing additional accessories to the ball mount. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120098236 | SELF-LATCHING AND LOCKING TRAILER COUPLER - A self latching trailer coupler includes a housing having a downwardly oriented ball receiver for receiving a head of a hitch ball and a latch member mounted in the housing which is moveable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the latch member prevents the hitch ball from being withdrawn from the ball receiver. The latch member automatically moves into the closed position upon insertion of the head of the hitch ball into the ball receiver and retains the latch member in the closed position. A lock assembly is mounted in the housing and is selectively engageable to lock the latch member in the closed position. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120104728 | Trailer Hitch Apparatus For Use With Gooseneck Trailers - The apparatus comprises an attachment member for securing the apparatus to a gooseneck trailer. A rectangular housing is secured to the attachment member, and has a front wall, a back wall, and at least one side wall. A cavity is formed by these walls. A ball receiver is pivotably secured internal to the housing and has an opening for the passage of a spring rod. A shock absorbing mechanism is provided, which is secured generally perpendicularly to the housing, and includes at least one spring element. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the front wall, it pushes a bushing disposed on the central rod into the spring element, causing the spring element to compress. When the ball receiving member pivots towards the back wall, it pulls a back plate that causes the spring element to compress. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120112434 | COUPLING LOCK FOR A TRAILER COUPLING - A coupling lock for a trailer coupling. The coupling lock comprises a receptacle ( | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120193890 | Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Cover - A cover for a fifth wheel trailer hitch that includes a rigid body with a front planar section and a rear planar section. Formed on the front planar section is a downward extending lip that engages the front edge of the head assembly on the hitch. The cover includes a holding mechanism for preventing the cover from moving forward and laterally over the head assembly. In two embodiments, the holding mechanism is a pivoting torsion plate attached to the bottom surface of the cover that presses against the rear portion of the head assembly. In another embodiment, the torsion plate is replaced by a center post with lateral beveled ears that slide into the head assembly's pin slot. In a fourth embodiment, the holding mechanism is at least one downward biasing clip attached to the cover's rear section that presses against the rear portion of the head assembly. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120200067 | Trailer hitch lock - A lock for trailer hitches that is inexpensive and easy to use and that will secure the coupler fixed to the end of a trailer hitch to prevent unauthorized hook-up and towing of the trailer and items carried on or in the trailer. The lock is formed with a bottom plate having a flat top surface, a top plate having a flat bottom surface to overlie a portion of the bottom plate and a pivot pin fixed to the bottom plate and about which the top plate revolves. A bumper fixed to the top of the pivot pin holds the top plate over the bottom plate and extends upwardly to engage the interior of the coupler and to keep the lock from sliding off the coupler when side flanges on the plates are positioned over a surrounding flange on the coupler and a padlock hasp is positioned through aligned holes in the plates. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120205895 | Detachable gooseneck trailer locking mechanism - A trailer assembly including a load deck and a detachable gooseneck. The load deck includes a rotatable shaft and latch wedge and the detachable gooseneck includes a hook. The attachment of the gooseneck to the load deck will result in the rotation of the shaft and latch wedge and engage the latch wedge and hook preventing detachment of the gooseneck and load deck. Misalignment of the gooseneck and load deck may be compensated for by a chamfer of the hook and a v-shaped groove. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120211965 | GOOSENECK COUPLER WITH SLIDEABLE STYLE LOCKING MEMBERS - A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a first tube, a base member attached to the first tube, and a locking member pivotally attached to the base member—the locking member being capable of engaging a hitch ball. The gooseneck coupler may also include a locking mechanism attached to the locking member, where the locking mechanism is capable of securing the locking member in engagement with the hitch ball. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211966 | GOOSENECK COUPLER WITH SLIDEABLE LOCKING MEMBERS AND CLINCH - A gooseneck coupler may be used on a towing vehicle to help tow certain types of towed vehicles, such as trailers. The gooseneck coupler may include a first member, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, where the second member is capable of pivoting relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The gooseneck coupler may also include an opening in the first member, the opening sized to receive a hitch ball, and a clinch mechanism located within the opening where the hitch ball is wedged between the clinch mechanism and the second member when the second member is in the second position relative to the first member. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120228852 | Hitch - A hitch for a trailer, or other hitch-mounted accessories, which can be rigidly yet removably attached to a vehicle-mounted sleeve, is disclosed. The hitch comprises a longitudinally extending member which is configured to slide into the sleeve and which locks therewith with a transverse locking device in a conventional manner. The member is divided into two sections along a plane which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. The sections are connected together by a bolt threading into one section while being operable from the outside of the other section. Due to the inclined plane separating both sections, tightening of the bolt causes the sections to slide in opposite directions within the sleeve until they abut and press on opposite inner walls of the sleeve, thereby eliminating play between the member and sleeve. The hitch is conceived such to prevent a user to drive without the locking device in place. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120235383 | Truck Hitch and/or Ball Mount Protector - The invention relates to a device that generates a “halo” around a trailer hitch and/or ball mount on towing equipment. By providing an extended buffer area around a traditional truck ball mount/hitch, the knee, shin, leg or other body part will contact an angled area of the device, producing a glancing effect and avoiding serious pain and/or injury. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120248739 | Rear Bumper Hitch and Guard - A bumper hitch and guard composed of a hitch bar and transverse bars for vehicles with trailer hitch receivers where the hitch bar is insertable and secured into the trailer hitch receiver of the vehicle, the bumper hitch and guard serving to protect the rear of the vehicle from damage. The bumper hitch and guard are easily removable. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120256393 | Self-Locking Hitch Pin - Disclosed is a self-locking hitch pin for joining a hitch device to a receiver hitch in a quick and easy manner using a single, self-contained mechanism. The hitch pin is comprised of shaft with a locking member on one end and a handle and weight on the other end and a spring and retainers to keep the hitch pin in place. The self-locking hitch pin allows for single-handed installation and securing of a hitch device to a receiver hitch with no pin or locking mechanism to be lost or dropped. The self-locking hitch pin can be inserted into the hitch orifice, have pressure applied to the spring, rotate the hitch pin allowing gravity to engage the locking member and then release pressure on the spring coupling both devices together. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20130009386 | Fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism - A fifth wheel trailer hitch with locking mechanism that includes a pin that extends axially from a pivotal mounting of a platform of a trailer tow bar. The pin is preferably cylindrical and is grooved circumferentially adjacent to its bottom end for fitting into an a key way forward end lip formed in a mounting plate that is attached to a truck bed for prohibiting the pin from lifting from the key way. The pin includes a plug that, by turning a cam rod journaled through the pin, will extend or retract axially from a pin center opening to fit into a plug hole formed in the mounting plate in the center of the key way forward end, preventing, when extended, the pin from sliding therefrom. Which plug, extended by cam rod turning, is a primary lock, and the invention further includes straight rods, as secondary plug locks, arranged for travel through lateral holes in the pin into the pin open center to fit into holes in the plug side when the plug is extended by the primary lock, and further includes as a safety lock, a plate that is fitted into the key way depression to brace the pin in the key way forward end. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130033021 | CARRIER INSERT BAR ASSEMBLY WITH SECUREMENT PIN - An insert bar assembly for a hitch-rack carrier comprises a self-locating securement pin. The insert bar assembly can comprise an elongate hitch-attachment bar which in turn comprises a hitch-receiver insert portion located at an insertable end of the bar. The assembly can include a flexible securement pin or a rigid securement pin resiliently joined to the bar at a fixed distance from the engagement end of the pin. The assembly accommodates repetitive, same location positioning of the engagement end of the pin at a pin-tip facing surface on the bar in the pin-secured configuration of the insert bar assembly. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130038040 | CARRIER DEVICE - A carrier device for mounting at a rear side of a body of a vehicle, said carrier device comprising, a receiving element, adapted to be fixed to the body of said vehicle, said receiving element comprising a receiving channel with an insert opening, a carrier element, adapted to be releaseably received in said receiving element in a mounted position, said carrier element being insertable into said receiving channel to arrive at its mounted position by movement through said insert opening in direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of said receiving channel, a locking unit for locking said carrier element in said mounted position in said receiving element, a key unit comprising a first key element arranged on said receiving element and a second key element arranged on said carrier element said first and second key elements cooperating in a keying position of said carrier element in order to only allow said carrier element provided with said second key element to arrive at the mounted position when inserted into said receiving channel. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130140794 | HITCH MOUNTED WASTE CONTAINER TRANSPORTER - A hitch mounted waste container transporter for mounting in a standard hitch receiver on a vehicle using a locking pin includes a hitch bar having a first end equipped for connection to the hitch receiver and having a distal end, a hitch bar bracket having a lower end rigidly connected to said distal end of the hitch bar and an upper end which includes a transverse locking pin, an intermediate bar is pivotally connected at its first end to the hitch bar bracket such that the intermediate bar moves between about 0 and 25 degrees from a common axis of the hitch bar, and a rigid container support bar connected to a second end of the intermediate bar which is about 110-115 degrees obtuse to the axis of the intermediate bar having a tine to removably engage a waste container. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130175787 | Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism Cover - A tractor trailer fifth wheel cover is disclosed forming an enclosure over the fifth wheel locking mechanism along the underside of the fifth wheel bearing plate. The cover comprises an upper surface and upstanding sidewalls having a plurality of penetrations therethrough. The cover forms an open interior to accept the fifth wheel kingpin locking mechanism therein and prevents dirt and debris from interfering with the mechanism operation over periods of environmental exposure. The pull handle of the locking mechanism routes through an aperture along the cover sidewall, while the design of the cover is such that it forms an enclosure supported within the underside structure of the bearing plate. The device is fastenably secured to the bearing plate structure and over the locking mechanism, while grease fittings allow lubrication of the locking mechanism assembly therewithin. The cover remains installed during deployment of the fifth wheel without interfering with normal operation. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130334792 | DEVICE FOR SECURING A HITCH SLEEVE TO A HITCH - A hitch comprising an outer sleeve, and an inner sleeve removably disposed within said outer sleeve and wherein each sleeve is adapted to receive a draw bar; a first end of the hitch operatively engaging a securing tab and adapted to receive at least one securing member; and the inner and outer sleeves further comprising at least one aperture adapted to receive at least one locking device to secure a draw bar. The hitch further comprising alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; a securing tab disposed on the inner sleeve; a securing tab disposed on the outer sleeve; or, a securing member with a flexible connection, j-hook, or a rigid connection engaging the securing tab and alignable apertures adapted to receive the securing member; or, a locking hook securably engaging at least one aperture on the inner and outer sleeves. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140015225 | UNIVERSAL MOUNTING BRACKET FOR AN ADAPTABLE HITCH COVER - A hitch cover is shown and described. The hitch cover may include a base having first and second surfaces, the second surface having at least one engagement member attached thereto. The hitch cover may also include a mounting bracket selectively attached to the at least one engagement member of the base and extending from the second surface wherein the mounting bracket is configured to selectively engage a hitch receiver tube. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140028000 | ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR USE WITH A TRAILER HITCH - The anti-theft device is for use with a trailer hitch regardless of whether the trailer hitch is attached or unattached to a towing vehicle ball. The device is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. It includes two complementary and substantially coplanar base plates, two mutually-facing rim members defining an inner slotted space receiving the lateral flanged edge of the trailer hitch when the device is in the closed position on the trailer hitch, and two anchoring members. Each anchoring member is rigidly connected to and downwardly projecting from the corresponding plate. The device is very compact, effective, easy to use, and can be installed or removed in a few seconds. It provides a very convenient way of preventing the theft of a trailer. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140070518 | HITCH COVER INCLUDING ADAPTER - A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140117645 | SLIDING HITCH WITH AUTOMATIC ARMING LATCH - A sliding hitch with a self-arming latch is described. The hitch includes a carriage slideably mounted on a base. The base includes a latching pin on a pivot arm that is biased to extend toward engagement with the carriage and a rotatable shaft with an arming member and a locking member. Rotation of the shaft to an unlocked orientation, cams the pivot plate away from the carriage to withdraw the pin and enable sliding of the carriage on the base. An arm of the arming member is also rotated into the path of a protuberance associated with the carriage. Contact between the protuberance and the arm during sliding of the carriage along the base causes rotation of the shaft to a locked orientation enabling extension of the pin toward engagement with the carriage and engaging the locking member with the pivot plate to restrict withdrawal of the pin. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140167391 | COUPLER LOCKOUT DEVICE - A lockout device for a trailer hitch coupler includes a bottom member and a ratchet body. The bottom member includes a body, a coupler blocking member extending from the body in a vertical direction for engagement with a trailer hitch coupler, and an extension extending from the body in the vertical direction. The ratchet body includes a housing defining a vertical bore sized to receive the extension, a locking mechanism disposed within the housing, and a lock interface assembled with the housing. The locking mechanism is configured to lockingly engage a recess in the extension when the extension is received in the bore. The lock interface is configured to move the locking mechanism from a locked condition to an unlocked condition to disengage the extension recess thereby permitting movement of the ratchet body in a direction away from the bottom member. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140197618 | GOOSENECK HITCH ASSEMBLY - A hitch assembly having a ball stud assembly and a sleeve with an open end dimensioned to receive the ball stud assembly. The ball stud assembly including a ball portion and a locking assembly. The ball stud assembly is movable between an extended position in which the ball portion extends out of the sleeve and a retracted position in which the ball portion is fully received within the sleeve. The locking assembly is configured to selectively lock the ball stud assembly with respect to the sleeve in either the extended position or the retracted position. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140300083 | Protective Cover - The invention is to a protective cover for providing cushioned protection to a desired object. In preferred embodiments, the protective cover is comprised of an outer shell that is durable, and water and stain resistant. An inner portion of the cover is comprised of a soft and pliable material that is segmented either by axial slits, a radial opening, and/or a spiral shaped slit to allow enough free space to allow an object to be protected to be inserted therein. The design allows the protective cover to engage the desired object to be protected, while also allowing the cover to be easily removed without the needs of a separate mechanical fastener or attachment. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140306427 | Trailer Hitch Receiver Locking Apparatus - A trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus includes a main frame, a first pin assembly, a second pin assembly, a locking mechanism, and an automatically engaging safety mechanism. The first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are engaged in between the main frame and the locking mechanism in such way that the first pin assembly and the second pin assembly are operated in between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration by the locking mechanism. The main frame is connected with the hitch receiver so that the trailer hitch receiver locking apparatus is able to secure different hitch devices with the hitch receiver through operation of the automatically engaging safety mechanism, the locking mechanism, the first pin assembly, and the second pin assembly. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140312596 | SAFETY CHAIN ENGAGING DEVICE FOR GOOSENECK HITCH - A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20150097356 | COUPLER LOCK - A coupler lock for attaching to a trailer hitch coupler. The hitch coupler has a socket. The coupler lock includes a locking bar and a plug member for receipt within the socket of the hitch coupler and supported by the locking bar. The coupler lock includes a base structure removably attached to the locking bar. The base structure includes a locking structure actuatable to lockingly retain the base structure attached to the locking bar so as to retain the plug member within the socket of the hitch coupler. The locking structure is positioned above the plug member with the base structure attached to the locking bar and the plug member retained within the socket of the hitch coupler. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150123379 | TRAILER COUPLER LOCKING DEVICE - A locking device for obstructing towing of a trailer has a lock base and a lock bracket. The lock base has an upright ball-shaped member and two legs each with an aperture. The lock bracket has two arms. When the locking device is in a locked condition, both arms are engaged in their corresponding apertures. When the locking device is in an unlocked condition, one arm of the lock bracket remains attached to its corresponding aperture, and the other arm is removed from the other aperture to release the coupler. Grooves on one of the arms allow a locking means to engage with the lock bracket at different height. In another aspect of the invention, the ball member is detachable and can be replaced by different sized ball member so that the same locking device can be used on trailer couplers with different socket sizes. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150137484 | Maximum Security/Maximum Versatility Ball Mount Assembly - A hitch accessory retaining device includes a pair of opposed engagement pins and a biasing device. When positioned within a shank body, the engagement pins are slidable within shank pinning apertures and are normally urged in outward, extended positions by the biasing device. When biased outwardly, a portion of each engagement pin extends outwardly from and projects beyond a shank sidewall while an additional portion of each engagement pin is retained within the shank body. A portion of the biasing device contacts, is attached to, or is part of, the engagement pins. The normally outwardly biased engagement pins are biasable inwardly to a retracted position within the shank pinning apertures to a position wherein the outward ends of the engagement pins are flush with the outward sides of shank sidewalls. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150137485 | CAP HAVING EXPANDED PAD AND TOWING PIPE MOUNTED SAID CAP - There are provided a cap having an expanded pad and an apparatus having a towing pipe provided with the cap. The cap includes a body having opened ends and an expanded pad attached to an inner circumferential surface of the body. The expanded pad does not close the opened ends of the body before being heated, expands when being heated, and closes the opened ends of the body after being heated. The body includes a ring-shaped ring plate and a plurality of legs that protrudes from one side of the ring plate and spaces apart from each other along a circumference of the ring plate. When the expanded pad is heated, ends of the legs are bent radially outwardly by expansion of the expanded pad. The body includes a head and a screw protruding from one side of the head. The head and screw are opened in a longitudinal direction of the body. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150352917 | UNIQUE ADJUSTABLE TRAILER-LOCKING SYSTEM, HAVING UNIQUE QUICK-SIZE-RELEASE, QUICK-SIZE-ASSEMBLY, AND QUICK-SIZE-SWITCH TRAILER LOCK FOR SECURELY LOCKING HITCH-BALL RECEIVERS OF ALL STANDARDIZED SIZES, AND FOR ELIMINATING CAVITIES INSIDE HITCH-BALL RECEIVERS TO PREVENT CROWBAR-INSERTION TRAILER THEFT - A unique adjustable trailer-locking system comprises a locking ball, a lock, a locking pin, a key, and first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps. The locking ball has a through hole. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth size-adjusting caps has a dome shape and a hollow shaft attached to its center. Each of the hollow shafts can be inserted into the through hole or another one of the hollow shafts to quickly and easily assemble, disassemble, and switch the locking ball from one size to another, to snuggly fit inside a hitch-ball receiver of any of all three standardized sizes (1⅞ inches, 2 inches, and 2 5/16 inches) to eliminate all the cavities or gaps therebetween, to prevent a crowbar from being inserted therebetween to pry the locking ball off or to damage it, to prevent trailer theft. The locking pin is for being inserted through a hitch-ball-receiver lever and through the lock. The key is for turning the lock to secure the locking pin and the hitch-ball-receiver lever, to lock the locking ball snuggly inside hitch-ball receivers of all three standardized sizes, without any cavities or gaps therebetween. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160009152 | TRAILER HITCH COUPLER LOCKING DEVICE | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160039259 | Adjustable Trailer Hitch Security Apparatus - An adjustable trailer hitch security apparatus for use with an adjustable trailer hitch assembly to selectively cover the side holes of the hitch assembly's hitch mount, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the fastening system used to secure a trailer connection to the hitch mount comprises a moving cover portion connected to a fixed attachment portion. The cover portion is defined by a rectangular box shaped, hollow housing having an open elongated side opposite an elongated side wall and an open bottom side opposite an top side wall. The attachment portion is defined by a rectangular plate body having a top lip and a bottom lip, with a plurality of attachment apertures in its body. The cover portion is hinged to the attachment portion, enabling it to rotate from a open position to a closed position in which the cover portion and the attachment portion form a rectangular enclosure. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160059648 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REINFORCING AN ADJUSTABLE TRAILER HITCH - An adjustable height trailer hitch may include a shank portion configured and adapted to be installed into a hitch receiver. The hitch may further include a drop bar extending downwardly from the shank portion. The drop bar may further include a plurality of pin receiving holes formed in the drop bar. The hitch may further include a ball support member having a locking pin disposed in a locking-pin bore and an actuator pin disposed in an actuator bore. The hitch may further include a locking ring disposed in an annular groove of a cylindrical sidewall of the actuator bore. The locking ring may prevent backout of the actuator pin. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160082795 | FASTENING DEVICE FOR FASTENING TRAILER CONNECTORS - A fastening device for fastening trailer connectors includes a hitch penetrating through the trailer connectors. The hitch has a first locating member detachably connected to the hitch for preventing the hitch from coming off the trailer connectors and a second locating member having a first combining portion and a second combining portion. The first combining portion is movably connected to the first locating member, so as to allow the second locating member to shift between a locked position and an unlocked position. At the locked position, the second locating member has the second combining portion fixed to the hitch by a fixing member so as to hold the first locating member in engagement with the hitch. At the unlocked position, the second locating member has the second combining portion removed from the hitch so as to allow the first locating member to be detached from the hitch. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160114639 | RECEIVER PIN LOCKING DEVICE - A receiver pin lock for insertion into first and second sized opposed engaging apertures of first and second hitch receivers is shown and described. The receiver pin lock may include a stem, a first stepped portion extend from the stem, and a lock member selectively engageable with the stem, the lock member preventing removal of stem from either of the first and second hitch receivers. The receiver pin lock may also include a second stepped portion positioned on the lock member and extending from the stem, where the stem is configured to operatively engage the first sized engaging apertures of the first hitch receiver and the first and second stepped portions are configured to operatively engage the second sized engaging apertures of the second hitch receiver. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160121672 | TRAILER COUPLER LOCK - Disclosed is a lock apparatus for a trailer coupler. The lock apparatus includes a base that has a socket engagement feature that is receivable within a trailer coupler socket. The base of the lock apparatus further includes a locking assembly that has a locking mechanism, a user interface operable to actuate the locking mechanism, and a first and a second rotatable member coupled to the locking mechanism. A rotational axis extends through the first and second rotatable members. The lock apparatus further includes a pivoting shackle that has a middle section disposed between a first end section and a second end section, with the first end section being coupled to the first rotatable member and the second end section being coupled to the second rotatable member. The pivoting shackle is pivotable about the rotational axis between at least a locked position and an unlocked position. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160137013 | Safety guard - A safety guard for a tow bar has a first arm engageable with the tow bar and a second arm engageable with the tow bar. Each arm is independently pivotable with respect to the tow bar so that the safety guard can be angle adjusted to accommodate tow bars which extend to different lengths from the vehicle. Each arm is further formed so that when in use the safety guard present a shield around the tow bar to prevent people walking into the tow bar. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160144677 | SAFETY CHAIN ENGAGING DEVICE FOR GOOSENECK HITCH - A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160144679 | LOCKING HITCH RING - A locking hitch ring apparatus includes a hitch ring member adapted at a rear end thereof for attachment to a towed vehicle. A drawpin hole defined by the hitch ring member is oriented such that an axis of the drawpin hole is oriented vertically when the hitch ring member is attached to the towed vehicle. A lock plate is movably attached to the hitch ring member such that the lock plate is movable from a closed position, where the lock plate blocks the drawpin hole, to an open position, where the drawpin hole is open, and a lock mechanism is operative to lock the lock plate in the closed position. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160144909 | Cart With Folding Support - A cart may comprise a body, an axle having an axis of rotation, at least one wheel, a forward support, and a rear support. The forward support may include a forward support hinged end, and a forward support free end, the forward support hingedly connected to the body at the forward support hinged end to pivot about a forward support axis. The rear support may include a rear support hinged end, and a rear support free end, the rear support hingedly connected to the body at the rear support hinged end to pivot about a rear support axis. The forward support free end may be configured to selectively connect to the rear support at the rear support free end by the axle to rotatably support the wheel, and the axis of rotation of the axle may be parallel to each of the forward support axis and the rear support axis. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20190143770 | HITCH PIN LOCK SYSTEMS | 05-16-2019 |
