AU2020267221A1 - Trailer Coupler Locking Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A trailer coupler locking apparatus for use with a trailer coupler to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer. The trailer coupler locking apparatus including a housing adapted to receive a coupling assembly of a trailer, the housing comprising a locking arrangement to prevent actuation of the coupling assembly of the trailer. 1/8 Existing handel point 10 13 110 Provision to lock chains 0 130 upalsorestrict - -- leverage to the pin 121 Locking 13a P'n lock 120 0 122 1tt v123bCoupler lock housing In-Penhrue Location of the hole to Existing coupler shift be drilled in the coupler opehcasing E-xisting Pin 20 Pstv nugn coupler split pin ui 2202 230E Croe to that allides Lck that prevents the pin been enguaged thus the handel been lifted and the release of the25 coupler head 22125 custom split p Ito xigoupler 22 FIGURE 2

Description

1/8

Existing handel point 10 13 110 Provision to lock chains 0 130 upalsorestrict - -- leverage to the pin

121 Locking 13a P'n

lock

120

122

lock housing

1tt v123bCoupler

Location of the hole to In-Penhrue Existing coupler shift be drilled in the coupler

opehcasing E-xisting Pin 0

Pstv nugn

coupler split pin ui

230E Croe to that allides

Lck that prevents the pin been 2202 enguaged thus the handel been lifted and the release of the25 coupler head 22125 custom split p Ito xigoupler

22

FIGURE 2

TRAILER COUPLER LOCKING APPARATUS FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a trailer coupler locking apparatus and

a locking trailer coupler. The trailer coupler locking apparatus is for use with a

trailer coupler to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer

coupler locking apparatus being adapted to lock a coupling assembly of a

trailer. The locking trailer coupler is for use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised

use and/or theft of a trailer, the locking trailer coupler can be attached to any

trailer with standard bolt holes

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior are not

to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form,

part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Many vehicles are equipped with a trailer which are capable of being

connected to unattended trailers. As a result, trailers can often be stolen.

[0004] To prevent theft, trailer owners have utilised a number of devices, such

as padlocks and chains, to attach the trailer to a fixed object, such as a fence

or post. However, chains and padlocks can be easily severed with bolt cutters

or destroyed.

OBJECT

[0005] It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide a trailer coupler locking

apparatus which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages of problems described herein, or which at least provides a useful commercial alternative.

[0006] Other preferred objects of the present disclosure will become apparatus

from the following description.

SUMMARY

[0007] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form,

there is provided a trailer coupler locking apparatus to prevent unauthorised

use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer coupler locking apparatus being operable

to lock a coupling assembly of a trailer. Preferably, the trailer coupler locking

apparatus comprises a permanent or semi-permanent apparatus.

[0008] In another form, there is provided a trailer coupler locking apparatus for

use with a trailer coupler to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer,

the trailer coupler locking apparatus comprising:

a housing adapted to receive a coupling assembly of a trailer, the

housing comprising a locking arrangement to prevent actuation of the

coupling assembly of the trailer.

[0009] In another form, there is provided a trailer coupler locking apparatus for

use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer

coupler locking apparatus comprising:

a trailer having a coupling assembly; and

a housing connected to the coupling assembly of the trailer, the housing

comprising a locking arrangement to prevent actuation of the coupling

assembly of the trailer.

[0010] Preferably, the locking arrangement of the housing comprises a locking

pin adapted to be inserted within the housing and engage the coupling

assembly of the trailer and thereby prevent actuation of the coupling assembly.

Alternatively, the locking arrangement comprises a locking lug adapted to

engage the coupling assembly and thereby prevent actuation of the coupling

assembly.

[0011] Preferably, the locking arrangement further comprises a lock adapted to

engage the locking pin. Preferably, the lock is configured to lock upon insertion

of the locking pin and thereby retain the locking pin within the housing and

prevent removal of the locking pin without a key.

[0012] Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises a split pin lug adapted to

engage the locking pin.

[0013] In some embodiments, the locking pin engages a rotatable nut of the

coupling assembly and limits rotation of the nut of the coupling assembly. In

some alternative embodiments, the locking pin engages a coupler shaft of the

coupling assembly to limit rotation of the coupling shaft.

[0014] In one form, there is provided a trailer coupler locking apparatus

comprising a housing connected to a trailer coupler, and a locking arrangement

adapted to prevent coupling of the trailer coupler to a tow hitch.

[0015] Preferably, the trailer coupler comprises a 3600 trailer coupler or a ball

trailer coupler.

[0016] Preferably, the housing comprises a collar adapted to receive a shaft of

the coupler therethrough. Preferably, the collar surrounds the shaft located

between a handle of the coupler and a body of the coupler.

[0017] Preferably, the locking arrangement comprises a removable locking

body adapted to releasably engage the housing. Preferably, the removable

locking body is operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked

configuration. Preferably, in the locked configuration, a locking pin or locking

shaft is received through the housing and the shaft of the coupler and engages

a plunger located within the shaft of the coupler to prevent actuation of the

plunger by movement of the handle.

[0018] Preferably, the removable locking body comprises an alarm, wherein the

alarm is activated if the removable locking body is interfered or tampered with.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become

apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be

described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures,

wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section of a trailer coupler locking apparatus

according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for a 50mm ball trailer;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of a trailer coupler locking apparatus

according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure for a 50mm ball

trailer;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a cross-section of a trailer coupler locking apparatus

according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure for a 50mm ball

trailer;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of a trailer coupler locking apparatus

according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure for a 50mm ball

trailer;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a known type of 360 degree rotation trailer coupler;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates the known type of 360 degree rotation trailer coupler

having a trailer coupler locking apparatus according to another embodiment of

the present disclosure attached thereto;

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-section of the 360 degree rotation trailer

coupler locking apparatus of Figure 6;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a 360 degree rotation trailer coupler having a section

cut-out of the shaft of the coupler;

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a 360 degree rotation trailer coupler having a trailer

coupler locking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present

disclosure;

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a cross-section of the coupler shaft of the 360

degree rotation trailer coupler;

[0031] Figure 11 illustrates a cross-section of the trailer coupler locking

apparatus of Figure 9;

[0032] Figure 12 illustrates another cross-section of the trailer coupler locking

apparatus of Figure 9;

[0033] Figure 13 illustrates a trailer coupler locking apparatus according to an

embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 14 illustrates the trailer coupler locking apparatus of Figure 13

with the locking apparatus separated from the trailer coupler;

[0035] Figure 15 illustrates the locking mechanism of the trailer coupler locking

of Figure 13; and

[0036] Figure 16 illustrates a shield member attached to the collar of the trailer

coupler locking apparatus of Figure 13 in accordance with an embodiment of

the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present description relates to a trailer coupler locking apparatus for

use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer

coupler locking apparatus being adapted to lock a coupling assembly of a

trailer. The trailer coupler locking apparatus may be either a permanent

structure or a semi-permanent structure attached to a trailer coupler.

[0038] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a trailer coupler locking

apparatus 10 for use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a

trailer, the trailer coupler locking apparatus 100 being adapted to lock a

coupling assembly 12 of a trailer, the coupling assembly 12 having a handle 13

and a coupling pin 14.

[0039] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 10 includes a housing 110 that

attaches to the coupling assembly 12 of the trailer. The housing 110 may either

completely surround or partially surround the coupling assembly 12.

[0040] The housing 110 includes a locking arrangement in the form of a locking

pin 120 and lock 130 to prevent actuation of the coupling assembly of the trailer.

[0041] In use, the locking pin 120, having a substantially hook-shaped

configuration, is inserted through an opening in the housing 110 and engages

a shaft 13a of the handle 13 and the coupling pin 14 through an opening formed in the coupling assembly 12 which prevents the handle 13 from being lifted while the locking pin 120 is in place. In this particular embodiment, the locking pin 120 is inserted at an approximately 450 angle relative to the housing 110 and is inserted through two separate portions of the housing 110.

[0042] To ensure the locking pin 120 cannot be removed without proper

authorisation, the locking arrangement also includes a lock 130 which is

engaged (i.e. moved to a locked position) when the locking pin 120 is inserted

into the housing 110. The lock 130, which is operably connected to the locking

pin 120, cannot be disengaged without an appropriate key (not shown) thereby

ensuring that the locking pin 120 cannot be removed and the trailer 10 cannot

be attached to a vehicle and removed.

[0043] In the event that the locking pin 120 is forcefully removed without

disengaging the lock 130, the handle 121 of the locking pin 120 will break and

the shaft 122 of the locking pin 120 will remain engaged with the coupling

assembly 12.

[0044] Located at an end of the shaft 122 is a grub screw 123 which maintains

the locking pin 120 within the housing 110 to prevent the locking pin 120 from

being fully removed from the housing 110 and being lost, stolen or misplaced.

[0045] This particular embodiment may be cast in-place or attached as an

aftermarket assembly.

[0046] Turning to Figure 2, there is shown a trailer coupler locking apparatus

20 for use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the

trailer coupler locking apparatus 20 being adapted to lock a coupling assembly

22 of a trailer 21, the coupling assembly 22 having a handle 23 and a coupling

pin (not shown).

[0047] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 20 includes a housing 210 that

attaches to the coupling assembly 22 of the trailer. The housing 210 includes a

locking arrangement in the form of a locking pin 220 and lock 230 to prevent

actuation of the coupling assembly of the trailer.

[0048] In use, the locking pin 220, having a substantially L-shaped

configuration, is inserted through an opening in the housing 210 and engages

a latching mechanism 25 of the trailer which prevents the handle 23 from being

lifted while the locking pin 220 is in place. In this particular embodiment, a leg

221 of the locking pin 220 sits beneath the latching mechanism 25 and abuts a

latch 25a of the latching mechanism 25 to prevent unlatching.

[0049] To ensure the locking pin 220 cannot be removed without proper

authorisation, the locking arrangement also includes a lock 230 which abuts the

locking pin 220 when it is inserted into the housing 210 and is operably

connected to the locking pin 220. This prevents the locking pin 220 from being

removed from the latching mechanism 25. Furthermore, the lock 230 cannot be

disengaged without an appropriate key (not shown) thereby ensuring that the

locking pin 220 cannot be removed and the trailer cannot be attached to a

vehicle and removed from a site.

[0050] Turning to Figure 3, there is shown a trailer coupler locking apparatus

30 for use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the

trailer coupler locking apparatus 30 being adapted to lock a coupling assembly

32 of a trailer, the coupling assembly 32 having a handle 33 and a coupling pin

(not shown).

[0051] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 30 includes a housing 310 that

attaches to the coupling assembly 32 of the trailer. The housing 310 includes a locking arrangement in the form of a locking lug 320 and lock 330 to prevent actuation of the coupling assembly 32 of the trailer.

[0052] In use, the lock 330 actuates locking lug 320 to engage the coupling

assembly 32 and thereby prevent the handle 33 from being lifted.

[0053] Furthermore, the lock 330 cannot be disengaged without an appropriate

key (not shown) thereby ensuring that the locking lug 320 cannot be

disengaged from the coupling assembly 32 and the trailer cannot be attached

to a vehicle and removed from a site.

[0054] With reference to Figure 4, there is shown a trailer coupler locking

apparatus 40 for use with a trailer to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a

trailer. The trailer coupler locking apparatus 40 is adapted to lock a coupling

assembly 42 of a trailer, the coupling assembly 42 having a handle 43 and a

coupling pin 44.

[0055] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 40 includes a housing 410 that

attaches to the coupling assembly 42 of the trailer. The housing 410 includes a

locking arrangement in the form of two locking pins 420a, 420b and lock 430 to

prevent actuation of the coupling assembly 42 of the trailer.

[0056] In use, the locking pins 420a, 420b are inserted through an opening in

the housing 410 and engage a shaft 13a of the handle 13 and the coupling pin

14 through an opening formed in the coupling assembly 42 which prevents the

handle 43 from being lifted while the locking pins 420a, 420b are in place. In

this particular embodiment, the locking pins 420a, 420b are inserted at an

approximately 90° angle and an approximately 450 angle, respectively, relative

to the housing 410. In the present embodiment, the pin 420a engages the shaft

43a by way of a hole drilled into the shaft 43a. However, other means may be

used to allow the pin 420a to engage the shaft 43a.

[0057] To ensure the locking pins 420a, 420b cannot be removed without

proper authorisation, the locking arrangement also includes a lock 430 which is

engaged when the locking pins 420a, 420b are inserted into the housing 410.

[0058] The lock 430, of a known type such as a cylinder lock, cannot be

disengaged without an appropriate key (not shown) thereby ensuring that the

locking pins 420a, 420b cannot be removed and the trailer cannot be attached

to a vehicle and removed.

[0059] Turning now to Figure 5, there is shown a known trailer coupler 50 with

a 3600 rotatable shaft 51. The coupling portion of the trailer coupler 50 may

comprise a ball type coupler.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a trailer coupler locking apparatus 60 for use with a trailer

50 to prevent unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer. The trailer coupler

locking apparatus 60 is adapted to lock a coupling assembly 52 of the trailer

50, the coupling assembly 52 having a coupling nut 53 that the trailer coupler

locking apparatus 60 is connected to.

[0061] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 60 includes a housing 610 that

attaches to the coupling assembly 52 of the trailer 50. The housing 610 includes

a locking arrangement in the form of a locking pin 620 and lock 630 to restrict

rotation of the coupling nut 53 of the trailer 50.

[0062] In use, the locking pin 620 is inserted through openings in the housing

610 and engages the coupling nut 53 to limit rotation of the coupling nut 53. In

this particular embodiment, the locking pin 620 has a stepped portion 621

located on a leg 622 of the locking pin 620 which is complementary to the shape of the coupling nut 52. Thus, once the locking pin 620 engages the coupling nut

53, the coupling nut 53 is locked in an incorrect position to prevent coupling to

a vehicle. A second leg 625 of the locking pin 620 also resides within the

housing 610 as shown. This creates a space 640 between the locking pin 620

and the housing 610 for chains or other securing devices to be attached to the

apparatus 60.

[0063] The locking pin 620 also includes a locking notch 623 to prevent the

locking pin 620 from being removed from within the housing 610.

[0064] To ensure the locking pin 620 cannot be removed without proper

authorisation, the locking arrangement also includes a lock 630 which is

engaged when the locking pin 620 is inserted into the housing 610.

[0065] The lock 630, of a known type such as a cylinder lock, cannot be

disengaged without an appropriate key (not shown) thereby ensuring that the

locking pin 620 cannot be removed and the trailer cannot be attached to a

vehicle and removed. The lock 630 engages a notch 624 formed in the locking

pin 620 which also acts as a weak point such that the locking pin 620 will break

inside the housing 610 if any attempt is made to remove the locking pin 620 by

force.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 7a, the locking pin 620 is

complementary to and engages the shaft 51 of the coupler 50, which has a fillet

removed from the shaft 51 to allow the locking pin 610 to engage and prevent

rotation of the shaft 51.

[0067] Turning to Figure 8, there is a modified 360 rotation coupler 80 having

a rotatable coupling shaft 81 and a coupling nut 85. The rotatable coupling shaft

81 has a filleted portion 82 thereon. This can be more clearly seen in Figure 10.

[0068] With reference to Figure 9, there is shown a trailer coupler locking

apparatus 90 is adapted to minimise or prevent rotation of the rotatable coupling

assembly 81 of the trailer coupler 80

[0069] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 90 includes a housing 910 that

attaches about the rotatable coupling shaft 81 of the trailer coupler 80. The

housing 910 includes a locking arrangement in the form of a locking pin 920

and lock 930 to restrict rotation of the coupling shaft 85.

[0070] In use, the locking pin 920 is inserted through openings in the housing

910 and engages the coupling shaft 81 at the filleted portion 82 to limit rotation

of the coupling shaft 81.

[0071] In this particular embodiment, the leg 922 of the locking pin 920 sits

against the filleted portion 82 which prevents the shaft 81 from rotating while

the locking pin 920 is in place. Thus, once the locking pin 920 engages the

coupling shaft 81, the coupling shaft 81 is locked. A second leg 925 of the

locking pin 920 also resides within the housing 910 as shown. This creates a

space 940 between the locking pin 920 and the housing 910 for chains or other

securing devices to be attached to the apparatus 90.

[0072] The locking pin 920 also includes a locking notch 923 to prevent the

locking pin 920 from being removed from within the housing 910.

[0073] To ensure the locking pin 920 cannot be removed without proper

authorisation, the locking arrangement also includes a lock 930 which is

engaged when the locking pin 920 is inserted into the housing 910.

[0074] The lock 930, of a known type such as a cylinder lock, cannot be

disengaged without an appropriate key (not shown) thereby ensuring that the

locking pin 920 cannot be removed and the trailer cannot be attached to a vehicle and removed or stolen. The lock 930, when actuated to a locked position, engages a notch 924 formed in the locking pin 920 which also acts as a weak point such that the locking pin 920 will break inside the housing 910 if any attempt is made to remove the locking pin 920 by force.

[0075] Turning to Figure 12, the trailer coupler locking apparatus 90 also

includes two bolts 950, 951 extending through the housing 910.

[0076] Bolt 950 is located adjacent lock 930 and, when lock 930 is in a locked

configuration, the bolt 950 cannot be removed from the housing 910.

[0077] Advantageously, this embodiment locks the coupling assembly so that it

may only rotate to a limited degree (between approximately 30°-70°). This

makes the coupling assembly incredibly difficult to couple to a vehicle as the

standard pivot joints on the X- and Y-axes are no longer horizontal and vertical.

Furthermore, even if a coupler is connected while locked, the trailer will only be

able to be driven on flat ground in a straight line as any turning will result in

vertical forces being applied to the hitch or trailer and any changes in vertical

travel (i.e. up a hill or ramp) will result in horizontal forces being applied, which

the coupling assembly is not designed to withstand and will ultimately result in

failure of the coupler.

[0078] In Figures 13-16, there is shown another exemplary embodiment of the

trailer coupler locking apparatus 1300.

[0079] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 1300 includes a housing in the form

of a collar 1310 which surrounds the coupler shaft 1001 of the trailer coupler

1000 below the handle 1002 which connects to the coupler pin (not shown).

[0080] While not shown, the collar 1310 is configured to pass over the locking

tab of the coupler 1000.

[0081] The collar 1310 can be retrofitted to the coupler 1000 and thus added to

and removed from the coupler 1000 as required.

[0082] The trailer coupler locking apparatus 1300 also includes a locking

arrangement that is removably attached to the collar 1310. The locking

arrangement takes the form of a key-actuated lock mechanism 1320. The body

1321 of the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 is shaped to complementarily

engage a projecting tab 1311 of the collar 1310. In the illustrated embodiment,

the body 1321 of the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 is substantially hook

shaped.

[0083] The key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 includes a lock 1323 which

actuates a locking pin (not shown) that extends or retracts into the body 1321

of the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 by way of a key 1322 which controls

the lock 1323. When in a locked configuration, the locking pin extends from the

key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 through an aperture 1312 formed in the

collar 1310.

[0084] In some embodiments, when in the locked configuration, the projecting

tab 1311 of the collar 1300 provides additional security to the apparatus 1300

as a secondary locking pin (not shown) may extend from the key-actuated lock

mechanism 1320 through a second aperture 1313 formed in the projecting

member 1311. This further reduces the likelihood that the lock mechanism 1300

can be broken off from the coupler 1000 and collar 1310.

[0085] The coupler shaft 1001 also includes an aperture 1002 aligned with the

aperture 1312 formed in the collar 1310 to allow the locking pin to be received

therein and to allow the locking pin to engage the plunger (not shown) located within the coupler shaft 1001 and thus limit the movement of the plunger to prevent coupling and de-coupling.

[0086] Once the locking pin is extended, the key-actuated lock mechanism

1320, collar 1310 and trailer coupler 1000 are secured together and the trailer

coupler 100 cannot be used without removing the key-actuated lock mechanism

1320 by unlocking the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 using the key 1322

to retract the locking pin.

[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, a shield member 1600 is

provided which is attached to the collar 1310. The shield member 1600 is

reciprocally shaped to receive and cover a portion of the key-actuated lock

mechanism 1320 to prevent the likelihood of the key-actuated lock mechanism

1320 being separated from the collar 1310 by excessive force.

[0088] As can be seen in Figure 13, the collar 1310 may be fastened, by a screw

1400 or another suitable fastener, to the shaft 1001 of the coupler 1000. The

screw 1400 is received through aligned apertures (not shown) formed in the

collar 1310 and the shaft 1001 of the coupler 1000.

[0089] In some embodiments, the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 is

alarmed. In use, if the key-actuated lock mechanism 1320 is interfered with,

tampered with or there is an attempt to forcibly remove the key-actuated lock

mechanism 1320 from the collar 1310 and coupler shaft 1001 while the key

actuated lock mechanism 1320 is in the locked configuration then a loud alarm

will sound to alert the owner or others nearby, much like a car alarm.

[0090] This particular embodiment may be cast in-place or attached as an

aftermarket assembly.

[0091] The apparatus disclosed herein provide permanent fixtures that is a

permanent component or becomes a permanent component of the trailer in

which it cannot be lost resulting in fewer expenses in buying multiple locks over

the life of the trailer.

[0092] In embodiments where aftermarket locking systems are in place for a

360 Degree shaft rotation coupler, the embodiments obstruct the operation of

the head of the coupler by shielding it or locking the shaft in an inoperable

position. Moreover, the shaft is locked in a position that renders the head unable

to be engaged and operated as the apparatus locks the X & Y coupler pivot

axis at a location such that the trailer cannot be towed.

[0093] In embodiments where aftermarket locking systems are in place for a

fixed 50mm ball coupler, there is provided an apparatus configured to limit or

prevent movement of the head of the coupler by shielding it or placing

something inside a housing (e.g. a locking pin) that needs to be removed to

utilise the trailer. The disclosed embodiments provide a permanent lock to the

handle to prevent the locking pin being disengaged which will prevent actuation

of the coupler.

[0094] Advantageously, the locking mechanism described herein must be

unlocked once a locking pin is in place to allow the trailer to be used. This

presents an "always on" type of lock system which minimises the chances that

an owner will forget to the lock the trailer each and every time.

[0095] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right,

top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or

action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying

any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step, etc.

[0096] The above detailed description of various embodiments of the present

invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the

related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single

disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and

variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of

the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have

been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively

easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended

to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present

invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall

within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0097] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes',

'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion,

such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does

not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not

listed.

[0098] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context

requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not

be limited to the specific value or range qualified by the terms.

Claims (16)

1. A trailer coupler locking apparatus for use with a trailer coupler to prevent

unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer coupler locking

apparatus comprising:

a housing adapted to receive a coupling assembly of a trailer, the

housing comprising a locking arrangement to prevent actuation of the

coupling assembly of the trailer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a collar adapted

to receive a shaft of the coupling assembly therethrough.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the collar surrounds the shaft located

between a handle of the coupling assembly and a body of the coupling

assembly.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the locking arrangement

comprises a removable locking body adapted to releasably engage the

housing.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the removable locking body is operable

between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein in the locked configuration, a locking pin

or locking shaft is received through the housing and the shaft of the coupling

assembly and engages a plunger located within the shaft of the coupler to

prevent actuation of the plunger by movement of the handle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the removable locking body comprises

an alarm, wherein the alarm is activated if the removable locking body is

interfered with.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the alarm is configured to emit an audible

alarm when activated.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement of the housing

comprises a locking pin adapted to be inserted within the housing and

engage the coupling assembly of the trailer and thereby prevent actuation

of the coupling assembly.

1O.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a

locking lug adapted to engage the coupling assembly and thereby prevent

actuation of the coupling assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking arrangement further

comprises a lock adapted to engage the locking pin with the coupling

assembly.

12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lock is configured to lock upon

insertion of the locking pin and thereby retain the locking pin within the

housing and prevent removal of the locking pin without a key.

13.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a split

pin lug adapted to engage the locking pin.

14.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking pin engages a rotatable nut

of the coupling assembly and limits rotation of the nut of the coupling

assembly.

15.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the locking pin engages a coupler shaft

of the coupling assembly to limit rotation or vertical movement of the

coupling shaft.

16.A trailer coupler locking apparatus for use with a trailer to prevent

unauthorised use and/or theft of a trailer, the trailer coupler locking

apparatus comprising:

a trailer having a coupling assembly; and

a housing connected to the coupling assembly of the trailer, the housing

comprising a locking arrangement to prevent actuation of the coupling

assembly of the trailer.