EP2758297A1 - A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers - Google Patents

A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers

Info

Publication number
EP2758297A1
EP2758297A1 EP12778219.1A EP12778219A EP2758297A1 EP 2758297 A1 EP2758297 A1 EP 2758297A1 EP 12778219 A EP12778219 A EP 12778219A EP 2758297 A1 EP2758297 A1 EP 2758297A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
trailer
lock
trailer lock
electronic control
control device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12778219.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Keld Nielsen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2758297A1 publication Critical patent/EP2758297A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D53/00—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains
    • B62D53/04—Tractor-trailer combinations; Road trains comprising a vehicle carrying an essential part of the other vehicle's load by having supporting means for the front or rear part of the other vehicle
    • B62D53/08—Fifth wheel traction couplings
    • B62D53/0842—King pins
    • B62D53/085—King pins fitted with anti-coupling devices, pivotal or retractable king pins, e.g. to prevent theft

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for protecting a trailer from theft by using such trailer lock.
  • freight trailers have become a more and more lucrative object for theft.
  • the reason is that so far it has been relatively easy and a low risk mission to steel a parked trailer which may contain valuable goods such as electronics or expensive furniture or food which is easy to sell on the market with a very low risk of disclosure.
  • a freight trailer containing spirits may represent a value between 200.000 to 400.000 Euros
  • a trailer containing mobile phones may represent values between 800.000 and 10.000.000 Euros.
  • steeling freight trailers has become a crime with low risk and relatively high profit. Consequently, theft of freight trailers is an increasing problem.
  • this problem relates to the freight trailers known as semi-trailers, i.e.
  • the conventional tractor- trailer hitch or coupling structure has been standardized so that practically any tractor or truck can be coupled to any trailer.
  • the conventional coupling structure includes a fifth wheel attached to the tractor and a downwardly extending king pin carried on the underside of the trailer, adjacent the front of the trailer.
  • the fifth wheel is provided with a skid plate having an opening in which the king pin of the trailer is carried.
  • the king pin has an annular groove which is engaged by movable jaws of the fifth wheel. The jaws on the fifth wheel engage the annular groove on the king pin of the trailer to pivotally secure the trailer to the tractor. When the king pin is locked into engagement with the fifth wheel, the trailer can be hauled by the tractor.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide at trailer lock that can be locked to a king pin and is safe and reliable in use.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a trailer from theft, which method includes use of a trailer lock that can be remote operated, whereby a high level of safety can be achieved.
  • the present invention relates to a trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor, said trailer lock comprises a locking device for locking and unlocking the trailer lock to the coupling member, an electronic control device for remotely controlling the locking device, a first connector for electric power supply, and a second connector for a pneumatic supply.
  • the locking device is the part in the trailer lock that ensures that the trailer lock can be locked to the coupling member of a trailer, which is a standardised so-called king pin.
  • the trailer lock locks around the king pin by a protrusion that enters the annular groove in the king pin and thereby locks the trailer lock to the king pin, thereby blocking the king pin from entering a tractor coupling device, called the fifth wheel coupling.
  • the locking device is controlled by an electronic device that can lock and unlock the trailer lock automatically without requiring any manual contribution.
  • the electronic locking device may comprise a microprocessor and a sender/ receiver for remote control.
  • the locking device is operated by pressured air as well as electric power.
  • the trailer lock can be so heavily constructed that the locking device may require the help of compressed air to unlock the trailer lock.
  • the locking device may be constructed so it requires both electricity and pressured air to function or constructed so it requires electricity or pressured air.
  • a very solid trailer lock can be constructed which is very resistant to unauthorised attempts to destroy it when locked onto the trailer.
  • the trailer lock comprises inlets for pressured air and electricity, which may be provided from the tractor via standard connections.
  • the trailer lock comprises a house with a cavity for receiving the trailer king pin.
  • the trailer lock may be constructed as a sleeve that can surround the king pin and encapsulate the king pin in such a way that it cannot be connected to a tractor fifth wheel coupling.
  • the trailer lock is preferably made from steel or similar strong and resistant material with material thickness so the trailer lock easily can resist strokes from a hammer, sledge, drilling machine, angle grinder or other tools thieves may use when trying to break up a trailer lock.
  • the locking device comprises at least one click for engagement with an annular groove in the trailer king pin.
  • One or more click shaped as a protrusion that can engage with the annular groove of the king pin may facilitate the mounting of the trailer lock on the king pin and also improve the trailer lock's grip on the king pin.
  • the electronic control device is adapted for remote control and the electronic control device comprises a signal sender/receiver.
  • the signal may be any kind of signal such as an IR signal or a radio signal it is preferred that the signal is a radio signal in particular a digitalized radio signal such a GSM signal and in a preferred embodiment the electronic control device comprises a GSM unit.
  • the trailer lock can be operated by a standard cell phone using the GSM system.
  • the GSM unit is capable of sending and receiving data in the form of text messages also so-called SMS (Short Message System) allowing the trailer lock to be operated by use of SMS.
  • SMS Short Message System
  • the trailer lock can be adapted to use other digitalized radio systems such as e.g. cdmaOne.
  • the present invention also comprises a method of protecting a trailer from theft by providing a coupling member of the trailer with a trailer lock, said method comprising the steps of mounting the trailer lock locked to the trailer; assigning an identification code to a trailer lock having an electronic control device and assigning a person on his communication device; recording the assignments in a
  • the electronic control device controls the unlocking of the trailer lock.
  • the control device preferably comprises a signal receiver/sender, which may be a GSM unit that can send and receive SMS.
  • a signal may be an SMS that instructs the electronic control device to unlock the trailer lock.
  • the trailer lock may also comprise an embodiment where the electronic control device sends a signal, e.g. a SMS to the communication portal in case of somebody tries to unlock the trailer lock without authorization, e.g. in a case were thieves try to break up the trailer lock.
  • a signal e.g. a SMS
  • the electronic control device may issue an alarm.
  • An alarm device may be built into the trailer lock in combination with a power supply, e.g. a battery.
  • the trailer lock comprises a locking device to lock and unlock the trailer lock which requires that pressured air and/or electricity are connected with the trailer lock to at least unlock the trailer lock.
  • the locking may appear automatically when the trailer lock is mounted on the king pin.
  • a locking device that requires pressured air and/or electricity is very difficult to break up without special tool.
  • the communication portal comprises a central server, which may comprise information about several trailer locks according to the invention.
  • the server is capable of communicating with each trailer lock, e.g. via the GSM system by sending SMS. Consequently, in an embodiment the storage device and the electronic control device comprise a GSM module. An SMS may then be send from the central server to a specific trailer lock instructing the electronic control device in the trailer lock to allow unlocking of the trailer lock.
  • the method also comprises an embodiment where a person or device that wants to unlock a trailer lock first has to verify his or its identity to the communication portal or central server and before he receives a code from the storage device that allows the trailer lock to unlock.
  • the central server may store information about several persons who are authorized to unlock trailer locks according to the invention. Such person may e.g. be a truck driver.
  • a device unlocking the trailer lock may be a cell phone or optional a central server.
  • an authorized person connect pressured air and electricity to the trailer lock.
  • An authorized person or device who wants to unlock a specific trailer lock returns to communication server, the SMS that was received upon initial creation of a transport order in portal.
  • Identity of the specific trailer which is requested to be unlocked may by this be collected from a pre-conducted verification process.
  • the central server When the central server has verified the person's or devices identity, the central server will send a data code such as a data text message (or SMS) to the trailer lock. In the latter case the person may subsequently return the initial SMS to the central server.
  • the trailer lock will be brought to unlock mode and removed so the king pin of the trailer can be connected with the tractor fifth wheel coupling.
  • the trailer lock can be reused when the trailer is parked.
  • the trailer lock can be reused on other trailers.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic trailer lock according to an embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 depicts schematically steps in the method according to the invention
  • Fig. 3 shows the principle of a trailer lock according to the invention attached to a trailer
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the communication flow in a system according to the invention.
  • a trailer lock 1 for use according to the invention is schematically shown.
  • the house of the trailer lock 1 is preferably made from a hard steel material with a wall thickness that makes it very difficult to open even when using tools such as sledges, cutting tools, e.g. angle grinders or the like.
  • the trailer lock 1 has connection 2for electric power supply and a connection 3 for pressured air.
  • the connection 2 delivers electric power to the electronic control device 4 mounted inside the trailer lock 1.
  • the electronic control device 4 controls the pneumatic valve 5 and the locking pins 6 which are also mounted in the trailer lock 1.
  • the pneumatic valve 5 receives pressured air from the connection 3 and operates the locking pins 6 which are adapted to engage with a groove (not shown) in a king pin 8.
  • the pneumatic valve locks and unlocks the locking pins 6 when they are engaged with a king pin 8.
  • the trailer lock 1 also comprises a cavity 7 to receive a king pin 8 and keep it in a locked position. In figure 1 only the top of the king pin 8 is visible.
  • the electronic control device 4 comprises a modem and an antenna to
  • a cell phone communicates with e.g. a cell phone or a wireless internet connection.
  • the trailer lock 1 is mounted on the king pin of a trailer 100.
  • a connection socket 101 is detachably arranged on the trailer accommodating the electric and pneumatic connectors 2, 3 which are preferably flexible wires or hoses extending from the trailer lock 1.
  • This socket may be magnetically attached to the frame of the trailer 100 to facilitate the connection with the pressurized air supply 112 and the electrical power 113 from the truck 110.
  • figure 2 schematically illustrates an
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an example of how a driver can request unlocking of the trailer lock mounted on the king pin of a trailer.
  • step 1 the driver connects the pressured air and electricity from the tractor to the trailer lock.
  • the truck driver sends a SMS from his cell phone to the central server requesting that the trailer lock on the trailer he is about to haul is unlocked.
  • the central server checks the number from the drivers cell phone and if the number is stored in the server, which indicates that the driver is authorised to request unlocking of the trailer lock, the central server in step 2 sends a SMS to the trailer lock that allows the trailer lock to unlock.
  • the central server sends a SMS to the drivers cell phone with a control code and information about the period during which the trailer lock can be unlocked and practical information to the driver of how to handle the unlocking and removal of the trailer lock from the king pin.
  • step 3 the driver may remove the trailer lock from the king pin and couple the trailer to the tractor fifth wheel coupling.
  • the trailer lock can be placed in a box mounted on the trailer. Consequently, the trailer lock and the method according to the invention provide an efficient and reliable procedure for protecting a trailer from theft, using e.g. the GSM network to authorise unlocking of the trailer lock and allow the trailer to be coupled to a tractor.
  • the Starting point of communication flow is when trailer owner A wants to assign a truck driver PI or P2 to a specific lock la for a specific time of duration.
  • trailer owner A wants to assign a truck driver PI or P2 to a specific lock la for a specific time of duration.
  • the trailer owner A or the haulier C maintain in a portal master E data about which truck driver(s) PI, P2 he want to use for a specific trailer 100.
  • the trailer owner A or Haulier C create transport order assigning lock ID and truck driver ID and a period of validity.
  • a text message (sms greetings) arrives at truck driver's phone or
  • the truck driver PI or P2 then connects power and pneumatic sources 112, 113 (see fig. 3) to king pin trailer lock unit 1, after arriving to the place for pick-up of the trailer. 15 : The truck driver is then forwarding the previously received text message to a central communication portal B.
  • the server B validates the incoming text message. 17 : If validated, the central communication portal B sends a data signal to open the lock 1.
  • the truck driver PI, P2 removes the unlocked kingpin trailer lock 1 and disconnect power supply 112 and pneumatic supply 113 again.
  • the portal master E is updated with communication traffic including data confirming the lock la is now open.
  • the data communication may be performed on a suitable network D, such as the GSM or similar mobile phone network.
  • the king pin lock unit 1 may preferably be "clicked" on kingpin without power supply in a simple action e.g. by the truck driver.
  • the power supply wire 2 and pneumatic hose 3 may preferably be placed at front of trailer 100 via a magnetic unit as shown in fig. 3.
  • the system may e.g. be adapted to apply other communication systems than the GSM and SMS.
  • the trailer lock may be equipped with a GPS unit and/or a device that issues an alarm signal in case of theft.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention concerns to a trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for protecting a trailer from theft by using such trailer lock. The trailer lock may be remote controlled.

Description

A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers
The present invention relates to a trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for protecting a trailer from theft by using such trailer lock.
In the resent years freight trailers have become a more and more lucrative object for theft. The reason is that so far it has been relatively easy and a low risk mission to steel a parked trailer which may contain valuable goods such as electronics or expensive furniture or food which is easy to sell on the market with a very low risk of disclosure. For example a freight trailer containing spirits may represent a value between 200.000 to 400.000 Euros, while a trailer containing mobile phones may represent values between 800.000 and 10.000.000 Euros. Thus, steeling freight trailers has become a crime with low risk and relatively high profit. Consequently, theft of freight trailers is an increasing problem. In particular this problem relates to the freight trailers known as semi-trailers, i.e. trailers without a front axle as these semi-trailers are used so widely that they are commonly referred to as just trailers. Normally such a trailer is transported by a truck or tractor (which is a heavy duty engine with several axles) with a tractor-trailer hitch. The conventional tractor- trailer hitch or coupling structure has been standardized so that practically any tractor or truck can be coupled to any trailer. The conventional coupling structure includes a fifth wheel attached to the tractor and a downwardly extending king pin carried on the underside of the trailer, adjacent the front of the trailer. The fifth wheel is provided with a skid plate having an opening in which the king pin of the trailer is carried. The king pin has an annular groove which is engaged by movable jaws of the fifth wheel. The jaws on the fifth wheel engage the annular groove on the king pin of the trailer to pivotally secure the trailer to the tractor. When the king pin is locked into engagement with the fifth wheel, the trailer can be hauled by the tractor.
Often, when the destination of the trailer is reached, the trailer is uncoupled from the tractor and parked to await unloading of its contents, reloading, storage or the like. There are thus many occasions when the trailers are left unattended. It is, thus, relatively simple for thieves to merely couple their own tractor to any unattended trailer and haul the trailer and its contents away, and today such hijacking of trailers occurs frequently. In 2009 approximately 40.000 incidents of trailer thefts appeared in United Kingdom alone. For the same year the numbers of trailer thefts in France and Germany were approximately 17.930 and 13.800, respectively.
Several solutions to prevent trailer thefts have been presented. Among those solutions are various locking means, for example, WO 01/28846A1, US 2,554,306; US 2,641,124; US 3,269,159 and US 4,704,883. The prior king pin locks, including those disclosed above have several
disadvantages. Particularly, prior lock collar designs are generally not strong enough to resist a heavy blow from a sledge, for example, without being broken and thus, rendered useless. Other designs have required costly parts or are expensive to manufacture. Still other collar designs are difficult to install and remove by the user. Manually logistic processes for storing and collecting a key for locking and unlocking king pin locking device is a major disadvantage in respect of the existing king pin locks.
More sophisticated devices to prevent trailer theft have been developed, e.g.
devices based on GPS signal. However, these devices may not really be able to prevent theft, but only allow the owner to find the trailer after a theft has appeared and at the time of finding the trailer it may be emptied for goods.
Consequently, there is still a need for an improved device and method for preventing trailer thefts.
An object of the present invention is to provide at trailer lock that can be locked to a king pin and is safe and reliable in use. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for protecting a trailer from theft, which method includes use of a trailer lock that can be remote operated, whereby a high level of safety can be achieved.
In first aspect the present invention relates to a trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor, said trailer lock comprises a locking device for locking and unlocking the trailer lock to the coupling member, an electronic control device for remotely controlling the locking device, a first connector for electric power supply, and a second connector for a pneumatic supply.
The locking device is the part in the trailer lock that ensures that the trailer lock can be locked to the coupling member of a trailer, which is a standardised so-called king pin. The trailer lock locks around the king pin by a protrusion that enters the annular groove in the king pin and thereby locks the trailer lock to the king pin, thereby blocking the king pin from entering a tractor coupling device, called the fifth wheel coupling. The locking device is controlled by an electronic device that can lock and unlock the trailer lock automatically without requiring any manual contribution. The electronic locking device may comprise a microprocessor and a sender/ receiver for remote control.
According to the invention the locking device is operated by pressured air as well as electric power. This means that the trailer lock can be so heavily constructed that the locking device may require the help of compressed air to unlock the trailer lock. The locking device may be constructed so it requires both electricity and pressured air to function or constructed so it requires electricity or pressured air. Thus, a very solid trailer lock can be constructed which is very resistant to unauthorised attempts to destroy it when locked onto the trailer.
Naturally, the trailer lock comprises inlets for pressured air and electricity, which may be provided from the tractor via standard connections. In a preferred embodiment of the trailer lock according to the invention the trailer lock comprises a house with a cavity for receiving the trailer king pin. Thus, the trailer lock may be constructed as a sleeve that can surround the king pin and encapsulate the king pin in such a way that it cannot be connected to a tractor fifth wheel coupling.
The trailer lock is preferably made from steel or similar strong and resistant material with material thickness so the trailer lock easily can resist strokes from a hammer, sledge, drilling machine, angle grinder or other tools thieves may use when trying to break up a trailer lock.
For the purpose of improving the function and of the trailer lock the locking device comprises at least one click for engagement with an annular groove in the trailer king pin. One or more click shaped as a protrusion that can engage with the annular groove of the king pin may facilitate the mounting of the trailer lock on the king pin and also improve the trailer lock's grip on the king pin. Moreover, in a preferred embodiment the electronic control device is adapted for remote control and the electronic control device comprises a signal sender/receiver. Thus, it is possible to operate the trailer lock from a distance by sending a signal to the electronic control device, e.g. to unlock the trailer lock from a king pin. Although the signal may be any kind of signal such as an IR signal or a radio signal it is preferred that the signal is a radio signal in particular a digitalized radio signal such a GSM signal and in a preferred embodiment the electronic control device comprises a GSM unit. Thus, the trailer lock can be operated by a standard cell phone using the GSM system.
Other devices or units that use the GSM system, such as stationary servers, may also be used according to the invention, and optionally in combination with cell phones. Moreover, the GSM unit is capable of sending and receiving data in the form of text messages also so-called SMS (Short Message System) allowing the trailer lock to be operated by use of SMS. Naturally, the trailer lock can be adapted to use other digitalized radio systems such as e.g. cdmaOne. The present invention also comprises a method of protecting a trailer from theft by providing a coupling member of the trailer with a trailer lock, said method comprising the steps of mounting the trailer lock locked to the trailer; assigning an identification code to a trailer lock having an electronic control device and assigning a person on his communication device; recording the assignments in a
communication portal; and communicating an authorization to unlock the trailer lock.
Moreover, the electronic control device controls the unlocking of the trailer lock. The control device preferably comprises a signal receiver/sender, which may be a GSM unit that can send and receive SMS. Thus, in an embodiment the trailer lock can only be unlocked after a signal is send from the communication portal server to the electronic control device in the trailer lock. The signal may be an SMS that instructs the electronic control device to unlock the trailer lock.
The trailer lock may also comprise an embodiment where the electronic control device sends a signal, e.g. a SMS to the communication portal in case of somebody tries to unlock the trailer lock without authorization, e.g. in a case were thieves try to break up the trailer lock. Thus, in such cases the electronic control device may issue an alarm. An alarm device may be built into the trailer lock in combination with a power supply, e.g. a battery.
Preferably, the trailer lock comprises a locking device to lock and unlock the trailer lock which requires that pressured air and/or electricity are connected with the trailer lock to at least unlock the trailer lock. The locking may appear automatically when the trailer lock is mounted on the king pin. A locking device that requires pressured air and/or electricity is very difficult to break up without special tool.
In a preferred embodiment of the method the communication portal comprises a central server, which may comprise information about several trailer locks according to the invention. The server is capable of communicating with each trailer lock, e.g. via the GSM system by sending SMS. Consequently, in an embodiment the storage device and the electronic control device comprise a GSM module. An SMS may then be send from the central server to a specific trailer lock instructing the electronic control device in the trailer lock to allow unlocking of the trailer lock. The method also comprises an embodiment where a person or device that wants to unlock a trailer lock first has to verify his or its identity to the communication portal or central server and before he receives a code from the storage device that allows the trailer lock to unlock. The central server may store information about several persons who are authorized to unlock trailer locks according to the invention. Such person may e.g. be a truck driver. A device unlocking the trailer lock may be a cell phone or optional a central server.
According to the method an authorized person connect pressured air and electricity to the trailer lock.
An authorized person or device who wants to unlock a specific trailer lock returns to communication server, the SMS that was received upon initial creation of a transport order in portal. Identity of the specific trailer which is requested to be unlocked may by this be collected from a pre-conducted verification process. When the central server has verified the person's or devices identity, the central server will send a data code such as a data text message (or SMS) to the trailer lock. In the latter case the person may subsequently return the initial SMS to the central server. Hereafter the trailer lock will be brought to unlock mode and removed so the king pin of the trailer can be connected with the tractor fifth wheel coupling. Naturally, the trailer lock can be reused when the trailer is parked. Moreover, the trailer lock can be reused on other trailers.
The invention will now be described in further details with reference to drawings in which :
Fig. 1 shows a schematic trailer lock according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 depicts schematically steps in the method according to the invention;
Fig. 3 shows the principle of a trailer lock according to the invention attached to a trailer; and
Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of the communication flow in a system according to the invention.
In figure 1 a trailer lock 1 for use according to the invention is schematically shown. The house of the trailer lock 1 is preferably made from a hard steel material with a wall thickness that makes it very difficult to open even when using tools such as sledges, cutting tools, e.g. angle grinders or the like.
The trailer lock 1 has connection 2for electric power supply and a connection 3 for pressured air. The connection 2 delivers electric power to the electronic control device 4 mounted inside the trailer lock 1. The electronic control device 4 controls the pneumatic valve 5 and the locking pins 6 which are also mounted in the trailer lock 1.
The pneumatic valve 5 receives pressured air from the connection 3 and operates the locking pins 6 which are adapted to engage with a groove (not shown) in a king pin 8. The pneumatic valve locks and unlocks the locking pins 6 when they are engaged with a king pin 8. The trailer lock 1 also comprises a cavity 7 to receive a king pin 8 and keep it in a locked position. In figure 1 only the top of the king pin 8 is visible.
The electronic control device 4 comprises a modem and an antenna to
communicate with e.g. a cell phone or a wireless internet connection.
With reference to fig. 3, the trailer lock 1 is mounted on the king pin of a trailer 100. A connection socket 101 is detachably arranged on the trailer accommodating the electric and pneumatic connectors 2, 3 which are preferably flexible wires or hoses extending from the trailer lock 1. This socket may be magnetically attached to the frame of the trailer 100 to facilitate the connection with the pressurized air supply 112 and the electrical power 113 from the truck 110.
In the following is referred to figure 2, which schematically illustrates an
embodiment of the method according to the invention. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of how a driver can request unlocking of the trailer lock mounted on the king pin of a trailer.
In step 1 (indicated by arrow) the driver connects the pressured air and electricity from the tractor to the trailer lock. Moreover, the truck driver sends a SMS from his cell phone to the central server requesting that the trailer lock on the trailer he is about to haul is unlocked. The central server checks the number from the drivers cell phone and if the number is stored in the server, which indicates that the driver is authorised to request unlocking of the trailer lock, the central server in step 2 sends a SMS to the trailer lock that allows the trailer lock to unlock. Moreover, the central server sends a SMS to the drivers cell phone with a control code and information about the period during which the trailer lock can be unlocked and practical information to the driver of how to handle the unlocking and removal of the trailer lock from the king pin.
In step 3 the driver may remove the trailer lock from the king pin and couple the trailer to the tractor fifth wheel coupling. The trailer lock can be placed in a box mounted on the trailer. Consequently, the trailer lock and the method according to the invention provide an efficient and reliable procedure for protecting a trailer from theft, using e.g. the GSM network to authorise unlocking of the trailer lock and allow the trailer to be coupled to a tractor.
In fig. 4, an example of the communication flow of the system according to the invention is shown.
The Starting point of communication flow is when trailer owner A wants to assign a truck driver PI or P2 to a specific lock la for a specific time of duration. With reference to the figure 4, the sequence of the data communication and the related actions is explained :
11 : The trailer owner A or the haulier C maintain in a portal master E data about which truck driver(s) PI, P2 he want to use for a specific trailer 100. 12 : The trailer owner A or Haulier C create transport order assigning lock ID and truck driver ID and a period of validity.
13 : A text message (sms greetings) arrives at truck driver's phone or
communication device.
The truck driver PI or P2 then connects power and pneumatic sources 112, 113 (see fig. 3) to king pin trailer lock unit 1, after arriving to the place for pick-up of the trailer. 15 : The truck driver is then forwarding the previously received text message to a central communication portal B.
16: The server B validates the incoming text message. 17 : If validated, the central communication portal B sends a data signal to open the lock 1.
The truck driver PI, P2 removes the unlocked kingpin trailer lock 1 and disconnect power supply 112 and pneumatic supply 113 again.
19 : The portal master E is updated with communication traffic including data confirming the lock la is now open. The data communication may be performed on a suitable network D, such as the GSM or similar mobile phone network. After arrival at the destination for trailer 100, the king pin lock unit 1 may preferably be "clicked" on kingpin without power supply in a simple action e.g. by the truck driver.
The power supply wire 2 and pneumatic hose 3 may preferably be placed at front of trailer 100 via a magnetic unit as shown in fig. 3.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to only a few embodiments, it will easily be envisaged by a skilled person that several other embodiments and variations are possible within the scope of the claims. The system may e.g. be adapted to apply other communication systems than the GSM and SMS. Moreover, the trailer lock may be equipped with a GPS unit and/or a device that issues an alarm signal in case of theft.

Claims

Claims
1. A trailer lock adapted to be attached to a coupling member of a trailer thereby preventing coupling of the trailer to the coupling device of a tractor, said trailer lock comprises:
a locking device for locking and unlocking the trailer lock to the coupling member, an electronic control device for remotely controlling the locking device,
a first connector for electric power supply, and
a second connector for a pneumatic supply.
2. A trailer lock according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is operated by pressured air.
3. A trailer lock according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking device is operated by electrical power.
4. A trailer lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the trailer lock comprises a house with a cavity for receiving the coupling member of the trailer, such as the trailer king pin.
5. A trailer lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking device comprises spring loaded locking members for engagement with an annular groove of the coupling member.
6. A trailer lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control device comprises a data communication unit.
7. A trailer lock according to claim 6, wherein the data communication unit comprises a GSM unit and/or a WIFI connection.
8. A method of protecting a trailer from theft by providing a coupling member of the trailer with a trailer lock, said method comprising the steps of:
- mounting the trailer lock locked to the trailer;
- assigning an identification code to a trailer lock having an electronic control device and assigning a person on his communication device;
- recording the assignments in a communication portal; and
- communicating an authorization to unlock the trailer lock.
9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the electronic control device controls the locking and/or unlocking of the trailer lock.
10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the trailer lock only can be unlocked after a signal is send from the communication portal to the electronic control device.
11. A method according to any of the preceding claims 8 to 10, wherein pressured air and/or electricity are connected with the trailer lock to unlock the trailer lock.
12. A method according to any of the preceding claims 8 to 11, wherein the communication portal comprises a central server.
13. A method according to any of the preceding claims 8 to 12, wherein the communication portal and the electronic control device comprise GSM
communication modules and/or WIFI communication modules.
14. A method according to any of the preceding claims 8 to 13, wherein a person or device unlocking the trailer lock first has to verify his or its identity to the communication portal and secondly to include a code from the communication portal to unlock the trailer lock.
EP12778219.1A 2011-09-21 2012-09-21 A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers Withdrawn EP2758297A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA201100720 2011-09-21
PCT/DK2012/050351 WO2013041108A1 (en) 2011-09-21 2012-09-21 A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2758297A1 true EP2758297A1 (en) 2014-07-30

Family

ID=47075994

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12778219.1A Withdrawn EP2758297A1 (en) 2011-09-21 2012-09-21 A trailer lock and a method for the prevention of theft of trailers

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2758297A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013041108A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201202465D0 (en) * 2012-02-14 2012-03-28 Montgomery Transp Ltd Fifth wheel remote locking system
CN108535593B (en) * 2017-12-26 2020-08-14 西安航天精密机电研究所 Pneumatic locking device of electric connector
CN108216397A (en) * 2018-02-06 2018-06-29 武汉物易云通网络科技有限公司 A kind of shared trailer lock and control method

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US2554306A (en) 1947-01-02 1951-05-22 Robert E Mack Theft prevention device for tractor drawn trailers
US2641124A (en) 1951-07-11 1953-06-09 Samuel D Gallagher Lock for fifth wheel king pins
US3269159A (en) 1964-08-17 1966-08-30 Chalmers C Young Theft prevention device for trailers
US4704883A (en) 1986-01-27 1987-11-10 Dykes James R King pin lock
NL1009986C2 (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-02 Container Truck Security Anti-theft protection for a king pin attached to a trailer of a vehicle combination.
NL1013342C2 (en) 1999-10-19 2001-04-23 Hubertus Jan Jansingh Device intended to prevent theft of trailers.
US6394480B1 (en) * 2000-09-13 2002-05-28 Victoria Brennan Anti-coupling device for semi-trailer
DE10335955A1 (en) * 2003-08-06 2005-02-24 Afusoft Kommunikationstechnik Gmbh Active, local and remotely controlled latching and de-latching of towing vehicle coupling to trailer, involves remote control via satellite communication and/or RF

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Also Published As

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