GB2172255A - Trailer security device - Google Patents

Trailer security device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2172255A
GB2172255A GB08506876A GB8506876A GB2172255A GB 2172255 A GB2172255 A GB 2172255A GB 08506876 A GB08506876 A GB 08506876A GB 8506876 A GB8506876 A GB 8506876A GB 2172255 A GB2172255 A GB 2172255A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
trailer
security device
hitch
pillars
base plate
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB08506876A
Other versions
GB2172255B (en
GB8506876D0 (en
Inventor
William Gray Murray Forbes
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
Priority to GB8506876A priority Critical patent/GB2172255B/en
Publication of GB8506876D0 publication Critical patent/GB8506876D0/en
Publication of GB2172255A publication Critical patent/GB2172255A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2172255B publication Critical patent/GB2172255B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/58—Auxiliary devices
    • B60D1/60—Covers, caps or guards, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Time Recorders, Dirve Recorders, Access Control (AREA)

Abstract

A trailer security device comprises a base plate (2), a hitch socket engagement member (3) extending from the base plate and a top plate (6). Means are provided for locking the top plate to the base plate such that access to the hitch socket engagement member is restricted. The device may be fitted to a trailer to prevent access to the hitch socket (8) of the trailer. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Trailer security device This invention relates to a trailer security device.
Caravan trailers and other towed vehicles, hereinafter referred to as trailers, are often stolen by being towed away by thieves. The thieves simply reverse their motor vehicle, which is provided with a tow-bar and hitch ball to the trailer, place the hitch socket on the trailer over the hitch ball on their own vehicle; and drive away, taking the trailer with them.
According to the present invention there is provided a trailer security device comprising a base plate, a hitch socket engagement member extending from the base plate, a top plate and means for locking the top plate to the base plate.
Preferably, the hitch socket engagement member is a hitch ball.
Preferably also, the locking means includes two upright pillars provided on the member, the top plate having two openings for receiving the end portions of the pillars, a bore for receiving the shank of a padlock being provided in each end portion of the pillars.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trailer security device according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a part sectional side view of the trailer security device of Fig. 1 fitted to a trailer hitch socket.
Referring to the drawings, a trailer security device, generally shown at 1, comprises a base plate 2, a hitch ball 3, two cylindrical pillars 4 and 5, and a top plate 6.
The base plate 2 is made from a length of angle iron. A hitch ball 3, provided at the centre of the base plate 2, is located on a bush 30 and is secured to the plate 2 by a nut 31 and 32 bolt arrangement, the bolt passing through a hole 20 provided in the centre of the base plate 2.
In a simpler embodiment of the present invention the hitch ball 3 is welded to the base plate 2.
The cylindrical pillars, 4 and 5, are located on the main logitudinal axis of the base plate 2, one on either side of the hitch ball 3, and extend perpendicularly from the base plate 2.
The pillars 4 and 5 are fixed to the base plate 2 by welding or by a locknut arrangement.
Through bores 40 and 50 are provided in the free end portions 4a and 5a of each of the pillars 4 and 5 respectively.
The top plate 6 is formed by a length of angle iron and is of similar dimensions to the base plate 2. Two through holes 61,62 are provided in the top plate 6, one of the holes 61 being circular in shape and of slightly larger diameter than the pillars, 4 and 5, the other hole 62 being elongate and having a width slightly greater than the diameter of the pillars, 4 and 5.
Referring now in particular to Fig. 2, a trailer (not shown) is provided with a towing hitch, generally shown at 7, having a hitch socket 8 in which the hitch ball of a motor vehicle towbar is normally located.
The trailer security device 1 is positioned with the base plate 2 below the hitch socket 8 and the hitch ball 3 occupying the hitch socket 8.
The top plate 6 is placed on the upper part 8a of the hitch socket 8, the pillars 4 and 5 being passed through the holes 61 and 62 in the top plate 6, the elongate shape of the hole 62 facilitating location of the top plate 6.
When the top plate 6 is in position, as is shown in Fig. 2, the shank 9 of respective padlocks 10 is passed through each of the bores 40 and 50 in the end portions 4a and 5a of the pillars 4 and 5 which now protrude above the top plate 6.
When the padlocks 10 have been closed the security device 1 cannot be removed from the trailer and access to the hitch socket 8 is prevented.
Thus the trailer security device of the present invention prevents potential thieves from gaining access to the hitch socket 8 of a trailer and consequently makes the trailer more difficult to steal.
Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
1. A trailer security device comprising a base member, a hitch socket engagement member extending from the base member, and a top member, means being provided for locking the top member to the base member to restrict access to the hitch socket engagement member.
2. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the base member is in the form of a plate.
3. A trailer security device as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein the top member is in the form of a plate.
4. A trailer security device as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the hitch socket engagement member is a hitch ball.
5. A trailer security device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the locking means includes two elongate members which extend from the base member, means being provided for iockably securing the top member on the elongate members.
6. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the top member has two openings for receiving the end portions of the
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Trailer security device This invention relates to a trailer security device. Caravan trailers and other towed vehicles, hereinafter referred to as trailers, are often stolen by being towed away by thieves. The thieves simply reverse their motor vehicle, which is provided with a tow-bar and hitch ball to the trailer, place the hitch socket on the trailer over the hitch ball on their own vehicle; and drive away, taking the trailer with them. According to the present invention there is provided a trailer security device comprising a base plate, a hitch socket engagement member extending from the base plate, a top plate and means for locking the top plate to the base plate. Preferably, the hitch socket engagement member is a hitch ball. Preferably also, the locking means includes two upright pillars provided on the member, the top plate having two openings for receiving the end portions of the pillars, a bore for receiving the shank of a padlock being provided in each end portion of the pillars. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a trailer security device according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a part sectional side view of the trailer security device of Fig. 1 fitted to a trailer hitch socket. Referring to the drawings, a trailer security device, generally shown at 1, comprises a base plate 2, a hitch ball 3, two cylindrical pillars 4 and 5, and a top plate 6. The base plate 2 is made from a length of angle iron. A hitch ball 3, provided at the centre of the base plate 2, is located on a bush 30 and is secured to the plate 2 by a nut 31 and 32 bolt arrangement, the bolt passing through a hole 20 provided in the centre of the base plate 2. In a simpler embodiment of the present invention the hitch ball 3 is welded to the base plate 2. The cylindrical pillars, 4 and 5, are located on the main logitudinal axis of the base plate 2, one on either side of the hitch ball 3, and extend perpendicularly from the base plate 2. The pillars 4 and 5 are fixed to the base plate 2 by welding or by a locknut arrangement. Through bores 40 and 50 are provided in the free end portions 4a and 5a of each of the pillars 4 and 5 respectively. The top plate 6 is formed by a length of angle iron and is of similar dimensions to the base plate 2. Two through holes 61,62 are provided in the top plate 6, one of the holes 61 being circular in shape and of slightly larger diameter than the pillars, 4 and 5, the other hole 62 being elongate and having a width slightly greater than the diameter of the pillars, 4 and 5. Referring now in particular to Fig. 2, a trailer (not shown) is provided with a towing hitch, generally shown at 7, having a hitch socket 8 in which the hitch ball of a motor vehicle towbar is normally located. The trailer security device 1 is positioned with the base plate 2 below the hitch socket 8 and the hitch ball 3 occupying the hitch socket 8. The top plate 6 is placed on the upper part 8a of the hitch socket 8, the pillars 4 and 5 being passed through the holes 61 and 62 in the top plate 6, the elongate shape of the hole 62 facilitating location of the top plate 6. When the top plate 6 is in position, as is shown in Fig. 2, the shank 9 of respective padlocks 10 is passed through each of the bores 40 and 50 in the end portions 4a and 5a of the pillars 4 and 5 which now protrude above the top plate 6. When the padlocks 10 have been closed the security device 1 cannot be removed from the trailer and access to the hitch socket 8 is prevented. Thus the trailer security device of the present invention prevents potential thieves from gaining access to the hitch socket 8 of a trailer and consequently makes the trailer more difficult to steal. Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. CLAIMS
1. A trailer security device comprising a base member, a hitch socket engagement member extending from the base member, and a top member, means being provided for locking the top member to the base member to restrict access to the hitch socket engagement member.
2. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the base member is in the form of a plate.
3. A trailer security device as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein the top member is in the form of a plate.
4. A trailer security device as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the hitch socket engagement member is a hitch ball.
5. A trailer security device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the locking means includes two elongate members which extend from the base member, means being provided for iockably securing the top member on the elongate members.
6. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the top member has two openings for receiving the end portions of the elongate members.
7. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein a bore for receiving the shank of a padlock is provided in said end portions of each elongate member.
8. A trailer security device as claimed in Claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the elongate members are in the form of pillars.
9. A trailer security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
GB8506876A 1985-03-16 1985-03-16 Trailer security device Expired GB2172255B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8506876A GB2172255B (en) 1985-03-16 1985-03-16 Trailer security device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8506876A GB2172255B (en) 1985-03-16 1985-03-16 Trailer security device

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8506876D0 GB8506876D0 (en) 1985-04-17
GB2172255A true GB2172255A (en) 1986-09-17
GB2172255B GB2172255B (en) 1989-02-22

Family

ID=10576124

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8506876A Expired GB2172255B (en) 1985-03-16 1985-03-16 Trailer security device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2172255B (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236513A (en) * 1989-08-25 1991-04-10 Barry Higginson Caravan hitch cover and lock
GB2257100A (en) * 1991-07-03 1993-01-06 Philip Denman Device for preventing the unauthorised use of towing equipment
EP1125773A2 (en) 2000-02-15 2001-08-22 Melkris Limited trading as Brital Engineering Services Anti-theft device
EP3815939A1 (en) 2019-11-01 2021-05-05 Maypole Limited Anti-theft device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB992133A (en) * 1962-06-01 1965-05-19 John Caleb Oakley Caravan coupling socket lock
GB1334940A (en) * 1972-01-27 1973-10-24 Raydyot Ltd Anti-theft devices for caravan and like trailer vehicle towing hitches
GB1350086A (en) * 1971-03-24 1974-04-18 Hall R A Anti-theft device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB992133A (en) * 1962-06-01 1965-05-19 John Caleb Oakley Caravan coupling socket lock
GB1350086A (en) * 1971-03-24 1974-04-18 Hall R A Anti-theft device
GB1334940A (en) * 1972-01-27 1973-10-24 Raydyot Ltd Anti-theft devices for caravan and like trailer vehicle towing hitches

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236513A (en) * 1989-08-25 1991-04-10 Barry Higginson Caravan hitch cover and lock
GB2236513B (en) * 1989-08-25 1993-07-21 Barry Higginson Caravan hitch cover and lock
GB2257100A (en) * 1991-07-03 1993-01-06 Philip Denman Device for preventing the unauthorised use of towing equipment
GB2257100B (en) * 1991-07-03 1995-01-18 Philip Denman Device for preventing the unauthorised use of towing equipment
EP1125773A2 (en) 2000-02-15 2001-08-22 Melkris Limited trading as Brital Engineering Services Anti-theft device
EP3815939A1 (en) 2019-11-01 2021-05-05 Maypole Limited Anti-theft device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2172255B (en) 1989-02-22
GB8506876D0 (en) 1985-04-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5332251A (en) Trailer hitch lock
US4774823A (en) Trailer hitch lock
US5087064A (en) Anti-theft and safety device for a ball and socket trailer hitch
US5700024A (en) Coupler locking device and method
US3884055A (en) Trailer hitch lock
US5857693A (en) Dial ball mount for a trailer hitch
US4141569A (en) Theft prevention device
US5106114A (en) Multiple rear bumper hitch apparatus
US4662647A (en) Vehicle hitch assembly
US5476279A (en) Trailer hitch
US5290057A (en) Trailor hitch
US5375442A (en) Clamp assembly for a trailer or like wheeled vehicle
US5520030A (en) Gooseneck trailer lock
US5052203A (en) Lock for truck trailers
US7431319B2 (en) Hitch locking mechanism
US5044652A (en) Multi-balled rotatable trailer hitch
US5344172A (en) Trailer hitch assembly system
CA2973259C (en) Coupler lock device
US6889995B2 (en) Hitch locking mechanism
US7081197B1 (en) Step apparatus
US5987938A (en) Trailer kingpin locking apparatus
US3844143A (en) Pintle hook locking device
CA2477351A1 (en) &#34;push &amp; lock&#34; system with steel balls
US5511814A (en) Trailer ball lock apparatus
US3434741A (en) Trailer hitch lock

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee