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Title:
LOCK FOR SKID STEER ATTACHMENT, EXCAVATOR, AND BALL AND RING HITCH
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2003/078765
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A skid steer attachment lock (50) for preventing the theft of a tool (60) attached to a skid steer loader (70). The device comprises an extendable hollow shaft (55) and a locking mechanism (160). Also, an excavator lock (300) adapted to limit the motion of a pair of control levers (330a, 330b) such as forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator. The excavator lock (300) comprises a main body (310) and a locking plate (320). Also, a ball and ring hitch lock (600) to reversibly obstruct a ball socket (750b) or ring (750a) of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock (600) comprises an upper plate (610) and a base plate (620) attached by means of a secure rachet type system (650). A male hitch anchor (720) is attached to the base plate (620).

Inventors:
WITCHEY BRYAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2003/007303
Publication Date:
September 25, 2003
Filing Date:
March 11, 2003
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WITCHEY BRYAN (US)
International Classes:
B60D1/02; B60D1/60; B60R25/00; B62D49/04; G05G5/28; (IPC1-7): E05B/
Foreign References:
US6173590B12001-01-16
US1402955A1922-01-10
US1593815A1926-07-27
US4032171A1977-06-28
US5644937A1997-07-08
US1386543A1921-08-02
US5873271A1999-02-23
US3631694A1972-01-04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Litman, Richard C. (P.O. Box 15035, Crystal City Statio, Arlington VA, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS I claim:
1. An attachment lock to inhibit the illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader, comprising: an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism attached to the extendable hollow shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length thereby providing the attachment lock, whereby the attachment lock can be used to prevent the illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader.
2. An attachment lock as in claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is surrounded and protected by a housing.
3. An attachment lock as in claim 1, wherein the extendible shaft further comprises: an outer shaft segment ; an inner shaft segment; and wherein the inner shaft segment telescopes into the outer shaft segment.
4. An attachment lock as in claim 3, wherein the outer shaft segment has a generally rectangular crosssection and is perforated to define an outer hole, and the inner shaft segment has a generally rectangular crosssection and is perforated along at least one side thereby defining a plurality of inner holes, and wherein the locking means is capable of engaging with the outer hole and one of the inner holes to prevent movement of the inner shaft segment relative to the outer shaft segment.
5. An attachment lock as in claim 3, wherein the outer shaft segment has a square crosssection and is perforated to define an outer hole, and the inner shaft segment has a square crosssection and is perforated along at least one side thereby defining a plurality of inner holes, and wherein the locking means is capable of engaging with the outer hole and one of the inner holes to prevent movement of the inner shaft segment relative to the outer shaft segment.
6. An attachment lock as in claim 3, wherein the outer shaft segment is adapted to prevent the inner shaft segment from separating from the attachment lock when the attachment lock is held in a vertical orientation.
7. An attachment lock as in claim 3, wherein the inner and the outer shaft segments are square in cross section.
8. An attachment lock as in claim 1, wherein the extendible shaft further comprises: an outer shaft segment; and an inner shaft segment; wherein the inner segment telescopes into the outer segment, and wherein the outer segment provides the first end and the inner segment the second end of the skid steer attachment lock, and wherein the first end comprises a restriction member of sufficient thickness to just stop the inner shaft telescoping through the first end.
9. An attachment lock as in claim 8, wherein the outer and inner shaft segments are made of steel in order to provide durability and strength.
10. An attachment lock to inhibit illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader, comprising: an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and adapted respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other, the extendable shaft further comprising an outer and inner shaft segments wherein the inner shaft segment telescopes into the outer shaft segment; and a locking mechanism attached to the outer shaft segment, wherein the outer shaft segment is of square crosssection and perforated to define an outer hole, and the inner shaft segment is of square crosssection and perforated along one side thereby defining a plurality of inner holes, and wherein the locking means is capable of engaging with the outer hole one of the inner holes to prevent movement of the inner shaft segment relative to the outer shaft segment thereby temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.
11. An attachment lock as in claim 10, wherein the outer and inner shaft segments are made of steel in order to provide durability and strength.
12. An attachment lock as in claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is surrounded and protected by a housing.
13. An excavator lock to limit the motion of a forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator, comprising: a main body comprising a first and second channels adapted to accommodate a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator ; a lock plate adapted to cover the first and second channels ; and a locking mechanism attached to the main body, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to engage the lock plate and temporarily lock the lock plate to the main body thereby providing the excavator lock, whereby the excavator lock can be used to limit the motion of a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby inhibiting the theft thereof.
14. An excavator lock as in claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a stock and a lockbolt, wherein the lock plate comprises a blindhole, whereby manipulating the position of the lock bolt with respect to the blindhole causes the main body to reversibly lock to the lock plate.
15. An excavator lock as in claim 13, wherein the main body has a trapezoidal shape.
16. An excavator lock as in claim 13, wherein the first and second channels adopt a generally converging angle.
17. An excavator lock as in claim 13, wherein the first and second channels have a rectangular cross section.
18. An excavator lock as in claim 13, wherein the first and second channels have a semicircular cross section.
19. An excavator lock to limit the motion of a forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator, comprising: a main body comprising a first and second channels adapted to accommodate a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator; a lock plate adapted to cover the first and second channels; and a locking mechanism attached to the main body, wherein the locking mechanism is adapted to engage the lock plate and temporarily lock the lock plate to the main body thereby providing the excavator lock, whereby the excavator lock can be used to limit the motion of a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby inhibiting the theft thereof.
20. A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched, comprising: an upper plate; a base plate with a male hitch anchor defined therein; ar a means to reversibly move the upper and base plates together, wherein said means is based on the rachet principle, whereby the act of reversibly moving the upper and base plates together allows the ball and ring hitch lock to attach to a ball or ring form of trailer hitch.
21. A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched, comprising: (a) an upper plate having: a lower surface; a post extending in a normal direction from the lower surface of the upper plate, the post having a plurality of notches defined therein; and (b) a base plate having: an upper surface; a sleeve with a hollow bore, wherein the sleeve extends in a normal direction through the base plate, the sleeve having a side opening defined therein, wherein the sleeve is sized to accommodate the post extending from the upper plate; and a lock mechanism disposed in the base plate, the lock mechanism having at least one catch, the lock mechanism having a locked position in which the at least one catch extends into the side opening of the sleeve to engage at least one of the notches defined in the post in order to prevent removal of the base plate from the post, and an unlocked position in which the at least one catch retracts from the sleeve in order to permit removal of the base plate from the post; and a male hitch anchor attached to the upper surface of the base plate, wherein the male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.
22. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 21, wherein the lock mechanism is attached to the upper surface of the base plate.
23. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 21, wherein the base plate has a lower surface and the lock mechanism is attached to the lower surface of the base plate.
24. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 21, wherein the upper plate and the base plate are made of steel.
25. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 21, wherein the notches take the form of serrations.
26. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 21, wherein the upper plate further comprises a guide rib to facilitate docking of a ring type hitch to the ball and ring hitch lock.
27. A ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched, comprising: (a) an upper plate having : an upper surface, a lower surface, and a first and second opposite ends; a post extending in a normal direction from the lower surface of the first end of the upper plate, the post having a plurality of notches defined therein; and (b) a base plate having: an upper surface, a lower surface, a first and second opposite ends; a sleeve having a top and bottom defining a hollow bore, wherein the sleeve extends in a normal direction through the base plate, the sleeve having a side opening defined therein, wherein the top of the sleeve is open and sized to accommodate the post extending from the upper plate; and a lock mechanism disposed in the base plate, the lock mechanism having at least one catch, the lock mechanism having a locked position in which the at least one catch extends into the side opening of the sleeve to engage at least one of the notches defined in the post in order to prevent removal of the base plate from the post, and an unlocked position in which the at least one catch retracts from the sleeve in order to permit removal of the base plate from the post ; and a male hitch anchor attached to the upper surface of second end of the base plate, wherein the male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.
28. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 27, wherein the upper plate and the base plate are made of steel.
29. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 27, wherein the notches take the form of serrations.
30. A ball and ring hitch lock according to claim 27, wherein the upper plate further comprises a guide rib to facilitate docking of a ring type hitch to the ball and ring hitch lock.
Description:
LOCK FOR SKID STEER ATTACHMENT, EXCAVATOR, AND BALL AND RING HITCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to anti-theft devices for vehicles. More specifically, the invention is anti-theft devices for a skid steer loader attachment tool, a mechanical excavator, or a trailer.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART The related art of interest describes various locking devices, but none discloses the present invention. There is a need for a locking device for skid steer loader attachment tools including, but not limited to, skid steer loader general purpose buckets, dirt buckets, utility buckets, light material buckets, multi purpose buckets, pallet forks, and landscape tillers and rakes.

An attachment tool attached to a skid steer loader is vulnerable to misuse and theft, particularly at night when skid steer loaders are often left unattended on a building site. A skid steer loader attachment is typically coupled to a skid steer loader by means of a mechanical coupler comprising two securing arms. Rotating the securing arms through about 90° from a horizontal attached position to a vertical release position on either side of the coupler releases the attached tool from the skid steer loader. Thus, an opportunistic thief merely has to move a lever to an up position in order to release a tool attached to a skid steer loader and, for example, illegally haul the released attachment tool away on a truck.

Similarly, there is a need for a locking device that prevents the theft of a mechanical excavator even if a thief has an ignition key to start up the excavator's engine.

Excavators are vulnerable to misuse and theft, particularly at night when excavators are often left unattended on construction sites.

Thieves often have little difficulty in illicitly starting up an unattended mechanical excavator with or without an engine ignition key.

Once a mechanical excavator's engine is running the excavator may be driven onto a trailer or flat bed truck and stolen. Such thefts lead to higher insurance premiums which inevitably translate into higher construction costs.

Trailers, such as boat carrying trailers, utility trailers, construction equipment trailers, military trailers, and camping trailers, are typically left unattended for long periods of time and as such are extremely vulnerable to theft. A trailer may be left hitched to a vehicle's hitch point in the vain hope that the extra effort required to unhitch the trailer would discourage a trailer thief. However, the extra effort to unhitch the trailer is not likely to be a deterrent to a determined trailer thief. An owner may adopt more extreme measures such as removing wheels to immobilize a trailer; while such efforts can meet with success in preventing a theft the owner is never-the-less seriously inconvenienced when he or she wants to use the wheelless trailer. Clearly there is a need for a more convenient way of protecting a trailer from theft.

There are trailer anti-theft devices on the market such as the Fulton TI trailer lock (part no. CSTP17) available from FultonTN, Mosinee, WI 54455-0008. However, such products are unable to protect trailers fitted with either ring or ball type hitches, which can present problems for trailer owners. For example, a trailer owner who replaces a trailer with a ball type hitch with a trailer with a ring type hitch may be obliged to buy an anti-theft device that fits the new trailer hitch. Thus, there is a need for an anti-theft device that can work with both types of hitches, i. e. a ball and/or ring type hitches.

Several efforts have been made to address these problems. U. S.

Patent No. 4,666, 106 issued May 19,1987 to J. M. Kohout describes a device for securing an opposing pair of outwardly opening cabin doors

on general aviation aircraft and the like. Specifically, a pair of non- extensible elongated elements, such as a pair of rods or a rod and cable, are joined together at one end such that the elements can rotate independently. The'106 patent does not teach or suggest a device to secure a tool attached to a skid steer loader.

U. S. Patent Nos. 3,598, 462 and 4,288, 944 respectively describe a locking mechanism for securing a filing cabinet, and a security door.

U. S. Patent Nos. 5,131, 245 and 5,582, 401 respectively describe an automobile steering lock, and a basketball hoop closure-. The'462, '944,'245, and'401 patents do not teach or suggest a device to secure a tool attached to a skid steer loader.

U. S. Patent Nos. 3,834, 780,4, 295,673, 5,890, 382, and 5,927, 107 respectively describe a filing cabinet locking mechanism, an exit device, a multi-shaft combination lock, and a container locking device.

The'780,'673,'382, and'107 patents do not teach or suggest a device to secure a skid steer tool attached to a skid steer loader.

U. S. Patent No. 4,653, 296 issued March 31,1987 to T. Kajikawa describes a handle locking mechanism for vehicles. The'296 device is adapted to secure a steering shaft operably connected to a pair of bike like handles. Whatever the merits of the'296 patent there is no teaching or suggestion of a device to prevent theft of a mechanical excavator.

U. S. Patent No. 5,042, 754 issued August 27,1991 to R. Heath describes a device for securing the throttle control levers of an aircraft in their closed position. The'754 device is useful in preventing vertical motion of the aircrafts key controls thus preventing the aircraft from leaving the ground. The'754 patent does not teach or suggest a device to prevent theft of a mechanical excavator.

U. S. Patent No. 5,347, 835 issued September 20, 1994 to D. L. Dewey describes a device for locking a control lever, such as a clutch control lever, on a handlebar of a vehicle such as a motor cycle.

Whatever the merits of the'835 device it is not adapted to securing the forward and reverse control levers of a mechanical excavator which

are very different from those of a vehicle with handlebars.

Specifically, the'835 patent does not teach or suggest a device that locks the forward and reverse control levers of a mechanical excavator.

U. S. Patent No. 5,359, 868 issued November 1, 1994 to F. L. Villani describes several devices including a device for preventing the movement of a floor-mounted gear shift lever of an automobile, and a gas pedal lock. Whatever the merits of the'868 patent it does not teach or suggest an apparatus or method for securing the control levers of a mechanical excavator which are very different from those of an automobile. Specifically, the'868 does not teach or suggest a device that locks the forward and reverse control levers of a mechanical excavator.

U. S. Patent No. 5,829, 282 issued November 3, 1998 to D. G. Surridge describes a control lever lock assembly for preventing accidental activation of a coupling apparatus for controlling the coupling and decoupling of a tool attached to work machines such as a wheel loader.

The'282 device is not designed to prevent the theft of the work vehicle.

U. S. Patent Nos. 5,911, 391,5, 953,941, and 6,116, 065 each describe an apparatus for locking aircraft controls and the like; and U. S. Patent No. 5,906, 121 describes a pedal lock for vehicles. The '391,'941,'065, and'121 patents do not teach or suggest a device that locks the forward and reverse control levers of a mechanical excavator.

U. S. Patent No. 4, 459,832, issued to Avreaetal on July 17,1984 describes a pivotally mounted coupling guard, extending over a ball engaging socket of a trailer hitch to preclude disengagement of the socket from the ball. On information and belief the'832 patent does not teach or suggest a dual anti-theft device suitable to prevent theft of a trailer with a ring hitch.

U. S. Patent No. 6, 467, 317, issued to Hillabush et al. on October 22,2002 describes a lunette trailer hitch lock which prevents theft of trailers and other objects equipped with a lunette-style trailer coupler hitch having a lunette eye. The'317 patent does not teach or

suggest an anti-theft device suitable to prevent theft of a trailer with either a ball or ring hitch.

U. S. Patent Nos. 3,780, 546,3, 844,143, 3,884, 055,4, 186,575, 4,440, 005,4, 480,450, 4,577, 884,4, 581,908, 4,730, 841,4, 774,823, 4,836, 570,5, 063,759, 5,195, 339,5, 332,251, 5,343, 720,5, 743,549, 5,752, 398,5, 775,139, 5,794, 961,5, 873,271, 5,937, 679,6, 070,441, 6,202, 453, and 6, 405, 569 each describe anti-theft devices for trailers, but none of these patents teach or suggest a ball and ring hitch lock according to the present invention.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a skid steer attachment lock, an excavator lock, and a ball and ring hitch lock solving the aforementioned problems are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is an attachment lock to inhibit the illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader. The attachment lock includes an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends. The first and second opposite ends are adapted to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other. A locking mechanism is attached to the extendable hollow shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length thereby providing the attachment lock. The attachment lock can be used to prevent the illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader.

Also part of the invention is an attachment lock to inhibit illicit removal of a skid steer attachment tool from a steer skid loader. The attachment lock includes an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends. The first and second opposite ends are open and adapted respectively accommodate a first and second attachment tool locking arms when the arms are facing each other. The extendable shaft further includes outer and inner shaft segments

wherein the inner shaft segment telescopes into the outer shaft segment. A locking mechanism is attached to the outer shaft segment.

The outer shaft segment is of square cross-section and perforated to define an outer hole. The inner shaft segment is of square cross- section and perforated along one side thereby defining a plurality of inner holes. The locking means is capable of engaging with the outer hole one of the inner holes to prevent movement of the inner shaft segment relative to the outer shaft segment thereby temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.

Also part of the invention is an excavator lock to limit the motion of a forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator. The excavator lock includes a main body. The main body has a first and second channels adapted to accommodate a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator. A lock plate is adapted to cover the first and second channels. A locking mechanism is attached to the main body. The locking mechanism is adapted to engage the lock plate and temporarily lock the lock plate to the main body thereby providing the excavator lock. The excavator lock can be used to limit the motion of a first and a second control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby inhibiting the theft thereof.

Also part of the invention is a ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched. The ball and ring hitch lock includes an upper plate, and a base plate with a male hitch anchor defined therein. A means is included to reversibly move the upper and base plates together, wherein the means is based on the rachet principle. The act of reversibly moving the upper and base plates together allows the ball and ring hitch lock to attach to a ball or ring form of trailer hitch.

Also part of the invention is a ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched. The ball and ring hitch lock includes an upper plate and a base plate. The upper

plate has a lower surface. A post extends in a normal direction from the lower surface of the upper plate. The post has a plurality of notches defined therein. The base plate has an upper surface and a sleeve with a hollow bore. The sleeve extends in a normal direction through the base plate. The sleeve has a side opening defined therein, wherein the sleeve is sized to accommodate the post extending from the upper plate. A lock mechanism is disposed in the base plate. The lock mechanism has at least one catch. The lock mechanism has a locked position in which the catch extends into the side opening of the sleeve to engage at least one of the notches defined in the post in order to prevent removal of the base plate from the post. The lock mechanism has an unlocked position in which the catch retracts from the sleeve in order to permit removal of the base plate from the post. A male hitch anchor is attached to the upper surface of the base plate, wherein the male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.

Also part of the invention is a ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of the trailer when left unhitched. The ball and ring hitch lock includes an upper plate and a base plate. The upper plate has an upper surface, a lower surface, and first and second opposite ends. A post extends in a normal direction from the lower surface of the first end of the upper plate. The post has a plurality of notches defined therein. The base plate has an upper surface, a lower surface, and first and second opposite ends. The base plate has a sleeve having a top and bottom defining a hollow bore. The sleeve extends in a normal direction through the base plate. The sleeve has a side opening defined therein. The top of the sleeve is open and sized to accommodate the post extending from the upper plate. A lock mechanism is disposed in the base plate. The lock mechanism has at least one catch. The lock mechanism has a locked position in which the catch extends into the side opening of the sleeve to engage at least one of the notches defined in the post in order to prevent removal of the base plate from the post. The lock mechanism has an unlocked

position in which the catch retracts from the sleeve in order to permit removal of the base plate from the post. A male hitch anchor is attached to the upper surface of second end of the base plate, wherein the male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective environmental view of an attachment lock according to the invention.

Fig. 2A is a top view of the skid steer attachment lock according to the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a side view of the skid steer attachment lock of Fig.

2A according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section view showing a spring loaded lock disposed in the skid steer attachment lock according to the invention.

Fig. 4A is an elevated perspective view of the skid steer attachment lock according to the invention.

Fig. 4B is a partially cut away view of the skid steer attachment lock of Fig. 4A.

Fig. 5 is a perspective environmental view of an excavator lock according to the invention.

Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a main body member with generally rectangular channels, and a lock plate member according to one embodiment of the excavator lock of the present invention.

Fig. 6B is a perspective view of an excavator lock with channels of generally semi-circular cross section.

Fig. 7A shows a perspective view of a main body member with generally rectangular channels coupled to a locking plate.

Fig. 7B shows a perspective view of a main body member with channels of generally semi-circular cross section coupled to a locking plate.

Fig. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of a ball and ring hitch lock hooked up to a ring type trailer hitch according to the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the two main parts of the ball and ring hitch lock of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective environmental view of the ball and ring hitch lock reversibly hooked up to a ring type trailer hitch according to the invention.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the ball and ring hitch lock illustrating an alternative location of a lock mechanism in the base plate according to the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the ball and ring hitch lock illustrating an alternative location of a sleeve in the base plate according to the invention.

Fig. 13 shows an elevated perspective view of the ball and ring hitch lock illustrating one embodiment of the lock mechanism according to the invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is a skid steer attachment lock adapted to prevent an unauthorized removal of a tool attached to a skid steer loader. The attachment lock helps to prevent theft of a skid steer attachment tool. More specifically, the invention prevents a skid steer attachment tool from being from being inappropriately detached from a skid steer loader. The skid steer attachment lock comprises: an extendable hollow shaft having a first and second opposite ends, wherein the first and second opposite ends are open and able to respectively accommodate a first and second attachment locking arms when the arms are facing each other; and a locking mechanism disposed in the outer shaft for temporarily locking the extendable shaft at a desired length.

Fig. 1 is a perspective environmental view 40 of an attachment lock 50 according to the invention. The attachment lock 50 comprises an extendable shaft 55 adapted to prevent the illegal removal of a skid steer attachment tool 60 from a skid steer loader 70. The extendable shaft 55 has a first and second opposite ends 90 and 100 that are open and able to respectively accommodate a first 110 and second 120 attachment tool locking arms when the arms 110 and 120 are in a down tool lock position and facing each other as shown in Fig. 1 (the up unlocked position for both arms 110 and 120 is shown in phantom).

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the extendable hollow shaft 55 comprises a locking mechanism 160 for temporarily locking the extendable shaft 55 at a desired length. The extendable shaft 55 also comprises an inner 140 and outer 150 shaft segments. The shaft 55 extends by either telescoping one shaft segment 140 inside the other 150 segment or by parallel sliding of one segment past the other. The inner 140 and outer 150 segments are preferably made of steel, but any material that is sufficiently durable may be used.

The locking mechanism 160 is disposed in the outer shaft segment 150 for temporarily locking the extendable shaft 55 at a desired length. The exact location of the locking mechanism 160 is not critical, but it is preferred that the locking mechanism 160 is approximately disposed about midway between the first 90 and second 100 opposite ends of the extendable shaft 55 when the extendable shaft 55 is extended to about its maximum length. The locking mechanism 160 is preferably a spring twist lock housed in a housing 170. This type of lock is well known in the art. However, it should be understood that the type of locking mechanism used in the invention is not critical and any suitable locking mechanism may be used.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of the shaft segments 140,150, in the vicinity of the locking mechanism 160. The locking mechanism 160 has a lock pin 180 on one end. Surrounding and protecting the locking mechanism 160 is a rectangular housing 170; however, the housing 170 may take any suitable form or even form an integral part of the locking mechanism 160. The locking mechanism 160 is shown in its unlocked

position in solid lines. The locking mechanism 160 may be moved to a locked position, shown in phantom, in which the lock pin 180 is inserted through an outer hole 185 and one of the inner holes (190a, 190b, or 190c) in inner segment 140.

For example, a skid steer loader operator could move the inner segment 140 until the inner hole 190c is aligned with the outer hole 185 and upon alignment press the lock mechanism 160 thereby moving the lock pin 180 (shown in phantom) into the aligned holes 185 and 190c and causing the lock mechanism 160 to lock. Once the lock-mechanism 160 is locked a key (not shown) must be inserted to move the locking mechanism 160 to the unlocked position (shown as a solid line), thereby retracting the lock pin 180 from the aligned holes 185 and 190c. The shaft segment 140 has a plurality of holes 190a, 190b, 190c defined therein in order to adjust the length of extendable shaft 55 as desired. It should be understood that the number of holes defined in the inner shaft 140, and their distance apart, may vary; in addition, the holes may be present on more than one side of the inner segment 140.

When the skid steer attachment lock 50 is used, it is positioned between the skid steer securing arms 110 and 120 of a steer loader 70 attached to an attachment tool 60. The arms 110 and 120 should be approximately facing each other (see Fig. 1). The attachment lock 50 is shortened by telescoping the inner segment 140 into the outer segment 150 and sliding one of the first 90 or second 100 opposite open ends over a securing arm 110 or 120. The attachment lock 50 is then extended and the same process repeated with respect to the other opposite end 90 or 100 and the remaining securing arm 110 or 120. The inner 140 or outer 150 segments are moved until alignment between the outer hole 185 and one of the inner holes (e. g. 190c) align. The lock mechanism 160 is pressed to lock the locking pin 180 in the aligned holes. In this manner the likelihood of theft of the attachment tool 60 is greatly reduced because an opportunistic thief (or mischievous person) can not rotate the tool securing arms 110 and 120 to the tool

release position and the thief is thus prevented from removing the attachment tool 60 from the skid steer loader 70.

The length of the extendable shaft 55 can be varied by an operator sliding the segments 140 and 150. The maximum length of the extendable shaft 55 should be sufficient to permit the opposite ends 90 and 100 to accommodate the opposite facing tool securing arms 110 and 120 as shown in Fig. 1; and short enough in the telescoped form to allow the attachment lock 50 to be fitted to the securing arms 110 and 120 as described above.

Figs. 4A and 4B show an elevated view of the attachment lock 50.

An optional restriction member 200 is shown inside end 100 of the outer segment 150. The optional restriction member 200 is sized to allow a securing arm (110 or 120) to slide into the end 100 of the outer segment 150 while preventing the inner segment 140 from traveling through the open end 100. This optional feature allows an operator to safely hold the attachment lock 50 in a vertical orientation with one hand without fear of the inner segment 140 falling through the outer segment 150. Additionally, this feature allows for an equally tight fit on locking arms 110 and 120. The optional member 200is preferably made of a durable material and attached to the interior surface of the outer segment. For example, the member 200 may be made of steel, and attached by at least one weld 210 to the interior surface of the outer segment 150 as shown in Fig. 4A. The inner 140 and outer 150 shaft segments are preferably generally rectangular in shape, and more preferably have a square cross-section. However, the segments 140 and 150 may be of circular cross-section or any other suitable cross- section shape. In addition, the invention includes other permutations that might be found in U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

60/363,275. U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/363,275 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The lengths of the inner shaft segment 140 is preferably in the range between about 7 inches and 15 inches; and more preferably in the range between about 8 inches and 13.5 inches. The lengths of the outer shaft segment 150 is preferably in the range between about 7 inches and

15 inches; and more preferably in the range between about 8 inches and 13.5 inches. The internal height 141 of the inner shaft segment 140 can vary but should be sufficient to accommodate the width of either of the securing arms 110 and 120. The external height 142 of the inner shaft segment 140 should be less than the internal height 151 of the outer shaft segment 150. The internal height 151 of the outer segment 150 can vary but should be sufficient to accommodate the dimensions of either of the securing arms 110 and 120 and should be greater than the external height 142 of the inner segment 140. However, it will be understood that the inner 140 and outer 150 segments may be made with different dimensions to accommodate securing arms 110 and 120 of different lengths and different distances apart.

Also part of the present invention is an excavator lock adapted to limit the motion of a pair of control levers such as the forward and reverse drive control levers of a mechanical excavator thereby preventing the theft of a mechanical excavator. The excavator lock comprises a main body and a locking plate. The main body has a first and second channels adapted to accommodate a first and second control levers of a mechanical excavator. The locking plate is adapted to cover the first and second channels. A locking mechanism attached to the main body actively engages with the locking plate to temporarily lock the main body to the lock plate thereby providing an excavator lock for limiting the motion of a first and second control levers of a mechanical excavator to inhibit theft of the mechanical excavator.

Referring to the figures in general, the excavator lock is denoted by the reference numeral 300 as a whole. The excavator lock 300 comprises two parts, a main body 310 and a lock plate 320. The main body 310 reversibly mates with the larger lock plate 320 as shown in Fig. 2A. The main body 310 and lock plate 320 are preferably made of steel, but any material of high durability may be used.

Fig. 1 shows an environmental perspective view of the excavator lock 300. The excavator lock 300 is attached to, and thereby immobilizing, a first control lever 330a and a second control lever 330b. The levers 330a and 330b, which are shown for illustrative

purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention; the excavator lock 300 of the present invention can be used to immobilize any pair of control levers that align in the manner shown in Fig. 1 with regard to current and future mechanical excavators. In addition, it should be understood that the excavator lock 300 can be fitted to the illustrated levers so that the levers 330a and 330b are clamped in channels 350b and 350a, respectively.

It is well known in the art of handling mechanical excavators that the control levers 330a and 330b are pivotally attached to an excavator (not shown). When the control levers 330a and 330b are generally aligned as shown in Fig. 1, they adopt a generally converging angle 335. As will become clear below, the excavator lock 300 is adapted to accommodate the convergence angle 335 of the control levers 330a and 330b.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, a lock mechanism 322 is shown installed in an external face 324a of the main body 310. The lock mechanism 322 comprises a stock 322b (shown in phantom in Fig. 2B) terminating in a lock-bolt 322c which emerges from the interior face 324b. An optional recessed section 328 is shown in the inner face 324b of the main body 310. The lock mechanism 322 is preferably a spring biased lock and preferably adapted to function with a pick resistant key 326. It should be understood that the lock mechanism 322 may vary and take any suitable form and may incorporate, for example, a keyless combination lock in cooperative communication with a lock-bolt 322c ; therefore, the lock mechanism 322 is shown for illustrative purposes only and should not be viewed as limiting the present invention in any way.

With respect to Fig. 2A, the interior of the main body 310 comprises opposite ends 340a and 340b respectively defining converging channels 350a and 350b ; the channels 350a and 350b are of generally rectangular cross-section. The channel 350a comprises parallel outer 360a and inner 370a sides, and a rear facing side 380a. The channel 350b comprises parallel outer 360b and inner 370b sides and a rear facing side 380b. Optional spacers 392a and 392b may be fitted, as

shown, as optional liners respectively in converging channels 350a and 350b.

Referring to both Figs. 2A and 2B, the main body 310 further comprises an interior face 324b of generally trapezoidal shape defined by converging sides 370a and 370b, and opposite parallel sides 390 and 400, wherein side 390 has a greater length than side 400. Since sides 370a and 370b are converging it follows that the channels 350a and 350b must also be converging at an angle 335 (see Fig. 1).

It will be understood that the magnitude of the converging angle 335 may vary according to the degree of convergence of pairs of levers 330a and 330b found in excavator trucks It should also be understood that while it is preferred that the lock plate 320 has a lengthwise trapezoidal shape, the lock plate 320 can be rectangular in shape or any other shape providing that the lock plate 320 covers the channels 350a and 350b in order to immobilize the controlling levers 330a and 330b.

A plate 410, which forms part of the lock mechanism 322, is set into the recessed section 328. The plate 410 is fastened to the main body 310 by fasteners such as security hex screws 420a and 420b.

Depressing the lock mechanism 322 inward causes the lock-bolt 322c to emerge through a hole defined in the plate 410 and emerge from the recessed section 328 to engage a blind hole 450a in the lock plate 320 to reversibly prevent the main body 310 moving relative to the lock plate 320. It should be understood that the terms"reversible"and "reversibly"are intended to mean that the action can be reversed, <BR> <BR> e. g. , by manipulating the position of the lock-bolt 322c with respect to the blind hole 450a (or 450b, see Fig. 2B and explanation below) the lock-bolt the main body 310 can be repeatedly locked to and unlocked with respect to the lock-plate 320.

The lock plate 320 comprises opposite L-shaped ends 430a and 430b and a back-plate 440 ; the L-shaped ends 430a and 430b are preferably attached by welds 315 to the back-plate 440. The blind hole 450a comprises a hole drilled through the back-plate 440 and a portion of an L-shaped bracket 460 which covers the hole on the exterior surface

445 of the back-plate 440 to provide the blind hole 450a. The L-shaped bracket 460 serves to prevent a putative thief from interfering with the lock-bolt 322c. In addition, one end 462 of the L-shaped bracket 460 acts as a stop when the main body 310 reversibly mates with the lock plate 320. An optional stop 470 may be attached to the main body 310 to stop against a top ledge 442 of the back-plate 440.

In use, an operator (such as an excavator driver or owner) aligns the control levers of interest as represented herein by levers 330a and 330b and maneuvers them into the channels 350a and 350b of the main body 310. The locking plate 320 is maneuvered until the L-shaped ends 430a and 430b are wrapped around the levers 330a and 330b at a position just below the main body 310, and the locking plate 320 is lifted up to reversibly mate with the main body 310 ; a reversibly mated (i. e. docked) main body 310 and lock plate 320 is shown in Fig. 2B. The locking mechanism 322 is operated to cause the lock-bolt 322c to engage the blind hole 450a thus locking the main body 310 to the lock plate 320 whereby the levers 330a and 330b are immobilized in channels 350a and 350b thereby inhibiting the theft of an excavator. To release the excavator lock 310 from the locking plate 320 the locking mechanism 322 is operated to retract the lock-bolt 322c from the blind hole 450a thereby freeing the main body 310 which can be moved from the lock plate 320 to expose the channels 350a and 350b to free the levers 330a and 330b. It will be understood that an operator could use the excavator lock 300 in a variety of ways to immobilize and release the levers 330a and 330b.

Referring to Figs. 3A and 3B, a further embodiment of the excavator lock 300 is shown comprising channels 350c and 350d, which are adapted to accommodate the control levers 330a and 330b. The channels 350c and 350d are generally of semi-circular cross section in contrast to the channels 350a and 350b which were generally of rectangular cross section. The channels may be of any other suitable cross section shape that can accommodate the stems of the control levers 330a and 330b.

Referring to Figs. 2B and 3B, the blind hole 450b partly penetrates the back-plate 440 thereby rendering redundant the L-shaped bracket 460. The optional stop 470 acts as a stop against the lock plate 320, and more particularly the ledge 442 of the back-plate 440.

It should be understood that the stop functions of the L-shaped brackets 460 and 470 are optional, i. e. they may be left out, because they are not essential for the working of the excavator lock 300 according to the present invention. The invention includes other permutations that might be found in U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/363,274. U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

60/363,274 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Also part of the invention is a ball and ring hitch lock to reversibly obstruct a ball socket or ring of a trailer hitch in order to prevent the theft of an unhitched trailer. The ball and ring hitch lock comprises an upper plate and a base plate. The upper plate has a lower surface, and a first and second opposite ends, with a post that extends in a normal direction from the lower surface of the upper plate. The post has a plurality of notches defined therein. The base plate has an upper surface and a sleeve with a hollow bore. The sleeve extends in a normal direction through the base plate and has a side opening defined therein. The sleeve is sized to accommodate the post extending from the upper plate. A lock mechanism is disposed in the base plate. The lock mechanism has at least one catch. When the lock mechanism is in a locked position the at least one catch extends into the side opening of the sleeve to engage at least one of the notches defined in the post in order to prevent removal of the base plate from the post. When the lock mechanism is in an unlocked position the at least one catch retracts from the sleeve in order to permit removal of the base plate from the post. A male hitch anchor is attached to the upper surface of the base plate. The male hitch anchor is sized to fit into a ball or a ring type hitch.

Referring to the figures generally, the ball and ring hitch lock 600 comprises an upper plate 610 and a base plate 620. The upper plate 610 comprises a lower surface 630 and a post 640 extending in a normal

direction from the lower surface 630 of. the upper plate 610. The post 640 has a plurality of notches 650 defined therein. The notches 650 may take the form of serrations or any other equivalent form. The upper plate 610 and a base plate 620 are preferably made of steel, but any material that is sufficiently durable may be used.

The base plate 620 comprises an upper surface 660 and a sleeve 670 with a hollow bore 680. In Fig. 1 the sleeve 670 extends in a normal direction through the base plate 620. A side opening 690 is defined in a side of the sleeve 670. The sleeve 670 is sized to accommodate the post 640. The base plate further comprises a lock mechanism housing 770. It will be understood that the sleeve 670 and the lock mechanism housing 770 may adopt various configurations.

The lock mechanism 700 has at least one catch 710 (see Fig. 6).

The lock mechanism 700 has a locked position in which the at least one catch 710 extends into the side opening 690 of the sleeve 670 to engage at least one of the notches 650 defined in the post 640 in order to prevent removal of the base plate 620 from the post 640. In the unlocked position the at least one catch 710 is retracted from the sleeve 670 in order to permit removal of the base plate 620 from the post 640.

Still referring to the figures in general, the base plate 620 further comprises a male hitch anchor 720 which is attached to the upper surface 660 of the base plate 620. The male hitch anchor 720 is sized to fit into a ring 750a or ball 750b type hitch. The male hitch anchor 720 can be of any suitable shape, e. g. , the male hitch anchor 720 may have an hour glass shape as shown in Fig. 2. The upper plate may comprise an optional guide rib 655 to facilitate docking a ring 740 type hitch 750a to the ball and ring hitch lock 600. The invention includes other permutations that might be found in U. S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/363, 272, filed March 11,2002. U. S.

Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/363,272 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It is to be understood that the present invention covers any device having an upper plate 610 with a post 640 extending therefrom,

such as a serrated or notched post, and a base plate 620 having a sleeve 670 adapted to accommodate the post 640 and a lock mechanism 700 adapted to reversibly engage the post 640 in the sleeve 670, wherein the sleeve 670 aligns the post 640, so that the lock mechanism 700 controls at least one catch 710 which engages the notches 650 or serrations to removably secure the upper plate 610 to the base plate 620 thereby enabling the device 600 to reversibly mate with a ball 750b or ring type hitch 750a.

Preferably the base plate cannot be removed from the post 640 without inserting a key 705 in the lock and rotating a key stock cylinder 708 (see Fig. 6). Preferably the lock mechanism 700 is spring biased and the notches 650 defined in the post 640 are configured so that when the key 705 is moved into the locked position, the base plate 620 will slide down the post 640, but is prevented from rising up the post 640, after the fashion of a ratchet.

Referring to the figures in more detail, Fig. 1 shows an environmental perspective view of the ball and ring hitch lock 600 according to the invention. The hitch lock 600 is shown mated with a ring type hitch 750a, i. e. a hitch with an eye or ring 740.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the two main parts of the ball and ring hitch lock 600 according to the invention, i. e. the upper plate 610 and the base plate 620. It should be understood that the lock mechanism housing 770 can be attached to the lower surface 665 of the base plate 620. Also, the sleeve 670 may extend from the lower surface 665 of the base plate 620 as shown in Fig. 5. Thus, any suitable arrangement of the lock mechanism housing 770 and sleeve 670 will suffice providing that the lock mechanism 700 has a locked position in which the at least one catch 710 extends into the side opening 690 of the sleeve 670 to engage at least one of the notches 650 defined in the post 640 in order to prevent removal of the base plate 620 from the post 640.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, Fig. 3 shows a perspective environmental view of the ball and ring hitch lock 600 installed in an alternative method to a hitch with a ring 750a. Fig. 4 shows an

alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the lock mechanism housing 770 is attached to the lower surface 665 of the base plate 620.

Fig. 5 shows yet another variation in the arrangement of the lock mechanism housing 770 and the sleeve 670. The lock mechanism housing 770 is attached to the lower surface 665 of the base plate 620 while the sleeve 670 terminates at, and is flush with, the top surface 660 of the base plate 620.

Fig. 6 shows an elevated perspective view of the base plate 620 with a cover 760 of the lock mechanism housing 770 removed exposing the key stock cylinder 708. The cover 760 forms part of the lock mechanism housing 770. The cover 760 is fastened to the lock mechanism housing 770 using fasteners such as security hex screws 780 and 790. A twist motion by the key 705 causes a lock pin 800 to move at least one catch 690 into the sleeve 670 via a side opening 690 in the sleeve and thereby engage the notches 650 in the post 640. A fastener such as a spring pin 810 attaches the lock pin 800 to the at least one catch 690.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

In particular, it will be understood that the scope of the present invention extends to any lock mechanism having an upper plate with a post extending therefrom, such as a serrated or notched post, and a base plate having a sleeve adapted to accommodate the post and a lock mechanism adapted to reversibly engage the post in the sleeve, wherein the sleeve aligns the post, so that the lock mechanism controls a catch which engages the notches or serrations to removably secure the upper plate to the base plate thereby enabling the device to reversibly mate with a ring or ball hitch.