KNAUST BENGT (SE)
| US3391555A | 1968-07-09 | |||
| GB2055140A | 1981-02-25 | |||
| GB2218678A | 1989-11-22 |
| 1. | Locking means for a trailer coupling of the kind which comprises a handle for releasing of the coupling from the tow hook of a vehicle characterized by a first shackle (1 ) which extends itself over the handle, a bar (2) between the shanks of the shackle, which bar (2) extends itself underneath the handle, a second shackle (3) which protrudes from the first shackle and horizontally surrounds the handle and locking bar (4) which extends itself between the lower ends of the shanks of the first shackle (1 ) . |
| 2. | Locking means according to claim 1 characterized by a housing which surrounds and encloses the locking means and which is rearwards and downwards open. |
The present invention concerns a locking means for automobile trailer couplings of the kind which comprises a handle for releasing the coupling from the vehicle
Couplings of this kind are meant to connect a trailer to a tow-hook at a vehicle and is primarily used for small trailers The coupling means comprises a handle for connecting and releasing of the coupling at the tow hook and is mostly so designed that when the trailer is to be released from the vehicle the handle must be raised upwards and bent forwards When the coupling is connected to a vehicle the grip part of the handle is in a position which is parallel to the drawbar of the trailer
Trailers which have this kind of couplings are exposed to theft as the coupling is simpie to operate independent of if the trailer is connected to a vehicle or temporarily parked It is thus desirable that the coupling means can be locked in order to prevent unauthorised use of the trailer
Both in use and when parked trailer couplings of this kind are exposed to the influence of rain, snow, splashing dirt and other things, which may cause damages and malfunction of various kinds It is thus also desirable that the coupling as much as possible is protected from such external influences
Several locking means of this kind are known, or example from GB-1366079, GB- 2055140 and GB-2218391 A common feature of these known devices is that a bar or pin is positioned between the handle and that part of the coupling which is connected to the drawbar Another common feature is that the devices which are designed as housings are such that they can be used only when the trailer is released from the vehicle
The present invention is for a locking means which makes it possible to lock the coupling both when the trailer is parked alone and when it is connected to a vehicle The locking means of the invention may also include a protective housing, which protects the coupling both when parked and when in use
The invention will below be described more in detail with reference to the enclosed figures
Figure 1 shows a locking means according to the invention, mounted onto a trailer coupling which is locked by that means
2 Figure shows, inclined from below, a locking means according to the invention, which also includes a housing
Figure 3 is a cross-section of the means of figure 2 along A-A
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a locking means according to the invention without a housing
The locking means according to the invention comprises a first shackle 1 which extends itself over the handle 6 and so far down the lower ends of the shackle are below the drawbar Across the shackle between its shanks and approximately at the middle thereof a crossbar 2 extends itself, which when the locking means is mounted onto a coupling is between the drawbar and the handle Protruding from the first shackle, approximately at the crossbar 2, there is a second shackle 3 When the locking means is mounted the second shackle 3 encloses the front part of the handle 6
In the embodiment of the invention which is shown in the figure the first shackle at the lower end of each of its shanks has a hole 8, 9, through which a locking pin 4 may be inserted The locking pin may at its one end have a head 5 and at its other end a hole for inserting a shackle lock or other locking means The mounting of the locking means onto a trailer coupling is made from behind whereby the second shackle 3 is moved over the handle in such a way that the bar 2 passes in underneath the handle Thereupon the shackle 3 is brought down in front of the handle, after which the locking pin 4 is inserted and locked
The embodiment of the invention which is shown in the figures 2 and 3 also includes a housing 10 This is made from a suitable material, for example reinforced polymer or stainless steel The shape of the housing may vary somewhat, due to for example the material which is used for housing and different variations of for example the locking device It is a common feature of all the embodiments that the housing is open at its rear end and downwards and covered in all other directions Also with a housing of this kind the locking means may be mounted both to a parked trailer or to a trailer which is connected to a vehicle
Several variations and embodiments of the invention are possible within the frame of the inventive idea In order to further make theft more difficult the locking device may be made from hardened steel The enclosing housing may be moulded from polymer and the shackles of the locking means may be embedded in the housing The locking device for the pin 4 may be varied in many ways as also the mounting of the pin These and other possible embodiments of the invention are adapted the intended use