Patent · US Expired

Trailer kingpin locking apparatus

US5987938A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
12References
5Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 28, 1998
Grant dateNov 23, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 28, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/5982
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A trailer kingpin locking apparatus, for use with a trailer having a kingpin with an annular groove, features a lock body with a cylindrical opening to receive a kingpin. A padlock channel, running transversely to the axis of the kingpin opening and sized to accommodate the body of a padlock, extends partially into the sidewall of the lock body. A shackle channel, parallel to and narrower than the padlock channel, extends inward from the padlock channel and intercepts the kingpin opening to form an opening thereinto. A retaining pin bridges the shackle channel near the kingpin opening. The locking apparatus may be slipped over a kingpin such that the shackle channel coincides with the annular groove of the kingpin. The shackle of a standard padlock is inserted into the shackle channel and around the retaining pin, with the shackle projecting partially into the annular groove and preventing the locking apparatus from being slipped off of the kingpin. The padlock is then closed, with the body of the padlock projecting partially into the padlock channel, such that the shackle is entirely enclosed within the lock body and is inaccessible to bolt cutters or similar tools.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.