GB2506258A

GB2506258A - Hitch lock

Info

Publication number: GB2506258A
Application number: GB201313301A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Schofield
Original assignee: Purple Line Ltd
Current assignee: Purple Line Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-25
Filing date: 2013-07-25
Publication date: 2014-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-25
Also published as: GB201313301D0; GB2506258B

Abstract

A hitch lock 10 comprises a sleeve portion 12 and a single lateral side member 14 which thereby enables the hitch lock 10 to be pivotably moved around the hitch handle 18. The sleeve portion 12 includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to easily move with respect to the hitch handle 18. In particular, the hitch lock 10 is pivotably movable around the hitch handle. Furthermore, the hitch lock 10 is slidably movable along the length of the hitch handle 18. These relative movements provide extra functionality to the use of the hitch lock 10. Specifically, the hitch lock 10 can remain attached to the hitch handle 18 during the operation of the hitch handle18. In use, the hitch handle 18 is pivotally raised from a lowered locked position to an upper unlocked position. However, the hitch handle 18 can be relatively stiff and difficult to move. The hitch lock 10 can remained attached to the hitch handle such that the hitch lock 10 provides extra leverage for a user.

Description

Hitch Lock

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hitch lock, an assembly including a hitch lock and a method of locking a hitch handle. In particular, the present invention relates to a hitch lock for use with a trailer or caravan coupling, an assembly comprising a trailer or caravan coupling and a lock and a method of locking a trailer or caravan coupling.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Caravans and trailers are releasably coupled and uncoupled to powered vehicles in order for the (unpowered) caravan and trailer to be towed to different locations.

The coupling generally includes a tow bar mounted to the rear of the vehicle. The tow bar includes a tow ball mounted on a mounting arm or shaft. The caravan or trailer includes a coupling which includes a recess or socket for receiving the tow ball. The coupling also includes a retaining mechanism in order to retain the tow ball within the socket and to prevent inadvertent disengagement.

Such couplings are generally universal and conventional. Accordingly, an unauthorised vehicle would easily and quickly be able to be coupled to a caravan or trailer. For this reason, anti-theft devices are conventionally used to prevent such unauthorised coupling or even uncoupling.

Caravans and trailers are frequently left unattended or unoccupied for long periods of time. The caravan coupling is generally exposed and freely accessible. Anti-theft security devices are available which provide a shroud over the hitch handle and this shroud is secured by means of a bolt extending underneath the coupling body. The shroud thereby prevents the unauthorised movement of the hitch handle which thereby prevents a tow ball from being engageable with the socket or disengageable with the socket of the coupling on the caravan.

These security devices are effective and prevent an unauthorised user from being able to move the hitch handle upwardly to an unlocked position. Accordingly, a tow ball from an unauthorised vehicle cannot be engaged in the socket or the tow ball of an authorised vehicle cannot be removed whilst the hitch handle is locked in the downward position.

To remove such a hitch lock, the locking pin must be unlocked and disengaged from the shroud. Once the locking pin is disengaged, the shroud can then be vertically moved off from the top of the hitch handle and coupling. The hitch handle is then free to use in a conventional manner.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art either referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a pad of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to a coupling body, wherein the lateral side member includes locking means which is arranged, in use, to lock the lateral side member to the locking bracket and, wherein, the sleeve portion includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to be pivotably mounted to a hitch handle.

Preferably, in the unlocked configuration, the hitch lock enables the hitch handle to be operable whilst the hitch handle is at least partially located within the sleeve portion.

Preferably the hitch lock comprises a single lateral side member.

Preferably the lateral side member is rotatably moveable around the hitch handle whilst the hitch handle is engaged in the sleeve portion and the hitch lock is in the unlocked configuration.

Preferably the hitch lock is moveable along a longitudinal extent of the hitch handle such that the hitch lock provides an increased lever length for a user operating the hitch handle.

The sleeve portion may be cylindrical and preferably has a single open longitudinal face which may provide an entry opening to an inner surface located within the sleeve portion. The cylindrical portion may have a closed longitudinal end which may help to enclose and/or shroud the hitch handle, in use.

The sleeve portion may provide an inner arcuate surface.

The sleeve portion may provide an inner articulating surface and preferably the inner articulating surface enables the sleeve portion to move relative to the hitch handle and preferably enables the sleeve portion to rotate around and/or slide over the hitch handle.

The sleeve portion may provide an inner bearing surface and preferably the inner bearing surface enables the sleeve portion to move relative to the hitch handle and preferably enables the sleeve portion to rotate around and/or slide over the hitch handle.

The sleeve portion may provide a lever extension such that the sleeve portion bears against the hitch handle in order that a user can pivotally move the hitch handle about its pivotal mounting by pivotally moving the sleeve portion about the pivot mounting.

The sleeve portion, may be arrange, in use, to provide a telescopic extension to the hitch handle. The sleeve portion may be arranged to selectively increase the effective lever length of the hitch handle.

The sleeve portion may be arranged to slidably move along the hitch handle whilst the hitch handle is located within the sleeve portion and the locking means is disengaged from the locking bracket.

Preferably the sleeve portion is arranged, in use, to encompass at least a part of an outer gripping surface of the hitch handle. Preferably the sleeve portion is arranged, in use, to encompass the majority of an outer gripping surface of the hitch handle and more preferably encompasses all of the outer gripping surface of the hitch handle.

Preferably the lateral side member is secured to the sleeve portion by a connecting portion.

The connecting portion may be arranged to project generally or substantially perpendicularly away from an outer surface of the sleeve portion.

The connecting portion preferably extends radially outwardly from the sleeve portion.

Preferably the lateral side member projects generally or substantially perpendicularly from the connecting portion.

The lateral side member may extend in a plane arranged substantially tangentially with an outer surface of the sleeve.

The lateral side member may be spaced from the sleeve portion and may extend in a tangential plane relative to an outer surface of the sleeve portion.

The lateral side member may comprise a lateral side plate.

Preferably the lateral side member provides the sole locking means for the hitch lock.

The locking bracket may comprise a locking portion for locking engagement with the locking means provided by the lateral side member. The locking portion may comprise a female locking member and the locking means may comprise a male locking member.

The locking means may comprise a key mechanism such that the locking means can only be locked and/or unlocked by the key.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an assembly comprising a coupling and a hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a part of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to the coupling body, wherein the lateral side member includes locking means which is arranged, in use, to lock the lateral side member to the locking bracket and, wherein, the sleeve portion includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to be pivotably mounted to the hitch handle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of locking a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a part of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to a coupling body, wherein the method comprises: locking the lateral side member to the locking bracket; and pivotably moving the hitch lock around the hitch handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a hitch lock in an unlocked configuration mounted to a coupling with the hitch handle in a locked position and a stabiliser handle in a vertical position.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a hitch lock with a coupling in which the hitch handle is in a locked position and a stabiliser handle is in a vertical position.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a hitch lock in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a hitch lock 10 for use with conventional trailer and caravan couplings. Such couplings generally include a coupling body 16 mounted to the trailer or caravan. The coupling body 16 provides a socket into which a tow ball can be engaged. The tow ball is provided by a tow bar mounted to the rear of a vehicle. Accordingly, such a coupling is relatively simple.

The coupling includes a hitch handle 18 mounted on the coupling body 16. The hitch handle 18 is pivotally mounted and projects upwardly from the upper surface of the coupling body 16. The hitch handle 18 is manually moveable between a lowered, locked position to an upper, open position. In the lowered, locked position, the tow ball is engaged and retained within the socket of the coupling body 16. Alternatively, in the lowered, locked position, a restrictor mechanism prevents a tow ball from entering into the inner retaining portion of the socket. In the upper, open (unlocked) position, the tow ball can be freely inserted into the socket or moved out of the socket to couple or uncouple the caravan or trailer to the towing vehicle.

As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, a preferred embodiment of a hitch lock 10 comprises a sleeve portion 12 and a lateral side member 14. The hitch lock 10 includes a single lateral side member which thereby enables the hitch lock to be pivotably moved around the hitch handle 18.

The sleeve portion 12 includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to easily move with respect to the hitch handle 18. In particular, the hitch lock 10 is pivotably movable around the hitch handle. Furthermore, the hitch lock 10 is slidably movable along the length of the hitch handle 18. These relative movements provide extra functionality to the use of the hitch lock 10 of the present invention. Specifically, the hitch lock 10 can remain attached to the hitch handle 18 during the operation of the hitch handlel8.

In use, the hitch handle 18 is pivotally raised from a lowered locked position to an upper unlocked position. However, the hitch handle 18 can be relatively stiff and difficult to move. The hitch lock 10 of the present invention can remained attached to the hitch handle such that the hitch lock 10 provides extra leverage for a user.

Specifically, the sleeve portion 12 is slidably moved along the hitch handle such that the hitch lock locates at a position further away from the pivotal mounting of the hitch handle 18. In this extended position, a user can then exert an upwards force on the hitch lock 10 which will create a greater moment of force around the picot of the hitch handle 18. This telescopic movement between the sleeve portion 12 and the hitch handle 18 thereby makes it easier to move the hitch handle 18 upwardly. Some prior art hitch locks may have two downwardly extending side portions which thereby prevents any significant pivotal or rotational movement of the hitch lock around a hitch handle. In addition, such hitch locks may provide no sleeve portion or other lower extending portion which is able to engage underneath the hitch handle such that the hitch lock can be used to move the hitch handle upwardly.

The sleeve portion 12 of the hitch lock 10 includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock lOto articulate and move relative to the hitch handle 18. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeve portion 12 is a complete cylindrical outer surface but in other embodiments, the sleeve portion may be and incomplete cylindrical surface. The sleeve portion 12 provide an upper surface to prevent the hitch handle 18 being operated in whilst the hitch lock 10 is in the locked configuration and the sleeve portion 12 also serves to provide an engagement portion which engages underneath the hitch handle 18. This section of the sleeve portion 12 enable the hitch lock 10 to operate the hitch handle 18 whilst the hitch lock is in an unlocked configuration.

The inner bearing surface is an inner circular surface which provides a smooth surface for the hitch lock 10 to move around the hitch handle 18. The hitch handle effectively acts as pivot for the hitch lock 10 to move around.

The sleeve portion 12 has an outer cylindrical surface from which a connecting portion 32 extends. The connecting portion extends radially away from the sleeve portion and function to secure the side plate 14 to the sleeve portion. The connecting portion 32 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the outer surface of the sleeve portion 12 such that the connecting portion 32 extends in a direction normal to the sleeve portion 12.

The side plate 14 is secured to the connecting portion 32 spaced apart from the sleeve portion 12. The side plate 14 is arranged perpendicularly to the connecting portion 32. This arrangement effectively means that the side plate 14 extends in a tangential plane relative to the sleeve portion 32.

In use, the sleeve portion 12 shrouds the hitch handle 18 whilst the side plate extends down one side of the coupling body 16.

The coupling body 16 may have a side fixture means which may enable locking parts to engage therewith. For the present invention, the hitch lock 10 includes a first bracket 24 and a second bracket 26 which are arranged to be secured to the coupling body 16.

The first bracket 24 is arranged to be secured to the coupling body 16 through the conventional fixtures provided on the coupling body. This enables the present invention to take advantage of the conventional fixtures provided on coupling bodies without having to provide additional fixture means. Alternatively, any suitable fixture means may be used to secure the brackets 24, 26 to the coupling body.

The second securement bracket 26 is secured to the first securement bracket 24 securement members which may comprise three securement screws 28. The securement screws may be engageable with and operable by a hexagonal key which may be provided as part of a kit.

The first securement bracket 24 provides a locking portion 22 which is arranged to cooperate with the locking means provided on the side plate 14. The locking portion 22 comprises a locking barrel or cylinder into which a part of a conventional male locking member 20 can locate. An inner surface of the locking portion 22 provided an annular groove into which a locking element (or elements) provided on the male locking member 20 can be selectively engaged. The engagement of the locking element(s) into the annular groove thereby locks the side plate 14 to the coupling body 16.

The locking portion 22 comprises a cylindrical body which is arranged to project through an aperture 29 provided on the second bracket. The brackets 24, 26 are effectively secured together by the securement screws 28.

The second bracket 26 includes an engagement flange 27 which engages with the coupling body 16. In particular, the engagement flange 27 is arranged to locate and abut against the underside of the coupling body 16. This engagement flange 27 effectively locks the two brackets 24, 26 to the coupling body 16. The engagement flange 27 means that the first securement bracket 24 cannot simply moved out of engagement with the fixture means provided on the coupling body 16. In addition, the brackets 24, 26 are unobtrusive and they can be left mounted to the coupling body 16 permanently.

For installation purposes, the first bracket 24 is initially mounted within the fixture means provided by the coupling body 16. These fixture means may be intended for another dedicated hitch lock. Once the first bracket 24 is mounted, the second bracket 26 is secured to the first bracket 24 such that the second bracket 26 and the engagement flange 27 effectively permanently mount the locking portion 22 to the coupling body 16.

The side plate provided a housing 30 for the locking member 20. The locking member 40 is operable by a dedicated key 21. The locking housing 30 may comprise a cylinder into which the locking member 20 is mounted. The locking member is retained in the locking housing 30 such that, in the unlocked configuration the locking member 20 is kept and maintained with the side plate 14.

This prevents the locking member 20 from becoming lost. Overall, the hitch lock is retained as a single item in the unlocked and removed configuration with the brackets 24, 26 and associated locking portion 22 being mounted to the coupling body 16. Prior art devices have several discrete items, such as locking pins, which may become lost between uses.

The present invention is suitable for use with coupling in which stabilising means are provided. As shown in Figure 1, a stabiliser handle 40 does not interfere with the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a part of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to a coupling body, wherein the lateral side member includes locking means which is arranged, in use, to lock the lateral side member to the locking bracket and, wherein, the sleeve portion includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to be pivotably mounted to a hitch handle.
2. A hitch lock according to Claim 1 in which, in the unlocked configuration, the hitch lock enables the hitch handle to be operable whilst the hitch handle is at least partially located within the sleeve portion.
3. A hitch lock according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the hitch lock comprises a single lateral side member.
4. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the lateral side member is rotatably moveable around the hitch handle whilst the hitch handle is engaged in the sleeve portion and the hitch lock is in the unlocked configuration.
5. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the hitch lock is moveable along a longitudinal extent of the hitch handle such that the hitch lock provides an increased lever length for a user operating the hitch handle.
6. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the sleeve portion is cylindrical and has a single open longitudinal face which provides an entry opening to an inner surface located within the sleeve portion and the cylindrical portion has a closed longitudinal end which helps to enclose and/or shroud the hitch handle, in use.
7. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the sleeve portion provides an inner articulating surface which enables the sleeve portion to move relative to the hitch handle and enables the sleeve portion to rotate around and/or longitudinally slide over the hitch handle.
8. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the sleeve portion provides a lever extension such that the sleeve portion bears against the hitch handle in order that a user can pivotally move the hitch handle about its pivotal mounting by pivotally moving the sleeve portion about the pivot mounting.
9. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the sleeve portion, is arranged, in use, to provide a telescopic extension to the hitch handle and to selectively increase the effective lever length of the hitch handle.
10. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the sleeve portion is arranged to slidably move along the hitch handle whilst the hitch handle is located within the sleeve portion and the locking means is disengaged from the locking bracket.
11. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the lateral side member is secured to the sleeve portion by a connecting portion.
12. A hitch lock according to Claim 11 in which the connecting portion is arranged to project substantially perpendicularly away from an outer surface of the sleeve portion and, in which, the connecting portion extends radially outwardly from the sleeve portion.
13. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the lateral side member may extend in a plane arranged substantially tangentially with an outer surface of the sleeve.
14. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the lateral side member is spaced from the sleeve portion and extends in a tangential plane relative to an outer surface of the sleeve portion.
15. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the lateral side member provides the sole locking means for the hitch lock.
16. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the locking bracket comprise a locking portion for locking engagement with the locking means provided by the lateral side member.
17. A hitch lock according to Claim 16 in which the locking portion comprises a female locking member and the locking means comprise a male locking member.
18. A hitch lock according to any preceding claim in which the locking means comprise a key mechanism such that the locking means can only be locked and/or unlocked by the key.
19. An assembly comprising a coupling and a hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a part of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to the coupling body, wherein the lateral side member includes locking means which is arranged, in use, to lock the lateral side member to the locking bracket and, wherein, the sleeve portion includes an inner bearing surface which enables the hitch lock to be pivotably mounted to the hitch handle.
20. A method of locking a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body, the hitch lock comprising: a sleeve portion into which at least a part of a hitch handle is insertable; a lateral side member connected to the sleeve portion, the lateral side member extending outwardly from the sleeve portion; and a locking bracket comprising mounting means which is arranged, in use, to mount the locking bracket to a coupling body, wherein the method comprises: locking the lateral side member to the locking bracket; and pivotably moving the hitch lock around the hitch handle.
21. A hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
22. An assembly comprising a coupling and a hitch lock for preventing the operation of a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
23. A method of locking a hitch handle mounted on a coupling body substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.