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US 11,813,905 B2Granted
Apparatuses and locking elements including assist devices
AssigneeTruck Shields, LLC
InventorDennis H. Hancock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pin assist device that eliminates the need to use a separate tool to insert and/or extract a cotter, or other fastening, pin. The pin assist device allows the user to easily insert or extract a pin in locations that are difficult to reach, in all types of weather and virtually all conditions. Related pin assist devices, hitch pins, and hitch pin assemblies are also disclosed.
Claims15
A retaining member, comprising:
- a pin having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a pin latching accessory having a first end and a second end, the first end rotatably secured to the proximal end of the pin;
- an assist device extending from the pin latching accessory between the first end and the second end, the assist device comprising:
- an extraction feature at a first end of the assist device;
- an insertion feature in which a portion of the pin latching accessory is embedded, the insertion feature disposed at a second end of the assist device opposite the first end;
- and
- a middle section extending between the extraction feature and the insertion feature;
- wherein the extraction feature includes a surface extending away from a major plane of the middle section to form a gripping feature that is thicker than the middle section.
5 more elements
A lock pin, comprising:
- a pin having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a latching accessory rotatably connected to the pin at the proximal end, the latching accessory including a loop defining a locking element configured to engage the pin at the distal end;
- and
- a pin assist device coupled to the latching accessory between the loop and the proximal end of the pin, the pin assist device comprising:
- an extraction feature;
- an insertion feature through which the latching accessory extends;
- and
- a middle section extending between the extraction feature and the insertion feature, the middle section having a thickness;
- wherein the extraction feature forms a gripping feature defining a tapered surface extending outward from the middle section such that the extraction feature has a thickness greater than the thickness of the middle section.
6 more elements
A lock pin, comprising:
- a pin;
- a latching accessory rotatably connected to the pin at a first end and selectively engaged with the pin at a second end;
- and
- a pin assist device coupled to the latching accessory between the first and the second end, the pin assist device comprising:
- an extraction feature at a first end of the pin assist device;
- an insertion feature at a second end of the pin assist device opposite the first end, the insertion feature coupled to the latching accessory;
- and
- a middle section extending between the extraction feature and the insertion feature,
- wherein the pin assist device is configured to disengage the latching accessory from the pin when the extraction feature is pulled;
- wherein the extraction feature includes a surface extending away from a major plane of the middle section to form a gripping feature that is thicker than the middle section.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.