# US 5,343,720 A · No-tow-lunette eye locking device which prevents pentel hook connection

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,343,720 A
- Document ID: US5343720A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 07/852,385
- Filed: 1992-06-02
- Granted: 1994-09-06
- Earliest claimed: 1992-06-02
- Inventors: David R. Slater
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5343720A

## CPC

- B60D 1/60: Covers, caps or guards {, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices}
- Y10T 70/40: Portable
- Y10T 70/5009: For portable articles
- Y10T 70/5982: Accessories
- B60D: VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A loss-prevention device which operates by filling the hole of a lunette eye with a steel two-piece cylinder spool containing a barrel lock. Horizontal separation of the two pieces allows for the vertical removal from the lunette eye. When connected within the lunette eye, the device prevents attachment of the lunette eye's corresponding pentel hook and subsequent towing, hence, the name NO-TOW. This device can be manufactured in three sizes to accomodate the three sizes of lunette eye connectors currently in use.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A locking device for preventing use of 23/8", 21/2" and 3" eye ring trailer connectors, comprising:
an upper housing including an enlarged top coverplate and a
bottom collar to retain a flat, floating ring therebetween;
a bottom housing to be secured to the upper housing to block access to the eye ring trailer connectors;
wherein the floating ring occupies plural positions between the top coverplate and bottom collar of the upper housing when the housings are selectively secured to the 23/8", 21/2" and 3" eye ring trailer connectors.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The locking device of claim 1, including locking engagement means between the upper and lower housings.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The locking device of claim 2, wherein the locking engagement means includes key-operated locking dogs in the lower housing and engagement steps in the upper housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The locking device of claim 3, including a small hole in the lower housing for lubrication of the locking dogs.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The locking device of claim 1, including a bottom coverplate on the bottom housing, the top and bottom coverplates preventing access to the eye ring trailer connectors.