# US 5,700,024 A · Coupler locking device and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,700,024 A - Document ID: US5700024A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/532,085 - Filed: 1995-09-22 - Granted: 1997-12-23 - Earliest claimed: 1995-09-22 - Inventors: James W. Upchurch - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5700024A ## CPC - B60D 1/60: Covers, caps or guards {, e.g. comprising anti-theft devices} - B60D: VEHICLE CONNECTIONS ## Abstract A coupler locking device which can be affixed to the coupler mechanism of a trailer thereby preventing the accidental or unauthorized uncoupling of the coupler mechanism and which is useful both when the trailer is coupled to a towing vehicle and when the trailer is not coupled to a towing vehicle. Essentially the coupler locking device comprises a bracket which, when properly engaged with a joining member by a locking device, prevents separation of the hitch ball and the socket of the coupler mechanism as well as removal of the hitch ball from the towing vehicle, when so affixed. The method of using a coupler locking device having a bracket, joining member and a locking device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A coupler locking device which can be affixed to a coupler mechanism of a trailer of the type having a socket and a stud-type hitch ball inserted therein, and capable of being releasably affixed to a towing platform of a towing vehicle, said coupler locking device comprising; (a) a bracket member having a medial guarding section and a plurality of distal fastening sections, said bracket member further comprising at least two bracket arms, each having a proximate mating section, a medial guarding section and a distal fastening section; (b) at least one joining member for releasably connecting the distal fastening sections of said bracket member so that when the joining member is coupled to said distal fastening sections around the coupler mechanism of a trailer, the stud-type hitch ball inserted in the socket of said coupler mechanism is entrapped therein; and (c) at least one locking device for looking said joining member to said distal fastening sections. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said joining member comprises a plate having a plate shaft hole and a plurality of bracket arm holes, said bracket armholes sized to receive the longer width of at least one distal fastening section of said bracket arm in only one direction. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said distal fastening sections further comprise a plurality of symmetrically opposing teeth located on each edge of the distal fastening section, said teeth sized to accommodate said plate when a distal fastening section is inserted into a bracket armhole and engaged in the locking position. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said proximate mating sections have a hole sized to receive said locking device. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said proximate mating sections have a plurality of retaining pegs forming a lock notch. ### Claim 6 A coupler locking device which can be affixed to a coupler mechanism of a trailer of the type having a socket and a stud-type hitch ball inserted therein, and capable of being releasably affixed to a towing platform of a towing vehicle, said coupler locking device comprising: (a) bracket member having a medial guarding section and a plurality of distal fastening sections: (b) at least one joining member for releasably connecting the distal fasting section of said bracket member so that when the joining member is coupled to said distal fastening section around the coupler mechanism of a trailer and at least a portion of the towing platform, the stud-type hitch ball inserted in the docket of said coupler mechanism and at least a portion of the towing platform are entrapped therein; (c) at least one locking device for locking said joining member to said distal fastening sections; (d) said distal fastening sections having a plurality of holes sized to receive said locking device; and (e) said joining member comprising a chain. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 6 wherein said chain is connected to one distal fastening section by a hooking device and to at least one other distal fastening section by said locking device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 6 wherein said joining member further comprises a plate, said plate having a plate shaft hole and a plurality of bracket arm holes sized to receive at least one distal fastening section of said bracket member. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 8 wherein said chain is connected to one distal fastening section by a hooking device and to at least one other distal fastening section by said locking device. ### Claim 10 A method for locking a coupler mechanism of a trailer to a stud-type hitch ball mounted on a towing platform of a towing vehicle, said method comprising: (a) coupling a socket of the coupler mechanism to said hitch ball; (b) surrounding said coupler mechanism and at least a portion of said towing platform with a bracket member and a joining member such that the ball is prevented from being removed from the socket and the ball is prevented from being removed from the towing platform; (c) locking said bracket member to said joining member; (d) said surrounding step being performed by; (i) attaching said joining member to a threaded shaft of said ball; and (ii) fastening said bracket member to said joining member; and (e) said fastening step being performed by: (i) inserting a first bracket arm into said joining member having a first hole for such insertion; (ii) inserting a second bracket arm into said joining member having a second hole for such insertion; and (iii) mating said first bracket arm to said second bracket arm. ### Claim 11 A coupler locking device which can be affixed to a coupler mechanism of a trailer of the type having a socket and a stud-type hitch ball inserted therein, and capable of being releasably affixed to a towing platform of a towing vehicle, said coupler locking device comprising: (a) a bracket member having a medial guarding section and a plurality of distal fastening sections; (b) at least one joining member for releasably connecting the distal fasting section of said bracket member so that when the joining member is coupled to said distal fastening section around the coupler mechanism of a trailer and at least a portion of the towing platform, the stud-type hitch ball inserted in the docket of said coupler mechanism and at least a portion of the towing platform are entrapped therein; (c) at least one locking device for locking said joining member to said distal fastening sections; and (d) said joining member comprising a plate, said plate having a plate shaft hole and a bracket arm hole sized to receive at least one distal fastening section of said bracket member. ### Claim 12 A coupler locking device which can be affixed to a coupler mechanism of a trailer of the type having a socket and a stud-type hitch ball inserted therein, and capable of being releasably affixed to a towing platform of a towing vehicle, said coupler locking device comprising: (a) a bracket member having a medial guarding section and a plurality of distal fastening section; (b) at least one joining member for releasably connecting the distal fastening sections of said bracket member so that when the joining member is coupled to said distal fastening sections around the coupler mechanism of a trailer and at least a portion of the towing platform, the stud-type hitch ball inserted in the socket of said coupler mechanism and at least a portion of the towing platform are entrapped therein; (c) at least one locking device for locking said joining member to said distal fastening sections; and (d) said joining member comprising a chain. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 12 wherein said joining member further comprises a plate, said plate having a plate shaft hole and a plurality of bracket arm holes sized to receive at least one distal fastening section of said bracket member. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) A coupler locking device in accordance with claim 12 wherein said chain is connected to one distal fastening section by a hooking device and to at least one other distal fastening section by said locking device.