Integral locking coupler
AssigneeMaster Lock Company LLC
InventorsTim Makos, Chris Irgens, Joe Elliott, John Zapushek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integral locking coupler comprising a locking mechanism mechanically coupled to a set of engagement pins for securing a coupler to a receiver. The locking mechanism translates movement to the engagement pins to move them to and from an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the engagement pins engage the receiver thereby securing the coupler. When in the retracted position, the engagement pins are generally contained within the coupler housing allowing the coupler to be inserted into and removed from the receiver.
Claims17
A vehicle coupler comprising:
- a coupler housing;
- a locking cylinder disposed within said coupler housing and mechanically coupled to a plurality of engagement pins;
- and
- a blocker positioned between said plurality of engagement pins;
- wherein rotation of said lock cylinder moves said engagement pins between two positions, a first position wherein said plurality of engagement pins extend beyond said coupler housing and a second position wherein said plurality of engagement pins do not extend beyond said coupler housing.
A vehicle coupler comprising:
- a lock cylinder disposed within a coupler housing and coupled to a cam, said cam including a protrusion;
- a lever including a first slot for receiving said protrusion and a second and third slot located on an opposite end of the lever as the first slot;
- a pair of pins secured within said second and third slots;
- a pair of engagement pins, wherein said pair of pins are secured to said pair of engagement pins;
- wherein rotation of said lock cylinder moves said pair of engagement pins between two positions, a first position wherein said plurality of engagement pins extend beyond said coupler housing and a second position wherein said plurality of engagement pins do not extend beyond said coupler housing.
A vehicle hitch assembly comprising:
- a receiver including a pair of apertures;
- and
- a coupler including a pair of engagement pins that are selectively received in said pair of apertures;
- wherein said coupler comprises:
- a lock cylinder disposed within a coupler housing and coupled to a cam, said cam including a protrusion;
- a lever including a first slot for receiving said protrusion and a second and third slot located on an opposite end of the lever as the first slot;
- a pair of pins secured within said second and third slots, wherein said pair of pins are secured to said pair of engagement pins;
- wherein rotation of said lock cylinder moves said pair of engagement pins between two positions, a first position wherein said plurality of engagement pins extend beyond said coupler housing and a second position wherein said plurality of engagement pins do not extend beyond said coupler housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.