Kingpin Locking System

Abstract

A kingpin locking system for securing a kingpin on a trailer to a tractor is provided. The system comprises a C-shaped member having a main body portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion. A first spring member is mounted between the center portion and the first jaw portion with the first spring member allowing the first jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from the second jaw portion. A key mechanism activates a locking mechanism to lock the first and second jaw portions together and deactivates the locking mechanism to unlock the first and second jaw portions. Upon positioning the C-shaped member about the kingpin and moving the first jaw portion into contact with the second jaw portion, the key mechanism activates the locking mechanism thereby securing the first and second jaw portion together and securing the trailer to the tractor.

Claims

1. A kingpin locking system for securing a trailer to a tractor, the trailer having a kingpin receivable by the tractor, the kingpin locking system comprising: a C-shaped member having a main body portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion, the main body portion having a first end and a second end, the first jaw portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the second jaw portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end; a first spring member mounted between the first end of the center portion and the first proximal end of the first jaw portion, the first spring member allowing the first distal end the first jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from the second distal end of the second jaw portion; a locking mechanism associated with the first distal end of the first jaw portion and the second distal end of the second jaw portion; and key means for activating the locking mechanism to lock the first jaw portion to the second jaw portion and for deactivating the locking mechanism to unlock the first jaw portion from the second jaw portion; wherein upon positioning the C-shaped member about the kingpin and moving the first distal end of the first jaw portion into contact with the second distal end of the second jaw portion, the key means is capable of activating the locking mechanism thereby securing the first distal end of the first jaw portion to the second distal end of the second jaw portion and securing the trailer to the tractor.

2. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 wherein the first spring member biases the first jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion.

3. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 and further comprising: a second spring member mounted between the second end of the center portion and the second proximal end of the second jaw portion, the second spring member allowing the second distal end of the second jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from the first distal end of the first jaw portion.

4. The kingpin locking system of claim 3 wherein the second spring member biases the second jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion.

5. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 wherein the C-shaped member is capable of completely encircling the kingpin.

6. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 wherein the key means is a key hole positioned in the approximate center of the center portion.

7. The kingpin locking system of claim 6 wherein the key hole is capable of receiving a key, the key rotatable to activate and deactivate the locking, mechanism.

8. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 wherein the key means is a combination key, wherein upon entering a designated combination, the locking mechanism is deactivated.

9. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 and further comprising: linkage between the key means and the locking mechanism allowing the key means to operate the locking mechanism.

10. The kingpin locking system of claim 1 wherein the C-shaped member measures approximately one foot to one and one half feet in diameter and six inches in depth.

11. A method for securing a trailer to a tractor, the trailer having a kingpin receivable by the tractor, the method comprising: providing a C-shaped member having a main body portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion, the main body portion having a first end and a second end, the first jaw portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the second jaw portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end; mounting a first spring member between the first end of the center portion and the first proximal end of the first jaw portion; moving the first distal end the first jaw portion in a general direction toward and away from the second distal end of the second jaw portion; associating a locking mechanism with the first distal end of the first jaw portion and the second distal end of the second jaw portion; positioning the C-shaped member about the kingpin; moving the first distal end of the first jaw portion into contact with the second distal end of the second jaw portion; and activating the locking mechanism to lock the first jaw portion to the second jaw portion thereby securing the first distal end of the first jaw portion to the second distal end of the second jaw portion and securing the trailer to the tractor.

12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: biasing the first jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion.

13. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: mounting a second spring member between the second end of the center portion and the second proximal end of the second jaw portion; and moving the second distal end of the second jaw portion in a general direction toward and away from the first distal end of the first jaw portion.

14. The method of claim 13 and further comprising: biasing the second jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion.

15. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: completely encircling the kingpin with the C-shaped member.

16. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: positioning a key hole in the approximate center of the center portion.

17. The kingpin locking system of claim 16 wherein the key hole is capable of receiving a key, and further comprising: rotating the key to activate and deactivate the locking mechanism.

18. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: providing a combination key; entering a designated combination; and deactivating the locking mechanism.

19. The method of claim 11 and further comprising: providing linkage between the key means and the locking mechanism allowing the key means to operate the locking mechanism.

20. A kingpin locking system for securing a trailer to a tractor, the trailer having a kingpin receivable by the tractor, the kingpin locking system comprising: a C-shaped member having a center portion, a first jaw portion, and a second jaw portion, the center portion having a first end and a second end, the first jaw portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and the second jaw portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end; a first spring member mounted between the first end of the center portion and the first proximal end of the first jaw portion, the first spring member biasing the first jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion and allowing the first distal end of the first jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from second distal end of the second jaw portion; a second spring member mounted between the second end of the center portion and the second proximal end of the second jaw portion, the second spring member biasing the second jaw portion in a general direction away from the center portion and allowing the second distal end of the second jaw portion to move in a general direction toward and away from the first distal end of the first jaw portion; a locking mechanism associated with the first distal end of the first jaw portion and the second distal end of the second jaw portion; and key means for activating the locking mechanism to lock the first jaw portion to the second jaw portion and for deactivating the locking mechanism to unlock the first jaw portion from the second jaw portion; wherein upon positioning the C-shaped member about the kingpin and moving the first distal end of the first jaw portion into contact with the second distal end of the second jaw portion, the key means is capable of activating the locking mechanism thereby securing the first distal end of the first jaw portion to the second distal end of the second jaw portion and securing the trailer to the tractor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is an elevational side view illustrating a trailer having a kingpin for use with a kingpin locking system, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the kingpin locking system constructed in accordance with the present invention, with an X shaped key lock and integrated springs allowing easy opening and closing of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the kingpin locking system constructed in accordance with the present invention installed on a kingpin located beneath the front end of a tractor trailer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Kingpin Locking System, indicated generally at 10, is a hardened steel lock that is installed around a kingpin 16 and secures a trailer 14 to a truck's tractor. The Kingpin Locking System 10 provides professionals in the trucking industry with a practical tool which readily prevents an increasingly common problem of cargo theft by effectively preventing thieves from releasing a trailer 14 from an existing tractor and hauling it away. A kingpin 16 is a heavy metal cylindrical pin that is located beneath a front end of a trailer 14 and functionally connects the trailer 14 to the road tractor. The lock 12 of the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention is configured to clamp around the installed kingpin 16.

[0018] The Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention is a C-shaped lock 12 comprised of two, heavy duty spring loaded jaws 18, i.e., a first jaw portion 18a and a second jaw portion 18b, connected to a center portion 20 by at least one spring member 22. The jaws 18 curve around the kingpin 16 and come are joined together on the opposite side so the present invention encircles the kingpin 16 entirely. In a preferred embodiment, there are two spring members 22, i.e., a first spring member 22a and a second spring member 22b.

[0019] With the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention, the aforementioned jaws 18 are configured to interlock together when applied about the kingpin 16. An integrated heavy duty safety key lock 24 has a dedicated and unique key for use in securing the lock 12 present invention in place about the kingpin 16.

[0020] Universal in configuration to accommodate virtually any kingpin 16 from any manufacturer, the lock 12 of the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention measures approximately one foot to one and one half feet in diameter and six inches in depth. This reliable lock 12 is preferably manufactured in polished metal tones as well as hues of red, black or blue.

[0021] Application and use of the lock 12 of the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention is simple and straight forward. After joining a trailer to one's tractor by connecting the two components together utilizing the trailer's kingpin 16, the professional trucker then employs the lock 12 on the existing kingpin 16. Opening the jaws 18 of the lock 12, the user positions the lock 12 around the kingpin 16, clamping the two interlocking jaws 18 together to encircle the kingpin 16 completely. A locking mechanism associated with the jaws 18 locks the jaws 18 together. The user then utilizes the unique key lock 24 to lock the lock 12 in place. As understood by those persons skilled in the art, appropriate linkage between the key lock 24 and the locking mechanism can accomplish the locking and unlocking action of the locking mechanism. The key lock 24 can also be a combination lock, depending the needs and desires of the users and the manufacturers.

[0022] The lock 12 of the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention remains on the kingpin 16 throughout the trucker's journey, providing an impenetrable barrier that prevents thieves from releasing the trailer 14 and stealing contained cargo. Upon arriving at their delivery destination, the trucker utilizes the dedicated key to open the lock 12 and release the kingpin 16 and trailer 14 from the tractor cab. This process is repeated with every load transported. The present invention is compact and easily storable within a truck's cab or other easily accessed area.

[0023] The Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention provides an impenetrable barrier which effectively deters criminals from attempting to steal a trailer and contained goods. Using the Kingpin Locking System 10 reduces a time consuming hassle of dealing with ramifications of stolen cargo such as filling out extensive paper work, filing police reports and insurance claims. Installation of the Kingpin Locking System 10 ensures that goods are delivered to their specified destinations on time and in a sound manner. Professional truckers can rest easy on overnight stops or when taking a break at truck stops for refueling or much needed rest. Ensuring that items stored within the cargo trailer are secure, using the Kingpin Locking System 10 of the present invention reduces insurance costs and results in happier satisfied customers. Extremely simple to use and durably constructed, this sturdy lock will withstand years of continued use.

[0024] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.