Gooseneck trailer hitch locking device

Abstract

An anti-theft device which obstructs the socket and coupler lever of a gooseneck trailer hitch coupling mechanism and prevents a gooseneck trailer from being towed, made up of a receiving device and a pair of upright members each permanently affixed to a plate. The plate is dimensioned to match the footprint of the coupler. The receiving device is adapted to matingly engage with the socket. A first upright member and a second upright member are each affixed at a right angle to the plate on the same side of the plate as the receiving device and parallel to each other at a predetermined distance so that, when the receiving device is inserted into an open socket, the first upright member and second upright member extend contiguously upward on opposite sides of the coupler lever. A handle is affixed to the underside of the plate for single-handed insertion. The upright members are formed so that the upper end forms a 'U'- channel, dimensioned to snugly accept the body of a padlock. Each upright member includes an opening in registry with the other, dimensioned to accept a securing bolt. The bolt when inserted through the registered openings of upright members prevents operation of the coupler lever. The bolt includes a bore to accept the shackle of a padlock or other similar lock, which secures the securing bolt onto the upright members. The padlock is also protected from being cut by the 'U'-shaped channel.