Patent Publication Number: US-2004040351-A1

Title: Attachable valuables storage device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of locking and security devices and more specifically to an article of manufacture for locking, securely, vehicle keys and other valuables to a permanent part of a motor vehicle or other object.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Over the years, people have become more and more dependent upon their personal vehicles for transportation. However, often it is difficult or impractical to carry valuables and keys once the driver has reached his or her destination. For example, using a vehicle for transportation to the beach leaves the driver at the beach with his or her keys and valuables, such as rings or a wallet. As a result of this predicament, a number of devices currently exist to allow the driver to hide or otherwise place their valuables in their vehicles for later retrieval.  
       [0003] One such device that is currently available is a vehicle oriented “hidden key” device. The “hidden key” devices available for use with vehicles typically includes a metallic box equipped with a magnet that provides for the attachment of the metallic box to the vehicle “somewhere” in the under carriage, wheel well or engine well of a vehicle. While the metallic box may provide the driver with the ability to hide a key on the vehicle, the magnets often grow weak with time and thus allow the metallic box to bounce off of the vehicle while driving. Also, frequently, the driver of the vehicle must place the key inside the metallic box after arriving at the destination, thereby providing onlookers with the location of the box, facilitating their unauthorized access to the box, resulting in possible theft or damage to the vehicle or valuables. Also, the drivers may forget where they hid the metallic box. Also, the magnetic key box are relatively small in size and thus will only hold a key or two and are typically not large enough to hold the newer electronic keys, nor are they waterproof to protect the keys from harmful exposure to moisture.  
       [0004] Another example of currently available devices for the storage of keys and valuables is a locking box sold under the trade name “HitchDog”. This device includes a cast aluminum, single-piece, housing that inserts into a typical frame-mounted trailer hitch receptacle on a vehicle and is secured in place with a hitch locking pin. The HitchDog, however, does not include a cover, and does not establish a seal with either the hitch receptacle or the hitch locking holes, and therefore cannot provide a water/dust resistant environment for the key or other valuables. This device is designed to stay on the vehicle at all times and so any contents are exposed to whatever water, dust or road grime that leaks into the housing through the hitch pin locking holes. Because the housing cannot be sealed, the newer electronic keys are not being protected from the elements.  
       [0005] The hitch locking pin or rod, when used to secure the HitchDog, passes directly through the housing, or valuables cavity, severely limiting the number of items that can be placed in it, and also provides a direct pathway for dust and moisture to enter the housing. Moreover, because the locking pin passes directly through the housing where the valuables are located, it is possible that the keys or valuables can become damaged when the locking pin is installed or removed.  
       [0006] While the HitchDog was designed to provide a secure location for storing valuables, it nevertheless was designed such that three (3) different models must be manufactured and customers must measure their hitch receptacle to see which model they should order. This means a very large inventory must be kept on hand to accommodate different hitch types. Additional difficulty will be experienced when a user cannot see inside the HitchDog cavity so they cannot see whether or not the item of value is blocking the insertion of the locking bar. This could result in the damage to the valuables within the storage cavity if the user jams the locking bar into the hole/cavity.  
       [0007] In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device having a storage cavity separate from where the locking pin is inserted thereby eliminating the entrance of moisture and possible damage to the contents of the device. Also, it would be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device that is universal such that a single model will fit all types of hitch receptacles.  
       [0008] Additionally, it would be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device that is sealed to minimize the accumulation of water and/or road grime within the storage cavity, thereby protecting the valuables from moisture and harmful exposure to the environment.  
       [0009] It would also be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device that gives access to a spare key secured with a combination lock, eliminating the need to carry any key when away from the vehicle.  
       [0010] It would also be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device that provides security by attaching a storage cavity to a permanent part of the vehicle.  
       [0011] It would also be advantageous to provide a valuables storage device having different models that, while universally applicable to all vehicles, may be different sizes to hold more valuables, and that may be secured by different methods.  
       [0012] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, how each embodiment of the of this invention is intended to work.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013] The primary object of the invention is to provide a simple, cost effective way to secure keys and other valuables to a vehicle by securing them to a trailer hitch receptacle, hitch ball, chain securing loop, the hole in a bumper designed to hold the hitch ball. Method of attachment is dependent upon which embodiment is used and the equipment available on the vehicle. An alternative embodiment may also be attached to other secure items, such as a gate or frame of a bicycle or motorcycle.  
       [0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention, an article of manufacture for securing vehicle keys and other valuables to a permanent part of the vehicle, or other object, is disclosed and generally designated  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
     [0015] The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein:  
     [0016]FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating each; unassembled, individual part, and illustrating how those parts assemble to form a sealed valuables storage device for insertion into a vehicle hitch receptacle;  
     [0017]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fully assembled valuables storage device of the present invention inserted into a vehicle hitch receptacle (shown in phantom), and secured with a locking pin and padlock;  
     [0018]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the valuables storage device of the present invention, showing the sealed storage compartment;  
     [0019]FIG. 4 is a photograph of the preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention of FIGS.  1 - 3 , and is shown installed in the hitch receptacle and secured in place with a locking pin and padlock;  
     [0020]FIG. 5 is a an exploded view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating each, unassembled, individual part, and illustrating how those parts assemble to form a sealed valuables storage device attachable onto a vehicle ball hitch with a locking pin and padlock;  
     [0021]FIG. 6 is a view of a fully assembled alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention shown securely attached to the ball hitch with a locking pin and padlock;  
     [0022]FIG. 7 is a photograph of an alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIGS. 5 and 6, as installed on a vehicle hitch ball;  
     [0023]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fully assembled alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device as attached to a trailer hitch tow bar with the locking pin passing through the mounting hole for the hitch ball and secured with a padlock;  
     [0024]FIG. 9 is a photograph of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 8 as installed on a vehicle bumper with the locking pin passing through the mounting hole for the hitch ball and secured in place with a padlock;  
     [0025]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fully assembled alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention as attached to a vehicle bumper by passing the locking pin through the hole designed to hold the hitch ball in the hitch tow bar;  
     [0026]FIG. 11 is a photograph of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 10 as installed on a vehicle bumper with the locking pin passing through the hole designed to hold the hitch ball in the hitch tow bar;  
     [0027]FIG. 12 is a photograph of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 10 as installed on the chain-securing loop of a typical hitch;  
     [0028]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device present invention illustrating each, unassembled, individual part, and illustrating how those parts assemble to form a sealed valuables storage device that will insert into a vehicle hitch receptacle;  
     [0029]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 13, with a portion of the fully assembled unit inserted and locked into a hitch receptacle with the hitch receptacle shown in phantom; and  
     [0030]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIGS. 13 and 14, with a portion of the fully assembled unit inserted and locked into a hitch receptacle with a locking pin and padlock.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0031] Detailed descriptions of the each embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner. Details of the embodiments follow:  
     [0032] Detailed Description of a First Embodiment  
     [0033] Referring initially to FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention, an article of manufacture for securing vehicle keys and other valuables to a permanent part of the vehicle, or other object, is disclosed and generally designated  1 . In order to facilitate the understanding of this embodiment, reference numerals used in conjunction with the first embodiment are contained below in Table 1.  
     Valuables Storage Device Parts List for First Embodiment  
     [0034]                   TABLE 1                       Ref. Number   Description                                        10   Locking Pin Hole       13   Locking Pin       15   Right Locking Slot       17   Lower body       19   Water Barrier       21   Overlapping lid for body       23   Cavity in lower body to secure items of value       25   Left overlapping edge, water tight seal       27   Right overlapping edge, water tight seal       29   Left locking slot       31   Padlock Shackle       32   Aligned locking slots (15 and 29) and receptacle hole (36)       33   padlock body       35   Hitch receptacle       36   Locking hole, hitch receptacle       37   Male end of unit       38   Female end of hitch receptacle       40   Fully assembled device       41   Drain hole       43   Over lapping edges                    
     [0035] Valuables storage device  1  includes a lower body  17  and an overlapping lid  21  that fit tightly together to form a cavity  23  sized to hold valuables securely within the cavity  23 . Items of value are placed in cavity  23  of lower body  17 . The over lapping lid  21  is securely fitted to the lower body  17  forming a water/dust resistant environment.  
     [0036] Other components of this present invention shown in the drawing include locking pin  13  sized to pass through locking hole  36  formed in the hitch receptacle  38 . Locking pin  13  is formed with a locking pin hole  10  sized to receive padlock shackle  31 . In a preferred embodiment, padlock  31  is a combination padlock body  33  with a changeable combination so the owner can pick their own combination. The locking slots  15  and  29  in the lower body  17  and hitch receptacle locking holes  36  are aligned to allow insertion of locking pin  13  (see Reference numeral  32 ). The unit is assembled by placing over lapping lid  21  on the lower body  17  and may be secured to the vehicle by placing the male end  37  into the female end  38  of the hitch receptacle  35 .  
     [0037]FIG. 2 shows the fully assembled device, generally designated  40 , as inserted into a female end  38  of hitch receptacle  35 , with the male end  37  of the device  40  being inserted first. Once the locking slots  15  and  29  are aligned with the hitch receptacle locking holes  36 , the locking pin  13  is inserted through all four locking holes/slots. The padlock shackle  31  is then installed in the locking pin hole  10  and the padlock body  33  is locked. This securely attaches the fully assembled unit  40  to the vehicle.  
     [0038]FIG. 3 is cross-sectional of the fully assembled device  40  showing over lapping edges  43  of the over lapping lid  21  as assembled with the lower body  17 . It also shows a cross section of the locking pin  13  and a drain hole  41 . The locking pin  13  does not necessarily fit securely in the locking slots as to be water/dust resistant, and therefore, a drain hole  41  may be provided. However, the cavity  23  is protected from water/dust by an environmental, or water, barrier  19 , the water tight notches (not shown in this view), and the overlapping lid  21 .  
     [0039] Once the two half&#39;s are fitted together the male end of the valuables storage device fits tightly into the female end of the receptacle of a trailer hitch. The male end of the valuables storage device has slots the same diameter as the holes in the trailer hitch receptacle. The locking slots in the valuables storage device and the locking holes in the trailer hitch are aligned. Then the round shaft of the locking pin is inserted through the aligned slots/holes and locked with a combination lock. The fully assembled valuables storage device is thereby secured to the vehicle, and the tight fit of the male end of the valuables storage device into the female end of the hitch receptacle keeps the valuables cavity from being pried apart. The fit of the top and bottom half is such that it will be water and dust resistant.  
     [0040] In a preferred embodiment, the material of manufacturer of the valuables storage device of the present invention may be galvanized sheet metal to resist tampering and weather, however, it may be cast or formed from other durable materials known in the art. The male end  37  of the valuables storage device that inserts into the hitch receptacle may be formed with a drain hole  41  in case water seeps into that compartment even though it will not affect the valuables cavity.  
     [0041] The cavity used to secure valuable items is effectively sealed from the elements with the over lapping top. This is particularly important due to the advent of electronic keys that provide electronic access to vehicles. These keys could malfunction if they get wet or dusty. The cost to replace these keys can be in the hundreds of dollars.  
     [0042]FIG. 4 is a photograph of the preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention of FIGS.  1 - 3 , and is shown installed in the hitch receptacle and secured in place with a locking pin and padlock. From this Figure, it is apparent that the valuables storage device  40  is securely attached to the hitch receptacle  35  of the vehicle, thereby providing a secure storage area for valuables and keys that is readily accessible to the user, but secure enough to prevent unauthorized access to those valuables and keys.  
     [0043] Detailed Description of a First Alternative Embodiment  
     [0044] In accordance with a First Alternative Embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an article of manufacture for securing vehicle keys and other valuables to a permanent part of the vehicle.  
     [0045] Referring to FIG. 5, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention, an article of manufacture for securing vehicle keys to a permanent part of the vehicle is disclosed and generally designated  3 . In order to facilitate the understanding of this embodiment, reference numerals used in conjunction with the alternative preferred embodiment 3 are contained below in Table 2.  
     Valuables Storage Device Parts List for Alternative Embodiment  
     [0046]                   TABLE 2                       Ref. Number   Description                                        10   Locking pin hole       13   Locking pin       31   Shackle of padlock       33   Padlock body       50   Hitch ball notch, upper body       51   Right locking arm upper body       52   Right locking hole, lower body       53   Right locking arm lower body       54   Lower body       55   Left locking arm upper body       56   Cavity of lower body       57   Left locking arm lower body       58   Upper body       60   Hitch ball notch, lower body       62   Left locking hole upper body       64   Right locking whole upper body       66   Left locking hole lower body       68   Hitch Ball       69   Hitch tow bar       70   Fully Assembled device       71   Assembled locking arms       72   Left side locking holes, aligned       74   Assembled hitch ball notch       76   Right side locking holes, aligned       78   Shaft of hitch ball       79   Hitch ball nut       82   Hole in hitch tow bar       84   Vehicle bumper       86   Hole in vehicle bumper designed to hold hitch ball post                    
     [0047] Valuables storage device  3  includes an upper body  58  and a lower body  54  that fit tightly together to form a cavity  56 .  
     [0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, once the upper body  58  and the lower body  54  are fitted together, the device  3  is attached the vehicle by using locking arms  51 ,  53  and  55 ,  57  such that hitch ball notch  50  and  60  encircle the hitch ball  68 . The locking pin  13  is then inserted through the aligned locking holes  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  52  in the locking arms  51 ,  53 ,  55 ,  57  of the assembled unit and locked to the hitch ball  68  by inserting the shackle  31  of a combination padlock  33  through locking pin hole  10 .  
     [0049] A semi-permanent sealing compound will be packaged with this embodiment for use in securing the threads of the hitch ball  68  to the hitch ball nut  79 . This compound can only be release with directly applied temperatures of 450 degrees. This compound will make the hitch ball as permanent a part of the vehicle as it can be short of securing it with a weld. If there is a reason to remove the hitch ball after applying the compound it can be done. However, the ball will not be removable with just a wrench and pliers.  
     [0050]FIG. 7 is a photograph of an alternative preferred embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention of FIGS. 5 and 6, and is shown installed in the ball hitch and secured in place with a locking pin and padlock. From this Figure, it is apparent that the valuables storage device  3  is securely attached to the hitch ball  68  of the vehicle, thereby providing a secure storage area for valuables and keys that is readily accessible to the user, but secure enough to prevent unauthorized access to those valuables and keys. The fully assembled device  70  is attached to the hitch ball  68  by sliding the assembled locking arms  71  around the hitch ball  68 . This is achieved by centering the hitch ball in the open area of the hitch ball notch  74 . Now the assembled locking arms  71  protrude behind the hitch ball  68 . This exposes the locking holes,  72  for the left side and  76  for the right side so that the locking pin  13  can be inserted. Thereby securing the fully assembled device  70  to the hitch ball  68 . The shackle of the padlock  31  is inserted thru the hole  10  of the locking pin  13  and locked to the padlock body  33 .  
     [0051] Referring now to FIG. 8, an alternative method of attaching the alternative embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown. More specifically, by the device  3  on its side (vertically oriented instead of horizontally oriented as shown in FIGS.  5 - 7 , the locking pin  13  may be inserted through the locking holes in the assembled locking arms  71  and the hole  86  in a vehicle bumper  84  that is designed to hold the hitch ball. This is so that someone who does not have a hitch ball will not have to purchase one. As long as the bumper has a hole designed for the hitch ball they can make use of this embodiment.  
     [0052] Referring now to FIG. 9, the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 8 is shown in a photograph as installed on a bumper. From this Figure, it is apparent that the valuables storage device  3  is securely attached to the bumper  84  of the vehicle, thereby providing a secure storage area for valuables and keys that is readily accessible to the user, but secure enough to prevent unauthorized access to those valuables and keys.  
     [0053] Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device  3  of the present invention is shown as attached to a vehicle bumper  84  by passing the locking pin  13  through the hole  82  designed to hold the hitch ball in the hitch tow bar  69 .  
     [0054] The device  3  is attached to trailer hitch tow bar  69  thru the hole  82  where the hitch ball is designed to fit (hitch ball absent). The locking pin  13  is inserted thru the aligned locking holes  72  and  76  of the assembled device  70  then the padlock shackle  31  is inserted thru the locking pin hole  10  and locked to the padlock body  22  locking the valuables storage device to the vehicle.  
     [0055] Device  3  is attached, on its side, to a bumper  84  through the hole  86  where the hitch ball is designed to fit. The locking pin  13  is inserted through the aligned locking holes  72  and  76  of the assembled device  70  and the hole in the bumper  86 . Thus securing the device  70  to the bumper  84 . The padlock shackle  31  is inserted through the locking pin hole  10  and the padlock body  33  is locked, securing the device to the vehicle. This use of this version of the valuables storage device eliminates the need to purchase a hitch ball. The only requirement is that there is already a hole in the bumper where the hitch ball is intended to be inserted.  
     [0056]FIG. 11 is a photograph of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device  3  of FIG. 10 as installed on a vehicle bumper with the locking pin  13  passing through the hole designed to hold the hitch ball in the hitch tow bar  69 .  
     [0057] Referring now to FIG. 12, a photograph of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device  3  of FIG. 10 is shown as installed on the chain securing loop of a typical hitch. This provides an alternative method of attachment for the device to be secured to the vehicle, and importantly provides an option for use while there is a hitch (not shown this Figure) mounted to the hitch receptacle, such as when the vehicle is towing something.  
     [0058] Detailed Description of a Third Embodiment  
     [0059] Referring now to FIG. 13, another alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of the present invention is shown and generally designated  5 . In order to facilitate the understanding of this embodiment, reference numerals used in conjunction with the first embodiment are contained below in Table 3.  
     Valuables Storage Device Parts List for Another Alternative Embodiment  
     [0060]                   TABLE 3                       Ref. Number   Description                                        10   Locking pin hole       13   Locking pin       31   Padlock shackle       33   padlock body       35   Hitch receptacle       36   Hitch receptacle, locking hole       38   Female end, hitch receptacle       73   Drain hole       80   Female, recessed, water resistant lip, left side       81   Male end of valuables storage device       82   Water barrier       83   Right side part       85   Locking slot, right side       86   Locking slot, left side       87   Left side part       88   Cavity, lower body left side       99   Cavity in lower body, right side       100   Fully assembled device       103   Aligned locking slots       105   Male water resistant lip, right side                    
     [0061]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device  5  of the present invention illustrating each, unassembled, individual part, and illustrating how those parts assemble to form a sealed valuables storage device which can be inserted into a vehicle hitch receptacle.  
     [0062] Valuables storage device  5  includes two hollowed out half&#39;s (left  87  and right  83 ) fitting tightly together to form a single cavity by combining lower body left side cavity  88  and lower body right side cavity  99 . Once the two halves  83 ,  87  are fitted together, the male end  81  of the valuables storage device  5  fits tightly into the female end  38  of the receptacle  35  of a trailer hitch.  
     [0063] The male end  81  of the valuables storage device  5  has slots  85 ,  86  the same diameter as the hole  36  in the trailer hitch receptacle  35 . The locking slots  85 ,  86  in the valuables storage device  5  and the locking holes  36  in the trailer hitch  35  are aligned. Then the round shaft of the locking pin  13  is inserted through the locking holes  36  and locked with a combination lock  33  by inserting the shackle  31  through the locking pin hole  10 .  
     [0064] The fully assembled valuables storage device is thereby secured to the vehicle, and the tight fit of the male end  81  of the valuables storage device  5  into the female end  38  of the hitch receptacle  35  keeps the valuables cavity  88 ,  99  from being pried apart. The fit of the left and right halves is such that it will be water and dust resistant.  
     [0065] Referring now to FIG. 14, a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIG. 13 is shown with a portion of the fully assembled unit inserted and locked into a hitch receptacle with the hitch receptacle shown in phantom. As shown, the locking pin  13  passes through aligned locking slots  103  and is secured with padlock  33 .  
     [0066]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the valuables storage device of FIGS. 13 and 14, with the male end  81  of the fully assembled device  5  inserted and locked into a hitch receptacle  35  with a locking pin  13  and padlock  33 .  
     [0067] One particular advantage of the valuables storage device  5  is that the valuables cavity tucks down, in a U shape, under the hitch receptacle so that it will protrude less far from the vehicle. This feature makes this version of the valuables storage device less conspicuous, and also minimizes any possible injury resulting from a valuables storage device extending from the vehicle.  
     [0068] The main components of the embodiment are the left side  87  of the hollowed-out valuables storage device for holding valuables, the complimentary right side  83  of the hollowed out valuables securing device for holding valuables once coupled with the left side  87 .  
     [0069] In use, the assembly of the valuables storage device  5  includes the valuables being placed in the cavity of the lower body, left side  88  and the cavity of the lower body, right side  99 . The left side part  87  is fitted with right side part  83 . The water/resistant seal is made by the female, recessed, water resistant lip, left side  80  fitting firmly against the male water resistant lip, right side  105 .  
     [0070] Then the male end  81  of the fully assembled device  100  is inserted in the female end  38  of the hitch receptacle. The locking pin  13  is inserted through the aligned locking slots  103  and the hitch receptacle locking holes  36 . The padlock shackle  31  is inserted through the locking pin hole  10  and the padlock body  33  is locked securing the device to the vehicle.  
     [0071] A fully assembled device  100  inserted into the female end  38  of the hitch receptacle  35 . The locking pin  13  is inserted through the aligned locking slots  103  and the hitch receptacle locking holes  36 , securing it. Inserting the pad lock shackle  31  through the locking pin hole  13  and locking the pad lock body  33  secure the locking pin  13 . The hitch receptacle  35  is shown in phantom so the aligned locking slots  103  can be seen through the body of the hitch receptacle  35 . The fully assembled device  5  is inserted into the female end  38  of the hitch receptacle  35 . The locking pin  13  inserted through the aligned locking slots  103  and the hitch receptacle locking holes  3 , 6  securing it. Inserting the pad lock shackle  31  thru the locking pin hole  13  and into the pad lock body  33  secures the locking pin  13 . The hitch receptacle  35  is not shown in phantom showing the device as it will look in place.  
     [0072] The objective of the different embodiments is to provide several different methods of attaching the device to a motor vehicle and different sizes. For example if a vehicle does not have a hitch receptacle required by the First Embodiment then the Second Embodiment that uses the hitch ball for attachment may be used. If the vehicle does not have a hitch ball, the hole in the bumper designed for the hitch ball may be used as a way to attach the device. If the vehicle has a hitch receptacle the owner can still elect to use Second Embodiment and attach it to the Safety Chain Rings that are provided on some types of hitch receptacles.  
     [0073] While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.