AU2006211859A1 - A Lock for Securing Through-Pins - Google Patents

Description

A LOCK FOR SECURING THROUGH-PINS The present invention relates to locks and like locking devices used to secure pins and Sother elongate members against removal, for instance in scaffolding.

BACKGROUND

\Elongate members including pins, linchpins, axels, studs, rods, and the like are used

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00oO in a wide variety of applications. They are typically inserted to secure objects in position or to prevent separation or relative movement between the objects secured 10 thereby. Elongate members of this kind will hereinafter be referred to as "throughpins" or "pins", but this is not intended to limit in any way the scope of the present invention or the form of elongate members which may be used with the present invention. For example, in some situations a bolt may form a through-pin to which the present invention may be applied.

One common application for through-pins is in the braces used in the construction industry, and particularly for "tilt up" construction methods. Large buildings and structures can be constructed using prefabricated concrete sections. These sections are first placed in position, and in the interim period before the sections are connected together to form a self-supporting structure, the sections must be held in position.

This is commonly done using telescopically extendable braces. Braces of this type typically have a long hollow outer member that forms a casing around a long inner member such that the inner member is slidable axially within the outer member to extend or shorten the brace. The outer member typically has a pair of aligned holes communicating therethrough, and the inner member typically has a number of pairs of such aligned holes located at spaced intervals along its length. Therefore the brace may be extended or shortened to the desired length whereupon a set of holes in the inner member is brought into alignment with the holes in the outer member, and a pin is then inserted through the brace to secure the brace at that length. When the pin is inserted, the inner member of the brace is secured against movement within the outer member, thus giving the brace its load bearing capability.

Another application where through-pins are commonly used is in scaffolding. In scaffolding, through-pins are often inserted through extensible scaffolding members, stumps, supports and the like to provide load bearing rigidity in a similar way to the

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Sconstruction braces described above. Through-pins are also often inserted through cross members where the two members intersect to prevent the cross members from rdeflecting or moving relative to each other. Through-pins can also be used in this way to create joints at the junctions between two or more scaffolding members.

N It will be clearly understood that there are many other uses and applications for

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00 through-pins, and the applications described above are included merely as illustrative examples of how through-pins can operate. Therefore, the present invention may be S 10 applied in any situation where through-pins are used, and it is not limited in any way by the applications or examples discussed herein.

In many applications it is extremely important for the through-pin to remain inserted or otherwise engaged until such time as the pin can be safely removed. For example, in the construction brace example above, if the pin were to be removed before the concrete members were secured sufficiently to be self-supporting, then the load bearing support provided by the brace would be removed and one or more large concrete sections may topple over catastrophically. Similarly, in the scaffolding example, if a pin were to be removed from the scaffolding prematurely, an entire section of scaffolding could collapse, or the thing supported on the scaffolding could fall. In situations like these, if the pin is removed or dislodged prematurely, the risk of damage, injury or death is extremely high.

One method that is commonly used to prevent through-pins from being removed or disengaged prematurely is to insert a smaller pin through a hole or bore in the end of the main through-pin. Hence, the small pin effectively operates as a retaining through-pin for the main pin by preventing the main pin from being retracted or otherwise dislodged until after the small pin is removed therefrom. The small pins used for this purpose can take a variety of forms, but some common forms include "split pins" and "R-clips". Small pins such as "R-clips" are often biased so that they do not simply fall out of the main pin, or rattle free during use.

In through-pins that are used in scaffolding, one end sometimes has a pair of wings or protrusions extending from opposed sides thereof substantially transversely with the I longitudinal axis of the pin. The scaffolding members into which such pins are

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Oinserted then have winged holes therein shaped to receive the winged end of the pin so that the winged end of the pin can be inerted into, or through the member. Once inserted, the pin can then be rotated, thus rotating the wings on the end of the pin out of alignment with the winged portions of the hole, and thereby preventing the end of the pin from retracting back through the hole.

00 One problem with using the small pins described above to secure the main throughpin is that the small pin can quite easily become accidentally dislodged. For example, S 10 if a small pin is used in a stationary application to secure the main pin, the small pin may become hooked on the clothing of a passer-by thereby partially or entirely dislodging the small pin. Similarly, in moving applications the small pin might become snagged on a stick, branch or other obstacle thereby dislodging the small pin as it passes by. Furthermore, small pins of this type are entirely susceptible to unauthorised removal, for example by vandals or inquisitive children, and they therefore provide no protection against unauthorised tampering with, or removal of the main pin. Similarly, the winged ends on through-pins used in scaffolding are entirely susceptible to unauthorised removal or tampering.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a more secure means for fastening through-pins in engagement and which is less susceptible to tampering.

Attempts have been made to provide such secure through-pin fasteners, by providing through-pins that have a circumferential notch located near one end thereof (rather than a hole for receiving a small pin) and providing a device that is fastenable to the notched end of the pin. One such device has a substantially solid block like casing with a blind bore therein adapted to receive the end of the pin. The device also contains a locking plug that is securable therein and which is rotatable between a locking orientation and a releasing orientation. When the locking plug is in the releasing orientation the end of the through-pin can be inserted into, and removed from the blind bore. However, when the locking plug is rotated into the locking orientation an edge thereof engages with the circumferential notch in the end of the pin, thereby securing the end of the pin within the casing. Thus, the device is secured S to the end of the pin like a cap, thereby providing some protection against 0 Sunauthorised or accidental removal of the pin.

rHowever, there are some of disadvantages with these known devices. For example, most forms of the device require only simple tools similar to screwdrivers, hex wrenches or sockets to rotate the locking plug between the locking orientation and the releasing orientation. Therefore, whilst these devices provide a degree of protection 0 against accidental removal, they are still quite susceptible to unauthorised tampering or incomplete locking. It would be preferable if means could be provided for retaining through-pins in engagement that provided a greater level of security against such unauthorised tampering.

Another problem with the known devices which use simple tools is that the tool is needed not only to unlock the device, but also to lock it. This can make the devices fiddly and difficult to install on the through-pin (this can be a problem particularly in applications such as scaffolding where a large number of devices may need to be installed on a large number of pins), and it would be preferable to provide means for securing through-pins that could be easily and quickly installed by hand without the need for tools.

Other problems with the known devices arise from the fact that the end of the through-pin is inserted into a blind bore. This can be a particular problem in dirty, grimy or dusty environments because, with repeated use, the dirt or grime on the end of the through-pin may clog up inside the device preventing it from working. Also, in environments where settable material such as concrete, adhesives and the like are used, the concrete or other settable materials can quite easily build up and set on the end of the pin. If this occurs it can be difficult or impossible to insert the end of the pin into the bore of the device. Furthermore, the fact that the known devices are installed on the very end of through-pins can be a disadvantage in situations where it would be preferable to install the through-pin securing device midway along the length of the pin. With the known devices described above, this is not possible.

It will be clearly understood that any reference herein to background material or a prior publication does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any IDbackground material, publication or combination thereof forms part of the common Sgeneral knowledge in the field, or is otherwise admissible as prior art, whether in Australia or in any other country.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide means for securing through-pins that \may at least partially ameliorate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages,

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00 or which may provide a useful or commercial choice.

NO 10 According to a first aspect, the present invention resides in a locking device that is Sreleasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, the locking device having a body and a shackle whereby the shackle is securable to the body, and wherein the retaining means of the though-pin is releasably securable between the shackle and the body.

The first aspect of the invention also resides in a locking device that is releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, the locking device having a body and a shackle whereby the shackle is securable to the body, and wherein the retaining means of the through-pin is engageable with the shackle or the body, or both, and the though-pin is releasably securable between external portions of the shackle and the body.

Thus the locking device of the present invention can be used to fasten a through-pin by securing the pin or the retaining means thereof, or both, between the shackle and the body. Therefore, the locking device can be applied to a through-pin without the need to insert the end of the pin into a blind bore within the locking device. As a result, even if the locking device is used in dirty or grimy environments, or even if small amounts of concrete or adhesive have set on the end of the pin, the locking device can still be applied to the through-pin without clogging up the internal workings of the device. Furthermore, because the locking device of the present invention does not require the end of the through-pin to be inserted into a blind bore therein, some embodiments of the locking device may be adapted to be installed midway along the through-pin.

IDAccording to a second aspect, the present invention resides in an adapter for adapting a locking device that has a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, to make the locking device releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, the Sadapter being mountable on the body or the shackle, or both, and being shaped to receive the through-pin, or the retaining means thereof, or both, such that the throughpin, or the retaining means, or both, become(s) secured between the shackle and the body. The second aspect of the invention also resides in a method for adapting a 00 locking device that has a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, to make the locking device releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, by 10 providing pin engagement means (for example in the form of an adapter or in some Sother form) mountable on the body or the shackle, or both, such that the pin engagement means is engageable with the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, to secure the device to the through-pin.

In a third aspect, the present invention resides in a method for adapting a through-pin to enable a locking device to be releasably securable thereto, the locking device having a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, by providing retaining means on or attachable to the through-pin, such that the retaining means is engageable with the shackle or the body, or both, and the through-pin is releasably securable between the shackle and the body.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention resides in a method for using a locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorised removal or dislodgement of a through-pin, the locking device having a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, and the through-pin having retaining means, by releasably securing the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, between the shackle and the body.

In preferred embodiments, the locking device may take a form similar to a conventional padlock. Thus, the substantially "U-shaped" shackle of the padlock may form the shackle of the locking device, and the body of the padlock may form the body of the device. However, the present invention can equally operate with other forms a locking devices, and the invention is not limited to padlocks or any other particular form of locking device.

IND As explained above, the locking device used in present invention is releasably

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Ssecurable to a through-pin. To avoid confusion, it will therefore be understood that the locking device may be selectively attached to, and removed from the through-pin, by a user. When the user attaches the locking device to the through-pin, the locking device prevents the through-pin from being removed or dislodged until the user removes the device from the pin.

0_ It is also explained above that there may be an advantage in providing means for fastening through-pins to prevent removal or dislodgement thereof which offers a greater level of security against unauthorised tampering compared with existing devices. Therefore, whilst the locking device of the present invention may be selectively attachable to the pin, and removable therefrom, preferred embodiments of the locking device may be removable from the pin only by authorised users. In particularly preferred embodiments this may be achieved by equipping the locking device with a key cylinder of the kind that is only operable by the correct key. Key cylinders of this kind are well-known and are widely used in a range of locks and locking applications. However, it will be clearly understood that the means by which unauthorised persons may be prevented from removing the locking device from the pin are not limited to key cylinders, and that any other means, mechanism or device suitable for this purpose may be used. For example, it is envisaged that alternative preferred embodiments may use or incorporate combination locks such that it is necessary to enter the correct code or combination in order to remove the locking device from the pin.

The through-pins to which the present invention may be applied may be of any form, shape or material, although it is envisaged that they will usually have a portion that is substantially straight and elongate, and that they will usually be made from resilient metals such as steel. The straight and elongate portion may be the portion that is inserted to operate the pin.

Preferably, the through-pin may also have retaining means. The retaining means may take the form of a notch extending partially or entirely around the elongate portion of the pin. However, the retaining means is not limited to notches of this kind, and all other forms of retaining means that the person skilled in the art would appreciate as ND being suitable are considered to fall within the scope of the invention. For example,

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the retaining means may equally comprise cutouts, grooves, wings, protrusions, extensions, and the like which are located in or on the through-pin. The retaining means might even comprise electronic, electric or magnetic retaining means.

Furthermore, the retaining means may be separate to the through-pin, and may be attachable thereto or operable thereon.

0_ As explained further below, in some aspects and embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may be shaped or otherwise adapted to engage with pin engagement means to thereby enable the locking device to be secured to the pin.

The body of the locking device may be of any size and shape, although it is envisaged that the body may generally be sized so as not to interfere with the operation of the through-pin and such that the device is easily operable by hand. The body may also be made from any suitably resilient material, but preferably resilient metals such as steel or brass. However, it will be clearly understood that no particular limitation is intended in relation to the size or shape of the body, or the material from which it may be made.

The locking device of the present invention also has a shackle. Preferably, the shackle may be a rigid member (or a plurality of rigid members rigidly connected or otherwise linked together) made from any suitably resilient material, for example steel. Alternatively, the shackle may comprise a resilient but flexible member (for instant in the form of a cable or cables) that is tightly securable to the body. In any event, no particular limitation is meant in relation to the shape, form or construction of the shackle that may be used.

In preferred embodiments where the locking device takes a form similar to a conventional padlock, the shackle may comprise the typical "U-shaped" shackle commonly used with such padlocks. Alternatively, the invention may operate using shackles having an "L-shape" or a "hooked" shape. Furthermore, the shackle may be pivotably attached, or pivotably attachable, to the body. For "U-shaped" shackles of the kind used in conventional padlocks, this pivotable attachment of the shackle to the body is well-known. However, other forms of shackle may also be pivotably attached ND or attachable to the body, and such shackles may take the form of pivotin levers, catches, clips, gates, and the like.

As explained above, the shackle used in the locking device is to be securable to the body. In order to provide an increased degree of security, the shackle is preferably lockably securable to the body in such a position as to retain the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, between the shackle and the body of the device. The 00 shackle may be releasable by operation of the key mechanism, combination mechanism, or whatever other mechanism is used in substitute therefore.

SIn embodiments where the shackle has one or more legs or extended portions (for example the parallel leg portions of "U-shaped" shackles, or the long leg portions of a "L-shaped" or "hook" shaped shackle) the body may be provided with apertures or bores adapted to receive each leg or extended portion, and the legs or extended portions may be lockable therein. In the case of conventional padlocks, this arrangement is well-known. However, other means of lockably securing the shackle to the body may equally be used, particularly in embodiments where the shackle takes the form of pivoting lever, catch, clip or gate. In these embodiments, the mechanism that allows the shackle to pivot in the body, or another mechanism which is associated with the pivoting shackle or the body, may be used to lockably secure the shackle in position to secure the through-pin. This mechanism (or mechanisms) is preferably contained inside the body or otherwise enclosed to prevent unauthorised tampering therewith.

As explained briefly above, the locking device may comprise pin engagement means.

In some preferred embodiments, outer portions of the body or the shackle, or both, may form the pin engagement means. For example, in some such embodiments an outer portion of the shackle may be shaped or otherwise adapted to engage with the retaining means of the through-pin, and an outer portion of the body may be shaped to receive the portion of the pin that is secured between the shackle and the body. In these embodiments the shaped outer portion of the body may comprise a groove or recess therein of complimentary shape to the elongate portion of the pin that is receivable therein. Alternatively, in other preferred embodiments an outer portion of the body may be shaped or otherwise adapted to engage with the retaining means of O the through-pin, and an outer portion of the shackle may be shaped to receive the portion of the pin that is secured between the shackle and the body. Again, the shaped outer portion of the shackle may comprise a groove or recess of complimentary shape cj to the elongate portion of the pin.

In further preferred embodiments, the pin engagement means may comprise an \aftermarket adapter suitable for installation on existing locking devices such as 00 conventional padlocks. The adapter may have a groove or recess therein of complimentary shape to the elongate portion of the pin, and it may be attachable to O 10 the shackle or the body to thereby convert the existing locking device into one or Sother of the preferred embodiments described immediately above. The adapter, like the body and the shackle of the device, may be made from any material that is sufficiently resilient to resist the impacts, high stresses and fatigue delivered through repetitive installation and use of the device.

The pin engagement means (whether formed by the shackle, the body or an aftermarket adapter) may be provided with sufficient gaps, apertures or clearance so as not to prevent or inhibit the shackle from pivoting in or on the body as described above, or from being insertable into the blind bores in the body (if applicable).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a through-pin secured by an "R-clip" in a conventional arrangement; Figure 2 shows a winged through-pin of a kind sometimes used in scaffolding, and the way such through-pins may be inserted into winged holes and rotated therein to prevent accidental removal or dislodgement; Figures 3(b) and 3(c) show a locking device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention wherein the locking device takes a form similar to a conventional padlock and is securable to a through-pin of the kind having a circumferential groove; Figure 4 shows a number of non-limiting example shackle shapes that may be used with different embodiments of the invention; IND Figure 5 shows two locking devices in accordance with the invention wherein the shackles are in the form of pivoting levers; Figure 6 shows an application of a locking device in accordance with the 1 invention to a through-pin of the kind conventionally used in scaffolding, to securely prevent unauthorised or accidental removal of the through-pin; and Figure 7 shows an adapter in accordance with the invention for adapting an \existing locking device to make the locking device releasably securable to a through-

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00 pin.

O 10 BEST MODE SReferring first to Figures 3(b) and 3(c) there is shown a locking device 10 in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show different perspectives of locking device 10 before it is secured to the end of a through-pin 12, and Figure 3(c) shows locking device 10 secured to the end of through-pin 12.

Through-pin 12 has a main elongate portion 14 and a shorter angled portion 16.

Angled portion 16 is integrally connected to one end of elongate portion 14 at an angle. The angled connection between elongate portion 14 and angled portion 16 forms an elbow 18. The other end of elongate portion 14 is a free end. Both elongate portion 14 and angled portion 16 are substantially cylindrical, and therefore throughpin 12 is generally arm-like in appearance.

Through-pin 12 also has a circumferential notch 19 located close to the free end of elongate portion 14. Notch 19 has a generally semicircular cross-section that is indented circumferentially around the outer surface of elongate portion 14, close to the free end.

Referring now to locking device 10, it can be seen that locking device 10 takes a form quite similar to a conventional padlock. Locking devices 10 therefore comprises a body 20 and a shackle 22. The body 20 is generally block shaped similar to conventional padlocks, except that the upper portion of the body is specially sculpted to receive through-pin 12. This sculpting will be described in greater detail below.

I Block shaped body 20 comprises a pair of opposed and substantially flat sides 24, and

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Ointerposed between flat sides 24 are a pair of opposed convexly curved sides 26. Flat sides 24 and curved sides 26 therefore form the upright walls of the body 20. Body also has a substantially flat base (not visible). A key operated cylinder mechanism (not shown) is located within a blind bore in the base.

N In the embodiment shown in Figures 3(a) the general shape of shackle 22 is 00 similar to that of an inverted This is shown more clearly in Figure The two parallel portions of the U form a long leg 28 and a short leg 30, and the upper ends of the respective legs are integrally connected by an arcuate portion 32 corresponding to the curved portion of the U. More specifically, long leg 28 and short leg 30 are both substantially cylindrical (ie having a substantially circular cross-section) of equal diameter, and long leg 28 is substantially longer than short leg 30 so that the lower end of long leg 28 extends substantially below the lower end of short leg 30. Because the respective legs are substantially cylindrical, therefore arcuate portion 32 (which is integrally formed with the legs) has a substantially semi-toroidal shape connecting the tops of the two legs and having approximately the same cross-section as the legs. The legs of the shackle 22 also contain a number of notches, grooves and flats generally indicated by reference numeral 34 that allow the legs to engage with the internal locking mechanism of the locking device.

Referring again to Figures 3(b) and it will be appreciated that the upper portion of body 20 has a pair of cylindrical blind bores therein adapted to receive legs 28 and 30. Locking device 10 therefore operates in a similar way to conventional padlocks in that, when both legs 28 and 30 of shackle 22 are inserted into the bores in body 20, this locks the device. Conversely, the key cylinder may be operated to thereby cause shackle 22 to retract wholly or partially out of the body, at least to the extent that short leg 30 retracts entirely out of its respective bore. When short leg is retracted as described, this opens the device.

In some embodiments, long leg 28 may also retract wholly out of its bore. However, in other embodiments long leg 28 may be retained within the body (ie in its corresponding bore) even when the device is opened and short leg 30 is retracted out of its bore. In embodiments where long leg 28 is retained, long leg 28 may be INO pivotable within its bore, about its longitudinal axis, to thereby allow shackle 22 to Spivot as indicated by an arrow in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown an adapter 40 that may be used to convert a conventional padlock into a locking device like the one illustrated in Figures 3(a) More specifically, adapter 40 is designed to be positioned on the upper surface \of the body of a conventional padlock so that the long leg of the shackle extends 00 through through-bore 44 in the adapter and into the blind bore in the body. Similarly, the short leg extends through through-bore 46 in the adapter and into its respective

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NO 10 blind bore in the body. Adapter 40 therefore becomes mounted on the body of the Sconventional padlock to convert the conventional padlock into the locking device of Figures 3(a) 3(c).

The sculpted shape of adapter 40 is the same as the sculpted shape of the upper portion of the body 20 shown in Figures 3 It is therefore convenient to describe the two simultaneously. The sculpted shape contains a main upwardly opening "U-shaped" groove 48 extending transversely through the sculpting from one side to the other. The base of groove 48 is curved correspondingly with the curvature of the outer surface of through-pin 12 so that the free end of through-pin 12 may be inserted into, and the rest in, the curved bottom portion of groove 48. The upwardly sculpted pillar like portions indicated by reference numeral 50 form the walls of groove 48 so that when through-pin 12 is inserted to rest in groove 48, this prevents excessive side to side rattling of the through-pin therein. There are also a pair of gaps 52 located between the pillars 50, on either side of groove 48. As shown in Figures 3(a) the legs 28 and 30 of shackle 22 reside in gaps 52, thereby allowing the shackle to insert and retract out of the body 20 as described above.

Therefore, locking device 10 operates as depicted in Figures Through-pin 12 is first inserted into groove 48 when locking devices 10 is open (ie when at least short leg 30 is retracted out of the blind bore in the body) so that through-pin 12 rests in groove 48 with notch 19 in approximate alignment beneath arcuate portion 32 of shackle 22. Shackle 22 may then be inserted downwardly into body 20 to lock the locking device, and the curved outer surface of arcuate portion 32 engages with notch 19 in the through-pin 12 to thereby prevent the through-pin from retracting axially out IND of groove 48. In other words, notch 19 forms the retaining means and the curved 0 Ssurface of arcuate portion 32 forms the pin engagement means that engages with the retaining means to secure the device on the pin. Thus, locking devices 10 become secured to the free end, and if the through-pin is inserted through a pair of scaffolding members (or in some other application), the locking device thereby prevents the pin from being removed until the locking device is opened and removed.

00 It will also be noted from Figures 3(b) and 7 that the sculpted upper portion of body 20 and of adapter 40, also contains a square channel type aperture 54 in substantial alignment with through-bore 46, opening onto one side of the sculpting.

Channel 54 exists so that, in embodiments where long leg 28 is retained in the body when locking devices 10 is open and short leg 30 is retracted out of its bore, the shackle can pivot about long leg 28 as indicated by arrow If channel 54 were not there, the one pillar 50 that is cut away by channel 54 would not be so cut away, and the pillars would retain the shackle against rotation.

Referring now to Figures 4(b) and there is shown two non-limiting examples of alternatively shaped shackles that may be used with different embodiments of the invention. The shackle shown in Figure 4(b) has a generally inverted "L-shape", and the shackle shown in Figure 4(c) has a substantially square hook shape. It will therefore be clearly understood that the locking device of the present invention, and particularly the body of the locking device, maybe adapted to operate with these, or other varyingly shaped shackles. These shackles may have whatever notches, grooves or other features may be necessary to allow the shackles to become engaged with the locking mechanism of the body of the locking device.

Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show two alternative embodiments of the locking device of the invention, referred to generally by reference numerals 60 and 72 respectively. In both embodiments the shackle comprises a substantially elongate block shaped member.

In locking device 60 shown in Figure the body 62 is substantially block shaped having an upper surface 64, a base (not shown) in which a key barrel or other locking mechanism may be inserted, and four upright walls 66 defining the block. The body also comprises a pin receiving recess 68 which is indented into the upper surface 64.

IDThe block shaped shackle 70 is pivotally attached at one end thereof to upper surface 64 in such a way that it pivots in a horizontal manner as indicated by arrow Either shackle 70, body 62 or both, may be provided with pin engagement means such that when a through-pin is inserted to rest in recess 68, shackle 70 can then be pivoted as shown to lock the device securely on the pin. Locking device 72 shown in Figure operates in a similar way except that the shackle pivots in a vertical manner, and \both devices 60 and 72 may be released by operating the key or other mechanism.

Vt) 00 Finally, Figure 6 shows an application of a locking device in accordance with the 10 invention to a through-pin of the kind conventionally used in scaffolding. It can be Sseen that the through-pin comprises the opposed wings described above which are sometimes used on scaffolding through-pins. Therefore, in this case the locking device (ie both the shackle and the body) form the pin engagement means, and when the device is secured to the pin, both the shackle and the body served to prevent the pin from passing back through the wing shaped holes.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. A locking device that is releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, the locking device having a body and a shackle whereby the shackle is securable to the body, and wherein the retaining means of the though-pin is releasably securable between the shackle and the body.

2. A locking device that is releasably securable to a through-pin that has 00 retaining means, the locking device having a body and a shackle whereby the shackle is securable to the body, and wherein the retaining means of the O through-pin is engageable with the shackle or the body, or both, and the Sthough-pin is releasably securable between external portions of the shackle and the body.

3. A locking device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking device includes a key cylinder operable by a key to release the through-pin.

4. A locking device according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking device includes a combination lock that can be operated to release the through- pin.

A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is releasably securable to a through-pin having retaining means in the form of a notch extending partially or entirely around an elongate portion of the through-pin.

6. A locking device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the device is releasably securable to a through-pin having retaining means in the form one or more protrusions on the through-pin.

7. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims which is operable by hand. IN

8. A locking device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Sretaining means of the through-pin is adapted to engage with pin engagement means on the locking device.

9. A locking device according to claim 8, wherein the pin engagement means comprises an outer portion of the body which is shaped to receive the portion of the through-pin that is secured between the shackle and the body. 00 oO

10. A locking device according to claim 9, wherein the outer portion of the body (N IND that forms the pin engagement means comprises a groove or recess of Scomplimentary shape to the portion of the through-pin that is receivable therein.

11. A locking device according to claim 5, wherein the shackle of the device is substantially U-shaped and an outer portion of the shackle is adapted to engage with the notch of the through-pin.

12. A locking device according to claim 11, wherein the curved portion of the U- shaped shackle engages with the notch of the through-pin.

13. An adapter for adapting a locking device that has a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, to make the locking device releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, the adapter being mountable on the body or the shackle, or both, and being shaped to receive the through-pin, or the retaining means thereof, or both, such that the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, become(s) secured between the shackle and the body.

14. A locking device according to any one of claims 1-12, formed by applying the adapter of claim 13 to a conventional padlock. A method for adapting a locking device that has a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, to make the locking device releasably securable to a through-pin that has retaining means, by providing pin engagement means mountable on the body or the shackle, or both, such that the pin engagement INO means is engageable with the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, to secure the device to the through-pin.

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16. A method for adapting a through-pin to enable a locking device to be releasably securable thereto, the locking device having a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, by providing retaining means on or attachable to the through-pin, such that the retaining means is engageable with the shackle 00oO or the body, or both, and the through-pin is releasably securable between the shackle and the body. O

17. A method for using a locking device to prevent accidental or unauthorised removal or dislodgement of a through-pin, the locking device having a body and a shackle that is securable to the body, and the through-pin having retaining means, by releasably securing the through-pin, or the retaining means, or both, between the shackle and the body.

18. A locking device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3(b) and 3(c).

19. A locking device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5(a) or An adapter for adapting a locking device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 7. DATED this 1St day of September 2006 Assa Abloy Australia Pty Limited By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.