EP0253656A1

EP0253656A1 - Security device

Info

Publication number: EP0253656A1
Application number: EP87306277A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alexander Forrest
Original assignee: PARKSAFE CC
Current assignee: PARKSAFE CC
Priority date: 1986-07-17
Filing date: 1987-07-15
Publication date: 1988-01-20
Also published as: ZA87516B; AU7576287A

Abstract

A device suitable for selectively securing parking places or passageways, which comprises barrier post (20) pivoted (24) at one end to an open-topped housing (12) on or in the surface so as to be pivotable between a prone, inoperative position inside said housing (12) and an erect, opertive position in which it is braced agaist the housing (12) by an inclined brace (22); the brace (22) is, at its upper end, pivoted to the post (20), and movement of its lower end is controlled by slide guides (42) wihtin the housing (12).

A flap (44) pivoted (46) to the housing (12) closes the end thereof, containing said guides (42), and when lifted by the brace (22), raised into the operative position, a padlock can be engaged by registering openings (49, 49.1) in flap (44) and brace (22). Further, a key-locking-pin, spring-biased to engage suitable holes in the housing (12), or in the post (20), can be provided on the brace (22) to automatically lock the same in both the operative and inoperative positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the security device. The invention is concerned particularly, thought not exclusively, with a security device for obstructing vehicles, either to prevent them from being stolen or to exclude them from a particular area, such as a driveway or a parking bay.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a security device comprising a body with means for fixing it to a surface; a buffer pivoted to the body for movement between an inoperative position in which it is substantially contained in the body and an operative position in which it projects outwardly from the body; a bracing member movable between an inoperative position in which it is substantially contained in the body and an operative position in which it extends at an angle to the buffer and the body and braces the buffer against the body; and locking means to lock the bracing member in its operative position thereby maintaining the operative position of the buffer.
Preferably the bracing member is pivotable between its operative and inoperative positions. Preferably the bracing member is pivotally connected to the buffer so that it moves to its operative position automatically as the buffer is moved to its operative position.
Preferably one end of the bracing member is pivotally supported and guide means is provided for controlling movement of the other end of the bracing member. The guide means ensures said other end of the the bracing member is controlled at all times, ie. when the buffer is in and moves between its operative and inoperative positions.
The locking means may include a flap pivoted to the body and formed with a hole which registers with a hole in the bracing member when the latter is in its operative position, a locking element being receivable through the registering holes.
Preferably the locking means operates automatically to lock the bracing member in its operative position when it is moved to that position. Preferably the locking means also locks the bracing member when it is in its inoperative position.
The locking means may comprise a locking pin carried by the bracing member and movable to engage in a suitable hole in the buffer or the body. Preferably the locking pin is resiliently biased to move into a locking position when the bracing member is moved to its operative position. Preferably the device includes key operated means for controlling the locking pin. Preferably the locking pin is movable into a locking position both in the operative and inoperative positions of the buffer.
Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which the invention is illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of device of the invention in an inoperative position;
Figure 2 shows a section along II - II of Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a partially sectioned view along II - II of Figure 1, but with the device in an operative position;
Figure 4 shows a section along IV - IV of Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of device of the invention in an inoperative position;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the device of Figure 5 in an operative position;
Figure 7 shows a section along VII - VII of Figure 5, with a covering flap in an open position;
Figure 8 shows a section along VIII - VIII of Figure 5, with a covering flap in an open position; and
Figure 9 shows a plan view of the device shown in Figure 8.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

Figure 1 to 4 shows a security device 10 suitable for securing a vehicle in an open parking bay for example. The device 10 comprises a body 12 which is an open topped rectangular receptacle 12 composed of a base plate 14 and side walls 16. A peripheral flange 18 extends laterally from the body and is used for setting the body when it is cast into a road surface. Tabs 19 with holes project laterally from the body to secure the body either when it is cast into position or when secured to a ground surface by a suitable fastener. Optional stirrups 19.1 or ties 19.2 are shown in outline in Figure 1 for use when the body is cast into a road surface.
A buffer 20 and a bracing member or brace 22 are contained in the body when the device is in its inoperative position. The buffer 20 is of channel-section and is pivotally connected towards one end by stub axles 24 to the side walls 16. At the other end the buffer has a cross-plate 26 and an end plate 28 which define a recess for a handle 30 tht is welded between the walls of the channel. A web or cover plate 32 is provided across a portion of the open end of the channel and supports a reflector 34. The reflector is visible through an opening in the web plate 32 and is supported on a thin metal strip so that it can move without breaking when a vehicle drives over it. A buffer pad 36 of rubber is bonded to the web of the buffer 20 as shown.
The brace 22 is also of channel section and at one end is pivotally connected by a cross-pin 38 to the buffer 20. A cross-pin 40 is secured to the other end of the brace, the cross-pin pin being slightly wider than the brace . The ends of cross-pin 40 are positioned between two guide ribs 42 and the base 14 of the body, the guide ribs 42 each being secured to the side wall 16. The cross-pin 40 and guide ribs 42 constitute inter-engaging guide formations that lock the end of the brace 22 remote from the buffer when the buffer is in its operative and inoperative positions and as it moves between these positions.
A flap 44 is provided for locking the brace 22 when the buffer is in its operative position shown in Figure 3. The flap 44 is secured to a cross-pin 46 that is pivotally received in the side walls 16. The flap 44 has a locking tab 48 formed with a hole 49 positioned to register with a hole 49.1 in the brace 22 when the device is in its operative position. The staple of a suitable padlock, not shown, can pass through the registering holes to lock the flap 44 to the brace 22 and thus the buffer 20.
The peripheral flange 18 has a V-shaped indentation 50 in a region adjacent the handle 30. Holes 52 and 54 which register with each other when the device is in its inoperative position are formed in the end wall 28 of the buffer and the adjacent side-wall 16. The padlock used for locking the brace can also be used to lock the buffer in its inoperative position to prevent unauthorised use with the device.
In practice, the device is used as follows. First it is cast into a suitable surface at a desired position such as at the end of a parking bay or driveway. When cast into such a surface the lower edge of the flange 18 is preferably flush with the surface. The height of the flange relative to the walls 16 may be adjusted to set the desired height of the upper end of the body relative to the ground surface. The device is preferably arranged such that the handle is towards the interior of the bay when the buffer is in its inoperative position. The handle may face the other way. A device may be provided at each end of a bay, such as in open parking lots, if desired.
In use, the device is left in its inoperative position and a vehicle driven over it into the bay. To secure the vehicle the handle 30 is pulled upwardly to pivot the buffer 20 to its operative position and simultaneously move brace 22 to its operative position. The end of the brace remote from the buffer slides along the base 14 towards the end of the body to the position shown in Figure 3. The flap 44 automatically pivots upwardly until the hole 49 registers with a hole 49.1 in the brace 22. The device can now be locked by passing the staple of a suitable padlock through the holes 49 and 49.1. In this position the buffer pad 36 is at the height of the bumper of the motor vehicle.
The robust nature of the buffer and the bracing action of the brace enable the device to withstand any attempt to knock it down by aggressive reversing of the vehicle into the buffer. In this regard a feature of the device is that any force applied against the buffer pad 36 is ultimately resisted by the end of the brace abutting the end wall 16 of the body 12; little, if any depending on the clearances of the staple in the holes 49 and 49.1, forces are applied to the staple of the lock. Forces applied to the other side of the buffer will be resisted by the staple of the lock, hence for security purposes the device must be appropriately orientated.
The device is also suitable for closing off selected bays outside shopping complexes, in parking garages and so forth. People allocated a bay will be able to close off the bay from unwarranted access by locking the device in its open position. By suitable locking the devices, bays may be hired out on a casual basis.
Figures 5 to 9 show a variant of the device 100. In these drawings parts which are the same as those shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 have the same reference numbers. The device 100 comprises a body 12 with holed tabs 19, a buffer 20 and a brace 122.
A tube 102 is welded to each of the tabs 19 concentrically with the hole therein to restrict access to a fastener, not shown, by means of which the device is secured to a ground surface.
The brace 122 has a substantially sealed chamber 122.1 formed in the end region thereof remote from its pivotal connection to the buffer 20. The space 122.1 is formed by a cross-plate 124, an end plate 126 and a web plate 128. A locking means generally indicated 130 is located in the space.
The locking means 130 comprises a key operated lock 132 having an actuating tab 134. The tab 134 is connected by a link 136 to a cranked lever 138 that acts against a spacer washer 139 held by a circlip 140 on a locking pin 142. The locking pin 142 is slidably guided in opposed registering holes in the side walls of the brace, has a length greater than the width of the brace, and is acted on by a pre-compressed spring 144 so that the end of the pin 142 normally projects outwardly beyond one side of the brace. When a key is inserted in the lock 132 and rotated, it moves the tab 134 to pull the link 136 and rotate the lever 138 which in turn pushes the washer 139 and hence the pin 142 against the spring. The key is rotated until the exposed end of the pin is withdrawn into the brace while the other end of the pin projects beyond the brace.
A guide 42 is provided on the body above the height of the pin 142. Opposite the guide 42 there is a locking plate 150 formed with holes 152 and 154 each dimensioned to receive the pin 142 with clearance.
In the inoperative position of the device, shown in Figures 8 and 9, the pin 142 engages in the hole 154 to lock in the buffer in this position. The key must be turned to move the end of the pin 142 out of the hole 154 to unlock the device. As the buffer is raised and the brace slides, the other end of the pin 142 engages under the guide 42 and locates the brace with respect to the body. When the buffer 20 is in its erect position the end plate 126 of the brace 122 abuts the end of the body and prevents further movement of the buffer. At the same time the pin 142 aligns with and slides partly into the hole 152 under the bias of the spring 144. The device is now automatically locked in its operative position. The key must again be used to unlock the pin 142 to release the buffer. The buffer is again automatically locked in its inoperative position.
A flap 156 is pivotally connected to the body and serves a number of functions. First, it can be used as an additional lock, since it is provided with a tab 148 formed with a hole arranged to register with the hole 49.1 in the brace when the device is in its operative position. Second, when the device is in its inoperative position the flap 156 closes off the space between the end 126 of the brace and the end of the body 20 to prevent damage being caused to the tyres of a vehicle driving over the device. And third, when closed as shown in Figure 5, it covers the hole of the lock 132.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise constructional details shown in the drawings and described above and modifications may be made thereto as well as will other embodiments become apparent without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example the precise manner in which the device is positioned or used may be varied as desired. The brace may be pivotally connected to the body and slide relatively to the buffer, for example the brace may have one or two laterally extending pins that slide in a suitable slot or slots formed in the buffer or that slide in a suitable guide formation. Also a key operated lock of a suitable type may be arranged on the brace to engage the body directly in at least the operative position of the buffer. An additional brace may be provided between the buffer and the body opposite the brace 22 or 122 if required. The means for securing the device to a ground surface can be varied as desired.

Claims

1. A security device (10;100) comprising a body (12) with means (19) for fixing it to a surface; a buffer (20) pivoted to the body for movement between an inoperative position in which it is substantially contained in the body and an operative position in which it projects outwardly from the body; a bracing member (22;122) movable between an inoperative position in which it is substantially contained in the body and an operative position in which it extends at an angle to the buffer and the body and braces the buffer against the body; and locking means (48,49; 130,150,156) to lock the bracing member in its operative position to maintain the operative position of the buffer.

2. The device of claim 1, in which the bracing member (22;122) is pivotally connected to the buffer (20) and moves to its operative position automatically when the buffer moves to its operative position.

3. The device of either of claims 1 or 2, in which the locking means includes a flap (44;156) that is pivotally connected to the body (12) and that is formed with a hole (49) arranged to register with a hole (49.1) in the bracing member (22;122) when the latter is in its operative position, a locking element being receivable through the registering holes.

4. The device of any of claims 1 to 3, in which the locking means (130) operates automatically to lock the bracing member (122) in its operative position when it is moved to that position.

5. The device of claim 4, in which the locking means (130) also automatically locks the bracing member (122) in its inoperative position.

6. The device of either of claims 4 or 5, in which the locking means (130) includes a locking pin (142) carried by the bracing member (122), the locking pin (142) being movable to engage in a suitable hole (152,154) in at least one of the buffer and the body (12).

7. The device of claim 6, in which the locking pin (142) is resiliently biased by spring means (144) to move into a locking position when the bracing member is in its operative position.

8. The device of either of claims 6 or 7, in which key-operated means (132) is provided for controlling the locking pin (142).

9. The device of any of claims 1 to 8, in which the bracing member (22;122) is pivotally supported (38) at one end and guide means (40,42; 142;42) is provided for controlling movement of the other end of the bracing member(22;122).

10. The device of any of claims 1 to 9, in which the buffer (20) is formed as a channel-section, the bracing member (22;122) being receivable in the buffer (20) when the buffer and bracing members are in their inoperative positions.

11. The device of any of claims 1 to 10, in which the fixing means includes a plurality of tabs (19) each projecting outwardly from the body.

12. The device of any of claims 1 to 11, including tie means (19.1, 19.2) that can be cast into a surface to which the device (10;100) is to be fixed.