GB2218678A

GB2218678A - Security device for theft prevention of a caravan or towable trailer when attached to the towing mechanism of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2218678A
Application number: GB8811074A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Place; Julia Place
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-05-10
Filing date: 1988-05-10
Publication date: 1989-11-22
Also published as: GB8811074D0

Abstract

The device consists of a cover 15 open at the bottom to allow it to be positioned over the coupling release lever 16 and mechanism. A retaining bracket 17 enters the cover 15 from under the coupling, encircling the coupling 12 with the device. A metal locking bar 25 is then inserted through aligned holes in the retaining bracket and internal strengthenings 18, 19 of the cover. A locking mechanism 24 prevents the withdrawal of the locking bar 25, hence prohibiting the operation of the coupling release lever 16 and mechanism. The insertion of the locking bar 25 prevents the separation of the two parts 15, 17, of the device. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION SECURITY DEVICE This invention relates to a security deivce for use with caravans and other towatile trailers of the kind utilizing a ball hitch.

A towing ball is securedto the rear of the towing vehicle for engagement with a releasable coupling fitted to the caravan or other towable trailers. The coupling incorporates a manually operated release mechanism.

The theft of caravans and/or other towable trailers is on the increase a.nd it is a simple matter +or an unauthorised person to uncouple the caravan or other towable trailer from the ball on the towing vehicle and to hitch the caravan or other towable trailer to his vehicle and then tow the caravan or other trailer away.

There are rudimentary deivces which attempt to prevent such unauthorised towing. These are lock barrels which fit into specially prepared holes in the e coupling release mechanism. Such devices have proven to be ineffective since they are easily defeated by either removing a pin or bending the mechanism or shearing the body of the lock, within the mechanism.

It is the object of this invention to provide a security device affording an increased degree of ecurity than the affore mentioned devices.

The present invention provide a security device for use in con junction with a vehicle mounted towing ball hitched to a coupling on a caravan or towable trailer, Comprising a cover openat the bottom, for the enclosing of the release handle and mechanism of the caravan or trailer coupling. A retaining bracket for encirculing the coupling and securing the cover A metal locking bar which its first position allows the cover and retaining bracket to be placed on the coupling. Sliding the locking bar into its second position through holes in the cover and retaining bracket, preventing theseparation ofthe cover and retaining bracket.An internal mechanism which when operated prevents the locking bar from being moved from it's second position to it's first position. The locking bar is free to rotate about it's longitudinal axis in the cover, retaining bracket and locking mechanism. The locking mechanism requires a precissionally machined circular tool to depress the radial tumblers in the locking mechanism, before the mechanism can be operated.

One example of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a security device positioned as described within the-invention applied to the coupling of a caravan or trailer, hitched to the towing vehicle tow ball.

Figure 2 is a viewin the direction of arrow A in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view on line C-C in figure 1 refering to figures 1,2,3. the security device is identified by the reference number 10. The tow ball 11, and the coupling 12. A variety of tow balls and couplings are known, but all work on the same principle in that the tow balls consist of a casting or forging and the coupling consist of a casting or metal pressing. The tow ball and coupling are suitably shaped to form a swivelling, pivoting attachement between the towing vehicle and caravan or trailer,when they are hitched together.

Each coupling has a slidable or pivotable manually operated release mechanism, generally operated by a handle 14 which releases the tow ball gripping mechanism.

The security device 10 consists of a metal cover 15 with ridged top, and closed on all side . The open bottom accepts the coupling release mechanism 1. A retaining bracket 17 is locatedinto the cor from underneath the coupling 12, thus encirculing the coupling by the device. The opposing side walls of the cover 15 are strenthened with internal brackets 18,19.

Holes 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, are formed in aligned positions in the cover i5, brackets 18,19, and the retaining brackets 17. bush 23 accepts the lock mechanism 24. a hard steel stainless locking bar 25 is able to slide horizontally through the holes 20, 21, 22, 27, t,in the cover 15, brackets 18,19, and the retaining bracket.

With the locking bar 25 in it's unattached position the device 10 can be assembled on to the coupling 12on correct positioning and alignement of the cover15 and the retaining bracket 17 the locking bar 15 is inserted into holes 22 and progressively slid through holes 27, 20, 21, 23, respectively forming a retaining member to effectively stop the separation of the cover and the retaining bracket 17.Retention of the locking bar 25 is afforded by the locking lever 29 attached to the locking mechanism 24. Operation of the locking mechanism 24 by a precissionally machined circular tool 30 to depress the radial tumblers in the lock mechanism 24, causes the locking lever 29 to rotate into the locked position, engaging inthe circumferencial groove 26 of the locking bar 25. Thus prohibiting the locking bar 25 from being removed from the security device 10.

The cover 15 is a close fit to the coupling release mechanism 16 and the handle 14. Thus eliminating any fore and aft lateral movement, thus positioning the security device 1 on the coupling to. Furthermore it will be recognised that the locking bar 25 is not accessible to be sawn through. None of the locking bar 25 which is free te rotate protrudes from the cover 15.

Attempts to cut through the cover 15 will be almost impossible by virture that the locking bar 25 is of hard metal and is allowed to rotate. the lock mechsanism 24 is protected by the cover 15 and attempts to cut through the cover 15 will be almost impossible. Bracket 19 supports the raar of the locking mechanism 24 against attempts toknock the locking mechanism 24 through the wall of the cover 15. The locking mechanism 24 has a hardened centre pin to inhibit t the attempts at drilling the locking mechanims 24 out of the cover 15.

Some couplIngs 12 are attached to the drawbar 33 by bolts and nuts 31, 32.. The retaining bracket 17 cover the bolts and nuts 1,32, and inhibits there removal.

Thus preventing the removal of the coupling 12 from the drawbar 33 and it's subsequent replacement with another coupling to enable unauthorised towing to take place.

Refering to figures 4,5, and 6 these depict an alternative locking arrangement or the locking bar 25.

A hol e 2 is cut in the wall of the cover 15 and there is now a solid wall in the opposing side. The locking bar 25 is then slide from it's first to second positions from the opposite side to the locking mechanism 24. The locking bar 25 has a groove 26 cut in it E. further most end. The operation of the locking bar 25 and locking mechanism 24 is as previosly described.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1/ A Security device for use in conjuntion with a vehicle mounted towing ball, hitched to a ball hitch coupling on a caravan or towable trailer, comprising of an open bottomed cover, to enclose the coupling release handle and mechanism, a retaining bracket to retain the cover in position, locking bar wholel- inserted into the relative holes in the cover and reteining strap tn prevent the removal of the cover. A locking mechanism which when operated, engages wit the locking tar to prevent the withdrawal of the locking bar from it's closed position to it's open position.

2/ A security device as claimed in 1 ere the locking bar is free to rotate about it's longitudinal axis in the respective holes in the cover and retaining bracket, and the locking mechanism when operated to prevent the withdrawal of the locking bar permits it'E rotation.

3/ A security device as claimed in 1 or 2 wherein the locking mechanism is oparated by a precissionally machined circular tool 4/ A security device as claimed in 3 wherein the locking mechanism has a lever which is rotated to prevent the withdrawal of the locking b, the locking mechanism is returned to it's inoperated position b use of the circular tool.

5/ A security device as claimed in and 4 wherein the cover and retaining strap are so shaped to receive the locking mechanism and locking bar totally within while providing entry for the lock operating circular tool.