GB2231614A - Semi-trailer anti-theft device - Google Patents

Abstract

The anti-theft device comprises a lock insert I intended to receive the grooved end of a brake line and slidingly retained within a lock housing 2 by way of a metal pin 3 pressed through a recipient hole 4 to co-operate within the groove 5 which determines the distance of movement of the lock insert and acts as a keeper to the latch bar of the cylindrical lock mechanism. Assistance to the lock insert movement is by way of a coiled spring housed within formations 6 and 7 of the insert and housing respectively. Metal spheres 11 are held in way through tapered holes 12 by the cooperation of formations 13 and 14. When a brake line is inserted into insert 1 and the insert slid into the housing, the spheres 11 are cammed into the groove of the line. The lock mechanism retains the insert in its inner position. <IMAGE>

Description

H.G.V. SEMI-TRAILER ANTI-THEFT DEVICE This invention relates to an anti-theft device for use on H.G.V. semi-trailers.

The use of d.G.V. semi-trailers for the transportation of goods is an accepted practice, and once loaded, represent considerable values from their loads and also the trailers.

The risk of theft of these trailers and their subsequent loads is at it's highest when the trailers are left unattended, or when separated from their respective tractor unit and parked.

The object of this present invention is to give an element of safety to the trailers while unattended by rendering them immobile once this particular anti-theft device has been fitted to them.

According to the present invention there is provided an anti-theft device comprising a lock insert and a lock housing, both basically cylindrical in formation. The lock insert will be slidingly retained within the lock housing, with the sliding action biased by an internal coiled spring and the travel of the lock insert regulated by an inert pin specifically situated through the lock housing so as to co-operate within a recipient groove formed around the peripheral circumference of the lock insert. At a given distance along the periphery of the lock insert, three tapered holes will be formed and spaced equidistance around the circumference to receive three metal spheres, sized to protrude partway through to the inside of the lock insert.

The lock housing will be formed to receive the lock insert and also formed to receive a suitable cylindrical lock mechanism to arrest the sliding action of the lock insert.

The lock housing will be internally formed to allow the metal spheres a restricted movement, or to be held inert, dependent upon the action mode of the anti-theft device.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Sheet 1, figure 1 and figure 2 are an exploded projection of the anti-theft device (spring and lock mechanism not shown).

Sheet 1. figure 3. is an end view of the lock housing, showing the relative formations to receive the lock insert and the lock mechanism.

Sheet 1. figure 1. figure 2. and figure 3. drawings are not to scale.

Sheet 2. figure 4. is a side view of the lock insert.

Sheet 2. figure 5. is a side view of the lock housing Referring now to the drawings: The anti-theft comprises a lock insert I. and a lock housing 2. The lock insert will be slidingly retained within the lock housing by the positioning of an inert pin 3. Through a suitably sized hole 4. at a given distance along the periphery of the lock housing to co-operate with a recipient groove 5. formed around the peripheral circumference of the lock insert. The width of groove 5, will determine the distance of travel of the lock insert. The distance of travel of the lock insert will be aided by the interpositioning of a coiled spring, suitably sized to fit around the periphery of the lock insert and co-operate with the external formation 6. of the lock insert and the internal formation 7. of the lock housing.The lock insert will be arrested and held inert by a suitable cylindrical lock mechanism positioned within formation 8. of the lock housing in such a way that the latch of the cylindrical lock mechanism protrudes through the orifice 9. of the lock housing and co-operates with perimeter 10. in groove 5. of the lock insert. Once this position is achieved, the anti-theft device will be in it's locked mode, with the metal spheres 11. being held inert, and protruding partway through the inside of the lock insert and within the confines of their respective tapered holes 12. By the cooperations of inner formations 13. and 14. of the lock housing. The inner formations of the lock insert will be such as to fit over the emergency brake air line coupling (red line) of semi-trailers, with the metal spheres protruding internally and co-operating with the retention groove of respective semi trailer airline coupling.

When the anti-theft device is in the unlocked mode, the lock insert will slide forward with the aid of the coiled spring to allow the metal spheres freedom of movement within and between their respective holes 12. and the internal formation 15. of the lock housing, thus surrendering their forced co-operation with the air line brake coupling on the respective semi-trailer.

Claims (15)

1. An anti-theft device comprising a lock insert and a lock housing with the lock insert being slidingly retained within the lock housing. An inert metal pin to determine the distance of travel of the lock insert as well as retaining the lock insert and the lock housing together as one operable unit. A coiled spring fitted around the lock insert to assist the sliding action when being operated. A cylindrical lock mechanism to arrest the travel of the lock insert when the device is in locked mode. Metal spheres to execute the locking action of the device to the airline brake coupling of the respective H.G.V. semi-trailer.

2. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the lock insert and the lock housing are furnished with formations that allow the lock insert to move slidingly within the lock housing.

3. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein a cylinderical lock mechanism is fitted into the lock housing to arrest the travel of the lock insert when the device is in the locked mode.

4. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 3 wherein an inert metal pin is fitted through the lock housing to act as a stop to the lock insert at the end of it's determined travel, also to retain the lock insert and the lock housing together as one operable unit.

5. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein a coiled spring is fitted around the lock insert to assist it's ease of travel during unlocking.

6. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein formations are provided on the lock insert and lock housing to form a compartment within which the coiled spring will operate.

7. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein tapered holes are formed and spaced equidistant around the peripheral circumference of the lock insert.

8. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein metal spheres are provided and suitably sized as to pass part way only through the tapered holes formed into the lock insert.

9. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 8 wherein a groove is formed around the peripheral circumference of the lock insert and with a width equal to the determined length of travel of the lock insert.

10. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 9 wherein formations are made within the lock housing that cause the metal spheres to remain inert within the confines of the tapered holes while protruding part way through them into the inside of the lock insert.

11. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 10 wherein formations are made within the lock housing to form a compartment within which a determined movement of the metal spheres is allowed.

12. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 11 wherein an orifice is formed within the lock housing to allow access for the latch bar of the lock mechanism to co operate with the groove formed on the lock insert enabling the locking mode to be executed.

13. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the internal formations of the lock insert are such as to fit snugly over the emergency brake airline coupling (red line) of a H.G.V. semi-trailer.

14. An anti-theft device as claimed in Claim 13 and any preceding claim wherein alterations to the dimensions of the device may be made to enable the device to be manufactured to suit any alterations of H.G.V. semi trailer air line brake couplings at future dates.

15. An anti-theft device substantially described herein with reference to figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the accompanying drawings of sheet 1. and sheet 2.