GB2285994A

GB2285994A - Anti-theft device;ground anchor

Info

Publication number: GB2285994A
Application number: GB9322227A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Matthew Boyle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-10-28
Filing date: 1993-10-28
Publication date: 1995-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-28
Also published as: GB2285994B; GB9322227D0

Abstract

The anti-theft device comprises a galvanised steel tube 6 with a hinged lid 5. Within the tube is a galvanised case hardened chain 1 secured at the bottom of the tube by preshaped reinforced steel bars 4. The bottom portion of the tube is filled with concrete to further secure the chain. This is set into the ground and secured with reinforced concrete 3. When in use the chain is removed from the tube and secured to the article by means of a padlock, thus anchoring it to the ground. When not in use the chain is replaced in the upper portion of the tube. The lid is then closed to leave flush with ground level. The chain can be filled by means of a cable to an electrical device located elsewhere to prevent tampering of the chain and the article secured to it. <IMAGE>

Description

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE This invention relates to an anti-theft device. The device according to the invention has been devised with the object of restricting theft of motor vehicles such as cars, but it will be appreciated that it is also usable to restrict theft or unauthorised removal of trailers, caravans, boats and many other articles.

At the moment anti-theft devices fall into two catagories.

The first is the electronic type, using electric current to control alarms, locking shut off devices and so on. The second catagory is the manual immobiliser, a none electric "bolt on" device such as steering wheel clamps, gear stick clamps and wheel clamps etc. The devices at the moment can only secure a vehicle "back to itself", they do not prevent the vehicles being removed bodily.

According to the invention, I provide an anti-theft device comprising a body adapted to be at least partially set in the ground, and a retaining element held to the body and able to be secured to an article above ground to resist theft of the article, the body being able at least partially to accomodate the retaining element when it is not secured to the article. In a preferred construction the anti-theft device comprises a galvanised steel tube with a hinged lid. Contained inside the tube is a galvanised case hardened chain secured to preshaped reinforcing bars. The tube is then partly filled with concrete leaving a cavity in the top of the tube to store the remaining chain when not in use. The tube is then set into the ground in reinforced concrete. Using an integral part of the articles construction, ie chassis, towing eye or frame, the article can be secured with the chain and a locking device preferrably a padlock, to resist the removal of the article.

The retaining device can also be linked within the housing with a cable to provide an electrical current which can be connected to an alarm system at a seperate location.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which Figure 1 Shows the anti theft device in position under ground level.

Figure 2 Shows the anti theft device fitted under ground, with lid open, chain withdrawn and plan of concrete reinforcing.

Figure 3 Illustrates the anti theft device, before insertion in ground.

Referring to the drawings. The anti theft device comprises of galvanised steel tube 3.1 with galvanised hinged lid 1.1 incorporating hook for chain 2.1. The galvanised case hardened chain 4.1 is attached to preshape rebar reinforcing rods 6.1 The tube 3.1 is then partly filled with c30 psi concrete 5.1 The anti theft device is then inserted under ground with rebar hoop reinforcing 7.2 with c30 psi concrete 3.2 Only the lid 1.1 is visible above ground. The anti theft device is then opened 5.2 to expose the chain 1.2 The chain is then attached to the vehicle and padlocked into place, thus securing the vehicle to a permanent secure immobiliser. When not in use, the chain is placed on the hook 2.1 The remaing chain is put into the cavity 7.1 and the lid closed 1.1. which lies flush with ground level 2.2. The chain can be fitted to an electrical device 10.1 to prevent tampering of the chain and the article secured to it.

Claims

1. An anti-theft device comprising a body adapted to be at least partially set in the ground, and a retaining element held to the body and able to be secured to an article above the ground to resist theft of the article, the body being able at least partially to accommodate the retaining element when it is not secured to the vehicle.

2. A device according to Claim 1 wherein the retaining element comprises-a chain.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the body is of tubular configuration and is intended to be set in the ground in a generally upright orientation.

4. A device according to Claim 3 wherein the retaining element is held to the body by at least one member extending across the tubular body.

5. A device according to Claim 4 wherein at least one member extends outwardly beyond the exterior of the body, at or adjacent the lowermost portion thereof when set in the ground.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a cover member for covering an opening at the upper part of the body at least when the retaining element is accommodated in the body.

7. A device according to Claim 6 wherein the cover member is pivotally connected to the body.

8. An anti-theft device according to Claim 6 wherein the cover member has a formation such as a hook for holding the retaining element.

9. An anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an alarm means for detecting tampering with the device.

10. An anti-theft device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.