GB2295803A

GB2295803A - A wheel clamp

Info

Publication number: GB2295803A
Application number: GB9424733A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger John Kneuss
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-12-08
Filing date: 1994-12-08
Publication date: 1996-06-12
Also published as: GB9424733D0

Abstract

A wheel clamp (2) comprises a first limb (4) having a foot extending from each end thereof for engaging around the outer profile of a wheel, a second limb (6) pivotally connected to the first limb and having a similar foot at its free end, and means (16) for releasably-locking the first and second limbs against relative pivotal displacement when in a clamping configuration, for securing the device to a wheel. The clamp is foldable for storage. <IMAGE>

Description

A WHEEL CLAMP The present invention relates to a wheel clamp.

Wheel clamps are commonly used by owners of vehicles to prevent theft, and by firms commissioned to prevent illegally parked vehicles being driven away without penalty. Such wheel clamps are modular and bulky. For example, a large heavy base piece is located around the base of the wheel, and a sturdy upright piece has one end hooked around the top of the wheel and the other end manually slotted into the base piece and locked securely thereto.

The present invention seeks to provide a less bulky and more manageable wheel clamp.

According to the present invention there is provided a wheel clamp comprising a first elongate limb having a foot extending from each end thereof and adapted to engage around the outer profile of a wheel; a second elongate limb pivotally connected to the first limb and having a foot at a free end similarly adapted to engage around the outer profile of a wheel; and means for releasably locking the first and second limbs against relative pivotal displacement when in a clamping configuration, for securing the clamp to a wheel.

Preferably, the second limb is pivotally connected to the first limb intermediate the ends of the first limb. At least one of the limbs may be extensible.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a wheel having a wheel clamp of the present invention secured thereto; Figure 2 is a partial side view of the wheel and the wheel clamp of Figure 1 taken in the direction of A; Figure 3 is a partial side view of the wheel and the wheel clamp of Figure 1 taken in the direction of B; and Figure 4 is a view of the wheel clamp in a folded configuration.

Referring to Figures 1 and 4, the wheel clamp 2 comprises a first limb 4 and a second limb 6. The first limb 4 has a foot 8 extending from each end thereof for engaging around the outer profile of a wheel 3. The second limb 6 has a similar foot 8 at its free end, also adapted for engaging around the outer profile of the wheel.

As shown in Figure 2, each foot 8 is formed of two telescopically arranged portions 9 and 10. The L-shaped inner portion 10 which is slidably received within the outer portion 9 has a plurality of apertures (not shown) extending along its short side and its long side which face the wheel. Outer portion 9 is provided with a releasable lock 11, operable using a key, having a pin adapted to engage any one of these apertures. If the vehicle to be protected has wide wheels, the long side of inner portion 10 is inserted into outer portion 9 such that the pin of lock 11 can engage an aperture therein.

Alternatively, if the vehicle has thin wheels, the short side of inner portion 10 is inserted into outer portion 9 such that the pin of lock 11 can engage an aperture therein. The length of foot 8 is therefore adjustable for different wheel thicknesses.

The second limb 6 has a triangular-shaped bracket member 12 attached to its end remote from the foot. Bracket member 12 comprises two parallel triangular plates connected via a bridging portion. This member is connected to first limb 4, intermediate the ends of the first limb, about a pivot 14.

The first limb 4 is formed of two telescopically arranged portions 5 and 7. The inner portion 7 has a section 17 which is slidably received within the outer portion 5 and has a plurality of apertures 18, as shown in Figure 1.

Bracket member 12 carries a locking means which incorporates a a locking pin 16 adapted to pass through a hole in the outer portion 5 of the first limb and to locate itself in any one of the apertures 18 of section 17 of the inner portion 7. A key is used to effect release of the locking pin. First limb 4 can thus be locked in any one of a plurality of extended or retracted positions.

At a point near the outer end of outer portion 5, a joggle 20 is provided to accommodate the hub cap of the wheel. A similar joggle is provided at a point near the outer end of second limb 6.

Pivot 14 comprises two oppositely-directed pins which each extend through a side of outer portion 5 and a plate of bracket member 12, so as not to hinder the telescopic movement of inner portion 7.

In addition to a foot 8, the free end of inner portion 7 is provided with an extension 13, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, which rests on the ground in use to obstruct clockwise rotation of the wheel. Alternatively, extension 13 may be in the form of a wedge.

Second limb 6 may also be extensible and/or have an extension to obstruct anticlockwise rotation of the wheel.

When the wheel clamp is not in use, it folds neatly into the configuration shown in Figure 4.

To secure the wheel clamp to a wheel, the length of each foot 8 is adjusted to fit the width of the wheel, and first limb 4 is extended so that its feet 8 are able to pass on either side of the wheel. Then, second limb 6 is pivoted away from first limb 4, and the foot of the second limb is engaged around the outer profile of the wheel. Subsequently, the first limb 4 is retracted so that its feet also engage around the outer profile of the wheel. The maximum degree of separation between limbs 4 and 6 is dictated by the bridging portion of bracket member 12.

Once the wheel clamp is in this clamping configuration, the locking means is operated to push the pin of the locking means into an aperture 18, thereby rigidly securing the clamp to the wheel.

In an alternative embodiment, both the limbs are extensible so that the wheel clamp can secure wheels of varying diameter.

The present invention provides a wheel clamp that is quickly and easily secured to a vehicle wheel to obstruct it and to act as a visible deterrent to joyriders and to opportunist thiefs, for example. Further, it can be folded into a neat configuration for storage . It is thus useful for securing cars, trailers, caravans, motorcycles etc.

Claims

1. A wheel clamp comprising a first elongate limb having a foot extending from each end thereof and adapted to engage around the outer profile of a wheel; a second elongate limb pivotally connected to the first limb and having a foot at a free end similarly adapted to engage around the outer profile of a wheel; and means for releasably locking the first and second limbs against relative pivotal displacement when in a clamping configuration, for securing the clamp to a wheel.

2. A wheel clamp as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second limb is pivotally connected to the first limb intermediate the ends of the first limb.

3. A wheel clamp as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein at least one of the limbs is extensible.

4. A wheel clamp as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the first limb is formed of two telescopically arranged portions.

5. A wheel clamp as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the locking means also releasably locks the first limb against telescopic movement.

6. A wheel clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the limbs has an extension at a free end which extends beyond the foot for contacting the ground.

7. A wheel clamp, as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the feet are L-shaped.

8. A wheel clamp as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the feet are extensible for fitting to wheels of different widths.

9. A wheel clamp substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.