GB2408973A

GB2408973A - A security device to prevent the unauthorised movement of trailers

Info

Publication number: GB2408973A
Application number: GB0323915A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas John Parry
Original assignee: ADVANCED SECURITY DESIGN; ADVANCED SECURITY DESIGN Ltd
Current assignee: ADVANCED SECURITY DESIGN; ADVANCED SECURITY DESIGN Ltd
Priority date: 2003-10-11
Filing date: 2003-10-11
Publication date: 2005-06-15
Also published as: GB0323915D0

Abstract

A lockable security device adapted to be fitted over the standard male pneumatic connector 5 of a semitrailer or drag trailer (2, fig 1) has an inner female lock body 6 and an outer sleeve 7 arranged to slide telescopically over the inner body. The inner body has a number of steel balls 10 which are urged inwards into locking engagement with the annular groove 9 of the male connector by the sliding movement of the outer sleeve. The device may be locked onto the male connector by means of an integral key-operated lock to prevent the unauthorised movement of articulated lorry semitrailers or lorry drag trailers either in the course of day to day business or by illegal means.

Description

2408973 I. TITLE: A locking device to prevent the unauthorized movement of

articulated lorry semi-trailers

DESCRIPTION

The unauthorized movement and use of articulated lorry semi-trailers is an increasing problem in the transport industry where such trailers are coupled up in error and used on the public highway when they are unroadworthy. With the modern trend of national transport logistics companies, similar problems occur when the wrong trailer is coupled in error at distribution centres and therefore wrong loads or empty trailers are delivered to trade outlets.

The new invention prevents the unauthorized movement of a semi-trailer. The lock prevents the tractor unit flexible airline connection, to release the semi-trailer brakes, being connected to the semi-trailer. This forces the lorry driver legally going about his business to question why the semi-trailer brake system is locked and to ask for the trailer to be released. The device cannot be removed by force without damaging the trailer and rendering it inoperable.

A further advantage of the new invention of particular interest to logistics companies is that the device can be fitted to any trailer without damage or the necessity of a permanent fixing. This means that logistics companies can fit the lock to trailers owned by subcontractors.

A similar invention to the present invention relates to a locking device to prevent the theft of articulated lorry semi-trailers.

UK Patent Specification No: GB2308871 describes a device preventing trailer theft and the unauthorized movement of articulated lorry semitrailers. This patent in turn cites the use of kingpin locks, which are available to the transport industry but unpopular because of dirt and grease in the region of the kingpin lock and the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor unit.

The similar device (GB2308871)is of steel construction hinged and folded round the airline connections of the semi-trailer and secured by a separate padlock of any make, holding the device closed by pinning together protruding flanges on each half of the folded device. This device is primarily designed as a security device but is susceptible to attack by either removing the hinge bolt or by cutting or the shearing of the retaining lugs secured by the padlock. In either case the lock ceases to function in the manner intended.

A further disadvantage of the similar invention is that it is in effect a simple clamp that relies on a separate padlock (already in the public domain) to secure it and offer the desired level of security. If the padlock is lost, the actual patented device ceases to offer a practical solution to prevent theft.

Accordingly, the new invention, although securing the same trailer airline link, comprises a complete unit with an integral lock and not dependent on an outside independent lock or padlock. The new device is located as a female receptor sliding over the male trailer connection and secured by ball bearings locating in the existing location groove common to all male semi-trailer connections.

The device has a moving sleeve that may be spring loaded activating balls to align them with the existing common groove found on all male connectors. Once located, the balls are locked in position by an internal lock operated by a key.

- 2.

The device has no protruding lugs or flanges and is preferably of round tube stainless steel construction. As such, the lock is difficult to remove by force because such action will damage the trailer male connection thereby rendering the trailer inoperable which is the desired object of the lock.

Furthermore, although the lock has a deterrent effect against the unlawful removal of a semi-trailer, the primary use of the design is not to prevent theft because any such device can be bypassed by a determined criminal. The lock is designed as a management aid to transport service managers wishing to prevent damaged or unroadworthy semi-trailers being used in error.

The new invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows the tractor unit 1 coupled to a semi-trailer 2 with the flexible airline 3 attached by means of the female receptor 4.

Fig. 2 shows the tractor unit 1 uncoupled from semi-trailer 2 with the flexible airline 3 and the female receptor 4 unattached thus exposing the male connector 5 mounted on the semi-trailer 2.

Fig 3 shows an exploded view of male connector 5.

Fig 4 shows the locking device in the unlocked and unattached position with 5 showing the male connector. 9 showing the common locking groove. 6 showing the inner female lock body. 7 showing the locating outer lock sleeve. 8 showing the key cylinder.

Fig 5 shows the locking device in the attached and locked position with 5 showing the male connector. 9 showing the common locking groove. 6 showing the inner female lock body. 7 showing the locating outer lock sleeve. 8 showing the key cylinder. 10 showing one of the locking balls located in the common locking groove 9.

Modern logistics companies often operate fleets of hundreds of semitrailers from a single depot and there is continual pressure to keep semitrailers on the road and loads being delivered.

All of these trailers are required by law to be kept in a roadworthy condition and to comply with MOT test standards. As a result there is great pressure on service managers to keep maintenance up to scratch. From time to time trailers have to be taken off the road and there is sometimes a delay in obtaining spare parts. In this instance the semitrailer has to be prevented from moving and classified as VOR (Vehicle Off the Road). It is very difficult to accurately identify such a trailer because modern corporate liveries mean that every trailer looks the same and can only be identified by a number on the coachwork. Such VOR trailers are often forced to be parked in common areas to road going trailers because of lack of space.

There is therefore an urgent need for a simple lock able to be fitted to any trailer which effectively prevents the trailer from being moved in error.

Similarly, there are problems correctly identifying loaded semi-trailers ready for dispatch.

Major distribution depots operate 24 hours per day and semi-trailers are often loaded in advance and moved by "shunter lorries" to trailer parks to wait for the next available tractor unit to collect them. 3.

These semi-trailers can only be identified by serial number and it is not uncommon for these numbers to be transcribed in error with the result that the wrong trailer is delivered. Use of the new lock will prevent this occurrence if the trailer is locked whlist parked and the driver is issued with the specific key to unlock the trailer with the necessary transport documents like delivery notes.

The operating procedure would be the responsibility of individual companies but the new lock makes tighter administrative control possible in order to prevent errors occurring. It is suggested individual locks are returned to the security gate house once the corre* unit leaves the depot.

Of particular importance is that the design of the lock is universal allowing the lock to be fitted to any trailer including sub contracts trailers when in use by and under the control of the distribution company.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the principle of the invention.

For example the shape of the device may be altered and the internal recesses modified without detriment to the basic concept of the invention. Different proprietary internal locking cylinders made also be used but the basic concept of the invention remains the same. 4.

Claims

CLAIMS Claim

1. A self contained locking device or apparatus for semi-truck and drag trailers, requiring no external and separate receptor to be fitted to the trailers other than the standard male airline connector, of preferably cylindrical steel construction, acting on the standard male airline connector on the semi-trailer to prevent the flexible airline on the tractor unit or lorry to be connected to the semi-trailer or drag trailer respectively, in order to release the air brakes and allow the trailer to be moved, by means of inserting the female locking device with a sliding outer sleeve over, and preferably to fully enclose, the longitudinal axis of the standard male airline connection, in such a manner that, when the sliding outer sleeve is moved forwards towards the semi or drag trailer body causes, preferably steel balls, to locate and then be locked in position by a, preferably integral, locking cylinder, preferably operated by turning a key, awing on a cam which prevents the same steel balls from escaping from the common groove, found on all male airline connectors, and then to be released by unlocking the same locking cylinder, thus allowing the cam to turn by means of the lock key which allows the same steel balls to retract into their housing when the sliding outer sleeve is moved backwards and away from the semi or drag trailer body, allowing the locking device to be removed from the trailer with the result that the flexible airline can thus be attached and the air released form the trailer brakes to allow forward or reverse movement.

2. A device or apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein access to the standard airline connection is by a female receptor having a sliding outer sleeve attached which covers the complete male connection and which has an internal space wherein the male connection can non-removably locate when secured and an open position which allows the female component to disengage when unsecured.

3. A device or apparatus according to Claim 2 which has an internal recess compatible to a standard UK airline connection.

4. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3 where the internal securing device is controlled by a sliding, preferably spring loaded, and preferably cylindrical in construction outer sleeve.

5. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3 where the internal securing device is controlled by a sliding, preferably spring loaded, and oval in construction outer sleeve.

6. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3 where the internal securing device is controlled by a sliding, preferably spring loaded, and with three or more flat sides in construction outer sleeve.

7. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3 where the internal securing device is controlled by a sliding, preferably spring loaded, and generally concaved in construction outer sleeve.

8. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 3 where the internal securing device is controlled by a sliding, preferably spring loaded, and generally convened in construction outer sleeve.

9. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 8 where the locking mechanism is internal and dire*ly linked to a mechanical mechanism to secure the device against removal.

10. A device or apparatus according to Claims 1 to 9 where the locking device will rotate against the internal male connection when secure to prevent external leverage.

- 5.

11. A device or apparatus according to Claims to 9 where the external and internal mechanisms are preferably of steel construction protected against corrosion.

12. A device or apparatus according to Claims to 9 and il where the external and internal mechanisms are preferably of steel construction case hardened to resist force or external and internal damage.

13. A security device or apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.