GB2437073A

GB2437073A - Wheel lock for immobilising a vehicle.

Info

Publication number: GB2437073A
Application number: GB0607316A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Perry Heeney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-12
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2007-10-17
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-12
Also published as: GB0607316D0; GB2437073B

Abstract

Disclosed is a security device for immobilizing a vehicle. The security device comprises first (10) and second element (20), wherein the first (10) and second element (20) are removable and arranged to be mutually attachable through an aperture of a wheel of the vehicle.

Description

Improvements in and relating to vehicle security The invention relates

to security devices for immobilising vehicles.

Security devices are often used on vehicles to prevent the vehicle from being stolen. There are various types of security devices suitable for immobilising vehicles. One such type is a device configured to immobilise a vehicle by restricting the movement of the vehicle's wheels, and is known as a clamp or a Denver Boot. Typical vehicles with which security devices may be used include cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, caravans and trailers.

Devices, such as clamps, suffer various flaws. Clamping devices are cumbersome to use and require a lot of user manipulation to fix in position. Due to the size of clamping devices they are difficult to transport.

Additionally, if a clamping device is tampered with, the whole device may be compromised and may, therefore, require complete replacement.

It is an aim of preferred embodiments of the present invention to overcome at least one of the problems with the prior art, whether identified herein or otherwise.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security device for immobilising a vehicle, the security device comprising first and second elements, wherein the first and second elements are removable and arranged to be mutually attachable through an aperture of a wheel of the vehicle.

Preferably, the first element is configured to impede rotation of the wheel.

Preferably, the first element is dimensioned such that rotation of the wheel causes the security device to strike part of the vehicle and prevent rotation of the wheel beyond said part.

Preferably, the first element is arrangeable to engage with part of a vehicle.

Preferably, the first element comprises a recessed portion, the recessed portion being arranged to conform with part of a vehicle.

Preferably, the recessed portion is arranged to conform with a part of the rim or dish of a wheel.

Preferably, the device further comprises a lock assembly and a lock receiving means for locking the first and second elements together.

Preferably, the lock assembly comprises a lock, wherein the lock is arranged to engage with a lock receiving means to secure the first element to the second element.

Preferably, the lock receiving means is located within the first element and the lock is located in the second element.

Preferably, the lock is removable from the second element.

Preferably, the lock is a bolt, and the lock and lock receiving means comprise complementary threaded portions.

Preferably, the tool comprises a first key and the bolt comprises a head configured to receive the first key.

Preferably, the lock assembly comprises a lock cover.

Preferably, the lock and lock cover are separable.

Preferably, the lock cover is arranged to impede access to the lock.

Preferably, the lock cover is arranged to be resiliently retained within the second element.

Preferably, the lock cover is removable with a second key.

Preferably, the security device comprises a cover, the cover being arranged to prevent access to an aperture through which the security device is located.

Preferably, the cover is substantially disc shaped, and is configured to lie against or abut the front of a wheel of a vehicle.

Preferably, the cover is dimensioned to impede access to a fixing means used to fix the wheel to the vehicle.

Preferably, the cover is integrally formed with the second element.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of the constituent parts of the security device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the constituent parts of the security device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a front view of a wheel including the security device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a wheel including the security device of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figures 1 to 4 illustrate the construction and use of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention is a security device 1 for immobilising a vehicle. The security device 1 comprises improved immobilising means that are portable and adaptable for different types of vehicles including, but not limited to, cars, motorbikes and caravans.

Figure 1 shows the security device 1 comprising a first element 10, a second element 20, a cover 30, a locking assembly 40 and a lock receiving means 50. The security device is arranged to be positioned through an aperture of a wheel to immobilise the vehicle to which the wheel is attached. The security device 1 is also arranged to be legitimately removed from the wheel only by a desired user.

The first element 10 is configured to be sufficiently robust such that if tampered with by an unauthorised user the first element 10 cannot be easily removed from the wheel. The first element 10 is dimensioned such that, in use, the first element 10 impedes the rotation of the wheel. The first element 10 can be formed by casting, by moulding or by machining a piece of steel, particularly mild steel, or forging material.

The second element 20 is configured to be sufficiently robust such that if tampered with by an unauthorised user the second element 20 cannot be easily removed from the wheel. The second element 20 is dimensioned such that, in use, the second element 20 can be arranged through an aperture of the wheel. The second element 20 can be formed by casting, by moulding or by machining a piece of steel, particularly mild steel, or forging material.

The cover 30 is provided to, in use, prevent access to the second element 20 through at least the aperture of a wheel where the second element 20 is positioned. The cover 30 is also dimensioned to, in use, impede access to the fixing means arranged to fix the wheel to the vehicle.

The fixing means can be a bolt, nut, etc. The cover 30 is configured such that, in use, the cover lies against or abuts the front of a wheel.

The cover 30 also acts as a visual deterrent to an unauthorised user. Additionally, the cover could also be used for advertising.

The cover 30 can be configured to be integrally formed with the second element 20. The cover and second element can be, for example, formed by casting, by moulding or by machining a piece of steel, particularly mild steel, or forging material.

The cover 30 can alternatively be configured not to be integrally formed with the second element 20. The cover and second element may be separately formed and then, for example, the cover 30 may be welded or otherwise secured to the second element 20.

The lock assembly 40 comprises a lock 41, a lock cover 42, a first key (not shown) and a second key 43. The lock 41 and lock cover 42 are separable and, in use, are independently arranged to be locatable within and removable from the second element 20.

The lock 41 of a preferred embodiment is a bolt, said bolt being provided with a thread. The lock 41 comprises a specially adapted head 411, the head being adapted to receive the first key. The first key is a special tool adapted to be received by the lock 41. In use, the lock 41 is arranged in the second element 20 and is engaged with the lock receiving means 50 by use of the first key.

The head 411 and first key are specially adapted to prevent the removal of the lock 41 from the second element without the first key. The special adaptation ensures that an unauthorised user who manages to remove the lock cover 42 from the second element 20 cannot easily remove the lock 41 with conventional tools.

In an alternative embodiment, the usual arrangement of the thread may be reversed so that even if an unauthorised user attempted to remove the lock 41, he would only tighten the lock.

The lock cover 42 is provided to impede access to the lock 41. The lock cover 42 is arranged within the second element 20 and is configured to be removable from the second element 20 with the second key 43. The lock cover 42 is configured to be difficult to remove from the second element 20 without the second key 43.

The lock receiving means 50 is configured to receive the lock 41. The lock receiving means 50 is configured to retain the lock and ensure that it is difficult to remove the lock 41 from the lock receiving means 50 without the first key.

The lock receiving means 50 can be configured to be integrally formed with the first element 10, for example, formed by casting, by moulding or by machining a piece of steel, particularly mild steel, or forging material.

The lock receiving means 50 can alternatively be formed separately from the first element 10 and then secured in the first element 10, for example, by welding. Whatever means is selected to secure the lock receiving means 50 in the first element 10 should be sufficiently robust.

Figure 2 shows the first element 10 formed with the lock receiving means 50. The lock receiving means 50 is formed as a cavity, blind at one end, within the first element 10. The cavity is configured to receive the lock 41. When the lock 41 is a bolt, the lock receiving means is configured to comprise a complementary thread for retaining the lock 41 within the first element 10.

The second element 20 comprises a channel 21, a recessed section 22, a mouth 23, a first end 24 and a second end 25.

The channel 21 is configured to receive the lock assembly 40. The channel 21 is configured to allow the lock assembly 40 to be transmitted through the second element from the first end 24 to the second end 25.

The lock cover further comprises a spring loaded retaining means 421. The spring loaded retaining means 421 is arrangeable to be retained by the recessed portion 22.

When the spring loaded retaining means 421 is retained by the recessed portion 22, the lock cover 42 cannot be easily removed from the second element 20 without the second key 43. This allows the lock cover 42 to be set without the second key 43, but requires the second key 43 to remove the lock cover 42.

The lock cover may alternatively comprise a key actuated retaining means. The key actuated retaining means is arrangeable to be retained by the recessed portion 22. In this embodiment, the second key 43 is required to lock and unlock the lock cover 42.

The mouth 23 is configured to prevent the lock assembly 40 from being removed from the second element 20 through the second end 25. The mouth is configured to be narrower than the first end 24 to enable the lock assembly to be inserted into the first end 24 and non-removable through the second end 25.

The mouth 23 is configured to engage with the lock receiving means 50 to prevent an unauthorised user from accessing the lock assembly 40.

The cover 30 comprises an aperture 31 configured to enable the lock assembly 40 to be received and transmitted through the second element 20.

Figure 3 shows security device 1 located through an aperture of the wheel. The cover 30 is arranged to prevent access to a fixing means used to attach the wheel to the vehicle. The deterrent aspect of cover 30 is clearly shown in Figure 3. The cover 30 ensures that an unauthorised user can clearly see that the security device 1 is arranged to immobilise the vehicle, and will be deterred from attempting to steal the vehicle.

Figure 4 illustrates a scenario where the security device 1 positioned through an aperture in a wheel of a vehicle to immobilise the vehicle to which the wheel is attached.

The security device 1 is configured to be legitimately removed from the wheel only by a desired user.

Figure 4 shows the first element 10 further comprising a recessed portion 11. The recessed portion 11 is configured to conform with an inner rim or dish of the wheel and hub.

In use, the authorised user will position the second element 20 through an aperture in the wheel. The recessed portion is then configured to conform with the first part of the vehicle. The first and second elements 10, 20 are then aligned. The lock 41 is then arranged within the second element 20. The lock 41 is then engaged with the lock receiving means 50 using the first key. When lock 41 and lock receiving means 50 are so engaged, the first element 10 and second element 20 are securely coupled to each other through an aperture of the wheel. The lock cover 42 is then arranged within the second element 20 to impede access to the lock 41.

When the security device 1 is retained in position, the security device immobilises the vehicle. The immobilising of the vehicle is achieved by preventing complete rotation of the wheel. Rotation is prevented by configuring the first element 10 to strike a second part of the vehicle, such as a suspension arm, and not allow the wheel to rotate beyond the second part.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a generally modular construction, allowing parts to be replaced without having to replace the whole of the security device. As such, should the device be damaged through malicious tampering, specific parts can be replaced.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is portable and is easily removable from a wheel by an authorised user. Preferred embodiments are also easily arranged to provide a secure way of immobilising a vehicle.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAI MS

1. A security device for immobilising a vehicle, the security device comprising first and second elements, wherein the first and second elements are removable and arranged to be mutually attachable through an aperture of a wheel of the vehicle.

2. The security device according to claim 1, wherein the first element is configured to impede rotation of the wheel.

3. The security device according to claim 2, wherein the first element is dimensioned such that rotation of the wheel causes the security device to strike part of the vehicle and prevent rotation of the wheel beyond said part.

4. The security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element is arrangeable to engage with part of a vehicle.

5. The security device according to claim 4, wherein the first element comprises a recessed portion, the recessed portion arranged to conform with part of a vehicle.

6. The security device according to claim 5, wherein the recessed portion is arranged to conform with a part of the rim or dish of a wheel.

7. The security device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lock assembly and a lock receiving means for locking the first and second elements together.

8. The security device according to claim 7, wherein the lock assembly comprises a lock, wherein the lock is arranged to engage with the lock receiving means to secure the first element to the second element.

9. The security device according to claim 8, wherein the lock receiving means is located within the first element and the lock is located in the second element.

10. The security device according to claim 9, wherein the lock is removable from the second element.

11. The security device according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the lock is a bolt, and the lock and lock receiving means comprise complementary threaded portions.

12. The security device according to claim 11, further comprising a tool for engaging the bolt with the lock receiving means, and wherein the tool comprises a first key and the bolt comprises a head configured to receive the first key.

13. The security device according to any of claims 7 to 12, wherein the lock assembly comprises a lock cover.

14. The security device according to claim 13, wherein the lock and lock cover are separable.

15. The security device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the lock cover is arranged to impede access to the lock.

16. The security device according to claim 15, wherein the lock cover is arranged to be resiliently retained within the second element.

17. The security device according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the lock cover is removable with a second key.

18. The security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the security device comprises a cover, the is cover being arranged to prevent access to an aperture through which the security device is located.

19. The security device according to claim 18, wherein the cover is substantially disc shaped, and configured to lie against or abut the front of a wheel of a vehicle.

20. The security device according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the cover is dimensioned to impede access to a fixing means used to fix the wheel to the vehicle.

21. The security device according to claim 18, claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the cover is integrally formed with the second element.

22. A security device substantially as herein described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.