GB2483080A

GB2483080A - Security device for door of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2483080A
Application number: GB201014176A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Prickett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-25
Filing date: 2010-08-25
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Also published as: GB201014176D0

Abstract

A security device 110 comprising an interface 16, coupled to a device body 12, for attachment to a vehicle, for example to a vehicle tow bar mount 2 or directly to a vehicle chassis. A door blocking member (14, fig.1a and 158, 161, fig.6b) is securable to the device body in a first position in which the blocking member is in the path of the door and prevents opening thereof; the blocking member is movable to a second non-obstructing position. Preferably blocking member comprises a tube 152 mounted for vertical telescopic sliding movement in sleeve of device body 12, the tube having a plurality of holes 158; a locking pin locates in hole 28 to secure the tube in one of a plurality of positions; the locking pin may be secured by a padlock, flanges 20 overlay padlock shackle and prevent it being tampered. Blocking member may have a horizontally telescopic sliding portion 161 which is rotated 90 degrees and lowered to move from the blocking position to the non-obstructing position. Surface 18 may provide tow bar attachment surface.

Description

Security device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a security device for a vehicle, and to a vehicle comprising such a device. *..S * . *S..

BACKGROUND ART * .

*:::: A wide variety of industries use vans as the primary method of transporting small to medium loads. Such commercial vehicles have a compartment near the front (the "cab") in *.* which the driver and his or her companions sit, and a storage area towards the rear.

*. 15 Typically, the storage area is accessed by one or more hinged doors which open outwards from the rear of the vehicle.

The security problems associated with such vehicles are well known. Sole traders often use their vans to store equipment overnight, thus presenting a lucrative target for criminals. It is important that the van is secure from such attacks.

Many solutions have been proposed to protect vans from break-ins. The doors will typically be secured using a standard lock, i.e. one in which a bolt extends from one door into a jamb in the other door (or in the door frame in the case of a single outward-opening door). However, there are various methods for improving on this level of security. For example, guards or covers can be placed around or over the lock to prevent tampering.

None of these devices is immune to the determined thief, and therefore there is a need for improved security of vehicles, particularly vans.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a security device which couples to the vehicle, for example the towbar attachment, and prevents the vehicle doors from being opened by presenting a physical barrier to their outward motion. The device is manufactured from sturdy materials and a heavyweight construction. As such it can be fitted to the vehicle permanently and is extremely difficult to remove without corresponding heavyweight tools.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a security device for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising one or more doors allowing entry to the vehicle, the security device comprising: a device body; an interface, coupled to the device body, for attachment to the vehicle; and a blocking member, securable to the device body. The blocking member is securable to the body in a first position in which the blocking member is located within the range of movement of said one or more doors, blocking their outward movement, and movable to a second position in which the blocking member is located outside said range of .. movement, allowing outward movement of said one or more doors. **S.

* S....

* 15 In embodiments of the present invention, the blocking member may be secured to the device body in the second position or removed entirely from the device body.

The interface attaches to a chassis of the vehicle in one embodiment, but may also attach to a bumper, or to an internal or external floor of the vehicle in other embodiments.

In an embodiment, the body comprises a sleeve, and the blocking member comprises an elongate member shaped to fit within the sleeve, the blocking member able to slide inside the sleeve between said first and second positions. The sleeve may comprise at least one lateral through-hole extending across its diameter, and the elongate member may comprise a plurality of lateral through-holes defining at least said first and second positions.

The security device may comprise a security bar shaped to be inserted through the lateral through-holes in the sleeve and the elongate member. The security bar may have a diameter at a first end greater than a diameter of said lateral through-holes. The security bar may have a lateral through hole at a second end for attachment to a locking means.

The body may further comprise flanges projecting outwardly on either side of said locking means.

In an embodiment, the blocking member further comprises a contact surface for contacting the at least one door. The contact surface may be at least partially covered with rubber. The contact surface may be extendible in a direction transverse to an axis of the elongate member.

In other embodiments, the interface may comprise a first plate adapted for attachment to a towbar fixing of the vehicle, and may comprise a second, opposing face providing a towbar fixing.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a security device according to any of the embodiments described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which; S...

Figures la and lb show the security device according to embodiments of the present * S.5� * invention in retracted and extended positions, respectively, as attached to the rear of a vehicle; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the security device according to embodiments of the present invention; S...

Figure 3 shows a rear elevation of the security device according to embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the device according to embodiments of the present invention; Figures 5a and 5b show the security device according to alternative embodiments of the present invention in which the blocking member is secured to and removed from the device body respectively; and Figures 6a and 6b show a security device according to yet further alternative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure la shows a security device 10 according to embodiments of the present invention, as attached to a vehicle 1. Solid lines show visible features; dashed lines show hidden features. Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the security device 10 in greater detail.

Figure 3 shows a rear elevation of the security device 10. Figure 4 shows a plan view of the security device 10.

Only the rearmost part of the vehicle is shown in Figure la for simplicity. The vehicle 1 has a chassis with a towbar fixing 2 (i.e. a place where a towbar can be optionally attached), a bumper 4 and at least one door 6 which opens outwards in the direction indicated. The present invention has most significance in embodiments where the vehicle 1 is a van. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention can be applied to almost any vehicle with outward-opening doors: not necessarily vans and not necessarily doors in the rear of the vehicle. That is, the present invention is generally relevant to doors which have a component of motion outwards, away from the body of the * *..

vehicle.

*:::: The security device 10 comprises mainly two parts: a body 12, which is connected to * the chassis of the vehicle 1; and a blocking member 14 which is coupled to the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 attaches directly to the towbar fixing 2 via an interface 16. On the opposite face of the body 12, towbar fixings 18 are provided so that the vehicle 1 can still tow a trailer, etc. In effect, the security device will then sit between the towbar and the conventional towbar fixing 2 of the vehicle chassis. In the illustrated embodiment (see Figure 3), the towbar fixings 18 comprise four bolt holes arranged symmetrically around the body. A towbar can thus be fixed to the security device using nuts and bolts.

In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the interface 16 may attach to other parts of the vehicle 1. For example, the interfaced 16 may be adapted to attach to the bumper 4, or to the internal or external floor of the vehicle 1. Further alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

The body 12 comprises a hollow sleeve 19 in which the blocking member 14 sits.

The sleeve may be open at both ends or open only at one end. The sleeve has through-holes machined on opposing sides, to allow a security bar 28 to be inserted therethrough.

On either side of each through-hole, flanges 20 extend outwards (seen most clearly in Figure 4).

The blocking member 14 comprises an elongate member 22, shaped to fit within the sleeve of the body 12, and a blocking surface 24 which is projected at right angles away from the elongate member 22. A plurality of through-holes 26 are machined along the length of the elongate member 22, corresponding in size to the through-holes in the body 12. In use, a security bar 28 is inserted through the through-holes in the blocking member 14 and the body 12, thus securing the blocking member at a defined position within the sleeve. The plurality of through-holes 26 thus define a plurality of blocking member positions relative to the sleeve. Of course, it will be understood that the reversed configuration would work just as well, in which the sleeve 19 comprises a plurality of through holes and the elongate member 22 has just a single through hole.

The security bar 28 has one end which is relatively thicker than the other (shown most clearly in Figure 4). The thicker end has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the through-holes, and therefore the security bar cannot pass completely through. The **..

: relatively thinner end has a further through-hole (not illustrated) to which a locking means can be fixed, such as a padlock, to fix the security bar in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the security bar 28 is designed to have a length such that, when inserted as "20 far as possible through the through-holes (i.e. up to the thicker diameter part of the bar 28), neither end of the bar extends beyond the flanges 20 on either side of the body 12. The flanges 20 therefore act as a further deterrent to would-be thieves, by blocking easy access to either the thickened end of the security bar or the locking means inserted through the through hole (e.g. a padlock). In one embodiment, the body 12 and flanges 20 are sized so that bolt cutters, for example, do not fit within the gap between flanges. Suitable dimensions to achieve this result are a gap between the flanges 20 of 6 cm. The security pin has a diameter at its thin end of 1.8 cm.

In embodiments of the present invention, the blocking surface 24 may be covered (partially or completely) in a low-modulus material, such as rubber, to prevent wear and tear on the device 10 and on the door(s) 6 of the vehicle.

Figures la and lb show the method of operation of the device 10. In Figure la the blocking member 14 is in a retracted, or stowed, position. In this position, the blocking member sits outside the outward range of motion of the door (i.e. the "sweep" of the door") and allows the door 6 to be opened. The blocking member thus sits lower within the sleeve.

It may be locked into this position using the security bar and lock, to prevent theft of the blocking member itself, or allowed to rest in the sleeve under gravity.

In Figure ib, the blocking member has been extended and locked into place, i.e. secured. An un-used through-hole corresponding to the first position can be seen in the elongate member 22. However, if the blocking member is allowed to rest under gravity in the retracted position (i.e. without being locked into place), the elongate member 22 may have only one set of through-holes 26 corresponding to the extended position shown in Figure lb. In this position, the blocking member 14 lies within the outward range of motion of the door 6, thus preventing it from being opened. If an unauthorised attempt is made to gain access to the vehicle, the blocking member 14 acts as a physical barrier to the door opening.

* **...

* Of course, the security device 10 is only as strong as its weakest link. For this reason, the body 12 and blocking member 14 are manufactured from plate steel (which may *. be 1 cm thick). The joins between features are made with welds, and the device is attached to the vehicle chassis using substantial nuts and bolts, which may be of a locking nature. S...

Figures 5a and 5b show the security device according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

The blocking member 14 is again securable to the device body 12 in a position which blocks the outward movement of the vehicle door(s) 6. This is shown in Figure 5a.

However, in these embodiments the blocking member 14 is removable entirely from the device body 12. Thus, in Figure 5b, the blocking member 14 has been removed entirely from the device body 12 and the door(s) are free to open. The blocking member 14 may be stored in the cab of the vehicle, for example, when in this position.

The security device according to embodiments of the present invention should be attachable to a wide range of vehicles, including vehicles of different sizes and shapes. For example, the towbar attachments of some vehicles may be lower than the attachments of others; the bumpers of some vehicles may project outwards further than the bumpers of others. One mechanism for overcoming this difficulty has already been described above.

Either the sleeve 19 or the elongate member 22 may have a plurality of through-holes defining alternative positions (i.e. alternative "heights") of the blocking member 14 relative to the body 12. While these alternative positions may be used to place the blocking member in the path of the doors or outside the path of the doors (as shown in Figures la and lb, for example), they may also be useful in allowing the device to be adapted for use with different vehicles. For example, certain vehicles may have a greater distance between the towbar attachment and the lower edge of the doors. In that instance, through-holes defining a relatively further extended position of the blocking member can be useful in placing the blocking member within the outward sweep of the doors.

However, this does not provide a solution to the problem of varying bumper projections.

**SPS* Figures 6a and 6b show a security device 110 according to alternative embodiments *S..

of the present invention, designed to overcome this problem. Features which are identical to those described above are indicated with similar reference numerals. Thus, the device *..

: body 12 in this embodiment, for example, is the same as previously described.

The device also comprises a blocking member 114, having an elongate member 158 and a blocking surface 160. The blocking surface 160 may be completely or partially covered with rubber, as before. However, in this embodiment the blocking surface is formed on a separate member 161 which is extendible relative to the elongate member 158.

The elongate member 158 is designed to fit within and engage with the sleeve 19 of the device body 12. The elongate member 158 also comprises a hollow sleeve 150 oriented transverse to its longitudinal axis. The sleeve 150 has a pair of through-holes 154 on either side, and corresponding pairs of flanges 152 on either side of each through-hole 154.

The extendible member 161 engages with the sleeve 150, and a security pin 162 passes through the through holes 152 in the sleeve and corresponding through-holes in the extendible member 161. The extendible member has a plurality of such through-holes 164 defining a plurality of extensions of the blocking surface 160. The security pin 162 can be substantially identical to the security pin 28 securing the elongate member 158 to the device body 12. Thus, locking means (e.g. a padlock) can secure the extendible member 161 to the elongate member 158.

In Figure 6a, the extendible member 161 is absent and the elongate member is in a retracted position, thus allowing the doors 6 to open. Alternatively, the elongate member 158 may be removed completely from the device body. In Figure 6b, the extendible member 161 is in place, attached to the elongate member 158. In addition, a suitable extension of the extendible member 161 is chosen such that the blocking surface 169 lies as close to the surface of the doors as possible. Outward motion of the doors 6 is blocked. In particular, note that the blocking surface 160 is much closer to the doors than would otherwise be the case. The extendible member 161 allows the blocking surface 160 to be moved in a lateral direction, closer to the doors if necessary. This is particularly useful in vehicles with bumpers which project outwards a greater distance than is conventional.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are schematic and do not purport to show the security device or the vehicle with great accuracy. They are not drawn to scale. For example, the specific size and shape of the security device may be adapted according to the vehicle to which it is to be fitted. The bumper of the vehicle may not extend outwards as : far shown in Figures la and lb. However, the drawings are sufficient to explain the structure and method of operation of the security device according to embodiments of the present invention. * * ****

The present invention provides an exceptionally simple but effective means to prevent people from breaking in to a vehicle, or at least to make it more difficult to do so.

Typically users of such vehicles will already lock their doors using more conventional means.

However, the security device according to the present invention provides a final line of defence to the would-be thief should the conventional means prove insufficient. A body of the security device is attachable to the vehicle chassis, for example via the towbar fixing. A blocking member is securable to the body in a position in which the blocking member lies within the outward motion of the door, preventing its further motion beyond the blocking member. Thus unauthorized access to the vehicle is prevented. The blocking member is moveable to a second position in which outward motion of the door is not prevented.

It will of course be understood that many variations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A security device for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising one or more doors allowing entry to the vehicle, the security device comprising: a device body; an interface, coupled to the device body, for attachment to the vehicle; and a blocking member, securable to the device body in a first position in which the blocking member is located within the range of movement of said one or more doors, blocking their outward movement, and movable to a second position in which the blocking member is located outside said range of movement, allowing outward movement of said one or more doors.
2. The security device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body comprises a sleeve, and the blocking member comprises an elongate member shaped to fit within the sleeve, the blocking member able to slide inside the sleeve.

S.. *55 * S
3. The security device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one lateral through-hole extending across its diameter, and wherein the elongate member comprises a plurality of lateral through-holes defining at least said first position. * . 5SS*
4. The security device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a security bar shaped to be inserted through said lateral through-holes in the sleeve and the elongate member.
5. The security device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said security bar has a diameter at a first end greater than a diameter of said lateral through-holes.
6. The security device as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein said security bar has a lateral through hole at a second end for attachment to a locking means.
7. The security device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said body further comprises flanges projecting outwardly on either side of said locking means.
8. The security device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking member further comprises a contact surface for contacting said at least one door.
9. The security device as claimed in claim 8 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the contact surface is extendible in a direction transverse to an axis of the elongate member.
10. The security device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the contact surface is at least partially covered with rubber.
11. The security device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said interface comprises a first plate adapted for attachment to a towbar fixing of the vehicle.
12. The security device as claimed in claim 11, wherein said interface comprises a second, opposing face providing a towbar fixing. *.S.* *
13. The security device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said *::::15 blocking member is removed completely from said device body in said second * position. **

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14. The security device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said blocking member is securable to said device body in said second position.

5*5*5S * S
15. The security device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is suitable for attachment to a chassis of the vehicle.
16. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the drawings.
17. A vehicle comprising a security device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.