IE980659A1 - Locking assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to locking assemblies which can be used for a variety of purposes such as for locking doors, gates, shutters and the like and in one aspect relates to security post assemblies of the type used to block driveways, gateways, roads, car park entrances and the like. A security post assembly consists of three main components: a tubular post (31), a base tube (2) adapted to be secured in the ground a slide member (33). The tubular post (31) forms a housing for the slide member (33), which can slide inside the post (31) between a bolted position, wherein one end of the slide member is received into an open mouth of the base tube (2), and an unbolted position. The slide member may be locked in both the bolted and unbolted positions, and the locking mechanism (44) is preferably positioned at a convenient height for the user. In general the invention relates to a bolt-type locking assembly. The assembly comprises a slide member (63) which is slideable within a housing (61) and at one end can be inserted into a receiver (62). A locking mechanism (70) is housed witin the slide member. When positioned in a bolted position the end of the slide member is held within the receiver (62). The slide member is held in this position by the interaction of a lock bolt (78) which extends from the slide member and a stop member (74) provided on the inside of the housing. The two ends of the stop member (74) define two engagement structures on the housing for the slide member to be locked in both bolted and unbolted positions. <Figures 5,15>

Description

This invention relates to locking assemblies which can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for locking doors, gates, shutters and the like. In one aspect the invention relates to security post assemblies of the type used to block driveways, gateways, roads, car park entrances, car park spaces and the like, or as additional protection in front of windows or doors of business premises.

Locking assemblies based on a slidable bolt which engages a fixed receiver have been known for many years, particularly for locking doors to supporting structures (such as door frames) or for locking one door to another. Such assemblies require an auxiliary locking mechanism such as a padlock for securing the bolt in the closed position. One problem with these arrangements is that the padlock (and often the boll itself) is open to interference by unscrupulous person. There is also a risk of loss of the padlock when it is separated from the bolt, and it is necessary to attach the padlock to the locking assembly before it possible to secure the assembly in either an open or closed position.

It is an object of the invention to provide a locking assembly that will be robust, that will protect the locking mechanism from interference by unscrupulous persons, and - that can be locked in both the open and closed positions. It is a further object to provide a locking assembly that can be fitted on existing structures without requiring substantial modifications to the existing structure or hindering existing locking mechanisms. It is a further object to provide a locking device, whose application is varied, and which. depending on the angle of fitting, can be used to lock structures in vertical or horizontal positions.

In one particular aspect of the invention, there is a demand for security post assemblies which can be locked in a vertical position.

U.S. Patent No. 4,567,740 (European Patent Application No. 0,104, 939) of the present inventor describes and shows in Figures 14-17 a security post assembly comprising a base tube adapted to be sunk into the ground or other base, and a post which fits into the mouth of the tube. A cover plate fixed to an arm hinged to the base tube cooperates with a padlock housing secured to the post. Figures 18-19 show an alternative security post assembly in which the post is not removable from the base tube but is hingedly attached thereto and can be folded down into a non-operative position.

Furthermore U.S. Patent No. 4,862, 656 (British Patent Specification No. 2, 209, 785 A) of the present inventor describes an improvement to a security post similar to that of Figures 14 lo 17 of US-A-4,567,740 but with a locking mechanism mounted inside the post having a bolt adapted to be extended through an aperture in a wall of the post.

Although both these security post assemblies have been well received, some users find them awkward to use because the locking mechanism is located at or dose to ground level. This problem is particularly acute for users wearing clothing in which it is difficult or embarrassing to bend down to ground level.

The present invention provides a locking assembly comprising a) a receiver adapted to be secured to a base and having an open mouth, b) a housing for a slide member. e) a slide member dimensioned to fit slidably in both the housing and the receiver, the slide member being movable between a bolted position in which it bridges the - receiver and the housing and an unbolted position, and d) means for locking the slide member in both the bolted and unbolted positions, said locking means comprising a locking mechanism inside the slide member having a lock bolt which can be extended from the slide member to engage the housing in both the bolted and unbolted positions of the slide member.

Preferably the housing is tubular. The housing may be formed of a U-shaped channel whose open side is closed by a plate or by a substrate on which the housing is mounted. For security purposes it is preferred that the housing is closed on four sides. In the unbolted position the slide member is disengaged from the receiver. Preferably it is withdrawn into the housing and substantially housed within the housing.

In a preferred embodiment there is a window in the housing to allow access to the keyhole of the locking mechanism. Suitably the window is a slot in one wall of the housing, preferably having a length slightly greater than the distance of travel of the slide member (plus the length of the keyhole) so that a key can be inserted in the keyhole in both the bolted and unbolted positions of the slide member.

The slide member, housing (post) and receiver (base tube) are generally of ferrous or non-ferrous metals, particularly mild steel, which can subsequently be electro-plated, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,567,740.

In the assemblies of this invention, the housing (post) does not fit within the receiver (base tube) because the slide member is dimensioned to fit slidably within both of them. Suitably, the area of the open mouth of the receiver is substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the inside of the housing.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a security post assembly comprising: a) a base tube adapted to be secured in the ground or other base and having an open mouth, b) a hollow tubular post adapted to be brought into axial alignment with the base tube, e) means to inhibit movement of the tubular post in the axial direction away from the base tube, d) a slide member dimensioned to fit slidably within both the base tube and the tubular post, the slide member being moveable between a bolted position in which it bridges the base lube and tubular post and an unbolted position in which is housed within the tubular post, and c) means for locking the slide member in both the bolted and unbolted positions, said means being located in an end region of the tubular post remote from the base lube.

The end region of the tubular post remote from the base lube (herein also referred to as the top region) preferably extends not more than one half of the length of the post, more preferably not more than one third of the length of the post, from the end remote from the base tube.

In a preferred embodiment the means to inhibit movement of the tubular post in the axial direction away from the base lube comprises a hinge mechanism by which the tubular post is pivotably attached to the base tube.

More particularly, the hinge mechanism comprises a pair of opposed flanges on either side of the base tube and extending beyond the open mouth thereof, and pivot means bridging the two flanges, one end of the tubular post being attached to the pivot means between the two flanges.

Preferably the pivot means are offset relative to one exterior wall of the base tube and are attached to the outside of a corresponding wall of the tubular post so that the post when it pivots towards a position substantially perpendicular to the base tube covers the open mouth thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the hinge mechanism between the base tube and the post consists of three flanges, a sleeve and a pivot pin. Two side flanges are attached by welding, or some other suitable manner, to the top of the base tube, at opposite sides thereof. The third flange is attached between the two side flanges parallel to the pivot means such that protection is afforded to the hinge mechanism. When the post is rotated to a horizontal position the bottom portion of the post will cover the open mouth of the base tube.

In one embodiment, the slide member has a safety projecting portion so as to prevent il sliding out of the post. Normally the slide member is prevented from sliding through the base tube by a stop member located near the bottom of the base tube.

Suitably the slide member has a handle at the top thereof for moving it from the bolted lo the unbolted position.

The means for locking the slide member may suitably comprise cooperating engagement structures in the top region of the post and of the slide member. Preferably there are two engagement structures on either the post or the slide member, the engagement structures being spaced by a distance equal to the travel of the slide member between its bolted and unbolted positions, while there is at least one engagement structure on the other of the post and the slide member. Most preferably, there are two engagement structures on the post, spaced as above, and one engagement structure on the slide member.

In one embodiment, the engagement structures comprise apertures in corresponding faces of the post and the slide member, the apertures being positioned so that they can be brought into alignment in both the bolted and unbolted position of the slide member. In this embodiment, the locking means require a separate locking device, such as a padlock, whose locking bar can be inserted through the aligned apertures in the post and slide member.

However, an external locking mechanism of this kind is open to interference by unscrupulous persons. In a second embodiment, which has enhanced security, the locking means includes a locking mechanism inside the tubular post in the top region thereof. Suitably the locking mechanism is installed inside the slide member at the top thereof.

Most suitably the locking mechanism can be extended through an aperture in one wall of the slide member. The aperture and bolt form an engagement structure on the slide member, cooperating with two spaced engagement structures on the corresponding wall of the post. Preferably the engagement structures on the post comprise apertures, recesses or indentations into which the bolt of the locking mechanism can be inserted. Recesses or indentations are preferred, so that the free end of the bolt is not exposed on the outside of the post where unscrupulous persons could have access to it.

In one embodiment the locking mechanism comprises a barrel which is housed within the slide member and a cylinder which is reciprocally moveable through one wall of the slide member. Most suitably the cylinder in the locked position is Hush with the wall of the slide member so that it is not open to attack.

Several embodiments of assemblies in accordance with the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a view from the front and one side of a first embodiment of a security post assembly in the erect locked position.

Figure 2 is a view from the front and the other side of the upper part ol the security post assembly, with the slide member shown between its two lockable positions.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the security post assembly with the post in the lowered position i.e. folded forwardly.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembly with the post folded rearwardly. Figure 5 is a view from the front and one side of a second embodiment of a security post assembly in the erect position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment with the post in a lowered position.

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a variation of the second embodiment in the lowered position, i.e. folded forwardly.

Figure 6b is a perspective view from the front and side of the security post assembly of Figure 6a showing the hinging mechanism.

Figure 7 is a view of the rear face of the slide member in the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a view from the front of the slide member in the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a view from the front and side of the locking mechanism in the second embodiment.

Figure 10 is a horizontal cross-section of the slide member, showing the profile of the locking mechanism.

Figure 11 is a view from the front of the slide member in a third embodiment Figure 12 is a pictorial view showing a fourth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, being a boll-type locking assembly in the bolted position, mounted on adjacent substrates.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a slide member for the fourth embodiment of the invention, Figure 14 is an exploded view of a disassembled locking device in accordance with the fourth embodiment.

Figure 15 is a view from the back of the locking device of Figure 12 with the backing plate removed, showing the slide member locked in a bolted position, Figure 16 is a view similar lo that of Figure 15 but with the slide member locked in an unbolted position, Figure 17 is a pictorial view showing a fifth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, being a bolt-type locking assembly in the bolted position, mounted on adjacent substrates.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a slide member for the fifth embodiment of the invention, Figure 19 is an exploded view of a disassembled locking device in accordance with the fifth embodiment, Figure 20 is a view from the back of the locking device ol Figure 17 with the backing plate removed, showing the slide member locked in a bolted position, Figure 21 is a view similar to that of Figure 20 but with the slide member locked in an unbolted position, Figure 22 is a pictorial view showing a fifth embodiment of an assembly according to the invention, being a bolt-type locking assembly in the bolted position, mounted on adjacent substrates.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, a security post assembly consists of three main components: a tubular post 1, a base tube 2 and a slide member 3. The tubular post 1 forms a housing for the slide member .3. The base tube 2 forms a receiver having an open mouth to receive one end of the slide member 3.

The tubular post 1 is a predominantly hollow rectangular structure with the front wall cut away to form a large window 4 approximately one third the length of the tubular post. In the rear wall near the top of the tubular post is a stop member 5 e.g. a rivet or locked nut and bolt. There are two locking apertures 6, 7 in one side wall of the post. The upper aperture 6 is located near the top of the tubular post. The lower aperture 7 is spaced some distance e.g. 18cm below the upper aperture 6 (corresponding to the desired distance of travel of the slide member 3) but is nevertheless within the top region of the post e.g. within the lop one third thereof. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 by way of example, the tubular post is about 72cm long and the top region of the post, extending from the top down to just below the lower aperture 7, is about 20cm long. The window 4 is about 25.5cm long.

The luhular post 1 is attached to the base tube 2 via a hinging mechanism 8 which consists of a pair of side Ganges 9,10, a hollow sleeve 11 enclosing a pivot pin 12, and a rear flange 13. The side Ganges 9, 10 project rearwardly beyond the base tube 2 so that the sleeve 11 and pivot pin 12 are offset relative lo the rear wall of the base tube 2 and the post The base tube 2 is also predominantly rectangular in shape and approximately one third the length of the tubular post 1. It has a stop pin 14 extending from front to rear of the tube and located close to a base Gange 15 which is perpendicular to the hollow section of the base tube. In normal use the base tube is sunk into the ground or another base, e.g. of concrete.

The slide member 3 is a bolt in the form of a rectangular tube dimensioned lo fit and slide freely within the tubular post 1 and the base tube 2. A rectangular open section 16, having two side portions, a base portion which closes the top of the slide member 3 and a top portion, is located on top of the slide member 3 and functions as a handle. An upwardly extending Gange with an aperture 17 is located on the side of the rectangular section adjacent to the apertures 6,7. A stop member 18 is located on the base of the rectangular section 16, projecting forwardly to a sufficient extent to catch against the top edge 20 of the front face of the tubular post 1. An abutment plate 22 is provided on the bottom of the slide member 3.

The slide member 3 is placed within the tubular post 1, so that the rectangular section 16 is positioned adjacent the top of the tubular post 1. The stop memher 5 is placed in the tubular post so as to prevent the slide member .3 passing out the lop of the tubular post if the slide member is pulled too far upwardly or if the post is folded down without a locking mechanism in place. The slide member 3 is prevented from sliding out the bottom of the tubular post by the abutment of the stop member 18 against the top edge 20 of the tubular post.

In operation the slide member 3 can move between apertures 6 and 7. The slide member is locked in either of these positions by locking the aperture Gange 17 to either position 6 or position 7.

Figure 4 shows the method of attaching the tubular post 1 to the base tube 2. The two side flanges 9, 10 are welded to the top of the side walls of the base tube 2. Λ sleeve 11 is welded to the outside of the back wall of the tubular post 1 and fits between the flanges 9, 10. Passing through the two flanges 9,10 and contained within the sleeve 11 is a pivot pin 12, which is locked in position using a locking pin 19. Positioned behind the sleeve 11 is the rear flange 13 which is welded to the two flanges 9,10 so as to form a protective shield behind the sleeve 11. The tubular post pivots about the axis of the pin 12 which is journalled in the side flanges 9, 10. At least one end of the pivot pin 12 is shielded by a welded cap (not shown) applied on the outer face of the side flange 10.

Figure 4 also shows a spacer plate 23 welded to the back wall of the slide member 3 at the lower end thereof, to compensate for the fact that the slide member 3 is slimmer than the interior of the post 1 and base tube 2.

Operationally the base tube 2 is attached to the tubular post 1 as described above. The base tube 2 is then encased in the ground, in concrete or some similar matter, with its axis substantially vertical, at a depth where the bottom of the flanges 9,10 is level with the ground. The slide member 3 is then placed within the tubular post 1 and the stop pin 5 locked in position. In the erect position, as indicated in Figure 1, the slide member 3 falls until the abutment plate 22 abuts the stop member 14 within the base tube 2. It is then locked in position by means of a locking mechanism such as padlock 21 through the flange aperture 17 and the lower locking aperture 7. To lower the tubular post 1, the slide member 3 is unlocked and raised until it no longer is contained within the base tube 2. The tubular post is rotated, as shown in Figure 3, so as to fold forwards, covering the opening of the base tube 2. The slide member 3 can be locked in the folded position by engaging the padlock 21 or the like through the aperture flange 17 and upper locking aperture ft.

In the erect locked position of Figure 1 the assembly provides a strong rigid security post. The locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism can be carried out at a convenient height for the user. When it is desired to fold the tubular post 1 down.to the ground, the slide member 3 can be raised, using the rectangular section 6 as a handle, and the post 1 can be retained manually in the upright position until the locking mechanism has been inserted through the upper locking aperture 6 and flange aperture 17. Thus this operation can also be carried out by the user without bending. The post can then be lowered or dropped down to the ground. The whole assembly remains in situ while it is folded down; the user does not have to take any part of the assembly or the locking mechanism away (other than a key for the padlock, if it is key-operated). When the user wants to re-erect the post, he/she needs only to pivot the tubular post 1 upwardly; this may necessitate one bending movement or may be assisted by a simple lifting tool which engages the free end of the post 1. When the post 1 has been raised, the locking mechanism can be disengaged from the upper aperture 6. Again, this operation is done at a convenient height for the user. The slide member 3 is then lowered into the base tube 2 in order to return the assembly to the erect position of Figure 1.

Apart from the convenience of operating the locking mechanism without bending down to ground level, the assembly of the invention also reduces the vulnerability of the user to a surprise attack which could occur while the user is bent over and trying to operate the locking mechanism at ground level. When the assembly is being used at night, the locking mechanism can be illuminated more easily (either by ambient lighting or by a torch) when it is near the top of the post rather than at or close to ground level.

The adaptation of the security post hereinbefore described to a post assembly incorporating an internal locking mechanism 40 is shown in Figures 5 to 10. The second embodiment of the security post assembly differs primarily in the construction of the slide member and tubular post from that hereinbefore described. The same reference numerals are used for similar parts. A slide member 33 is fitted with a locking mechanism , such that when the slide member is lowered into the base tube 2, so as to maintain the security post in an erect position, a keyhole 44 is visible to the front of the slide member and within an arcuate recess 34 cut below edge 20 of the window 4 in an outer tubular post 31. By punching two indentations in the inner wall of the tubular post 31 two nipples 36 and 37 are formed in the outer wall corresponding to the possible locking positions, raised and lowered, for the security post assembly. A rectangular open section 26 is fitted to the top of the slide member 33 with a function similar to that of rectangular section 16, as hereinbefore described except that there is no flange extending upwardly from it. The shaded areas on the rear flange 13 and a top band 50 on the post 31 represent reflective surfaces. Figures 5 and 6 also detail the embedding of the security post within a paving area 32. such that flanges 9,10 are approximately one third embedded into the paving 32. In this embodiment the slide member 33 is prevented from sliding out the bottom of the tubular post 31 by the abutment of the open cylinder 43 on the top edge 34 of the tubular post. Π Figures 6 and fia show the security post assembly of figure 5 with a modified hinging mechanism and ramp 102. The same reference numerals are used for similar parts. The tubular post 101 has two ramps 102 welded at approximately 45° to the post. When the post is folded so as to lie on the ground, as shown in figure fia, the two ramps 102 form a slope on cither side of the tubular post 101, thus enabling cars, bicycles etc. to roll over the post more easily.

The hinging mechanism is also modified. The base of the tubular post 101 has two inner flanges 104 welded on either side. In a similar manner two inner flanges 106 are welded to the top of the base tube 2. Two outer flanges 103 are subsequently welded on an outside face of the inner flanges 106. By passing a bolt 105 through the outer flange 103 into the inner flange 104 on each bottom side of the tubular post 101, the base tube and the tubular post are hingedly attached, and rotate relative to each other about the pair of bolts 105. A protective plate 107 is attached to the rear of the outer flanges 103. Preferably raised in the middle region thereof, the protective plate 107 prevents the slide member 33 being tampered with from the back region. The base flange 108 of the base tube 2 differs from previously described embodiments in that it projects on both sides of the base tube 2.

Operationally the base tube 2 is attached to the tubular post 101 as previously described. The base tube 2 is then encased in the ground, in concrete or some similar matter, with its axis substantially vertical, at a depth when the bottom of the outer flanges 103 are level with the ground. The slide member 33 is incorporated as previously described.

A preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 40. utilised in Figures 5 to fib, consists of a generally rectangular fixing plate 41 with two side apertures 46 for receiving screws 47 and a central aperture 48 through which a bolt 49 can pass. The fixing plate 41 is attached perpendicularly to the barrel 42 of the lock. Slidable within the barrel is a cylinder 43, which has a face with an aperture 44 for receiving a key. When the locking mechanism is engaged the cylinder iseompletely contained within the barrel and the bolt 49 extends rearwardly through aperture 48 in the fixing plate 41.

The locking mechanism 40 is mounted in the slide member 33. close to the lop edge thereof, just below the rectangular open section 26. Three apertures corresponding in position to apertures 46 and 48 on the fixing plate arc drilled through the rear face 38 of the slide member 33. The locking mechanism is placed from the rear face into the slide member until the fixing plate 41 abuts the rear face 38. The locking mechanism is then secured in position using the screws 47. The choice of the locking mechanism should be such that when thus positioned, the barrel 42 is housed in the slide member 33 and the face of the cylinder 43 in the locked position is Hush with the front face 39 as shown in Figure 10. The cylinder is moveable to and fro relative to the front face 39 while the bolt 49 moves accordingly in relation lo the rear face 38 (see Figures 7 and 8).

The slide member is positioned within the tubular post 31, such that the face of the cylinder 43 faces forward, as shown in Figure 5. The security post assembly can be locked in either a raised or lowered position by pushing the cylinder to engage the bolt 49 in the indentation 36 or 37 respectively.

To secure the security post assembly in a raised position, similar to that shown in Figure 5, the tubular post is pivoted to an erect position, and the slide member 31 lowered until it abuts the pin 14. The position of the bolt 49 and the lower indentation 37 should now be aligned. The cylinder 43 is pushed into the barrel 42 which engages the bolt 49 within the indentation 37. The slide member 33 is now secured in position. To lower the security post assembly the locking mechanism 40 is unlocked, allowing the cylinder 43 to move forwardly relative to the barrel 42 thus disengaging the bolt 49 from the indentation 37. The slide member 33 is raised until the position of the bolt 49 is aligned with the indentation 36 and then secured as described before. The tubular post 31 is then pivoted to a lowered position as shown in Figure 6.

If desired, the use of a cylinder lock may be replaced by an alternative locking mechanism such as a mortise lock inside the tubular post in the upper region thereof. For example, a mortise lock similar to that shown in GB-A-2209 785 may be installed inside the slide member al the lop thereof. The lock has a bolt which can be extended through an aperture in one \\ all of the slide member (preferably a side wall) to engage with one of two locking apertures or indentations in a corresponding wall of the tubular post, similar to apertures 6 and 7 or indentations 36’and 37 as described above. The edge 20 of the window 4 may be lowered or a special aperture may be cut in the front wall of the tubular post 1 lo allow access lo the keyhole of the lock when the assembly is in the erect position ol' Figure 1. A corresponding aperture is cut through the front wall of the slide member 33 to allow key access.

Figure 11 shows an alternalive embodiment of the slide member 33 with a different form of handle 51. Instead of the rectangular box section 16,26 the handle has been altered to a generally C-shaped structure with the broad face parallel to the rear face 38 of the slide member. The handle is designed to be a weak link in the structure of the slide member; strong enough to lift and lower the slide member but weak enough that it will bend on application of some external force. As such it can be made of any metallic or plastic material.

In a modification of the present invention, the hinge connection between the tubular post and the base tube may be omitted. The tubular post and slide member may be mounted on a gate or door which is moveable between an open and closed position. In the closed position, the tubular post comes into alignment with the base tube so that the slide member can be inserted into the base tube. The gate or door is mounted in such a manner that when it is in the closed position it cannot be moved in a direction parallel to the axis of the base tube, so that the slide member cannot be pulled out of the base tube. The assembly may if desired, be installed with its axis horizontal or at an inclined angle to the vertical.

This modification is particularly suitable for use with a locking mechanism housed inside the tubular post, as described above.

Figure 12 shows a bolt-type locking assembly, in the closed position, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It comprises a slide member 63, which is slidable in a housing 61, and which at one end can be inserted into a receiver 62. The receiver 62 has an open mouth to accept the slide member 63 but it is closed at the opposite end (see Figure 14) to deter tampering. The housing 61 has a window 64 cut as a slot in one face, the length of which window is slightly greater than the length of travel of the slide member between the locking positions for the bolted and unbolted situations. A locking mechanism 70. predominantly housed inside the slide member 63 as shown in Figure 13, is operated by means of a key 6S which is inserted through a keyhole 74 in one main wall of the slide member 63 and thus into the locking mechanism 70. The position and length of the window 64 are such that when the locking device is tully assembled the keyhole 74 and the locking mechanism 70 can be accessed by the key 68 through the window 64 in both the bolted and unbolted positions of the slide member 63.

As shown in Figure 1.3 the slide member 6.3 is substantially rectangular in crosssection and has a locking mechanism 70 mounted internally. Preferably hollow, the slide member is sealed at one end by a fitted handle 76, and at the other by a cover plate 82. The handle 76 is used to move the slide member between its bolted and unbolted positions. The handle 76 is a C-shaped structure similar to that of Figure 11.

Figure 14 shows the locking device in an unassembled state. The housing 61 consists of a U-shaped member 73, from the free ends of which a pair of co-planar flanges 72 project. A backing plate 86 is bolted to the flanges 72 to form a tubular structure similar to the tubular post of the previous embodiments and having a rectangular crosssection. It will be appreciated that the flanges 72 are optional and that a different means may be used for securing the backing plate 86 to the U-shaped member 73 e.g. using brackets. The U-shaped housing 61 is so dimensioned as to allow the slide member 6.3 to travel freely in a longitudinal direction, but not in a transverse direction. A stop member 87 is fixed on the inside of one side wall of the housing. There are four protection flanges at opposite ends of the housing. The slide member 63 is placed within the housing 61 and the backing plate 86 is fixed to the flanges. The locking mechanism 70 is preferably a mortise type lock, such as the type manufactured by Chubb Security pic. It passes through an aperture in one side wall of the slide member 6.3 and its face plate 79 is secured on the outside of that side wall. A lock bolt 78 can be extended through the aperture in the side wall so that it protrudes from the side wall and the face plate 70. The main body of the locking mechanism is installed within the slide member 63. A small portion 77 of it projects through the opposite side wall of the slide member. The slide member can move in the housing 61 between bolted and unbolted positions. In the bolted position, the handle buts against and closes the end of the housing remote from the receiver.

Figure 15 shows an assembled locking device, with the backing plate 86 removed and slide member 63 engaged in a bolted position. The handle 76 abuts the housing 61 and prevents further travel of the slide member 63 towards the receiver. The end of the slide member with the cover plate S2 is held within the receiver 62. The slide member 6.3 is secured in this position by the interaction of the lock bolt 78 (when extended) and the slop member 74. The slop member 87 has a length and position such that the lock bolt 78 huts against either end of it when the slide member 63 is in the bolted and unbolted positions respectively. The two ends of the stop member 87 therefore define two engagement structures on the housing spaced by a distance equal to the travel of the slide member between its bolted and unbolted positions, making allowance for the length of the lock bolt 78.

Figure 16 shows the situation with the slide member locked in an unbolted position. The slide member has been withdrawn such that the slide member 63 is no longer engaged within the receiver 62. The cover plate 82 now abuts the protection flanges 75, such that the slide member 63 cannot travel any further in a direction away from the receiver. In a similar manner to that described in relation to the bolted position, the slide member can be locked in an unbolted position by the interaction of the lock bolt 38 and the stop member 74. Figure 16 shows that in the unbolted position the slide member 63 extends out of the end of the housing 61 by a distance equal to the length of travel of the slide member.

When used the combined housing, slide member and backing plate assembly are secured in a position relative to the receiver, by bolting them such that when secured in a bolted position, said slide member is engaged within the receiver, and when in an unbolted position, not engaged. In both positions, the locking mechanism is doubly shielded by the slide member 63 and the housing 61, so that it is secured against tampering.

Figure 17-21 are views similar to figures 12-16 showing a bolt-type locking assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Where similar parts are used to the embodiments hereinbefore described, the same numerals have been used. The unit is broader and shorter than the embodiment described above and the shape of the handle 76 has been changed to a rectangular shape 76a. The slide member 63 has a keyhole in both faces, and the backing plate 86 has a slot 64a, corresponding to slot 64 in the housing 73. This allows a key 68 to be inserted from either side of the assembly.

When the slide member 63 is in a bolted or unbolted position, as shown in Figures 20 and 21 respectively, the face plate 79 of the mortise lock 70 butts against one or other of the protection flanges 75, thus defining the two ends of travel of the slide member 63. As the cover plate 82a does not perform this function of limiting travel of the bolt as in Figure 16, the cover plate 82a docs not need to be significantly larger than the end of the slide member 63.

Figure 22 shows a modified version of a locking assembly in accordance with a sixth embodiment. A key-operated pin tumbler lock 70a, particularly a European protile deadlock (or its U.S. equvalenl) such as is sold under the trade mark YALE, is used to move the mechanism of the mortise lock 70 instead of a key inserted through the keyhole 74. A lock bolt 78 is extended and retracted in the same manner as in the fourth and fifth embodiments. Other features of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the fifth embodiment. In order to accommodate the lock 70a, a cylinder assembly 74a protrudes substantially further from the front of the housing 61, and the slot 64b is wider than the slots 64, 64a hereinbefore described. Due to the protrusion of the cylinder assembly, the embodiment is somewhat more vulnerable to damage or tampering than the fourth and fifth embodiment but is useful in situations where the user wants to operate a pin tumbler lock rather than a mortise lock. The locking mechanism 70, which moves the lock bolt 78, is sheltered inside the slide member.

In a further embodiment of the slide member (not shown), a roll bar is placed within the slide member. The roll bar is preferably manufactured from a round piece of metal, such that it is solid and cylindrical in shape. When placed within the slide member the roll bar is free to rotate through 360°. This serves to inhibit the cutting of the slide member, by an unscrupulous person. When attempting to cut through the slide member a cutting device engages the roll bar, and failing to gain any purchase on the bar, cannot cut anv further.

In yet a further embodiment (not shown), the leading portion of the slide member which slides in and out of the receiver is circular in cross section. It may be manufactured from a piece of round metal, which optionally may have a roll bar contained therein. In this case, it is possible to use a circular receiver to retain the slide member when in a bolted position. This circular receiver may be made from a piece of metal, or alternatively formed by drilling a hole in a wall, in the ground or the like. In this embodiment the protection Ganges 75 at the leading end of the housing define a circular aperture and the portion of the slide member 63 which (in the bolted position of figure 20) extends from the housing aperture to the cover plate 82a is round. The round portion is secured to the remainder of the slide member, which most conveniently is rectangular in cross section (as in the previous embodiments) to house the locking mechanism. However the whole of the slide member may be circular in cross section if desired.

Although described with reference to a manufactured receiver or base tube 2, 62, the locking device is suitable for use with any aperture or receiver type structure, such as a recess in a wall, floor or other base. The backing plate is also an optional feature as the securing of the housing to a substrate, such as a wall or door, will cover the back of the housing, thus performing the same function as the backing plate hereinbefore described.

A slide member having a mortise lock inside it, as described with reference to Figures 12 to 21, or a pin tumbler lock as described with reference to Figure 22, may be used in the security post embodiments of Figures 1 to 11. In this case a tubular post is used as the housing and it is hinged to a base tube as described with reference to Figures 1 to 11.

A bolt-type assembly as described with reference to Figures 12 to 16 can have many uses, e.g. for securing doors, gates, shutters and the like. The receiver 62 is usually mounted on a fixed substrate such as a door frame or gate post or the like, and the housing 61 with the slide member 63 in it may be mounted on a movable substrate such as a door or gate which is movable between an open and a closed position. Alternatively the receiver may be on the movable substrate and the housing 61 on the fixed substrate or both substrates may be movable. In the closed position, the housing 61 comes into alignment with the receiver 62 so that the slide member 63 can be inserted into the receiver. The door or gate is mounted on hinges or the like in such a manner that when it is in the closed position it cannot be moved in a direction parallel to the axis of the receiver. The bolt-type assembly may be mounted with its axis vertical or horizontal or at an inclined angle to the vertical. Different sizes of bolt-type assemble mav be used for different applications. Alternatively the receiver may be mounted, by a method of welding or some suitable alternative, to a twist -rod lock such as the type used in delivery van doors and described in US Patent no. 4, 567, 740 (EP-A-0, 104, 939).

The terms up, down, raised, lowered, erect, front, rear and the like are used herein to refer to the position of the assembly as shown in the drawings and without limiting effect.

Claims (16)

1. A locking assembly for use with a receiver having an open mouth, comprising: a) a housing for a slide member, b) a slide member dimensioned to fit slidably in both the housing and the receiver, the slide member being movable between a bolted position in which it bridges the receiver and the housing and an unbolted position in which it is disengaged from the receiver, and, c) means for locking the slide member in both the bolted and unbolted positions, said locking means comprising a locking mechanism inside the slide member having a lock bolt which can be extended from the slide member to engage the housing in both the bolted and unbolted positions ol the slide member.

2. The locking assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing is tubular.

3. The locking assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the housing is formed of a U-shaped channel whose open side is closable by a plate or by a substrate on which the housing is to be mounted.

4. The locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the housing is closed on four sides.

5. The locking assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 having a window in the housing to allow access to a keyhole of the locking mechanism.

6. The locking assembly as claimed in claim 5 wherein the length of the window in the housing is slightly greater than the length of travel of the slide member between its bolted and unbolted positions.

7. The locking assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a stop member is fixed inside the housing, the length and position of the stop member being such that the lock bolt buts against either end of it, when the slide member is in the bolted and unbolted positions respectively, so that interaction of the lock bolt and the stop member locks the slide member in both the bolted and unbolted positions.

8. A security post assembly comprising: a) a base tube adapted to be secured in the ground or other base and having an open mouth. b) a hollow tubular post adapted to be brought into axial alignment with the base tube , c) means to inhibit movement of the tubular post in the axial direction away from the base tube, d) a slide member dimensioned to fit slideably within both the base tube and the tubular post, the slide member being moveable between a bolted position in which it bridges both the base tube and tubular post and an unbolted position in which it is housed substantially within the tubular post, and e) means for locking the slide member in both the bolted and unbolted positions, said means being located in an end region of the tubular post remote from the base tube.

9. The security post assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the end region of the tubular post remote from the base tube extends not more than one half the length of 20 the post, from the end remote from the base tube.

10. The security post assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the end region of the tubular post remote from the base tube extends not more than one third of the length of the post from the end remote from the base tube.

11. The security post assembly as claimed in any of the claims 8 to 10 wherein the means to inhibit movement of the tubular post in the axial direction away from the base tube comprises a hinge mechanism by which the tubular post is pivotably attached to the base tube.

12. The security post assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the hinge mechanism comprises a pair of opposed flanges on either side (if the base lube and extending beyond the open mouth thereof, and pivot means bridging the two flanges, one end of the tubular post being attached to the pivot means between the two flanges.

13. The security post assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the slide member has a handle at the lop thereof for moving it from the bolted to the unbolted position. 5

14. The security post assembly as claimed in any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the means for locking the slide member comprises cooperating engagement structures in the top region of the post and the slide member, spaced by a distance equal to the travel of the slide member between its bolted and unbolted positions. 10

15. A locking assembly substantially in accordance with an embodiment as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

16. A security post assembly substantially in accordance with an embodiment as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying 15 drawings.