WO1996009194A1

WO1996009194A1 - Security apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1996009194A1
Application number: PCT/GB1995/002232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacob Lipschitz
Original assignee: Jacob Lipschitz
Priority date: 1994-09-21
Filing date: 1995-09-20
Publication date: 1996-03-28
Also published as: GB9419007D0; AU3527095A

Abstract

The present invention provides for security apparatus which can advantageously be provided so as to secure at least part of any form of mobile apparatus. For example, the invention finds particularly advantageous use in association with a road vehicle such as a motor car (72) in which a securing member in a form of a strong strap member (76, 78) is arranged to be secured along the outside surface of the vehicle doors (92, 94). Each of the strap members (74, 76) is arranged to be retractably mounted within spring-loaded spools (80, 82) so that each strap (76, 78) can be extended therefrom and secured together by way of locking means (84). In one particular example, the straps (76, 78) are of a predetermined finite length so that they reach their point of maximum extension from the respective spools (80, 82) at the time at which the locking means (84) of the straps (76, 78) are in an adjacent position so as to be locked. When not required for the aforementioned securing purpose, the straps (76, 78) can be resiliently drawn around the spools (80, 82) which can advantageously be located within the car bumpers of within the car bodywork in the region of the wheel arches. The invention can of course be provided for use with any form of mobile apparatus such as a motorbike or even mobile plant machinery etc. In such instances, it can prove to be further advantageous if the strap means can be locked against further extension once securing of the locking means has occurred.

Description

SECϋRITY APPARATUS

The present invention relates to security apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to security apparatus for inhibiting the undesired access to, and/or movement of, mobile apparatus and equipment.

Vehicle related crime is an ever increasing concern. Some aspects of vehicle crime relate to access to the vehicle interior being gained by smashing one or more of the car windows so as to remove a valuable item therefrom. With an increase in high quality electrical car accessories being used, for example car-phones and in-car-stereos, theft of this nature is a particular concern. Also, a particularly inconvenient and generally destructive form of vehicle crime comprises the actual theft of the vehicle itself. Not only does such theft result in the inconvenience of the vehicle owner being without their possibly main means of transport, but time consuming insurance claims procedures have to be followed. Also, if, as is quite common, the vehicle has been stolen by so- called "joy-riders" the vehicle is often recovered after the theft and is found to be in a substantially worse state, both aesthetically and mechanically, than prior to the theft.

A variety of devices have been proposed for improving vehicle security and these generally comprise different forms of vehicle alarm and/or inhibiting apparatus to be secured to the vehicle driving wheel or between the gear lever and handbrake.

However, such known devices are disadvantageous in that they do not immediately provide a deterrent to a potential thief and do not in any way serve to inhibit access into the vehicle interior since such access can be readily achieved merely by overcoming the barrier presented by the vehicle's door lock. Thus, a would be thief can obtain easy entry into the interior of the vehicle and can then attempt to disable the remaining security apparatus from a relatively secluded position within the vehicle.

Similar problems arise with mobile equipment such as plant equipment which can currently be readily removed and stolen from site.

The present invention seeks to provide security apparatus having advantages over such known apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided security apparatus for at least inhibiting movement of at least part of an apparatus to be secured, comprising retractably mounted securing means arranged to extend from a retracted state to an extended state in which said securing means is secured to said security apparatus and against further extension thereof.

The apparatus is advantageous in that the securing means can be mounted in a safe and an obtrusive manner when not required and, further, can be extended to an exact length to pass around a secure anchor point external to said apparatus to be secured and advantageously maintained at that exact length. Thus, the apparatus to be secured can be advantageously secured to a variety of formations found external to the apparatus to be secured simply by varying the degree to which said securing means extends from the said retracted state.

The apparatus can comprise a portable security device or can be provided integral with the apparatus to be secured. Preferably, said securing means comprises at least one flexible member which may advantageously comprise at least one belt means. Further, said at least one flexible member may be formed of at least one elongate metal member preferably having a protective coating therearound.

In one embodiment, said securing means comprises two extendible members which are each arranged for extension from the apparatus to be secured and to then be secured to one another. Alternatively, said securing means can comprise a single flexible member arranged to be secured directly to the apparatus to be secured and, in particular, the housing or body thereof.

Preferably, said securing means is arranged to be of a predetermined length so as to achieve the required securing of the said at least part of the apparatus to be secured.

Advantageously, locking means is provided so as to secure said securing means in the required extended state. In this manner, any required length of the securing means can be arranged to extend from the apparatus to be secured in a secure manner. Also, locking means is advantageously provided so as to lock said securing means to the apparatus to be secured when in said extended state.

In a particular embodiment, the aforementioned locking means are common and may share the same release mechanism such as a key.

Further, the locking means for locking the securing means to said apparatus when in said extended state can be arranged such that upon securing the securing means when in said extended state to the apparatus to be secured, the locking means serving to secure said securing means against further extension thereof is also operated. This can be readily achieved particularly if the extended portion of the securing member is arranged to be secured to the apparatus at a location close to the location from which the securing member extends out of said apparatus.

Preferably, said securing means is mounted by way of a resilient member and, in particular, when in said retracted state, said securing means is arranged to be wound around a spool member.

Preferably, said securing means is arranged to extend out from one location of the housing or body of the apparatus to be secured and to return to another location of the housing or body of the apparatus to be secured so as to achieve the securing of said securing means to said apparatus to be secured.

The invention finds particular use for securing apparatus for locomotion and, as such, can readily comprise security apparatus for a road vehicle such as a motor car or motor bike etc. In particular, said security apparatus can be employed to prevent the movement of the vehicle itself and/or the movement of part of the vehicle. With such an arrangement, said security apparatus can advantageously be arranged, when in said extended state, to extend across the outside of the vehicle access point such as a door or boot lid, so as to prevent the undesired opening thereof.

Further, the apparatus is particularly useful when employed with any form of mobile machinery and/or equipment and, in particular, plant machinery since the same is particularly susceptible to theft.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided vehicle security apparatus comprising a security member movable between an operative state in which it extends across the outside surface of a vehicle door to engage said vehicle at locations spaced from said door so as to be secured in said operative state and to inhibit the opening of said door, and an in operative state in which no such extension of the member occurs and access to the vehicle via the door is allowed.

The invention is advantageous in that the security member is clearly visible when in said operative state so as to provide a ready deterrent to a would be thief. Also, the location of the security member on the outside of the vehicle presents a serious barrier to a would be thief opening the vehicle door and so serves to delay the access of the thief to the interior of the vehicle which delay also serves to retain the would be thief in a conspicuous location adjacent to the exterior of the vehicle.

Preferably, the security member is arranged to extend in an elongate manner when in said operative position. The improved security aspects of the present invention can thereby be achieved without the apparatus being unnecessarily cumbersome. Also, the security member can be arranged to extend in a direction along the side of the vehicle.

In particular, the security member itself can be adjustable so that the dimensions thereof when in said operative position are different from the dimensions thereof for an in said inoperative position. The security member can then advantageously be arranged to be manoeuvred into a compact stowage position when in said inoperative state. Also, housing means may be provided on the vehicle body so as to receive said security member wherein said stowage position. In order to assist the compact arrangement of the present invention, the security member can be arranged for stowage within one or more of the bumpers of the vehicle or a side extension of said one or more bumpers. The outward appearance of the vehicle is advantageously not therefore affected by the incorporation of the present invention.

In order to achieve the movement of said security member between said operative state and said inoperative state, said member can advantageously be arranged to be folded between said state. Alternatively, or in addition sections of said security member can be provided in a telescopic manner so as to achieve extension and retraction of said security member and thereby the movement between said states.

In a manner which allows for an advantageously compact construction, and simple operation, said security member can be arranged to be wound around storage means when in said inoperative position. The storage means can advantageously comprise spring bias spool means biased in a manner so as to seek to return said security member to said inoperative state in which it is stored around said storage means.

Advantageously, said security member can be formed in at least two parts which can be secured to each other in the operative state. Each of the two or more parts can be arranged for stowage at different locations and, if appropriate, each of said two or more parts can be arranged to be wound around perspective spool members when in said inoperative state. In particular, one spool member can be provided towards the front of a vehicle and another spool member towards the rear of the vehicle. Each such spool member can advantageously be located within the shell of the vehicle and, in particular, within the bumpers or side extensions thereof.

Further, in the operative position, each of said one or more parts of said security member can be arranged to extend from the stowage positions to their full extent so that, when secured together, movement of said security member is inhibited.

Advantageously, said security member is formed from one or more strap means which may comprise a flexible material with steel, or other metal, strengthening members secured thereto, or embedded therein.

If said security member comprises a rigid member formed of one or more portions, said portions can be arranged in a foldable, or telescopic, manner for movement between the operative and inoperative state.

Stowage means are advantageously provided for housing the folded or retracted security member and such stowage means can advantageously be provided in the bumpers of the vehicle, or the side extensions thereof.

In one form of the present invention, said security member can be arranged to extend around the complete periphery of said vehicle. The security provided by said security member can thereby be enhanced. In particular, the security member can be arranged as a frame member which can be folded over and around the vehicle so as to secure the doors. A hinge portion of the frame member which allows for said folding movement can be associated with locking means to prevent the undesired folding, or unfolding, thereof. The frame member can also be provided with expansion means so as to allow the frame means to fit over the vehicles exterior formations, such as wing mirrors. The said expansion means can also be associated with locking means serving to prevent the undesired expansion of said frame member.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the frame member is arranged to rest on formations of the vehicle body work such as the bumpers. Other formations, such as the wing mirrors, serve to prevent the removal of the frame member from the vehicle and thus retain the security provided by the frame member.

Preferably, said frame member is associated with canopy means which can extend to cover at least an upper region of said vehicle.

In the aforesaid manner, the engagement between the security member and the vehicle at a location spaced from said door is achieved by the engagement of the frame means with the bumpers of the vehicle.

Further, the security member may be provided with markings which serve to improve the aesthetic features of the member and also serve as a visual deterrent to a would be thief.

If the security member is to be arranged to be stowed around a spool means, the spool means can be arranged with a cleaning member which serves to clean the surface of the security member during the retraction of the security member about the spool means.

Advantageously, an alarm system is associated with said security member so that interference therewith serves to activate the alarm. The apparatus of the present invention may advantageously be associated with a vehicle security alarm already incorporated in the vehicle. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be particularly advantageously employed as automobile door security apparatus.

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a security member according to one embodiment of the present invention and shown in an inoperative state,-

Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the security member of Fig. 1 shown in an operative state around a vehicle,-

Fig. 3 is a plan view similar to the plan view of Fig. 2 but showing a further feature of the security member of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a security member according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in an inoperative state,-

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the security member of Fig. 4 shown in an operative state,-

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a vehicle having the security member of Figs 1-3 mounted thereon and shown in an operative state,-

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of a vehicle incorporating a security member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a vehicle including a security member according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side view of plant machinery embodying one aspect of the present invention,- and

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the plant machinery of Fig. 9 as secured around an anchor point.

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a security member according to one embodiment of the present invention which is provided in the form of a frame member 10. The frame member 10 has a first rectilinear portion 12 comprising side members 14, 16 and an end member 18. The portion 12 can be formed in an integral manner or can be formed from separate members secured together in any required fashion. The frame member 10 also includes a second rectilinear portion 20 which comprises side members 22, 24 and an end member 26. Again, the second rectilinear portion 20 can be formed as an integral member or from separate members secured together as appropriate. The rectilinear portion 20 is pivotally secured to the rectilinear portion 12 by way of lockable pivot connections 28, 30 so as to allow pivoting of the second rectilinear portion 20 relative to the first rectilinear portion 12 from a folded state, to an extended state, in a direction of arrow A. As will be appreciated, the frame member 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1 in a state which corresponds to the inoperative state of the security member of the present invention and pivotal movement of the second rectilinear portion 20 in the direction of arrow A serves to move the frame member into an operative position.

The operative position of the frame member 10 of Fig. 1 is illustrated more clearly in Fig. 2. As can be seen, the frame member 10 extends around the periphery of a motor vehicle 32. The dimensions of the frame member 10 are chosen so that, in the operative state, the frame member 10 forms a close fit around the side portions of the vehicle 32. As mentioned above, the pivotal connection 28, 30 are lockable so as to secure the frame member in the operative state as shown in Fig. 2. When in this state, it will be appreciated that the side members 14, 16, 22, 24 of the frame member 10 serve to prevent the opening of the vehicle doors.

In moving the frame member into the operative state, it is advantageously necessary to overcome particular formations found on the exterior of the vehicle. Such formations can comprise the vehicle's wing mirrors and, as will be appreciated from Fig. 3, at least one of the end members 18 of the frame member 10 can be provided with lockable expansion joints 36 which allow for lateral expansion of the frame member and thus movement of the frame member 10 over the vehicle body and over outwardly projecting formations such as the wing mirrors. Once the frame member 10 has been passed over the wing mirrors, the expansion joints 36 can be compressed and locked so that the frame member 10 is then prevented from being removed in an upward direction from the vehicle 32. As will be appreciated from later discussion relating to Fig. 6, the frame member 10 is retained in position around the vehicle by resting on the vehicle's bumpers.

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention when in an in-operative state. A security member 38 illustrated in Fig. 4 comprises a frame member 40 having a canopy member 42 secured thereto.

Fig. 5 illustrates the frame member 40 of Fig. 4 when in an operative state and clearly illustrates the canopy 42 in its extended form. The employment of the canopy 42 along with a frame 40 according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it not only protects the outer surface of the vehicle but also serves to prevent undesired viewing of any contents located in the vehicle. Also, the canopy material may be provided with sensor means associated with alarm means for providing an alarm signal if entry to the vehicle via the canopy 42 is attempted, or the canopy 42 is otherwise damaged.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the vehicle 32 shown in Figs.

2 and 3 and clearly shows the location of the frame member 10 resting between bumpers 44, 45 of the vehicle and the vehicle's wing mirrors 46. With the pivot connections 28,

30 and the expansion of joints 36 locked in a secure manner, it will therefore be appreciated that removal of the frame member 10 is prevented by the vehicle's bumpers 44, 45 and the wing mirror 46.

Access to the interior of the vehicle cannot therefore be gained via the vehicle doors without first overcoming the barrier presented by the frame member 10. In order to overcome this barrier, a would be thief will have to spend a relatively large amount of time in a conspicuous position outside the vehicle, clearly attempting entry thereto. If this itself does not serve as a suitable deterrent, there is in any case an improved chance of the would be thief being disturbed and apprehended.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of a motor vehicle 48 incorporating a security member according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 48 includes a rear bumper 50 which forms a housing for receiving a rear security member 52 when stowed in an inoperative position. The rear security member 52 comprises three hinged portions 54, 56, 58 which, as will be appreciated from the phantom lines, can be folded and moved in the direction of arrow B for stowage within the bumper 50. A front security member 60 is also provided which comprises three hinged portions 62, 64, 66 which can be folded and pivoted in the direction of arrow C so as to be received for stowage within a front bumper 58 of the vehicle 48. When unfolded to their full extent as shown in Fig. 7, the portions 58, 62 of the rear and front security member 52, 60 respectively can be secured together by way of a locking member 70. The locking member 70 serves to retain the front and rear security members in the extended position shown in which they lie across the vehicle doors and therefore inhibits the opening thereof. The embodiment of Fig. 7 is particularly advantageous in that the front and rear security members can be readily and neatly stowed in a compact manner within the vehicle's bumpers 50, 58.

As an alternative to the hinged arrangement shown in Fig. 7, the portions 54, 56, 58 and 62, 64, 66 could be arranged in a telescopic manner so as to allow for a change in dimension which is readily suited to stowage of the security members 52, 60 in the respective bumpers.

Fig. 8 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the present invention incorporated into a car 72. The security member comprises a mechanically strong strap member which can be formed of a flexible material, for example leather, and which may have wire and/or steel strengthening members attached thereto or embedded therein. The security member 78 is itself formed of a rear strap portion 76 and a forward strap portion 78 which portions extend from respective spring-loaded spools 80, 82. In the operative position which is just about to be reached in Fig. 8, the strap 76, 78 are withdrawn fully from the spools 80, 82 respectively and are locked together by way of locking means 84 which has a slidable cover member 86 associated therewith. The locking means is advantageously located on the outer surface of the strap so that it cannot contact the vehicle bodywork and so does not damage the bodywork. The spools 80, 82 can be mounted within the vicinity of the vehicle bumpers or wheel arches. In the illustrated example, the spools 80, 82 are mounted within the bumpers 88, 90 of the vehicle so that the incorporation of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 8 does not require any adaption to the outer appearance of the vehicle. As mentioned, the spools 80, 82 are spring-loaded and serve to retract the straps 76, 78 when disconnected by release of the connector 84. The straps 76, 78 can then be moved into an inoperative stowage position in which they are wound around the respective spools 80, 82 merely by unlocking the connector means 84. In a particularly advantageous manner, a cleaning member, for example a brush or rubber squeegee (not shown) is fitted to the entry to the spools 80, 82 so as to wipe the surface of the straps 76, 78 clean during the retraction thereof into the spool housing. Since, when in the operative state, connection between the straps 76, 78 can only be achieved when withdrawn from the spools 80, 82 to their full extent, the secured straps 76, 78 form a mechanically sound security member which serves to inhibit the opening of the vehicle's doors 92, 94.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of plant machinery 100 employing one particular aspect of the present invention. The plant machinery 100 comprises a body 102 housing a piece of equipment such as a generator, which body is mounted for movement as and when required on wheels 104 so as to be towed by way of a tow connector 106.

Within a rear location 108 of the body 102 of the plant machinery 100 there is mounted a securing belt 110 shown in greater detail in Fig. 10. The securing belt 110 is retractably mounted around a spool (not shown) so that, when in its retracted position, only a steel tongue 112 found at the end of the securing belt 110 extends out of the body 102 of the plant machinery 100.

Within a region of the body 102 of the plant machinery 100 towards the front thereof, there is provided a slot 114 arranged to receive the tongue 112 of the securing belt 110, which tongue is then locked within the slot 114 by virtue of a locking arrangement 116 associated therewith.

As an advantageous alternative, the slot 114 could be arranged in the region of the rear location 108 so that entry of the tongue 112 into the slot not only operates the locking of the tongue 112 in the slot 114, but also serves to achieve the locking of the belt 110 against further extension from the body 102.

Further, a similar locking arrangement 118 is associated with the spool (not shown) around which the retracted securing belt 110 is wound at the rear location 108 of the plant machinery body 102.

Fig. 10 clearly shows the securing apparatus in use and represents a plan view of the plant machinery 100 of Fig. 9.

In order to secure the plant machinery 100 against theft, it has been located against a rigid anchor point 120, such as a tree or lamp-post, and the securing belt 110 is then employed to secure the plant machinery to the anchor point 120.

As will be appreciated from Fig. 10, the securing belt 110 has been extended out of the body 102 of the plant machinery 100 to pass around the anchor point 120 and then to extend towards the slot 114 so as to have its tongue 112 locked therein by way of the locking arrangement 116 associated with the slot 114.

In order to prevent further pay-out of the securing belt 110 from the spool (not shown) at the rear location 108 of the plant machinery body 102, the spool is, as mentioned above, advantageously associated with a locking arrangement 118 which can be activated so as to prevent further pay-out of the securing belt 110.

Thus, unless the securing belt 110 can be cut, or at least the locking device 116 opened, the plant machinery 100 can only be stolen by lifting the machinery up and over the anchor point 120. The particular nature of the anchor point 120 may in fact not allow for such upward removal of the plant machinery 100 even if it became possible to lift the machinery in this manner. The further securing of the belt 110 by way of the locking arrangement 118 associated with the spool (not shown) further assists in preventing undesired movement of the plant machinery 100 relative to the anchor point 120.

It should be appreciated that the securing arrangement illustrated with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 could readily be associated with any form of equipment or apparatus that requires securing against possible theft. For example, forms of transport such as motor bikes which do not have a moveable access member such as a door can be readily secured by means of a securing arrangement similar to that illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. Further, it should be appreciated that the particular embodiment illustrated with reference to Figs. 9 and 10 could be readily varied in that, like the embodiment illustrated with reference to Fig. 8, two separate portions of the securing belt 110 could be provided so as to meet in a secure manner and in which separate locking means could then advantageously be associated with each of the required spools.

The employment of a lockable spool is particularly advantageous since the security afforded by the apparatus of the present invention is particularly enhanced by the provision of a securing belt, or other appropriate member, which not only provides for secure connection to an anchor point but which also prevents further extension of the securing belt once the required extension has occurred for a preferably tight fit around the anchor point. The securing belt 110 is not then limited for use with any one particular form, shape or size of anchor point 120.

To allow for swift operation, the locking of either locking arrangement can advantageously be achieved by way of a push-button member which can then only be released by way of key means such as a key or key pad means. In particular, each of the two locking arrangements 116, 118 can advantageously share the same key means. Also, the locking arrangements 116, 118 can advantageously be arranged such that upon locking of the tongue 112 in the locking arrangement 116, the locking arrangement 118 is automatically activated. In this manner, the locking arrangements 116, 118 can advantageously comprise electrical or electro-mechanical locking arrangements.

It will be appreciated that the security member of the present invention can be associated with its own alarm system or connected to the vehicle's alarm system. Also, appropriate markings can be provided on the security member which serve to draw a would be thief's attention to the enhanced security provided by the member when in the operative state and markings may also be included so as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the security member.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment. In particular the accompanying drawings are shown merely in schematic form and the security member of the present invention, particularly that as illustrated in Figs. 1-7 can be provided to achieve any required shape having regard to the shape of the vehicle concerned. Also, if, in the inoperative state, the security member is to be stowed within housing means such as the vehicle's bumper, such stowage can be achieved by any appropriate movement of the security member therein, for example sliding movement. The bumpers, or other housing means, may be provided with end flaps so as to close off access to the bumpers once the security member has been stowed therein in the inoperative state. Also, advantageously, any locking means associated with the security member may be arranged to be released by operation of the cars central locking system and, in particular, by a remote operation thereof.

Also, with particular reference to the embodiment of Fig. 8, the security member can be advantageously arranged for receipt in track means extending along the side of the vehicle. The security member can then move along the track means between the operative and inoperative states. The track means can be formed directly in the vehicle bodywork or in means engaged to the bodywork such as a side bumper of the vehicle. A smooth and easy transition between the operative and inoperative states can then be achieved. In particular, the security member can be permanently engaged in the track means even when in said inoperative state, at which it is then located in the track means but at a location not interfering with the vehicle doors.

It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the present invention can be provided within the scope of the present application. In particular, the retractable security member can be provided as part of a portable security device which can be used as and when required for securing at least two members together.

Claims

1. Security apparatus for at least inhibiting movement of at least part of an apparatus to be secured, comprising retractably mounted securing means arranged to extend from a retracted state to an extended state in which said securing means is secured to said security apparatus and against further extension thereof.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises at least one flexible member.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said at least one flexible member is formed of at least one elongate metal member.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim l, 2 or 3, wherein said securing means is arranged to be of a predetermined length so as to achieve the required securing of the said at least part of the apparatus to be secured.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein securing locking means is provided so as to secure the extended portion of said securing means to the security apparatus when in the required extended state.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 to 5, wherein extension locking means is provided so as to lock said securing means against further extension when in said extended state.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 and 6, wherein said securing and extension locking means comprise common locking means.

Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said locking means share a common release means.

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8, wherein said locking means for locking the securing means to said security apparatus when in said extended state is arranged such that upon securing the securing means when in said extended state, the locking means serving to secure said securing means against further extension thereof is also actuated.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said securing means is mounted by way of a resilient member for urging said securing means into its retracted state.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said security apparatus comprises a portable securing arrangement.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein said security apparatus is arranged to be mounted on said apparatus to be secured and for extension therefrom and for securing thereto.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus to be secured comprises a road vehicle.

14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said at least part of said apparatus to be secured comprises a vehicle door and said securing means is arranged to extend across the outside thereof when in said extended state.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 13, wherein said apparatus to be secured comprises mobile apparatus.

16. Vehicle security apparatus comprising a security member movable between an operative state in which it extends across the outside surface of a vehicle door to engage said vehicle at locations spaced from said door so as to be secured in said operative state and to inhibit the opening of said door, and an in operative state in which no such extension of the member occurs and access to the vehicle via the door is allowed.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the security member is arranged to extend in an elongate manner when in said operative position.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, wherein the security member is arranged for stowage within one or more of the bumpers of the vehicle.

19. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein said member is arranged to be folded between said operative state and said inoperative state.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the security member is arranged to extend once around the vehicle.

21. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the security member is arranged as a frame member which can be folded over and around the vehicle so as to secure the doors.

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, wherein a hinge portion of the frame member which allows for said folding movement is associated with locking means to prevent the undesired pivoting of said hinge portion.

23. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 or 22, wherein the frame member is provided with expansion means so as to allow the frame means to fit over exterior formations of the vehicle.

24. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein said frame member is associated with canopy means which can extend to cover at least an upper region of said vehicle.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 16 to 24, wherein an alarm system is associated with said security member so that interference therewith serves to activate the alarm.