WO2006078739A2 - Sabot pour roue de vehicule avec mecanisme de verrouillage - Google Patents

Sabot pour roue de vehicule avec mecanisme de verrouillage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006078739A2
WO2006078739A2 PCT/US2006/001767 US2006001767W WO2006078739A2 WO 2006078739 A2 WO2006078739 A2 WO 2006078739A2 US 2006001767 W US2006001767 W US 2006001767W WO 2006078739 A2 WO2006078739 A2 WO 2006078739A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wheel
boot
lock
lock assembly
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/001767
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2006078739A3 (fr
Inventor
David G. Rivera
Patrick D. Minix
Original Assignee
Paylock, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Paylock, Inc. filed Critical Paylock, Inc.
Publication of WO2006078739A2 publication Critical patent/WO2006078739A2/fr
Publication of WO2006078739A3 publication Critical patent/WO2006078739A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/09—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens by restraining wheel rotation, e.g. wheel clamps
    • B60R25/093—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens by restraining wheel rotation, e.g. wheel clamps comprising ground-engaging means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a vehicle wheel boot used for enforcing vehicular parking laws and regulations.
  • Vehicular parking laws are typically enforced by issuing a summons and placing the summons on the vehicle. Generally, the vehicle owner reviews the summons and takes the necessary steps to pay the fine or penalty, or contest the summons by appearing in court. The enforcement of parking regulations, however, is frequently haphazard in that in many instances the vehicle owner does not pay the fine and accumulates summons and fines. Vehicle owners who fail to pay outstanding fines or accumulate a number of parking related fines are known as scofflaws.
  • One method to enforce parking regulations and encourage vehicle owners to pay fines in a timely manner is to immobilize the vehicle by placing a boot on the vehicle wheel.
  • a wheel boot prevents the vehicle wheel from moving.
  • a number of conventional wheel boots require the use of a key to unlock the boot, which requires the vehicle owner to wait for the key holder to unlock the boot.
  • a parking enforcement personnel places a boot on a vehicle wheel, thus immobilizing the vehicle and prohibiting the vehicle owner from using the vehicle.
  • the vehicle operator is prompted, by a notice generally secured to the vehicle (i.e., a sticker on the vehicle window) to contact the appropriate entity (e.g., the police or a parking enforcement administrator) in order to learn how to have the boot removed.
  • the vehicle operator is generally instructed to proceed to a particular location, such as a police station, court or administrator, without his or her vehicle, to a payment location.
  • the vehicle operator is then required to pay the appropriate fine for this violation and all other outstanding violations, if any, in exchange for the removal of the boot.
  • the vehicle wheel boot which includes dual locking modes.
  • the vehicle wheel boot includes a lock assembly adapted to lock the wheel boot to the vehicle, and a lock override assembly which overrides the operation of the lock assembly.
  • the vehicle wheel boot according comprises a first support structure adapted to interface with the outer side of the vehicle wheel to be immobilized.
  • the vehicle wheel boot further comprises a second support structure adapted to interface with the inner side of the vehicle wheel.
  • the first support structure comprises an outer wheel locking member which cooperates or mates with an inner wheel locking member of the second support structure, such that the mating of the two structures secures the vehicle wheel in the locked or immobilized state.
  • the inner wheel locking member may be moved into and out of cooperation (i.e., a locked and unlocked state) with the outer wheel locking member by operation of the lock assembly.
  • At least one of the first support structure and/or the second support structure may be configured to preclude removal of the wheel (i.e., prohibit access to the means for removing the wheel, such as the wheel's lug nuts) when in the boot is in the locked position.
  • the lock assembly is adapted to control the position of the first support structure relative to the second support structure. Accordingly, operation of the lock assembly allows a user to place the boot in its locked and unlocked state.
  • the boot includes a lock override assembly secured to the first support structure.
  • the lock override assembly is coupled to the lock assembly and is configured to override the operation of the lock assembly. As such, the lock override assembly reverses the locking action of the lock assembly.
  • the boot includes a lock assembly controller comprising a code input device and a linkage controller. In operation, the code input device coordinates with the linkage controller to place the lock assembly in its locked and unlocked states.
  • the code input device and circuit ⁇ cause the linkage controller fo reposition a link coupled to the pawl, thus placing the pawl in engagement with the teeth of the active rod (i.e., in the locked state).
  • the code input device comprises a conventional circuit configured to accept and process user-inputted lock and/or unlock codes.
  • the circuit may include a plurality of electrical switches, a microprocessor, and a memory.
  • the second support structure may include an active rod and a passive rod arranged in parallel.
  • the active rod may include a series of ratchet teeth disposed along its side.
  • the lock assembly may include a pawl configured to engage with the teeth to set. the assembly in its locked state.
  • both the lock assembly and the lock override assembly are adapted to independently operate the pawl.
  • the lock override assembly may include a key and tumbler arrangement.
  • the lock override assembly may include a guide, controllable by the key and tumbler arrangement, which is coupled to the pawl. Operation of the key and tumbler arrangement results in the translation of the guide and pawl such that the pawl is precluded from engagement with the teeth of the active rod, regardless of the whether the lock assembly is in its locked state.
  • the pawl may be connected to a rotatable lever such that rotation of the lever causes the pawl to engage with the teeth of the active rod.
  • a link may be provided which controls the rotation of the lever.
  • the electrically operated device includes a mechanically displaceable element for controlling the movement of the link.
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle boot, according to embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is an side perspective view of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is perspective view of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a pair of rod bearings of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is an exploded view of a rod bearing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded view of a vehicle boot, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7A is an exploded view of a portion of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a side perspective view of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is an exploded view of region C of Fig. 7;
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged view of region A of Fig. 7;
  • Figure 11 illustrates a lock assembly and lock override assembly, according to an . embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 12 illustrates a lever, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 13 is side perspective view of a portion of a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14 is a top view of a lock assembly and lock override assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 14A is an exploded side perspective view of region A of Fig. 7;
  • Figures 15A, 15B and 15C are perspective views of a guide, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16 illustrates a portion of a lock assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17 illustrates components of a lock assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 18 is an exploded view of a locking solenoid assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 19 is an exploded view of region B of Figure 7;
  • Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of a lock assembly controller, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 21 illustrates an exemplary process performed by a vehicle boot, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to a wheel boot 2 for immobilizing a vehicle in accordance with the enforcement of parking rules and regulations.
  • Figure 1 depicts a wheel boot 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the wheel boot 2 is configured to releasably attach to a vehicle wheel 4, typically comprising a tire 6 attached to a rim 8, as depicted by the dotted lines in Figure 1.
  • the rim 8 is attached to the vehicle wheel 4 via a suitable attachment means 10, such as, for example, one or more lug nuts.
  • the wheel boot 2 comprises a first support structure 14 and a second support structure 12.
  • the first support structure 14 is adapted to interface with the outer portion of the vehicle wheel 4, while the second support structure 12 is adapted to interface with the inner portion of the vehicle wheel 4.
  • the first support structure 14 and the second support structure 12 secure and immobilize the vehicle wheel 4.
  • the first support structure 14 includes generally L- shaped frame 16.
  • the frame 16 includes an upright leg 18 and a transverse leg 20.
  • the frame 16 may include a front panel 24, two opposing side panels 26, a bottom panel 27, a rear panel 28, and a top panel 38, each formed of a suitable material, such as, for example, steel.
  • the front panel 24, side panels 26, bottom panel 27, rear panel 28, and top panel 38 may be welded to each other to form one integral piece.
  • the rear panel 28 may be attached to the side panels 26 by any suitable attachment means, such as by rivets, screws or the like.
  • portions 35 of the side panels 26 may be provided which are triangular and taper toward the top of the frame 16, as shown in Fig. 3.
  • the first support structure 14 may comprise one or more fans 34 adapted to overlie the lug nuts 10 of vehicle wheel 4, to prevent one from removing the wheel 4 when the wheel boot 2 is secured in place (i.e., prohibits replacing the booted wheel with a spare).
  • the one or more fans 34 may be connected to are hinged to upright leg 18 by a suitable attachment, such as by hinges 36.
  • the hinges 36 may be welded or otherwise affixed to the frame 16.
  • the fans 34 are reinforced by transverse ribs 37.
  • the hinges 36 allow the one or more fans 34 to be folded, thus providing a compact boot 2 that may be more easily transported.
  • the one or more fans 34 may be any suitable shape, including but not limited to rectangular, square, or triangular. In addition, one having ordinary skill in the art . will appreciate that the fans 34 may be composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel.
  • the first support structure 14 comprises an outer wheel locking member 30.
  • the outer wheel locking member 30 may be composed of any suitable material and may be any suitable shape.
  • the outer wheel locking member 30 is a steel, cylindrically-shaped rod-like member.
  • the outer wheel locking member 30 is attached (e.g., welded) to the front panel 24 via a bracket 32.
  • the outer wheel locking member 30 is spaced from and parallel-to tranverse leg-20 by a ⁇ distance sufficient to receive the wheel rim 8 and tire 6 therebetween, as shown in Figure 1.
  • the one or more fans 34 are preferably spaced from and above the outer wheel locking member 30 to best adapt to the configuration of the vehicle wheel 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 8.
  • the second support structure 12 is adapted to coordinate or mate with the first support structure 14 to immobilize the vehicle wheel 4.
  • the second support structure 12 includes a rod guide assembly 60 coupled to an upright inner wheel armature 62.
  • the rod guide assembly 60 comprises an active rod 64 and a passive rod 66 arranged in parallel.
  • the active rod 64 and the passive rod 66 may be any suitable shape, such as, for example, a cylinder.
  • the active rod 64 and the passive rod 66 may and composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel or similarly rigid material.
  • the active rod 64 includes a series of parallel grooves forming a linear array of teeth 68.
  • the teeth 68 extend along the length of the active rod 64 along a longitudinal axis 70.
  • the teeth 68 are used to lock the rod guide assembly 62 in place, as described in detail below.
  • the ends of the active rod 64 and the passive rod 66 are secured together by end caps 82, 84, as shown in Figures 1-4.
  • a pull handle 86 may be attached to end cap 84 for manually pulling the rod guide assembly 60 in locking direction 72' to place the wheel boot 2 in its locked position, as described in detail below.
  • the upright inner wheel armature 62 is a rod-like member adapted to interface with the inner portion of the vehicle wheel 4.
  • the upright inner wheel armature 62 is preferably curved to correspond with the curved shape of a vehicle wheel 4.
  • the upright inner wheel armature 62 may be any may be composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, steel.
  • the upright inner-wheel -armature 62 is fasten-edixrend cap 82.
  • the second support structure 12 includes an inner wheel lock member 90 attached to an upper end of upright inner wheel armature 62, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 8.
  • the inner wheel lock member 90 may be any suitable shape and/or material, such as, for example, a cylindrically-shaped steel member.
  • the inner wheel lock member 90 is adapted to cooperate or mate with the outer wheel lock member 30 of the first support structure 14.
  • the mating of the inner wheel lock member 90 and the outer wheel lock member 30 rigidly attaches the first support structure 14 and the second support structure 12 together to secure the wheel boot 2 to the vehicle wheel 4, as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the wheel boot 2 includes a lock assembly 22, operation of which locks and unlocks the first support structure 14 and a second support structure 12 together.
  • the lock assembly 22, shown in Figures 1, 3-4, 7-8, 10-11, and 14-14A, may be attached to the transverse leg 20 of the first support structure 14.
  • the lock assembly 22 comprises a housing 94 which has block sections 96, 98 and 100.
  • the lock assembly 22 may be formed monolithically, as a single piece, by any suitable process, such as die casting or injection molding.
  • Block sections 96 sad 100 are like rectangularly-shaped members recessed between two opposing side walls 102, 104 of housing 94.
  • Blocks 96 and 100 include threaded bosses 106 arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of each for attachment to a top panel portion 108. (shown in Figure 7A) and the bottom panel 27 (shown in Figure 4). Blocks 96 and . 100 are spaced apart from block 98 by gaps 110, 112, respectively.
  • each of blocks 98 and 100 may include two cylindrical bores 114 adapt to accept and pass the active rod 64 and the passive rod 66.
  • cylindrical bearings 116 may be fixedly arranged within respective bores 114 by a bracket 118, wherein the bracket 118 is secured to the housing 94 by any suitable fastening means, such as, for example, one or more screws.
  • each bracket 118 secures two bearings 116 in a side-by-side arrangement.
  • two bearings 116 are located in block 98 and two bearings 116 are located in block 100.
  • two bearings 116 are axially aligned on one side of the housing 94 to receive the active rod 64 and two bearings 116 are aligned to receive the passive rod 66 on the opposite side of the housing 94.
  • the brackets 118 are composed of relatively thin sheet metal, e.g., steel, which engage annular grooves 120 encircling each bearing 116 for fastening the bearings 116 to the housing 94, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • a U-shaped cover 122 having bores adapted to pass the active rod 64 and passive rod 66, shown in Figures 4 and 10, may be used to enclose the housing 94 and the bearings 116 at an end facing the second support structure 12.
  • the block 98 of lock assembly 22 includes an elongated slot 124, a portion of which is formed by elevated block portion 126.
  • the block 98 includes two bores 128 adapted to receive a respective pawl bias spring 130.
  • the bore 128 and pawl bias spring 130 pairs are arranged above and below the active rod 64.
  • the pawl bias springs 130 extend into slot 124 and are compressed into the bores 128 by a pawl 132 located in slot 124, as shown in Figure 14.
  • the pawl bias springs 130 are adapted to bias the pawl 132 in a direction 134 and reciprocation in directions 134'.
  • FIGs 16 and 17 depict an exemplary pawl 132 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the pawl 132 may be composed of any high strength material, such as, for example, steel.
  • the pawl 132 includes a tapered nose 136 which is complementary to and engages the teeth 68 of the active rod 64, as shown in Fig. 14.
  • the pawl 132 comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel slots 138 adjacent to each end of the pawl 132. These slots 138 are adapted to receive respective upper and lower pawl drive levers 142, 144, shown in Figure 14A.
  • the nose 136 has two spaced grooves 140 at opposite ends, each of which receives a respective pawl bias spring 130 located in the bores 128.
  • Exemplary teeth 68 of the active rod 64 are shown in more detail in Figure 14.
  • the teeth 68 may be generally trapezoidal, and include roots 73 and crests 74.
  • Each tooth 68 includes a - first side wall -76 that is substantially-normal to axis-70, and a second- side wall 78 that is more inclined relative to the axis 70.
  • the first side wall 76 is adapted to lock the active rod 64 by cooperating or mating with the nose 136 of pawl 132.
  • the inclined configuration of the second side wall 78 permits the active rod 64 to be displaced in a locking direction 72' when the pawl 132 is resiliently displaced out of engagement with the array of teeth 68, as in a conventional ratchet and pawl mechanism.
  • each of the slots 138 of the pawl 132 is adapted to receive a drive portion 146, 148 of the respective upper and lower pawl levers 142, 144 which are located in alignment, with corresponding slot 138.
  • the levers 142, 144 may be substantially L-shaped members having legs 150, 152 and an intermediate portion 154 which is inclined relative to the legs 150, 152.
  • the drive portions 146, 148 engage the slots 138 of the pawl 132 to drive the pawl 132 in slot 124 against the bias of the pawl bias springs 130 in direction 134".
  • the upper and lower levers 142, 144 drive the pawl 132, thus compressing the pawl bias springs 130 when the levers 142, 144 are rotated about an axis defined by through bore 145 of upper lever 142 and through bore 147 of lever 144.
  • the upper lever 142 may include an elongated slot 143 in leg 152, as shown in Figures 12 and 14.
  • the through bore 145 may be arranged at the junction of the intermediate portion 154 and the leg 150.
  • the through bore 147 of the lower lever 144 is arranged at the end opposite the drive portion 148.
  • the lock assembly 22 includes a guide 156 adapted to reciprocate in cavity 158 of block 98 in directions 134', as represented by dotted lines 159 in Figure 14.
  • Figures 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate an exemplary guide 156 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the guide 156 includes two legs 160, 162 arranged at a right angle to one another.
  • Leg 162 is substantially L-shaped in cross-section and leg 160 is substantially T-shaped in cross section, the T-shape is formed by a depending rib 166.
  • leg 160 includes a rounded end surface 165 and a through bore 164.
  • cavity 158 of block 98 may be shaped in a complementary manner relative to legs 160, 162 of guide 156.
  • the guide 156 is adapted to slide along plateau surface 161 of the cavity 158.
  • the depending rib 166 has an arcuate end surface 168 which is coextensive with a portion of bore 164, as shown in Figure 15B.
  • a lever pivot rod 170 which is substantially flat on one side to form a key has a lowermost end 172 that is received in bore 147 of lower lever 144.
  • Bore 147 has a corresponding flat surface adapted to mate with the lever pivot rod 170.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 may be secured to the lower lever 144 by any suitable attachment means, including, but not limited to, a screw 174 or by bonding or swaging. Rotation of the lever pivot rod 170 rotates the lower lever 144.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 also includes an uppermost end 173 adapted to pass through and rotate within bore 164 of guide 156.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 is fixed to and keyed to bore 145 of upper lever 142 via corresponding flat surfaces.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 may also be fastened to the upper lever 142 by any suitable fastening means, such as those described above.
  • rotation of the upper lever 142 rotates the lever pivot rod 170 and the lower lever 144 in unison.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 abuts and rotationally slides against the curved end surface 168 of the depending rib 166, which also supports the lever pivot rod 170 in an axial direction normal to its longitudinal axis.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 passes through slot 175 in the block 98 of lock assembly 22.
  • the slot 175 extends through the block 98 to the upper and lower block surfaces.
  • the slot 175 permits the lever pivot rod 170 and the guide 156 to reciprocate in directions 134', as shown in Figure 14.
  • a bore 176 is provided in block 98 which is aligned with and normal to the lever pivot rod 170 and depending rib 166 of the guide
  • a spring 178 is provided in the bore 176 and abuts the lever pivot rod 170, thus biasing the lever pivot rod 170 and the guide 156 in direction 134 toward housing side wall 104.
  • the lever pivot rod 170 and guide 156 may be linearly displaced in directions 134' via the"slot 175 of block
  • Figure 14 illustrates the pawl 132 in its biased position (i.e., the lock assembly 22 in its unlocked state). As shown, the pawl 132 is disengaged from the teeth 68 of active rod 64. The pawl 132 may be rotated in direction 179 against the bias of springs 130 by rotation of the levers
  • the wheel boot 2 includes a lock override assembly 180 which is adapted to override the state of the lock assembly 22.
  • the lock override assembly 180 is coupled to or integrated with the lock assembly 22 and is configured to remove the wheel boot 2 from a locked state, regardless of the state of lock assembly 22.
  • a user may operate lock override assembly 180 to unlock the wheel boot 2, even with the lock assembly 22 in its locked state.
  • the lock override assembly 180 provides flexibility in operation of the wheel boot 2, particularly, providing a means for users who are not able to control the lock assembly 22, such as tow operators, to remove an otherwise locked wheel boot 2.
  • the override lock assembly 180 is used to release the guide 156 and levers 142, 144 from the locked position, which when so released, are biased by spring 178 in direction 134 to a lock override release position, represented in Figure 14 by dotted lines 159.
  • the pawl 132 in the biased position, the pawl 132 is displaced away from the active rod 64 by the bias of spring 178.
  • the relative displacement caused by the spring 178 is an amount that is sufficient to override and disengage a prior locking engagement of the pawl 132 with the teeth 68 due to the locking operation of lock assembly 22 (i.e., rotation of levers 142, - 144 in direction 179)r -As-such, -operation oftheiock ⁇ override ⁇ assembly 180 biases ' the pawl 132 in a manner such that it can not engage the teeth 68 of the active rod 64, regardless of the position of levers 142, 144.
  • lock override assembly 180 causes spring 178 to bias the guide 156, the lever pivot rod 170, and attached levers 142, 144 to the override position. As such, ' when in the override position, the lock assembly may not be placed the wheel boot 2 in the locked position.
  • the lock assembly 180 may include a push button 186 operable by a key 182, as shown in Figures 10, 14 and 14A.
  • the push button 186 is attached to an extension 190 which is configured to abut and displace the guide 156 in direction 134'.
  • the extension 190 may be fixedly attached to the guide 156.
  • lock override assembly 180 may be arranged in bore 181 in the housing side wall 104, as shown in Figures 10 and 14A.
  • the lock override assembly 180 may include a . tumbler cylinder 184 connected to the push button 186.
  • the tumbler cylinder 184 may have a projection latch (not shown) extended and retracted by the rotation of the key 182 and tumbler cylinder 184, similar to the arrangement of a conventional door latch.
  • the projection latch engages a locking recess (not shown) in a body 188 of the lock override assembly 180 after or upon pressing the push button 186 inwardly, in direction 134".
  • the projection latch may be, for example, a spring loaded male detent (not shown) that engages a female recess in the body 188, similar to that of a conventional door latch.
  • a key 182 may be inserted into the spring loaded lock override assembly 180, rotated to a lock position, then pushed inwardly to press the push button 186 and the extension 190 into guide 156, . thus moving guide 156 in direction 134".
  • the detent which due to being spring loaded in a manner not shown, is normally compressed by body 188, reaches the locking recess, it automatically extends under spring pressure to engage and lock to the recess, similar to the operation of a coriventional door latch.
  • the reverse process is used wherein when the tumbler cylinder 184 is rotated, the projection is retracted.
  • the levers 142, 144 are rotated to force the pawl 132 into engagement with the teeth 68 of the active rod 64.
  • this rotation may be performed by the operation of a link 192.
  • the link 192 is an elongated rod-like member having a bent portion 194 at one end.
  • the bent portion 194 is adapted to engage with and ride in slot 143 of upper lever 142 as the link 192 and bent portion 194 rotate the levers 142, 144.
  • the link 192 may be displaced in directions 80, as shown in Figure 14, to rotate the levers 142, 144 and lever pivot rod 170.
  • the lock assembly 22 is controlled by a lock assembly controller 1000.
  • the lock assembly controller 1000 comprises a linkage control 199 and a code input device 40.
  • the link 192 is controlled by the coordinated operation of the linkage controller 199 and the code input device 40, as described in detail below.
  • the linkage controller 199 comprises a solenoid 50 secured to the rear panel 28 via a standoff block 196.
  • a pillow block.198 is attached to the standoff block 196.
  • the pillow block 198 comprises a main body 200 and upper and lower bushing rings 202, 204.
  • the bushing rings 202, 204 serve as bushings for a plunger 54 connected to the solenoid 50, which reciprocates within the bores of bushing rings 202, 204.
  • a guide member 206 having a cavity 208, is secured to the rear panel 28 adjacent to an opening 210 in the rear panel 28.
  • the linkage controller 199 comprises a push button assembly 212 is secured to panel 28 in opening 210.
  • the push button assembly 212 includes a push button 214 that reciprocates in an outer body 216.
  • the push button 214 includes an extension 218, as shown in Figure 18.
  • the push button assembly 212 passes through the opening 210 and the cavity 208.
  • the push button 214 is biased to retract in direction 72', away from rear panel 28. This bias results from the bias action of the pawl bias springs 130 on the pawl 132 due to the attachment of the upper lever 142 to the push button 214 by link 192.
  • the push button 214 when depressed, is pushed in direction 72.
  • the button extension 218 is attached to a paddle 220 via a bore in the paddle 220.
  • the paddle 220 is a rectangularly shaped block which may be composed of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal or molded plastic.
  • the paddle 220 is displaced in directions 72, 72' when the push button 214 and button extension 218 are displaced in these directions.
  • the link 192 is also connected to the paddle 220 via a bore in the paddle 220.
  • the link 192 is slidably secured to the bottom panel 27 by guide members 222 for reciprocation in directions 72, 72'.
  • the solenoid 50 and pillow block 200 are positioned above and adjacent to the paddle 220.
  • the plunger 54 reciprocates in the bushing rings 202, 204 in directions 58.
  • a pin 58 resiliency attached to the plunger 54 descends to a position that is, if permitted, below the upper surface 224 of the paddle 220, as represented by dotted lines.
  • the pin 56 is aligned with and is positioned above the upper surface 224 of the paddle 220.
  • the code input device 40 is configured to coordinate with the linkage controller 199. As shown in Figure 2, 3, and 9, the code input device 40 is attached to the rear panel 28. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the code input device 40 comprises a keypad or series of buttons 42 connected to an electronic circuit 44. As shown in Figures 9 and 20, the circuit 44 comprises a microprocessor 46 and a memory 48. Optionally, the circuit 44 may include other suitable electronic components 49, as is known in the electronics art. The circuit 44 is configured to receive an inputted code entered via buttons 42. The circuit 44 compares the inputted code to a code stored in memory 46. If the inputted code matches the stored code, the circuit 44 causes the solenoid 50 and plunger 54 of the linkage controller 199 to operate.
  • buttons 42 are operated to enter the "lock” code
  • the plunger 54 is extended in a direction 58 toward the paddle 220. If the push button 214 is not yet depressed, the spring loaded pin 56 attached to the plunger 54 will abut the paddle top surface 224 and will be resiliently retracted into the plunger 54 by this abutment action. Then, when the push button 214 is depressed, it displaces the paddle 220 in a direction 72, thus rotating the levers 142, 144 and causing the lock assembly 22 to enter the "locked” position, as described in detail above.
  • the paddle 220 When the paddle 220 is displaced in direction 72, it moves a sufficient distance so that the pin 56, resiliently abutting the paddle upper surface 224, is allowed to slide along that surface 224 until it is aligned with the paddle face 226. Upon alignment with the paddle face 226, the pin 56 displaces downward in direction 58 along the paddle face 226 due to the resilient load of spring 228 disposed in plunger 54 (shown in figure 18). When this occurs, the paddle 220 is no longer able to retract rearwardly in direction 72' to an unlock position when the force on the push button 214 is removed. This action secures the link 192 in the locked mode with the pawl 132 engaged with the teeth 68 of the active rod 64.
  • buttons 42 drives the solenoid plunger 54 and pin 56 into a position such that pressing of the push button 214 places and secures the lock assembly 22 in its locked position.
  • the code input device 40 coordinates with the linkage controller 199 to control the operation of the lock assembly 22.
  • a user may enter ail "unlock” code using buttons 42 of the code input device 40.
  • the "unlock" code may be the same or different than the "lock” code.
  • the circuit 44 causes the solenoid plunger 54 to retract, thus retracting the pin 56 from a position adjacent to the paddle face 226. Accordingly, the pawl bias springs 130 engaged with the pawl 132 push the pawl 132 out of engagement with the teeth 68, thus rotating the levers 142, 144. The action of the pawl 132 in response to the pawl bias springs 130 displaces the link 192, the paddle 220, and the push button 214 into the unlock position. This action allows the second support structure 12 to be removed from its wheel locking position, thus releasing the wheel boot 2 from the vehicle wheel 4.
  • Fig. 21 shows an exemplary process flow of the operation of the code input device 40 and the linkage controller 199, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a user enters a code into the code input device 40 using buttons 42.
  • the circuit 44 receives the input code, which is processed by the microprocessor 46, which checks the status of the solenoid 50 to determine if the plunger 54 is in a retracted or extended position.
  • the current status of the solenoid may be stored in electronic memory 48.
  • the microprocessor 46 may be programmed to respond to two unique codes.
  • the first code, or "lock” code places the lock assembly 22 in its locked mode.
  • the second code, or "unlock” code places the lock assembly 22 into its unlocked mode.
  • step 236 the microprocessor 46 determines if the solenoid 50 is in a locked or unlocked state. If unlocked, the code entered. by the user is checked to see if it matches the correct "lock" code stored in memory 48, at step 238. If the entered code matches the locked code stored in memory 48, the plunger 54 is extended and the lock assembly 22 is placed in its locked state, at step 240. In step 242, the locked state is recorded in memory 48 for reference during future iterations of the process..
  • step 236 If in step 236 it is determined that the solenoid is in a locked state, the code entered by the user is checked to see if it matches the proper "unlock" code stored in memory 48. If the -entered code-matches-the unlooked-eode-stored in-i ⁇ iemory-48,-the plunger 54 is retracted and the lock assembly 22 is placed in its locked state, at step 246. IQ step 248, the unlocked state is recorded in memory 48.
  • the "lock” code may be a master code used for all wheel boots 2, while the “unlock” code is unique to each wheel boot 2.
  • a user may use the key 182 to operate the lock override assembly 180.
  • the lock override assembly 180 maybe used by a tow operator who is not is possession of the unlock code but does possess a "master” key adapted for use in the lock override assembly 180 of a plurality of wheel boots 2.
  • U.S. Patent Number 5,829,285, issued November 2, 1998, titled “Tire Lock” is related to the present application.
  • the entire disclosures of U.S. Provisional 60/580,193, U.S. Non-provisional Patent Appl. No. 11/122, 953, and U.S. Patent Number 5,829,285 are incorporated by reference herein.
  • the solenoid 50 may be adapted to directly operate the link 192 without the use of the push button assembly 212.
  • the entry of a lock code extends the solenoid plunger 54 to rotate the pawl 132 via the link 192, to place the lock assembly 22 in its locked state.
  • entry of the unlock code cause the plunger 54 to retract, thus causing the link 192 to place the pawl 132 out of engagement with the teeth 68 of the active rod 64.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un sabot permettant de renforcer la lutte contre les infractions dans les parkings de véhicules, ce sabot possédant deux structures coopérant ou s'adaptant pour verrouiller le sabot sur une roue afin d'immobiliser le véhicule. Lors de la fixation des structures sur la roue du véhicule, le sabot comporte un verrou permettant de le fixer et le bloquer sur la roue. L'utilisateur peut bloquer ou débloquer le sabot en introduisant un code approprié. En fonction du code introduit dans le sabot, un dispositif mécanique est orienté de façon à placer le verrou soit en position bloquée, soit en position débloquée. Le sabot comporte également un dispositif de verrouillage conçu pour empêcher le fonctionnement du verrou et interdire à un individu qui n'est pas en possession du code de 'déverrouillage' approprié de retirer le sabot de la roue.
PCT/US2006/001767 2005-01-19 2006-01-19 Sabot pour roue de vehicule avec mecanisme de verrouillage WO2006078739A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64491705P 2005-01-19 2005-01-19
US60/644,917 2005-01-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006078739A2 true WO2006078739A2 (fr) 2006-07-27
WO2006078739A3 WO2006078739A3 (fr) 2006-10-12

Family

ID=36692830

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/001767 WO2006078739A2 (fr) 2005-01-19 2006-01-19 Sabot pour roue de vehicule avec mecanisme de verrouillage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006078739A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9156436B2 (en) 2012-02-29 2015-10-13 Pra Group, Inc. Vehicle immobilizing devices, systems, and methods
US20200139928A1 (en) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-07 The Tire Tag, LLC Tire lock apparatus and method
CN114379505A (zh) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-22 厦门美科安防科技股份有限公司 一种车轮锁

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1500924A (en) * 1923-05-05 1924-07-08 Gustavus Edward Westberg Theft warning signal or wheel lock for vehicles
US4268076A (en) * 1977-09-27 1981-05-19 Kabushiki Kaisha Itoi Seisakusho Cash box provided with a till
US4409807A (en) * 1980-07-23 1983-10-18 Sodex-Magister Societe D'exploitation Des Brevets Neiman Master-key piston lock
US4949559A (en) * 1988-05-26 1990-08-21 Meyer Plastics, Inc. Article lock

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1500924A (en) * 1923-05-05 1924-07-08 Gustavus Edward Westberg Theft warning signal or wheel lock for vehicles
US4268076A (en) * 1977-09-27 1981-05-19 Kabushiki Kaisha Itoi Seisakusho Cash box provided with a till
US4409807A (en) * 1980-07-23 1983-10-18 Sodex-Magister Societe D'exploitation Des Brevets Neiman Master-key piston lock
US4949559A (en) * 1988-05-26 1990-08-21 Meyer Plastics, Inc. Article lock

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9156436B2 (en) 2012-02-29 2015-10-13 Pra Group, Inc. Vehicle immobilizing devices, systems, and methods
US20200139928A1 (en) * 2018-11-07 2020-05-07 The Tire Tag, LLC Tire lock apparatus and method
CN114379505A (zh) * 2021-12-29 2022-04-22 厦门美科安防科技股份有限公司 一种车轮锁
CN114379505B (zh) * 2021-12-29 2024-02-06 厦门美科安防科技股份有限公司 一种车轮锁

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006078739A3 (fr) 2006-10-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2542443B1 (fr) Procédé pour charger une batterie d'un véhicule à moteur, et véhicule à moteur
US5029912A (en) Locking device
DE19724085C1 (de) Kraftfahrzeugtürverschluß
EP2663467B1 (fr) Système de contrôle d'accès à un dispositif de charge de véhicule
EP1012011B1 (fr) Systeme de serrure pour vehicule
DE4019478A1 (de) Elektrische spannungsversorgungs-kontrolleinheit fuer ein kraftfahrzeug
DE102018006690A1 (de) Fahrzeug
EP0916789A1 (fr) Système de verrouillage de porte avec dispositif pour verrouiller et déverrouiller une serrure de porte
US20050199022A1 (en) Cart locking device
TWI622511B (zh) 自行車駐車鎖裝置
CN102027178A (zh) 具有旋转式锁定构件的锁组件
US8984919B2 (en) Locking systems for drawer blocks of support systems
WO2006078739A2 (fr) Sabot pour roue de vehicule avec mecanisme de verrouillage
JPH02292477A (ja) 自動車ドアロック及びこのような自動車ドアロックの装備方法
DE102013013087A1 (de) Fahrzeug
CN101402349B (zh) 副钥匙收纳装置
CN209225286U (zh) 一种防盗可拆卸电池组的电动滑板车
EP4056789B1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'une serrure de véhicule
US20060230794A1 (en) Locking device for vehicular tool cabinet
EP1462325A2 (fr) Système de serrure de contact pour véhicule automobile
US5557957A (en) Automatic steering wheel anti-theft system
DE102008056546B4 (de) Entleihsystem für Fahrräder
US5490403A (en) Hand brake lever lock
US9505392B2 (en) Air brake lock and assembly
CN207938115U (zh) 公共车辆停放系统

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 06718788

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2