WO2016023107A1

WO2016023107A1 - Motor vehicle security apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016023107A1
Application number: PCT/CA2015/000495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Pilon
Original assignee: Christian Pilon
Priority date: 2014-08-14
Filing date: 2015-08-13
Publication date: 2016-02-18

Abstract

A security apparatus prevents the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel. The apparatus comprises a base portion and an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion. The upper portion comprises a top end with having a top opening. The upper portion defines a cavity therein and comprises a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity. The separator includes an opening leading to the channel. A closure is movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and is biased to the closed position for closing the top opening. A valve structure comprises a top valve portion, a stem extending from the top valve portion and a valve depending from the stem. The valve structure is movably positioned within the cavity and comprises an actuator for being engaged via the top opening. The stem extends through the separator wall opening. The valve is in the channel and is movable for closing and opening the channel to respectively block and unblock fluid flow therethrough. Selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve,

Description

TITLE

MOTOR VEHICLE SECURITY APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/037,498 filed on August 14, 2014 and incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to securing motor vehicles in place against theft. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for securing motor vehicles in place such as truck, tractors, trailers and the like so as to prevent theft

BACKGROUND

[0003] Motor vehicle security systems for trucks, trailers and the like are well known in the art, These vehicles are equipped with conventional fluid operated braking assemblies. In conventional hydraulic brake systems, when the brake pedal is pressed fluid from the brake fluid reservoir flows into a pressure chamber increasing the pressure of the entire hydraulic system. This forces fluid through the hydraulic lines where it acts on the brake caliper pistons preventing the escape of any fluid from around the piston. The brake caliper pistons apply force to the brake pads, causing a braking torque to be generated slowing the vehicle and ultimately maintaining it in situ. Subsequent release of the brake pedal provides for return the master piston back into position the open position, thereby relieving the hydraulic pressure on the caliper as fluid flows back Into the brake fluid reservoir, allowing the brake piston in the caliper assembly to slide back into its housing and the brake pads to release the rotor. Typical hydraulic are closed system and as such fluid never leaves the circuit and is never consumed.

[0004] Known security systems include a manually operated valve for controlling the application of fluid under pressure to the braking assembly to manually set the vehicle brakes. The valve includes a key-operated lock for controlling and locking the valve in a selected position. The valve provides for being in a locked position, thereby not relieving the fluid pressure on the brake assembly and thus it allows the brakes to be set and the vehicle to be maintained in position in order to prevent unauthorized movement thereof.

OBJECTS

[0005] An object of the present disclosure it to provide an apparatus for securing a motor vehicle against unauthorized movement.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure it to provide a kit for securing a motor vehicle against unauthorized movement.

[0007] An object of the preset disclosure it to provide a key for being used in combination with an apparatus for securing a motor vehicle against unauthorized movement.

[0008] An object of the preset disclosure it to provide a motor vehicle comprising an apparatus for securing the motor vehicle against unauthorized movement. [0009] An object of the present disclosure it to provide a method for securing a motor vehicle against unauthorized movement.

SUMMARY

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a security apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising: a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line; an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening; a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged and actuated via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions. [0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a security kit for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising: a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, a security apparatus comprising: a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line; an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening; a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly; and a key for engaging the actuator via the top opening, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the key provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0012] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a key for being used in combination with a security apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line, an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wail defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening, a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position, a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions, the key comprising: a portion for being received by the top opening for engaging the actuator allowing a user to move the key so as to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions; and a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole.

[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising: a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on the motor vehicle wheel; and an apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of the motor vehicle comprising a, the apparatus comprising: a base portion defining a channel therein for being In fluid communication with the fluid line; an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening; a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0014] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, there Is provided a method for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising: providing a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir Into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, providing a security apparatus comprising: a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line; an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening; a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly; actuating the actuator via the top opening, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the key provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

[0015] In an embodiment, the closure is biased to the closed position. In an embodiment, the closure is movably mounted to the top end via hinge which biases the closure to the closed position. [0016] In an embodiment of the apparatus, kit or motor vehicle, the top opening comprises a keyhole for receiving a key for engaging the actuator allowing a user to move the key so as to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions. In an embodiment, this key comprises a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole. [0017] In an embodiment, the sealing element of the key herein comprises a biasing member that biases the sealing member on to the keyhole (or top opening) when engaged by the key,

[0018] In an embodiment, the opening surface comprises ball bearings. [0019] Other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of non-limiting illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In the appended drawings, where like reference numerals denote like elements throughout and in where:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a fluid braking system in accordance with a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure; [0022] Figure 2 is perspective view of the security apparatus, including the key mounted thereto, for being mounted to the fluid braking system of Figure 1 , in accordance with a non-restrictive illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the security apparatus of Figure 2 with the key dissociated therefrom;

[0024] Figure 4 is sectional view of the security apparatus of Figure 2, in the closed or locked position; and

[0025] Figure 5 is a section view of the security apparatus of Figure 2 in the open or unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0026] Generally stated and in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a security apparatus prevents the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel. The apparatus comprises a base portion and an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion. The upper portion comprises a top end with having a top opening. The upper portion defines a cavity therein and comprises a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity. The separator includes an opening leading to the channel. A closure is movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and is biased to the closed position for closing the top opening. A valve structure comprises a top valve portion, a stem extending from the top valve portion and a valve depending from the stem. The valve structure is movably positioned within the cavity and comprises an actuator for being engaged via the top openfng. The stem extends through the separator wall opening. The valve is in the channel and is movable for closing and opening the channel to respectively block and unblock fluid flow therethrough. Selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a fluid braking system 10 in communication with a pair of wheels 12 arranged on opposite sides of a motor vehicle, such as conventional trucks, trailers and the like. [Each wheel 12 is provided with a brake 14 such as caliper pistons and brake pads as is well known in the art. The system 10 includes a brake pedal or lever 16 to be actuated so as to press fluid (gas, air, hydraulic fluid etc.) from the brake fluid reservoir 18 (gas or air storage tank, hydraulic reservoir etc.) to flow into the fluid line 20 and ultimately act on the brakes 14 which generate a braking force on the wheels 12. The fluid line 20 includes a main line 22 that branches out into lines 24a and 24b, each providing fluid to each brake 14 of each wheel 12. When the brake pedal or lever 16 is released, fluid, due to pressure, flows from lines 24a and 24b into the main line 22 and back into the brake fluid reservoir 16, thereby releasing the pressure on the brakes 14 and consequently the braking force on the wheels 12.

[0028] A security apparatus 26 is mounted to the main hydraulic line 22. This security apparatus 26 includes a valve (discussed below) providing for selectively closing or opening the flow of main the line 22. As such, when the valve is in the locked or closed position it does not allow fluid from the brakes 14 to flow upstream into lines 24a and 24b and back into the brake fluid reservoir 18 via the main line 22. In this way, pressure on the brakes 14 is not allowed to be relieved and consequently the braking force on the wheels 124 is not released.

[0029] Figures 2-5 show the security apparatus 26 comprising a base portion 28 defining a channel 30 therein in fluid communication via openings 32 formed at each opposite lateral side 34 and 36 of the base portion 28. The channel 30 is thus in fluid communication with the main line 22 and the lines 24A and 24B. [0030] The apparatus Includes an upper portion 38 upwardly extending from the base portion 28 from one end 39 thereof and includes, an. opposite top end 40.

[0031] The upper portion 38 is hollow and includes an inner wall 42 defining a cavity 44. A separator wall 46 separates the channel 30 and the cavity 42. The separator wall 46 defines an opening 48 circumscribed by an opening surface which includes ball bearings 50.

[0032] The top end 40 of the upper member includes a top opening 52 and a closure 54 is movably mounted to the top end via hinge 56 which biases the closure 54 to the closed position. Of course the closure 54 is movable between a dosed position for enclosing the top opening 52 and an open position for opening the top opening.

[0033] A valve structure 56 includes top valve portion 58 movably positioned within the cavity 44 and comprising an actuator element 60 for being engaged and actuated via the top opening. A stem 60 extends from the top valve portion 56 through the separator wall 46 opening and a valve 62 depending from the stem 60 and positioned within the channel 30. The valve 62 being movable between a closed position wherein the channel 30 Is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir 18 to the brake assemblies 14 via fluid communication opening 32 and an open position wherein the channel 30 is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir 18 to the brake assembly 14.

[0034] A key 64 is provided for engaging the actuator 60 in order to provide the user to open or close the valve 62 as described above. The key 64 includes a sealing element for sealing the top opening 52 during operation. [0035] In a non-limiting illustrative embodiment, the present disclosure provides an anti-theft system that is durable, and efficient for trailers,, semi-trailers, trucks, platforms, buses, container chassis and other vehicles, that include a fluid brake system such as an air braking system (or compressed air brake system). The present disclosure provides for protecting trucks and semi-trailers from theft. The mechanical valve provided herein controls air entry towards the brakes for actuation thereof. The permanent installation of this valve (in the front of the vehicle for example) prevents air from releasing the brakes. As such, only those with access the coded keys described herein can release the brakes and put the vehicle in motion. In embodiment, this key can only be reproduced with the exclusive code of the intended user. Installing the present system on a vehicle takes relatively little time. [0036] It should be noted that the various components and features of the embodiments described above, whether illustrated or not, can be combined in a variety of ways so as to provide still other embodiments within the scope of claims. As such, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts Illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the present disclosure has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of the invention as defined herein and in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A security apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system Including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising:

a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line;

an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening;

a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position;

a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel Is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is In unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly,

wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closure is biased to the closed position.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the closure is movably mounted to the top end via hinge which biases the closure to the closed position.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the top opening comprises a keyhole for receiving a key for engaging the actuator allowing a user to move the key so as to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the key comprises a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole.

6. An apparats according to claim 5, wherein the sealing element comprises a biasing member that biases the sealing member on to the keyhole when engaged by the key.

7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening surface comprises ball bearings.

8. A security kit for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising:

a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel,

a security apparatus comprising:

an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wail separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening;

a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed positron wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly; and a key for engaging the actuator via the top opening wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the key provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

9. A kit according to claim 8, wherein the closure is biased to the closed position,

10. A kit according to claim 9, wherein the closure is movably mounted to the top end via hinge which biases the closure to the closed position.

11. A kit according to claim 10, wherein the key comprises a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole.

12. A kit according to claim 11, wherein the sealing element comprises a biasing member that biases the sealing member on to the keyhole when engaged by the key.

13. A kit according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the opening surface comprises bail bearings.

14. A key for being used in combination with a security apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication w(th the fluid line, an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wall defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening, a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position, a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is In unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions,

the key comprising:

a portion for being received by the top opening for engaging the actuator allowing a user to move the key so as to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions; and

a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole.

15. A key according to claim 14, wherein the sealing element comprises a biasing member that biases the sealing member on to the keyhole when engaged by the key.

16. A motor vehicle comprising:

a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on the motor vehicle wheel; and

an apparatus for preventing the unauthorized movement of the motor vehicle comprising a, the apparatus comprising:

a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a valve structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator for being engaged via the top opening, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a valve depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the actuator provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.

17. A motor vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the closure is biased to the closed position.

18. A motor vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the closure is movably mounted to the top end via hinge which biases the closure to the closed position.

19. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the top opening comprises a keyhole for receiving a key for engaging the actuator allowing a user to move the key so as to selectively move the valve between the open and closed positions.

20. A motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the key comprises a sealing element that seals the keyhole when the key engages the keyhole.

21. A motor vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the sealing element comprises a biasing member that biases the sealing member on to the keyhole when engaged by the key.

22. A motor vehicle according to any one of claims 16 to 21 , wherein the opening surface comprises ball bearings.

23. A method for preventing the unauthorized movement of a motor vehicle comprising: providing a fluid braking system including brake fluid actuator for pushing brake fluid from a reservoir into a fluid line in fluid communication with brake assemblies acting on motor vehicle wheel,

providing a security apparatus comprising: a base portion defining a channel therein for being in fluid communication with the fluid line; an upper portion upwardly extending from the base portion from one end thereof and comprising an opposite top end, the upper portion comprising an inner wail defining a cavity and a separator wall separating the channel and the cavity, the separator wall defining an opening circumscribed by an opening surface, the top end defining a top opening; a closure movably mounted to top end of the upper portion and movable between a closed position for enclosing the top opening and an open position for opening the top opening, the closure being biased to the closed position; a vaive structure comprising a top valve portion movably positioned within the cavity and comprising an actuator, a stem extending from the top valve portion through the separator wall opening and a vaive depending from the stem and positioned within the channel , the valve being movable between a closed position wherein the channel is blocked and as such does not allow fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assemblies and an open position wherein the channel is in unblocked and allows fluid to flow from the reservoir to the brake assembly;

actuating the actuator via the top opening, wherein selective movement of the top valve portion by way of the key provides for moving the valve between the open and closed positions.