AU2006202287A1 - Vehicle anti-theft device - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:

TITLE

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tVEHICLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an anti-theft device. In particular, although not 5 exclusively, the invention relates to an anti-theft device which may function 00 N as a barrier to passage of a parked vehicle. Suitably the anti-theft device is

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engaged in the ground adjacent a parked vehicle to prevent theft or unauthorized removal of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Car theft is the most common crime in metropolitan areas of the developed world and is a highly profitable and low risk industry. Most vehicle thefts occur when the vehicle is left parked for a relatively long period of time, in places such as residential driveways, multi-storey and shopping centre car parks, and car parks servicing train and bus stations.

Thieves are less likely to break into a vehicle equipped with a visually obvious anti-theft device, such as an alarm system or a mechanical type device. Steering wheel locking bars are the most common mechanical antitheft devices but they can only offer limited protection and are mainly a visual deterrent.

A number of anti-theft devices have been developed for use in car parks and parking bays US Patent No. 4,570,778 describes an apparatus that comprises a stanchion and a bumper engaging arm pivotally connected to the stanchion.

The stanchion is fixed to the ground at one end of a parking space or bay.

Q- The arm is provided with an extension which extends upwardly for fitting behind the bumper of the vehicle thereby preventing removal of the vehicle from the parking space. The stanchion comprises a housing, means for moving the arm from a retracted to an extended position and a coin operated 5 mechanism. The vehicle driver inserts the appropriate money into a coin slot 00

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N provided on the stanchion to activate the arm so it attaches to the bumper in I the extended position. A disadvantage of this device is that use of the device requires coins. In addition, the bumper extending arm may damage the vehicle.

US Patent No. 4,003,161 describes a temporary barrier for blocking a lane or driveway. The invention is a collapsible or removable post which is telescopically inserted into a ground embedded container and may be keylocked using an internal locking lever in its upright position and in its stowed position.

Other prior art includes security posts manufactured by Autolok Security Products Ltd (www.autolok.co.uk) and Leda Security Posts Pty Ltd (www.ledaint.com). There are three main types of security posts, differing in the way they attach to the ground but all are locked in position using a padlock or other type of accessible locking device: Telescopic posts where a steel sleeve is inserted into a deep hole in the ground to house the post. The post is locked in an upright position when in use and is stowed below ground when not in use.

(ii) Spigot-based posts where a special base unit is mounted into a shallow hole in the ground. The base unit is designed to support the post in two positions, an upright position, or folded down position where the post lies flat on the floor to allow vehicle access.

(iii) Surface mounted posts which are attached to a base plate that is 5 bolted to the ground.

oo00 N Although such posts adequately serve to deter thieves from

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N attempting to steal a vehicle, one problem of such devices is that the locking device such as the padlock, is exposed. Consequently, a thief can access the locking device easily. Another disadvantage of the spigot-based and surface mounted posts is that they can be knocked or rammed down. The telescopic post is more difficult to remove but when not in use it remains in the ground and therefore is not portable for use at other sites. Furthermore, the holes in the ground in which the base units are installed are prone to fill with water, dirt and dust. This can rust the post and base and make movement of the post from the upright to folded down position, or upright to stowed position difficult.

Hence, there is a need for a vehicle anti-theft post that addresses or at least ameliorates the problems encountered with the prior art posts.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a vehicle anti-theft device comprising: a post; (ii) a key-actuated locking mechanism located within a hollow interior of the post having one or more elongate locking members; and (iii) a socket base including one or more locking apertures or slots through which the locking member(s) extend in a locked position which is obtained upon relative movement between the post and the socket base which may be achieved without use of a key.

5 The post is suitably tubular and may be square or rectangular in cross 00 N section. The locking members are preferably in the form of locking pins or

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N locking rods which are preferably solid but also may be tubular if required.

The post may have a mounting component or plurality of mounting components which is or are movable into a hollow interior of the socket base and be retained therein in the locked position. Thus in one example a mounting component may be a base plate of the post which is retained within the socket base by a retaining flange.

The mounting component in another embodiment may be one or more preferably an array of attachment arms, preferably arranged in the same horizontal plane, which may extend through mating slots or apertures in the socket base and which may be movable and more preferably rotatable within the socket base to achieve the locked position. In this embodiment the mating slots or apertures of the socket base may correspond or be the same as the locking slots or apertures.

The mounting components in a third embodiment may be an array of attachment arms, which may extend through mating slots or apertures in the socket base and which are slidable or insertable into the socket base to achieve the locked position. In this embodiment the mating slots or apertures of the socket base are separate or additional to the locking slots or apertures.

tIn a fourth embodiment the locking pins may also function as attachment pins and thus be retained in the hollow interior of the socket base when the locking pins are in an extended or locked position. In this 5 embodiment the locking pins may be oriented transversely to a longitudinal 00 (Ni axis of the post whereas in the other embodiments described above the

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IND locking pins are oriented in a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis.

The locking mechanism located within the post may be of any suitable type actuatable by a key such as a conventional mechanical lock or door lock. In one embodiment the lock may have a single locking member or locking pin which extends through a corresponding aperture in the socket base. The single locking pin may be subject to biasing means such as a spring or downward bias to facilitate insertion in the locked position.

The socket base is fixedly attached to or embedded in a surface, such as the ground. The socket base may be circular or square in cross section depending on the shape of the post and may have legs that project into the ground for anchoring purposes.

In another arrangement the locking mechanism includes at least one, and more preferably a pair of locking pins attached to a support frame or support plate which is attached to a support rod attached to a movable tongue of the mechanical lock. Preferably the support frame or plate is biased by biasing means such as a spring so that each locking pin is biased downwardly.

In an alternative arrangement which corresponds to the fourth Q- embodiment the locking mechanism includes a plurality of locking pins engageable with a rack and pinion mechanism which is attached to a support rod attached to a mechanical lock. Preferably the locking pins are biased by biasing means such as a spring so that each locking pin is biased outwardly.

5 In another aspect the invention resides in a method of use of an anti- 00

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N theft device in the form of a post attached to a socket base retained in a

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N ground or floor which includes the steps of: inserting or installing a base portion of the post into a hollow interior of the socket base and subsequently moving said base portion relative to the socket base whereby one or more locking members of the post will be initially in a retracted state engaging a surface of the socket base during said relative movement until they attain an extended state upon engagement with mating slots or apertures of the socket base to lock the post within said socket base without use of a key; and (ii) using a key to unlock said post from said socket base wherein the locking members are retracted from the mating slots or apertures.

In one embodiment the base portion may be moved horizontally into the socket until the locked position is achieved. In another embodiment the base portion in the form of one or more mounting projections may be moved downwardly through the mating slots or apertures and then rotated within the hollow interior of the socket base to achieve the locked position.

QIn another embodiment the base portion in the form of one or more mounting projections may be moved over a surface of the socket base until both the mounting projection(s) engage with 6orresponding slots or apertures of the socket base and then are retained within the hollow body of the socket base.

00 N In a final embodiment the base portion is moved through a hollow or

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N tubular socket base until the locking members engage with their mating slots or apertures.

The above method is convenient because a key to unlock the post from the socket is only necessary when unlocking is required.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle anti-theft post in use; FIG 2 is a perspective view of the socket base; FIG 3 is a sectional view of the post showing the internal locking mechanism and a perspective view of the socket base; FIG 4 shows a side view of the internal locking mechanism; FIG 5 is a sectional side view of a post of the second embodiment; FIG 5A is a perspective view of the socket base of the second embodiment;

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tFIG 6 is a top plan view of the socket base and attachment plate of the post of the second embodiment; FIG 7 is a perspective view of the post and socket of the third 5 embodiment; 00 SFIG 8 is a sectional view of the post and socket of the third

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Iembodiment.

FIGs 8A and 8B show the post being attached to the socket.

FIG 8C is a sectional side view of the post secured to the socket.

FIG 8D is a sectional front view of the post secured to the socket; FIG 9 is a perspective view of the post and socket of the fourth embodiment; and FIG 10 is a plan view of the locking pins of the fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIG 1, post 2 is slidably engaged into socket base 4.

Socket base 4 is embedded in ground 5 of a driveway or car park. Post 2 comprises sidewalls 6, base plate 7 and top wall 8. Post 2 is generally of a tubular configuration having any suitable cross sectional shape such as rectangular or round and has a key 10 inserted in a face plate 9 of a mechanical lock 20 shown in FIG 3. Key plate 9 is embedded in one of the sidewalls 6.

With reference to FIG 2 socket base 4 comprises plate 11, flange 12, tongue 13, apertures 16 and legs 14. Plate 11 includes aperture 15. Flange Q12 is present on three sides of socket base 4. Tongue 13 is located on the

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side of socket base 4 without flange 12. Socket base 4 also includes a hollow interior 13A.

FIG 3 shows a sectional view of post 2 and the internal locking 5 mechanism 19. The interior of post 2 comprises mechanical lock 20, lock 00 N tongue 21, spring-loaded rod 22, sheath or collar 23, spring 24, locking pin N 25 and spring housing 27. Rod 22 is attached to plate 7 by bolt 26 welded to base plate 7 at 27A.

FIG 4 shows the components of internal locking mechanism 19, in particular spring housing 27 and the attachment of locking pin 25 to rod 22 at cap 33. There is also shown hollow passage 26A of bolt 26 to retain pin FIG 5 shows a sectional view of post 2A and the internal locking mechanism 19A and a perspective view of socket base 4A of the second embodiment of the invention. The interior of post 2A comprises mechanical lock 20 and lock tongue 21 (not shown), spring-loaded rod 22A, spring 24A, locking pins 25A, support plates 28 and 29, attachment arms 30 and supporting member 31.

FIG 5A shows a partially broken away view of socket base 4A showing hollow interior 17A of socket housing 17B.

Socket base 4A comprises plate 11A, socket housing 17B and legs 14A. Plate 11A comprises mating slots 32 and central aperture 32A.

FIG 6 shows a top plan view of attachment arms 30 located below plate 11A in a locked position as shown in phantom after initial insertion through corresponding slots 32. In this arrangement each locking pin 25A is

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0 retained with an associated slot 32 in the locked position.

FIG 7 shows a perspective view of post 2B and socket base 4B of the third embodiment of the invention. Post 2B comprises top wall 8B, side walls 6B, base 7B, an internal locking mechanism (not shown), locking pins 5 and attachment arms 30B. Side wall 6B comprises a face plate 9B for key 00 N IN Socket base 4B comprises plate 11B and body 17B. Plate 11B comprises mating slots 32B and apertures FIGs 8A and 8B show a side sectional view of post 2B being attached to socket base 4B. The locking mechanism 19B of post 2B comprises a mechanical lock and lock tongue (not shown), spring-loaded rod 22B, spring 24B, locking pins 25B and spring housing 27B. FIG 8C shows a side sectional view of the post in a secured position in socket 4B. 8D shows a front sectional view of the post 2B secured in socket 4B.

FIG 9 shows a perspective view of post 2C and socket 4C of the fourth embodiment. Post 2C comprises top wall 8C, sidewalls 6C, base (not shown), internal locking mechanism (not shown) and attachment or locking pins 25C. Top wall 8C comprises face plate 9C for a key (not shown).

Socket 4C is located within ground 5C and comprises base plate 11C and side walls 37.

FIG 10 shows a top plan view of post locking means 38 comprising locking pins 25C, springs 24C and rack and pinion 39. In this embodiment each locking pin 25C is retained within aperture 36 of socket 4C when the post is in the locked position.

In use, having regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS 1-4, post 2 is preferably attached to the ground at the entrance to a driveway, garage or parking bay. Preferably, the post is attached at a location which prevents a parked vehicle from leaving the spot without removal of the post. A hole is dug in ground 5 and socket base 4 is placed in ground 5 so legs 14 are 00 1 embedded in the ground and plate 11 and tongue 13 sit at ground level.

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SPreferably, ground 5 is concrete or bitumen and socket base 4 is secured within using concrete or cement.

When post 2 is attached to socket base 4 base plate 7 of the post is placed on tongue 13 and slidably engaged underneath flange 12 so plate 7 abuts plate 11 of the socket base (FIG 1).

As shown in FIG 3, locking pin 25 projects below plate 7. When post 2 is attached to socket base 4, locking pin 25 is inserted in aperture 15. In this described position, post 2 can not be removed from socket base 4.

Flange 12 rests atop plate 7 preventing upward movement of the post. Pin rests within aperture 15 preventing lateral or horizontal movement of the post.

Removal of locking pin 25 from aperture 15 requires unlocking of internal locking mechanism 19 using key 10. However, insertion of pin into aperture 15 does not require use of key 10. Key activated mechanical locking mechanism 19 controls vertical movement of spring-loaded rod 22.

When locking mechanism 19 is actuated by key 10 tongue 21 is withdrawn into mechanical lock 20 causing upward movement of rod 22. The upward movement of rod 22 pulls pin 25 upwards and out of aperture 15. Therefore post 2 can be slid laterally from underneath flange 12 and removed from socket base 4. Key actuated locking mechanism 19 can be any suitable locking means known in the art.

When post 2 is resting on a flat surface, such as the ground or tongue 5 13, locking pin 25 retracts within post 2. Retraction of locking pin 25 allows 00 (Ni the lateral movement of post 2 into socket base 4. When pin 25 is positioned

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Iso that it is aligned directly above aperture 15, downward movement of the pin into aperture 15 is allowed and post 2 locks into socket base 4. Rod 22 and pin 25 are biased downwards by means of spring 24. Any suitable biasing means known in the art can be used.

Rod 22 can be protected with sheath or cover 23. This increases the resistance of the locking mechanism against accidental blows to the post by a vehicle or an attack by thieves. Spring 24 can be reinforced by housing 27.

Housing 27 can be attached to bolt 26, and pin 25 can be attached to rod 22 by any suitable attachment means known in the art, such as welding or fastening means such as screws or adhesive.

Preferably, apertures 16 are present in flange 12 of socket base 4.

The apertures facilitate removal of dirt and dust that may be trapped in socket base 4.

If post 2 is rectangular in shape, plates 7 and 11 and socket base 4 are preferably circular.

Tongue 13 of socket 4 facilitates lateral movement of post 2 and locking pin 25 into socket base 4 and prevents scratching of pin 25 on the concrete or bitumen. Preferably, tongue 13 is made of metal such as steel.

Q FIGS 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the invention wherein post 2A has a different attachment mechanism to socket base 4A.

Attachment arms 30 are attached to the underside of plate 7A by supporting member 31. Supporting member 31 can be attached to plate 7A by any suitable attachment means known in the art.

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N Rod 22A is attached to pins 25A by support plate 28. Locking pins

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I 25A project below plate 7A through apertures in plate 7A. Pins 25A are interposed between attachment arms 30 and extend below plate 7A to the same extent as the underside of attachment arms 30. Support plate 29 holds spring 24A in place at the base of rod 22A.

Socket 4A comprises plate 11A, body 17 and legs 14A. Plate 11A has aperture or slots 32 and 32A for the insertion of attachment arms In use, attachment arms 30 are aligned and mate with slots 32 so arms 30 rest below the underside of plate 11A. In this position locking pins 25A rest on the upper side of plate 11A in a retracted position. Rod 22A and pins 25A are biased downwards by means of spring 24A.

Locking of post 2A into socket base 4A is achieved by rotating post 2A at approximately 45 degrees relative to socket base 4A. In this locked position attachment arms 30 lie below plate 11A whereby upward movement of post 2A is prevented. When locking pins 25A are aligned above slots 32 downward movement of the pins into slots 32 occurs.

In this described position, post 2A cannot be removed from socket base 4A. Attachment arms 30 which are positioned beneath plate 11A prevent upward movement of the post. Locking pins 25A rest within apertures 32 preventing horizontal movement of the post.

Removal of locking pins 25A from apertures 32 requires unlocking of internal locking mechanism 19A using key 10 as described above. Locking of post 2A into socket base 4A is achieved without use of key 5 It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any number of pins 00 N and engaging arms may be used in the second embodiment.

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IDRod 22A can have a protective sleeve or collar and spring 24A and pins 25A can have a protective housing within post 2A to deny access to internal locking mechanism 19A.

Body 17 is attached to the underside of plate 11A and prevents moisture, water, debris, dirt, dust and the like from entering or accessing the concrete below socket 4A. Removal of water from the body can be achieved using a pump. A seal may be provided between body 17 and plate 11A to facilitate waterproofing of the body.

When post 2A is not in use a cover or seal can be placed over socket base 4 or 4A to prevent dust, dirt, moisture, water and the like from entering body 17. The cover may take a number of different forms that will be familiar to persons skilled in the art.

FIGS 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the invention wherein post 2B has an alternative attachment mechanism to socket base 4B. Post 2B has the same locking mechanism 20 as the first and second embodiments (not shown). Attachment arms 30B are secured to the underside of plate 7B.

Preferably, attachment arms 30B are welded to plate 7B.

Rod 22B is attached to pins 25B by support plate 28B. Locking pins extend from plate 28B through bush 26B and project below base 7B through apertures in base 7B. Pins 25B are interposed between attachment arms 30B and extend below base 7B. Support plate 27B holds spring 24B in place at the base of rod 22B.

5 Socket 4B comprises plate 11B and body 17B. Plate 11B has 00 Naperture or slots 32B for the insertion of attachment arms 30B and apertures

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for the insertion of pins In use, attachment arms 30B are aligned and mate with slots 32B so arms 30B extend below the underside of plate 11B. In this position locking pins 25B rest on the upper surface of plate 11 B in a retracted position. Rod 22B and pins 25B are biased downwards by means of spring 24B.

Locking of post 2B into socket base 4B is achieved by slidably engaging post 2B relative to socket base 4B so pins 25B are aligned with apertures 35. In this locked position attachment arms 30B lie below plate 11B whereby upward movement of post 2B is prevented. When locking pins are aligned with and above apertures 35 downward movement of the pins into apertures 35 occurs.

In this described position, post 2B cannot be removed from socket base 4B. Attachment arms 30B which are positioned beneath plate 11B prevent upward movement of the post as shown in FIG 8C. Locking pins rest within apertures 35 preventing horizontal movement of the post.

Removal of locking pins 25B from apertures 35 requires unlocking of internal locking mechanism 19B using key 10 as described above. Locking of post 2B into socket base 4B is achieved without use of key It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any number of pins and engaging arms may be used in the third embodiment.

Rod 22B can have a protective sleeve or collar and spring 24B and pins 25B can have a protective housing within post 2B to deny access to internal locking mechanism 19B.

00 1 FIGS 9 and 10 show a fourth embodiment of the invention wherein 0post 2C has an alternative attachment mechanism to socket base 4C.

Locking pins 25C project outside side walls 6C of post 2C through apertures in side walls 6C.

Socket 4C comprises base plate 11C and side walls 37. Socket base 4C is embedded and secured within ground Side walls 37 have apertures 36 for the insertion of locking pins In use, locking pins 25C are retracted by inserting post 2C into socket 4C. Retraction of pins 25C allows downward movement of post 2C into socket 4C. When post 2C is in position within socket 4C and locking pins are aligned with apertures 36 of socket 4C, horizontal or lateral movement of locking pins 25C into apertures 36 occurs.

In this locked position upward movement of post 2C is prevented and post 2C cannot be removed from socket base 4C. Locking pins 25C which are positioned within apertures 36 prevent upward movement of the post.

Removal of locking pins 25C from apertures 36 requires unlocking of internal locking mechanism 19C using key 10. Locking mechanism 19C comprises rack and pinion mechanism 39 for retracting pins 25C. Rod 22C is attached to pinion gear 39. Key activated mechanical lock 20 (not shown) Q- controls movement of rod 22C. When locking mechanism 20 is actuated by

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key 10, rod 22C rotates which activates pinion gear 39 which retracts pins within post 2C. Locking pins 25C are outwardly biased horizontally (in relation to the longitudinal axis of post 2C), by means of springs 24C. Any 5 suitable biasing means known in the art can be used.

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N It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that any number of pins

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Smay be used in the fourth embodiment.

Preferably, posts 2, 2A, 2B and 2C and socket bases 4, 4A, 4B and 4C are made from any suitable material such as metal, for example, steel.

The advantages of the anti-theft device of the invention are as follows: the locking mechanism of the anti-theft device is internal and cannot be easily accessed by thieves; (ii) the post is easily attached and removed from the socket base; (iii) no key is required for locking the post within the socket base; (iv) posts and sockets can be manufactured universally so any post can attach to any socket of the same embodiment; posts are portable and can be transported in the vehicle for use at any car park fitted with the socket; and (vi) when not in use the socket base is unobtrusive.

It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited being an anti-theft device. It can also be used to prevent vehicular access to a driveway, garage, parking bay or traffic lane. It may be used as a temporary barrier or to support or hold a sign.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the IND 18 invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

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Claims (10)

1. A vehicle anti-theft device having: a post; (ii) a key-actuated locking mechanism located within a hollow interior of the post having one or more elongate locking 00 1members; and (iii) a socket base including one or more locking apertures or slots through which the locking member(s) extend in a locked position which is obtained upon relative movement between the post and the socket base which may be achieved without use of a key.

2. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the post has one or more mounting components which are movable into a hollow interior of the socket base and be retained therein in the locked position.

3. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the mounting component is a base plate movable into the socket base which has a retaining flange to retain the base plate in the locked position.

4. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 2 wherein there are a plurality of mounting components which are mounting arms which are movable into the hollow interior of the socket base through corresponding slots or apertures of the socket base and which mounting arms are retained within said hollow interior of the socket in the locked position by said relative movement. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said IND O corresponding slots or apertures of the socket base are the same apertures or slots as the locking apertures or slots.

6. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said corresponding slots or apertures of the socket base are additional or 5 separate to the locking apertures or slots. 00 S7. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 N wherein the or each of the locking members are oriented in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the post.

8. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the or each locking members are locking pins which are subject to biasing means ensuring that each locking pin is biased downwardly in use.

9. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the or each locking pin is an extension of a support rod located within the hollow interior of the post wherein said support rod is spring loaded or surrounded by a spring constituting said biasing means. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said spring is retained within a support housing or is subject to a spring retainer to achieve a compressed state whereby the or each locking pin may be retracted within the hollow interior of the post when abutting a horizontal surface or ground.

11. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the locking members are oriented in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post and thus are retainable within said locking apertures or slots located in a continuous side wall of the socket base.

12. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 11 wherein each of the Q- locking pins are associated with biasing means having an outer bias so that each locking pin in the locked position extends through said continuous side wall to retain the post in the locked position.

13. A vehicle anti-theft device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said biasing 5 means is a spring interposed between an internal surface of the continuous 00 N side wall and an adjacent end of each locking pin. O S14. A method of use of an anti-theft device in the form of a post attached to a socket base retained in a ground or floor which includes the steps of: inserting or installing a base portion of the post into a hollow interior of the socket base and subsequently moving said base portion relative to the socket base whereby one or more locking members of the post will be initially in a retracted state engaging a surface of the socket base during said relative movement until they attain an extended state upon engagement with mating slots or apertures of the socket base to lock the post within said socket base without use of a key; and (ii) using a key to unlock said post from said socket base wherein the locking members are retracted from the mating slots or apertures.