GB2218391A - Security device for theft prevention of a caravan or towable trailer - Google Patents

Abstract

The device consists of a cover 15 open at one end to allow it to be positioned on the coupling 12, and a lockable bar 25, a locking mechanism 24, preventing the withdrawal of the locking bar 25, which in turn prevents the cover 15 being removed from the coupling 12. The locking mechanism preferably engages a circumferential groove in the bar, and the lock is preferably operated by a precision machined cylindrical tool. The bar is housed in bushes (40), 41 located in the side walls of the cover such that it does not project once installed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION SECURITY DEVICE This invention relates to a security device for use with caravans and other towable trailers o, the kind utilizing a ball hitch.

A towing ball is secured to the rear of the towing vehicle for engagement with a releasable coupling fitted to the caravan or other towable trailers.The coupling incorporates a manually operated release mechanism.

The theft of caravans and other towable trailers is on the increase, and it is a simple matter for an unauthorised person to hitch the caravan or towable trailer to his vehicle and then tow the caravan or trailer away.

There are rudimentary devices which attempt to prevent such unauthorised towing. These are straps with a padlock preventing there removal. A cover with a sliding pin which again is held by a padlock. A housing with a sliding pin held by a key operated cylinder lock. They are generally manufactured to fit a particular coupling. Such devices have proven to be ineffective since they are easily removed by either cutting through with a hacksaw or levering or jolting -the padlock open, or cutting the hasp of the padlock, or shearing the tumblers in the cylinder lock mechanism.

It is the object of this invention to provide a universal semurity device that will prevent the operation of the coupling release mechanism and give an icreased degree of security to the current coupling (and possible future couplings) on the modern caravans and towable trailers, than the adore mentioned devices.

The present invention provides a security device and weather protector, for use in conjunction with any modern ball hitch coupling. Comprising a cover open at one end, allowing it to be positioned on the coupling.

A metal locking bar which in it s first position allows the cover to be positioned on the coupling. Sliding the locking bar to t'r second position through holes in the cover wherein the locking bar is totally inside the cover. The cover is prevented from being removed by virtue of the locking bar striking the body of the coupling or the coupling release mechanism. An internal locking mechanism which when operated prevents the locking bar +rom being removed from it's first position to it's second position. The locking bar is free to rotate about it's longitudinal axis in the cover.

The locking mechanism requires a precissionally machined circular tool to depress the radial tumblers in the locking mechanism, before the mechanism can be operated.

One example of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a security device positioned as described within the invention applied to the coupling of a caravan or towable trailer.

Figure 2 is a view in direction of arrow A in fig 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view on line C-C in fig 1.

Figure 4 is a sectioned side elevation of a security device as posioned in fig 1 and described within the invention.

Figure 5 is a view in direction of arrow A in fig 4.

Figure 6 is a sectioned view on line C-C in fig 4.

Refering to figs 1,2,, the security device is identified by the reference number iC), the coupling by 12.

A variety of couplings are known, but all work on the same principle, in that the manual release mechanism has to te operated to allow the coupling to be unhitched or hitched to the towing ball. The coupling are all of the same basic design manufactured as castings or steel pressing with a socket to receive the tow ball and a slidable or pivoted manually operated release mechanism. Generally operated by a handle 14. The security device 10. consists of a metal cover 15 with a ridged top. The opened end accepts the coupling 12. Bushes 40,41, are positioned in alignment in the oposing side walls of the cover 15. Bush 42 accepts the locking mechanism 24.A hard metal locking bar 25 slidable within the bushes 4;),41.

with the locking bar 25 in it's +irst position the device 10 can be assembled on the coupling 12. When th-e cover 15 is in position the metal locking bar 25 is inserted into bush 41 and slid through to insert into bush 40. Forming a retaining member to effectively prevent the cover 15 being removed from the coupling 12 by striking either the coupling 12 or the release mechanism 16. Retention of the locking bar 25 is afforded by the locking lever 29 attached to the locking mechanism 24. operation of the locking mechanism 24 by a precissionally machined cicular tool 30 to depress the radial tumblers in the lock mechanis 24, causes the locking leer 29 to rotate into the locked position engaging in the circumferencial groove 26 of the the 1 cking bar 25. Thus prohibiting the locking bar 25 from being removed from the security device 10.

The cover 15 is a close fit to the coupling, furthermore it will be recognised. that the locking bar 25 is not accessible to be sawn through. None of the locking bar 25, which is free to rotate protrudes from the cover 15. Rgttempts to cut through the cover 15 will be almost impossible by the virtue that the locking bar 25 is of hard metal and is allowed to rotate. The lock mechanism 94 is protected by the cover 15 and attempts to cut through the cover 15 sill be almost impossible.

Bracket 19 supports the rear of the locking mechanism ?4 against attempt to knock the locking mechanism 24 through the bush 42 in the cover 15. The locking mechanism 24 has a hardened centre pin to inhibit attempts at drilling the locking mechanism 24 out of bush 42 in the cover 15.

Some couplings 19 are attached to the drawbar 33 by bolts and nuts 1,2. The cover 15 extends sufficeintly back enough to the drawbar 33 to cover the bolts and nuts 31,32, and inhibits there removal. Thus preventing the removal of the coupling 12 from the drawbar 33 and it s subsequent replacement to enable unauthorised towing to take place.

Refering to fige 4,5,6, these depict an alternative locking arrangement for the locking bar 25. A bush 41 is positioned in the opposing wall to that which the lock mechanism 24 and lock bush 2 are situated. Bush 4C) is positioned next to bush 23 in the cover i5; The locking bar 25 is then slide from it s first to second positions from the opposite sido the locking mechanism 24. The locking bar 25 has a groove 26 cut in it's furhter most end. The operation of the locking bar and locking mechanism 24 is as previously described.

Claims (1)

1/ A security device for use in conjunction with a coupling attached to a caravan or towable trailer, comprising a cover to enclose the coupling and it's- release mechanism, a locking bar'holly inserted into the relative hushes in the cover to prevent the rempval of the cover and the subsequentoperation of the coupling release mechanism. . A locking mechanism which when operative engages with the locking bar to prevent the withdrawal of the locking bar. from it's closed position to it's open position.

2/ A security device as claimed in l wherein the locking bar is free to rotate abut it's longitudinal axis in the respective bushes, and the locking mechanism when operated to prevent the withdrawal of the locking bar permits its rotation.

3/ 4, secuirty device as claimed in 1 or claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism is operated by a precissionally machined circular tool.

4/ A security device as claimed in 3 wherein the locking mechanism has a lever which is rotated to prevent the withdrawal of the locking bar. The loc mechanism is returned to the inoperated position by use of the circular tool.

5/ A security device as claimed in 3 and 4 wherein the cover is so shaped to received the locking mechanism and locking bar totally within while providing entry for the lock operating circular tool.

6/ A security device as claimed in 5 wherein the lock mechanism has it s longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking bar.

7/ A security device as claimed in 6 wherein the cover is so shaped to accept a range o coupling= of do fervent manufacturers designs.

8/ A security device as claimed in 7 wherein the cover affords weather protection to the coupling.

9/ A security device substantially and as described with reference to figs 1 to 3 of the accompaning drawings.

10/ A security device substantially and as described with reference to figs 4 to t of the accompaning drawings.

11/ The combination of a security device as claimed 5 1 to 10 and c coupling cf a caravan or towable trailer