Abstract:
A T-bar lockable linkage between the gunnels and forward of a marine craft limits opening of side and central storage containers. The linkage includes a pair of tubular outer arms independently pivotally connected to a center link having an extended position for connection to the mounting brackets and a shortened position for removal therefrom. A shiftable lock block slidably supported on the linkage effects rigidized coaxial alignment of the outer arms in the extended position, The lock block includes a locking hub for releasable connection with a transverse center arm for limiting opening of the storage containers. The hub carries a keyed locking device including a latch bolt that engages the cross arm assembly to unitize the assembly and prevent separation of the components.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/595,132 filed on Jun. 16, 2000 and entitled “T-Bar Deck Locker Security System”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to secured storage systems for marine craft and, in particular, to a security system kit for protecting the contents of storage lockers on the deck of a sport fishing boat. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recreational sport fishing is an extremely popular activity for many outdoor enthusiasts. Bass fishing in particular has an extensive following and many specialized marine products have been developed to assist the angler in pursuit of these selective, combative and challenging fish. Special craft know specifically as bass boats have been developed to take the angler to the varying environments of the bass and provide stable platforms for fishing. Additionally extensive, specialized gear and accessories have been developed for fully outfitting the boat and the angler for the activity. 
     Such gear generally includes a variety of poles and reels, specialized tools, tackle and lures, and bait, cooling and storage containers for the catch, life jackets, sporting attire and related paraphernalia that may be stored separately on board. However, all of the foregoing items are valuable and subject to pilferage when the boat is unattended, docked, transported or otherwise unattended. To provide greater organization and security, specialized lockable containers have become available. However, such individual containers are not readily stowed or organized compactly and efficiently. Moreover, the construction of such containers, usually lighter weight material such a plastics, does not provide substantial deterrence to pilferage. Increasingly, bass boat manufacturers and accessory supplies have provided customized, integrated storage lockers into the boat design. One example of such an approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,002 to Reiger wherein a plurality of fore and aft storage containers are integrated into the boat construction. Such containers include side containers adjacent the gunnels for rods and reels and center containers for tackle, lures, bait and catch. Generally, the containers are fabricated from plastic and covered by hinged or removable lids. While cover securing devices are employed, substantial deterrence to entry and theft is not afforded. 
     In order to provide greater deterrence to theft, more secure locking systems have been proposed. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,107 to Mitchell, a locking device comprising telescoping pipes is supported between fixed brackets on the gunnels of the boat. The pipes overlie the container lids and limit opening movement thereof to deter pilferage. The inner pipe includes a series of series of through holes. A padlock link is inserted through the hole nearest the outer pipe to prevent removal of the pipes from the brackets. While providing deterrence to theft from the side boxes, the proposed device required specialized mounting brackets to adapt to varying boat configurations. Moreover, unless accurately aligned, connection with the cross pipes was difficult. Additionally, the regular spacing of the locking holes can result in assembled conditions with sufficient side movement to reduce the capture of the cross pipes and facilitate dislodging of the device. Furthermore, the locking device is effective only against side containers and center containers directly beneath the cross pipes. Inasmuch as many boat designs include a plurality of center containers, the remainder is left unprotected. In my pending application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/595,132 filed on Jun. 16, 2000, a center T-bar is connected at a central hub with a crossbar for additionally protecting the center containers. The system provides a substantial increase in the security for the containers against certain types of vandalism and forced entry. The center bar telescoping components, however, even when disassembled, are lengthy presenting storage difficulties when not is use. Further, like the foregoing constructions, the system may be compromised by cutting the protective tubes and bars. 
     In view of the foregoing limitations, a need continues to exist for a comprehensive, readily deployed and stowed security system for boat storage lockers that can accommodate widely varying boat designs and protect from theft and pilferage the angler&#39;s valuable possessions. 
     Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a lockable security system for providing security to an array of storage lockets in a marine craft with a single device. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a security system for storage lockers of marine craft that can be readily installed in boats of varying configurations, and readily disassembled and compactly towed onboard. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a security system for side and center storage containers in boats effective against forced and destructive entry. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a storage locker security kit that may be custom installed on varying boat designs and is effective against pilferage of contents held in a plurality of side and center storage lockers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The foregoing objects are achieved by a storage locker security system in accordance with the invention by T-bar lockable linkage deployed between the gunnels and forward seating or casting area of a marine craft and effective to limit opening of an array of side and central storage containers. More particularly the security system comprises a transverse linkage and an intersecting center arm. The transverse linkage comprises a pair of outer arms pivotally connected to a center link coupling assembly. The transverse linkage may be shorted for alignment with mounting brackets at the sides of the front boat deck, and extended into coaxial alignment for capture by the brackets. A lock block is slidably mounted on the cross bar is shifted to a central position for rigidizing the linkage. A front anchor is releasably attached to the front pedestal base and slidably receives a center arm. With the center arm in place, the front anchor is conditioned against removal. The center arm is aligned with and closely overlies the center storage lockers and includes a terminal end that is received in a locking slot in the lock block and a projecting locating pin that is received in the transverse linkage thereby limiting relative movement therebetween and preventing disengagement from the mounting brackets. A lock assembly on the lock block includes latch bolt that engages the center arm to unitize the assembly and prevent separation of the components. The resultant assembly is readily installed, without specialized skills, on site with simple equipment. For removal, the center bar is removed, the lock block shifted to allow collapse of the transverse, and the linkage folded into compact juxtaposition. The disassembled components may be bundled for convenient compact storage. The cross bar linkage and the center bar of formed of tubular stock and carry therewithin rotatable roll bars. In the event the tubes are sawn, the saw teeth merely rotate the roll bar to defeat a complete severing of the component. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a deck locker security system in accordance with the present invention installed in the hull of a marine craft; 
     FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the seat pedestal plate and anchor spindle of the deck locker security system shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the security system; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side bracket and cross bar assembly; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the mounting bracket and cross arm assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the roll bar in the cross arm assembly tubes; 
     FIG. 7 is a partially section side view of the cross arm coupling assembly; 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side cross sectional view of the roll bar for the center arm; 
     FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the coupling assembly for the cross arm; 
     FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned view of the coupling assembly of FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a top view of the coupling assembly; 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the outer link of the coupling assembly; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the removal of the coupling assembly; 
     FIG. 14 is a top view of the lock block and hub in the unlocked position; 
     FIG. 15 is a fragmentary partially sectioned view of the lock block hub and the center arm in the locked position; 
     FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side cross sectional view of an embodiment of the anchor spindle; 
     FIG. 17 is fragmentary side cross sectional view of another embodiment of the anchor spindle; 
     FIG. 18 is a schematic view of the security system prior to installation of the cross bar assembly; and 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the security system in the transverse installed condition prior to connection of the center bar. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to storage security for marine craft and will be particularly described with reference to storage lockers for bass boats. However, it will be appreciated that the features, benefits and advantages of the storage security system will be afforded the varying types and sizes of bass boats and marine craft. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a bass boat  10  is provided with a T-bar deck locker security system  12  for limiting access to a plurality of covered storage containers in the hull of the boat including side lockers  14  and  16  located along the sides adjacent the gunnels  18 ,  20 , and center lockers  22 ,  23  located therebetween. The illustrated boat is provided with a conventional removable swivel seat, not shown, operatively mounted at a front seat pedestal base  24  in the bow. As described below, the pedestal base may used in conjunction with the anchors of the security system as disclosed in my copending application U.S. Ser. No. 09/595,132 filed on Jun. 16, 2000. Alternatively, a separate frontal assembly may be employed. 
     The side lockers  14  and  16  are used primarily for housing and securing rods and tackle whereas the center lockers  22 ,  23  may be used for bait and game fish and supplies therefor. Inasmuch as the contents of the lockers are valuable and subject to pilferage, the security system  12  is deployed during docking, transporting or other times when the boat is unattended. 
     More particularly, the security system  12  comprises an articulated lateral cross arm assembly  30  closely overlying the side lockers  14 ,  16  and connected to side brackets  32  fixedly attached to the gunnels  18 ,  20  respectively, a lock block  36  slidably carried on the cross arm assembly  30 , and a T-bar center arm  38  releasably coupled at in inner end to the lock block  36  and telescopically connected at the outer end to a anchor spindle  40  removably carried at the pedestal base  24 . The center arm  38  overlies the center lockers  22 ,  23  generally orthogonal to the cross bar assembly  30 . The security system  12 , as deployed, is sufficiently closely adjacent the locker covers, whether hinged or removable, to prevent the opening thereof sufficiently to gain access to the stored contents thereof. Preferably the cross arm assembly  30  bisects the side lockers  14 ,  16  and the center arm  38  bisects the center lockers  22 ,  23 . As hereinafter described in detail, the security system  12  may be readily deployed and latched for securing the lockers as desired, and readily disassembled and compactly stowed during fishing excursions. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the articulated cross arm assembly  30  is transversely disposed with respect to the keel of the boat  10  and removably fixedly connected with the brackets  32  in the latched condition. Each bracket is similar in construction. The brackets  32  include a front mounting plate  42  carrying a cylindrical sleeve  44 . The sleeve  44  is received in a complementary opening formed in the adjacent gunnel  18  and the bracket  32  attached thereto by fasteners  45 . The rear surface of the mounting plate  40  includes a counter bore for receiving a front annular flange  46  of the sleeve. The sleeve  42  is formed of a flexible polymeric material having a cast-in ball  57  with an inwardly opening counter bore  47 , coaxial with the counterbore in the mounting plate  42  for receiving the outboard end tip of the cross arm assembly, as described below. The ball  57  accommodates limited angular positioning variations in mounting. 
     Referring additionally to FIG. 7, the cross arm assembly  30  comprises a three bar articulated linkage including a pair of outer tubes  50  pivotally connected at inner ends to a swivel coupling assembly  52 . An end cap  54  is connected at the outer end of the outer tubes  50 . The end cap  54  includes a rounded tip  56  that is received in the counterbore  47  of the sleeve  44 . 
     Referring also to FIGS. 9 through 12, the coupling assembly  52  includes a pair of support links  60  releasably carried at the inner ends of the outer tubes  50  and pivotally connected to a center link  62 . Each support link  60  includes a radially expandable cylindrical shank section  64 , telescopically received in the inner end of the outer tube  50 , and a slotted head section  66 . 
     The shank section  64  includes three equally circumferentially spaced, axially extending, rearwardly opening slots  68  defining outwardly deflectable legs  69 . The head section  66  includes a diametrically extending slot  70  defined by a cylindrical base  72  and a pair of spaced arms  74 . The base  72  is provided with a counterbore for receiving the head of a hexagonal head fastener  76  having a threaded shank  78  extending axially through the shank section  64 . A cylindrical wedge  80  having a rounded tip  82  is threaded onto the shank  78  of the fastener  76 . The wedge  80  includes a radially outwardly extending pin  84  aligned with one of the slots  68  in the shank section  64 . Accordingly, tightening the fastener  76  draws the wedge  80  into the shank section  64  with the pin  84  guided by and restrained from rotation by the surfaces of the slots  68 , thereby outwardly deflecting the legs  69  and effecting locking compressive engagement with the inner surface of the outer tube  50 . 
     The center link  62  includes rounded outer ends received in the slots in the head section  66  conformably between the arms  74 . The outer ends are pivotally connected to the arms by parallel, transverse cross pins  86 . Pilot holes  88  extend through the outer ends of the center link  62  transverse to the cross pins  86 . A rearwardly opening alignment hole  90  is formed in the center of the center link  62  between the cross pins  86  and parallel to the pilot holes  88 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the articulation between the center link  62  and support links  60  permits, with the lock block  36  laterally shifted and disposed outboard thereof, the length of the cross arm assembly  30  to be shortened to a length less that the transverse distance between the mounting brackets  32  for alignment mounting. In locked condition with the outer ends and coupling system coaxially aligned and the lock block  36  centrally disposed thereon, the tips of the cross arm assembly  30  are captured at the mounting brackets  32 . For compact unitized storage without disassembly, the outer tubes pivoted about the coupling assembly  52  into juxtaposed position. 
     Referring to FIG. 13, the coupling assembly  52  is installed and removed from the outer tubes  50  by pivoting the center link  62  until the axis of the pilot hole  88  is aligned with the axis of the fastener  76 . A ball end hexagonal wrench  91  is inserted through the pilot hole into engagement with the fastener socket Appropriate rotation of the wrench  91  will accordingly advance or retreat the wedge  80  to effect engagement or release of the shank section  64  and the outer tube  30 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the outer tubes  50  are provided with an interior roll bar assembly  94  for deterring cutting of the components to defeat the security system. Therein, the outer ends of a roll bar  95  are supported by insert bushings  96  slidably retained within the outer tubes. The outer ends of the roll bar  95  are retained within a counterbore in the threaded shank  97  of the end cap  54 . The bushings  94  are located, in assembly, within the lateral confines and protection of the lock block  36 . Accordingly, if the outer tube is sawed, the inner roll bar  95  will freely rotate to prevent further sawing penetration. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  14  and  15 , the lock block  36  is slidably carried on the outer tubes  50  and coupling assembly  52 . The lock block  36  comprises an elongated base tube assembly  100 , and a locking hub  102 . The base tube assembly  100  includes a rectangular support tube  104  carrying an elongated polymeric bushing  106 . The bushing  106  has a central axial bore providing a guided sliding fit for the telescopic translation of the outer tubes  50  and coupling assembly  52  whereby the lock block may be longitudinally translated along the center arm assembly  30 . 
     The locking hub  102  is a generally U-shaped member having a base  103  that is positioned within the support tube through a slot formed in the adjacent wall thereof. The base  103  has a transverse bore coaxially aligned and complementary to the bore in the bushing  106  for providing continuous guiding support of the cross arm assembly. An outwardly opening, vertically upwardly opening medial groove  110  is formed in the hub. A secondary U-shaped groove  112  is formed at the head of the hub and merges the groove  10 . A rotary actuated, shiftable lock assembly  120 , controlled by a locking key  122  is carried in a transverse bore intersecting the groove  112 . In the locked condition, the lock assemble includes a lock bolt  124  that transects the groove  110 . As described below, the center arm  38  is conformably received within the grooves  110 ,  112  and captured by the lock bolt  124  to maintain the locked condition. The lock assembly  120  may take various forms of key activated linear bolt actuation. A commercially available billet type lock is preferred. The lock bolt  124  is operatively coupled to the lock assembly and slidably aligned with the transverse bore. In the unlatched condition, a spring biased lock barrel projects laterally outwardly of the hub  102 . With the key  122  inserted into the keyhole, the barrel is depressed to shift the lock bolt  124  to the locked condition. Thereafter, the key  122  is appropriately rotated to maintain the locked position relationships. 
     Referring to FIGS. 3 and 15, the center arm  38  includes an elongated tubular body  130  terminating with an alignment tip  138 . The tip  138  includes a body portion  134  secured to one end of the body  130  and a narrowed neck  136  conformably carried in the grooves  110 ,  112 . The neck  136  includes a transverse hole  137  through which the lock bolt  124  extends in the locked condition. The neck  136  terminates with a projecting, rounded cylindrical nose  138  that is received in the center opening  90  in the center link  62 . Thus in the locked condition, the neck of the center bar longitudinally mechanically locks the lock block  36  in fixed longitudinal position on the cross arm assembly, maintaining a rigid coaxial alignment of the outer tubes and coupling assembly to prevent withdrawal thereof from the brackets  32 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, the center arm  38  includes a cylindrical roll bar  150 . The roll bar  150  is retained within the center arm  38  between the alignment tip  132  and a radially compressible stop  152  comprising an annular elastomeric disc  154  compressively retained between washers  156  and expanded by fastener  158 . The roll bar  150  is rotatable within the center arm  38  for deterring entry through attempted sawing therethrough. 
     Referring to FIG. 16, the anchor spindle  40  as mentioned above may be incorporated in the pedestal base, as described in detail in the aforementioned application, or as a separately mounted component. The anchor spindle  40  comprises an upper journal body  160  and a lower latching sleeve  162  including a latching assembly  163 . The journal body  160  includes a horizontal longitudinal cylindrical passage for telescopically receiving the center arm  38 . The journal body  160  includes a lower planar surface for engaging the annular head  166  of the bushing  168 . The latching sleeve  162  is rotatably and slidably received in the bushing. The latching assembly  163  comprises a linkage including internal actuating arm  172  carrying a cross pin extending through the passage in the journal body  160  and resides in a lower slot at the bottom of the passage in the latched condition. A generally Z-shaped locking tab  178  is pivotally connected to the body. An axial slot is formed in the lower portion of the body aligned with the tab  178 . The tab  178  is rotatable between a vertical insertion position and the illustrated horizontal latched condition. In the unlatched insertion position, the tab  178  is aligned vertically within the envelope of the body permitting insertion of the spindle on the mounting plate. In the latched condition, the tab is transverse to the body and the stop surfaces on the tab  178  project outwardly of the bushing thereby locking the mounting spindle. The tab  178  is shifted between the latched condition and the unlatched condition by actuating linkage. The linkage in the raised position interacts with the tab for vertically orienting the tab. In a lowered position, the linkage rotates the tab to the transverse latched condition to prevent spindle withdrawal. Additionally, the side of the tab portion adjacent one stop surface is larger than the tab portion adjacent the other stop surface. According, by gravitational forces, the tab tends to the transverse position. By manually shifting the cross pin  174 , the boat operator can insert the anchor spindle  40  and shift the locking assembly to the lowered position wherein the cross pin  174  resides in the slot  176  and the center arm  38  may be inserted through the journal body preparatory to enabling the security system. 
     In a further embodiment as shown in FIG. 15, an anchor spindle  190  includes an upper shaft  192  inserted coaxially into pedestal opening. The shaft  192  includes a downwardly projecting threaded shank on which and an eccentrically mounted knurled cam  194  is carried. Upon insertion of the shaft  192  into the pedestal opening and rotation or the spindle  190  into operative position, the cam  194  is driven outwardly into fixed compressive engagement with the sleeve body thereby preventing vertical withdrawal of the spindle  190 . 
     For assembling the security system  12  to a particular boat  10 , the cross arm assembly  30  is removed from the lock block  36  and the coupling assembly  52  removed from the outer tubes  50 . The tubes  50  are transversely oriented in the desired location on the gunnels  18 ,  20  and the positions scribed for installation of the brackets. The center location for the center bar noted by marking the tubes  50 . Outwardly of the center marking the length to the end of the head section of the coupling assembly is marked. The tubes  50  are then cut to length and the coupling assembly  52  reinstalled. The lock block  36  is installed over the center arm assembly. The center arm assembly is shortened as shown in FIG.  8  and aligned with the brackets. The center bar assembly is extended as shown in FIG. 9 for capture by the brackets. Thereafter the lock block  36  centered with the alignment hole  90  in the center link  62  aligned with the grooves in the hub. The center arm  38  is telescoped through the bore in the spindle  40  and the neck  136  disposed in the grooves and the tip  138  inserted into the alignment hole  90  in the center link  62 . The lock bolt  124  is actuated through the opening in the neck and latched. According, the articulated components are rigidized, protecting unauthorized entry to the lockers. 
     Having thus described a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will now be appreciated that the objects of the invention have been fully achieved, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the sprit and scope of the present invention. The disclosures and description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting of the invention, which is defined solely in accordance with the following claims.