Universal adjustable security lock for truck tailgates and other clamping applications

A security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to clamping-type security locks for installation on removable tailgates of trucks and other vehicles, or for other clamping applications.

2. Description of the Prior Art

By way of background, various types of clamping-type security locks have been used to secure removable tailgates on trucks and other vehicles. Such locks commonly include a band or other clamping element that clamps over a structure to be secured (such as a tailgate hinge cup). The clamping element is attached to a locking mechanism that can be opened in order to release the clamping element during lock installation, and which can thereafter be closed to capture the clamping element so that it cannot be removed from the structure on which the lock is installed. Unfortunately, such locks may lack adequate adjustability, so that they cannot be properly tightened in place. This may result in rattling or other unwanted lock movement that may damage the finish on the vehicle or other structure on which the lock is installed. Such locks may also have security features that are relatively easy to breach using commonly available tools (such as lock picks, pry-bars or hacksaws). Accordingly, it is to improvements in clamping-type security locks that the present disclosure is directed.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment, a security lock for clamping a structure may include a lock housing having a barrel portion that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp. The clamp is adjustable using a lock screw that is rotatable in the housing and has threads that adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern on the clamp. The lock screw has a head that is recessed in a guideway of the housing. The lock screw head has a security lock pattern that requires a matching security key to rotate the lock screw.

In the example embodiment, the guideway may be cylindrical in shape and the lock screw head may be circular and sized to fit within the guideway with minimal clearance for added security. A housing insert may be provided to help retain the lock screw in the housing. A lock liner may be provided on the housing that extends along an inside surface of the clamp for a selected distance. The lock liner may begin at or near a base of the clamp where clamp mounts to the housing, and may extend toward a free end of the clamp. A portion of the lock liner may define a channel that slidably captures the clamp. When the security lock is installed on a structure to be locked, the lock liner may be disposed between the clamp and the structure. The lock liner may be provided with graduated markings and associated sizing numerals to assist in trimming the lock liner when the security lock is mounted on a small structure. The housing may include a curved arm extending from the barrel portion of the housing. The arm may have a channel that receives a base portion of the clamp and helps stabilize it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

Turning now toFIGS. 1-3, a security lock2constructed in accordance with an example embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the security lock2includes a lock housing4having a barrel portion6that mounts an adjustable band-type clamp8. The housing barrel6includes a first end6A, a second end6B, a first side6C and a second side6D. As can be seen inFIG. 3, a channel6E may be formed in the housing barrel6in order provide a cavity for mounting a base8A of the clamp8. The channel6E opens to both the second end6B and the second side6D of the barrel6. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel6E is generally U-shaped along a major portion of its length. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the channel6E may also include an enlarged key-shaped portion6E-1formed at the housing's second end6B. The purpose of the key-shaped channel portion6E-1is described in more detail below. A bore6F is also formed in the housing barrel6. The bore6F begins at the barrel's first end6A (the bore entrance) and continues parallel to the first and second sides6C and6D of the barrel6until it intersects the channel6E.

The clamp8is of conventional band-clamp design. Its base8A includes a first side8A-1having a generally U-shaped configuration that seats in the generally U-shaped portion of the channel6E. A second side8A-2of the clamp base8A mounts a flexible clamp band8B. The clamp band8B starts at the second side8A-2of the base8A and is configured to wrap around a structure to be locked. By virtue of the open cavity provided by the channel6E, a free end8C of the clamp band8B is insertable into the lock housing4at a point where the base8A of the clamp is mounted therein. This allows the clamp band free end8C to be placed in overlapping relationship with the clamp base8A, namely, on the inside of the second side8A-2thereof (as shown inFIG. 3).

The clamp8is adjustable using a lock screw10that is rotatable in the bore6F of the housing barrel. The lock screw10has a head10A, a shank10B having an enlarged retainer flange10C at the free end thereof, a set of threads10D on the shank10B, and a tapered seat10E. When the free end8C of the clamp band8B is inserted into the small gap between the shank10B of the lock screw10and the second side8A-2of the clamp base, the threads10D will adjustably engage a ridged thread pattern8D on the clamp band8B that extends from the clamp band free end8C. Rotation of the lock screw10in a clockwise direction pulls the free end8C of the clamp band8B into the housing4and increases its overlap with the clamp base8A, thereby tightening the security lock2on the structure to be secured. Conversely, rotating the lock screw10in a counterclockwise direction pushes the free end8C of the clamp band8B in the opposite direction and decreases its overlap of the clamp base end8A, thereby loosening the security lock2. Advantageous, the adjustment of the clamp band8B due to clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the lock screw10is a continuous rather than incremental adjustment. This allows the security lock2to be clamped onto any structure whose size allows it to be wrapped by the clamp band8B, thereby ensuring a tight fit without rattling or other unwanted lock movement.

The head10A of the lock screw10has a circular sidewall and is recessed within the entrance of the bore6F. This portion of the bore6F is shaped to define a conforming cylindrical guideway6F-1that receives the lock screw10. The guideway6F-1is sized so that there is minimal clearance between the screw head10A and the sidewall of the guideway. This makes it difficult for an unauthorized tool to be wedged against the side of the screw head10A. The exposed face of the screw head10A is generally planar and configured with a security lock pattern that may be formed as a continuous curvilinear groove10A (or other formation) in the generally planar surface. A security key12with a matching curvilinear ridge pattern12A (or other formation) may be used to engage the security lock pattern10A-1to rotate the lock screw10. This arrangement is designed to prevent unauthorized removal of the security lock2. Other key-lock interface configurations could also be used. The security key12may have a cylindrical body that is sized to closely fit within the guideway6F-1to help position the security key into engagement with the security lock pattern10A-1. A drive-receiving opening12B (e.g., a square drive opening) may be formed at the end of the security body that is opposite from the curvilinear ridge pattern. The drive-receiving opening12B is appropriately shaped to receive a ratchet, a screw driver, or other drive tool.

A housing insert14at the second end6B of the housing barrel6may be used to help position and retain the lock screw in the lock housing4. As can be seen inFIG. 2, the insert14is generally key-shaped to match the configuration of the key-shaped portion6E-1of the channel6E of the housing barrel6. When installed in the channel's key-shaped portion6E-1, the insert14forms part of the barrel's second end6B. The insert14includes a circular bore14A that receives the retainer flange10C at the end of the screw shank10B. The base of the bore14A is formed with an annular flange14B of reduced diameter that is sized to engage the side of the screw shank10B and trap the retainer flange10C within the bore. A small channel14C may also be formed in the insert14to allow passage of the free end8C of the clamp band8B into the lock housing4for insertion between the lock screw10and the second side8A-2of clamp base8A. As shown inFIG. 2, the matching configuration of the insert14and the key-shaped channel portion6E-1prevents the insert from displacing out of the barrel channel6E in the direction of the barrel's second side6D. The engagement of the retainer screw's flange10C within the bore14A prevents the insert14from displacing out of the barrel channel6E in the direction of the barrel's second end6B.

It will be seen inFIG. 3that the lock screw10is securely positioned and retained within the housing barrel6. In particular, the lock screw10is prevented from moving in the direction of the barrel's second end6B by virtue of its tapered seat10E engaging a correspond tapered portion6F-1of the bore6F. The lock screw10is prevented from moving in the direction of the barrel's first end6A by virtue of the retainer flange10C being trapped by the flange14B within the bore14A of the insert14. With the lock screw10thus retained in the housing barrel6, it will also be seen inFIG. 3that the lock screw will, in turn, fixedly mount the clamp8to the lock housing4due to the lock screw extending between the two sides8A-1and8A-2of the base8A of the clamp.

A flexible lock liner16may be provided on the lock housing4. The lock liner16extends along the inside of the clamp band8B for a selected distance. The lock liner16may begin at or near the clamp base8A and extend toward the clamp band's free end8C. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock liner16has a base16A that encircles the shank10B of the lock screw10(seeFIG. 3). The lock liner base16A is seated in a stepped area6E-2of the housing barrel channel6E that is adjacent to the channel's key-shaped portion6E-1. The key-shaped insert14retains the lock liner base16A in the stepped area6E-2to secure the lock liner16to the lock housing4. A free end portion of the lock liner may be formed to define a channel16B having flanges16B-1that slidably capture the sides of the clamp band8B. When the security lock2is installed on a structure to be locked, the lock liner16will be disposed between the clamp band8B and the structure. As shown inFIG. 5D(described in more detail below), the lock liner16may have graduated markings16C with associated sizing numerals16D that assist in trimming the lock liner to a desired length for installation of the security lock2on small structures.

The lock housing4may be provided with a curved rigid arm18that extends from the barrel6of the lock housing and follows a portion of the clamp band8B. The rigid arm18may have a channel18A (seeFIG. 3) that receives the clamp band8B and helps stabilize it against lateral movement. The rigid arm18may extend for a desired distance to cover a desired portion of the clamp band8B, such as the portion that would be otherwise exposed following installation of the security lock2. In this way, the rigid arm may help protect the clamp band8B against tampering using an unauthorized tool, such as a pry bar or a hacksaw.

The security lock2can be made from various materials that provide the desired level of security. For example, the lock housing4could be made from rigid plastic or metal, the clamp8and the lock screw10can be made from metal, and the lock liner16can be made from flexible plastic so it can be easily manipulated, and also trimmed.

The security lock2may be installed on removable tailgates of various makes and models of trucks or other vehicles. The security lock2may also be used for general clamping applications.FIG. 4illustrates an installation of the security lock2on the tailgate20of a vehicle22. In this installation, the security lock2is secured so that the clamp band8B will wrap tightly around a hinge cup20A on the tailgate20. The hinge cup20A is rotatably mounted on a tailgate hinge22A extending from one side the vehicle22(i.e., the left rear side of the truck bed). As pickup truck and SUV owners will appreciate, the hinge cup20A is designed to be removed from the hinge22A so that the tailgate20can be removed. Although not shown, a slot that is at least as wide as the outside diameter of the hinge22A is typically provided in the hinge cup20A for this purpose. The security lock2prevents tailgate removal by virtue of the clamp band8B covering this slot, such that the hinge cup20A can no longer be removed from the hinge22A unless the security lock is removed.

Turning now toFIGS. 5A-5H, an example installation sequence is shown that may be used to install the security lock2on a vehicle tailgate as shown inFIG. 4. InFIG. 5A, the security key12is inserted into the guideway6F-1of the bore6F in the housing barrel6. The security key12is manipulated so that its key pattern12A engages the lock pattern10A-1formed at the head10A of the lock screw10. The security key12is then turned counterclockwise until the free end8C of the clamp band8B is separated from the clamp base8A and freed from the lock housing4.

InFIG. 5B, the circumference of the tailgate hinge cup20A is measured to verify if the lock liner16needs to be trimmed prior to security lock installation. A measuring tape24may be used for this purpose. The measuring tape24could be a conventional measuring tape used for sewing or the like. Alternatively, a measuring strip (not shown) could be printed on an instruction sheet that accompanies the security lock2. This measuring strip could be cut with scissors from the instruction sheet and then used to provide the measuring tape24. To perform the measurement, the tailgate20is opened to expose the tailgate hinge cup20A. The measuring tape24is then wrapped tightly around the hinge cup20A and the hinge cup circumference indicated by the measuring tape is noted. InFIG. 5B, the hinge cup circumference measurement is indicated by the arrow24A. If the ends of the measuring tape20A do not overlap, no trimming of the lock liner16should be needed.

If the lock liner16needs to be trimmed, the operations shown inFIGS. 5C and 5Dmay be performed. InFIG. 5C, the lock liner16is slid along the clamp band8B until the channel16B of the lock liner slides off the free end8C of the clamp band and the flanges16B-1of the channel16B are disengaged from the sides of the clamp band. InFIG. 5F, the lock liner16is trimmed with scissors or a utility knife using the graduated markings16C and the sizing numeral16D that corresponds to the tailgate hinge cup circumference measurement obtained inFIG. 5D. The lock liner16may then be reinstalled on the clamp band8B by inserting the free end8C thereof into the lock liner channel16B and sliding the lock liner along the clamp band until the lock liner lies generally against the clamp band.

InFIG. 5E, the lock housing4is positioned in the manner shown, with the clamp band8B looped behind the hinge cup20A and with the free end8C thereof ready to enter the lock housing4. InFIG. 5F, the free end8C of the clamp band8B is inserted into the lock housing4via the channel14C of the insert4(seeFIG. 3). As shown, this may be done while tilting the lock housing4so that the lock housing bore6F is angled forwardly. The clamp band free end8C may then be advanced until it enters the small gap between the shank10B of the lock screw10and the second side8A-2of the clamp base (seeFIG. 3), and so that the threads10D of the lock screw10adjustably engage the clamp band's ridged thread pattern8D. While holding the clamp band8B, the security key12may be rotated several turns in the clockwise direction to start the engagement.

InFIG. 5G, the lock housing4is tiled back so that the lock housing bore6F is facing upwardly and the second end6B of the housing barrel6rests on the tailgate20. Using a suitable drive tool26(e.g., a square drive attached to a screw driver handle or a ratchet), the security lock12is turned clockwise to continue advancement of the clamp band8B until the security lock2is tightened snugly on the hinge cup20A. InFIG. 5H, the security key12is removed and a plastic insert28may be inserted into the lock housing bore6F to keep out dirt.

Accordingly, a security lock2for clamping a structure has been disclosed. Advantageously, the size and fit of the security lock2can be continuously adjusted with the use of a movable clamp8comprising a clamp band8B that is selectively tightened using an adjustable lock screw10. This provides a tight fit on a variety of vehicles/tailgates/other structures while preventing the security lock2from rattling or damaging the finish on the vehicle or other structure. The security lock housing4also provides added protection against unauthorized removal due to the rigid arm18thereof. Although an example embodiment has been shown and described, it should be apparent that many variations and alternative embodiments could be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, although a clamp band8B and an adjustable lock screw10are shown in the illustrated embodiment, other clamp positioners comprising any suitable component, structure, device or system capable of adjusting the clamp and maintaining it in a desired position could be used. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be in any way limited except in accordance with the spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.