PROPERTY SECURITY

Abstract: A device for securing property against undesired removal/displacement including a first unit (1, 30) adapted for countersinking with respect to the ground or surface (GS, 39) at the location required whereby the plane of the uppermost surface of the first unit (1, 30) is positioned below or flush with the adjacent ground of surface (GS, 39) and a second unit (8, 32) adapted for connection to said first unit (1, 30) in such manner that when so connected with the first unit (1, 30) the property to be secured against undesired removal/displacement is so secured.

Description: PROPERTY SECURITY This invention is concerned with property security and more particularly but not exclusively with the security of property in the form of vehicles whether pushed, towed or prime mover vehicles. Vehicles such as motor cycles, bicycles and similar wheeled modes of transport are tradi ionally left unattended by the owners when, for example, entering into a shop, place of work etc., by leaning the vehicles against any convenient wall or space with sufficient width into which to push the motor cycle or bicycle. To prevent such unauthorised removal the user frequently threads a chain through the wheel and a convenient part of the frame of the cycle. Whilst this may well prevent the cycle from being simply wheeled away it does not prevent the cycle from being bodily removed. To deal with this problem, experience has indicated that the removal of the cycle or motor cycle by the simple activity of lifting the cycle onto a lorry or into a van is not uncommon . Whilst this this mode of removing a cycle is easily carried out during the dari er winter evenings it can be used at any time where the cycle is not readily viewable. The problem is compounded by the simple fact that the casual passer-by will not be alarmed on seeing a cycle being stacked onto a lorry, particularly if the person lifting the cycle is wearing some form of uniform or merely the wearing of a peaked cap indicating a possible Official who is removing illegally parked cycles. To counteract this the cycle owner frequently passes the chain through/around a convenient railing/post which may happen to be near by without being concerned as to whether such action is damaging to the railings/posts or whether by so doing the cycle is located in a position dangerous to the public at large, i.e. , by reason of the cycle occupying a significant part of the width of a road side walkway, thereby forcing pedestrians to step into the road in order to pass the 'parked cycle' . It is thus an object of the present invention to reduce the ease by which a bicycle or other cycle may be removed . A further aspect of vehicle security arises for example, in connection with caravans. As is well known a caravan is conventionally towed to a desired site. On reaching the site the person using the caravan releases the caravan from the towing vehicle, arranges the caravan into the desired user position and sets the conven ionally provided caraven support units usually located at the corners of the caravan so that the caravan is maintained in a stable position. Following release of the caravan the user is able to utilise the towing vehicle as he wishes. Since such use can result in the user travelling away rom the parked caravan and as the latter is often readily connectable to any other towing vehicle with the appropriate Lowing connection it follows that the caravan can be readily removed without the owner's consent. It is thus a further object of the invention to provide means for reducing the ease by which a caravan or other towable vehicle can be removed from a parked location. Broadly, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for securing property against undesired removal/displacement including a first unit adapted for countersinking with respect to the ground or surface at the location required whereby the plane of the uppermost surface of the first unit is positioned below or flush with the adjacent ground or ' Surface; and a second unit adapted for connection to said first unit in such manner that when so connected with the first unit the property to be secured against undesired removal/displacemen is so secured. Preferably, the second unit is adapted connection to the property to be protected against removal/displacement. In a further arrangement the second unit is arranged to act as a barrier for restraining/ reventing the displacement of prperty such as a vehicle from a predetermined location or position. In particular, an aspect of the present invention is concerned with property security in which the object of the security is to prevent unauthorised entry or, for example, in the case of a vehicle the removal of a vehicle in the absence of the owner. A further aspect of the present invention is the provision of means for positionally supporting/locating vehicles. Conveniently, when IL is desired to utilises a restraining rope, wire, chain or other similar arrangement the second unit is an eyebolt or other connection element adapted for connection to the rirst 5 unit and to receive means tor connecting the eyebolt Lo said article. In a particular construction, the first unit includes an upright Lube whose upper end is provided with a relatively thick annular plate having a centrally 10 threaded bore which is intended to receive a correspondingly threaded shank forming part of the second unit . Conveneientl y , in ths case the second unit takes the form of an eyebolt. 15 In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the second unit is intended to provide a post adapted at its lower end for lockable engagement with the firsL unit. In a preferred construction of the post, the u per end thereof is adapted for attachment to a towing arrangement - - o1 a vehicle in such manner LhaL Lhe post serves additionally as a means for augmenting the conventionally provided arrangmenLs for supporting the caravan in its use r setting. In a preterred arrangement the locking arrangeent ,c includes locking balls or the like which are displaceable into their locking position by axial displacement of a rod between a telease position in which the balls are retracted and do not engage with the tirst unit and a locking position in which the balls are caused to be ~ engaged wiih both units thereby to prevent relative axial movement one from the other. In a still further arrangement the second unit is arranged Lo serve as a barrier post or the like, the arrangement being such when so used the second unit can serve as a means for blocking a roadway ; path; garage entrance; building entrance etc. In a still further arrangement the second unit can provide as a tethering point for cables or the like serving to lash down an object or part of an object. θ For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the sa e inLo effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a vertical section through a first embodiment of a iirsL unit of a device incorporating the concepts of 5 the invention; Figure 2 is an elevation ot a second unit of he assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure J is a vertical section through a second embodiment ot a device incorporating the concepts of the Q invention the Figure illustrated the first and second units when connected together; Figure 4 is a vertical section through schematic represemtation of a turther embodiment of a first unit of a device incorporating the concepts ot the invention; and Fιgure 5 is an elevation ot the second unit or the device ot Figure 4. Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 ot the drawings from hich iL will be noted that the device 1 shown therein includes a base plate 2 which in practice can be square or whatever shape thought convenient. A symmetrically centrally positioned tube J is upstanding trom the base plate. This tube is secured to the base plate, tor example, by welding. The base plate 2 can be provided with holes (not shown) tor receiving retenLion bolLs or Lhe like (not shown,) for the purpose ot enhancing the anchoring ot the the base plate . When mounted the base plate 2 would be generally horizontal and the tube vertical In accordance with the proposals of Lhe invention it is intended that the first unit should be countersunk that is Lhe base plate 2 should be so buried and secured Lo Lhe ground Lhat the uppermost surface of the upper end 4 ot the tube J is ilush or slightly countersunlc relative to the surrounding ground surface (indicated by Lhe line (j ^. so th t Lhe Lube J does noL rojecL above Lhe adjacenL surroundings Lhereby to present a hazard over which a person could trip, or which could be subjected Lo Lhe ettecLs of a load resting Lhereupon. IL IS conve ienL Lo note LhaL in a variation oi Lhe construction the base plate could b replaced by bars projecting horι_onally outwards from the tube. The up er end 4 ot the tube J is closed by a relatively Lhic annul r plaLe D having a centrally threaded bore υ which s intended Lo receive a correspondingly Lhreaded shank / ot Lhe second uniL oi Lhe device which is shown in igure 2 is an eyebolL . The shank of this eyebolt 8, which is shown in detail in Figure 2, is intended to be screwed into the threaded bore 6 in the metal tube 3. The eyebolt 8 is itself intended to be connected to or have threaded there through a chai or similar device (not shown) i.e. , metal loop which in turn is intended to be engaged with a cycle heel and if possible a part of the cycle trame; or coupled to a cable or the like for lashing down purposes of the or parts of the property to be protected . It will be appreciated that as so tar described the provision of an open threaded bore 6 in the tube 3 hich is effectively countersunk below ground level would allow, dirt and debπ rapidly to enter the bore and thus ultimately block the bore 6. To prevent such blockage a plastics material insert 9 is arranged within the tube 3. This insert 9 is axially displaceable lengthwise of the tube J. The insert 9 has a first part 1U that is intended to be axially slidable with respect to the threaded part 1 °f Ln e plate _> and at the same time be a close sliding tit therein. L i thought convenient the insert y could be threaded so as to be engageable with the thread ot the bore b . The lower end 11 of this part 9 terminates in a abutment flange 12 which serves to limit upward travel ot the insert part 9 such that the upper end lϋ thereot cannot project above the upper end 4 of the tube 3. The insert j has a downwardly directed part 13 which carries a circu scribing laterally xtending ring 14 which acts as an abutment ring for the upper end 15 ot a compression spring 16 which is intended resiliently to load the insert 9 upwardly to the raised position as is shown in the Figure 1. The lower end 17 of this spring lo operationally bears against a plug unit Id which serves LO seal the lower part of the tube and an aperture 19 provided in the base plate. This latter mentioned aperture 19 is provided to allow assembly of the internal elements i.e. , the insert 9, the sprin lo, and the plug unit lo. The plug unit has an upstanding pin 20 hich maintains the requisite position ot Lhe lower end ot Lhe spring lb. To ensure Lhat the threaded shank 7 ot the eyebolt d correctly aligns with and en ages with the thread υ of the plate _> the shank 7 is provided at its lower end with a key form insert iece 21 having a threaded part 22 engaging with a threaded region 23 of the shank such that the insert piece 21 is coaxially positioned with respect to the shank thread. The insert piece 21 terminates in a rectangular cross section key Z H . A complementary insert piece 25 is provided at the upper end 1U oi the insert 9 , this insert piece _> having a rectangular cross sectioned recess 2b tor receiving the key > As has been mentioned it is intended that the security units will be sunk into the ground at conveniently placed locations; ι/e. , adjacent to a shopping location; in shopping centre car parks at locations set aside for Lhe purposes ot cycle parking; railway station cycle parks and at convenient locations adjacent to public buildings treijuented by persons. In use a person who wishes Lo park his vehicle e.g., cycle engages the eyebolt with the recessed tube plate by inserting the eyebolt key 24 into the key recess 26 of the insert and pushes downwardly so that the insert is 5 moved slightly downwards against the resistance of the compression spring 16. As soon as the shank thread and plate threads are able operationally to cooperate the keybolt 8 is suitably rotated to cause the keybolt shank 7 to be drawn inwards into the tube plate threaded bore. 10 This action progressively displaces the insert 9 downwards. When the eyebolt shank has been sufficiently threaded into the bore 6 the user engages the chain or the like associated with the eyebolt which his cycle in the normal manner. It will be understood that the 5 keybolt rotation threading motion will cause the insert 9 to rotate because of the inter-engagement of the key 24 in the recess 26. It will be appreciated that once the chain has been engaged with the cycle it is not possible to unscrew the 0 keybolt 8 from the threaded plate 5 mounted to the tube 3 because such action will be prevented by the inability to introduce a sufficient number of twists into the chain or bend a solid loop device. This requirement is facilitated by siting the device at such distance from a 5 wall or the like that it is not possible to man-handle the cycle through a complete turn around the device of the invention. Referring now to Figure 3 this discloses the application of the concepts of the invention to the provision of Q temporary posts. In practice, temporary posts, usually vertically arranged, are frequently utilised as a means for preventing access of a vehicle to a previously alotted vehicle parking place; to prevent unauthorised access by vehicles through vehicles access roads, to lorm temporary barriers etc. In addition to such applications the present invention proposes the provision of a temporary post assembly which can be used in conjunction with a caravan or other vehicle as a combined - steady for the towed vehicle for the prevention of unauthorised removal. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the temporary arrangement is generally identified by the reference 29. The post arrangement includes a first unit 30 that is 1 Q intended to be permanently fixed at a location at which it is desired to locate the post and a second unit 32 that forms the actual selectively mountable temporary post itself. The first part 30 includes a plate 33 provided with bores 15 34. and an upstanding tube 35 secured i.e. , by welding to the plate 30. A sleeve 3b having an outwardly directed flange 37 is fitted into upper end of the tube 35, the flange 37 being connected to the upper end of the tube 3b. 2 ~ In use, unit 30 is to be buried i.e. , countersunk so that the upper surface 38 of the flange 37 is level with the ground surface or other reference surface indicated in the Figure by the line 39. The upper end of the bore of the sleeve 36 is ciosable to 25 prevent i gress of dirt and debri by the upper end of a element 4ϋ resilientiy loaded by a spring 41 for axial movement length ise of the interior of the sleeve Jb . As will be noted from the Figure 3 the lower end of the spring 41 is positionally located by an annular element 30 42 held in place by a screw n . The operational length of the spring .U " i n association with the axial length of the element .u and is such that the upper surface of the element can be moved to a position in which it is coplanar with the ground line level 39. The temporary post unit 32 includes a cylindrical tube 44. An outwardly directed flange 45 provided at one end of a sleeve 46 is secured to the lower end of the tube 32. The outer diameter of the sleeve 46 is such that it is a smooth sliding fit into the interior of the sleeve 36. In other words as the sleeve 46 is pushed into the sleeve 36 it pushes downwardly the element 40 against the resilient loading ot the spring 41 thereby effectively to allow the lower end (i.e. , sleeve 46 of the temporary support post 32 to be engaged with the part 30. In the case of a post 32 particularly intended for use with a caravan or other towable vehicle having a ball type towing connection (since the latter is well nown a description thereof is not thought necessary) a ball element 48 for use with such connection is provided at the upper end of the tube 32. As so far described it will be appreciated that the post unit 31 can, in the manner discussed, be engaged with the countersunk tube 35 ot Lhe unit 30. In accordance with the requirements of the invention it is required to be enable the user to be able to lock the post against unauthorised removable from engagement with the part JU. Thus the unit as so far discussed is provided with a user locking mechanism. This locking mechamism, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 , o pe ra t e s on the principle of locking t wo mem b e rs on e to the other by means of two or more balls, carried by one member and positionally displaceable thereto, being forced into and held in engagement with complementary bores provided in the other of the two members Lo be locked together . Thus in the embodiment of Figure 3 locking balls 49 are operationally located in suitably profiled bores 50 provided in the sleeve 46. It is intended that the balls, when in their locking position (shown in the Figure 3) should engage into complementary bores/recesses/channe1 51 in the sleeve 36. The locking balls 49 are forceably displaceable radially outwards of their carrier sleeve 46 by the tapered end 52 of a locking rod 53 mounted for axial displacement of the tube 32. As will be seen from the Figure 3 the lower end of the rod 53 is effectively guided by the internal wall of the sleeve 46 whilst the up er end of the rod is guided by the wall of a through bore 54 rovided in the ball element 48. The locking rod is resilently loaded in the upwards direction by a spring 55, acting between a plate 56 engaging with a pin 57 passing through the rod and the top of the sleeve flange 45. The upper end of the locking rod is provided with a manually operated head 58 which is adapted to be retained in the locking position shown in the Figure by the locking of key operated locking arrangements (not shown). These locking arrangements can be formed by that conventionally used for physically locking the socket part of the ball and socket towing connection one to the other for to ing purposes. In use, when it is desired to mount the post part 32 to the countersunk part 30 the sleeve 46 is pushed against the top of the element 40 to the level shown in the Figure. On reaching this position the the ball bores 50 and 51 will be aligned. Following this the locking rod is pushed downwards and in so doing the tapered end will push the balls radially outwards to the position shown in the Figure 3. At this position the operating head will be in the position shown. The locking rod is then locked in the down position. To disconnect the post part 32 from the countersunk part 30 the locking of the operating head is released. It will be found that the spring loading thereof in conjunction with the application of slight movement to the part 32 that the rod 53 will be moved upwardly by the action of its resiliently oading spring. This allows the balls 49 to retract thereby allowing the part 32 to by pulled away from the part 30. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, these Figures are concerned with an embodiment of the invention that is particularly intended to provide an upstanding post post which in use blocks or other ways prevents movement of an article located to one side of a post or row ot such posts to the other side of the post or row of posts. The embodiment of the first unit shown in Figure is generally very similar in construction tothat of the first unit of the Figure 3 first unit. For convenience ot illustration the first unit shown in Figure 4 has been more schematically represented. It is thought that additional description of Figure 4 is not required since it would essentially be a repetition of that of the first unit of Figure 3. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a second unit construction which inso far as the engagement thereof with the associated first unit is essentially the same as that involved ith the second unit of Figure 3. The primary ditterence between the two second units is that he u per end ot the second unit of Figure 5 does not involved the ball like connection for use with caravans but terminates in a push locking head only which- is adapred ro be locked into its downward locking position by means ot a key operated lock.3. Those elements of Figures 4 and 5 corresponding to sim lar elements of the constructions ot the first and second units ot Figure 3 have been identified by the same reference numerals.

Claims: CLAIMS - 15 - 1. A device for securing property against undesired removal/displacement including a first unit adapted for countersinking with respect to the ground or surface at the location required whereby the plane of the uppermost surface ot the tirst unit is positioned below or flush with Lhe adjacenL ground or surface; and a second unit adapted for connection to said first unit in such manner that hen so connected with the first unit the property to be secured against undesired removal/displace ent is 0 so secured . 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, and characterised in that the second unit is adapted for connection to the property to be protected against removal/d isplacemen t . 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 , and characterised 5 n LhaL Llie secon unit is arranged Lo act as a barrier tor restraining/ preventing the displacement of prperty such as a vehicle trom a pred termined location or 4. A device as claimed in claim 1 , and characterised Q in that Lhe second unit is adapted tor providing means tor positionally supporting/locati vehicles. D A device as claimed in claim 1 , and characterised in that hen it is desired to utilises a restraining rope, ire, chain or other similar arrangement, Lhe second unit provides tethering or other connection ele ent adapLed for connection to Lhe rirst unit and Lo t eceive r neans tor connecting Lhe .econd unit Lo said arL l c 1e . 6. A device as claimed in claim 1, and characterised in that the second unit includes an eyebolt. 7. A device as claimed in claim 1, and characterised in that the first unit includes an upright tube whose - upper end is provided with a relatively thick annular plate having a centrally threaded bore which is intended to receive a correspondingly threaded shank torming part of the second unit. 8. A device as claimed in claim 1, and characterised 1 Q in that Lhe second unit is intended to provide a post adapted at its lower end tor lockable engagement ith the first unit. 9. A device as claimed in claim d, and characterised in that the upper end of the post is adapted for χ> - attichment to a to ing arrangement of a vehicle in such manner that the post additionally serves as a means tor augmentin the conventionally provided arrangment≤ for supporting the caravan in its user setting. 10. A device as claimed in claim 1, and characterised Q by a Key operable locking arrangement for securing hr first and second units against unauthorised separation. 11 A device as claimed in claim 10, and characterised in that the locking arrangement includes locking balls or the like which are displaceable into 5 Lheir locking μosiLion by axial displacemenL or a rod beLween a release position in hich the balls are retracted and do not engage with the tirst unit and a loc ing position in which the balls are caused to be engaged it both units thereby to prevent relative a ial 0 movement o n e l rom L h e other.

Inventors: BURCHELL ALAN GEOFFREY, BURCHELL, ALAN, GEOFFREY
Applicants: BURCHELL ALAN GEOFFREY, STOCKTON ENG LTD, STOCKTON ENGINEERING LIMITED
Application year: 1993
Main classification: E01F13
IPC codes: B60D1, B60R25, E01F13