AU2020102225A4

AU2020102225A4 - Lockable shackle

Info

Publication number: AU2020102225A4
Application number: AU2020102225A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Stefan James Ossenberg; Tina Maree Ossenberg
Original assignee: Protector Group Ip Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Protector Group Ip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-13
Filing date: 2020-09-11
Publication date: 2020-10-29
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-11

Abstract

C:\Users\evk\AppDaa\RoainiManae ork\Recent\3554784AU Lockale D sackle\ ova, tio patet speci for, filg 3554728(20657432. )do- 1109 2020 ABSTRACT A lockable shackle including: a shackle loop including two opposing legs connected by a curved central portion and defining an opening between the legs, each leg including a respective pin passage, the pin passages being axially aligned, a first pin passage being unthreaded and a second pin passage being threaded; and a shackle pin including: a head at a first end of the shackle pin; a shaft extending from the head to a second end of the shackle pin opposing the first end, the shaft including a threaded portion that is offset from the head and configured to allow the shackle pin to be used to close the opening of the shackle loop by passing the shaft through the unthreaded first pin passage and threadingly engaging the threaded portion with the threaded second pin passage, and the shaft being configured so that an extended end portion of the shaft extends beyond the second pin passage when the shackle pin is used to close the opening of the shackle loop; and a locking hole that is defined transversely through the extended end portion of the shaft and configured to allow a locking device to be attached to the locking hole to prevent removal of the shackle pin and thereby lock the shackle. Fig. 1A 1/2 100 113 122 110 112 125 124 120 101 122 121 126 123 116 27 115 Fig. 1A 125 124 120 101 122 0121 123 126 127 128 Fig. 1 B

Description

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100 113

122 110

112

124 120 125 101

122 121

126 123 116 27 115

Fig. 1A

125 124 120 101

122 0121

123 126 127 128

Fig. 1 B

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LOCKABLE SHACKLE

Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a lockable shackle that is configured to be locked using a separate locking device such as a padlock or the like.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] Shackles are used in a variety of different applications, such as in rigging systems, typically to provide connecting links to ropes, cables and chains. A range of different types of shackles are known, although many common types of shackles include a generally U-shaped loop of metal that is closed by securing a pin across the opening. One example of a common application for shackles is connecting a safety chain between a tow hitch of a towing vehicle and a trailer, caravan, boat or the like.

[0003] D-shackles are commonly used for providing a connection at the end of a length of chain, and will often be shaped like a loop of chain. As the name implies, a D-shackle is D shaped, with its loop including a pair of elongate parallel legs extending from a curved central portion. A threaded pin closure will often be used. Bow shackles are a variation of the D-shackle and its loop will typically have shorter legs and an enlarged, 0-shaped central portion.

[0004] Padlocks are a form of locking device including a shackle loop that can be used to provide a locked connection at the end of a length of chain or the like. Padlocks are typically used for security purposes, to prevent theft or unwanted use of a connected object, and are not usually appropriate for load-bearing or safety applications where shackles are used.

[0005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

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Summary of the Present Invention

[0006] In one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a lockable shackle including: a shackle loop including two opposing legs connected by a curved central portion and defining an opening between the legs, each leg including a respective pin passage, the pin passages being axially aligned, a first pin passage being unthreaded and a second pin passage being threaded; and a shackle pin including: a head at a first end of the shackle pin; a shaft extending from the head to a second end of the shackle pin opposing the first end, the shaft including a threaded portion that is offset from the head and configured to allow the shackle pin to be used to close the opening of the shackle loop by passing the shaft through the unthreaded first pin passage and threadingly engaging the threaded portion with the threaded second pin passage, and the shaft being configured so that an extended end portion of the shaft extends beyond the second pin passage when the shackle pin is used to close the opening of the shackle loop; and a locking hole that is defined transversely through the extended end portion of the shaft and configured to allow a locking device to be attached to the locking hole to prevent removal of the shackle pin and thereby lock the shackle.

[0007] In one embodiment, the threaded portion extends to the second end of the shaft.

[0008] In one embodiment, the lockable shackle is in the form of one of a D-shackle and a bow shackle.

[0009] In another broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a lockable shackle system including a lockable shackle as described above; and a locking device for locking the shackle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the locking device is a padlock.

[0011] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction, interchangeably and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Various examples and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure IA is a diagram of an example of a lockable shackle;

[0014] Figure 1B is a diagram of a shackle pin of the lockable shackle of Figure IA;

[0015] Figure 2A is a photograph of an example of a lockable shackle;

[0016] Figure 2B is a photograph of a shackle loop of the lockable shackle of Figure IA; and

[0017] Figure 2C is a photograph of a shackle pin of the lockable shackle of Figure IA.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0018] An example of lockable shackle 100 will now be described with reference to Figures IA and 1B. In broad terms, the lockable shackle 100 includes a shackle loop 110 and a shackle pin 120, and is configured to be locked using a separate locking device, such as a padlock or the like.

[0019] The lockable shackle 100 includes two opposing legs 111, 112 connected by a curved central portion 113 and defines an opening 114 between the legs 111, 112. Each leg 111, 112 including a respective pin passage 115, 116. The pin passages 115 and 116 are axially aligned. A first pin passage 115 is unthreaded and a second pin passage 116 is threaded.

[0020] The shackle pin 120 includes a head 123 at a first end 121 of the shackle pin 120, and a shaft 124 extending from the head 123 to a second end 122 of the shackle pin 120 opposing the first end 121. The shaft 124 includes a threaded portion 125 that is offset from the head 123 and configured to allow the shackle pin 120 to be used to close the opening 114 of the shackle loop 110 by passing the shaft 124 through the unthreaded first pin passage 115 and threadingly engaging the threaded portion 125 with the threaded second pin passage 116.

[0021] The lockable shackle 100 is differentiated from conventional shackles with threaded pin closures in that the shaft 124 of the shackle pin 120 is specifically configured so that an

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extended end portion 126 of the shaft 124 extends beyond the second pin passage 116 when the shackle pin 120 is used to close the opening 114 of the shackle loop 110, and the shackle pin 120 further includes a locking hole 101 that is defined transversely through the extended end portion 126 of the shaft 124 and configured to allow a locking device (not shown), such as a padlock or the like, to be attached to the locking hole 101 to prevent removal of the shackle pin 120 and thereby lock the shackle 100.

[0022] Accordingly, the lockable shackle 100 can be used as per conventional shackles, such as for providing a connection at the end of a length of chain, but can additionally be locked in place for security purposes. For example, the lockable shackle 100 may be used for securely connecting a safety chain between a tow hitch of a towing vehicle and a trailer, caravan, boat or the like and preventing the safety chain from being disconnected unless the locking device is unlocked and removed from the lockable shackle 100.

[0023] It will be appreciated that this can help to prevent theft of trailers, caravans, boats or the like, by simply replacing a conventional shackle with a lockable shackle 100 and adding a simple locking device such as a padlock, without compromising the structural integrity or safety of the connection. It will also be appreciated that this can provide an inexpensive security solution compared to the use of additional security devices that are available for trailers, caravans, boats or the like, such as hitch locks.

[0024] In the example of Figures IA and 1B, the threaded portion 125 extends to the second end of the shaft 124. As a result, the threaded portion 125 extends along the extended end portion 126 of the shaft 124 through which the locking hole 101 is defined is threaded, and an engaging portion 127 of the shaft 124 that engages with the threaded second pin passage 116 when the shackle pin 120 is used to close the opening 114 of the shackle loop 110. However, it should be understood that this is not essential. In alternative examples, the threaded portion 125 may only extend along the engaging portion 127 of the shaft 124, and the extended end portion 126 of the shaft 124 may be unthreaded, and typically of a reduced diameter to prevent interference with the threaded second pin passage 116. Nevertheless, it is generally preferable to form the shackle pin 120 with the threaded portion 125 extending to the second end 122 of the shaft 124 for ease of manufacture.

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[0025] Preferably, the threaded portion 125 is offset from the head 123 by an offset distance 128 that is substantially equal to a sum of lengths of the first unthreaded pin passage 115 and the opening 114 between the legs 111, 112. The portion of the shaft 124 extending between the head 123 and the threaded portion 125 will typically be unthreaded. This allows rope, cable, chain or the like to be connected to shackle pin across the opening 114 between the legs 111, 112 without being damaged by threads, and without damaging threads.

[0026] The lockable shackle 100 may be provided in the form of a D-shackle, in which the shackle loop 110 has elongate parallel legs extending from a curved central portion, or a bow shackle, in which the shackle loop 110 has relatively shorter legs and an enlarged, 0-shaped central portion. However, it should be appreciated that the lockable shackle 100 may be provided in a range of different shapes and configurations and would not necessarily have to be provided in a form that would recognised as a D-shackle or a bow shackle.

[0027] The head 123 of the shackle pin 120 will typically be enlarged compared to the shaft 124 to prevent over-insertion, and may include a shoulder or flange that abuts with an outer surface of the leg 111 surrounding the unthreaded pin passage 115 when the shackle pin 120 is used to close the opening 114 of the shackle loop 110. In this example, the head 123 is flattened to facilitate finger-tightening and includes a hole in which a tool can be inserted for providing increased leverage for removing the shackle pin 120 if it becomes over-tightened or stuck in position.

[0028] The lockable shackle 100 may be constructed in a similar manner as per conventional shackles. The shackle loop 100 and shackle pin 110 will typically both be formed from a suitable metal such as steel, such as by using casting and machining techniques to define the required features.

[0029] The lockable shackle 100 may be provided for use with a separate locking device such as a padlock. It will be appreciated that, if a padlock is used, the padlock's shackle will need to have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the locking hole 101.

[0030] In some examples, a lockable shackle system may be provided including a lockable shackle 100 and a suitable locking device for locking the shackle. In one specific example, the lockable shackle system will include a suitably sized padlock as the locking device. It will

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be appreciated that the lockable shackle system may be packaged and sold together to allow a user to use the lockable shackle 100 without having to source a suitable locking device separately. However, this is not essential and the lockable shackle 100 may be sold without a locking device.

[0031] Photographs of an example of a practical implementation of a lockable shackle 100 can be seen in Figures 2A to 2C. It is noted that the photographs show an arrangement that is generally similar to the example depicted in the diagrams of Figures IA and lB.

[0032] In this example, the lockable shackle 100 is designed for fixing the safety chain of a trailer, caravan, boat or the like to a tow hitch of a towing vehicle, and for being locked by attaching a padlock to the locking hole 101 to prevent the trailer, caravan, boat or the like from being disconnected from the tow vehicle. The lockable shackle 100 may also be used to secure the safety chain of a trailer, caravan, boat or the like to a separate securing fixture during storage.

[0033] The lockable shackle 100 has a shackle loop 110 including two opposing legs 111, 112 with shackle pin passages 115, 116 aligned at their free ends to allow a shackle pin 120 to be inserted. Once inserted, the shackle pin 120 closes the mouth of the shackle with the safety chains linked through the lockable shackle 100. When the shackle pin 120 is fastened in position, an extended end portion 126 of the shaft 124 protrudes at one end with a locking hole 101 defined through it allowing for a padlock or similar locking device to fasten the shackle pin 120 in place, preventing the lockable shackle 100 from being removed or undone without disabling and removing the locking device.

[0034] Embodiments of the lockable shackle may include a shackle loop having two opposed apart legs joined with a defining mouth, both legs aligning with passages at their free ends, and a removable "lockable" shackle pin designed to be inserted into the passages of the shackle loop with a locking hole in one end of the shackle pin (which, when fixed, is designed to protrude past one of the passages in the fixed position). When the "lockable" shackle pin is inserted into the passages of the aligning shackle loop it will close the said mouth of the shackle loop. With the shackle pin locked into position (closing the mouth of the shackle) the locking hole in the lockable shackle pin will extend past the passage of one

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of the opposed legs. This enables a padlock or the like to be fixed through the locking hole, thereby locking the shackle pin in position, and ensuring the mouth of the shackle loop cannot be opened.

[0035] In other words, the lockable shackle is an assembly of a shackle loop and shackle pin. The shackle loop has two opposed legs apart defining a mouth, legs having aligned shackle pin passages located at their free ends. The shackle pin has an extended shaft designed to protrude through the shackle pin legs. The shackle pin also has a hole through it to allow for a padlock or other fixing device to fix the locking pin in place whilst the mouth is in the closed position.

[0036] In any event, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the lockable shackle as described above can be connected to a chain or other rigging material in a manner similar to conventional shackles, whilst also allowing the connection to be locked using a locking device such as a padlock, thereby conveniently adding a security functionality with minimal added complexity or cost.

[0037] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means 20%.

[0038] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a support" includes a plurality of supports. In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings unless a contrary intention is apparent.

[0039] It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims

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THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1) A lockable shackle including: a) a shackle loop including two opposing legs connected by a curved central portion and defining an opening between the legs, each leg including a respective pin passage, the pin passages being axially aligned, a first pin passage being unthreaded and a second pin passage being threaded; and b) a shackle pin including: i) a head at a first end of the shackle pin; ii) a shaft extending from the head to a second end of the shackle pin opposing the first end, the shaft including a threaded portion that is offset from the head and configured to allow the shackle pin to be used to close the opening of the shackle loop by passing the shaft through the unthreaded first pin passage and threadingly engaging the threaded portion with the threaded second pin passage, and the shaft being configured so that an extended end portion of the shaft extends beyond the second pin passage when the shackle pin is used to close the opening of the shackle loop; and iii) a locking hole that is defined transversely through the extended end portion of the shaft and configured to allow a locking device to be attached to the locking hole to prevent removal of the shackle pin and thereby lock the shackle.
2) A lockable shackle according to claim 1, wherein the threaded portion extends to the second end of the shaft.
3) A lockable shackle according to claim 1, wherein the lockable shackle is in the form of one of: a) a D-shackle; and b) a bow shackle.
4) A lockable shackle system including: a) a lockable shackle according to any one of claims I to 3; and b) a locking device for locking the shackle. ) A lockable shackle according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or a lockable shackle system according to claim 4, wherein the locking device is a padlock.

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100 113

110 2020102225

112 111 124 120 125 101

122 121

126 123 114 115 116

Fig. 1A

124 120 125 101

122 121

123 126 127 128

Fig. 1B

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126 123 114 Fig. 2A

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101 126 125 127 112 111

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123 121 116 115 Fig. 2B Fig. 2C