GB2218953A

GB2218953A - Combined wheel clamp and jack

Info

Publication number: GB2218953A
Application number: GB8910726A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Brooksbanks-Delton
Original assignee: BRUNA LEISURE Ltd
Current assignee: BRUNA LEISURE Ltd
Priority date: 1988-05-28
Filing date: 1989-05-10
Publication date: 1989-11-29
Also published as: GB8812794D0; GB8910726D0

Abstract

A wheel clamping device 10 comprises a central body 12 having at least 3 wheel gripping members 14, 22 two of which are pivotted with respect to the body and a lockable coverplate 32 capable of locking the pivotted members 22 in gripping engagement with the wheel 18. A jack assembly 26 attached to the body 12 is capable of lifting the body and therefore the wheel 18, off the ground. The device therefore is able simultaneously to provide clamping and lifting means for caravan, trailer or the like, e.g. for levelling purposes. <IMAGE>

Description

CLAMPING DEVICE This invention relates to a clamping device and in particular relates to a clamping device for immobilising the wheels of road vehicles and/or trailers.

The theft of caravans and trailers is an increasingly serious problem. It has been proposed to prevent or deter thieves by immobilising one or both wheels of a caravan using some form of clamping device. However caravans are often parked on uneven ground and require some form of levelling. This is not always compatible with the clamping devices hitherto proposed.

The invention seeks to provide an improved form of clamping device which incorporates a levelling mechanism.

According to the present invention there is provided a wheel clamping device which comprises a central body having at least three wheel gripping members two of which are pivotted with respect to the body, a lockable cover plate capable of locking the pivotted members in gripping engagement with the wheel and a jack assembly attached to the body capable of lifting the body, and therefore the wheel, off the ground.

Preferably the third member is fixed in relation to the body, although it may be removable therefrom.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic front elevational view of a device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view corresponding to figure 1; and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, in particular figures 1 and 2, a clamping device generally designated 10 comprises a main body portion 12 fixedly attached to an upper tyre gripping member 14 e.g. by welding. The member 14 is curved as illustrated in figure 2 so as to locate round the tyre 16 of a wheel and tyre assembly 18. Mounted on the body 12 are two pins 20 on which hang arms 22. The arms are retained on the pins 20 by clips 24 and are free to pivot about the pins.

The body 12 is attached to the top of a jack 26. The latter has a ground contacting foot 28 and a hexagon drive 30. The device is completed by a lockable cover 32 (shown chain dotted in figure 1 and omitted from figure 2 for clarity).

In use the device operates as follows. The asssembly is placed up to the wheel of a trailer, caravan or the like and the jack adjusted by means of the drive 30 until the foot 28 just contacts the ground. The arms 22 are then fitted on the pins 20 and secured by the retaining clips 24. If levelling of the caravan or trailer is required the jack drive 30 may be operated by the necessary amount to bring the caravan or trailer level. Otherwise the jack is left in the position shown in figure 1. The lockable cover 32 is fitted into place and locked. This prevents the arms 22 being swung in the directions indicated by arrows X and XX in figure 1, and thus prevents the road wheel from rotating freely. The lockable cover 32 also prevents access to the jack drive 30 as well as the vehicle wheel nuts and thus acts as an anti-theft device.

The use of the pivotting arms 22 allows a large number of wheel sizes to be accommodated since, with a larger wheel, the angle between the pair of arms 22 will be greater.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in figure 3 and this will be described using like numerals for like parts. In this embodiment, the upper gripping member 14 is attached to a top guard plate 36. The latter carries, at or near its bottom edge, a pair of generally L shaped brackets 38. The body portion 12 is in the form of an upper cross member having extent ions 12a terminating in pads 40. A large cross bar 42 is also provided afixed to the jack column 26. The cover 32 includes a recessed boss 44 on the under side of its upper face and is also provided with brackets 46 on the lower portion of the inner side of its end face.

The operation of this embodiment is a follows. The device is put adjacent a wheel and tyre assembly 18 so that the pads 40 contact the tyre 16 clear of wheel rim. The hooks 22 are then placed on the respective pins 20 and retained in position as before. Each hook is allowed to fall to its lowest operating position. Turning the jacking nut 30 causes the unit to lift till the hooks 22 make contact with the under side of the tyre 16. In this position the wheel can be clamped if desired. The hook and plate assembly 14, 36 is lowered until the brackets 38 sit on and depend in front of (as viewed in figure 3) the upper cross member 12.

In this position there should be a clearance of approximately 1 to 1 1/2 inches between the top of the hook 14 and the tyre 16. If not, adjustment may be provided within an adjustment block 48. With the upper assembly in position on the member 12 the cover 32 is put in place by first of all hooking the lower brackets 46 over the lower cross bar 42 and then pusing the top of the cover so as to locate the boss 44 over the jacking nut 30. The recess within the boss 44 receives the jacking nut 30 and allows the brackets 46 to drop fully into registration on the lower cross bar 42. A locking means (not shown) operated by means of a key barrel 50 may be used to retain the cover 32 in this position. The upper face of the cover 32 locates over the brackets 38 on the plate 36 retaining this in position as well as holding the arms 22 against movement as before. Operating the jack 26 beyond the position described above results in lifting the device, and thus the caravan or trailer, in order to level it.

The device of the invention thus provides a simple and economical means of clamping the wheel of a caravan, trailer or other road vehicle together with the facility of lifting the wheel so as to level the vehicle.

Claims

1. A wheel clamping device which comprises a central body having a least 3 wheel gripping members two of which are pivotted with respect to the body, a lockable cover plate capable of locking the pivotted members in gripping engagement with the wheel and a jack assembly attached to the body capable of lifting the body, and therefore the wheel, off the ground.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 in which the third member is fixed in relation to the body.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 in which the third member is fixed in relation to the body by means of a lockable cover plate but is otherwise removable therefrom.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1 to 3 in which the two pivotted members comprise arms mounted on pins on the body.

6. A wheel clamping device substantially is herein before described with reference to as illustrated in figures 1 and 2 or figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.