GB2254061A

GB2254061A - Device for immobilising a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2254061A
Application number: GB9205725A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis Garforth; Brian Harkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-03-14
Filing date: 1992-03-16
Publication date: 1992-09-30
Also published as: GB9205725D0

Abstract

A device for immobilising a vehicle (e.g. a wheel clamp) comprising a pair of spaced wheel stops 4, 5 for location forwardly and rearwardly of the wheel in the path of travel thereof. A pair of withdrawal prevention means 14 are provided, each of which is associated with one of the wheel stops 4, 5 and each being moveable between a first position permitting location of the respective stop in the path of wheel travel and a second position preventing withdrawal of the respective stop out of the path of said travel. <IMAGE>

Description

DEVICE FOR IMMOBILISING A VEHICLE The present invention relates to a device for immobilising a vehicle.

It is known to use so-called wheel clamps for preventing movement of a vehicle. Such clamps are widely used for immobilising vehicles which have been illegally parked. The existing devices used for this purpose are effective but are comparatively complicated in that they comprise several components which must be fitted and locked together around the vehicle wheel. The assembly of the device must generally be carried out by skilled personnel. As an alternative to their use in controlling parking, the devices could also be used to prevent theft of a vehicle. However, the complexity of the conventional devices means that they are not suited to use by a private motorist who wishes to immobilise his or her vehicle at reasonably frequent intervals, eg. each time the vehicle is parked.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for immobilising a vehicle comprising a pair of spaced wheel stops for location forwardly and rearwardly of a wheel in the path of travel thereof, a pair of withdrawal prevention means each of which is associated with one of the wheel stops and each being moveable between a first position permitting location of the respective stop in the path of wheel travel and a second position preventing withdrawal of the respective stop out of the path of said travel, and means for securing the withdrawal prevention means in their withdrawal prevention positions.

Preferably a linkage mechanism is provided for effecting simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means.

In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided at least one vertically moveable second withdrawal prevention means vertically moveable between a first upper position permitting insertion between a wheel arch of the vehicle and the wheel, and a second lower position preventing withdrawal Such an embodiment may include a linkage mechanism for effecting simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means and the second withdrawal prevention means. This linkage mechanism may incorporate an actuator bar having an aperture capable of registering with an aperture associated with a fixed frame of the device whereby locking means (eg. a padlock) may be located through the aligned apertures to lock the withdrawal prevention means in position.Preferably the actuator bar has a plurality of spaced apertures whereby the second withdrawal prevention means may be secured in position at any one of a range of positions so that the device may be used in conjunction with vehicles of differing wheel sizes. The actuator bar may be connected to a handle for movement of the actuator bar and operation of the linkage mechanism.

Preferably two of said second withdrawal prevention means are provided and diverge upwardly away from each other.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention there is provided a member to prevent vertical movement of the device when in position about a wheel. This is to make it more difficult to effect removal of the device from the wheel. Preferably this member has a part capable of locating in a recess in the wheel. Preferably also this member has a plurality of vertically spaced apertures whereby the member may be supported at any one of a plurality of vertical positions so that the device may be used in conjunction with vehicles of differing wheel sizes. Preferably this member comprises an angled plate, with a vertical portion mounted on the device and a horizontal portion capable of location in a recess in the wheel.

This embodiment may include a linkage mechanism to effect simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means.

This linkage mechanism may incorporate an actuator bar connected to a handle for movement of the actuator bar and operation of the linkage mechanism.

The invention will be further described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of vehicle immobilising device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates the location of the device of Fig. 1 around wheels of differing sizes; Fig. 3 is a part fragmentary view from one side of an other embodiment of vehicle immobilising device in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 4 is a part fragmentary view from the other side of part of the device of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a view of an operating handle arrangement of the device of Fig. 3; and Fig. 6 is an illustrative view showing the position of a bracket of the device in position in a rim of the wheel.

Referring to Fig. 1, the illustrated immobilisation device 1 comprises a casing 2 housing a linkage mechanism 3, a pair of spaced wheel stops 4, 5 (in the form of chocks), a pair of upper hook-like members 6, 7.

The linkage mechanism 3 is operated by a vertically moveable bar 8 which at its upper end projects out of the casing 2. The lower end of the bar 8 (ie. the end within the casing 2) is guided by an arrangement 9 whereas the upper end is provided with a series of spaced apertures 10. At the top of the casing 2 is a U-shaped bracket 11, the limbs of which are provided with apertures 12.

The hook-like members 6, 7 are mounted on the bar 8 and diverge upwardly away therefrom as shown. Thus upward movement of bar 8 raises the hook-like members 6, 7 and conversely downward movement of bar 8 causes the members 6, 7 to be lowered. The free ends of the hooks 6, 7 are designated 6a, 7a in the drawings, and it should be noted that the size of these end portions, 6a, 7a is such that they may be inserted between the wheel and wheel arch of a vehicle.

The wheel restrainers 6, 7 each comprise a shaft 13, the inner end of which is associated with the linkage mechanism 3 and the outer end of which is associated with a finger 14 projecting at right-angles to the shaft 13. The linkage mechanism is such that lowering of the bar 8 causes rotation of the shafts 13 in opposite senses so that the fingers 14 rotate towards each other (ie. to the position shown in chain-dot line). Conversely, raising the bar 8 causes the fingers 14 to be returned to the position illustrated in solid line in Fig. 1.

In use, the device is positioned alongside a wheel of the vehicle to be immobilised (with the hook-like members 6, 7 pointing towards the vehicle.

The bar 8 is then moved so that the hook-like members 6, 7 are at a height permitting insertion between the wheel arch of a vehicle (not shown) and the tread of the tyre on the vehicle wheel.

The device is now moved towards the wheel so that the stops 4, 5 locate one on each side of the wheel and the hook-like members 4, 5 are between the wheel arch and the tyre.

Bar 8 is now lowered so that hook-like members 6, 7 move downwardly with simultaneous movement of fingers 14 towards each other. As a result, the fingers 14 locate behind the wheel as do the short terminal projections 6a, 7a on the hook-like members.

The bar 8 is positioned so that a convenient aperture 10 (in the bar 8) is in register with the apertures 12 in the U-shaped 11.

The staple of a padlock 15 may now be passed through the aligned apertures 10, 12 so as to lock the bar 8 in position.

It will thus be appreciated that with the two fingers 14 and the two hook portions 6a, 7a all located behind the wheel, it is not possible to pull the immobilisation device outwardly of the vehicle.

Further, forward and rearward movement of the vehicle is prevented by the two shafts 13.

The vehicle is thus immobilised against movement.

To release the vehicle, the padlock 15 is unlocked and removed.

Bar 8 may now be raised so that the fingers 14 return to the position illustrated in Fig. 1 and the hook portions 6a, 7a can be withdrawn through the space between the tyre tread and the wheel arch.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the immobilisation device in use on wheels of different diameters. It will be seen that by locating the bar 8 at the appropriate height, it is possible to position the hook formations 6, 7 at the required level for insertion between the tread of the tyre and the wheel arch of the vehicle.

Referring now to Figs. 3 to 6 of the drawings, the illustrated immobilisation device 31 comprises a casing 32 housing a linkage mechanism 33, a pair of wheel stops 34, 35 (in the form of chocks), a bracket 36 and an operating handle 37.

The linkage mechanism 33 is operated by a vertically moveable actuator bar 38 within the casing 32. The lower end of the bar 38 locates between two bars 39 defining a channel for guiding movement of the bar 38. A lug 40 is attached to the bar 38 and is moveable within an elongate slot 41 provided in the casing 32. Mounted on the lug 40 is a plate 42 on which is provided the operating handle 37, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. A further bracket 43 is provided on the plate 42 and has an aperture 43a which is adapted to align with an aperture (not shown) in a bracket 44 provided on the casing 32.

The wheel stops 34, 35 each comprise a shaft 45, the inner end of which is associated with the linkage mechanism 33 and the outer end of which is associated with a finger 46 projecting at right angles to the shaft 45. The linkage mechanism is such that lowering the handle 37 and thus the bar 38 causes rotation of the shafts 45 in opposite senses so that the fingers 46 rotate towards each other (ie.

to the position shown in chain-dot line). Conversely, raising the handle 37 causes the fingers 46 to be returned to the position illustrated in solid line in Fig. 3.

The bracket 36 is in the form of a right-angled plate, comprising a vertical web 47 and a horizontal web 48. The vertical web 47 is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 49. The bracket is supported on the casing by means of two bolts 50, 51 (provided on the casing) locating through two of the apertures 49.

The height of the bracket 36 may be adjusted by positioning different ones of the apertures 49 over the bolts 50, 51. The bracket is secured to the bolts by means of nuts (not shown). The height of the bracket 36 is adjusted so that the height of the horizontal web 48 is such that it may locate into a recess 52 extending around a wheel 53, as shown in Fig. 6. No further adjustment of the height of the bracket is then required for that particular vehicle.

In use, the device is positioned alongside a wheel of the vehicle to be immobilised (with the wheelstops 34, 35 pointing towards the vehicle).

The device is now moved towards the wheel so that the stops 34, 35 locate one on each side of the wheel and the horizontal web 48 of the bracket 36 locates in the recess 52 of the wheel 53.

Bar 38 is now lowered by means of the operating handle 37 so that the linkage mechanism 33 causes simultaneous movement of fingers 46 towards each other. As a result, the fingers 46 locate behind the wheel.

The brackets 43, 44 are now aligned, and the staple of a padlock 54 may be passed through their respective apertures, so as to lock the bar 38 into position.

It will thus be appreciated that with the two fingers 46 are located behind the wheel, it is not possible to pull the immobilisatiori device outwardly of the vehicle. Further, vertical movement of the device is prevented by bracket 36, and chocks 34, 35. Thus, the device cannot be moved about the wheel, and it is consequently difficult to effect removal of the device. Forward and rearward movement of the wheel is prevented by the chocks 34, 35.

The vehicle is thus immobilised against movement.

To release the vehicle, the padlock 54 is unlocked and removed.

Bar 38 may now be raised by means of the operating handle 37 so that the fingers 46 return to the position illustrated in solid line in Fig.

3 and the wheelstops 34, 35 can be withdrawn.

The device of Figs. 3 to 6 is particularly suited to vehicles that have little or no clearance between the wheel and the wheel arch, for example caravans.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that the illustrated devices may be readily positioned to immobilise the wheel of a vehicle and conversely may be readily removed. It is thus intended that the devices will find particular use with private motorists as a means of immobilising their vehicle against theft. When the device is not in use, it can simply be stored in the vehicle.

Claims

1. A device for immobilising a vehicle comprising a pair of spaced wheel stops for location forwardly and rearwardly of the wheel in the path of travel thereof, a pair of withdrawal prevention means each of which is associated with one of the wheel stops and each being moveable between a first position permitting location of the respective stop in the path of wheel travel and a second position preventing withdrawal of the respective stop out of the path of said travel, and means for securing the withdrawal prevention means in their withdrawal prevention positions.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a linkage mechanism is provided for effecting simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided at least one vertically moveable second withdrawal prevention means moveable between a first upper position permitting insertion between a wheel arch of the vehicle and the wheel, and a second lower position preventing withdrawal.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein a linkage mechanism is provided for effecting simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means and the second withdrawal prevention means.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the linkage mechanism incorporates an actuator bar having an aperture capable of registering with an aperture associated with a fixed frame of the device whereby locking means may be located through the aligned apertures to lock the withdrawal prevention means in position.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the actuator bar has a plurality of spaced apertures whereby the second withdrawal prevention means may be secured in position at any one of a range of positions so that the device may be used in conjunction with vehicles of differing wheel sizes.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the actuator bar is connected to a handle for movement of the actuator bar and operation of the linkage mechanism.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein two of said second withdrawal prevention means are provided and diverge upwardly away from each other.

9. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein there is provided a member to prevent vertical movement of the device when in position about a wheel.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the member has a part capable of locating in a recess in the wheel.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the member has a plurality of vertically spaced apertures whereby the member may be supported at any one of a plurality of vertical positions so that the device may be used in conjunction with vehicles of differing wheel sizes.

12. A device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the member comprises an angled plate, with a vertical portion mounted on the device and a horizontal portion capable of location in a recess in the wheel.

13. A device as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein a linkage mechanism is provided for effecting simultaneous movement of the pair of withdrawal prevention means.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the linkage mechanism incorporates an actuator bar connected to a handle for movement of the actuator bar and operation of the linkage mechanism.

15. A device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to figures 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.