GB2299609A

GB2299609A - Anti-theft device

Info

Publication number: GB2299609A
Application number: GB9506599A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Donald John Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-03-30
Filing date: 1995-03-30
Publication date: 1996-10-09
Also published as: GB9506599D0

Abstract

An anti-theft device for use in open countryside, where there are no fixed objects to which valuables can be secured. The device relies on the principle that a helix when screwed into the ground cannot be pulled out easily and must be unscrewed. Two helixes are therefore screwed into the ground and locked together using an arm or arms. The resulting fixture is then used to secure a large object such as a bicycle or push chair, by means of a padlock and cable or chain. Alternatively, smaller objects such as jewellry or money can be held in a safe which also acts as the locking mechanism for the helixes. The arms may be locked together by a safe box 104.

Description

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE This invention relates to an anti-theft device.

There is a peculiar problem of security when away from home and outdoors.

Keeping personal belongings such as jewelry, cash or passports secure when camping almost invariably involves carrying the article on the person rather than leaving it at the campsite. Similarly leaving cycles when in the country requires a tree or similar fixed object to which to lock it.

This invention provides a secure fixing point which may be used to secure larger articles, such as cycles or pushchairs, or to attach a safe deposit box for smaller articles. It comprises two helixes made from metal or other strong material which can be inhibited from turning by the use of an arm or arms extending at an angle to the axis. Depending on the final use the arms may be plain or fitted with a loop to which a padlock or similar device may be attached. In operation the two helixes are screwed into the ground (soil or compacted gravel or similar firm substance), at a distance apart which will allow the arms to be close together when fully extended.

They are then locked together using a padlock or similar device rendering them unable to be removed by unscrewing. In this manner, the anti-theft device can provide a secure fixing point in a field, roadside, or mountainside, which does not have any other fixture to which possessions can be secured.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example for use with a safe in a tent while on a campsite. Figure 1 shows the form of the device with 101 as the helix, and 102 as the arm.

Two of these helixes are screwed into the ground (103) at a distance apart as shown in Figures 2 and 3. When the two helixes have been screwed in and the arms aligned as shown, the safe (104) is attached to the arms as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6. In this case the safe has been designed with a hole in each side to allow the arms to pass through, and is hinged in such a fashion to allow the safe to be closed around the arms and then locked. Figure 7 shows the safe opened out, ready to be fitted.

Another specific embodiment of the invention is also described by way of example for use when securing a cycle. Figure 8 shows the form of the device with 101 as the helix, 102 the arm and 105 the loop. The helixes are screwed into the ground in the same manner as described previously. A cable or chain (106) is wrapped around the frame or other part of the cycle (107) and secured to the two loops by means of a padlock (108) as shown in Figure 9. Again, because the loops are held together by the padlock, the helixes cannot be removed from the ground by unscrewing.

Figure 10 shows another arrangement of the design using a single arm (109) to secure the two helixes (101) through a loop (110) in each. The arm is fitted with a loop (111) to which a lock can be fixed thus preventing it from being withdrawn from the helixes.

Claims

1. An anti-theft device comprising two helixes made from metal or other strong material which can be inhibited from turning by the use of an arm or arms extending at an angle to their axis.

2. An anti-theft device as described in Claim 1 where each helix has its own arm.

3. An anti-theft device as described in Claim 1 where a single arm is passed between the two helixes.

4. An anti-theft device as described in Claims 2 or 3 where the section of arm or arms between the helixes is plain so that a safe can be fitted over it / them.

5. An anti-theft device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

5. An anti-theft device as described in Claims 2 or 3 where the end of the arm is fitted with a loop in order to secure objects to it by means of a lock and chain or cable.

4. An anti-theft device as claimed in any preceding Claim where the helixes are prevented from turning by any secure means.