GB2567156A

GB2567156A - Anti-theft device for van side-doors

Info

Publication number: GB2567156A
Application number: GB1716093.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barber Wendy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-10-03
Filing date: 2017-10-03
Publication date: 2019-04-10
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-03
Also published as: GB201716093D0; GB2567156B

Abstract

A shaped plate 1 comprising attachment means for attaching to the inside of a van side-door for preventing the top section of the door being prised outwards. This method of attaining access to the van is what is commonly known as Peel and steal. The plates are attached to the inside of the door by way of captive threaded inserts 5 affixed to the door. The plates bridge the overlap of the door and frame and act as a brace. Adjusters 6 are attached to the top of the plates and may be adjusted according to vehicle type, these adjusters may be threaded. The plate may be z-shaped.

Description

Anti-theft device for van side-doors.

In recent months, theft from vans has increased significantly because of a weakness of design of side-doors. Break-ins are occurring using the so-called ‘Peel and Steal’ method, in which Burglars are inserting their fingertips into the small gap at the top of the sliding-door, bracing their knees to the centre of the door, and pulling/bending the door panel downwards. The method is extremely quick, quiet and generally requires no tools. Because of this, tradesmens’ vans in particular are being targeted.

The invention consists of an angled metal plate fitted to the inside which effectively bridges the overlap between the top of the door and the frame. The plate may be used singularly, in pairs or multiples. The bottom of the plate is semi-permanently affixed to the inside of the top of the door using a quick-release bolt-system and captive threaded inserts. The top of the plate protrudes upwards to overlap onto the body of the van, with two adjustable threaded bars acting in a similar method to clamps to take up any slack which may occur between different brands/models of van, therefore adding to the versatility. Alternatively, these adjustable threaded bars may be replaced with quick-release bolts, to further enhance security. Once in place, the plates brace against any attempts at pulling the top of the door down from the outside. It is important to understand also that the plate, whilst not a locking mechanism will not only help protect against the ‘Peel and Steal’ method of entry, but will also act as an additional failsafe against the side-door being forced open, should the original door lock be compromised.

The invention will now be described and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows the plate along with the accompanying quick-release bolt work and threaded-adjusters.

Figure 2 shows the plate utilising only quick-release bolts, for added security.

Figure 1 shows the angled ‘z-shaped’ plate (1) which features a number of fixing or adjusting slots (2) and holes (3) which function either as mounting points or for adjustment. The angle of the plate along with the threaded adjusters (6) allows for greater variances of offset of door and frame rebate, across various van brands and models. Typically there would be a minimum of four holes/slots per plate, one per comer. The lower two (2), which are the usual fixing points are vertically slotted for extra vertical adjustment in order to fit a wider range of vehicles. A short threaded stud (or quick-release bolt) (4), which utilises a knob or similar for tightening the studs, passes through each slot (2). The threaded end opposite the knob, is screwed into a captive threaded fastener (5) which would be fitted to the inside top edge of the van door.

The upper two holes (3) are threaded through which pass longer, threaded bars (6) which feature knobs for tightening on one end, and a protective foot on the other. This allows the top of the plate to be tensioned up and adjusted accordingly against the framework above the van door. The adjusters may be turned in or out in a similar fashion to that of a clamp, in order that the plates will fit a more diverse range of vans. Once the two lower quick-release bolts (4) are tightened into the captive threaded fasteners (5) and the two adjusters (6) at the top are suitably tensioned, with the plates fitted in the top corners, it is virtually impossible to pry^r the top of the van door open. All that is required to remove the plate from the inside of the door, is for the bottom two quick-release bolts (4) to be removed.

Figure 2 shows an alternative with four quick release bolts used. This may be beneficial in certain situations to enhance the arrangement by replacing the two adjusters (6) with two additional quick release bolts (4), which may be driven through the top of the plate into additional captive threaded fasteners (5) fitted to the door frame. Scenarios where this would be preferable, would be if the van was to be left unattended for extended periods.

Claims

1. A robust plate shaped and designed to bridge the overlap on a van door between door and frame on the inside of the van, affixed in such a manner as to brace against forced entry.

2. A robust plate according to claim 1, which may be affixed to the inside of a van door by the use of a number of threaded fasteners.

3. A robust plate according to claim 1, which may feature a number of threaded adjusters acting in a manner similar to clamps, in order to tension the plate against the door frame, allowing for variances in frame design and size between different brands and models of van.

4. A robust plate according to claim 1, which may use threaded fasteners throughout as an alternative to any threaded adjusters, in order to act as a higher-security option when the van may be left for extended periods.