SILVESTER DAVID GRAHAM (GB)
DE2510482A1 | 1976-09-23 | |||
US4380160A | 1983-04-19 | |||
US4658609A | 1987-04-21 | |||
GB2194496A | 1988-03-09 | |||
US4376544A | 1983-03-15 | |||
US1333878A | 1920-03-16 | |||
US4215874A | 1980-08-05 |
1. | A disabling device for disabling apparatus, the device comprising a pin, a boss fixed to one end of the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin. |
2. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the removable boss has a blind bore in which the pin is receivable for fitment of the boss. |
3. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the removable boss and the pin have apertures in which the lock is lockingly engageable, the lock being removable from the removable boss and the pin and preventing removal of the removable boss from the pin when engaged in the apertures. |
4. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the lock has a body having an antirotation crosssection and a keymovable lug; the apertures in the pin and the removable boss are complementary to the crosssection of the lock's body, whereby the lock's body cannot be turned when inserted in the apertures; and the pin has a void into which the lug of the lock can be moved on locking of the lock to prevent removal thereof. |
5. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the lock body's crosssection comprises a circular portion and a radial flange portion, the body accommodating a lock barrel at the circular portion and the lug being aligned with the radial flange portion when the lock is free, the apertures in the pin and the removable boss being of complementary shape. |
6. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the aperture in the pin is formed by drilling the pin to receive the body of the lock, milling from the end of the pin a slot to the drilling to receive the radial flange of the lock and plating the end of the pin with a parted off piece of the same diameter. |
7. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the void in the pin is a bore of a size such as to allow the lug to swing into it and is so positioned to stop the lug at the position of the barrel of the lock at which the key is freed for withdrawal. |
8. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the void in the pin is a longitudinal slot in its pin, in which the lug of its lock can be engaged. |
9. | A disabling device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the slot extends along the full length of the pin to the fixed boss. |
10. | A disabling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two bosses and the pin are of steel or of aluminium. |
11. | A disabling device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a vehicle having a pair of apertures in respective relatively movable parts of the vehicle, the apertures being alignable for reception of the pin of the disabling device, whereby the vehicle is disabled. |
12. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 11, wherein the relatively movable parts are in the drive train and/or steering gear of the vehicle. |
13. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 12, wherein one of the relatively movable parts is fixed to an axle and the other is fixed to a steerable hub for fitting of the disabling device to the apertures in the parts for disabling steering of the vehicle. |
14. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vehicle is central steering vehicle and one of the relatively movable parts is fixed to one of two relatively steerable body parts and the other relatively movable part is secured to the other steerable body part for fitting of the disabling device to the apertures in the. parts for disabling steering of the vehicle. |
15. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 14, wherein the other relatively movable part is pivotally connected to its body part for swinging into alignment of its aperture with the aperture in the relatively movable part fixed to the one steerable body part for fitting of the disabling device to the apertures. |
16. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 12, wherein one of the apertured parts is a component of a drive train of the vehicle and the other of the apertured parts is a part of the chassis of the vehicle or an added lug. |
17. | A disabling device and vehicle combination as claimed in claim 16, wherein the vehicle is a tracked vehicle and one of the relatively movable parts is fixed to a chassis of the vehicle and the other relatively movable part is one of the tracks of the vehicle, the track being provided with an aperture for alignment with the aperture in the part fixed to the chassis for disabling driving of the vehicle. |
18. | A disabling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, in combination with a vehicle body having telescopic legs, one of the legs having alignable apertures in respective telescopic parts for fitting of the device thereto for disabling telescopic movement of the leg. |
19. | A disabling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, in conbination with a tracked excavator having an apertured chassis part and an apertured body part, apertures in the parts being alignable for fitting of the disabling device for disabling slewing of the body on the chassis. |
20. | A track for the vehicle of the combination of claim 17, the track being a steel track and having an aperture in one of its sections for the disabling device of the combination. |
21. | A track as claimed in claim 20, wherein the apertured section of the track is reinforced with an added plate and/or is of heavier section than the other sections of the track. |
22. | A track for the vehicle of the combination of claim 17, the track being an elastomeric material track and having an aperture for disabling device of the combination. |
23. | A track as claimed in claim 22, wherein the track is reinforced around the aperture. |
24. | A track as claimed in claim 23, wherein the aperture passes through reinforcing wires of the track and the aperture is reinforced by a wire ring set in a groove in the inner face of the track around the aperture, the groove being filled with vulcanised elastomeric material. |
25. | A track as claimed in claim 23, wherein the aperture is at a local diversion of reinforcing wires of the track to both sides of the aperture, the diverted wires reinforcing the aperture. |
26. | A track as claimed in claim 23 or claim 25, wherein a cleat reinforcement plate has an aperture for the pin of the disabling device, the plate providing reinforcement of the aperture. |
27. | A vehicle of the combination of any one of claims 11 to 19, the vehicle having the pair of apertures in respective relatively movable parts of the vehicle for reception of the pin of the disabling device for disabling the vehicle. |
28. | A method of disabling a trailer having a towing eye consisting: inserting into the eye a disabling device comprising a pin, a boss fixed to one end of the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin and locking the device, thereby disabling the trailer from being towed via its eye. |
29. | A method of disabling a vehicle consisting in the steps of: providing a pair of complementary apertures in a pair relatively movable parts of the vehicle, at least one of the parts being in the drive train and/or the steering gear of the vehicle, aligning the apertures, inserting into the apertures a disabling device comprising a pin, a boss fixed to one end of )the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin and locking the device, thereby disabling the drive train and/or the steering gear. |
30. | A method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the apertured parts are associated with a final drive component or a steering member of the vehicle and the disabling device is of sufficient strength to resist the full torque of the drive train or the steering gear. |
31. | A method as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, wherein a ledge is provided on the vehicle beneath one of the apertured movable parts for receiving the removable boss of the device in alignment with the apertures. |
The present invention relates to a disabling device for apparatus, in particular but not exclusively vehicles and trailers.
Many trailers of varying form, for instance an air compressor, have a draw bar with a simple eye for attachment to a tractor vehicle. This makes them particularly susceptible to being stolen, since it very easy to couple the trailer to a tractor and tow the trailer away.
The original object of the present invention was to provide a device for disabling the towing eye of a draw bar.
In a first aspect of the invention, the disabling device of the invention comprises a boss fixed to one end of the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin.
Whilst the boss and the pin can be fabricated from two different sizes of stock material, for instance by welding of the pin into a through bore in the fixed boss, they are preferably machined integrally from a single piece of metal.
Although the other boss may have a through bore for the shaft, it preferably has a blind bore for receiving the shaft. This prevents access to the end of the shaft which might otherwise be driven from the other boss. Whilst the lock may be permanently provided in the other boss, it is conveniently in a form which can be locked into a bore extending from the other boss into the shaft (transversely to the shaft's length).
Preferably the removable boss and the pin have
apertures in which the lock is lockingly engageable, the lock being removable from the removable boss and the pin and preventing removal of the removable boss from the pin when. engaged in the apertures. .
In the preferred embodiments, the lock has a body having an anti-rotation cross-section and a key-movable lug; the apertures in the pin and the removable boss are complementary to the cross-section of the lock's body, whereby the lock's body cannot be turned when inserted in the apertures; and the pin has a void into which the lug of the lock can be moved on locking of the lock to. prevent removal thereof.
Conveniently, the lock body's cross-section comprises a circular portion and a radial flange portion, the body accommodating a lock barrel at the circular portion and the lug being aligned with the radial flange portion when the lock is free, the apertures in the pin and the removable boss being of complementary shape. Such a lock is known as a barrel lock.
The pin can be machined from solid to receive the lock. Alternatively, the aperture in the pin can be formed by drilling the pin to receive the body of the lock, milling from the end of the pin a slot to the drilling to receive the radial flange of the lock and plating the end of the pin with a parted of piece of the same diameter.
In one embodiment, the void in the pin is a bore of a size such as to allow the lug to swing into it and is so positioned to stop the lug at the position of the barrel of the lock at which the key is freed for withdrawal. In another embodiment, the void in the pin is a longitudinal slot in its pin, in which the lug of its lock can be
engaged. For use of this embodiment in disabling a control pedal, the slot extends along the full length of the pin to. the fixed boss.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the combination of a disabling device of the first aspect with a vehicle having a pair of apertures in respective relatively movable parts of the vehicle, the apertures being alignable for reception of the pin of the disabling device, whereby the vehicle is disabled.
The relatively movable parts will usually be in the drive train and/or steering gear of the vehicle. Preferably the apertured parts are associated with a final drive component or a steering member of the vehicle, as.opposed to a component or member closely associated with the engine or steering controls. Accordingly the device of the invention will be, for these applications, of sufficient strength to resist the full torque of the drive train or the steering gear.
At least one of the apertured parts may be a component of the drive train, such as, for a tracked vehicle, a drive sprocket of the track or a link or section of the track. In these cases, the other of the apertured parts may be an existing part of the chassis of the vehicle or an added lug. For wheeled vehicles, it is normally more convenient to disable the steering gear and the apertured parts will generally be added lugs arranged in the vicinity of a kingpin of the steering gear. In practice, one lug will normally be welded to an axle casing and the other lug will be welded to a steered hub carrier. Alternatively in the case of a central pivot steering vehicle, the lugs can be added to the respective parts of the two bodies.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a track for a tracked vehicle to be disabled by a disabling device of the invention, the track being a steel track and having an aperture in one of its sections for the disabling device.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a track for a tracked vehicle to be disabled by a disabling device of the invention, the track being an elastomeric material track and having an aperture for the disabling device.
Where the track is of rubber or of other elastomer construction, the track can be apertured between a pair of cleats. Preferably the track is reinforced around the aperture. Where the track is an existing track having the aperture made after manufacture, the aperture can be reinforced by cutting a circular groove in the track, preferably from its inside face, fitting a reinforcing ring in the groove, adding rubber material to the groove and vulcanising the rubber material. Where the track is a new track being manufactured, its reinforcing wires, which extend around the track can be locally diverted from their run straight round the track to leave an area having no reinforcement wires crossing it and through which the aperture can be made. Additionallly or alternatively, a cleat reinforcement plate has an aperture for the pin of the disabling device.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle having the pair of apertures in respective relatively movable parts of the vehicle for reception of the pin of the disabling device for disabling the vehicle.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of disabling a trailer having a towing eye consisting: inserting into the eye a disabling device comprising a pin, a boss fixed to one end of the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin and locking the device, thereby disabling the trailer from being towed via its eye.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of disabling a vehicle consisting in the steps of: providing a pair of complementary apertures in a pair relatively movable parts of the vehicle, at least one of the parts being in the drive train and/or the steering gear of the vehicle, aligning the apertures, inserting into the apertures a disabling device comprising a pin, a boss fixed to one end of the pin, a second boss removably fitted to the other end of pin, and a lock for locking the removable boss to the pin and locking the device, thereby disabling the drive train and/or the steering gear.
Conveniently a ledge is provided on the vehicle beneath one of the apertured movable parts for receiving the removable boss of the device in alignment with the apertures.
To help understanding of the invention, various specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a disabling device of the
invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional plan view of the device on the line II-II in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a track of a vehicle disabled with the device-of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of the track of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on the line V-V of the track of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic plan view of the outboard portion of a steered axle to be disabled, with a disabling device of the invention;
Figure 7 is a view similar to . Figure 6 of the axle locked in its full lock position? Figure 8 is a part sectional rear view of the axle as shown in Figure 7 with a disabling device fitted;
Figure 9 is a diagrammatic side view of a central steer vehicle to be disabled;
Figure 10 is a plan view of the vehicle of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a plan view of a central steering pivot of another vehicle;
Figure 12 is a side view of the pivot as shown in Figure 11;
Figures 13 and 14 are corresponding views showing the pivot locked with a disabling device of the invention;
Figures 15 and 16 are end and side views of a demountable body leg locked with a disabling device of the invention, the leg being partially sectioned in Figure 15 on the line XV-XV in Figure 16; Figures 17 and 18 are scrap front and side views of a dipper arm and bucket locked to the arm with a disabling device of the invention;
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional end view of a modified disabling device of the invention; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional end view of another.
modified disabling device of the invention;
Figure 21 is a side view of the other modified disabling device of the invention, in use to disable a clutch pedal of a vehicle Figure 22 is a scrap cross-sectional side view of a rubber material track at an aperture for a disabling device;
Figure 23 is an inside view of the track at the aperture shown in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a view similar to Figure 22 of another track;
Figure 25 is a view similar to Figure 23 of the other track; and
Figure 26 is a diagragramatic plan view of a tracked excavator of the invention.
The disabling device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings has a pair of bosses 2,3, which are interconnected in use by a pin 4. The bosses and the pin are of round stock steel, with the pin 4 being welded into a central recess 5 in a fixed one 2 of the bosses 2,3. The other, removable boss 3 has a blind central bore 6 for slidingly receiving the pin. The removable boss 3 has milled in it a key hole shaped aperture or slot 7 opening in its circumferential side 8 and extending radially to the bore 6. The pin 4 also has an identically shaped aperture or slot 9 extending through it in a position such that when the pin is received in the bore 6, the slots 7,9 can be aligned to receive a key operated lock 10. The lock has a cross-section similar to - but slightly smaller than - the slots 7,9, that is with a circular body portion 11 containing the lock's barrel and a radial flange portion 12. This anti-rotation cross-sectional shape of the lock prevents it from rotating bodily in the slots 7,9 on operation by its key (not shown), whilst allowing it to move in and out of the slots. A lug 13 is aligned with the
flange portion when the lock is in its free condition and extends from the barrel portion 11 obliquely to the radial, portion 11, when the lock is in its locked condition as shown in Figure 1. The lock is of a conventional type known as a "Eurocylinder" and available from Grundmann UK, Tel No:0634/290585.
For locking of the device, the lock is inserted in the slots 7,9 so far as to extend through the pin, but no further since it abuts the opposite side of the boss 3 from the slot 7. To allow the lug to be turned to its locked position, the pin has a flat 14, providing a void within the removable boss as fitted to the pin, at the opening of the slot 9, in fact on both sides of the pin 4. When the lock is in position, the bosses cannot be separated, but when the lock is released and removed, the bosses can be separated.
Figures 1 and 2 show in ghost a draw bar 20 with an eye 21 through which the pin extends. It will be seen that the bosses obscure the eye to such extent that it cannot be used for towing of its trailer when the disabling device is fitted.
In a variant, shown in certain of the following Figures, the slot 9 in the pin can be formed inverted from that shown in Figure 1, by drilling the pin to receive the body of the lock, milling from the end of the pin a slot to the drilling and plating the end of the pin with a parted of piece of the same diameter.
In another variant, the fixed boss 2 and the pin 4 of the disabling device are machined from a single piece of aluminium or steel.
Turning now to Figures 3, 4 and 5, a vehicle to be
disabled 100 partially shown in ghost, has a steel track 101 running around drive sprockets 102 and jockey wheels 103. At the right hand side of the track, the jockey wheels are omitted from the Figure to show an apertured flange 104. The flange is set close below the upper run of the track and is welded via a plate 105 to the chassis 106 of the vehicle. To avoid fouling of the track sections on the flange, it is provided with angled lead tongues 107. Centrally the flange has an aperture 108, for receiving the pin 4 of the disabling device 1, shown in Figures 4 & 6 in the process of being fitted.
One of the sections of the track has an aperture 109, which - in a suitable position of the track - aligns with the aperture 108. For reinforcement of the track at its aperture, it is provided with a welded-on reinforcing plate 110. Alternatively, the track section having the aperture 108 can be replaced by a heavier gauge section.
To disable the vehicle against being stolen, i.e. by preventing its track from being moved, the latter is moved until the apertures 108,109 align. The pin of the disabling device is fed through the apertures and the removable boss 3 is offered up to the lower end of the pin and locked onto it. For this application, since the pin is not able to be completely enclosed, the disabling device is preferably of aluminium, which cannot easily be gas flame cut. The track aperture and flange are preferably fitted on the inside of the track for maximum security, that is maximum awkwardness in unauthorised removal of the disabling device. However the track aperture and apertured flange can be fitted to either side of either track of the vehicle.
Turning now to Figures 6, 7 and 8, a vehicle's axle 201 has at each end a king-pin 202, about which a steerable hub
carrier 203 is mounted. Also shown in the Figures are radius arms 204 and a steering rod 205 for controlling the angle of steer. On the opposite side of the axle from these elements, a lug 206 is welded to the axle and a second lug 207 is welded to the hub carrier immediately above the first lug, so as to overlie it when the axle is steered to full lock as shown in Figure 7. The lugs 206,207 have respective apertures 208,209, which are coincident when the axle is on full lock.
To disable the vehicle, the steering is set to full lock, and the disabling device is fitted and locked as to the tracked vehicle. With the device fitted, as shown in Figure 8, the vehicle can be driven only in a circle.
In a non-illustrated variant, the axle may having the disabling lugs fitted at both ends of it.
Figures 9 and 10 show a centre pivot steer vehicle 300, having a king pin axis 301 between its two body parts
302,303 which are articulated for steering by hydraulic rams 304,305. Each body part is fitted with apertured lugs, 306 on body part 302 and 307,310 on body part 303. The apertures are respectively referenced 308; 309, 311.
The apertures come into register when the vehicle is on full lock and a disabling device can be fitted to the lugs in the manner described in respect of Figure 8. Thus the vehicle is disabled. This arrangement is stronger than that of Figures 6,7 & 8, in that the pin is in double shear if the steering is operated to attempt to break it.
Referring now to Figures 13 to 16, a centre steer vehicle whose central part is there shown has front and rear body parts 402,403 pivotally connected about a king pin axis
401. The front body part 402 has two pairs of lugs 420,421; 422,423. The lugs in the pairs being arranged above each other with aligned apertures, which are not referenced. The lugs 422,423 carry a permanent pin 424, which passes through a locking link 425 accommodated at one end between the lugs 422,423.
In the non-disabled, unlocked condition of the vehicle, the other end 426 of the link 425 is accommodated between the other lugs 420,421. It is held there by a disabling device 427 of the invention, such as shown in Figure 1. The device is locked in normal use of the vehicle to avoid it becoming lost.
The rear part of the vehicle 403 has a further pair of apertured lugs 428,429. These lugs are positioned with respect to the lugs 422,423 so that when the vehicle is on full lock, the link 425 can be swung to align its end 426 with them. The disabling device 427 which has been removed from the lugs 420,421 can now be fitted to the apertures of the lugs 428,429 and pass through the aperture in the link. The link now locks the vehicle on full lock.
This arrangement is particularly suitable for vehicles having an additional, free pivot between the body parts which is arranged longitudinally in the vehicle to allow the body parts to roll freely with respect to each other. The link allows for vertical misalignment of the lugs, which may result from body roll. Such roll would cause the lugs to foul if interdigitation of them were to be relied upon for locking them together.
Whilst in the above embodiments, the pin of the disabling device is first fitted to the apertures and the other boss is then offered up to the pin, a ledge may be
provided beneath the apertured flange or one of the lugs for receiving the other boss in alignment with the apertures.
Turning now to Figures 15 and 16, there is shown a leg 501 for a demountable body - of the type intended to be transported by a lorry and left at the delivery site supported on legs after the lorry has been driven from beneath the body. The leg 501 has an upper portion 502 rigidly fixed to a frame member 503 of the body. The leg has a lower telescopic portion 504 and jacking mechanism 505 for lifting the lower portion inside the upper portion of the leg for transport of the body. The body cannot be moved without its legs being so lifted.
To secure the body from unauthorised movement, the leg portions have cross-bores 506,507, which enable a disabling device 508 of the invention to be fitted to them to prevent their telescopic lifting.
In a non-illustrated variant, the demountable body legs are pivotally connected to the frame of the body at plates fixed to the frame. Complementary plates fixed to the legs slide across the frame plates when the legs are swung about their pivot axes. The frame and leg plates are provided with apertures which are aligned when the legs are lowered and through which disabling devices of the invention can be passed. With a disabling device locked on, the corresponding leg cannot be lifted and the body cannot be moved.
Turning now to Figures 17 and 18, there is shown a dipper arm 601 of an excavator having a bucket 602 attached. In place of one of the usual pins attaching the bucket, a disabling device 603 of the invention is used at one position. A usual pin 604 is used in the other position.
In this embodiment, the pin of the disabling device is of hardened steel for wear resistance. Use of the disabling device prevents unauthorised removal of the bucket. It should be noted that the disabling device can be used in an analogous way to secure other equipment such as a high value concrete breaker fitted in place of the bucket.
Figure 19 shows a pin 704 of a disabling device with a boss 703 locked to it by a lock 710. The lug 713 of the lock, which prevents withdrawal of the lock, is accommodated in a bore 715 in the pin 704 when the lock is locked. The bore is of a size such as to allow the lug to swing into it and is so positioned to stop the lug at or slightly beyond the position of the barrel of the lock at which the key is freed for withdrawal. The lock can be withdrawn from the boss 703 when the lug is aligned with the radial flange portion of the lock, in which position the key is held in the lock.
The disabling device shown in Figures 20 and 21 has a large central longitudinal slot 800 in its pin 804, in which the lug 813 of its lock can be engaged. The slot extends along the full length of the pin to the fixed boss. This enables the pin to be fitted to a pedal such as a clutch pedal with the pedal 820 accommodated in the slot. The clutch is prevented from being operated by interference of the pedal with the boss 802 of the disabling device, the boss resting against the floor 825 of the vehicle. The vehicle is thereby disabled.
Turning now to Figures 22 and 23, a tracked vehicle's rubber track 151 is there shown having an aperture 159 for a disabling device cut through it after manufacture between a pair of its cleats 171,172. The aperture is cut through internal reinforcing wires 173, which run around the track.
In the inner face of the track, that is the face opposite the tracks, a groove 174 is cut. Into this is inserted a . steel wire reinforcing ring 175. The groove is filled with rubber material 176, which is then vulcanised.
Figure 24 and 25 show another rubber track 181 having an aperture 189 for a disabling device in a cleat 191. During manufacture, the run of the reinforcing wires 193 is locally diverted around the aperture 189, so that when the aperture is later cut, none of the wires are cut and the aperture is automatically reinforced. The diversion ύf the wires is coincident with an aperture 195 in. a cleat reinforcing plate 196. The plate 196 for its cleat 191 is larger than conventional plates 198 for reinforcing adjacent cleats 199.
Figure 26 shows the chassis 901 of a tracked excavator having a body 902 which is centrally pivoted on the chassis. The chassis and the body have respective apertured parts 903,904, to which a disabling device can be fitted for disabling of the excavator by preventing the body from being slewed on the chassis.
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