| |
| United States Patent
|
6,141,997 |
| Blehi, III |
November 7, 2000 |
Semitrailer antitheft system
Abstract
A semitrailer antitheft system is described for use with a
semitrailer landing gear of the type having a housing-enclosed gear
train coupled to a telescoping lower strut. The antitheft system
includes a non-rotatable shaft-mounted gear segment for engaging the
gear on the stationary shaft of the existing gear train, thereby
preventing unauthorized raising or lowering of the telescoping lower
strut. A lock is provided on one end of the non-rotatable shaft to
prevent unauthorized disengagement of the gear segment from the gear
train. The antitheft system may be incorporated into an existing
housing, if room permits, or the housing may be modified so as to
provide for incorporation. Alternatively, the antitheft system may
be provided as an add-on kit to be attached to the existing housing.
| Inventors: |
Blehi, III; Andrew
(Salome, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/168,212 |
| Filed: |
October 7, 1998 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
70/56 ;
280/763.1; 70/190; 70/237; 70/258 |
| Current
International Class: |
B60R
25/00 (20060101); E05B 67/36 (20060101); E05B
67/00 (20060101); E05B 067/38 (); B60R 009/02 () |
| Field of
Search: |
70/184,185,186,56,34,237,258,190 280/763.1,6.153,475
248/354.1,352 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
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18814 |
|
Mar., 1930 |
|
AU |
|
46 3048 |
|
Apr., 1951 |
|
IT |
|
Primary Examiner: Boucher; Darnell
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A semitrailer antitheft system for use with a trailer landing
gear, comprising, in combination:
(a) an upper strut member;
(b) a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for slidable
attachment to said upper strut member;
(c) a housing attached adjacent to said upper strut member, said
housing having a front surface and a rear surface;
(d) a raising means, substantially enclosed within, and rotatable
attached to, said housing and fixed in a translationally static
relationship with said housing, for raising and lowering said
moveable lower strut; and
(e) an engagement means for engaging, substantially within said
housing, said raising means;
(f) wherein said engagement means comprises a movement prevention
means for substantially preventing rotational movement of said
raising means:
(g) wherein said engagement means is structured and arranged for
essentially preventing said lower moveable strut from movement with
respect to said upper strut member when said raising means is
engaged by said engagement means; and
(h) wherein said engagement means comprises:
(i) a first bar member having a first end and a second end, said
first bar member being structured and arranged for translational
movement substantially within said housing;
(ii) a jamming means, attached to said first bar member, for
essentially preventing movement of said raising means;
(iii) a blocking means, attached to said housing, for essentially
blocking rotational movement of said first bar member; and
(iv) a locking means, attached to said first bar member, for
essentially preventing said translational movement of said first bar
member when said locking means' is attached to said first bar
member.
2. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
raising means comprises an second bar member having a driven gear
attached thereon, said driven gear having at least two drive gear
teeth thereon defining a gap therebetween.
3. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 2 wherein said
jamming means comprises a gear having at least one jamming gear
tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth being structured and arranged
to engage said gap, whereby said drive means is essentially
prevented from rotational movement.
4. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocking means comprises a front guide having a cylindrical front
inner surface and having a beveled portion, said front guide
defining a front hole in said front surface of said housing, said
front hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of said first end of said first bar member outside of said
housing.
5. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 4 wherein said
first end of said first bar member comprises a first beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said front guide.
6. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocking means comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining
a rear hole in said rear surface of said housing, said rear hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
said second end of said first bar member outside of said housing.
7. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 6 wherein said
second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said rear guide.
8. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
blocking means comprises:
(a) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front surface of said housing, said front hole being structured
and arranged to allow for translational movement of said first end
of said first bar member outside of said housing; and
(b) a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and having
a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in said rear
surface of said housing, said rear hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of said second end of
said first bar member outside of said housing.
9. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 8 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member comprises a beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member comprises a second
beveled bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with said
beveled portion of said rear guide.
10. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 9 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said front inner surface of
said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said rear inner surface of
said rear guide.
11. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
locking means comprises a lock having a width and an outer
circumference, said lock being structured and arranged for
attachment to said first bar end adjacent to said front surface of
said housing.
12. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 11 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front surface of said
housing adjacent said outer circumference of said lock, said lock
guard substantially spanning the width of said lock and separated
from said outer circumference of said lock by a distance sufficient
to permit clearance of a finger of a user.
13. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 11 wherein
said lock comprises a shackleless keyed lock having a rear surface
and a front surface, said rear surface having a cavity sized for
receipt of said first bar end.
14. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 13 wherein
said lock further comprises a tapered lock housing having a rear
housing diameter and a front housing diameter, said rear housing
diameter being greater than said front housing diameter.
15. A semitrailer antitheft system for use with a trailer landing
gear, comprising, in combination:
(a) an upper strut member;
(b) a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for slidable
attachment to said upper strut member;
(c) a housing attached to said upper strut member, said housing
having a front surface and a rear surface;
(d) a first bar member having a first end and a second end, said
first bar member structured and arranged for translational movement
substantially within said housing;
(e) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front surface of said housing, said front hole being structured
and arranged to allow for translational movement of said first end
of said first bar member outside of said housing;
(f) a second bar member rotatably attached to said housing and
having a driven gear attached thereon, said driven gear having at
least two driven gear teeth thereon defining a gap therebetween;
(g) mounted on said first bar member, a jamming gear having at least
one jamming gear tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth structured
and arranged to engage said gap whereby said driven gear is
essentially prevented from rotational movement; and
(h) a lock having a width and an outer circumference, said lock
being structured and arranged for attachment to said first end of
said first bar member adjacent to said front surface of said
housing;
(i) wherein said first end of said first bar member comprises a
beveled first end portion structured and arranged for slidable
engagement with said beveled portion of said front guide;
(j) wherein said first bar member is essentially prevented from
translational movement with respect to said housing when said lock
is attached to said first end of said first bar member.
16. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 15 further
comprising a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in
said rear surface of said housing, said rear hole being structured
and arranged to allow for translational movement of said second end
of said first bar member outside of said housing.
17. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 16 wherein
said second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
said beveled portion of said rear guide.
18. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 15 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front surface of said
housing adjacent said outer circumference of said lock, said lock
guard substantially spanning the width of said lock and separated
from said outer circumference of said lock by a distance sufficient
to permit clearance of a finger of a user.
19. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 1 wherein said
housing further comprises a side surface having a side surface
opening.
20. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 19 wherein
said engagement means comprises:
(a) a first bar member having a first end and a second end;
(b) a jamming means, attached to said first bar member, for
essentially preventing movement of said raising means;
(c) a blocking means, slidably attached to said first bar member,
for essentially blocking rotational movement of said first bar
member; and
(d) a locking means for essentially preventing translational
movement of said first bar member.
21. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 20 further
comprising a cover means, structured and arranged for attachment to
said side surface of said housing, for substantially enclosing said
engagement means.
22. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 21 wherein
said cover means comprises a protective cover for protecting said
engagement means from tampering, said protective cover comprising:
(a) a front cover plate;
(b) a rear cover plate, said rear cover plate separated from said
first cover plate by a distance;
(c) attached to said front cover plate and said rear cover plate, a
top portion structured and arranged to span said distance; and
(d) a substantially open bottom portion structured and arranged to
lie atop said side surface opening.
23. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 19 wherein
said raising means comprises a second bar member having a driven
gear attached thereon, said driven gear having at least two driven
gear teeth thereon defining a gap therebetween.
24. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 23 wherein
said jamming means comprises a jamming gear having at least one
jamming gear tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth structured and
arranged to engage said gap whereby said driven gear is essentially
prevented from rotational movement.
25. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 24 wherein
said side surface opening of said housing is sized and arranged to
allow penetration of said jamming gear tooth into said housing.
26. A semitrailer anti-theft system according to claim 22 wherein
said blocking means comprises a front guide having a cylindrical
front inner surface and having a beveled portion, said front guide
defining a front hole in said front cover plate of said protective
cover, said front hole being structured and arranged to allow for
translational movement of said first end of said first bar member
outside of said protective cover.
27. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 26 wherein
said first end of said first bar member comprises a first beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
said beveled portion of said front guide.
28. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 22 wherein
said blocking means comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining
a rear hole in said rear cover plate of said protective cover, said
rear hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of said second end of said first bar member outside of said
protective cover.
29. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 28 wherein
said second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said rear guide.
30. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 22 wherein
said blocking means comprises:
(a) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front cover plate of said protective cover, said front hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
said first end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover; and
(b) a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and having
a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in said rear
cover plate of said protective cover, said rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of said
second end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover.
31. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 30 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member comprises a beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member comprises a second
beveled bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with said
beveled portion of said rear guide.
32. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 31 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said front inner surface of
said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said rear inner surface of
said rear guide.
33. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 22 wherein
said locking means comprises a lock having a width and an outer
circumference, said lock being structured and arranged for
attachment to said first bar end adjacent to said front cover plate.
34. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 33 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover plate adjacent
said outer circumference of said lock, said lock guard substantially
spanning the width of said lock and separated from said outer
surface of said lock by a distance sufficient to permit clearance of
a finger of a user.
35. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 33 wherein
said top portion of said protective cover is structured and arranged
to extend substantially beyond said front cover plate for
substantially the width of said lock.
36. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 33 wherein
said lock comprises a shackleless keyed lock having a rear surface
and a front surface, said rear surface having a cavity sized for
receipt of said first bar end.
37. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 36 wherein
said lock further comprises a tapered lock housing having a rear
housing diameter and a front housing diameter, said rear housing
diameter being greater than said front housing diameter.
38. A semitrailer antitheft system for use with a trailer landing
gear, comprising, in combination:
(a) an upper strut member;
(b) a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for slidable
attachment to said upper strut member;
(c) a housing attached adjacent to said upper strut member, said
housing having a side surface having a side surface opening;
(d) a second bar portion rotatably attached to said housing and
fixed in a translationally static relation with said housing, said
second bar portion having a driven gear attached thereon having at
least two driven gear teeth thereon defining a gap therebetween;
(e) a protective cover, said protective cover comprising:
(i) a front cover plate;
(ii) a rear cover plate said rear cover plate separated from said
first cover plate by a distance;
(iii) attached to said front cover plate and said rear cover plate,
a top portion structured and arranged to span said distance; and
(iv) a substantially open bottom portion structured and arranged to
lie atop said side surface opening;
(f) a first bar member having a first end and a second end, said
first bar member structured and arranged for translational movement
substantially within said protective cover;
(g) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front cover plate of said protective cover, said front hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
said first end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover;
(h) a jamming gear, mounted on said first bar member and having at
least one jamming gear tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth being
structured and arranged to engage said gap whereby said driven gear
is essentially prevented from rotational movement; and
(i) a lock having a width and an outer circumference, said lock
being structured and arranged for attachment to said first bar end
adjacent to said front cover plate;
(j) wherein said first end of said first bar member comprises a
beveled first end portion structured and arranged for slidable
engagement with said beveled portion of said front guide;
(k) wherein said first bar member is essentially prevented from
translational movement with respect to said protective cover when
said lock is attached to said first end of said first bar member.
39. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 38 further
comprising a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in
said rear cover plate of said protective cover, said rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of said
second end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover.
40. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 39 wherein
said second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
said beveled portion of said rear guide.
41. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 38 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover plate adjacent
said outer circumference of said lock, said lock guard substantially
spanning the width of said lock and separated from said outer
surface of said lock by a distance sufficient to permit clearance of
a finger of a user.
42. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 38 wherein
said top portion of said protective cover is structured and arranged
to extend substantially beyond said front cover plate for
substantially the width of said lock.
43. A semitrailer antitheft system for use in preventing theft of a
semitrailer, said semitrailer having attached thereon a landing gear
comprising a lower strut slidably attached to an upper strut, a
housing attached to said upper strut, said housing having a side
surface and having a side surface opening, and substantially
enclosed within said housing, a second bar member having a driven
tear attached thereon comprising at least two driven gear teeth
defining a gap therebetween, said semitrailer antitheft system
comprising, in combination:
(a) an engagement means for engaging said second bar portion; and
(b) a cover means for substantially enclosing said engagement means,
said cover means being structured and arranged for attachment to
said housing;
(c) whereby said moveable lower strut is essentially prevented from
movement when said driven gear is engaged by said engagement means;
and
(d) wherein said engagement means comprises:
(i) a first bar member having a first end and a second end;
(ii) a jamming means, attached to said first bar member, for
essentially preventing movement of said raising means;
(iii) a blocking means, slidably attached to said first bar member,
for essentially blocking rotational movement of said first bar
member within said cover means; and
(iv) a locking means for essentially preventing translational
movement with respect to said cover means of said first bar member.
44. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 43 wherein
said cover means comprises a protective cover for protecting said
engagement means from tampering, said protective cover comprising:
(a) a front cover plate;
(b) a rear cover plate, said rear cover plate separated from said
first cover plate by a distance;
(c) attached to said front cover plate and said rear cover plate, a
top portion structured and arranged to span said distance; and
(d) a substantially open bottom portion structured and arranged to
lie atop said side surface opening.
45. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 43 wherein
said jamming means comprises a jamming gear having at least one
jamming gear tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth being structured
and arranged to penetrate said side surface opening and engage said
gap whereby said driven gear is essentially prevented from
rotational movement.
46. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 44 wherein
said blocking means comprises a front guide having a cylindrical
front inner surface and having a beveled portion, said front guide
defining a front hole in said front cover plate of said protective
cover, said front hole being structured and arranged to allow for
translational movement of said first end of said first bar member
outside of said protective cover.
47. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 46 wherein
said first end of said first bar member comprises a first beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
said beveled portion of said front guide.
48. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 44 wherein
said blocking means comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining
a rear hole in said rear cover plate of said protective cover, said
rear hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of said second end of said first bar member outside of said
protective cover.
49. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 48 wherein
said second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said rear guide.
50. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 44 wherein
said blocking means comprises:
(a) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front cover plate of said protective cover, said front hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
said first end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover; and
(b) a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and having
a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in said rear
cover plate of said protective cover, said rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of said
second end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover.
51. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 50 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member comprises a beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with said beveled
portion of said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member comprises a second
beveled bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with said
beveled portion of said rear guide.
52. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 51 wherein
(a) said first end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said front inner surface of
said front guide; and
(b) said second end of said first bar member is structured and
arranged for slidable engagement with said rear inner surface of
said rear guide.
53. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 44 wherein
said locking means comprises a lock having a width and an outer
circumference, said lock being structured and arranged for
attachment to said first bar end adjacent to said front cover plate.
54. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 53 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover plate adjacent
said outer circumference of said lock, said lock guard substantially
spanning the width of said lock and separated from said outer
surface of said lock by a distance sufficient to permit clearance of
a finger of a user.
55. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 53 wherein
said top portion of said protective cover is structured and arranged
to extend substantially beyond said front cover plate for
substantially the width of said lock.
56. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 53 wherein
said lock comprises a shackleless keyed lock having a rear surface
and a front surface, said rear surface having a cavity sized for
receipt of said first bar end.
57. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 56 wherein
said lock further comprises a tapered lock housing having a rear
housing diameter and a front housing diameter, said rear housing
diameter being greater than said front using diameter.
58. A semitrailer antitheft system for use in preventing theft of a
semitrailer, said semitrailer having attached thereon a landing gear
comprising a lower strut slidably attached to an upper strut, a
housing attached to said upper strut, said housing having a side
surface and having a side surface opening, and substantially
enclosed within said housing, an essentially cylindrical second bar
member having a driven gear attached thereon comprising at least two
driven gear teeth defining a gap therebetween, said semitrailer
antitheft system comprising, in combination:
(a) a protective cover, said protective cover comprising:
(i) a front cover plate;
(ii) a rear cover plate, said rear cover plate separated from said
first cover plate by a distance;
(iii) attached to said front cover plate and said rear cover plate,
a top portion structured and arranged to span said distance; and
(iv) a substantially open bottom portion structured and arranged to
lie atop said side surface opening;
(b) a first bar member having a first end and a second end, said
first bar member structured and arranged for translational movement
substantially within said protective cover;
(c) a front guide having a cylindrical front inner surface having a
beveled portion thereon, said front guide defining a front hole in
said front cover plate of said protective cover, said front hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
said first end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover;
(d) a jamming gear, mounted on said first bar member and having at
least one jamming gear tooth thereon, said jamming gear tooth being
structured and arranged to penetrate said side surface opening and
engage said gap whereby said driven gear is essentially prevented
from rotational movement; and
(e) a lock having a width and an outer circumference, said lock
being structured and arranged for attachment to said first bar end
adjacent to said front cover plate;
(f) wherein said first end of said first bar member comprises a
beveled first end portion structured and arranged for slidable
engagement with said beveled portion of said front guide;
(g) wherein said first bar member is essentially prevented from
translational movement with respect to said cover means when said
lock is attached to said first end of said first bar member.
59. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 60 further
comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and
having a beveled portion, said rear guide defining a rear hole in
said rear cover plate of said protective cover, said rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of said
second end of said first bar member outside of said protective
cover.
60. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 59 wherein
said second end of said first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
said beveled portion of said rear guide.
61. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 58 further
comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover plate adjacent
said outer circumference of said lock, said lock guard substantially
spanning the width of said lock and separated from said outer
surface of said lock by a distance sufficient to permit clearance of
a finger of a user.
62. A semitrailer antitheft system according to claim 58 wherein
said top portion of said protective cover is structured and arranged
to extend substantially beyond said front cover plate for
substantially the width of said lock.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to providing a semitrailer antitheft system.
More particularly, this invention concerns a semitrailer antitheft
system for mechanically locking the gear train of a semitrailer
landing gear system, thereby preventing unauthorized movement of the
semitrailer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typically, semitrailers (herein referred to as trailers) are used to
transport goods over the open roads by attaching the trailer to semi
truck (herein referred to as tractor). Upon delivering the goods to
the desired destination, the trailers are either uncoupled from or
remained coupled to the tractor. To facilitate the coupling and
uncoupling of the tractor from the trailer, many trailers come
equipped with jack-type devices which are known by such names as
"landing gear" or "props" which are mounted on each side of and
adjacent to the front end of the trailer. A typical landing gear
system comprises a substantially enclosed gear train consisting of,
in some cases, a drive gear mounted on a slidable shaft and a driven
gear mounted on a stationary shaft. The stationary shaft is coupled,
typically by a bevel gear, to a telescoping lower strut which, in
turn, is slidably attached to a stationary upper strut member.
In operation, extension of the lower strut is accomplished by
turning a lever arm or handle which is attached to the slidable
shaft. The output torque from the slidable shaft-mounted drive gear
is transferred to the stationary shaft-mounted driven gear which, in
turn, causes rotation of the stationary shaft and a resulting
vertical movement of the lower strut. Successive rotations of the
handle causes a "foot", attached to the bottom of each lower strut,
to come in contact with the ground. Any further rotations of the
handle results in a raising of the upper end of the trailer. With
the trailer being supported adjacent the front end of the trailer by
the landing gear, the trailer's kingpin may then be disengaged from
the tractor's swivel plate thereby allowing for the removal of the
tractor. Upon re-coupling of the same or different tractor to the
trailer, if the landing gear is not raised to a sufficient height
above the ground level after coupling to the tractor, any attempts
to move the trailer without raising the landing gear will result in
the landing gear feet dragging noisily along the ground surface and
striking any elevated protuberances in the road, thereby causing
damage to the landing gear, the trailer, or both.
Due to the fact that trailers oftentimes contain large amounts of
valuable cargo, unless the cargo contained in the trailer is
immediately attended to, or the trailer is stored in a safe
location, the trailer and its cargo make an appealing target to a
would-be thief and are thus vulnerable to theft. Typical methods of
stealing a trailer and its cargo include coupling a tractor to the
uncoupled trailer, raising the landing gear, and towing the trailer
away. If the tractor is coupled and left unattended, a thief may
either steal the tractor-trailer combination or uncouple the
original tractor from the trailer and replace it with the thieves
tractor.
Applicant is aware of prior art attempts to incorporate locking
devices into semitrailer landing gear units. For example, Rimbaud et
al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,961 teaches the use of a keyed locking
device attached to the interior of the gear train housing which
incorporates a forked lever to catch and immobilize the drive
gear/moveable shaft. Though this device may be adequate for its
intended purpose, it is susceptible to being circumvented by using a
large lever arm such as a pipe wrench to manually turn the transfer
shaft connecting the two landing gear units.
Still another landing gear locking mechanisms is disclosed in
Blakelock GB-A-1,565,542 which teaches a mechanical keyed lock
mechanism attached to the interior upper portion of the upper strut
member. Locking of the landing gear is accomplished by a
key-activated retractable bar which is structured and arranged to
engage a space between the gear teeth on a bevel gear mounted within
the upper strut housing, thereby preventing movement of the lower
strut member. Though this arrangement may also be adequate for its
intended purpose, it is easily accessible and hence susceptible to
tampering after removal of the upper strut housing cover plate.
Thus, there exists an unmet need for a method to safeguard a
semitrailer and its contents that is both relatively impervious to
circumvention and unauthorized tampering and simple and economical
to use.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to fulfill the
above-mentioned need by the provision of a semitrailer antitheft
system. A further primary object of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, easy to use,
and easy to manufacture. In addition, it is a primary object of the
present invention to provide such a system which is available as
either an after-market kit or incorporated into the landing gear
system during its manufacture. Other objects of this invention will
become apparent with reference to the following invention
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this
invention provides a semitrailer antitheft system for use with a
trailer landing gear, comprising, in combination: an upper strut
member; a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for slidable
attachment to such upper strut member; a housing attached adjacent
to such upper strut member, such housing having a front surface and
a rear surface; a raising means, substantially enclosed within, and
rotatably attached to, such housing and fixed in a translationally
static relationship with such housing, for raising and lowering such
moveable lower strut; and an engagement means for engaging such
raising means; wherein such engagement means comprises a movement
prevention means for substantially preventing rotational movement of
such raising means; wherein such engagement means is structured and
arranged for essentially preventing such lower moveable strut from
movement with respect to such upper strut member when such raising
means is engaged by such engagement means.
In addition, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such engagement means comprises: a first bar member
having a first end and a second end, such first bar member being
structured and arranged for translational movement substantially
within such housing; a jamming means, attached to such first bar
member, for essentially preventing movement of such raising means; a
blocking means, attached to such housing, for essentially blocking
rotational movement of such first bar member; and a locking means,
attached to such first bar member, for essentially preventing such
translational movement of such first bar member when such locking
means is attached to such first bar member. And, further, it
provides such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such raising
means comprises an second bar member having a driven gear attached
thereon, such driven gear having at least two drive gear teeth
thereon defining a gap therebetween; also, it provides such a system
wherein such jamming means comprises a gear having at least one
jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming gear tooth being structured
and arranged to engage such gap, whereby such drive means is
essentially prevented from rotational movement.
Additionally, it provides for such a semitrailer antitheft system
wherein such blocking means comprises a front guide having a
cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
front guide defining a front hole in such front surface of such
housing, such front hole being structured and arranged to allow for
translational movement of such first end of such first bar member
outside of such housing. And, it further provides such a system
wherein such first end of such first bar member comprises a first
beveled bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with such
beveled portion of such front guide. And, further still, it provides
for such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such blocking means
comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and
having a beveled portion, such rear guide defining a rear hole in
such rear surface of such housing, such rear hole being structured
and arranged to allow for translational movement of such second end
of such first bar member outside of such housing. And, even further,
it provides for such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such
second end of such first bar member comprises a second beveled bar
portion structured and arranged for engagement with such beveled
portion of such rear guide.
Further, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft system
wherein such blocking means comprises: a front guide having a
cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
front guide defining a front hole in such front surface of such
housing, such front hole being structured and arranged to allow for
translational movement of such first end of such first bar member
outside of such housing; and a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, such rear guide defining
a rear hole in such rear surface of such housing, such rear hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
such second end of such first bar member outside of such housing.
And, it provides such a system wherein such first end of such first
bar member comprises a beveled bar portion structured and arranged
for engagement with such beveled portion of such front guide; and
such second end of such first bar member comprises a second beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with such beveled
portion of such rear guide.
Further still, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such first end of such first bar member is structured
and arranged for slidable engagement with such front inner surface
of such front guide; and such second end of such first bar member is
structured and arranged for slidable engagement with such rear inner
surface of such rear guide. And it provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such locking means comprises a lock having
a width and an outer circumference, such lock being structured and
arranged for attachment to such first bar end adjacent to such front
surface of such housing.
Also, it provides for such a system further comprising a lock guard
attached to the front surface of such housing adjacent such outer
circumference of such lock, such lock guard substantially spanning
the width of such lock and separated from such outer circumference
of such lock by a distance sufficient to permit clearance of a
finger of a user. Furthermore, it provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such lock comprises a shackleless keyed
lock having a rear surface and a front surface, such rear surface
having a cavity sized for receipt of such first bar end; and,
further still, wherein such lock further comprises a tapered lock
housing having a rear housing diameter and a front housing diameter,
such rear housing diameter being greater than such front housing
diameter.
Even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides a semitrailer antitheft system for use with
a trailer landing gear, comprising, in combination: an upper strut
member; a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for slidable
attachment to such upper strut member; a housing attached to such
upper strut member, such housing having a front surface and a rear
surface; a first bar member having a first end and a second end,
such first bar member structured and arranged for translational
movement substantially within such housing; a front guide having a
cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
front guide defining a front hole in such front surface of such
housing, such front hole being structured and arranged to allow for
translational movement of such first end of such first bar member
outside of such housing; a second bar member rotatably attached to
such housing and having a driven gear attached thereon, such driven
gear having at least two driven gear teeth thereon defining a gap
therebetween; mounted on such first bar member, a jamming gear
having at least one jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming gear
tooth structured and arranged to engage such gap whereby such driven
gear is essentially prevented from rotational movement; and a lock
having a width and an outer circumference, such lock being
structured and arranged for attachment to such first end of such
first bar member adjacent to such front surface of such housing;
wherein such first end of such first bar member comprises a beveled
first end portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement
with such beveled portion of such front guide; wherein such first
bar member is essentially prevented from translational movement with
respect to such housing when such lock is attached to such first end
of such first bar member.
In addition, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system further comprising a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, such rear guide defining
a rear hole in such rear surface of such housing, such rear hole
being structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of
such second end of such first bar member outside of such housing;
and, further, wherein such second end of such first bar member
comprises a second beveled bar portion structured and arranged for
slidable engagement with such beveled portion of such rear guide.
Also, this invention provides for such a semitrailer antitheft
system further comprising a lock guard attached to the front surface
of such housing adjacent such outer circumference of such lock, such
lock guard substantially spanning the width of such lock and
separated from such outer circumference of such lock by a distance
sufficient to permit clearance of a finger of a user.
Additionally, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such housing further comprises a side surface having
a side surface opening. And, it further provides such a system
wherein such engagement means comprises: a first bar member having a
first end and a second end; a jamming means, attached to such first
bar member, for essentially preventing movement of such raising
means; a blocking means, slidably attached to such first bar member,
for essentially blocking rotational movement of such first bar
member; and a locking means for essentially preventing translational
movement of such first bar member.
Further, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft system
further comprising a cover means, structured and arranged for
attachment to such side surface of such housing, for substantially
enclosing such engagement means. And it provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such cover means comprises a protective
cover for protecting such engagement means from tampering, such
protective cover comprising: a front cover plate; a rear cover
plate, such rear cover plate separated from such first cover plate
by a distance; attached to such front cover plate and such rear
cover plate, a top portion structured and arranged to span such
distance; and a substantially open bottom portion structured and
arranged to lie atop such side surface opening.
And, still further, it provides such a semitrailer antitheft system
wherein such raising means comprises a second bar member having a
driven gear attached thereon, such driven gear having at least two
driven gear teeth thereon defining a gap therebetween. Also, this
invention provides for such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein
such jamming means comprises a jamming gear having at least one
jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming gear tooth structured and
arranged to engage such gap whereby such driven gear is essentially
prevented from rotational movement; and, further, wherein such side
surface opening of such housing is sized and arranged to allow
penetration of such jamming gear tooth into such housing.
Even further, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such blocking means comprises a front guide having a
cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
front guide defining a front hole in such front cover plate of such
protective cover, such front hole being structured and arranged to
allow for translational movement of such first end of such first bar
member outside of such protective cover. And it provides for such a
system wherein such first end of such first bar member comprises a
first beveled bar portion structured and arranged for slidable
engagement with such beveled portion of such front guide. In
addition, this invention provides for a semitrailer antitheft system
wherein such blocking means comprises a rear guide having a
cylindrical rear inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
rear guide defining a rear hole in such rear cover plate of such
protective cover, such rear hole being structured and arranged to
allow for translational movement of such second end of such first
bar member outside of such protective cover. Additionally, it
provides for such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such second
end of such first bar member comprises a second beveled bar portion
structured and arranged for engagement with such beveled portion of
such rear guide.
Yet further, this invention provides for such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such blocking means comprises: a front
guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled
portion, such front guide defining a front hole in such front cover
plate of such protective cover, such front hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such first end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover; and a rear
guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and having a beveled
portion, such rear guide defining a rear hole in such rear cover
plate of such protective cover, such rear hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such second end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover. Yet
additionally, it provides for such a semitrailer antitheft system
wherein such first end of such first bar member comprises a beveled
bar portion structured and arranged for engagement with such beveled
portion of such front guide; and such second end of such first bar
member comprises a second beveled bar portion structured and
arranged for engagement with such beveled portion of such rear
guide.
Further still, this invention provides for a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such first end of such first bar member is structured
and arranged for slidable engagement with such front inner surface
of such front guide; and such second end of such first bar member is
structured and arranged for slidable engagement with such rear inner
surface of such rear guide. And it provides for such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such locking means comprises a lock having
a width and an outer circumference, such lock being structured and
arranged for attachment to such first bar end adjacent to such front
cover plate.
Yet further still, it provides for such a semitrailer antitheft
system further comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover
plate adjacent such outer circumference of such lock, such lock
guard substantially spanning the width of such lock and separated
from such outer surface of such lock by a distance sufficient to
permit clearance of a finger of a user. This invention further
provides such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such top
portion of such protective cover is structured and arranged to
extend substantially beyond such front cover plate for substantially
the width of such lock. And, it further provides such a system
wherein such lock comprises a shackleless keyed lock having a rear
surface and a front surface, such rear surface having a cavity sized
for receipt of such first bar end. Also, it provides such a
semitrailer antitheft system wherein such lock further comprises a
tapered lock housing having a rear housing diameter and a front
housing diameter, such rear housing diameter being greater than such
front housing diameter.
Yet even further, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a semitrailer antitheft system for use
with a trailer landing gear, comprising, in combination: an upper
strut member; a moveable lower strut structured and arranged for
slidable attachment to such upper strut member; a housing attached
adjacent to such upper strut member, such housing having a side
surface having a side surface opening; a second bar portion
rotatably attached to such housing and fixed in a translationally
static relation with such housing, such second bar portion having a
driven gear attached thereon having at least two driven gear teeth
thereon defining a gap therebetween; a protective cover, such
protective cover comprising: a front cover plate; a rear cover plate
such rear cover plate separated from such first cover plate by a
distance; attached to such front cover plate and such rear cover
plate, a top portion structured and arranged to span such distance;
and a substantially open bottom portion structured and arranged to
lie atop such side surface opening; a first bar member having a
first end and a second end, such first bar member structured and
arranged for translational movement substantially within such
protective cover; a front guide having a cylindrical front inner
surface and having a beveled portion, such front guide defining a
front hole in such front cover plate of such protective cover, such
front hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of such first end of such first bar member outside of such
protective cover; a jamming gear, mounted on such first bar member
and having at least one jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming
gear tooth being structured and arranged to engage such gap whereby
such driven gear is essentially prevented from rotational movement;
and a lock having a width and an outer circumference, such lock
being structured and arranged for attachment to such first bar end
adjacent to such front cover plate; wherein such first end of such
first bar member comprises a beveled first end portion structured
and arranged for slidable engagement with such beveled portion of
such front guide; wherein such first bar member is essentially
prevented from translational movement with respect to such
protective cover when such lock is attached to such first end of
such first bar member.
In addition, this invention provides for such a semitrailer
antitheft system further comprising a rear guide having a
cylindrical rear inner surface and having a beveled portion, such
rear guide defining a rear hole in such rear cover plate of such
protective cover, such rear hole being structured and arranged to
allow for translational movement of such second end of such first
bar member outside of such protective cover. And it provides such a
system wherein such second end of such first bar member comprises a
second beveled bar portion structured and arranged for slidable
engagement with such beveled portion of such rear guide.
Additionally, the present invention provides for such a semitrailer
antitheft system further comprising a lock guard attached to the
front cover plate adjacent such outer circumference of such lock,
such lock guard substantially spanning the width of such lock and
separated from such outer surface of such lock by a distance
sufficient to permit clearance of a finger of a user. And, further,
it provides such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such top
portion of such protective cover is structured and arranged to
extend substantially beyond such front cover plate for substantially
the width of such lock.
Yet additionally, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides for a semitrailer antitheft system for use
in preventing theft of a semitrailer, such semitrailer having
attached thereon a landing gear comprising a lower strut slidably
attached to an upper strut, a housing attached to such upper strut,
such housing having a side surface and having a side surface
opening, and substantially enclosed within such housing, a second
bar member having a driven gear attached thereon comprising at least
two driven gear teeth defining a gap therebetween, such semitrailer
antitheft system comprising, in combination: an engagement means for
engaging such second bar portion; and a cover means for
substantially enclosing such engagement means, such cover means
being structured and arranged for attachment to such housing;
whereby such moveable lower strut is essentially prevented from
movement when such driven gear is engaged by such engagement means.
Further, this invention provides for such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such engagement means comprises: a first bar member
having a first end and a second end; a jamming means, attached to
such first bar member, for essentially preventing movement of such
raising means; a blocking means, slidably attached to such first bar
member, for essentially blocking rotational movement of such first
bar member within such cover means; and a locking means for
essentially preventing translational movement with respect to such
cover means of such first bar member. And, further still, it
provides such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such cover
means comprises a protective cover for protecting such engagement
means from tampering, such protective cover comprising: a front
cover plate; a rear cover plate, such rear cover plate separated
from such first cover plate by a distance; attached to such front
cover plate and such rear cover plate, a top portion structured and
arranged to span such distance; and a substantially open bottom
portion structured and arranged to lie atop such side surface
opening.
Further still, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such jamming means comprises a jamming gear having at
least one jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming gear tooth being
structured and arranged to penetrate such side surface opening and
engage such gap whereby such driven gear is essentially prevented
from rotational movement. And it provides for such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such blocking means comprises a front guide
having a cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled
portion, such front guide defining a front hole in such front cover
plate of such protective cover, such front hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such first end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover.
Yet further still, this invention provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such first end of such first bar member
comprises a first beveled bar portion structured and arranged for
slidable engagement with such beveled portion of such front guide.
And, even further, it provides for such a system wherein such
blocking means comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, such rear guide defining
a rear hole in such rear cover plate of such protective cover, such
rear hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of such second end of such first bar member outside of such
protective cover; and, additionally, wherein such second end of such
first bar member comprises a second beveled bar portion structured
and arranged for engagement with such beveled portion of such rear
guide.
Yet additionally, this invention provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such blocking means comprises: a front
guide having a cylindrical front inner surface and having a beveled
portion, such front guide defining a front hole in such front cover
plate of such protective cover, such front hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such first end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover; and a rear
guide having a cylindrical rear inner surface and having a beveled
portion, such rear guide defining a rear hole in such rear cover
plate of such protective cover, such rear hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such second end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover. It also
provides such a semitrailer antitheft system wherein such first end
of such first bar member comprises a beveled bar portion structured
and arranged for engagement with such beveled portion of such front
guide; and such second end of such first bar member comprises a
second beveled bar portion structured and arranged for engagement
with such beveled portion of such rear guide.
Additionally still, this invention provides such a semitrailer
antitheft system wherein such first end of such first bar member is
structured and arranged for slidable engagement with such front
inner surface of such front guide; and such second end of such first
bar member is structured and arranged for slidable engagement with
such rear inner surface of such rear guide. And it provides such a
semitrailer antitheft system wherein such locking means comprises a
lock having a width and an outer circumference, such lock being
structured and arranged for attachment to such first bar end
adjacent to such front cover plate. It also provides such a
semitrailer antitheft system further comprising a lock guard
attached to the front cover plate adjacent such outer circumference
of such lock, such lock guard substantially spanning the width of
such lock and separated from such outer surface of such lock by a
distance sufficient to permit clearance of a finger of a user.
Furthermore, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system wherein such top portion of such protective cover is
structured and arranged to extend substantially beyond such front
cover plate for substantially the width of such lock; and, further,
wherein such lock comprises a shackleless keyed lock having a rear
surface and a front surface, such rear surface having a cavity sized
for receipt of such first bar end; and, further still, wherein such
lock further comprises a tapered lock housing having a rear housing
diameter and a front housing diameter, such rear housing diameter
being greater than such front housing diameter.
Yet additionally still, according to a preferred embodiment thereof,
this invention provides a semitrailer antitheft system for use in
preventing theft of a semitrailer, such semitrailer having attached
thereon a landing gear comprising a lower strut slidably attached to
an upper strut, a housing attached to such upper strut, such housing
having a side surface and having a side surface opening, and
substantially enclosed within such housing, an essentially
cylindrical second bar member having a driven gear attached thereon
comprising at least two driven gear teeth defining a gap
therebetween, such semitrailer antitheft system comprising, in
combination: a protective cover, such protective cover comprising: a
front cover plate; a rear cover plate, such rear cover plate
separated from such first cover plate by a distance; attached to
such front cover plate and such rear cover plate, a top portion
structured and arranged to span such distance; and a substantially
open bottom portion structured and arranged to lie atop such side
surface opening; a first bar member having a first end and a second
end, such first bar member structured and arranged for translational
movement substantially within such protective cover; a front guide
having a cylindrical front inner surface having a beveled portion
thereon, such front guide defining a front hole in such front cover
plate of such protective cover, such front hole being structured and
arranged to allow for translational movement of such first end of
such first bar member outside of such protective cover; a jamming
gear, mounted on such first bar member and having at least one
jamming gear tooth thereon, such jamming gear tooth being structured
and arranged to penetrate such side surface opening and engage such
gap whereby such driven gear is essentially prevented from
rotational movement; and a lock having a width and an outer
circumference, such lock being structured and arranged for
attachment to such first bar end adjacent to such front cover plate;
wherein such first end of such first bar member comprises a beveled
first end portion structured and arranged for slidable engagement
with such beveled portion of such front guide; wherein such first
bar member is essentially prevented from translational movement with
respect to such cover means when such lock is attached to such first
end of such first bar member.
Even further, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system further comprises a rear guide having a cylindrical rear
inner surface and having a beveled portion, such rear guide defining
a rear hole in such rear cover plate of such protective cover, such
rear hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of such second end of such first bar member outside of such
protective cover. And it provides such a system wherein such second
end of such first bar member comprises a second beveled bar portion
structured and arranged for slidable engagement with such beveled
portion of such rear guide.
Further still, this invention provides such a semitrailer antitheft
system further comprising a lock guard attached to the front cover
plate adjacent such outer circumference of such lock, such lock
guard substantially spanning the width of such lock and separated
from such outer surface of such lock by a distance sufficient to
permit clearance of a finger of a user. It also provides such a
semitrailer antitheft system wherein such top portion of such
protective cover is structured and arranged to extend substantially
beyond such front cover plate for substantially the width of such
lock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a semitrailer with
attached landing gear incorporating the preferred embodiment of the
of the semitrailer antitheft system.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the semitrailer antitheft system
attached to the landing gear.
FIG. 3 is a side elevation view illustrating the interrelationship
between the semitrailer antitheft system and the gear train.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the
semitrailer antitheft system.
FIG. 5 is a top view, partially in cross-section, illustrating the
components of an assembled semitrailer antitheft system.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an unmodified landing gear
housing.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the step of providing an
opening in the landing gear housing.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the step of attaching the
semitrailer antitheft system to the landing gear housing.
FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, illustrating the
semitrailer antitheft system in an unlocked position.
FIG. 10 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, illustrating the
semitrailer antitheft system in a locked and secured position.
FIG. 11 is a side elevation view, in partial cut-away, of an
alternate preferred embodiment of the semitrailer antitheft system
incorporated inside a landing gear housing.
FIG. 12 is a partial side elevation view of the alternate preferred
embodiment of FIG. 11 illustrating the external lock and lock guard.
FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of yet another gear train
arrangement.
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view, in partial cut-away, of yet
another preferred embodiment of the semitrailer antitheft system
illustrating the antitheft system incorporated within the housing of
the gear train arrangement of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the alternate preferred
embodiment of FIG. 14 illustrating the external lock and lock guard.
FIG. 16 is a side elevation view, in cross section, taken from
section 16--16 in FIG. 15, illustrating the semitrailer antitheft
system in a locked and secured position.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodiment
of the jamming gear.
FIG. 18 is a left side elevation view of an alternate preferred
embodiment of the lock.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE BEST MODE OF
PRACTICE
Referring now to the Figures, shown in perspective in FIG. 1 and in
side elevation in FIG. 2 is a semitrailer 20 with an attached
landing gear system 21. A typical landing gear system 21 consists of
two units 22 and 23 which are structured and arranged for attachment
to each side of the semitrailer 20. Each of units 22 and 23, in
turn, consists of a stationary upper strut member 26 which is
structured and arranged to house a telescoping lower strut 27.
Attached to unit 22 is a gear box 28 comprising a gear train
assembly 32 (shown best in FIG. 3) substantially enclosed by a gear
train housing 33 which is typically attached to the upper strut
member 26. Preferably attached to the gear train housing side
surface 34 is a preferred embodiment of the semitrailer antitheft
system 37 (herein referred to as antitheft system), the details of
which will be more fully disclosed herein. The antitheft system 37
of the present invention is structured to substantially block
movement of gear train assembly 32, thereby preventing unauthorized
raising or lowering of each telescoping lower strut 27. In addition,
the antitheft system 37 is structured and arranged to provide for
convenient and easy access by the user, while making difficult
unauthorized tampering and circumvention of the system.
Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, the gear train assembly 32
typically comprises a moveable drive shaft 38 on which is mounted at
least one drive gear 39 (shown best in FIG. 3). Each drive gear 39
is arranged to alternatively engage not more than one corresponding
driven gear 43 (shown best in FIG. 3) mounted on a stationary shaft
44. Raising and lowering of the telescoping lower strut 27 is
accomplished by means of turning a lever arm or handle 45 which is
pivotally attached to the moveable drive shaft 38. The moveable
drive shaft 38 is structured and arranged for translational movement
whereby the user may select a desired gear ratio by matching a drive
gear 39 with a driven gear 43, thereby providing for a user choice
of drive torques and crank speeds. The rotational movement of
moveable drive shaft 38 caused by rotation of handle 45 is
translated to stationary shaft 44. The stationary shaft 44 is
mechanically coupled, typically by means of a bevel gear (not
shown), to the telescoping lower strut 27. The combination of driven
gear 43 and stationary shaft 44 embodies herein a raising means,
substantially enclosed within, and rotatably attached to, such
housing and fixed in a translationally static relationship with such
housing, for raising and lowering such moveable lower strut. To
permit the telescoping lower strut 27 of unit 23 to raise or lower
in unison with unit 22, a transfer shaft 46 is mechanically coupled,
typically with a beveled gear arrangement (not shown), to both units
22 and 23. Shown in FIG. 3 is the gear train assembly 32 as
illustrated and described previously with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
Also shown is the antitheft system 37 which is attached, preferably
by welding, to the gear train housing 33. The antitheft system 37
comprises a shaft mounted jamming gear 49 having at least one
jamming tooth 50 thereon. As will be more fully disclosed herein in
conjunction with FIG. 4, when the antitheft system 37 is in a
blocked position, at least one jamming tooth 50 of jamming gear 49
engages the gap 51 (shown best in FIG. 17) between two successive
driven gear teeth 52, thereby effectively preventing the rotation of
stationary shaft 44. Jamming gear 49 embodies herein a jamming
means, attached to such first bar member, for essentially preventing
movement of such raising means.
FIG. 4 is a perspective exploded view illustrating the various
components comprising the antitheft system 37. Shown is a locking
shaft 56 having a beveled first end portion 57, a beveled second end
portion 58, and a substantially circular central portion 59 having a
fastener recess 63 provided therein. Disposed upon the substantially
circular central portion 59 of locking shaft 56 is jamming gear 49,
which may be attached by engaging set-screw or drive pin 64 with the
fastener recess 63. Substantially enclosing the locking shaft 56 and
jamming gear 49 is a protective cover or jamming gear housing 65
comprising a front portion 68 having a front portion hole 69
therein, and a rear portion 70 having a rear portion hole 71
therein. The jamming gear housing 65 further comprises a cover
portion 72 and a base portion 73 having a base opening 74 therein.
The jamming gear housing 65 embodies herein a cover means,
structured and arranged for attachment to such side surface of such
housing, for substantially enclosing such engagement means.
Attached to the front portion 68, preferably by welding, is a front
guide 75. In the preferred embodiment, the front guide 75 comprises
a front sleeve portion 76 which is structured and arranged for
concentric engagement with the front portion hole 69. The front
guide 75 further comprises a front flanged portion 77 which is
structured and arranged to abut the jamming gear housing 65, and a
substantially cylindrical front guide inner surface 78 having a
front beveled portion 79 thereon. In a similar manner, attached to
the rear portion 70, preferably by welding, is a rear guide 80. In
the preferred embodiment, the rear guide 80 comprises a rear sleeve
portion 81 which is structured and arranged for concentric
engagement with the rear portion hole 71. The rear guide 80 further
comprises a rear flanged portion 82 which is structured and arranged
to abut the jamming gear housing 65, and a substantially cylindrical
rear guide inner surface 83 having a rear beveled portion 84
thereon.
In operation, the front guide 75 is structured and arranged for
translational slidable engagement with the beveled first end portion
57 of locking shaft 56, and the rear guide 80 is structured and
arranged for translational slidable engagement with the beveled
second end portion 58 of locking shaft 56. This arrangement
embodying herein an arrangement wherein such front guide defines a
front hole in such front cover plate of such protective cover, such
front hole being structured and arranged to allow for translational
movement of such first end of such first bar member outside of such
protective cover; and therein such rear guide defines a rear hole in
such rear cover plate of such protective cover, such rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of such
second end of such first bar member outside of such protective
cover. However, rotational movement of the locking shaft 56 is
effectively prevented by the interaction of each respective beveled
portion 79 and 84 with beveled end portions 57 and 58, respectively.
This arrangement effectively prevents rotation of the stationary
shaft 44 when the jamming gear 49 engages the driven gear 43 (as
shown best in FIG. 10). Front guide 75 and rear guide 80 embody
herein a blocking means, slidably attached to such first bar member,
for essentially blocking rotational movement of such first bar
member. It is to be understood that the use of guides 75 and 80 is
exemplary only, and other methods may be used to block rotation of
the blocking shaft 56 without deviating from the spirit of the
present invention. Such other methods may include eliminating guides
75 and 80 and providing each respective hole 69 and 71 with a
beveled portion.
Also shown in FIG. 4 is the use of a lock 85, preferably a
shackleless keyed-lock of the type commercially available from
Pacific Industries, Inc. (Woodland Hills, Calif.), which is used to
prevent translational movement of the locking shaft 56 from a locked
to an un-locked position. To facilitate attachment of the preferred
lock 85 to the locking shaft 56, the beveled first end portion 57 of
locking shaft 56 further comprises a shaft flattened portion 86
structured and arranged to engage lock cavity 87. Securing of the
locking shaft 56 consists of inserting shaft flattened portion 86
into lock cavity 87 until pin hole 92 is in concentric alignment
with the spring loaded lock pin 93. Depressing of lock pin 93 causes
lock pin end 94 (see FIG. 5) to pass through pin hole 92. With the
lock pin 93 in a depressed position, turning of key 95 results in
the capture of lock pin end 94 thereby preventing translational
movement of locking shaft 56. Removal of lock 85 (thereby allowing
for unblocking of the driven gear 43) consists of turning of key 95
which causes the spring loaded lock pin 93 to return to an extended
position, thereby releasing the shaft flattened portion 86. The lock
85 embodies herein a locking means, attached to such first bar
member, for essentially preventing such translational movement of
such first bar member when such locking means is attached to such
first bar member. The combination described herein of the first bar
member, jamming means, blocking means, and locking means embodies
herein an engagement means for engaging such raising means; and
wherein such engagement means comprises a movement prevention means
for substantially preventing rotational movement of such raising
means.
To prevent unauthorized access to the jamming gear 49 by tampering,
it is recommended that the jamming gear housing 65 be constructed of
a strong and durable material, preferably 1/8 inch mild steel. In
addition, to prevent dislodging of lock 85 due to blows from a heavy
instrument, e.g., a hammer, a lock guard 96 is attached, preferably
by welding, to the front portion 68 of the jamming gear housing 65.
As shown in FIG. 4, the lock guard 96 comprises a semi-circular
structure, preferably made of 1/8 inch thick mild steel, having a
width sufficient to substantially span the width of the attached
lock 85. In addition, to facilitate removal of the lock 85 from
locking shaft 56, the lock guard 96 preferably has a radius
sufficient to allow passage of a user's fingers between the lock 85
and lock guard 96. Though applicant has described the preferred
method of protecting lock 85, other methods, such as extending the
cover portion 72 to substantially span the width of lock 85, may be
used without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a bottom plan view of the antitheft system 37 in both a
locked and secured state and, in alternate detail, in an unlocked
state. As a further precautionary measure, it is preferred that
flattened portion 86 of locking shaft 56 be sized so that any gap 97
between the lock back surface 98 and the front guide front surface
99 be de minimis (preferably non-existent). This is necessary to
prevent forceful removal of lock 85 by means of, say, a pry-bar or
large screwdriver.
FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate a preferred method of incorporating the
antitheft system 37 to the gear box 28 of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 6 is representative of one such type gear box 28 which is
commonly used and commercially available. As shown in FIG. 7, the
first step consists of creating a side surface opening 100 in the
side surface 34 of the existing gear train housing 33 so as to
expose a portion of the driven gear 43, thereby allowing for
unobstructed engagement of a jamming tooth 50 with the driven gear
43. This arrangement embodying herein an arrangement wherein such
side surface opening of such housing is sized and arranged to allow
penetration of such jamming gear tooth into such housing. Though it
is preferred that the attachment location to the gear train housing
33 be substantially as illustrated, other suitable attachment
locations adjacent to the driven gear 43 may be selected without
deviating from the spirit of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
8, attachment of the antitheft system 37 to the gear train housing
33 consists of placing the base opening 74 (as shown best in FIG. 4)
over the side surface opening 100 and attaching, preferably by
welding, the base portion 73 to the gear train housing 33.
Shown in partial cross-section in FIGS. 9 and 10, are the antitheft
system 37 in, respectively, the unlocked and locked position.
Placing the antitheft system 37 in a locked position is accomplished
by sliding the locking shaft 56 towards the front portion 68 of the
jamming gear housing 65 until the jamming gear 49 engages the driven
gear 43. The above-mentioned engaging of the jamming gear 49 with
the driven gear 43 is preferably accomplished by manually pushing on
the locking shaft rear face 102. The locking shaft 56 is sized and
arranged so as to allow for proper attachment of the lock 85 when
the jamming gear 49 is engaged with the driven gear 43. It is
recommended that the user maintain pressure with locking shaft rear
face 102 while installing the lock 85 so as to prevent the flattened
portion 86 of the locking shaft 56 from being pushed into front
guide 75.
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Shown is the commercially available gear train
assembly 32 of the type illustrated and described herein with
respect to FIGS. 1-10. In the present embodiment, a modified gear
train housing 105 is manufactured during the construction of the
gear box 28. The modified gear train housing 105 is sized to
incorporate the shaft mounted drive gears 39, the shaft mounted
driven gears 43, and the locking shaft 56 and jamming gear 49
combination previously illustrated and described. To prevent
rotational movement of locking shaft 56, the present embodiment also
incorporates a front guide 75 and a rear guide 80 of the type herein
disclosed with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. The front guide 75 and the
rear guide 80 are attached, preferably by welding, to respectively
the housing front portion 106 and the rear housing portion 107.
To prevent forceful removal of lock 85, a lock guard 96 is attached,
preferably by welding, to the housing front portion 106. The lock
guard 96 is structured and arranged to substantially encircle the
lock 85. To allow the user to grasp the lock 85 so as to facilitate
its removal and installation, the lock guard 96 preferably has a
sufficiently large radius so as to allow for passage of the user's
fingers between the lock 85 and lock guard 96. In addition, a guard
gap 108 is provided so as to allow for unobstructed extension of
lock pin 93.
FIGS. 13-16 illustrate yet another alternate preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Shown in FIG. 13 is yet another commercially
available alternate gear train 113 arrangement in which a shaft
mounted intermediate gear(s) 114 couples the moveable shaft mounted
drive gear 39 to the stationary shaft mounted driven gear 43.
Referring to FIG. 14, the antitheft system 37 of the present
invention is shown installed within the alternate gear train housing
115. The alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates the use of a locking shaft 56 and jamming gear 49
combination of the type substantially as previously illustrated and
described with respect to FIG. 4.
As in the previously disclosed preferred embodiments, the jamming
gear 49 comprises at least one jamming tooth 50 which is structured
and arranged to engage the gap 51 (as shown best in FIG. 17) between
a pair of driven gear teeth 52, thereby placing the alternate gear
train 113 arrangement in a locked condition. When the jamming gear
49 and the driven gear 43 are so engaged, the stationary shaft 44 is
effectively prevented from rotational movement. To secure the
antitheft system 37 in a locked position and thus prevent
unauthorized unblocking of the driven gear 43, a lock 85, preferably
a keyed lock of the type hereinbefore illustrated and described with
respect to FIG. 4, is attached to the flattened portion 86 of
locking shaft 56, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. To prevent forceful
removal of lock 85, the alternate preferred embodiment also
incorporates a lock guard 96 which is structured and arranged to
substantially encircle the lock 85, as shown in FIG. 15. The lock
guard 96 is attached, preferably by welding, to the alternate gear
train housing 115 and is further provided with a guard gap 108 to
allow for unobstructed extension of lock pin 93.
FIG. 16 is a partial cross section of the alternate gear train 113
arrangement illustrated and described previously in FIGS. 13-15.
Specifically shown is the jamming gear 49 in both a locked and
secured state and, in alternate detail, in an unlocked state. The
jamming gear 49 and locking shaft 56 of the present alternate
embodiment are as substantially illustrated and described
hereinabove with respect to the previously disclosed embodiments. To
prevent rotational movement of the locking shaft 56, the alternate
preferred embodiment also incorporates a front guide 75 and a rear
guide 80 as substantially hereinbefore illustrated and described. As
shown in FIG. 16, it is preferred that front flanged portion 77 of
front guide 75 be sized so as to abut the jamming gear front surface
118 when the jamming gear is in a locked position. Each guide 75 and
80 is attached, preferably by welding, to the alternate gear train
housing 115. Front guide 75 and rear guide 80 embody herein a
blocking means, attached to such housing, for essentially blocking
rotational movement of such first bar member.
In the present alternate preferred embodiment, both the front guide
75 and the rear guide 80 comprise, respectively, a front sleeve
portion 76 and a rear sleeve portion 81. To provide a rigid
connection, the front sleeve portion 76 and the rear sleeve portion
81 are structured and arranged for concentric engagement with a pair
of holes (not shown) formed in, respectively, the alternate gear
train housing front portion 119 and alternate gear train housing
rear portion 120. This arrangement embodying herein an arrangement
wherein such front guide defines a front hole in such front surface
of such housing, such front hole being structured and arranged to
allow for translational movement of such first end of such first bar
member outside of such housing; and such rear guide defines a rear
hole in such rear surface of such housing, such rear hole being
structured and arranged to allow for translational movement of such
second end of such first bar member outside of such housing. It is
to be understood that the use of guides 75 and 80 is exemplary only,
and other methods may be used to block rotation of the blocking
shaft 56 without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.
Such other methods may include eliminating guides 75 and 80 and
providing each respective hole (not shown) in the alternate gear
train housing 115 with a beveled portion.
Shown in FIG. 17 is an alternate preferred embodiment of the jamming
gear 49. Shown is the jamming gear 49 comprising a gear segment 124
structured and arranged to engage driven gear 43. As would be
obvious to one skilled in such art, this arrangement provides for a
more compact arrangement which would alleviate any size constraints
when the jamming gear 49/locking shaft 56 is incorporated into an
existing gear train housing. It is to be understood that even though
the gear segment 124 is shown having more than one jamming tooth 50
thereon, the gear segment 124 may comprise a single jamming tooth 50
structured and arranged to engage the gap 51 between two successive
driven gear teeth 52.
FIG. 18 shows an alternate preferred embodiment of the lock 85 of
the present invention. Shown is lock 85, preferably a
shackleless-type lock as substantially described hereinabove,
secured to the beveled first end portion 57 of blocking shaft 56. To
prevent circumvention of the antitheft system 37 by such methods as
using a wrench or other device to apply a torque to the lock 85,
thereby breaking blocking shaft 56, the lock 85 is provided with a
truncated-cone-shaped tapered housing 125. As shown, it is preferred
that the tapered housing 125 have a greater diameter adjacent the
lock back surface 98 than at the lock front surface 126. It has been
found that by providing the lock 85 with a tapered housing 125, it
is more difficult for a wrench to obtain a "bite" on the housing
sufficient to apply a damaging torque. Though lock 85 is shown being
practiced with gear train housing 33, such showing is exemplary only
and it is to be understood that the present embodiment of lock 85
may be practiced with any of the antitheft system 37 embodiments
described herein.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and
sizes and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims
as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many
other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *
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