GB2195698A - Security device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security device and more particularly to a security device for a land sea or air vehicle. The security device proposed by the invention comprises a reader device 11 mounted on or in the vehicle and arranged to lock an electrical circuit, or electrical circuits, of the vehicle until a sheet-like insert 19 bearing an authorizing code at 19a recognized by the reader is inserted into the reader. The electrical circuit or circuits may comprise an electrical door locking circuit and/or the starter motor circuit and/or the engine circuit for the vehicle. The code recognized by the vehicle is preferably a non-visual code, conveniently a magnetic code, but the insert may also include visual information, for example a photograph and/or other personal data relevant to the person authorized to use the insert. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Security device This invention relates to a security device and, more particularly, to a security device for land, sea or air vehicles.

Most engine-powered vehicles today are provided with a security device comprising a so-called "ignition" lock in the starter circuit for the engine or the engine circuit, intended to prevent unauthorised operation of the vehicle engine. Such prior art security devices are mechanical locks actuated by a key which can be removed from the lock.

With the present security devices a driver can accidentially leave the key in the ignition lock, keys for mechanical locks can be readily duplicated, mechanical key locks can be "picked" by persons skilled in such art, and a person can, with very little training bypass the ignition lock.

The failure of present security devices for vehicles is evident from the thousands of vehicles stolen or internally vandalized each year.

The present invention seeks to provide a tamper-proof security device for a vehicle.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device for a vehicle comprising a reader device for a vehicle arranged to normally lock an electrical circuit of the vehicle in one condition and to release the lock on said circuit only when an authorizing code is supplied to said reader device.

In one embodiment in accordance with the invention the reader device may be arranged to recognize only one authorizing code but in another embodiment the reader may be arranged to recognize any one of a plurality of authorizing codes and to respond thereto.

Preferably the reader device is arranged to receive a sheet-like insert upon which the, or an, authorizing code is marked or printed and the said reader device only unlocks the vehicle circuit whilst the sheet-like insert is within the reader device.

Preferably the reader device is arranged to read non-visual code, conveniently a magnetic code, printed or included in the sheet-like insert.

Preferably the sheet-like insert includes information additional to the authorizing code, more preferably visual information pertinent to the person authorized to use the sheet-like insert.

Preferably the reader device is located in a normally inaccessible compartment of the -vehicle and a slot-like opening to said inaccessible compartment allows the sheet-like insert to be entered into the reader device.

Preferably the said circuit of the vehicle includes a make/break switch, said reader device is arranged to transmit a signal to said switch when an authorizing code is supplied to said reader device and said switch closes, to complete said circuit, only whilst it is receiving an authorizing code-generating signal from said reader device.

In one embodiment in accordance with the invention said circuit of the vehicle comprises the electrical circuit for the engine of the vehicle.

In another embodiment in accordance with the invention said circuit of the vehicle comprises the starter motor circuit for the vehicle.

In a further embodiment in accordance with the invention the said circuit of the vehicle comprises a door lock actuating circuit.

When the vehicle includes a time recorder, such as a tachograph, said reader device may conveniently be arranged to transmit a signal to said time recorder whilst an authorizing code is supplied to the said reader- device.

The invention will now be described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows, diagrammatically, one embodiment of a security device in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows, diagrammatically, a second embodiment of a security device in accordance with the invention and Figure 3 shows, diagrammatically, a third embodiment of a security device in accordance with the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 a reader device, generally identified by numeral 11, comprises a box-like casing 12 open at one side with flanges 13 around said open side by which said casing 12 is secured to the internal surface of a panel 14 of a vehicle by rivets 15. Thus, the open side of casing 12 is effectively closed by the panel 14.

Internal walls 16 and 17 in casing 12 define a slideway 18 for an identification sheet-like insert 19, of a plastics material, and which is entered into slideway 18 through a slot 14a in panel 14. The internal wail 16 presents an upturned flange 16a which: limits the entry of insert 19 into slideway 18.

A leaf spring 20, secured at one end to wall 17, serves to resiliently maintain the insert 19 in slideway 18 and protects the insert 19 against vibration in slideway 18 when the vehicle is in use. The insert 19 has such a front to rear dimension, in its direction of insertion into slideway 18, as to project from the panel 14 when its leading edge is abutting flange 16a, whereupon the insert 19 can be readily removed from the reader 11.

A magnetic code reading head 21 is supported within casing 12 so as to be capable of reading magnetic code on an area 1 9a of the insert 19 when the insert 19 has its leading edge abutting flange 16a.

Such magnetic code reading heads 21 are so well known in the art that no further description thereof is required in this specification, it being only necessary to say that whilst the reading head 21 is reading an authorizing code on an insert 19 a signal is generated in a control, generally indicated by numeral 22.

Control 22 is linked by a line 23 to a switch 24 in the -starter motor circuit 25 for the vehicle engine 26 and the said starter motor circuit 25 includes a manual switch 27 activated by a push button 28 mounted on panel 14. Control 22 is also linked by a line 29 to a switch 30 in the low tension side of the circuit for engine 26.

In the absence of an authorizing insert 19 being continuously read by reading head 21 the control 22 does not extend signals via lines 23 and 29 so that the said switches 24 and 30 adopt positions which lock their respective circuits against operation. When an authorizing insert 19 is being read by reading head 21 the control 22 extends signals via line 29 to cause switch 30 to adopt an "un- locked" position in the engine circuit, and via line 23 to switch 24 to cause switch 24 to adapt an unlocked condition for the starter motor circuit 25. Thus, when the operator/driver depresses the starter button 28 to close switch 27, the starter motor- circuit is activated to start the engine 26 and, on starting of the engine 26, the operator/driver can release the button 28 to disconnect the starter motor circuit leaving the engine running.

The reader device 11 also includes a microswitch 31 the activating member 32 of which projects into the slideway 18 so as to be displaced, to activate switch 31, by an insert 19 entering into the slideway 18. The switch 31 controls the power supply to reading head 21 so that said reading head 21 is powered only whilst an inset 19 is within slideway 18.

It will be appreciated that when the engine is started it can only run whilst an authorizing insert 19 is within slideway 18 and the magnetic code is continuously read by reading head 21. On removal of the insert 19 whereupon the authorizing code is removed from the device 11 the reader head 21, failing to identify an authorizing code, causes control 22 to terminate the signals on lines 23 and 29 whereupon the starter motor circuit and the engine circuit are broken and locked against unauthorized reconnection.

The fact that the engine can only be stopped by removal of the insert serves as an additional reminder to the operator/driver to remove this authorizing insert 19 from the reader 11 prior to his leaving the vehicle.

The reader device 11 may be located in any convenient location within the vehicle, for vehicles having a cab or other enclosed operator location the reader device 11 may be located behind the conventional dash-board, but preferably the device 11 is located in a compartment of the vehicle normally accessible only to maintenance personnel.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 2 a reader device 11, substantially identical to the reader device 11 illustrated in example 1, is arranged to receive a sheet-like insert 19, identical to the insert 19 illustrated in Fig. 1.

In the Fig. 2 example the control unit 22 comprises a make/break switch in an electrical circuit which includes a battery 40 and solenoids 4T, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46. The arrangement is thus such that in the absence of a sheet-like insert 19, with the authorizing code printed thereon, inserted into the reader 11 the switch 22 is in a "break" condition, whereupon the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive are de-energized, and with an insert 19 with the authorizing code thereon inserted into the reader device 11 the control unit 22 is in a "make" position, completing the circuit for battery 40, whereupon the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive are energized.

When the solenoids 41 to 46 are energized their respective cores 41 a 42a, 43a, 44a, 45a, and 46a are drawn into the relevant coils of said solenoids, against the action of the return springs. When the switch 22 is in a "break" condition so that the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive are de-energized the respective cores 41a to 46a are extended from the respective coils by the solenoid return springs.

The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 is effective as a door and compartment locking device for a vehicle, such as a four door private car, and wherein the slot-like entry to the reader 11 may be aligned with a slot-like entry 14a in an external surface of the vehicle, and which slot-like 1 4a may conveniently be normally closed by a flap to protect the interior of the reader device from the elements.

The core 14a of the solenoid 41 may conveniently comprise the locking element for a boot or "5th" door of the vehicle, the cores 42a, 43a, 44a, and 45a of solenoids 42 to 45 respectively may conveniently comprise locking elements for the 4 doors giving access to the cab of the car and the core 46a of soldnoid 46 may conveniently comprise a locking element for the bonnet of the vehicle.

The cores 41a to 46a will adopt their "locking" positions when their respective solenoids 41 to 46 are de-energized and the cores 41a to 46a are extended from their respective coils.

In the above arrangement, and with the switch in a break position, all the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive are de-energized and their respective cores 40a to 46a respectively are in their respective locking positions, locking the entry doors to the cab, the boot and the bonnet against unauthorized access. When an insert 19, with an appropriate authorizing code thereon, is inserted into the reader 11 the control switch 22 adopts a "make" condition, all the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive are energized, and all the core locking elements 41a to 46a respectively are retracted to an unlock position, thus allowing the driver access to all the compartments of the vehicle.

With such an embodiment the boot and bonnet will include additional locking devices, accessable from the cab of the vehicle, to prevent said boot and lid from accidental opening whilst in use.

In one embodiment in accordance with the invention an authorized driver may leave his insert 19 within the reader device 11, thus disconnecting the circuit to all the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive throughout a journey. However, and more preferably, the driver uses his insert 19 simply to disconnect the solenoids 41 to 46 inclusive until he has one door of the vehicle open, when he will remove the insert 19 from the reader 11.

With such an embodiment the vehicle preferably includes mechanical linkages associated with the solenoids 42, 43, 44 and 45, the said linkages being assessible to a person in the cab, and said linkages serving to disconnect the respective cores 42a, 43a, 44a and 45a from their locking positions to enable said person to open the door and leave a vehicle without an insert 19 being within a reader device 11. When such a person has left the vehicle, using a door linkage, and has closed the door the relevant solenoid core 42a, 43a, 44a or 45a will operate to again lock the door.

The example illustrated in Fig. 3 is primarily intended for a motor vehicle having two doors to the cab, a bonnet, and a rigid cargo hold with two doors.

In this embodiment two reader devices 11 and 11 a, both substantially identical to the reader 11 described with respect to Fig. 1, are adapted to respond to authorizing codes on inserts 19 and 19a respectively and which codes are different.

The reader device 11 includes a control unit 22 comprising a make/break switch in a circuit comprising a battery 51 and three solenoids 52, 53 and 54. The solenoids 52 and 53 are cab door locking solenoids, intended to operate to lock the two cab doors in identical manner to the door locking solenoids 42, 43, 44 and 45 described with reference to Fig. 2.

The solenoid 54 is a bonnet locking solenoid arranged to lock in identical manner to the solenoid 46 described with reference to Fig.

2.

The reader device 11 a also includes a control unit 22a comprising a make/break switch in a circuit comprising the battery 51 and two solenoids 55 and 56, said solenoids 55 and 56 being cargo door locking solenoids arranged to operate in identical manner to the door locking solenoids 42, 43, 44 and 45 described with reference to example 2.

With the Fig. 3 example the insert 19 is the driver authorizing insert and, when inserted into the reader 11, allows the driver access to the cab of the vehicle and, in emergencies, access to the bonnet compartment.

The insert 19a, when inserted into the reader 11 a, de-energizes the door locking solenoids 55 and 56 to allow access to the cargo carrying compartment of the vehicle.

Thus, with this example, the inserts 19a may be retained at the loading and unloading locations for the vehicle so that only authorized personnel at said loading and unloading locations can gain access to the cargo carrying compartment of the vehicle.

In all the foregoing examples all the readers of a group of vehicles, or all vehicles on a particular site, may be adapted to recognize a common authorizing code so that all authorized drivers may drive all vehicles in a group or on the site.

In another embodiment all the readers of all the vehicles of a group, or on a site, may be adapted to recognize different authorizing codes so that only a person with the respective code for a vehicle can operate that vehicle.

In a further embodiment all the readers of a group of vehicles may be adapted to read two codes, one code individual to each reader with only the authorized driver of that vehicle having an insert with the authorizing code for the reader thereon, and a second common code which may be allocated to special personnel, such as maintenance personnel.

As well as reading the authorized code which allows a vehicle to be used, the insert may include additional coding, to be read by the reader and transmitted to a recorder, whereupon a full recording of times and use, and identification of the authorizing codes used to activate the vehicle, can be maintained for each vehicle.

Whilst the above invention has been described by way of examples the invention is not restricted thereto and many modifications and variations, within the scope of the claims, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Claims (14)

1. A security device for a vehicle comprising a reader device arranged to normally lock an electrical circuit of the vehicle in one condition and to release the lock on said circuit only when an authorizing code is supplied to said reader device.

2. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the reader device is arranged to release the lock on said circuit only when one particular authorizing code is supplied to the reader device.

3. A security device as claimed in claim 1 in which the reader device is arranged to release the lock on said circuit when any one of a plurality of authorizing codes is supplied to the reader device.

4. A security device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the reader device is arranged to receive a sheet-like insert upon which the or an authorizing code is marked or printed and said reader device only unlocks the lock on the vehicle circuit whilst the sheet-like insert is within the reader device.

5. A security device as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 in which the reader device is arranged to read non-visual authorizing code.

6. A security device as claimed in claim 4 or 5 in which said sheet-like inset includes information additional to the authorizing code.

7. A security device as claimed in claim 6 in which said additional information is visual information.

8. A security device as claimed in any one of claims 4, 5, 6 or 7 in which the reader device is located within a normally inaccessible compartment of the vehicle and a slot-like opening to said inaccessible compartment allows the sheet-like insert to be inserted into the reader device.

9. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the said circuit of the vehicle includes a make/break switch, said reader device is arranged to transmit a signal to said switch when an authorizing code is suppled to said reader and said switch closes to complete said circuit only whilst it is receiving an authorizing code-generated signal from said reader device.

10. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim in which said- circuit of the vehicle comprises the electrical circuit for the engine of the vehicle.

11. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim in which said circuit of the vehicle comprises the starter motor circuit for the vehicle.

12. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the said circuit of the vehicle comprises a door lock actuating circuit.

13. A security device as claimed in any preceding claim in which the vehicle includes a time recorder and said reader device is arranged to transmit a signal to said time recorder whilst an authorizing code is supplied to said reader.

14. A security device for a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 or 3 of the accompanying drawings.