A lock

Abstract

A vehicle braking system, the lock having one or more actuators, and at least one valve, each valve adapted to be connected to a brake line of the vehicle, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

Description

[0001] A LOCK

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a lock. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a lock for a vehicle braking system. The patent specification describes this use, but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Vehicle theft remains a significant concern worldwide, with substantial economic and personal repercussions. Despite advancements in automotive security technology, criminals continue to devise new methods to steal vehicles. Older cars, in particular, are highly susceptible to theft due to their outdated security systems, making them easy targets for hotwiring. Even vehicles equipped with modern immobiliser technology are not immune; thieves can bypass these systems by obtaining keys during break-ins, often exploiting common habits such as leaving keys on hooks in kitchens or other easily accessible locations within homes and businesses.

[0006] The implications of vehicle theft extend beyond the immediate loss of the vehicle. For many individuals, especially tradespeople, the theft of a vehicle can significantly impact their livelihood. Tradespeople often store valuable tools and equipment in their vehicles, and losing these assets can halt their ability to work, leading to lost income and additional expenses in replacing both the vehicle and the stolen tools. This creates a ripple effect that affects not only the individual but also their clients and, potentially, the broader community.

[0007] To combat vehicle theft, various supplementary security measures have been developed. Steering wheel locks are one such option. These devices are highly visible and act as a physical deterrent to thieves. However, they are often seen as inconvenient due to the effort required to fit, remove, and store them each time the vehicle is used. Their bulkiness and the time it takes to secure and release them deter many vehicle owners from using them consistently. ln recent years, some manufacturers have introduced vehicles with built-in two-factor authentication security systems. These systems add an additional layer of security by requiring two forms of verification before the vehicle can be operated. Typically, this involves a combination of something the user has, such as a key or fob, and something the user knows or has, like a PIN code or a fingerprint. While effective, these advanced systems are often complex and expensive to retrofit into older vehicles. The cost and technical challenges associated with installing such systems in vehicles that were not originally designed to support them pose a significant barrier for many vehicle owners.

[0008] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems with vehicle security systems and / or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a lock for a vehicle braking system, the lock having one or more actuators; and at least one valve, each valve adapted to be connected to a brake line of the vehicle, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

[0012] Preferably the lock has two valves and one actuator. In another embodiment, the lock has one valve and one actuator.

[0013] Preferably each actuator is an electrical motor. In another embodiment, each actuator is a linear actuator. In another embodiment each actuator is a servo motor. In another embodiment each actuator is a solenoid. Preferably movement of a portion of each actuator causes each valve to change between the open condition and the closed condition. More preferably rotation of a portion of each actuator causes each valve to change between the open condition and the closed condition. In one embodiment the actuator is attached directly to each valve, in another embodiment the actuator is operatively attached to the at least one valve.

[0014] Preferably each actuator has a gear associated with it. Preferably, each valve has a gear associated with it. Preferably movement of the gear associated with each actuator causes movement of the gear associated with each valve. Preferably 90° movement of the gear associated with each actuator causes 90° movement of the gear associated with each valve. Preferably movement of the gear associated with each valve causes each valve to move between the open condition and the closed condition.

[0015] In another embodiment, each actuator can be manually moved. In one embodiment, each actuator is a key barrel.

[0016] Preferably the lock further includes a transfer member. Preferably the transfer member transfers movement between the one or more actuators and the at least one valve. Preferably the transfer member is a rack that interacts with the gear associated with each actuator and the gear associated with each valve. In an embodiment where there are a plurality of actuators, the lock may include two or more transfer members for redundancy. Preferably each transfer member is movable in a linear direction between a first position and a second position. Preferably, in the first position each valve is in the open condition, and in the second position each valve is in the closed condition. In one embodiment, the lock includes sensors to detect when each transfer member is in the first position or the second position. Preferably when sensor senses that the transfer member is in the first position, movement of the actuator in that direction is stopped. Preferably when sensor senses that the transfer member is in the second position, movement of the actuator in that direction is stopped.

[0017] Preferably each valve is a ball valve. Preferably each ball valve is movable 90° between the open condition and the closed condition. In another embodiment, each valve can be a butterfly valve, a slide valve or any type of valve suitable for dealing with the pressures of a vehicles brake lines.

[0018] Preferably the lock further includes a pressure sensor associated with each valve. Preferably if the pressure sensor senses a pressure in a corresponding brake line below a predetermined amount, the at least one valve is prevented from changing from an open condition to a closed condition. In another embodiment the lock is associated with a brake switch. Preferably if the brake switch is not activated the at least one valve is prevented from changing from an open condition to a closed condition. Preferably if the pressure sensor senses a pressure in a corresponding brake line below a predetermined amount, the at least one valve is prevented from changing from a closed condition to an open condition. In another embodiment the lock is associated with a brake switch. Preferably if the brake switch is not activated the at least one valve is prevented from changing from a closed condition to an open condition.

[0019] Preferably the lock includes a base plate. Preferably the base plate is adapted to secure the lock to a portion of a vehicle. Preferably the base plate includes a plurality of apertures for fasteners to secure the base plate to a portion of a vehicle. In another embodiment the base plate includes a plurality of fasteners to secure the base plate to a portion of a vehicle. Preferably the base plate is made from a metal. Preferably the base plate is made from hardened steel.

[0020] Preferably the lock further includes a cover. Preferably the cover is adapted to secure to the base plate. More preferably the cover can be secured to the base plate with one or more fasteners. Preferably the fasteners are security fasteners. Preferably the cover includes one or more openings for the corresponding brake lines of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the base plate includes one or more openings for the corresponding brake lines of the vehicle. Preferably the cover includes one or more openings for one or more electrical connections. In another embodiment, the base plate includes one or more openings for one or more electrical connections. Preferably the cover is made from a metal. Preferably the cover is made from hardened steel. In one embodiment, the cover includes one or more electrical conductors embedded therein. Preferably if one or more of the electrical conductors is damaged, the at least one valve is prevented from changing from a closed condition to an open condition.

[0021] Preferably the lock includes an authentication device. Preferably the authentication device is adapted to actuate the one or more actuators. Preferably the authentication device is adapted to actuate the one or more actuators provided other requirements are met (for example sufficient pressure in the corresponding brake lines of the vehicle). In one embodiment, the authentication device is remote from the lock. In one embodiment, the authentication device includes a keylock and key. Preferably the keylock and key further include a push button. In another embodiment, the authentication device includes a keypad. Preferably the keypad enables a passcode to be entered. Preferably if a correct passcode is entered or received, the state of each of the at least one valve is changed between the open condition and the closed condition. Preferably if the at least one valve is in the open condition and a correct passcode is entered or received, the state is changed to the closed condition. Preferably if the at least one valve is in the closed condition and a correct passcode is entered or received, the state is changed to the open condition. In another embodiment, the authentication device includes a transceiver or a receiver, and a remote control. In a further embodiment, the authentication device includes a button. Preferably the button is disguised or hidden from plain sight in the vehicle. Preferably the lock requires the authentication device to move each valve from the closed condition to the open condition. In another embodiment, the authentication device is adapted to interact with a mobile device. Preferably the mobile device is a mobile phone. Preferably the authentication device is adapted to receive a passcode from the mobile device. Preferably the authentication device is adapted to communicate with the mobile device wirelessly. Preferably the authentication device is adapted to support multiple forms of authentication at the same time.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lock is activated, causing each valve to move from the open condition to the closed condition when the vehicle is detected as being locked, or within a predetermined time of the vehicle being detected as being locked.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lock includes a movement sensor to detect movement of the vehicle. Preferably the movement sensor includes one or more of a gyroscope and an accelerometer. In another embodiment, the lock is associated with a vehicle’s speedometer. Preferably if movement of the vehicle is detected, each of the at least one valve is inhibited from moving from the open condition to the closed condition. In another embodiment, the lock is associated with a gear indicator. Preferably if a predetermined gear indication is detected the at least one valve is inhibited from moving from the open condition to the closed condition. In another embodiment, the lock is associated with a vehicles electrical system. Preferably if the vehicle is detected to be running or if the electrical system is in a predetermined state, the at least one valve is inhibited from moving from the open condition to the closed condition.

[0024] In one embodiment, the lock includes a communication module. Preferably the communication module is adapted to communicate with a mobile device. In another embodiment the communication module is adapted to communicate with a remote. Preferably the communication module is adapted to transmit information relating to a lock status.

[0025] Preferably the communication module includes encryption for all wireless communication between the lock and a mobile device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lock includes an alarm. In another embodiment the lock is associated with an alarm. Preferably the lock includes a tamper sensor to detect if the lock is being tampered with. Preferably the lock is adapted to activate the alarm if it detects that it is being tampered with. Preferably the tamper sensor senses if the cover is removed from the lock.

[0027] Preferably the lock includes one or more status indicators. Preferably the one or more status indicators are one or more lights. Preferably the one or more lights are located remote from the lock. In another embodiment, the one or more status indicators include an audible indication.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lock is part of a vehicle master brake cylinder. In another embodiment, the lock is attached to a vehicles master brake cylinder.

[0029] In one embodiment, the lock includes a battery to ensure continuous power in the event of a power failure or disconnection from a vehicle’s electrical system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the lock is integrated with the vehicle’s electrical system such that if the at least one valve is in the closed condition, a vehicle’s engine cannot be started. Preferably the lock includes at least one sensor to detect if the at least one valve is in the closed condition. Preferably the lock includes at least one sensor to detect if the at least one valve is in the open condition. Preferably the lock includes at least one switch operatively associated with the one or more actuators to detect if the at least one valve is in the closed or open condition. Preferably the at least one switch is operatively associated with the transfer member. Preferably the at least one switch is two switches. Preferably a first of the two switches is adapted to detect when the transfer member is in the first position. Preferably the second of the two switches is adapted to detect when the transfer member is in the second position. In an embodiment where there are a plurality of transfer members, preferably there are two switches for each transfer member.

[0031] Preferably the movement between the open condition and the closed condition is limited to a predetermined time to inhibit sudden pressure changes in the brake lines. Preferably the movement between the closed condition and the open condition is limited to a predetermined time to inhibit sudden pressure changes in the brake lines.

[0032] In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a lock system, the lock system including a lock as described in the specification and a remote adapted to control the lock.

[0033] Preferably the remote includes a plurality of buttons. Preferably at least two of the plurality of buttons are required to be activated to enable the remote to send a control signal to the lock. In one embodiment, the remote includes three buttons, a power button, an unlock button and a lock button. Preferably to send a lock control signal to the lock, the power button and the lock button need to be activated at the same time. Preferably to send an unlock control signal to the lock, the power button and the unlock button need to be activated at the same time.

[0034] Preferably the lock and the remote are coded to each other to avoid interference from other devices.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of installing a lock for a vehicle braking system, including the following steps: connecting at least one valve to a brake line of the vehicle, each of the at least one valve being associated with one or more actuators, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

[0036] Preferably the method further includes the step of securing the lock to the vehicle. Preferably the step of securing the lock to the vehicle includes securing a base plate of the lock to the vehicle. Preferably the step of securing the lock to the vehicle further includes installing a cover after the base plate has been secured to the vehicle.

[0037] Preferably the step of connecting at least one valve to a brake line of the vehicle includes cutting the brake line and connecting one part of the brake line to a first side of the valve and the other part of the brake line to a second side of the valve.

[0038] In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of locking a vehicle’s braking system, including the following steps: bringing the vehicle to a stop; applying pressure to a brake line of the vehicle; and using an actuator to change the state of a valve attached to the brake line from an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through the valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve.

[0039] Preferably the method further includes sensing a pressure in the brake line. Preferably the method further includes inhibiting the valve from changing from the open condition to the closed condition until a predetermined pressure is sensed in the brake line.

[0040] In another embodiment the method further includes associating the lock with a brake switch. Preferably the method further includes inhibiting the valve from changing from the open condition to the closed condition until the brake switch is activated. Preferably the brake switch is activated when a brake pedal is activated.

[0041] In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a vehicle, the vehicle having a lock, the lock having one or more actuators; and at least one valve, each valve adapted to be connected to a brake line of the vehicle, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

[0042] The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a lock according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 2 is a schematic end view of the lock of Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic bottom view of the lock of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a schematic top view of the lock of Figure 2.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0049] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a lock 10. The lock 10 includes an actuator 12 and two valves 14,16. The valves 14,16 are ball valves. The actuator 12 is an electric motor. The actuator 12 has a gear 18 attached thereto. The valves 14,16 also have corresponding gears 20,22.

[0050] The actuator 12 is operatively associated with the valves 14,16 by a transfer member 24. The transfer member 24 is a rack. The transfer member 24 is slidably movable between a first position (best seen in Figure 3) and a second position (not shown). In the first position, the valves 14,16 are in an open condition. In the second position the valves 14,16 are in a closed condition. Rotation of the gear 18 by 90° causes movement of the transfer member 24 and corresponding rotation of gears 20,22 by 90°.

[0051] The actuator 12 further includes an authentication device (not shown). The authentication device is adapted to communicate with a mobile device (not shown). If the authentication device receives a correct passcode from the mobile device, the actuator changes the condition of the valves 14,16.

[0052] Valve 16 has an opening 26 on a first end thereof, and an opening (not shown) on a second end thereof. Valve 14 has an opening 28 on a first end thereof, and an opening (not shown) on a second end thereof. In the closed condition, fluid is prevented from moving between the corresponding openings.

[0053] The valves 14,16 further include pressure sensors to sense a pressure in the valves.

[0054] The lock 10 further includes a baseplate 30. The baseplate 30 includes a plurality of apertures (not shown) to attach the baseplate 30 to a surface of a vehicle (not shown). Figure 4 is a top view with the valves 14,16 and the actuator 12 removed for clarity. The lock 10 further includes side walls 32,34, end walls 36,38 and a top wall 40. The side walls 32,34 include apertures (not shown) for a vehicles brake lines (not shown). The valves 14,16 are adapted to connect to the vehicle brake lines.

[0055] In use with reference to figures 1 to 3, The lock 10 is secured to a vehicle (not shown. Brake lines of the vehicle (not shown) are connected to the valves 14,16. In the open condition, brake fluid can flow through the valves 14,16 and through the brake lines. In the closed condition brake fluid is prevented from flowing through the valves 14,16 and through the brake lines. If the valves 14,16 are in the open condition and the pressure sensors detect a predetermined pressure in the valves 14,16 and the authentication device receives a correct signal, the actuator 12 moves the transfer member 24, moving gears 20,22, changing the state of the valves 14,16 to the closed condition. If the valves 14,16 are in the closed condition and the authentication device receives a correct signal, the actuator 12 moves the transfer member 24, moving gears 20,22, changing the state of the valves 14,16 to the open condition.

[0056] ADVANTAGES

[0057] An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the lock is that it provides an additional level of security to a vehicle. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the lock is that it can be retrofit to an existing vehicle. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the lock is that it will typically require a rebuild of a vehicles brake lines if removed and would typically require the brake lines to be bled, making it difficult to quickly bypass the lock.

[0058] VARIATIONS

[0059] While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

[0060] Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A lock for a vehicle braking system, the lock having one or more actuators; and at least one valve, each valve adapted to be connected to a brake line of the vehicle, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

2. A lock as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each actuator is an electrical motor.

3. A lock as claimed in claim 2, wherein rotation of a portion of each actuator causes each valve to change between the open condition and the closed condition.

4. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each actuator has a gear associated with it and each valve has a gear associated with it, wherein movement of the gear associated with each actuator causes movement of the gear associated with each valve, and wherein movement of the gear associated with each valve causes each valve to move between the open condition and the closed condition.

5. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a transfer member to transfers movement between the one or more actuators and the at least one valve.

6. A lock as claimed in claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the transfer member is a rack that interacts with the gear associated with each actuator and the gear associated with each valve.

7. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each valve is a ball valve.

8. A lock as claimed in claim 7 wherein each ball valve is movable 90° between the open condition and the closed condition.

9. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a pressure sensor associated with each valve, wherein if the pressure sensor senses a pressure in a corresponding brake line below a predetermined amount, the at least one valve is prevented from changing from an open condition to a closed condition.

10. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including an authentication device is adapted to actuate the one or more actuators.

11. A lock as claimed in claim 10, wherein the authentication device is adapted to interact with a mobile device and receive a passcode from the mobile device.

12. A lock as claimed in claim 11 wherein if a correct passcode is received, the state of each of the at least one valve is changed between the open condition and the closed condition.

13. A lock as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lock has two valves and one actuator.

14. A vehicle, the vehicle having a lock, the lock having one or more actuators; and at least one valve, each valve adapted to be connected to a brake line of the vehicle, wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

15. A method of installing a lock for a vehicle braking system, including the following steps: connecting at least one valve to a brake line of the vehicle, each of the at least one valve being associated with one or more actuators,wherein the one or more actuators are adapted to change the state of each of the at least one valve between an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through each respective valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through each respective valve.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 further including the step of securing a base plate of the lock to the vehicle.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the step of connecting at least one valve to a brake line of the vehicle includes cutting the brake line and connecting one part of the brake line to a first side of the valve and the other part of the brake line to a second side of the valve.

18. A method of locking a vehicle’s braking system, including the following steps: bringing the vehicle to a stop; applying pressure to a brake line of the vehicle; and using an actuator to change the state of a valve attached to the brake line from an open condition in which brake fluid can flow through the valve and a closed condition in which brake fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve.

19. A method as claimed in claims 18, further including sensing a pressure in the brake line.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, further including inhibiting the valve from changing from the open condition to the closed condition until a predetermined pressure is sensed in the brake line.

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