WO2003024755A1

WO2003024755A1 - Apparatus for providing security for a lorry

Info

Publication number: WO2003024755A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/004255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sheila Margaret Froud
Original assignee: Sheila Margaret Froud
Priority date: 2001-09-19
Filing date: 2002-09-18
Publication date: 2003-03-27
Also published as: GB0122541D0

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for providing security for a lorry (4), the lorry (4) comprising a driving cab (6) and a trailer (8) having at least one access opening (10), and the apparatus (2) comprising control means (12) for fitting in the driving cab (6), a cable arrangement (16) for extending across the or each access opening (10) and for preventing unauthorised opening of closure means (124, 126) for the access opening (10), first connector means (20) for connecting a first end (22) of the cable arrangement (16) to the control means (12), second connector means (24) for connecting to a second end (26) of the cable arrangement (16) for enabling the control means (12) to monitor signals being transmitted from and received by the control means (12), sensor means (28) for detecting the presence of an intruder in the driving cab (6), and alarm means (30).

Description

APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SECURITY FOR A LORRY

This invention relates to apparatus for providing security for a lorry.

Providing security for a lorry is a well known and long standing problem. The lorry comprises a driving cab and a trailer, with the trailer having at least one access opening by which goods are stored in the trailer and removed from the trailer. Thieves may attempt to steal the entire lorry, in which case they will usually attack the driving cab. Thieves may alternatively attempt to steal goods from the trailer, in which case the thieves will attack the trailer. Sometimes, persons such for example as illegal immigrants may attempt to hide in the trailer. The loss of a lorry or goods

from within the trailer is self-evidently very expensive and serious. In many countries, the discovery of a lorry with illegal immigrants in its trailer results in heavy fines.

There is a need for apparatus which is able to provide comprehensive security for a lorry, and it is an aim of the present invention to provide such apparatus.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for providing security for a lorry, the lorry comprising a driving cab and a trailer having at least one access opening, and the apparatus comprising control means for fitting in the driving cab, a cable arrangement for extending across the or each access opening and for preventing unauthorised opening of closure means for the access opening, first connector means for connecting a first end of the cable arrangement to the control means, second connector means for connecting to a second end of the cable arrangement for enabling the control means to monitor signals being transmitted from and received by the control means, sensor means for detecting the presence of an intruder in the driving cab, and alarm means.

The apparatus of the present invention is thus able to ensure security in both the driving cab and the trailer. The alarm means becomes activated consequent upon the detection of an alarm situation. The signals transmitted from and received by the control means may be continuous, or they may be intermittent where it may be desired to save on battery power and only transmit and receive signals at predetermined time intervals.

In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is one in which the closure means is a curtain, and in which the cable arrangement comprises an insulated cable grid attached to the curtain. If the cable arrangement is cut, then the alarm means is activated.

The insulated cable grid may be formed from a single sheet of material which is attached to the curtain by welding. The welding may be ultrasonic welding or heat welding. The single sheet of material may be made from any suitable and appropriate type of plastics material.

If desired, the insulated cable grid may alternatively be formed in two parts, each part being on a separate sheet of material, and the two parts being connected together to form the insulated cable grid. This type of insulated cable grid may be attached to the curtain by any suitable and appropriate means including welding. The two separate sheets of material may be formed from any suitable and appropriate type of plastics material.

The cable arrangement may include a cable for passing through securing strap devices which secure the curtain in the closed position. If the cable is cut, then the alarm means is activated.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is one in which the closure means is at least one door, and in which the cable arrangement extends through securing members attached to the door. The cable arrangement will normally be a cable, typically a cable known as a TIR cable. The door may be a hinged door or a shutter door. The lorry may have one or more of the doors.

The apparatus may be one in which the first connector means is a two-part connector means comprising a first connector part for fitting to the driving cab, a second connector part for fitting to the trailer, and a flexible cable for extending between the first and second connector parts, and in which the lorry is such that the trailer is a detachable trailer which is detachable from the driving cab.

Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the first connector means is a one-part connector means for fitting to the trailer, and in which the lorry is such that the trailer is a fixed trailer which is not detachable from the driving cab. The one-part connector means is fitted to the trailer so that the cab can be tilted as may be necessary in order to provide access to an engine of the lorry for maintenance and repair purposes. Preferably, the sensor means is a passive infrared sensor means. Other types of sensor means may however be employed. The sensor means may sense motion and/or heat.

The alarm means is preferably an audible and visual alarm means. If desired, however the alarm means may only give an audible warning or a visual warning.

The apparatus of the present invention may include laser detector means for detecting intruder movement between the driving cab and the trailer, the lorry being such that the trailer is a detachable trailer which is detachable from the driving cab. With such a lorry, persons may attempt to access the roof of the driving cab or the trailer by climbing between the driving cab and the trailer. The laser detector means operates to prevent this. With a lorry which is such that the trailer is not a detachable trailer, then there is usually no or insufficient space for a person to climb between the driving cab and the trailer.

Preferably, the laser detector means is fitted to the first connector means. The laser detector means may however be fitted at other positions as may be suitable and appropriate.

The apparatus of the present invention may include battery tamper means for causing operating of the alarm means consequent upon tampering with the battery or connections to the battery.

The apparatus of the present invention may include panic device for operation by a driver in an emergency situation. The panic device may be a button-operated device or a lever-operated device. The apparatus of the present invention may include a radio pager operable consequent upon activation of the alarm means, the radio pager being a portable radio pager for being carried by a driver when the driver is not in the lorry, and for indicating an alarm situation in the lorry. Preferably, the radio pager is one that indicates the exact area of the lorry causing the alarm situation.

The apparatus of the present invention may include an acoustic microphone device by which a driver in the driving cab is able to hear what is happening in the trailer. Such an acoustic microphone device may be advantageous for enabling the driver to detect the presence of thieves in the trailer, for example, when the lorry is parked over night and the driver is asleep in the driving cab. The acoustic microphone device may also be advantageous in enabling the driver to detect the presence of persons such for example as illegal immigrants in the trailer.

The apparatus of the present invention may include gas detector means for detecting predetermined types of gases in the driving cab. The gas detector means may be advantageous for detecting engine fumes such as carbon monoxide in the driving cab, and/or for detecting gas attacks on a driver who is resting or asleep in the driving cab. The gas detector means may detect the presence of any desired gases.

The present invention also extends to a lorry when fitted with the apparatus of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a lorry comprising a driving cab and a trailer, and being provided with apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the lorry shown in Figure 1 and illustrates the positioning of the apparatus on the driving cab and the trailer;

Figure 3 shows the positioning of part of the apparatus on the rear face of the driving cab;

Figure 4 shows the positioning of part of the apparatus on a front end of the trailer;

Figure 5 shows the positioning of part of the apparatus at a rear end of the trailer;

Figure 6 shows part of the apparatus passing through a securing strap device for a side curtain of the lorry shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows the security strap device of Figure 6 in a open condition and without the cable;

Figure 8 shows in block diagram form the various parts of the apparatus and how they are electrically connected together;

Figure 9 is a front view of a panel of control means forming part of the apparatus;

Figures 11 - 17 show circuits for different parts of the apparatus;

Figure 18 is an exploded view of part of a cable arrangement for extending across an access opening in the lorry shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 19 is a front view of an insulated cable grid used in the cable arrangement shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a section through the cable arrangement shown in Figure 18;

Figure 21 is a side view of a second lorry fitted with second apparatus of the invention;

Figure 22 is a top view of the lorry show in Figure 1 and illustrates the positioning of the apparatus;

Figure 23 is a side view of a third lorry fitted with third apparatus of the invention;

Figure 24 is a top view of the lorry shown in Figure 2 and illustrates the positioning of the apparatus;

Figure 25 shows part of the apparatus positioned on a rear end of the driving cab of the lorry shown in Figure 23;

Figure 26 shows part of the apparatus positioned on a front end of the trailer of the lorry shown in Figure 23; and

Figure 27 shows part of the apparatus positioned on a rear end of the trailer of the lorry shown in Figure 23.

Referring to Figures 1 - 9, there is shown apparatus 2 for providing security for a lorry 4. The lorry 4 comprises a driving cab 6 and a trailer 8. The trailer 8 has two access openings 10, one along each side of the lorry 4.

The apparatus 2 comprises control means 12 for fitting in the driving cab 6, and a cable arrangement 16 for extending across the access openings 10 and for preventing unauthorised opening of closure means in the form of curtains 18 which close the access openings 10. The apparatus 2 further comprises first connector means 20 for connecting a first end 22 of the cable arrangement 16 to the control means 12. Second connector means 24 are provided for connecting to a second end 26 of the cable arrangement 16 for enabling the control means 12 to monitor signals being transmitted from and received by the control means 12.

The apparatus 2 further comprises sensor means 28 for detecting the presence of an intruder in the driving cab 6. The apparatus 2 further comprises alarm means 30.

As mentioned above, the lorry 4 is such that the closure means for the access openings 10 are side curtains 18. For this type of lorry, the cable arrangement 16 comprises an insulated cable grid 32 which is shown in Figures 18 - 20. One of the insulated cable grids 32 is attached to each one of the curtains 18. As shown in Figures 18, 19 and 20 the insulated cable grid 32 is formed by an electrically conducting grid 34 mounted on a single sheet 36 which is made of a plastics material. The sheet 36 is welded on one or more of its four edges to the curtain 18. The welding will usually be ultrasonic welding but it may be heat welding if desired. Any attempt to cut the curtain 18 will cut through the grid 34 and the sheet 36. The alarm means 30 will then be activated.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 20, the sheet 36 extends from the bottom of the curtain 18 only part-way up the height of the curtain 18. This is because lorries have different heights of access opening 10 and therefore different heights of curtains 18. The sheet 36 with its grid 34 is thus made to a standard size to fit all curtains 18. Because the sheet 36 extends upwardly from the bottom of the curtain 18 to a significant height, for example to 75% of the height of the curtain 18, there is little practical possibility of the curtain 18 being cut above the sheet 36 in order to avoid activating the alarm means 30.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown) the insulated cable grid 32 may be formed in two parts, with each part being on a separate sheet of material, and the two parts being connected together to form the insulated cable grid. One sheet may contain vertically extending grid elements and the other sheet may contain horizontally extending grid elements, which combine together to form an entire grid 34.

As best seen from Figure 1 , the cable arrangement 16 includes a cable 38 which passes through security strap devices 40 which secure the curtain 18 in the closed position. The cable 38 is a TIR cable 38. Figure 6 shows the cable 38 passing through a security strap device 40 in its closed position. Figure 7 shows the security strap device 40 in its open position

and without the cable 38. It will be seen that the cable 38 passes through two aligned apertures 42, one aperture 42 being in a rigid body part 44 and the other aperture 42 being in a movable part 46.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first connector means 20 is a two- part connector means comprising a first connector part 48 and a second connector part 50. As can be seen from Figures 1 , 2 and 3 the first connector part 48 fits to a rear face 52 of the driving cab 6. As shown in Figures 1 , 2 and 4 the second connector part 50 fits to the front end 54 of the trailer 8. The first and second connector parts 48, 50 are connected together by a flexible cable 56. The particular cable 56 used is that known as a Suzy connection cable. As will be seen from Figure 1 , the lorry 4 is such that the trailer 8 is a detachable trailer which is detachable from the driving cab 6. This is why the first connector means 20 is a two-part connector means which allows the driving cab 6 to be separated from the trailer 8 as required. The first and second parts 48, 50 can easily be electrically connected together via the flexible cable 56 once the driving cab 6 and the trailer 8 are connected together for driving purposes.

The second connector means 24 comprises a first connector part 58 for receiving an electrical connection from the insulated cable grid 32. The second connector means 24 also comprises two second connector parts 60 for receiving ends of the cables 38 extending along each side of the lorry 4. The first and the second connector means 20, 24 thus enable the completion of the circuit from the control means 12 in the driving cab 6 around the trailer 8 and back to the control means 12. During use of the apparatus 2, the control means 12 is able to transmit and receive signals in a continuous manner. Any attempt to cut the curtains 18 or the cables 38 causes activation of the alarm means 30.

The sensor means 28 is a passive infrared sensor means which senses motion and/or heat in the driving cab 6. Any unauthorised intruder movement in the driving cab 6 is thus detected by the sensor means 28 and again causes activation of the alarm means 30. Figure 4 shows how the cables 38 pass to connector boxes 62 positioned on the front end 54 of the trailer 8. Figure 5 shows the first connector part 58 and the second connector parts 60 positioned on a rear end 64 of the trailer 8. Figure 4 also shows an electrical connecting lead 66 extending from the second connector part 50 to connectors 68 for the cable arrangement 16.

The apparatus 2 includes laser detector means 70 for detecting intruder movement between the driving cab 6 and the trailer 8. For simplicity of illustration, the laser detector means 70 is only shown in Figure 8. The laser detector means 70 operates such that a laser beam is transmitted and then reflected from a reflector on the front end 54 of the lorry 4. The laser detector means 70 is able to detect intrusion between the driving cab 6 and the trailer 8 when a continuous beam between the driving cab 6 and the trailer 8 is broken by a person climbing in this area with a view to getting on the roof of the driving cab 6 or the trailer 8. The continuous beam is one which is transmitted and reflected. For lorries which do not have demountable trailers 8, then there is usually no or insufficient space between the driving cab 6 and the trailer 8 and so the laser detector means 70 is not required for lorries with trailers which are not demountable. The laser detector means 70 may be fitted to the first connector means 20. In Figure 8, the laser beam is shown as laser beam 72. Figure 8 also shows how the flexible cable 56 connects to the first connector means 20 by a connector 74 which may be a socket connector. The other end of the flexible cable 56 connects to a socket 76. The socket 76 is in a panel 78 which contains a parking socket 18 for the flexible cable 56. The panel 78 also contains a strobe light 82 for providing a visual alarm forming part of the alarm means 30. A speaker 84 on a control panel 86 forming part of the control means 12 gives an audible alarm as part of the alarm means 30.

Figure 8 also shows how the cables 38 are received by the second connector parts 60. Figure 8 further illustrates how connections are made to an end of line resistor unit 88 which is monitored by the signals from the control means 12 for variations in resistance which indicate the cutting of the insulated cable grid 32 and/or the cable 38.

Figure 9 shows a preferred layout for a face 90 of the control panel 86. It can be seen from Figures 8 and 9 that the control panel 86 may include the speaker 94, a volume control 92, an indicator 94 showing operation of the laser detector means 70, and an indicator 96 for indicating

operation of the sensor means 28 in the form of the passive infrared device. The control panel 86 may also have a battery indicator 98 for indicating the condition of the battery. The battery indicator 98 may form part of battery tamper means for causing operation of the alarm means 30 consequent upon tampering with the battery or connections to the battery. Also provided is a power indicator 100 for indicating that power is on to the apparatus 2.

The control panel 86 may include an indicator 102 for forming part of a panic device in the form of a panic button 103 (shown schematically in Figure 9) for operation by a driver in an emergency situation. Operation of the panic button causes operation of the alarm means 30. As shown in Figure 8, the apparatus 2 may include a radio pager 104 operable consequent upon activation of the alarm means 30. The radio pager 104 is portable so that it is able to be carried by a driver when the driver is not in the lorry. The radio pager indicates an alarm situation in the lorry 4. More specifically, the radio pager 104 indicates the exact area of the lorry 4 causing the alarm situation. The radio pager 104 is a hand held device which sends signals as indicated by line 106 to the control means 12.

The apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 8 includes an acoustic microphone device 108 which includes a microphone 110 positioned in the trailer 8. The device 108 is connected to the first connector means 20 by a microphone cable 112. The first connector means 20 is connected to the control means 12. The control panel 86 of the control means 12 may include a headphone socket 114 for receiving a lead to headphones 116 shown schematically in Figure 9. A driver in the driving cab 6 is thus able to hear noises in the trailer 8. This may be very useful for detecting intruders intent on thieving when the lorry is stationary, for example when the lorry is parked and the driver is asleep in the driving cab 6. The device 108 may also be very useful for situations where persons such for example as illegal immigrants or stowaways have hidden in the trailer 8.

The apparatus 2 includes gas detector means having an indicator 118 on the control panel 86. The gas detector means is able to detect the presence of specific gases in the driving cab 6. The control panel 86 has an on/off key switch socket 120 for turning the apparatus 2 on and off.

Figure 10 shows a circuit for one of the curtains 18. Figure 11 shows substantially the same circuit but which is for the other of the curtains 18. Figure 12 shows substantially the same circuit again which is for the cable 38. Figure 13 shows a circuit for the control panel 38 in the control means 12. Figure 14 shows a circuit required for the alarm means 30, the sensor means 28 and the laser detector means 70. The circuit shown in Figure 14 is also used for the indicator 98 for indicating battery failure, and for the indicator 100 for indicating means power supply. The circuit 14 is also used for providing back up battery power via a circuit part 122.

Figure 15 shows a circuit for the gas detector means having the indicator 118. Figure 16 shows the end of line resistor 88 shown in Figure 8. Figure 17 shows a circuit for the audible part of the alarm means 30.

The components of the various circuits shown in Figures 10 - 17 are clearly illustrated in the Figures and they will not be described in detail. The circuits shown in Figures 10 - 17 are provided on printed circuit boards.

Figures 21 and 22 are side and top views respectively of a lorry 124 having a driving cab 6 and a trailer 8. The trailer 8 is demountable from the driving cab 6. Thus the first connector means 20 is a one-part connector means 20 which fits just to the front end 54 of the trailer 8. Other parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. These similar parts will not again be described. Figures 23 - 27 show a lorry 126 which is like the lorry shown in Figures 1 - 5 but which has rigid sides instead of the curtains 18. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. Figure 23 shows the lorry containing goods 128 on pallets 130. Because the sides of the trailer 8 are rigid, the cable arrangement 16 is formed just by the cables 38 which pass underneath the trailer 8 as shown in Figure 24 from the second connector part 50 to the second connector means 24. The cables 38 are located in a tube 140 shown in Figures 26 and 27.

Because the trailer 8 of the lorry 126 has the solid sides, it has a rear access opening 10 which is closed by closure means in the form of two doors 124, 126. The cables 38 pass through the usual locking means for locking the doors 124, 126 in their closed position. This locking means may be any suitable and appropriate locking means as employed on lorries, for example locking bars.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the apparatus of the present invention may be used on different types of lorries to those shown. Also, different types of layouts may be employed on the control panel for the control means. The closure means for the trailer may be a door in the form of one or more roller shutter doors rather than one or more hinged doors. If desired, the apparatus may be such that all alarm events are recorded. If desired, the last forty events may be stored. The radio paging system may be operated up to one mile from the lorry. The acoustic microphone device may be useful in maneuvering the lorry. More than one microphone may be used to give an audible alarm from two different parts of the lorry. Persons other than illegal immigrants and stowaways may be detected as well as illegal immigrants. The various connection devices utilised in the lorry of the present invention may be provided with locks as may be required, and also with Custom Authority seals as may be required. The insulated cable grid is preferably made of steel, which is difficult to cut through with a knife blade. Wire cutters are usually required. Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention may be such that with a lorry having curtains along both sides, then one curtain can be fully

opened for the purpose of loading and unloading, whilst the other curtain may remain closed and fully alarmed. The apparatus of the present invention may extend to more than one trailer if more than one trailer is being towed. The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that different driving cabs can be easily connected to different types of trailers. The acoustic microphone means is advantageously designed to pick up the human voice range in preference to general noises usually found in and around the lorries. The driver may listen to noises in the trailer either using headphones or listening to a speaker system built in to the driving cab. Usually the acoustic microsystem will be a one way system from the trailer to the driving cab only, but a two way system may be employed if desired.

Claims

1. Apparatus for providing security for a lorry, the lorry comprising a driving cab and a trailer having at least one access opening, and the apparatus comprising control means for fitting in the driving cab, a cable arrangement for extending across the or each access opening and for preventing unauthorised opening of closure means for the access opening, first connector means for connecting a first end of the cable arrangement to the control means, second connector means for connecting to a second end of the cable arrangement for enabling the control means to monitor signals being transmitted from and received by the control means, sensor means for detecting the presence of an intruder in the driving cab, and alarm means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the closure means is a curtain, and in which the cable arrangement comprises an insulated cable grid attached to the curtain.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the insulated cable grid is formed on a single sheet of material which is attached to the curtain by welding.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the insulated cable grid is formed in two parts, each part being on a separate sheet of material, and the two parts being connected together to form the insulated cable grid.

5. Apparatus according to any one claims 2 - 4 in which the cable arrangement includes a cable which is for passing through securing strap devices which secure the curtain in the closed position.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the closure means is at least one door, and in which the cable arrangement extends through securing members attached to the door.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first connector means is a two-part connector means comprising a first connector part for fitting to the driving cab, a second connector part for fitting to the trailer, and a flexible cable for extending between the first and second connector parts, and in which the lorry is such that the trailer is a detachable trailer which is detachable from the driving cab.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 6 in which the first connector means is a one-part connector means for fitting to the trailer, and in which the lorry is such that the trailer is a fixed trailer which is not detachable from the driving cab.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sensor means is a passive infrared sensor means.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the alarm means is an audible and visual alarm means.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including laser detector means for detecting intruder movement between the driving cab and the trailer.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the laser detector means is fitted to the first connector means.

13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including battery tamper means causing operation of the alarm means consequent upon tampering with the battery or connections to the battery.

14. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a panic device for operation by a driver in an emergency situation.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a radio pager operable consequent upon activation of the alarm means, the radio pager being a portable radio pager for being carried by a driver when the driver is not in the lorry and for indicating an alarm situation in the lorry.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which the radio pager indicates the exact area of the lorry causing the alarm situation.

17. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including an acoustic microphone device by which a driver in the driving cab is able to hear what is happening in the trailer.

18. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including gas detector means for detecting predetermined types of gases in the driving cab.

19. A lorry when fitted with the apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.