Portable vehicle security lock with illumination means

US4959981A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Roger Davidson · Hartwick, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 13, 1989
• Grant date: Oct 2, 1990
• Expiry date: Jan 13, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T70/5898
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A portable antitheft locking mechanism for a motor vehicle steering wheel and brake pedal, e.g., a J-bar, having plural lighting elements, such as light emitting diodes, which generally indicate the profile of the locking mechanism so that it may be seen in darkness before forcible entry. The J-bar includes an independent source of power, such as a battery, which energizes the lighting elements either when the J-bar engages the vehicle member or when the access lock is secured, or both. The lighting elements provide means to inform the thief of the J-bar during darkness so as to deter his ill-intended efforts and spare the owner of unnecessary physical damage resulting from forcible entry. The J-bar preferably includes contact switch element which closes upon engagement with the steering wheel and/or a microswitch responsive to securement of an access lock on the mechanism to activate the lights thereby to conserve source when not in use. The lighting elements may be energized continuously, periodically, or sequentially. A photoswitch may also be employed to deactive the lighting elements during daylight conditions.