Automotive, steering wheel anti-theft device
US5277042A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/7932
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanical anti-theft device of the type applied to the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle which automatically ratchets to it's applied position without necessity of key lock actuation is provided with several security enhancing features which cumulatively prevent or make the device exceedingly difficult to unlock using conventional burglary tools or lock picking techniques. The features include configuring the ratchet teeth of the telescoping rod member in a way which minimizes any attempt to deactivate the lock unless the key is used. In combination with the ratchet teeth configuration, the lock pawl mechanism is configured to include an arcuate, transversely extending apex edge line or surface which cooperates with or is sized to be coincident with the rod members circumference to prevent a wedge, shim or pick from being readily easily inserted between pawl and ratchet tooth to force a retraction of the pawl.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.