Automobile anti-theft device
US5379617A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8649
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An anti-theft device surrounds the plastic housing for the ignition switch, the protruding plastic lock barrel and the exposed end of the lock cylinder with hardened steel. The device consists of (i) a hardened steel bracket which attaches directly to the housing and the steering column with screws, (ii) a cup-like cover which attaches to the bracket, covering the housing, the screws and the protruding lock barrel with hardened steel, and (iii) a torque-sensitive end cap which is rotateably supported by the cover. The torque-sensitive cap consists of an outer sleeve and a center disk press fit into the sleeve. The disk includes a key slot for access to the lock cylinder. The disk is the same size as an opening in the cover, which accommodates key access to the lock cylinder. The sleeve is rigid and larger in diameter than the opening. An indentation in the cap sleeve engages a boss on the lock cylinder to align the slot in the disk with the lock cylinder keyhole and operate the lock. If a thief attempts to insert a screwdriver through the slot to rotate the cap and force the rotation of the lock cylinder, the disk alone rotates without operating the lock cylinder.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.