Anti-theft locking means for a vehicle steering shaft
US7107801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/5664
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An anti-theft locking device for vehicles includes an annular locking sleeve mounted concentrically about and normally in frictional engagement with the vehicle steering shaft. The locking sleeve includes a body portion having a serpentine cross-sectional configuration, thereby defining on the inner periphery of the sleeve a plurality of alternate smooth convex projections and concave valleys. The convex projections are in frictional engagement with the circumferential surface of the steering shaft by a predetermined frictional force that is greater than the rotational torque force produced during normal steering operation of the vehicle. A plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth extend radially outwardly from the locking sleeve, thereby to define between the teeth a plurality of locking slots one of which is arranged to receive the free extremity of the locking arm of a locking device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.