Latching Bolt Patents (Class 70/186)
  • Patent number: 6003349
    Abstract: A vehicle lock device is disclosed to impede a person from using a wrong key. When a key rotor is forcibly turned by a wrong key, the key rotor with the aid of tumblers turns a sleeve. The sleeve then moves slide members backward through a cooperative cam action. The front ends of the slide members have cam faces that are designed to correspond to guide grooves of the sleeve and recess portions of a rotor case. The backward movement of the slide members disengages a rotation transmitting member from the key rotor so that the key rotor is in an idle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nagae, Yo Ichinose
  • Patent number: 6000489
    Abstract: A shaft lock for an automobile with a steering column. The steering column has a gear rim thereon with teeth on its periphery and a hollow cylinder is attached to the car body. A magnetic piston is slidably received in a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod extending from the magnetic piston to the gear rim. An electromagnet is supported on the hydraulic cylinder and adjacent to the magnetic piston so that the field from the electromagnet holds the piston rod teeth out of engagement with the teeth on the gear rim when the ignition of the motor is turned on. The motor has an oil system connected to the hydraulic cylinder to force the magnetic piston away from the gear rim when the motor has started. A helical compression spring is supported on the hydraulic cylinder which urges the magnetic piston from the gear rim and disengages the teeth on the piston rod from the teeth on the gear rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Frank G. Rick
  • Patent number: 5974841
    Abstract: A steering lock device including a steering shaft having an engagement recess, a steering column pipe having an insertion hole, a housing mounted to the steering column pipe with a guide projection being inserted into the insertion hole, a cylinder body mounted in the housing, a key-operated rotor disposed in the cylinder body, a lock pin inserted slidably in the slide hole of the housing and engageable with the engagement recess, and a lock mechanism actuated in accordance with the rotation of the rotor for conducting engagement and disengagement of the lock pin in which the lock pin has a square cross sectional shape, wherein the following relations are satisfied:H.gtoreq.16 and 6.gtoreq.B.gtoreq.[13050/(D.multidot.H)].sup.1/2where H is the length for the first side, B is the length for the second side of the lock pin and D is the diameter for the steering shaft, or the relations:f(D.sub.C)=0.0031D.sub.c.sup.2 -0.1375D.sub.c +7.2f(D.sub.C)-0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.f(D.sub.C)+0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Lock MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunori Naganuma
  • Patent number: 5906120
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering column lock assembly is disclosed for use with a steering wheel connected to a steering column passing through a steering column housing to which an ignition switch is mounted. The assembly has a lock ring adapted to be mounted to the steering column and having at least one lock recess on an end thereof and a lock pawl movable between a lock position engaged in the lock recess and an unlock position disengaged from the at least one lock recess. A tray is adapted for slidable movement within the steering column housing generally parallel to the steering column, the tray having a lock pawl bed allowing the lock pawl to slide therein generally parallel to the steering column. Tray control means operatively connecting the ignition switch and the tray move the tray between at least two positions in which the lock pawl alternately engages and disengages the lock ring to prevent and allow, respectively, rotation of the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarke Fisk Thacker, Robert Daniel Restauri
  • Patent number: 5896765
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a motorized steering lock including a bolt which locks the steering column by engaging in a recess in the steering shaft in the column. The bolt is actuated by an internally threaded slider which is carried on an externally threaded drive rod, and which cooperates with abutment surfaces formed on the bolt so as to displace the latter between its locking and unlocking positions. Besides its threaded portion, and in extension of the latter, the drive rod has a portion of reduced diameter such that, when the drive rod is rotated, the slider can slide axially along the portion of the drive rod having the reduced diameter, to a position in which its internal thread is out of mesh with the external thread of the drive rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Securite Habitacle
    Inventors: Jean Peyre, Olivier Demouy, Arnaud Humbert, Pascal Alliot
  • Patent number: 5887463
    Abstract: A locking device is disclosed for locking a steering column of a vehicle against rotation, relative to a fixed structure of the vehicle, the steering column including a steering shaft. The device includes a locking bar attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle, the locking bar being free to reciprocate between locked and unlocked positions adjacent to the steering shaft; and a member projecting transversely from the steering shaft for engaging with the locking bar to limit rotation of the steering shaft when the locking bar is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: John T. Bobbitt, III
  • Patent number: 5794469
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a steering lock device of the type that a key rotor is coupled to the shift lever of an automatic transmission, which is reduced in size, thus occupying a relatively small space when installed. The steering lock device, an accommodating section, which accommodates a rotary member and a slider, is provided on the outer cylindrical surface of a housing in such a manner that it is located above the axis of the housing, and its longitudinal direction is in parallel with the direction of a tangent line to the outer cylindrical surface of the housing, whereby the accommodating section is not so much protruded from the sidewalls of the housing. The rotary member is turned about its shaft by a cam which is turned together with a key rotor. The slide is moved longitudinally of the accommodating section in association with the movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Sesakusho
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5730011
    Abstract: In a structure for mounting a steering lock apparatus having a key cylinder unit fixed to an instrument panel and a key lock unit for permitting or regulating rotation of a steering shaft whose tilting is freely changed, a key cylinder interposing unit through which an end of the key cylinder unit is interposed and supported is formed in a plate bracket fixed in the instrument panel side, protrusions projecting upward are provided in an end of the key cylinder unit and an engaging groove for regulating rotation of the key cylinder unit by engaging with both sides of the protrusions and functioning as a stress concentration part for a load applied upward from the key cylinder unit is formed in the key cylinder interposing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Terai
  • Patent number: 5730010
    Abstract: In a mounting structure of a key lock unit comprising a key lock unit having a locking rod whose end engages and disengages with a lock recess portion formed in a steering shaft in a column tube, and a rod housing which slidably provides the locking rod therein, a boss portion provided on the end of the rod housing being fitted into a penetrating mounting hole of the column tube, and a key lock bracket that receives and supports the end of the key lock unit being welded to the column tube, according to the present invention, a patch bracket having a through hole with a size corresponding to the mounting hole, and disposed in overlap with the outer surface of the column tube, matching the through hole with the mounting hole, and further welded to the key lock bracket, is provided, a through hole-shaped gap is provided between the key lock bracket and the column tube, and a detecting protrusion which fits into the through hole-shaped gap is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Norimatsu, Yasunari Mita
  • Patent number: 5718131
    Abstract: A steering column locking assembly and method of making same includes swaging a steering column tube and a steering column lock collar in such a manner that relative movement between the two parts is resisted below a predetermined level of torque while relative rotation occurs at values of torque above the predetermined value. A layer of plastics material may be provided between the two parts. Once the predetermined torque is overcome, then rotation between the two parts occurs, but ceases once the torque level drops below the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: John Thomas Bobbitt, III
  • Patent number: 5718132
    Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock for an energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column having a linearly collapsible mast jacket includes a unitized construction consisting of a cylinder lock attached to an instrument panel of the motor vehicle remote from the mast jacket, a lateral housing between the cylinder lock and the mast jacket, a lock bolt in the lateral housing, rack and pinion gears which convert rotation of an element of the cylinder lock into linear translation of the lock bolt, and a frangible connection means at which an inboard part of the unitized construction adjacent the mast jacket separates from an outboard part in the direction of linear collapse of the mast jacket. The frangible connection means includes a pair of laterally aligned frangible joints between inboard and outboard segments of the lateral housing and between inboard and outboard segments of the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kremer Riefe, David Michael Byers, Michael Patrick Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 5689983
    Abstract: An improved ignition rack and an improved sector gear for a steering column in a vehicle inhibits theft of the vehicle. The ignition rack is used to operate an electrical switch mounted in the vehicle. The vehicle has a key receiving assembly rotatably mounted in the steering column and a shaft with a first end joined to the key receiving assembly for rotation therewith. A second end of the shaft is joined to the sector gear, the sector gear having teeth located on a portion of an outer perimeter. In a first embodiment, the ignition rack includes a guard flange for inhibiting removal of the sector gear from the shaft. The sector gear also includes a guard flange that forms a recess which opens to a surface opposite the guard flange of the ignition rack. The sector gear with the guard flange formed thereon protect a spring connected to the sector gear and a locking bolt from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Omaha Auto Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. McCoolidge
  • Patent number: 5685183
    Abstract: A key interlocking mechanism for an automobile ensures that the automobile transmission is in the proper position when the key is removed. The mechanism includes a stopper pin protruding into the rotational path of the key motor and a solenoid valve energized when the automobile transmission is shifted out of park. When the key rotor is rotated with the solenoid valve unenergized, a cam plate within the mechanism acts to push the stopper pin up out of the rotational path of the key rotor. When the solenoid valve is energized, the stopper pin is prevented from being pushed out of the rotational path of the rotor. The key rotor is thus prevented from being rotated to a position in which the key can be removed from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaichi Hattori, Osamu Shoji
  • Patent number: 5685180
    Abstract: An anti-theft security arrangement for the steering column of a motor vehicle includes a clutch which is adapted to resist turning of the steering up to a certain torque but thereafter to slip to avoid damage to the parts while still making control of the vehicle impractical. The clutch is arranged on a parallel axis to the steering column and is connected to the column through a high-ratio gear train comprising a gear wheel fast with the steering column and a pinion fast with the clutch. It is engaged and disengaged by sliding the assembly of clutch and pinion into and out of mesh with the other gear wheel. The clutch includes a rotatable shaft with teeth engaging between spring steel rods so as to turn in a series of discrete jerks if the limiting torque is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: C. E. Marshall (Wolverhamption) (Limited)
    Inventors: Michael G. Qualters, Derek H. Poole
  • Patent number: 5653131
    Abstract: In a key switch system for a vehicle, a plurality of tumblers 6 and a pair of cylinder pins engaging tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 in an outer cylinder 1 are radially slidably carried in an inner cylinder 2 which is rotatably carried within the outer cylinder 1. If a key K is correctly and deeply inserted into a key hole 2.sub.1, the tumblers 6 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a code valley K.sub.1 of the key K, and the pair of cylinder pins 8 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a tip end K.sub.2 of the key K, thereby permitting the rotation of the inner cylinder 2. If the key K is turned in a state in which it is not correctly and deeply inserted into the key hole 2.sub.1, the rotation is restricted by the engagement of the cylinder pins 8 having a high rigidity into the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2, thereby preventing a damage to the tumblers 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Shibata, Yoshiaki Hirakata
  • Patent number: 5632167
    Abstract: When a key cylinder is caused to come off a body, a regulating lever moves. As a result of such movement, a block member moves to engage with an engagement groove of an engagement body, so that the rotation of a cam shaft can be blocked. In addition, a lock piece enters between the block member and a cover. Even if the regulating lever is broken, the rotation of the cam shaft is blocked by the block member, and even if one attempts to move the block member in a disengagement direction, the movement of the block member is blocked by the lock piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomonori Kawachi, Nobuyoshi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 5570599
    Abstract: A steering lock device comprises a key cylinder 14 rotatably provided in a sleeve 13 which is arranged within the a frame 11; a first rotor 16 arranged, being capable of rotating, being capable of moving in the axial direction with respect to the sleeve 13, and connected with a cam for the key cylinder 14; a second rotor 18 connected with a locking rod 32 and an ignition switch 28 in operation; and a connector 17 arranged between the first rotor 16 and the second rotor 18. When the key cylinder 14 is rotated relative to the sleeve 13, the key cylinder 14 is connected with the second rotor 18, and thereby the locking rod 32 is moved to the unlocked position from the locked position. When a foreign key is inserted into the key cylinder 14, the key cylinder 14 is rotated together with the sleeve 13 as one unit, thereby the locking rod 32 cannot be moved to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuji Konii
  • Patent number: 5495732
    Abstract: A steering lock apparatus of the type that a lock bar moving along the guide section of a lock body is protruded toward the steering shaft for locking, has a device for cooperating with the guide section to regulate the protrusion of the lock bar towards the steering shaft when the lock bar is accidentally released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nagae, Minoru Morikawa
  • Patent number: 5492031
    Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a shift socket which is concentrically mounted on the steering column shaft, and includes a helical slot. A follower on a pivotable shift lever cooperates with the helical slot to pivot the shift lever as the shift socket is rotated. Accordingly, rotation of the shift socket causes movement of the shift lever, which translates the transmission shift cable for shifting the transmission. A single lock paw simultaneously locks both the shift socket and the steering column shaft from rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Gregory T. Hedderly
  • Patent number: 5454238
    Abstract: A modular anti-theft apparatus for mounting on a core or generic steering column having a tubular mast jacket, a steering shaft in the mast jacket, a steering shaft bearing support housing attached to an upper end of the mast jacket, a platform on the bearing support housing for attachment of accessory modules, and a peripherally notched lock plate rigidly attached to the steering shaft. The anti-theft apparatus includes a case bolted onto the bearing support housing on the platform thereon, a bolt carrier mounted on the case for back and forth bodily movement, a lock bolt mounted on the carrier for bodily movement as a unit therewith and for bodily movement relative thereto, a reversible electric motor in the case, and a gear reduction drive between the motor and the bolt carrier. The operation of the electric motor is synchronized with an ignition switch lock remote from the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christian E. Ross, Douglas M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5315851
    Abstract: In a steering lock device used for a vehicle in which the locking member allows a steering shaft to rotate when an inner cylinder of a cylinder lock moves to ON position by the operation of a key, while the locking member locks the steering shaft when the key is withdrawn at a LOCK position, the steering lock device comprises a key lever disposed in the inner cylinder such that it can swing depending on the insertion and withdrawal of the key, an engaging portion disposed on the outer cylinder that engages the key lever when the inner cylinder is rotated from the ON position to the LOCK position by the key operation and a locking member disposed on the outer cylinder which retracts when the inner cylinder is positioned at the key withdrawal position, thereby unlocking the steering lock shaft, while protrudes when the key is withdrawn, thereby locking the steering shaft non rotatably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Shigenori Kuroki
  • Patent number: 5289707
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock device comprising a key rotor housed in a rotor case and adapted to be turned between a lock position and an operative position by a key inserted into said key rotor, said key rotor being allowed to move in its axial direction by pressing operation of the key; a cam rotated in association with the key rotor so as to move the lock member; a regulating member having a distal end portion; a regulating projection formed on the outer peripheral surface of the key rotor in such a manner that when the key rotor is turned from the lock position to the operative position, the distal end portion of the regulating member passes past the regulating projection relative thereto, thereby allowing rotation of the key rotor toward the operative position, and when the key rotor is turned from the operative position to the lock position with the key rotor kept in a non-pressed condition, the regulating projection is engaged with the distal end portion of the regulating member, thereby preventing the key ro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5271252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering shaft locking device in which a locking member is normally urged towards a lock position by a spring member, and is moved to a release position by the cam protrusion of a cam member when a key rotor is turned to an operating position. A key response member operates in such a manner that, when the locking member is moved to the release position with the key response member moved in a first direction upon insertion of the key into the key rotor, its end portion engages with the engaging portion of the locking member to hold the locking member at the release position, and that, when the key response member is moved in a second opposite direction upon extraction of the key from the key rotor, the end portion disengages the engaging portion, thus allowing the movement of the locking member to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Yasuhara, Tomonori Kawachi
  • Patent number: 5230233
    Abstract: A device for locking a steering gear having a body with a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion extending nearly perpendicular from the first cylindrical portion, and a reinforcing member disposed within the second cylindrical portion. The reinforcing member has an inner surface and an outer surface and a bottom portion connected to a tube containing the steering gear. The device also includes a locking bar disposed within the reinforcing member and movable between a locked position for locking the steering gear and an unlocked position to allow the steering gear to rotate, and means for moving the locking bar between the locked position and unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takeshi Shoji, Minoru Morikawa
  • Patent number: 5211042
    Abstract: A vehicle steering locking system with a tiltable steering mechanism includes a column disposing a tiltable steering shaft therein, an ignition key cylinder in which an ignition switch is arranged having a key hole exposed to a passenger compartment at a preselected position, an operating rod arranged in the ignition key cylinder for activating the ignition switch in response to ignition key operation, a locking rod responsive to operation of the operating rod to selectively engage with and disengage from the steering shaft for locking and unlocking steering shaft operation, a locking rod housing, disposing the locking rod therein for connecting between the column and the ignition key cylinder. When the column is tilted together with the steering shaft, the locking rod housing rotates relative to the column to allow the ignition key cylinder to pivot with respect to the end portion of the ignition key cylinder having the key hole to maintain the key hole at the preselected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 5180029
    Abstract: An anti-theft device intended primarily for automotive vehicles comprises a coupling including two interconnectable coupling-halves firmly attached to an outer end of a steering-wheel shaft and to the center of a steering wheel, respectively. One coupling half includes a plug and the other coupling half includes a sleeve which fits the plug. Locking plungers passing through the sleeve wall and spring biased radially inwardly are intended to be received in recesses in the plug. Each locking plunger and associated recess from a wedge assembly which strives to press an end surface of the sleeve towards a support surface projecting outwardly from the plug, while preventing movement of the sleeve in an opposite direction. A pressure spring device acts between the support surface and the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Johan Rosenlund
  • Patent number: 5121616
    Abstract: A steering lock for motor vehicles comprises a locking element which prevents rotation of the vehicle's steering shaft (2) . The locking element is spring-loaded into a locking portion and can be shifted to the unlocking position against the action of the spring by a locking cylinder (3) and a rotary eccentric (16). The locking element consists of a locking sleeve (8) which surrounds the steering shaft (2), is mounted axially mobile but secured to remain fixed against rotation in the steering lock housing (1), and has locking teeth (12) at one end. The locking sleeve (8) co-operates with a locking ring (7) fastened to the steering shaft (2) and which also has locking teeth (11) at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Tibbe KG
    Inventor: Heinz Rind
  • Patent number: 5117664
    Abstract: Sensors such as switches are arranged to detect the insertion of a key into a key cylinder, the rotation of the key to one or more operative positions, the position of a transmission shift level, the depressions of a brake pedal and the like, and to produce signals which are processed by logic circuits in a manner to determine the energization mode and timing of the solenoid or the like motor arrangement in a manner which locks or releases a safety button which must be pressed before the steering column of a vehicle can be locked. The mechanism which performs the locking operation is mounted on the exterior of the housing in which the key cylinder is disposed, thus facilitating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomotaka Kurozu, Yoshimitsu Takeda, Mikio Takeuchi, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 5092145
    Abstract: The lock keeper intended to be mounted on the periphery (11) of a shaft (10) comprises discs (21), each pierced through with a central orifice (210) intended for receiving this shaft (10) in order to stack them on it, and is made integral in terms of rotation with this shaft (10) by means of an interlock (30) consisting of at least one projection (31)/notch (32) pair, of which one is formed in this central orifice (210) and the other is formed on the periphery (11) of this shaft (10), some of these discs (21) being equipped at their edge (211) with at least one indentation (212), these indentations (212) being intended to be aligned longitudinally so as to produce a receptacle (23) for receiving a bolt (12).The invention is used in the motor-vehicle industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Nacam
    Inventors: Bernard Haldric, Gregorio Benedi, Sylvie Baudon nee Chardon, Bernard Sevault
  • Patent number: 5036687
    Abstract: A steering lock system for an automotive vehicle includes a steering lock actuator, a control rod, a solenoid with a corresponding plunger and a portable transmitter which produces a radio signal indicative of a transmitter self-identifying code. When the transmitter self-identifying code matches a preset reference code, the solenoid is energized to move the plunger so as to release an engagement between the plunger and the control rod. Accordingly, the control rod is free to move to a position where no engagement between the control rod and the steering lock actuator is established, to allow the steering lock actuator to shift to a steering wheel unlocking position from a steering wheel locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mikio Takeuchi, Tomotaka Kurozu
  • Patent number: 5036686
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock device comprises a key rotor, a cam shaft, a lock member which is reciprocated between a locking position to lock a steering wheel and unlocking position to unlock the steering wheel in association with rotation of the lock cam, a regulating lever for preventing the turning of the key rotor from the unlocking position to the locking position, an operating member for allowing rotation of the key rotor from unlocking position to the locking position, and holding means which, when the operating member is moved from an original position thereof to a predetermined position, holds the operating member at the predetermined position.The steering wheel lock device also includes a slide piece for causing the operating member to return from the predetermined position to the original position against the holding means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: You Ichinose
  • Patent number: 4987756
    Abstract: A key-manipulatable switch for a motor vehicle ignition system having a housing and a cylinder mounted within the housing for rotational and axial movement with respect thereto includes cooperating components which prevent the rotation of the cylinder counterclockwise from a first rotational position to a second rotational position unless the cylinder is in a preselected axial position with respect to the housing while permitting unrestricted clockwise rotation of the cylinder to any of several rotational positions. In one embodiment, the cylinder includes a spring-biased stop member which cooperates with a lug-like projection defined by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Hurd Lock and Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky L. Fancher
  • Patent number: 4981026
    Abstract: A steering column shaft locking device is disclosed in which a lever is rotatably mounted in a key cylinder when a key is inserted into the key cylinder, producing reaction force on a front wall of a housing, thereby causing the key cylinder to move backward against resilient force of a spring in order to certainly operate a key detecting switch provided in an ignition switch device. A guard plate is provided between the key cylinder and the front end of the housing so as to rotate it together with the key cylinder and guard plate when the key is rotated. Forward movement of the key cylinder is controlled by a retainer placed at the proximity thereof and a detent placed therein. The spring urges the key cylinder and the retainer in the forward direction and the detent radially inwardly. The guard plate serves to prevent abrasion of the lever and unauthorized insertion of tools into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Sakuno, Mikio Masaki, Toshikazu Kobayashi, Hidekazu Sato
  • Patent number: 4972692
    Abstract: A key-operated ignition device which prevents an engine starter from being driven while the engine is already running, so to protect the starter and engine from damage. The device comprises a key-operated rotor disposed in the device for turning a locking cam via a coupling plate to shift an ignition switch between off, on and start positions. A sliding member is selectively movable between first and second positions by a restriction plate, wherein when the sliding member is in the first position the rotor may be turned from the on position to the start position and when the member is in the second position, the rotor is prevented from again turning from the on position to the start position, without first turning to the off position. The restriction plate also prevents the rotor from being directly turned from the off position to a lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Minoru Morikawa, Tomonori Kawachi
  • Patent number: 4938043
    Abstract: An inhibitor in an automobile steering column coincidental lock of the type having a stationary armored sleeve and a key controlled barrel in the sleeve rotatable in an unlocking direction from a LOCK position to and through an OFF position and in a locking direction from the OFF position to the LOCK position. The inhibitor includes a stepped annular shoulder on the barrel facing an annular end face on the sleeve, a blocking pin on the sleeve biased against the annular end face, and a release pin on the barrel adjacent the step in the annular shoulder. The blocking pin intercepts the step in the annular shoulder in the OFF position of the barrel to prevent attainment of the LOCK position. A finger button on the barrel is depressed by the driver to move the release pin to an extended position pushing the blocking pin into the sleeve out of the way of the step to permit rotation of the barrel to its LOCK position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Larry W. Burr
  • Patent number: 4905487
    Abstract: A steering locking apparatus for a vehicle is designed in such a way that the rotation of a key rotor located at an unlocking position to a locked position by the rotation of a key is prevented by a restricting lever and the prevention of the rotation of the key rotor is removed by pressing a pressing button so as to allow the key rotor to be rotated to the locked position. In a state wherein the pressing of the pressing button is prevented by operating an electromagnetic solenoid under predetermined conditions and thereby engaging a plunger supported by a plunger of the electromagnetic solenoid with the pressing button, the load applied to the pressing button is received by a car body through the stopper plate. In consequence, no load is exerted on the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Minoru Morikawa, Yonetsugu Umemoto, Toru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4854142
    Abstract: An antiremoval device for a locking mechanism for a steering column lock for motor vehicles is disclosed. A fastening member extending through releasably connected housing parts, which prevent tampering with the locking parts, engages additionally into a displaceable catch of the locking parts when the catch is in a locking position with the steering column to thereby prevent the fastening member from being moved to a position releasing the housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Peitsmeier, Reinhard Steinkamper
  • Patent number: 4798067
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock for motor vehicles, with a steering column of adjustable inclination and with a locking cylinder housing displaceable in the dashboard in its longitudinal axis only, has an articulated connection of the locking cylinder housing to a detent pin housing and a gimbal or pivotal connection of the shafts transmitting the locking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Peitsmeier, Gottfried Schremmer
  • Patent number: 4771619
    Abstract: A device for locking a steering mechanism which includes a key rotor rotatable and axially movable in a cylinder, a rotatable lock cam coupled to the key rotor to control a lock member adapted to lock and unlock the steering mechanism, a movable regulating plate in the lock cam normally protruding perpendicularly therefrom to prevent the lock cam from turning from an unlock position to a lock position and a drive cam for moving the regulating plate when the key rotor is pushed in so as to allow the lock cam to turn to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshiharu Shiramizu, Nobuyoshi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 4685313
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anti-theft steering lock for automobile vehicle, of the type comprising a bolt thrust elastically into the locking position and controlled by the rotation of a key rotor, and means for retaining the bolt in the retracted position which are set out of action by the withdrawal of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Neiman
    Inventor: Guy Neyret
  • Patent number: 4647229
    Abstract: Two spaced support members support a shaft horizontal in partial lower bearing journal surfaces. A retractable pin is positioned above the shaft at each support member to retain the shaft in the journal surfaces. A shelf at each journal surface in front of the pins provides for loading and unloading of the shaft. A flat locking surface fixed to rotate with the shaft and a mating engagable locking member prevent rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Lamcor, Inc.
    Inventor: Simeon A. Melugin
  • Patent number: 4581909
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder lock, particularly a steering-wheel lock for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one locking member which is adapted to be operated by a cylinder core and to be moved, directly or with the aid of a transmission member, by an eccentric, adapted to be operated by the cylinder core, into the non-locking position and is held there by a locking disc which is disposed at right angles to the axis of the lock and can be released only by the withdrawal of the key. The locking disc is movable in the direction of the axis of the lock, and in a first axial position lies outside the range of movement of the locking member or transmission member and in a second axial position lies within this range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Neiman S.A.
    Inventor: Gunter Weber
  • Patent number: 4576024
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for blocking the rotary movement of a steering column (1) in a motor vehicle by means of a blocking bolt (5) which is actuated by a lock and in the blocking position engages in a recess (4) in the steering column. At least one further blocking bolt (6) is provided which can be actuated by the same lock and, like the first blocking bolt (5), in the blocking position engages in recesses (4) arranged at regular spacings around the periphery of the steering column. Material located between the recesses (4) forms, as protrusions (3), side faces (Z) for blocking the blocking bolts (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Neimann S.A.
    Inventor: Gunter Weber
  • Patent number: 4516415
    Abstract: A steering lock for an automobile includes a key cylinder, rotatable and axially movable upon rotation of a key inserted in the key cylinder, into locking engagement with a locking bar to lift the latter clear of engagement with a steering shaft. When the key cylinder is turned back and the key is pulled out, the key cylinder is moved back out of locking engagement with the locking bar, which then locks the steering shaft. The returning movement of the key cylinder depresses a spring-loaded control member into a key slot in the key cylinder. When the key cylinder is fully moved back, the spring-loaded control member is pulled out of the key slot. With such an arrangement, the key cylinder can directly engage the locking bar to displace the latter into a retracted position or allow the same to move to a locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Kobayashi, Mikio Masaki, Hideaki Sakuno, Keiichi Shimizu, Takeshi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 4495786
    Abstract: A steering lock for automobiles includes a check lever movable upon rotation of a key-actuated cylinder into locking engagement with a locking rod to lift the latter clear of engagement with a steering shaft. When the key-actuated cylinder is turned back and the key is pulled out, the check lever is pulled back out of locking engagement with the locking rod, which then locks the steering shaft. As the check lever is thus retracted, it depresses a spring-loaded control member into a key slot in the key-actuated cylinder. When the check lever is fully moved back, the spring-loaded control member is pulled out of the key slot. Thus, the key can be inserted smoothly into the key slot for releasing the steering lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Masaki, Etuo Nara, Keiichi Shimizu, Takeshi Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 4487042
    Abstract: A steering lock assembly to lock and unlock a steering shaft by use of a key. The rotation of the rotor through key manipulation is controlled by a knob provided back of the steering lock assembly with a spacing to make impossible one-hand operation. Only when the knob is depressed, control means permits the rotor to rotate from an unlock position to a lock position with the result that car accidents due to inadvertent pulling out of the key on a down-hill ride is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Company, Limited, Kokusan Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Mochida, Yoshimitsu Takeda, Takeshi Fukasawa, Mikio Masaki, Kiichi Shimizu, Satoru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4466262
    Abstract: An improved steering lock is disclosed. It is of the type comprising a rotatable lock cylinder, a latch operable in a first position and inoperable in a second position to engage a recess in a steering shaft of an associated motor vehicle, and a rocking lever operable in a first position and inoperable in a second position to maintain the latch in its second position. During rotation of the lock cylinder in one direction, the latch is caused to move from its first position towards its second position. When the latch reaches its second position, a projection on the rocking lever engages a recess in the latch whereby it is maintained in its second position and the steering shaft is maintained in an unlocked condition. The steering lock includes means mounting the rocking lever for rotation in two different planes. The rocking lever is mounted for rotation in a first plane about an axle and, in a second plane, about one of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Champion Spark Plug Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe A. Maiocco, Pietro Frascarolo
  • Patent number: 4433562
    Abstract: A steering shaft locking device including a sleeve in which a steering shaft is rotatably accommodated, a housing so that a lock member may be projectable for its engagement with the steering shaft in response to rotation of a rotary member of a cylinder lock, and a rotary ring formed with a boss portion, which is rotatably provided in the sleeve so as to enclose an outer circumference of the steering shaft at a position of projection of the lock member into and of its retraction from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Takaoki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 4425770
    Abstract: A steering lock assembly for use in an automobile comprises a cylinder lock plug for controlling an ignition switch assembly with a mating key inserted in the cylinder lock plug and a steering shaft lock operatively associated with the cylinder lock plug for selectively locking and unlocking an automobile steering shaft. The cylinder lock plug comprises a key-operated barrel and the steering shaft lock comprises a locking member. As an element for transmitting rotation of the barrel, which is effected by turning the mating key inserted therein, to the locking member, a cam member is utilized, which cam member is integrally formed with the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1984
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Mentani, Hiromasa Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 4414830
    Abstract: An improved key-operated steering shaft locking device for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a rotatable lock cylinder, a spring, and a latch movable between steering shaft locking and unlocking positions, the latch being operatively associated with the cylinder so that rotation of the latter causes axial movement of the former perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cylinder from the locked to the unlocked position; the latch is also operatively associated so that the spring urges the latch toward the locked position. The improved device further comprises means including a rocker arm pinned for rotational movement between a first position wherein a portion of the arm extends into the key slot of the cylinder and the means is ineffective to lock the latch in the position where the shaft is unlocked, and a second position wherein the arm does not extend into the key slot and the means is effective to lock the latch in the position where the shaft is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Champion Spark Plug Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventor: Guiseppe A. Maiocco