Rotary Or Swinging Patents (Class 70/209)
  • Patent number: 5722270
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock with alarm including a shaft connecting two lateral plates of a lock body and fitted with a reset spring, and a speaker base provided with structure for preventing sound muffling being secured at a lower rim of the lock body. By the reset spring, the lateral plates will automatically reset to a released position after the lock is unlocked so as to prevent inadvertent pressing of the lateral plates to actuate the alarm. The speaker base is provided with pins of different heights and ribs thereon for preventing thieves from muffling the alarm sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Chien-Ho Yu
  • Patent number: 5718133
    Abstract: An auto steering wheel lock is provided which has a locking set and which is connected with the steering wheel by means of a gripping trench and an auxiliary block, and is blocked with the outside of the instrument panel by means of a blocking rod. The position of the auxiliary block can be adapted for various steering wheels of different sizes by means of an elastic element. The locking set mainly includes a lock and a lock rod, which has a flat recess for engagement by a blocking pin when turning the lock and so obstruct the lock rod from withdrawing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: All Ship Enterprise Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Yu Chen, Shu-Hwa Lin
  • Patent number: 5713228
    Abstract: An antitheft device for attachment of a steering wheel of an automobile comprising an elongate main body having a passageway in an end portion for an elongate rod member to telescope therein and a hook formed in an intermediate portion, a lock housing fixed to extend on an end portion of the main body, and a lock fixed in the housing and having a pusher with a key hole and a dead bolt to move with the pusher, an elongate rod member having a plurality of annular grooves with vertical side surfaces and a U-shaped hook at an outer end, the two hooks hooking on two portions of a steering wheel of an automobile, the pusher of the lock being pressed to move the dead bolt down to engage one of the grooves in the rod member to lock it immovable, the dead bolt being moved up by a key rotating the pusher for 90 degrees in case of unlocking this lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventor: E-Tao Huang
  • Patent number: 5713229
    Abstract: A security device for a steering wheel is disclosed. Such device comprises at least one elongated primary rod positioned in contact with the upper surface of a steering wheel adjacent to one side thereof at a first location. The device includes an L-shaped member extending radially inward with respect to the position of contact with respect to the steering wheel. The L-shaped member includes a downwardly extending portion and a radially outboardly extending portion, the rod having an enlarged handle at its radially outboard end. An intermediate support has a pair of support barrels with a first end attached to the inboard end of the primary rod and a cross piece coupling the support barrels. Each support barrel has a second end with a cylindrical bore. A pair of similarly shaped independent secondary rods is provided, each formed with a plurality of concentric circumferential recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Adolfo Garcia, Rony Lemus, Enrique Garcia
  • Patent number: 5706681
    Abstract: An antitheft locking device has a steering wheel engaging member (30) with an end wall (32) covering the steering wheel (12) over its part that includes at least two ribs (16, 18), a peripheral wall (33) extending over at least a part of the outer periphery of a rim (14) of the steering wheel, and two spaced stops (34) protruding from end wall (32) and engageable with the ribs. A stop member (24) attached to steering wheel engaging member (30) extends at an angle with respect to its end wall (32) and is engageable with a fixed part (26) of a vehicle. A locking mechanism has a lock (60) made fast to steering wheel engaging member (30) and a locking member (72) connected to the steering wheel engaging member for movement to a locked position in which locking member (72) and steering wheel engaging member (30) fully enclose rim (14) of steering wheel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Mark Gorokhovsky
  • Patent number: 5704233
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for vehicles is disclosed. Generally, the device includes a catch member adapted to catch onto a brake pedal located within the vehicle; a rod member extending from the catch member; an attachment member, fixedly mounted on a second rod, adapted to attach to a steering wheel located within the vehicle; and, a locking apparatus, operably associated with the attachment member, for locking the attachment member onto the steering wheel. The device will also contain a folding joint adapted to connect the rod sections so that the rod sections may be folded when said device is not in use. In the preferred embodiment, the device also contains an adjusting member, cooperating with the rod sections for adjusting the length of the rod according to the dimensions of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Fred F. Farshad
  • Patent number: 5697235
    Abstract: A steering column and steering wheel securing system comprising an upper component in a half box configuration having an upper face, parallel front and rear faces and side faces therebetween, the front and rear faces and side faces being formed with semi-circular recesses for receiving the upper half of a steering column, the upper component being formed with an exterior undulation adjacent projections on side thereof and with a wedge-shaped projection on the opposite side; a lower component in a half box configuration having a lower face, front and rear faces and parallel side faces therebetween, the front and rear faces being formed with semi-circular recesses for receiving the lower half of a steering column, one side edge being formed with holes for receiving the projections for pivotal coupling with respect to the adjacent side of edge of the upper component, a rectangular recess formed in the edge of the lower component between the projections for passage of a turn signal, the opposite side face of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Mario E. Briones
  • Patent number: 5678434
    Abstract: A steering lock including a lock body which has a plurality of chambers that hold a horn, a lock cylinder, an alarm control circuit board, and a battery respectively, a locating bar having one end fixedly secured to the lock body at one side and defining a longitudinal plug hole, and an opposite end terminating in a hook adapted for attaching to the steering wheel, a locking bar having one end inserted into the longitudinal plug hole and locked by the lock cylinder, and an opposite end terminating in a forked end adapted for attaching to the steering wheel to secure the steering lock in place, the alarm control circuit board having an inductor adapted for detecting the locking/unlocking position of said locking bar so as to turn on/off the alarm circuit subject based on the position of the inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Rong-Tzung Kuo, Lien-Hsi Lin
  • Patent number: 5678433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an antitheft device for locking the steering wheel of any kind of vehicle, comprising a first outer locking element (1; 21), provided with a mechanism (2; 23, 25) for the coupling with a section (3, 3'; 24) of the steering wheel. A second inner locking element (5; 22) is movable with respect to said first locking element (1; 21) and provided with at least a projecting tongue (6; 27) coupling with the steering wheel (3, 3'; 24) and interacting with the coupling mechanism (2; 23, 24). A section of the steering wheel is provided on said first element (1; 21) so as to lock the outer ring of the steering wheel and at least one spoke (4; 29) of the steering wheel. There is an opening and closure mechanism (7, 8, 9, 10, 11; 28) for the antitheft device. A first outer element (1; 21) is provided with a projection interfering with other parts of the vehicle so as to prevent the free rotation of the steering wheel when the antitheft device is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Guglielmo Riccitelli
  • Patent number: 5676001
    Abstract: An anti-theft device includes a casing engaged onto a steering wheel of a vehicle for preventing the steering wheel from being rotated and for protecting the air bag from being stolen. The casing includes a groove and one or more apertures distal to the flange. A stick includes a head formed in one end. A core is engaged in the head and has a latch for engaging with the aperture so as to lock the stick to the casing. An elbow is secured to the head and may engage with the steering wheel when the latch of the core is engaged with the aperture so as to lock the casing and the stick to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Tien-Chin Ho
  • Patent number: 5676000
    Abstract: A lock-set for an automobile consists of a padlock body, a fixing rod and a holder. The padlock body includes a turnable cramp, a cylinder linking with a pushing bar and engaging with the cramp. One end of the pushing bar comprises an elastic element engaging with a switch within the fixing rod. The switch connects to an alarm circuit board in the holder. When the padlock body is secured on a steering wheel by the cramp, the elastic element of the pushing bar urging the switch inwardly thus activates the alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Shih-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 5673575
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system comprises a mechanical anti-theft device adapted to be attached to a vehicle steering wheel to limit rotation thereof, and an electrical anti-theft device remotely controlled by a transmitter in the mechanical device and operable to inhibit starting of the vehicle engine when the mechanical device is in its mounted position. The mechanical device includes a key operated lock mechanism for locking the device to the steering wheel and a supplemental lock mechanism for maintaining the locked condition of the device in response to tampering with either the key operated or the supplemental lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventors: L. David Carlo, Danut Voiculescu, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5673577
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant anti-theft device inhibits rotation of a vehicle steering wheel thus preventing theft of the vehicle and discouraging theft of the driver's side air bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Robert A. Hileman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5671619
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock including a casing equipped with a lock cylinder, a clamping plate pivoted to the casing and locked by the lock cylinder to secure the casing to the steering wheel of a car, a stop bar fixedly secured to the casing and stopped at the instrument board of the car, an alarm circuit assembly, a partition plate fastened to the casing on the inside to hold the alarm circuit assembly inside the casing, permitting a downward switching lever of the alarm circuit assembly to be pressed on the periphery of the steering wheel to alert the alarm circuit assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Jui-Hua Hou
  • Patent number: 5671620
    Abstract: An automotive antitheft device comprises an elongated member having upper and lower ends. A first hook depends from the lower end of the elongated member. A member is connected at one end thereof to the elongated member by a lock. This member further has a second hook depending from the other end thereof. When installed in an automobile, the first hook at the lower end of the elongated member is positioned about a shaft of the automobile brake pedal (or accelerator pedal) and the upper end of the elongated member extends through the automobile steering wheel in between the steering wheel's spokes. Also, the second hook is positioned about the steering wheel column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Donald F. Carvey, Glen Carvey
  • Patent number: 5666832
    Abstract: A anti theft device for automobile steering wheel, designed for easily installation and removal, the device is fabricated from tempered steel and finish with the highest degree of craftsmanship. The sleeve envelops the steering wheel and its spokes for protection, the lock is housed on the inside of the sleeve housing, also for protection the protruding bar is attach to the housing permanently at that position. The lock cylinder is installed parallel to the steering wheel, this position protects the cylinder against chemical breach. The locking plate hinged to the under side of the housing, and operates like a slam lock. Provision is made on the device for additional security attachment if and when needed, using the additional attachment will double the security already offered by the device, and also gives the users a choice without changing from the security that this device offers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Sydney A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5653132
    Abstract: A rigid security bar is telescopically mounted in a tubular spoke of a steering wheel for movement between retracted and extended positions concealed within the spoke and protruding radially beyond the wheel rim to prevent effective wheel movement by obstruction with a vehicle windshield. A locking mechanism secures the security bar in either position and a biassing spring is mounted in the spoke in engagement with an inner end of the security bar pushing the security bar to be extended for a short distance exposing an end for pulling out by the driver to the fully extended position. A plurality of tubular spokes with associated security bars can extend chordal fashion between opposite sides of the rim. An anchoring chain can be attached to an inner end of the security bar extending around an air bag housing mounted centrally of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: William Coto
  • Patent number: 5636537
    Abstract: The steering wheel of an automobile is locked against unauthorized use by a pair of half housings that are secured together by a deadbolt which may be actuated by a remotely controlled electronic alarm and motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Tian-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 5636538
    Abstract: A vehicular steering wheel security device, having three major members A,B,C each of which is telescoping relative to the others, and also key locks for each of A-B and B-C, separately simultaneously locks onto a steering wheel at rim positions (i) at and about a point where a spoke joins the rim, and (i) from this point across the diameter of the steering wheel to an opposite point. An elongate central member preferably has a double hook that selectively engages and protects not only an interior portion arcuate portion of the steering wheel's rim, but also the steering wheel's spoke. First and second members having single hooks telescope relative to, respectively, first and second ends of the central member for selectively engaging, respectively, (i) the rim of the steering wheel in position about the spoke and (ii) the rim of the steering wheel opposite to the spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Renato M. Openiano
  • Patent number: 5635899
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system comprises a mechanical anti-theft device adapted to be attached to a vehicle steering wheel to limit rotation thereof, and an electrical anti-theft device remotely controlled by a transmitter in the mechanical device and operable to inhibit starting of the vehicle engine when the mechanical device is in its mounted position. The mechanical device includes a key operated lock mechanism for locking the device to the steering wheel and a supplemental lock mechanism for maintaining the locked condition of the device in response to tampering with either the key operated or the supplemental lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventors: L. David Carlo, Danut Voiculescu, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5619872
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to prevent theft and vandalism to motor vehicles. Comprised of an adjustable bar with locking hooks which is securable across the diameter of a motor vehicle steering wheel rim, such that steering wheel movement is inhibited by physical abutment with the vehicle interior. The apparatus also includes a visual deterrent as well as a physically incapacitating chemical compound, such as tear gas, mace, or pepper spray or a combination of such, which is dispersed into the vehicle interior in the case of tampering or removal by an unauthorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Philip G. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 5619873
    Abstract: A portable housing device for protectively enclosing the steering wheel and driver's side airbag of an automotive vehicle to prevent theft. The device includes a plurality of sections sharing a common axis member. One section is fixedly connected to the axis member, which serves as a pivot point around which each remaining section may be rotated. An integral keyless locking mechanism is included to automatically secure the device once it has been installed on a steering wheel by fixedly connecting each rotatable section to the axis member. The size of the device is substantially reduced for storage purposes by selectively varying the dimensions of each section and by locating the axis member so that each rotatable section is pivotable in a concentric arc around it to a single nested position including the fixedly connected section. Certain embodiments include an interference bar member, an electronic alarm system, or both, to enhance the anti-theft capability of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas W. Wood
  • Patent number: 5613383
    Abstract: A motor vehicle security device for protecting against the cutting of an automobile steering wheel which includes a protective member made of cut-resistant material covering the steering wheel rim and a connector for attaching the protective member to the steering wheel rim. The protective member radially and circumferentially overlies the steering wheel rim to preclude access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventor: Mark W. Banez
  • Patent number: 5613384
    Abstract: A device for disabling a steering wheel of a vehicle or vessel. The device has a sheathing jacket which covers the steering wheel and locks onto the rim. A blocking bar is provided which interferes with the turning of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: Paul J. Weber, Marianne Weber
  • Patent number: 5609050
    Abstract: An automobile steering wheel locking device includes a bar element and a locking portion disposed to one end of the bar element, the locking portion including a base in which an alarm device is disposed, a tube rotatably and transversely disposed through the base wherein a hole and an actuating portion are respectively defined in the tube, a covered-up portion extending radially from each one of two ends of the tube wherein each one of the two ends extends from the base so as to receive a section of the steering wheel within a space defined by the base, the covered-up portions and a plate extending from the bar element, a lock disposed to the bar element and having a pin controllably inserted into the hole and an actuating rod extending from the alarm device connected to the actuating portion of the tube such that when the pin is moved from the hole of the tube by operating the lock, the tube is then rotated by the fact that the covered-up portions drop downwardly by the gravity and the actuating rod of the a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Chien H. Yu
  • Patent number: 5605063
    Abstract: A steering wheel restraint for providing a vehicle theft deterrent has interfitting steel cover members adapted for placement over the steering wheel to disable the steering function. An externally mounted removable locking device is housed within a protector ring that is mounted to one of the cover members. A marginal flange of the cover members is coincidental to a peripheral rim of the steering wheel and provides a protective shield to prevent cutting of the rim. A rotation restrictor flap concealable behind the cover member is extendible for contact with an interior surface of the vehicle to thereby block rotation of the cover members. A stabilizer tab is concurrently projectible into the path of movement of a spoke of the wheel to prevent wheel rotation independently of the cover members. The components can be readily disassembled and the rotation restrictor flap and stabilizer tab can be displaced to a compact space-saving inactive position for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Avraham Taurog
  • Patent number: 5600979
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided comprising a mechanical security device mounted in a vehicle to limit rotation of the vehicle steering wheel and an electrically operable security device having armed and disarmed modes in which the starting motor circuit for the vehicle is respectively opened and closed independent of the vehicle ignition switch. The mechanical device includes a key operated locking mechanism for mounting and dismounting the device, the electrically operable device includes a key operated switch mechanism for arming and disarming the device, and the key operated locking mechanism and key operated switch mechanism are operable by the same common key. The electrically operable security device includes circuitry for maintaining the starting motor circuit of the vehicle open in response to an effort to bypass the key operated switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Winner, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5598725
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock equipped with all alarming device which can be actuated on the lock being sabotaged or cut off. The steering wheel lock has an alarm unit in connection to an actuation switch having a retractable button. An indirect transmission member has a spring biased drive pin the bottom of which can fall on a smooth front section or in a recess of the dentiform section of the lock stick so that the top end of the drive pin can be engageable with the retractable button of the actuation switch or can separate therefrom respectively. So, the first alarm means can be put in a reset mode and in an operation mode accordingly. As a burglar sabotages the steering wheel lock, the first alarm on the alert can be actuated as a result of shaking or vibration and produces alarm sound to the maximum level of 120 dB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Chao-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5595077
    Abstract: A steering lock including a lock body having a transverse half-round recess in the middle and a longitudinal sliding track at the top, a protective cushion mounted within the half-round recess and attached to the bottom side of the periphery of the steering wheel, an adjustment cushion having one end attached to a bottom groove on the protective cushion and retained to a rectangular slot thereof and an opposite end flanged and covered over the periphery of the steering wheel, a slide inserted into the longitudinal sliding track of the lock body, a hollow top cover fixed to the slide to hold an audio alarm circuit, and a stop bar having one end fixed to the lock body to hold the slide in position and an opposite end stopped at the instrument board of the motor vehicle to hold the steering lock in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventors: Tian-Tsair Weng, Yang-Hui Cheng
  • Patent number: 5595078
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft steering wheel disabling device for a steering wheel that includes an upper plate, a rim, a lower plate, and removal preventing apparatus. The upper plate has an upper plate outer surface, an upper plate inner surface, an upper plate perimeter, and contains at least one upper plate aperture. The rim has a rim top, a rim bottom, contains a rim aperture, and is disposed on the upper plate lower surface at the upper plate perimeter. The lower plate has a lower plate inner surface, a lower plate perimeter, and is positioned with the lower plate inner surface disposed on the rim bottom at the lower plate perimeter. The upper plate, the rim, and the bottom plate form a steering wheel chamber for captivating the steering wheel with the steering wheel air bag side being covered by the upper plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Washington Harrell
  • Patent number: 5588316
    Abstract: A locking device for selectively preventing access to the valve handles of a domestic water tap. The locking device is adapted to prevent a child from playing with the hot water tap handle and potentially getting burned by the hot water emanating from the hot water tap. The locking device has a pair of handle enclosing components which are adapted to enclose the tap handles and prevent access to the latter. Each handle enclosing component has a substantially concave-shaped wall defining a substantially hollow body. Each substantially concave-shaped wall has a corresponding peripheral edge defining a lateral aperture. The handle enclosing components are linked together by a pair of connecting rods extending from the respective peripheral edges of the handle enclosing component. Both connecting rods are attached to a locking block positioned intermediate the handle enclosing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Steven Jones
  • Patent number: 5582045
    Abstract: An anti-theft device (16) for attachment to a steering wheel (18) in a motor vehicle (20) comprising a stationary member (22) having an open side socket (24) on a first end to allow pivoting therein. A structure (26) on a second end of the stationary member (22) is for engaging with a first segment (28) of the steering wheel (18) from the inside. An element (30) extends longitudinally from the first segment engaging structure (26), for preventing clockwise rotation of the steering wheel (18). A first movable member (32) is provided. A component (34) on a first end of the first movable member (32) is for pivoting within the socket (24). A structure (36) on a second end of the first movable member (32) is for engaging with a second segment (38) of the steering wheel (18) from the inside opposite from the first segment (28) of the steering wheel (18). A second movable member (40) is also provided. A component (42) on a first end of the second movable member (40), is for pivoting within the socket (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Sayeed Ahmed
  • Patent number: 5566560
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-theft device capable of engaging a middle portion of a steering wheel containing an air bag device. This device includes an air bag cover having a front portion, a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion and the second side portion both extend backward from the front portion. A stabilizing member for engaging a steering column and attached to the first side portion of the air bag cover. A bracket member attached to the air bag cover for securing the air bag cover to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Anthony LiCausi
    Inventor: Anthony LiCausi
  • Patent number: 5566561
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for attachment to the steering wheel of an automobile comprising two members having elongated shell housings adapted for coaxial coupling. The members enclose a core element that is controllably translated to rigidize the coupling, effect attachment to the steering wheel, and extend one end of the assembled device beyond the periphery of the steering wheel. The members are quickly disassembled for storage in the automobile glove box. When packaged for storage, the length of the package is less than one-half the length of the assembled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Hucknall
  • Patent number: 5560235
    Abstract: A lockable doorknob enclosure for use on doorknobs of the type having a knob attached to a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The lockable doorknob enclosure comprises: a containment structure having a sealable cavity for enclosing the doorknob and a portion of the shaft; an adjustable spacing mechanism; and a locking mechanism. The containment structure includes first and second pivoting structures which are preferably connected by a hinge. The first and second pivoting structures form a containment cavity of a size sufficient to receive therein the doorknob and a portion of the shaft when the pivoting structures are pivoted into a first, or closed, position. The containment structure has an aperture therethrough of dimensions sufficient to allow the shaft to be installed through the aperture when the first and second pivoting structures are pivoted into a second, or open, position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Rodrick P. Aucoin
  • Patent number: 5557957
    Abstract: A steering wheel anti-theft system for an automobile having an ignition key switch assembly and a steering wheel wherein a pair of extendable rods are built into the transverse body of the steering wheel for radial extension and retraction in between an extended position wherein they are visible and interfere with the driving of the automobile and a storage position wherein they are retracted in the steering wheel and do not so interfere. The steering column ignition key assembly includes an electric switch which is opened and closed by the turning of a key for connecting or not connecting a source of electrical power to electronically operated latches for securing said rods in extended positions when said switch is opened or allowing it to be retracted only when said switch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Victor D. Wyman
  • Patent number: 5557956
    Abstract: The invention is an automobile visual theft deterrent device, for use on an automobile having a steering wheel, comprising a tubular member, a middle housing, and an elongated rod member. The tubular member has a first wheel rim hook and the elongated rod member has a second wheel rim hook. The middle housing is attached to the tubular member. A central bore extends through the middle housing. The elongated rod member extending into the central bore for adjusting the relative distance between the first and second wheel rim hooks. The middle housing has an insert disk having a slot. The insert disk is silver colored to resemble a lock, but is not a functioning lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Carl F. Merz
  • Patent number: 5555754
    Abstract: A security device for a vehicle type steering wheel which includes a multi-section rim protection arrangement having a circumferential skirt portion, which may be of concave cross section, to shield the rim of the steering wheel. An elongated member is attached to one of the rim protection sections for placement across the steering wheel rim, with an extension out from the rim which is long enough to limit rotation of the steering wheel. The security device is locked into position by locking fixtures that have an unlocked state for permitting the relative movement or rotation of the rim protection sections for placement on the steering wheel rim, and a locked state in which the security device is fixed in place on the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Louis Ferrante
  • Patent number: 5555753
    Abstract: An anti-theft locking system surrounds and immobilizes vehicle steering wheels to immunize vehicles against theft and vandalism. The locking system preferably comprises a rigid, circular pan that surmounts the steering wheel and overlies the steering column. In this manner the vehicle air-bag compartment is protected. The pan has a rigid, peripheral rim that coaxially surrounds and ensconces the steering wheel ring. The steering wheel is thus rendered inaccessible to hack saws or cutting tools that are normally used by thieves to remove conventional steering wheel locks. An elongated locking assembly mounted on top of the pan is activated by a removable, elongated, rod that penetrates the locking assembly to fasten the pan on the steering wheel. The locking assembly is protected on top by a substantially tubular, protective shroud, and the lock bottom is protected by a compartment welded to the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Wayne Matlock
  • Patent number: 5548983
    Abstract: A lock for limiting movement of a vehicle steering wheel. The inventive device includes a lower receiver for engaging a lower portion of a rim of a steering wheel. Lateral receivers are pivotally mounted to the lower receiver and operate to receive lateral portions of the rim. A lock assembly extends between the lateral receivers and projects beyond one of the receivers to limit rotation of the steering wheel to preclude theft of an associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Lemuel R. Hart
  • Patent number: 5540067
    Abstract: A device for deterring theft of a steering wheel mounted airbag and an automobile comprises a cover configured to generally cover a substantial portion of a steering wheel so as to inhibit access to an airbag mounted within the steering wheel, and also so as to inhibit use of the steering wheel. A lock inhibits removal of the cover when the lock is in the locked configuration thereof and facilitates removal of the cover when the lock is in the unlocked configuration thereof. Thus, the device deters theft of the airbag by preventing a thief from having access thereto and deters theft of the automobile by preventing the thief from driving the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Ki I. Kim
  • Patent number: 5537847
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for use in combination with the steering wheel of a motor vehicle comprising a cover member sized to completely cover the top of a motor vehicle steering wheel, said cover member further defining a slot therein said slot commencing at an edge of said cover. The device is further provided with a first hook member fixed to said cover member adjacent to the edge thereof said hook oriented and adapted to engage said wheel from the inside thereof; and an elongated member having a first outer end and a second inner end, said second end being adapted to be slideably engaged by said cover member slot. The elongated member further comprises a second hook member fixed to said elongated member at a point intermediate to said first and second end, said second hook member oriented and adapted to engage said wheel from the inside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventors: Michael Dalton, Michael Iannotta
  • Patent number: 5513506
    Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-theft locking device for use with a steering wheel of a vehicle. The device provides for the use of a circular solid shield which fits over and is locked to the rim of the steering wheel by one or two securing clips. An elongated J-shaped locking rod has a hook-shaped lower portion which engages with a control pedal of a vehicle and threadably engages with an upper portion after the upper portion has been fit through a cutout formed in the shield. An enlarged diameter cap of the upper portion of the locking rod prevents the upper portion of the locking rod to pass through the shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Paul Ricalde
  • Patent number: 5491990
    Abstract: A disabling device is designed for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which consists of an elongated rod. Components which utilize conventional padlocks are provided for locking the elongated rod onto the steering wheel, to prevent a would-be thief from turning the steering wheel when attempting to steal the motor vehicle. Three embodiments of the instant invention foil a thief because they are just to large and bulky to permit the steering wheel to be operated when locked in place, while an alternative fourth embodiment provides security by actually disabling both the steering wheel and brake pedal simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Shone M. Von-Lambert
  • Patent number: 5471855
    Abstract: A folding collapsible steering lock including a retainer bar having a fork at one end for stopping against the steering wheel at one side and a coupling portion at an opposite end, a stop bar having one end pivotably connected to the coupling portion of the retainer bar by a hinge and an opposite end covered with a cap for stopping against the inside of the motor vehicle, and a lock bar moved between a locking position to hold the retainer bar and said stop bar longitudinally aligned and an unlocking position to let the retainer bar and the stop bar be folded up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Shwu-Huey Wu
  • Patent number: 5469135
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device and alarm includes a U-shaped rod for attachment to a vehicle steering wheel in a position overlying the vehicle dash board. An alarm is positioned in said U-shaped rod, whereby said alarm is firmly secured to a vehicle and inaccessible for tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: WOLO Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph E. Solow
  • Patent number: 5461891
    Abstract: An apparatus for secure positioning over and around a steering wheel and steering column to prevent theft. The apparatus comprises a plate positionable over the top of a central part of a steering wheel having a steering column with laterally extending rods for turn signals and the like. The plate has a short post extending downwardly from one edge thereof with an upper end pivotally secured about an axis with respect to the plate and with the lower end having an inwardly projecting leg. The plate also has a long post which extends downwardly from a second edge of the plate diametrically opposite from the first edge with an upper end pivotally secured about an axis with respect to the plate about an axis parallel with the first axis and with a lower end having an outwardly projecting leg. The apparatus further includes a first housing half and a second housing half positionable around the steering column beneath the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Jean L. Noel
  • Patent number: 5460021
    Abstract: Golf car locking apparatuses having a restraining member (1) positioned on a seat (2) of a golf car (3) to prevent access to power-storage batteries (4) and extended from a seat upright member (5) behind the seat (2) and an attached member (7) extending from the seat restraining member (1) to a locking position on a steering wheel (8). Wheel-locking structure is provided optionally in addition with a wheel-lock clamp (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Martin B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5457972
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for locking up the steering wheel of an automobile; the device has a locking rod, of which one end is welded to the center of a symmetrical locking hook, while the other end thereof is inserted into a lock rod groove of a casing portion. The casing position has a locking assembly to prevent the locking rod from moving unintentionally. One side of the casing portion is fastened with a L-shaped locking plate facing the locking hook. The symmetrical locking hooks is used to hold the spoke of a steering wheel. The L-shaped locking plate can be moved by pushing the casing portion until holding the grip wheel of a steering wheel so as to prevent a car from being stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Tzung-I Lo
  • Patent number: 5454242
    Abstract: A locking device for a steering wheel of a car includes a main body and a locking assembly. The main body has first and second ends, the second end thereof having an extending bar disposed thereon, a channel for receiving a rim of the steering wheel being defined transversely in the main body and communicating with a passage, both of which being accessible via an under side of the main body. The locking assembly is disposed to the main body and includes a clamping element having a lock disposed therein for being secured within the main body so as to restrain the rim of the steering wheel from disengaging from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Wen-Chyun Su