For Seats Patents (Class 70/261)
  • Publication number: 20150040623
    Abstract: A locking device for a foldable backrest of a seat, has a locking housing with a handle, the handle being pivotably between locking and unlocking positions and by which a pawl can be carried between retaining and non-retaining positions, and has a blocking element which is movable by a closable lock manually between a blocking position blocking the handle and a release position releasing the handle. The blocking element is a locking bolt mounted pivotably in the locking housing between the blocking and release positions and having release and blocking recesses. A blocking pin, in the release position of the locking bolt, projects into the release recess and is freely movable between the locking and unlocking positions. The blocking pin, in the blocking position of the locking bolt and the locking position of the handle, protrudes into the blocking recess and is blocked against pivoting into the unlocking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ingo Teufel, Kai Schumann
  • Patent number: 8939000
    Abstract: The invention provides a bicycle lock with three rigid lock rods, either separable or articulating, which together provide an adaptable secure frame-to-wheel-to-security-object bicycle locking mechanism in conjunction with a removable seat post. One rod is inserted partially into the removed seat post, and the other rods extend outward from the first rod and then back toward the seat post for locking to a seat post clamp thereon, thus forming a closed triangular lock. The lock can be passed through the bicycle frame and wheel and around a bike rack or other external structure before closing to secure both the frame, wheel and seat post to the structure to prevent theft of any one or more of these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: David Mendyk, Neil Blackmore, Kara Chomistek
  • Patent number: 8281625
    Abstract: A skewer assembly for a rack mount having a cam disposed against a cam follower actuable from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the skewer assembly further having a lock assembly integrated with the cam follower and a locking member located within a radial contact surface perimeter of the cam. The skewer further having a tightening assembly with a ratcheting nut which is incapable of being loosened when the skewer is placed in tension. Moreover, the skewer assembly covers the access holes to the internal hardware of the rack mount when inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Keith L. Prescott
  • Patent number: 7818109
    Abstract: A method for operating an active vehicle seat in a vehicle includes detecting a triggering event related to a security threat to the active vehicle seat. An operation of the active vehicle seat is disabled in response to the detected triggering event. The operation of the active vehicle seat is enabled by providing authentication of an authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventor: Linda T. Scully
  • Publication number: 20090113962
    Abstract: A motorcycle seat like the one which comes stock on the 2007 HD street glide can easily be removed with a screwdriver, that's bad if the one with the screwdriver has criminal intent. The lock I have invented covers that screw up with a keyed lock preventing that unwanted person from easily removing it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Johnny Earl Gordon
  • Publication number: 20080295554
    Abstract: A device for locking and unlocking the folded and unfolded positions of an infant pushchair, during the folding and unfolding operations the handlebar being slid on the front legs, the device being actuated by means of a rope and comprising a lock at each side. This device is characterised in that the lock comprises a housing having an open lower portion and housing the active element, a flat being slidably fitted to each of the lateral faces of the housing, said flats being connected together at an end at which they are actuated by means of the rope, each of said flats in its central region having an oblique slot, a pin extending through the active element being in a position to be shifted along said oblique slots, said active element being transversally shifted in the empty space of the housing when the flats are made to carry out a longitudinally shifting motion and thus bringing about the locking and unlocking with respect to the locking points being provided on the front legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Jane, S.A.
    Inventor: Manuel JANE SANTAMARIA
  • Publication number: 20080202177
    Abstract: A latch system for a vehicle seat track includes locks. The locks are moveable between locked and unlocked positions. The locks lock with a web attached with the seat track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Abdella, Ryan Kadlec, Scott Kropfreiter, John R. Sims, Neil G. Goodbred
  • Patent number: 7280972
    Abstract: A method for enhancing income when renting a vehicle having a driver seat and at least one passenger seat, wherein a driver sits in the driver seat to operate the vehicle, includes renting the vehicle to a user for a predetermined number of occupants of the vehicle including a driver, wherein, the predetermined number of occupants including the driver is less than the number of seats in the vehicle. Locking out a number of seats in the vehicle that is in excess of the predetermined number of occupants including the driver. Releasing the vehicle to the user for authorized use of the vehicle having occupants in the driver seat and any unlocked passenger seats. In one embodiment, locking out a number of passenger seats includes fixing a seat lock-out assembly across a body support of at least one of said number of passenger seats to discourage unauthorized use of said at least one passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventors: Jack H. Takerian, Daniel G. Radler
  • Patent number: 7104091
    Abstract: A bicycle lock which can be fastened to a bicycle without any special holding device and which secures the bicycle, the seat support, and the seat is provided. The bicycle lock comprises a) a housing (2) and a drum (3) that is rotatably mounted within the housing (2), b) a cable (4) that is coiled onto the drum (3) and is directed towards the outside through an opening (6) of the housing (2). One end of the cable (4) is fixed to the drum (3) while the other end thereof, which is directed towards the outside, supports a half-lock (5a) that is connected to the half-lock (5b) disposed inside the housing (2) and can be fixed there, c) a coil spring (7) that is arranged between the housing (2) and through which the seat support (1) is guided, and e) a fastening element for fixing the housing (2) to the seat support (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Macro-Tec Development AG
    Inventor: Martin Kuhblank
  • Patent number: 6948878
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is a locking quick release device for allowing quick and easy release and adjustment to a bicycle seat and/or bicycle wheels, while still allowing the seat and/or wheels to lock to the bike frame when the quick release lever is in the closed position. The device includes a standard plug lock combined with the lever of the quick release device. In the closed position, the lock can be engaged with a key, securely locking the lever closed and the seat and/or the wheels to the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Grove Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Smith, Jr., Richard L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6901780
    Abstract: A steering wheel and seat security lock is provided to attach a lower portion of a raised steering wheel of an automobile to an upper portion of an automobile driver's seat which has been tilted forward towards the steering wheel, the lock having a steering wheel engaging portion having a hook on a first end attaching to the steering wheel and a seat engaging portion having a second end embodied as either a pair of descending arms adapted to insert within the holes provided to retain vertical headrest support arms or having a cross member attached behind the vertical headrest support arms, a support bracket extending to the top of a lowered headrest, and another support bracket behind a back surface of the driver's seat, the steering wheel engaging portion slidably engaging the seat engaging portion, further providing a lock mechanism to retain the steering wheel engaging portion and the seat engaging portion in a closed and locked position, restricting space between the upper portion of the driver's seat and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Christopher S. Whinery
  • Patent number: 6769738
    Abstract: Seat units in a row of seat units are each connected to an operating bar that is rotationally mounted on a support surface. Rotation of the operating bar causes the seat units of the row of seat units to move from a use orientation, wherein the seat elements thereof are oriented essentially parallel to the support surface, to a cleaning orientation, wherein the seat elements of the seat units are oriented at an oblique angle to the support surface whereby the seat units are moved to an orientation in which cleaning beneath the seat units can be effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventors: Pedro J. Rivera, Jr., John P. Tokar
  • Patent number: 6746071
    Abstract: A theft prevention device includes a security module integrated with the powered seat system. The security module is programmed to instruct the powered seat system to move the vehicle seat between an original position and a forward security position with the seat member and lumbar support member moved forward to prevent a thief from accessing the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The theft prevent device further includes a gearing mechanism linking the seat member and the lumbar support member for controlled forward movement of the lumbar support member to a fully forward position flush with a forward most position within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The theft prevent device further includes further includes a trigger switch linked to the security module for sending a trigger event signal instructing the security module when an individual leaves the vehicle or when an individual returns to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Farino
  • Publication number: 20040074270
    Abstract: A seat retainer arrangement for use on the cargo compartment of a pickup truck or the like comprising a substantially rigid, longitudinally extensible and retractable arm member for engagement removably to respective openings on mounting brackets secured to opposite side walls of the cargo compartment is disclosed. The seat used with this seat retainer arrangement has a backrest which can be reclined back and down and a leg rest segment which can be extended up and to the front when said seat is engaged to said arm member and said arm member is secured to said openings on said mounting brackets on opposite side walls of the cargo compartment. Additionally, the legs of the seat are extensible and retractable so that the seat rests on the bottom of the cargo compartment even when the mounting brackets are installed on the side walls of cargo compartments of different pickup trucks having different heights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Patent number: 6651469
    Abstract: A seat retainer arrangement for use on the cargo compartment of a pickup truck or the like comprising a substantially rigid, longitudinally extensible and retractable arm member for engagement removably to respective joints on the bed liner sections covering two opposite side walls of the cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Patent number: 6623071
    Abstract: A locking claw of a first seat locking mechanism is connected to a locking claw of a second seat locking mechanism by a second wire through a relay member so that, when the first seat locking mechanism is locked by an external force such as pressing down a seat by hand, the second seat locking mechanism is locked in conjunction with the first seat locking mechanism. The locking operations for a plurality of the first and second seat locking mechanisms can be carried out collectively and easily. In addition, locking of the plurality of lock members can be carried out assuredly without being influenced by dimensional variations, variations in assembly of a first and second U-shaped fixtures and the first and second seat locking mechanisms, by stiffness of the seat or the like. Therefore, repeated closing of the seat as in the case of the prior art where either one of a plurality of lock members fails to lock can be obviated, and convenience to use of the seat can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Kawamoto, Sadamichi Enjyo, Seiichi Tateishi
  • Patent number: 6578395
    Abstract: A vehicle including a seat lock-out assembly which discourages the unauthorized use of a seat on the vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis and at least one seat having a body support fixed relative to the chassis. The seat includes a body support. The seat lock-out assembly has first and second ends fixed to the chassis, and extends over the body support to discourage unauthorized use of the seat. In one embodiment, the seat lock-out assembly includes an elongated member and a shield fixed to the elongated member. The elongated member has a first end and a second end which are fixable relative to the seat. The shield is fixed to the elongated member between the first and seconds ends, wherein when the first and second ends are fixed relative to the seat, the shield is disposed over the body support to discourage use of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Jack H. Takerian, Daniel G. Radler
  • Publication number: 20020124609
    Abstract: A vehicle including a seat lock-out assembly which discourages the unauthorized use of a seat on the vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis and at least one seat having a body support fixed relative to the chassis. The seat includes a body support. The seat lock-out assembly has first and second ends fixed to the chassis, and extends over the body support to discourage unauthorized use of the seat. In one embodiment, the seat lock-out assembly includes an elongated member and a shield fixed to the elongated member. The elongated member has a first end and a second end which are fixable relative to the seat. The shield is fixed to the elongated member between the first and seconds ends, wherein when the first and second ends are fixed relative to the seat, the shield is disposed over the body support to discourage use of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Jack H. Takerian, Daniel G. Radler
  • Publication number: 20020088259
    Abstract: A seat retainer arrangement for use on the cargo compartment of a pickup truck or the like comprising a substantially rigid, longitudinally extensible and retractable arm member for engagement removably to respective joints on the bed liner sections covering two opposite side walls of the cargo compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Antonio M. Arias
  • Patent number: 6074009
    Abstract: A theft prevention device for vehicles employing a seat patterning system to automatically control the position of a vehicle seat is disclosed. The theft prevention device includes a security controller adapted for integration with the seat patterning system such that the security controller instructs the seat patterning system to move the seat between an original position and a forward position with the seat member and lumbar support moved forward to thereby prevent a thief from accessing the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The theft prevention device also includes an actuating switch communicating with the security controller to send the security controller a message to instruct the seat patterning system to selectively move the vehicle seat between the original position and the forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Farino
  • Patent number: 6048019
    Abstract: A new car security system for securing front seats of a vehicle in a forwardmost position. The inventive device includes a pair of tracks secured to a floorboard of a vehicle. The pair of tracks each have a sliding member disposed therein. The sliding member of each of the tracks are secured to an underside of a car seat. An outer edge of an outermost track has a plurality of notches formed therein in a spaced relationship along a length of the track. An adjustment handle is pivotally coupled with a side of the car seat. The adjustment handle is adapted for selective engagement with one of the plurality of notches to preclude movement of the car seat with respect to the pair of tracks. The adjustment handle includes a spring for inward biasing thereof to engage one of the plurality of notches. A lock is provided for precluding movement of the car seat with respect to the pair of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Arkadi Tauber
  • Patent number: 5964109
    Abstract: A theft prevention device for a vehicle including a passenger compartment in which a steering wheel is provided to control the movement of the vehicle is disclosed. The theft prevention device includes a first arm having a first end, a second end and a central section. The theft prevention device also includes a second arm having a first end, a second end and a central section, wherein the central section of the first arm is pivotally secured to the central section of the second arm. The device also includes a first arm extension coupled to the first arm and a second arm extension coupled to the second arm. The first arm extension and the second arm extension are shaped to engage when the first arm and the second arm are properly aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Howard Zenke
  • Patent number: 5949339
    Abstract: A method of reducing injuries to riders and associated riding cinch. Firstly, providing a riding cinch that has a locking mechanism with a electrically controlled release for locking a first coupling and a second coupling. Secondly, providing a remote transmitter adapted to send a signal to signal receiving means to selectively activate a release activating circuit by closing a switch to permit power to flow from a power source to the electrically controlled release for the locking mechanism. Thirdly, securing the riding cinch to an animal to be ridden. Fourthly, activating the release activating circuit with the remote transmitter, as the rider dismounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Stanley James Ettinger, Betty Lou Ettinger, Donald Henry Tuchscherer, Idella Jean Tuchscherer
  • Patent number: 5870967
    Abstract: An alert system for alerting the driver of a vehicle when a seatback is unlatched includes a seatback movable between latched and unlatched positions, and a latch for retaining the seatback in the latched position. A handle is connected to the latch and includes a first portion movable for operating the latch to facilitate movement of the seatback to the unlatched position and a second portion operable for alerting the driver when the seatback is in its unlatched position. The first and second portions of the handle are sufficiently pivotable and unitary that movement of the first portion for operating the latch simultaneously operates the second portion for alerting the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Hecht
  • Patent number: 5829283
    Abstract: A theft prevention device for a vehicle including a passenger compartment in which a steering wheel is provided to control the movement of the vehicle is disclosed. The theft prevention device includes a first arm having a first end, a second end and a central section. The theft prevention device also includes a second arm having a first end, a second end and a central section, wherein the central section of the first arm is pivotally secured to the central section of the second arm. The theft prevention device is also provided with a lock selectively coupled between the first arm and the second arm to lock the first arm relative to the second arm and securely position the theft prevention device within a vehicle steering wheel by locking the first arm and the second arm in an X-shaped orientation to obstruct the passenger compartment in the vehicle and deter the theft of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Howard Zenke
  • Patent number: 5794470
    Abstract: The mechanical lock has an elongated housing. A pair of end bushings mounts in the housing, and a rod translates through the end bushings and at least partially through the housing. A pair of coiled locking springs within the housing are around the rod and between the end bushings. One end of each locking spring is fixed within the housing, and the other end of each locking spring is free. The normal inside diameter of each locking spring is less than the outside diameter of the rod so that the locking springs secure the rod. A handle can uncoil the free end of each locking spring to increase their inside diameter and release the rod. A wedge bushing mounts in the housing between the locking springs. The face on each end bushing against its respective locking spring is at an angle, and the wedge bushing also has an angled face on the other side of each spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: P.L. Porter Co.
    Inventor: Calvin R. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5737949
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for use with an automotive vehicle including members which restrict access to the front seat and dashboard areas of the vehicle when in an armed position and which may be removably stored in a non-use position when the vehicle is to be normally used. The access-restricting members are highly visible, thereby discouraging a potential thief because of the potential difficulty of removing the anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Howard Zenke
  • Patent number: 5707111
    Abstract: The apparatus is a vehicle lock designed to prevent motor vehicle theft as well as protect costly items such as car stereos. The apparatus locks the driver's seat of a vehicle in a forward position, utilizing the existing components of a conventional seat back adjustment device while adding a minimal number of additional parts. Thieves are prevented from sitting in the driver's seat, thereby preventing the vehicle from being stolen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Chang Seo Kim
  • Patent number: 5700056
    Abstract: A movable lock is provided with a spring return to normally maintain the lock in a lock position. A button acts on the lock by means of a push rod. A translation guide is provided for the rod. A locking securing means is connected to the guide means for completing transverse movement between a position where locking is possible wherein the end of the rod is located closely adjacent to the element of the lock; and a secured position wherein the rod end is spaced apart from the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Bertrand Faure Equipements S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent Bernard
  • Patent number: 5678435
    Abstract: A bicycle locking mechanism is provided including a tubular member which may form part of a bicycle frame, such as the tubular seat post, for example, and an elongated, collapsible, securing element for securing the bicycle frame to an object such as a post or bicycle rack. The elongated, collapsible, securing element has first and second ends and is collapsed in size to a length which is no greater than the length of the tubular member. The securing element fits substantially within the tubular member, when not in use, and is of sufficient length when withdrawn from the tubular member to wrap around an object for securing the bicycle frame thereto. A hinge pin assembly is provided for attaching the first end of the securing element to the tubular member. The securing element may be an elongated, interconnected, linkage assembly or it may consist of a flexible cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: James M. Hodson
  • Patent number: 5644937
    Abstract: A theft prevention device for vehicles including a vehicle body upon which a vehicle seat is mounted, wherein the vehicle seat includes a seat member and a lumbar support member. The theft prevention device includes an extension member having a first end adapted for attachment to the body of a vehicle and a second end adapted for attachment to the vehicle seat. The extension member is extendable between a first compact length and a second extended length. The theft prevention device is further provided with a locking member coupled to the extension member for selectively locking the extension member at desired lengths. In use, the extension member locks the seat in a forward position preventing a thief from accessing the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The invention also provides a vehicle having a theft prevention device. The vehicle includes a vehicle seat moveable between a first rearward position and a second forward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph Farino
  • Patent number: 5628215
    Abstract: The driver's seat is provided with a tiltable seat back, along the edge facing the door is mounted an elongated bar. The bar is pivoted at its lower end to the chassis as to be conjointly tiltable with the seat back. Fixedly mounted about midway of the side edge of the seat back is a hasp through which the bar passes. The hasp and the bar are provided with cooperating locking devices so that the assembly can be fixed in a selected tilted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Hugh Brown
  • Patent number: 5620225
    Abstract: The expanding ball-type locking pin device (30, 31, 33) is equipped with a control (40) which comprises a lever (42) which exhibits an operating hand grip (421) and an articulation (422) associated with a casing (20) to allow it to turn about an axis parallel to a given direction (.DELTA.) between an unlocked position and a locked position and which bears a link so as to be able to move the needle (33) between its two positions, and furthermore comprises a safety feature (51, 52, 53, 54) coupled to the lever (42) and intended to interact with an underframe (P) to prevent a seat from being tipped into the opened-out position as long as a lock bolt (30) is not locked onto a striker plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Cesa-Compagnie Europeenne de Sieges pour Automobiles
    Inventor: Sylvain Harry
  • Patent number: 5479836
    Abstract: A quick release mechanism is engaged on a two wheeled cycle for securing wheels, seat post or other elements. The quick release mechanism includes a post engaged through a pad and a sleeve, and threadedly engaging with a nut. A lock housing is secured on one end of the post. A core is rotatably engaged in the lock housing. A handle includes two cams secured to two end portions of the core such that the core and the handle rotate in concert. The handle is prevented from rotating when the core is locked to the lock housing such that the quick release mechanism may not be disengaged from the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Shu Chang
  • Patent number: 5454613
    Abstract: An automatic locking device is disclosed which may be used to secure a rear-facing auxiliary seat in a raised position in a station wagon. The locking device includes an elongate engagement member which is arranged to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis between a normal position and a release position. The engagement member is provided with notches which are adapted to cooperate with teeth on a pair of jaws in a receiving arrangement. The notches and the teeth are so shaped that when the engagement member is in its normal position, the engagement member can be inserted into the receiving element and withdrawal is prevented by interaction between the notches and the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Peter Weber, Bjorn Hedenberg
  • Patent number: 5415458
    Abstract: A mechanism to lock the driver seat in a vehicle in a forward position to prevent a thief from getting on the seat and driving away in the vehicle. The seat adjuster is positioned such that the seat back portion is at an angle with the horizontal seat portion. A lock mechanism mounted on the seat back plate and either manually or electronically operated, causes a lock pin to enter coaligned apertures formed in the front and back plates of the seat adjuster, an intermediate plate member preventing the seat back portion from being moved. In order to enable the seat adjuster to resume its normal operation, the locking pin is withdrawn from the coaligned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Ki I. Kim
  • Patent number: 5412964
    Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel, which consists of a driver bucket seat assembly mounted on a floor behind the steering wheel in the motor vehicle. A mechanism is for locking the driver bucket seat assembly in a forward tilted position towards the steering wheel. A thief will not be able to sit in the driver bucket seat assembly and drive the motor vehicle away to steal it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Shoony A. Yee
  • Patent number: 5277043
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for vehicles has a member which is mountable above the upper surface of the seat portion of the driver's seat so that an unauthorized person cannot sit in the driver's seat when the device is mounted in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Alexander Inashvili
  • Patent number: 5251464
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a bicycle lock assembly. A housing has an annular outer wall with a cable access slot and an integral rear wall. The rear wall supports a tubular inner wall that extends from the rear wall coaxially with the outer wall to define a torus shaped interior space. A reel provides a tubular core that is rotatably mounted onto the inner wall. The core supports a pair of spaced-apart guide walls which define a coiling space therebetween. A flexible cable is wound onto the reel between the guide walls. One end of the cable is fixed to the core. The other end of the cable extends through the access slot and includes a first lock mechanism. A coil spring has one end fixed to the annular outer wall and the other end fixed to the core of the reel. The spring lays in a spiral form adjacent to one of the guide walls such that rotation of the reel to unreel the cable causes the coil spring to tighten. Similarly, rotation of the reel to reel-in the cable causes the coil spring to loosen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Robert Halter
  • Patent number: 5251465
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for coupling a seat back and a steering wheel of an automobile including a lock pivotally coupled to the seat back of the automobile and having a hook pivotally engaged on the lock for engagement on the steering wheel of the automobile, whereby, a person is prevented from quickly sitting on the driver seat of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Ying-Teh Hwang
  • Patent number: 5213388
    Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle seat apparatus (10) that allows the vehicle seat (90) to be moved from a normal driving position to a forward position. When in the forward position the seat is sufficiently close to the vehicle steering wheel that the vehicle cannot be driven. The apparatus consists of first and second double-sliding track assemblies (12), (14) that move in two increments. The first increment allows the seat to be conventionally placed in a normal driving position and the second allows the seat to be placed in the forward non-drivable position. The invention may be used in combination with a brake compression assembly (60) that includes a seat cavity (62) and a brake compression member (64). The member (64) has a back end (64b) that fits into the cavity (62) and a first end (64a) that has a cavity (64c) sized to encompass the brake pedal. When the vehicle seat (90) is placed in a forward position, the assembly (62) compresses the brake pedal to provide an additional anti-theft safeguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Franklin W. Baker
  • Patent number: 5028086
    Abstract: A vehicle theft preventing seat cushion frame. The seat cushion frame has a seat section made from a hardened material in a generally rectangular shape. The back section is hingedly connected to the seat section, and a telescoping member may be affixed between the front of the seat section and the top of the back section to form an impediment when affixed to the front seat of an automobile to the theft of that automobile. It can also be connected through the steering wheel of the vehicle to further deter theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Alvin H. Smith
  • Patent number: 4942746
    Abstract: Two hooks are adjustable in position along a cylindrical bar for engaging operating elements in a vehicle, thereby preventing operation of the vehicle. One hook is fixed to an end of the bar. The other hook includes a yoke having arm ends pivotable about the bar. A lock body is captured between the yoke arm ends for pivoting about the bar. A spring wound under tension on the bar has one end attached to the yoke and the other end attached to the lock body. Pivoting of the lock body relative to the yoke, releases the spring, allowing sliding of the hook along the bar. A lock is mounted on the lock body for securing the lock body in a position in which the spring is under tension on the bar, thereby preventing movement of the hook along the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Jacob G. Monroy
  • Patent number: 4667492
    Abstract: A locking device of a seat back of a trunk through-seat in order to prevent theft from a trunk compartment by maintaining the locking state of the seat back with the aid of key operation. The locking device includes lock pins which close or open the seat back stoppers which limit the movement of the lock pins in an upward direction, levers which move the lock pins in an upward direction by rotating the lock pins with the aid of the operative members, and keys which execute the slide of the stoppers. The stopper is moved laterally from a position above the lock pin and then the lock pin is moved in the upward direction by rotating the lever. Thus the lock of the seat back is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Tomatsu, Toshiaki Shindou
  • Patent number: 4116297
    Abstract: An elongated lengthwise extendible and retractable brace is provided and equipped with structure for releasably locking the brace against retraction thereof. The brace includes opposite end portions for telescopic engagement with coacting abutment portions of motor vehicle seat cushion and seat back portions which are engageable with each other to limit rearward swinging of the vehicle seat back portion to its operative position in which it is used when the operator of the vehicle is seated in the driver's seat. The seat back portion is forwardly swingable to a position abuttingly engaged with the steering wheel of the vehicle. During forward swinging movement of the seat back portion, the coacting abutment portions of the seat back portion and seat portion which limit rearward swinging of the seat back portion to the operative position are displaced apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1978
    Inventors: Curtis R. Ross, Frank R. Ross, Eugene G. Ross, Gloria R. Winborn