Abstract: A tie-down assembly for securing an article by a strap has a frame to which one end of the strap is immovably connected and a winding shaft about which the other end of the strap is wound and unwound. A handle pivoted to the frame engages ratchet teeth on the winding shaft to rotate the winding shaft in a strap take-up direction when the handle moves from a second to a first position while not rotating the winding shaft when the handle moves the first toward the second position. A lock mechanism actuated by a key is provided to positively and selectively lock the handle to the frame when the handle is in the second position.

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 limit access to the rim and protect against cutting of the rim. The protective member includes two or more plate sections which can be collapsed into a smaller form for convenient storage. The protective member also includes a guide member to limit the movement of the plate sections with respect to one another.

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.

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.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle wherein a personal identification unit is carried by an authorized operator of said motor vehicle and includes means for identifying its location in the vicinity of the motor vehicle. A vehicle control unit mounted onto the motor vehicle, has a first and second condition with means for allowing operation of the motor vehicle when the control unit is in the first condition and means for inhibiting operation of the motor vehicle when said control unit is in the second condition and means for shifting the control unit into the second condition at a time subsequent to removal of the identification device from the vicinity of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An improved doorstop provides increased safety along with the simplified operation over previous doorstops. The doorstop is adapted to be mounted directly to the door in close proximity to an immovable surface such as the floor or a door channel. The device includes a frictional contact member which is leveraged from a first position away from the immovable surface to a second position in frictional contact with the surface. The improved doorstop is useful on sliding doors as well as hinged doors.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device in the form of a vehicle steering wheel lock comprising extendable and retractable members having hooks that are on for engaging diametrically opposed portions of a steering wheel to mount the anti-theft device on the steering wheel. It is provided with a motor operated lock mechinism remotely controlled by a personal identification encoder. The lock mechinism also includes a key operated portion, and the lock mechinism is operable either through the use of a key or through the use of the remotely controlled encoder.

Abstract: A device is provided for locking a compartment lid such as the hood of a motor vehicle. The device comprises an element adapted to sit on a portion of the hood and a portion of an adjacent fender surface, a strap attached to the element and extending through a gap between the hood and fender into the compartment interior, a hook on the strap to attach the strap to the vehicle in the compartment, and a mechanism such as a reel to remove slack from the strap and hold the element securely against the hood and adjacent fender surface.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for attachment to a steering wheel of a vehicle and comprising telescoping components relatively displaceable between extended and retracted positions respectively corresponding to use and storage positions for the device is provided with an electric circuit which is activated in the stored position of the device and issues an audible signal to remind the operator of the vehicle to attach the device to the vehicle steering wheel when the operator leaves the vehicle. The electric circuit includes a vibration sensor for sensing vibration of the device such as when the vehicle motor is running or the vehicle is moving along a roadway. When the vehicle is parked and the motor turned off, whereby there is no vibration of the device, an audible signal is issued, such as a digitized voice message for example, to remind the operator to install the device before leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle security device preventing unauthorized entry into a vehicle compartment includes a locking reel mounted in the compartment and a cable between the locking reel and compartment closure. The unwinding of the cable from the locking reel to release the compartment closure is remotely controlled. An emergency mounting release and release circuit are provided for respectively dismounting the locking reel and deactivating the security device and thus allowing access to the vehicle compartment.