Patents by Inventor Helen E. Tafoya

Helen E. Tafoya has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Spare tire access hole lock
    Patent number: 5426963
    Abstract: A spare tire access hole lock for preventing the theft of spare tires on vehicles equipped with undercarriage mounted spare tires. The spare tire access hole lock is particularly suited for use on trucks that are equipped with an access hole in the bumper for facilitating the insertion of a tool necessary to release the spare tire from stowage. The spare tire access hole lock prevents entrance of a tool to release the spare tire from stowage by obstructing access to the spare tire release mechanism through the spare tire access hole. The spare tire access hole lock may be used by inserting it through the spare tire access hole and securing it with a standard padlock to prevent its removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventors: Ignacio Tafoya, Helen E. Tafoya