Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device

Abstract

A catalytic converter anti-theft device is provided. The device may include a first tube structure attachable to a vehicle frame and a second tube structure attachable to the vehicle frame. There may be a first wire rope encased within the first tube structure and a second wire rope encased within the second tube structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first tube structure and the second tube structure are configured to surround at least a portion of a catalytic converter to prevent removal from the vehicle frame.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/452,495 filed Mar. 16, 2023 for a “Catalytic Converter Anti-Theft Device,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to devices for protecting catalytic converters from theft; in particular, this disclosure relates to a catalytic converter protection assembly that surrounds a catalytic converter with wire ropes encased in metal tubing.

BACKGROUND

A catalytic converter is a vehicle exhaust system component that converts harmful pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, into less harmful emissions. The catalytic converter includes a catalyst that is formed from mostly precious metals, such as platinum, palladium, and/or rhodium. When exhaust gases pass through the catalytic converter, the catalyst helps filter out harmful byproducts in the exhaust gases.

Since the catalyst is mostly formed from precious metals, and the catalytic converter is externally accessible, it is a target for theft. Vehicles with a higher ground clearance, such as trucks, tend to be more vulnerable because the higher ground clearance makes it easier for thieves to get underneath the vehicle to remove the catalytic converter. For example, the thief may attempt to remove the catalytic converter with a reciprocating saw.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, this disclosure provides an anti-theft protection device. The device may include a tube structure shaped to engage at least a portion of a device to be protected. There is a wire rope encased within the tube structure. In some embodiments, the tube structure hides the wire rope from view.

According to another aspect, this disclosure provides a catalytic converter anti-theft device. In some embodiments, the device includes a first tube structure attachable to a vehicle frame and a second tube structure attachable to the vehicle frame. There is a first wire rope encased within the first tube structure and a second wire rope encased within the second tube structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first tube structure and the second tube structure are configured to surround at least a portion of a catalytic converter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example catalytic converter protection assembly according to an embodiment of this disclosure installed on a vehicle to protect an example catalytic converter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first protection member of the example catalytic converter protection assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second protection member of the example catalytic converter protection assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the example catalytic converter protection assembly shown in FIG. 1 installed on a vehicle;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example converter protection assembly installed on a vehicle shown in FIG. 4 along line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the example catalytic converter protection assembly shown in FIG. 1 installed on a vehicle;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the example catalytic converter protection assembly installed on a vehicle shown in FIG. 6 along line 7-7; and

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the portion of FIG. 7 identified by circle 8 in which wire rope encased in tubing can be seen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features.

One technical problem that is addressed by this disclosure is the combination of wire rope encased within a tube structure. For example, wire rope encased in a rigid metal tube configured with sufficient clearance for the wire rope to move with a reciprocating blade to bind the blade's teeth. Once that engagement happens (i.e., blade teeth binding), the saw itself may start moving back-by-forth instead of the blade reciprocating. This works because of the fundamental way reciprocating saw blades work, which is by engaging the material with the blade teeth. When those teeth bind on the material to be cut and move it back and forth instead of shearing off small bits of material, the saw blade cannot effectively cut, and generates significant heat in the process which will often destroy the saw blade. In some embodiments, the clearance between the tube and wire rope may be approximately one to three times the strand diameter of wire or one to three times the tooth pitch of saw blade. When the saw blade binds, this may create excessive noise that acts as an additional theft deterrent. In some cases, the vibrational intensity made when attacking the protective device having the wire rope encased in a tube structure may set off a vehicle alarm system. Although this disclosure is discussed in terms of a catalytic converter protection device, this disclosure is not intended to be limited solely to catalytic converter anti-theft devices, but may be used to protect a wide variety of other devices. For example, the tube structure could be formed in a variety of shapes to engage a variety of devices to be protected from attack. By way of example only, some potential devices to be protected may include bikes, motorcycles, steering wheels, utility equipment (e.g., transformers, brass valves for city water, ladders, construction equipment, generators, welders, water heaters, tool boxes, etc.). Another technical advantage of this disclosure, in some embodiments, is that the wire rope inside the tube allows for easier fabrication of complicated tubing geometry with simpler machinery, as a mandrel bender is no longer required. The wire rope itself serves as the mandrel.

FIG. 1 shows an example catalytic converter protection assembly 10 that protects a catalytic converter 12 from theft. In the example shown, the catalytic converter 12 includes a first end 14 with a cylindrical portion and a second end 16 with a cylindrical portion. In this example, the catalytic converter 12 includes an enlarged central portion 18 that is approximately cylindrical in shape. There is a first shoulder 20 with an approximately frustoconical shape that slopes to transition between the first end 14 and the enlarged central portion 18. There is a second shoulder 22 with an approximately frustoconical shape that slopes to transition between the second end 16 and the enlarged central portion 18. Although the catalytic converter 12 has the shape shown for purposes of example, the catalytic converter protection assembly 10 could be formed to protect catalytic converters with other shapes.

In the example shown, and now also referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the catalytic converter protection assembly 10 includes a first protection member 24 and a second protection member 26 that surround the catalytic converter 12. The first protection member 24 includes a tube structure 28 formed into approximately a U-shape with a first end having first attachment plate 30 mounted to a vehicle frame 32 and a second attachment plate 34 mounted to the vehicle frame 32. In the embodiment shown, the second protection member 26 also includes a tube structure 36 formed into approximately a U-shape with a first end having first attachment plate 38 mounted to a vehicle frame 32 and a second attachment plate 40 mounted to the vehicle frame 32. In the embodiment shown, the second protection member 26 has a slot 42 in the first attachment plate 38 and a slot 44 in the second attachment plate 40. The slots 42, 44 are dimensioned to receive a portion of the tube structure 28 of the first protection member 24. In the embodiment shown, the first attachment plates 30, 38 and second attachment plates 34, 40 are mounted on top of each other, respectively. As shown, the first attachment plates 30, 38 and second attachment plates 34, 40 includes holes 46 that can be aligned during installation and used to attach the attachment plates 30, 34, 38, 40 to the vehicle frame 32 with fasteners. For example, the attachment plates 30, 34, 38, 40 could be connected with the vehicle frame 32 with anti-tamper fasteners. In some cases, the attachment plates 30, 34, 38, 40 could be welded directly to the vehicle frame 32 or otherwise adhered to the vehicle frame 32. In some embodiments in which the attachment plates 30, 34, 38, 40 are welded directly to the vehicle frame 32, there would be no need for frames with holes 46 for attaching with fasteners.

In the embodiment shown, the first protection member 24 includes a first leg 48 extending from the first attachment plate 30 and second leg 50 extending from the second attachment plate 34; as shown, the first leg 48 and the second leg 50 extend approximately in parallel to each other from their respective attachment plates 30, 34. A third leg 52 extends transversely between the first leg 48 and the second leg 50.

As shown, the first leg 48 and the second leg 50 both have a straight portion 54 extending from the respective attachment plates 30, 34. The first leg 48 and the second leg 50 both have a converter receiving portion 56 that is shaped to receive a portion of the catalytic converter 12. In the example shown, the converter receiving portion 56 of the legs 48, 50 are spaced apart to correspond with the shoulders 20, 22 of the catalytic converter 12. Additionally, as shown, the converter receiving portion 56 has a curved shape to correspond approximately with the shape of the shoulders 20, 22. However, the converter receiving portion 56 could have different curvatures or shapes to correspond with shoulders having different shapes. Additionally, in some embodiments, the converter receiving portion 56 could engage another portion of the catalytic converter 12.

In the example shown, the first and second legs 48, 50 are dimensioned to extend the third leg 52 beyond the catalytic converter 12 such that the third leg 52 extends longitudinally adjacent to the catalytic converter 12. Accordingly, as shown, the straight portion 54 of the first and second legs 48, 50 is on one side of catalytic converter 12; the third leg 52 is on the other side of the catalytic converter 12 while the converter receiving portion 56 receives a portion of the catalytic converter 12.

In the embodiment shown, the second protection member 26 includes a first leg 58 extending from the first attachment plate 38 and second leg 60 extending from the second attachment plate 40; as shown, the first leg 58 and the second leg 60 extend approximately in parallel to each other from their respective attachment plates 38, 40. A third leg 62 extends transversely between the first leg 58 and the second leg 60.

In the embodiment shown, the first leg 58 and the second leg 60 both have a straight portion 64 extending from the respective attachment plates 38, 40. As shown, the straight portion 64 of the legs 58, 60 of the second protection member 26 are adjacent to the straight portion 54 of the legs 48, 50 of the first protection member 24 (on top/bottom of each other). The first leg 58 and the second leg 60 both have a converter receiving portion 66 that is shaped to receive a portion of the catalytic converter 12. In the example shown, the converter receiving portion 66 of the legs 58, 60 are spaced apart to correspond with the shoulders 20, 22 of the catalytic converter 12. Additionally, as shown, the converter receiving portion 66 has a curved shape to correspond with the shape of the shoulders 20, 22. However, the converter receiving portion 66 could have different curvatures or shapes to correspond with shoulders having different shapes. Additionally, in some embodiments, the converter receiving portion 66 could engage another portion of the catalytic converter 12. As shown, the converter receiving portion 66 of the second protection member 26 and the converter receiving portion 56 of the first protection member 24 surround the catalytic converter 12.

In the example shown, the first and second legs 58, 60 are dimensioned to extend the third leg 62 beyond the catalytic converter 12 such that the third leg 62 extends longitudinally adjacent to the catalytic converter 12. Accordingly, as shown, the straight portion 64 of the first and second legs 58, 60 is on one side of catalytic converter 12, the third leg 62 is on the other side of the catalytic converter 12 while the converter receiving portion 66 receives a portion of the catalytic converter 12. In this manner, the converter receiving portion 56, 66 and the third leg 52, 62 of the first and second protection members 24, 26 surround the catalytic converter 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, an end view of the catalytic converter protection assembly 10 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the converter receiving portion 56 of the first protection member 24 and the converter receiving portion 66 of the second protection member 26 surround a portion of the catalytic converter 12. As shown, the attachment plates 34, 40 are stacked on each other and attached to the vehicle frame 32. The straight portions 54, 66 are adjacent to each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the tube structures 28, 36 of the first and second protection members 24, 26 encase wire rope 68. The wire rope 68 will tend to bind a reciprocating saw attempting to cut through the tube structures 28, 36 because the wire rope 68 is a finer material than the teeth pitch of the saw blade; instead of cutting through, attempting to cut the wire rope 68 will generate significant heat, which destroys saw blades. One technical advantage of this embodiment is that the wire rope 68 is hidden from view within the tube structures 28, 36. This means that a thief will be unaware of the wire rope 68 until attempting to use a reciprocating saw on the tube structures 28, 36 and encountering the wire rope 68, which may destroy the saw blade. In some embodiments, the tube structures 28, 36 may be metal tubes of approximately 0.75 inch diameter and the wire rope 68 encased within could be 6×37 class and have a 0.5 inch diameter. Of course, other sizes of tube structures 28, 36 and wire rope 68 are within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the wire rope 68 extends throughout the tube structures 28, 36 between the attachment plates 24, 26, 38, 40. For example, the wire rope 68 may be inserted into the tube structures 28, 36 and welded to the tube structures 28, 36 and/or attachment plates 24, 26, 38, 40.

Referring to FIG. 6, a side view of the catalytic converter protection assembly 10 is shown. As can be seen, the converter receiving portion 56 of the first protection member 24 and the converter receiving portion 66 of the second protection member 26, along with the third legs 52, 62 surround a portion of the catalytic converter 12. In some embodiments, the third legs 52, 62 may be connected together. For example, the third legs 52, 62 may be welded together in some cases. Depending on the circumstances, the third legs 52, 62 could include flanges for connected the third legs 52, 62 together with fasteners, such as anti-tamper fasteners. As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the wire rope 68 extends through the third legs 52, 62 of the first and second protection members 24, 26, which makes cutting through the catalytic converter protection assembly 10 a difficult task for a thief.

Claims

1. A protection device comprising:

a tube structure shaped to engage at least a portion of a device to be protected; and

a wire rope encased within the tube structure; and

wherein the tube structure hides the wire rope from view.

2. The protection device of claim 1, wherein the tube structure includes one or more curvatures to surround at least a portion of the device to be protected.

3. The protection device of claim 2, wherein the tube structure includes one or more attachment plates to attach the tube structure to a mounting structure.

4. The protection device of claim 3, wherein the one or more curvatures of the tube structure are configured to prevent removal of the device to be protected when the one or more attachment plates are attached to the mounting structure.

5. The protection device of claim 4, wherein the device to be protected is a catalytic converter and the mounting structure is a portion of a vehicle frame, wherein the one or more curvatures of the tube structure are configured to surround the catalytic converter to prevent removal when the one or more attachment plates are mounted to the vehicle frame.

6. The protection device of claim 1, wherein the tube structure is a metal tube of approximately 0.75 inch diameter and wherein the wire rope comprises a 6×37 class with approximately 0.5 inch diameter.

7. A catalytic converter anti-theft device comprising:

a first tube structure attachable to a vehicle frame;

a second tube structure attachable to the vehicle frame;

a first wire rope encased within the first tube structure;

a second wire rope encased within the second tube structure; and

wherein at least a portion of the first tube structure and the second tube structure are configured to surround at least a portion of a catalytic converter.

8. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 7, wherein the first tube structure has a U shape.

9. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 8, wherein the second tube structure has a U shape.

10. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 9, where the first tube structure has a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, wherein the second leg extends transversely from the first leg and the third leg.

11. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first leg and a longitudinal axis of the third leg are approximately parallel.

12. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 11, wherein the first leg includes a first attachment plate configured to mount the first leg to the vehicle frame and the third leg includes an attachment plate configured to mount the third leg to the vehicle frame.

13. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 12, wherein the first leg includes a curved portion with a curvature corresponding substantially with a surface contour of the catalytic converter adjacent the first leg, and wherein the third leg includes a curved portion with a curvature corresponding substantially with a surface contour of the catalytic converter adjacent the third leg.

14. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 13, wherein the second tube structure has a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, wherein the second leg of the second tube structure extends transversely from the first leg and the third leg of the second tube structure.

15. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 14, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first leg of the second tube structure and a longitudinal axis of the third leg of the second tube structure are approximately parallel.

16. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 15, wherein the first leg of the second tube structure includes a first attachment plate configured to mount the first leg of the second tube structure to the vehicle frame and the third leg of the second tube structure includes an attachment plate configured to mount the third leg of the second tube structure to the vehicle frame.

17. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 16, wherein the first leg of the second tube structure includes a curved portion with a curvature corresponding substantially with a surface contour of the catalytic converter adjacent the first leg of the second tube structure, and wherein the third leg of the second tube structure includes a curved portion with a curvature corresponding substantially with a surface contour of the catalytic converter adjacent the third leg of the second tube structure.

18. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 17, wherein the second leg of the first tube structure and the second leg of the second tube structure are approximately parallel with respect to each other.

19. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 18, wherein the first leg of the first tube structure and the first leg of the second tube structure are approximately parallel with respect to each other.

20. The catalytic converter anti-theft device of claim 19, wherein the first leg of the first tube structure and the first leg of the second tube structure are connected together.