Externally Mounted Locking Device Patents (Class 70/202)
  • Publication number: 20020014097
    Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle so as to deter theft of the vehicle includes a base for placement on the floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle being locked and beneath a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. The device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a second leg attached to the base, a first leg shorter than the second leg, and a cross member connecting the first and second legs to define an opening between the first leg and the base and a slot between the first and second legs to receive the pedal shaft and permit travel of the pedal shaft through the slot. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a lock. The locking pin is selectively movable on the U-shaped housing between a raised locked position sufficiently close to a lower side of the pedal shaft to prevent the pedal shaft from being operably depressed, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6308540
    Abstract: A cable-type fastening device for pistol trigger lock comprising a fastening seat containing a tube, the tube being provided with a positioning slot and a communication hole, and a positioning steel ball and an elastic element being mounted within the hole; a sealing block being used to seal the positioning steel ball and the elastic element and a steel cable being mounted at one side of the fastening seat, thereby the positioning steel ball is inserted into the positioning slot of the pistol trigger lock and the positioning slot of the fastening seat is engaged by a engaging hook of an engaging block of the pistol trigger lock such that the fastening seat and the pistol trigger lock are at a locking position and by the use of the steel cable, the fastening device is mounted onto a secured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Li-Chiue Lee
  • Patent number: 6298696
    Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle so as to deter theft of the vehicle includes a base for placement on the floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle being locked and beneath a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. The device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a second leg attached to the base, a first leg shorter than the second leg, and a cross member connecting the first and second legs to define an opening between the first leg and the base and a slot between the first and second legs to receive the pedal shaft and permit travel of the pedal shaft through the slot. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a lock. The locking pin is selectively movable on the U-shaped housing between a raised locked position sufficiently close to a lower side of the pedal shaft to prevent the pedal shaft from being operably depressed, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Publication number: 20010005997
    Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle that deters theft of the vehicle. The device includes a base for placement on a floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle and a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. A housing having an arm is attached to the base member. The arm has an opening therethrough. A rod is slidably disposed within the opening. The rod has a generally J-shaped end for receiving the pedal shaft. The rod is slidable within the arm so that the J-shaped end is movable between a raised position where the pedal cannot be depressed, and a retracted position, wherein the J-shaped end and is spaced from the clutch or brake pedal shaft. A locking mechanism is operably connected to the rod to fix the J-shaped end in at least the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Publication number: 20010002543
    Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle so as to deter theft of the vehicle includes a base for placement on the floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle being locked and beneath a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. The device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a second leg attached to the base, a first leg shorter than the second leg, and a cross member connecting the first and second legs to define an opening between the first leg and the base and a slot between the first and second legs to receive the pedal shaft and permit travel of the pedal shaft through the slot. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a lock. The locking pin is selectively movable on the U-shaped housing between a raised locked position sufficiently close to a lower side of the pedal shaft to prevent the pedal shaft from being operably depressed, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6202456
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for locking the foot pedal of a vehicle against depression toward the underlying floorboard of the vehicle comprises a base for engaging the floorboard beneath the foot pedal, a tubular body extending upwardly from said base and having an upper end spaced above the pedal arm and a slot extending from the base toward the upper end, a locking rod slidably received in the tubular body and having a hook extending outwardly through the slot and providing an upwardly open recess with said body for receiving the foot pedal arm, and a key operated lock for releasably holding the locking rod in a position relative to the tubular body in which the hook precludes displacement of the foot pedal toward the floorboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty LLC
    Inventor: Robert V. Vickers
  • Patent number: 6192724
    Abstract: A device to lock a brake or clutch pedal of a vehicle so as to deter theft of the vehicle includes a base for placement on the floor of the vehicle beneath the pedal of the vehicle being locked and beneath a pedal shaft supporting the pedal. The device includes a generally U-shaped housing with a second leg attached to the base, a first leg shorter than the second leg, and a cross member connecting the first and second legs to define an opening between the first leg and the base and a slot between the first and second legs to receive the pedal shaft and permit travel of the pedal shaft through the slot. A locking mechanism includes a locking pin and a lock. The locking pin is selectively movable on the U-shaped housing between a raised locked position sufficiently close to a lower side of the pedal shaft to prevent the pedal shaft from being operably depressed, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6173590
    Abstract: A skid steer locking device for immobilizing the steering, bucket and boom controls of a skid steer loader of a Bobcat-type vehicle with a grid cage. The locking device comprises a main shaft body having a keyed or combination lock and a telescopic shaft body, wherein each shaft end has a pair of fingers with offset stopper flanges for engaging the opposite sides of a grid cage. An adapter element attached to the device at the base of the fingers also locks certain bucket and boom controls. The device can be locked in a collapsed position. Clips on the shafts enable hanging the collapsed device inside the cab during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Bryan Witchey
  • Patent number: 6101854
    Abstract: A mechanical locking device in the kit form for the prevention of automotive vehicle theft by locking the gearshift control lever to the park position of this vehicle which comprises parts to form basically a clamp attached permanently to the lower portion of the lever, regardless of the size, shape, tilt angle and clearance of such lever, and a yoke and latching member capable of being lowered at least in part into and locked securely to the slot structure of various widths and lengths whereby the control lever is operated to prevent the movement of such control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Martin Mingyang Chang
  • Patent number: 6089055
    Abstract: A device for locking the brake or clutch of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprises a base member for placement on the floorboard of a vehicle beneath a brake pedal, a U-shaped housing extending downward further comprises a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap for receipt of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its fully extension upward through said shaft, and locking means associated with the second leg for locking the underside of the pedal within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 6085559
    Abstract: An anti-theft locking device for the accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle has rigid flat upper and lower plates, a rectangular lockbox open at both a front end and a front portion of its top and having a first pair of opposing inside ledges to receive the lower plate, and a shorter handled box that can fit into the lockbox and is open at a rear end but has a front end wall that includes an opening for the pedal arm. The handled box has a second pair of opposing inside ledges to receive the upper plate. After the plates are inserted into the lockbox and the handled box, the device is positioned around the pedal with the pedal spaced between the lower and upper plates and the pedal arm extending out of the front end of the lockbox. The handled box, perched above the lockbox in an open position, is then lowered into a closed position until the upper plate presses against the top of the pedal and the handled box is subsumed within the lockbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: David Jarrett
  • Patent number: 6062052
    Abstract: Lock apparatus for a latch assembly comprises a lock cylinder or cartridge inserted via an opening provided in a latch body and retained by a lock bolt thereof to engage a latch assembly spring to prevent disengagement thereof from a stationary catch; the lock cylinder is removable for unlocking by retraction of its bolt, typically by key operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Galo Diaz de Tuesta
  • Patent number: 6044671
    Abstract: A vehicle maintenance aid in the form of a vehicle brake line bleeding aid that is securable between a vehicle brake pedal and a fixed structure within the vehicle and which applies pressure to the brake pedal sufficient to force the brake pedal down when the brake line bleeding valves are opened. The vehicle brake line bleeding aid includes a brake pedal attachment assembly, a carpet gripping assembly, and a lockable pedal compress assembly pivotally connected at a first compression assembly end to the brake pedal attachment assembly and pivotally connected at a second compression assembly end to the carpet gripping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: David L. Haire
  • Patent number: 6029483
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for automobiles including an elongated tubular shaft having a length consistent with a distance between a steering wheel and accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle. A receiving collar is securable within an opening formed within a floor board of the motor vehicle disposed adjacent to the accelerator pedal. The receiving collar has an open outer end for receiving the lower end of the shaft therein in an operative orientation. A pedal plate is secured to the shaft upwardly of the lower end thereof and is positionable beneath the accelerator pedal in the operative orientation. A locking mechanism is secured to the upper end of the shaft for engaging the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Darryl Edward Daniels
  • Patent number: 6006559
    Abstract: A lock for preventing theft of an automotive vehicle consists essentially of a support seat, a carrying member, a tightening device, and a lock rod set. The support seat has a bottom seat and a hollow support rod mounted on the bottom seat. The carrying member has a carrying rod which is provided at the bottom end thereof with a receiving portion, a sleeve fastened with the top end of the carrying rod, an arresting block fastened with the midsegment of the carrying rod, and a locking device fastened at the top end of the carrying rod. The tightening device is disposed in the receiving portion of the support rod for fastening the carrying member with the support rod. The lock rod set is fitted into the sleeve and is composed of a lock rod having a shank which is provided at one end thereof with a toothed portion and a hooked block corresponding in location to the arresting block. The shank is further provided at other end thereof with a fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Hung-Cheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6003350
    Abstract: A lock for an automatic transmission of a vehicle having a center console with a pair of side walls and a floor mounted gear shift selector lever. The lock includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and locking apparatus. The fixed portion replaceably attaches to the center console of the vehicle. The movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion and selectively engages the floor mounted gear shift selector lever of the vehicle. The locking apparatus is disposed on the fixed portion and selectively prevents movement of the movable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Henry Sentner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6000256
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shift lock device is provided including a lower portion dimensioned for positioning within a housing for a shift lever, whereby a cut-out pattern on the lower portion aligns with the shift pattern of the shift lever. Also included is an upper portion dimensioned for engagement with the lower portion for lockable engagement therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Kioumars Pornaghdi
  • Patent number: 5979197
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle anti-theft device for blocking at least a pedal arm for a brake or clutch of a vehicle. The device includes a first member having a lower movable plate and a shaft extending therefrom. A second member is provided with an upper stationary plate that includes a second hollow shaft. The first shaft slides in the second hollow shaft, whereby the upper and lower movable plates are adapted to receive at least one pedal arm of a vehicle therebetween. A key lock cooperates with the locking member for locking and unlocking the first shaft with respect to the second hollow shaft. The device includes a base plate for bearing upon the floor of a vehicle. In use the first shaft is pulled upwards for moving the lower plate towards the upper plate for enclosing and blocking the pedal arm therebetween. When the first shaft is pushed downwards with respect to the second hollow shaft, the upper and lower plates are separated to free the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Alfredo Mellini, Joseph Mellini, Joseph Aliano
  • Patent number: 5950464
    Abstract: A shift lever locking mechanism is provided including a shift lever having a vertical post slidably situated along a single linear slot formed in a surface of a vehicle to effect various modes of operation including: drive, second gear, and first gear. Also included is an engagement arm pivotally coupled to the surface. A quick release mechanism serves to releasably couple the engagement arm to the shift lever for precluding the transfer of the shift lever from the drive mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Harry E. Tonne
  • Patent number: 5950463
    Abstract: A vehicle highly visible, convenient locking apparatus which locks all four wheels of a vehicle to prevent it from being driven or towed is disclosed. The apparatus which holds a brake pedal having a leg, close to a floor of a vehicle comprises: a mountable base having a lower side portion and an opposite side portion; and, a longitudinal member having a bottom end portion adapted to releasably engage in the opposite side portion of the base; a peddle holding/lock member carried by the longitudinal member. In use the base is mounted on the floor of the vehicle, beneath the brake pedal; the longitudinal member is releasably engaged in the base; the peddle is depressed, engaging the brakes; and the peddle holding/lock member is locked on the longitudinal member thereby holding the brake pedal in an engaged position and generally preventing the longitudinal member from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: James Glazier, Ken Toole
  • Patent number: 5911765
    Abstract: A vehicular control pedal disabling device having a base member, a generally U-shaped member extending upwardly from the base member, a structural housing through which the U-shaped member slides, and a means to lock the device. A means for producing light can be attached to the device to make it more noticeable to those outside of the vehicle. In the device's operable position, the U-shaped member and the structural housing surround the stem of the control pedal and prevent the pedal's actuation when the device is locked. In one embodiment the structural housing includes a support sleeve, a pedal restricting member, a first guide sleeve, a second guide sleeve and a connecting member. The first guide sleeve is connected to the support sleeve through the pedal restricting member and the first guide sleeve is parallel with the support sleeve. The second guide sleeve is axially aligned with the first guide sleeve so that the U-shaped member can slide through both the first and second guide sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Scott D. Jacobson
    Inventor: Elias DaSilva
  • Patent number: 5906121
    Abstract: An anti-theft apparatus for a vehicle having a vehicle floor, a vehicle fire wall, an accelerator pedal, and a brake pedal mounted on a downwardly extending brake pedal lever, includes a cradle for fitting around the brake lever and including structure for retaining the brake pedal against substantial lateral and downward movement relative to the cradle, a bracing portion connected to the cradle and including a leg and a foot mounted to extend downwardly relative to the cradle to abut the vehicle floor for preventing removal of the cradle from the brake lever and brake pedal, and for preventing depression of the brake pedal and brake lever to operate the vehicle by bracing the cradle against substantial movement relative to the fire wall and floor, and a lock mechanism for releasably securing the leg at the given extension relative to the cradle that the foot abuts the vehicle floor. The cradle bottom wall is preferably concavely arched to follow and receive a forwardly curved brake lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Adel H. Mankarious
  • Patent number: 5899102
    Abstract: A simplified firearm lock includes: a male fastening member having a latch formed thereon, a female fastening member having a catch engageable with the latch of the male fastening member to be disposed on opposite sides of a trigger guard of a firearm or handgun, and a locking device provided in the female fastening member for preventing the disengagement of the catch of the female fastening member from the latch of the male fastening member for locking the two fastening members and the trigger of the firearm, whereby upon unlocking of the locking device, the catch will be disengaged from the latch for separating the two fastening members for unlocking the trigger of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Chong-Kuan Ling
  • Patent number: 5899100
    Abstract: The instant invention is a locking mechanism for transmissions having a floor mounted selector switch. The invention utilizes a base member which is attached to a support post of the transmission selector lever. The base member includes provisions for holding loose coins and miscellaneous items. When the vehicle is left unattended, the locking mechanism utilizes a spherical cap which locks to the base member. With automatic transmissions the handle is locked together so as to conceal the handle and prevent access to the actuator button. When used in combination with a manual transmission, the cap engages the base of the transmission housing to prevent depression or movement of the selector handle. In this manner, the vehicle cannot be moved as the transmission is disabled. The spherical shaped cap inhibits cutting, tensile steel bands used on matching caps prevent the mechanism from being pried apart when locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventors: Christopher Rundle, Michael Borell
  • Patent number: 5896766
    Abstract: A parking brake locking device is provided including a parking brake having an elongated cylindrical configuration. The parking brake has a first end hingably coupled to a floor of a vehicle adjacent to a front seat thereof and is adapted to pivot between a deactuated lowered orientation and an actuated raised orientation. Also included is a locking arm mounted to the floor of the vehicle. The locking arm engages the parking brake for selectively precluding the transfer of the parking brake from the actuated raised orientation to the deactuated lower orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Adam Tovey
  • Patent number: 5890383
    Abstract: This invention relates to the improvement in an anti-theft device for the gearshift lever of an automotive vehicle equiped with an automatic transmission. This device comprises a sleeve surrounding and firmly engaging a lower portion of the gearshift lever extending vertically upwardly through a slot opening of the flooorboard of the vehicle and is provided with a L-shaped latching member having a vertical arm being pivotally mounted in the sleeve and a horizontal arm which can be lowered into, concealed within and occupying the slot and a locking means having a semi-circular shaft partially intersecting the pivotal joint or hinge of the latching member thereof. The vertical arm is provided with a pair of arcuate notches at the hinge which can be brought to engage the shaft at either the lowered and a raised and upright position respectively. In either of these positions, the latching member can be locked therein by the turn of the shaft to provide the locking and unlocking functions of the anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Martin Ming Yang Chang
  • Patent number: 5881587
    Abstract: A device for locking the brake of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising: a base member for a placement on the floorboard of a vehicle beneath a brake pedal; a U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap for receipt of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its full extension upward through said shaft; and locking means associated with the second arm for locking the underside of the pedal within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lawman Armor Corp.
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 5870912
    Abstract: A device for locking the brake of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising: a base member for a placement on the floorboard of a vehicle beneath a brake pedal; a U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap for receipt of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its full extension upward through said shaft; and locking means associated with the second arm for locking the underside of the pedal within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Lawman Armor Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Vito
  • Patent number: 5842364
    Abstract: A vehicle immobilizing system for engaging a brake pedal of a vehicle and locking the brakes of the vehicle in an activated position, but which does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle's brakes when the vehicle is being operated. The vehicle immobilizing system includes a standard vehicle brake pedal assembly, a retractable locking shaft, a solenoid, for extending and retracting the retractable locking shaft, a locking tumbler to prevent the retractable locking shaft from being physically forced open to deactivate the vehicle's brakes, and an activation switch for the immobilizing system. The retractable locking shaft is attached to the sidewall of a standard vehicle brake pedal assembly so as to prevent the upward movement of the brake pedal arm when the vehicle's immobilizing system is activated. Once the vehicle immobilizing system is activated all four (4) brakes of the vehicle will be locked and function as an anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Richard D. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5791702
    Abstract: A tamper evident, cargo container door lock structured to be used on a cargo container of the type having a pair of doors secured in a closed orientation by a closure assembly of the type including a lock rod and an actuation handle connected to the lock rod to facilitate pivotal movement of the lock rod and permit slided movement thereof to release the door from the closed orientation, the door lock including a primary shroud assembly formed of a substantially strong, cut resistant metal and structured to cover and shield from external access a connection joint between the actuation handle and the lock rod of the closure assembly, thereby preventing access to the connection joint without cutting or removing the primary shroud assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Jeff Liroff
  • Patent number: 5791175
    Abstract: A vehicle security device against theft which comprises a mechanism built into the vehicle out of sight as original equipment or for the after market. The device is built into the gear change console (manual or automatic) housing which is usually a metal pressing fixed to the floor pan so that the mechanism is tamper proof. The mechanism is a plate which lifts into a position in which it locks the gear change into the reverse position, it is released by a high security key on the console. A servo is available to lock the ignition key in its socket to prevent it being withdrawn until the gear lock has been activated, to prevent people forgetting to activate the security device, assuming they are in the habit at least of removing the key before leaving the vehicle. This servo can work on a pneumatic or other basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Alphonso Albertus Van Wyk
  • Patent number: 5775141
    Abstract: A lock affixed to conventional hand brake structure, and by which, when the lock is unlocked, the hand brake can keep retain its normal functions. When the lock is locked, the hand brake can only be pulled up and cannot be released by pressing down a push button, thus locking is assured. Such structure is has the function of theft-proofing with convenience of use, also has the practicality and improveness in preventing from towing a vehicle away by thieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Li
  • Patent number: 5765416
    Abstract: A device for locking a brake pedal in depressed condition, comprising a first tube, and a second tube concentric and slidable in said first tube; said first tube having brake pedal engaging means; said second tube having steering wheel engaging means; said device having spring actuated button means for extending and locking said tubes together in selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Cote
  • Patent number: 5715710
    Abstract: A brake pedal immobilizing device has first and second shafts with crossheads mounted thereon for relative longitudinal sliding movement to clamp a brake pedal shaft between them. The second shaft carries a stand-off formed by a floor engaging foot extending longitudinally aligned below the crossheads, supporting the device on the vehicle floor during clamping adjustment. The second crosshead is formed with a hook and is rotatively mounted on one end of the first shaft while the other crosshead is mounted on the first shaft in a screw fit. An upper end of the first shaft is received in a sleeve with a shaft locking mechanism and terminates in a handle. A third crosshead carries a third shaft slidingly received in the first crosshead and having a lower end forming a locking/wedging pin for receipt in a bore in the second crosshead in the clamping position to complete enclosure of the brake pedal shaft. A barrier frame is attached to the first crosshead above a brake pedal to block forcing tool access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Achille A. De Lucia, Roger De Lucia
  • Patent number: 5689982
    Abstract: An anti-theft lock for the permanent attachment to a gear shifting lever of an automobile comprising a L-shaped elbow member which can be placed into a slot for gear shifting movement of such lever and locked therein to fill-up same and therefore blocking the movement of the gear shifting lever and preventing the operation of the vehicle, a body member comprising a pair of parallel passages adapted to accommodate a portion of such gear shifting lever securely thereunto and the vertical rod portion of the L-shaped elbow regulating its movement therein, and means associated with the vertical rod of the elbow and the body member to lock the elbow for the anti-theft function and unlock and arrest same for the normal operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Martin Mingyang Chang
  • Patent number: 5682777
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for blocking the operation of a motor vehicle comprising a mechanical lock 5, by means of which the shifting operation of the transmission in the motor vehicle may be blocked, an actuating device 6 that is controlled by electrical signals and actuates the mechanical lock 5, and a coded transponder 7, by means of which the electrical signals that control the actuating device 6 are triggered once the code has been identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: R. Schmidt GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Specht
  • Patent number: 5609049
    Abstract: The instant invention is a locking mechanism for transmissions having a floor mounted selector switch. The invention utilizes a base member which is attached to a support post of the transmission selector lever. The base member includes provisions for holding loose coins and miscellaneous items. When the vehicle is left unattended, the locking mechanism utilizes a spherical cap which locks to the base member. With automatic transmissions the handle is locked together so as to conceal the handle and prevent access to the actuator button. When used in combination with a manual transmission, the cap engages the base of the transmission housing to prevent depression or movement of the selector handle. In this manner, the vehicle cannot be moved as the transmission is disabled. The spherical shaped cap inhibits cutting, tensile steel bands used on matching caps prevent the mechanism from being pried apart when locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventors: Christopher Rundle, Michael Borell
  • Patent number: 5555755
    Abstract: An antitheft device acting on a motor vehicle gear lever including a slider movable relative to support members and arranged to cooperate with the gear lever. The slider having a counteracting member which is brought into contact with the gear lever so as to prevent its movement when the antitheft device is engaged and consequently to prevent the use of the vehicle. The support members and the relative movable slider being arranged in a concealed position within a gearshift protection part positioned in the vehicle passenger compartment and from which the gear lever projects. The slider is a plate element with a recessed end arranged to lock the gear lever in a plurality of positions corresponding to different gears. The slider has a polygonal containing an actuator device which is defined by an elongate element torsionally constrained to the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: M.M.T. Di Padrin Mario & C. S.N.C.
    Inventor: Giovanni Padrin
  • Patent number: 5537846
    Abstract: A motor vehicle anti-theft device adapted to disable the brake pedal of the vehicle. The device includes an outer housing and an inner shaft member mounted within the housing for relative rotary and telescopic movement. A first clamp structure is journaled on the shaft and a second clamp structure is threaded on the shaft so that, as the shaft is rotated in the housing, the clamp members are moved toward and away from each other into and out of locking engagement with the brake pedal. The inner shaft and outer housing are slid telescopically relative to each other to firmly engage the fire wall of the vehicle with the clamp members clamped about the brake pedal. A lock structure is provided to preclude relative rotary and relative longitudinal movement of the housing and the shaft. The device functions to lock the pedal in a brake released position so that the vehicle cannot be started since the brake/shift interlock cannot be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: David A. Simon
  • Patent number: 5535605
    Abstract: A two-piece combination lock for use in locking a gun trigger includes a backup member having two cantilevered screws and includes a casing having a chamber containing a lock subassembly with a generally U-shaped frame member for locking the two screws and adjusting the space between the backup member and the casing and having a combination lock unit with three numbered dials for preventing unlocking when the combination is incorrect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: United States Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore J. Werner
  • Patent number: 5520033
    Abstract: An anti-theft device (1) intended for vehicles belongs to a type, which is capable of retaining the vehicle brake in a braking condition, as long as it is activated, and which is non-interfering with the brake in an inactivated condition. The anti-theft device (1) comprises a lock rod (3) provided at one end with hook or crook (5) for gripping around a brake pedal arm (26), the lock rod (3) to a major extent consisting of a shank portion (4), which is releasably lockable within a lock housing (2), which in turn is firmly secured to the vehicle in the vicinity of the brake pedal. The shank portion (4), which is provided with a helicoidal groove (6), extends through the lock housing and through a rotatably disposed element (14) therein, the hole for the shank portion (4) through the rotatable element (14) having a helicoidal ridge (16), which is complementary to the helicoidal groove (6) in the shank portion (4) and cooperates therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventors: Bjorn Holmberg, Kjell-Ake Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5493880
    Abstract: The improved structure of a lock mounting rack includes a receiving seat for receiving a lock, a plurality of connecting rods and position limiting rods; and further includes a card insertion type lock for an automatic or a manual shift lever, the lock further has a housing, a lock seat, a locking mechanism, a latching mechanism and an insertion type locking card; insert the locking card into the housing, the lock can be unlocked thereby, such locking card can increase the safety in duplicating-proofing and is easier for carrying in a pocket than a conventional key; the rack can suit various types of the seats for the shift levers in various types of cars, the cost of moulding thus is largely reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Jaw-Jia Jang
  • Patent number: 5490403
    Abstract: A locking device adapted to be mounted upon a hand brake lever handle of an automobile in a manner to prevent theft of the automobile includes a tubular inner sleeve adapted to attach to the handle, and a tubular outer sleeve which removably and telescopically engages the inner sleeve. A lock located at the upper extremity of the outer secures the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, thereby preventing access to an underlying depressable brake release button on the lever handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bianco, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5482136
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device has a support to be arranged in an interior of a vehicle in the vicinity of a gas pedal, and a locking part arranged on the support and having a locking body provided with an opening and a locking element movable relative to the locking body between a locked position in which it reduces a size of the opening and an unlocked position in which it releases the opening, so that in the unlocked position the device can be moved over a gas pedal of the vehicle and a holding arm of of the gas pedal, while in the locked position with reduced size of the opening the device cannot be removed from the holding of the gas pedal since the size of the opening in the locked position is smaller than the size of the gas pedal, and therefore the gas pedal cannot be activated to drive a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Mikhail Sorkin
  • Patent number: 5473918
    Abstract: A locking device for the gearshift lever of a large truck, the gearshift lever being of the type which extends vertically upwardly through an opening in the floorboard of the truck, the locking device comprising a sleeve surrounding and firmly engaging a lower portion of the gearshift lever, the sleeve being provided with a vertical bore, a vertical locking rod being slidably mounted in the vertical bore, the locking rod having a lower end which projects below the floorboard when the rod is in its lowermost position, a horizontal locking plate attached below the floorboard and having a portion extending into the opening, the locking plate having a locking hole therethrough for receiving the lower end of the locking rod when the latter is in its lowermost position, a rotatable lock mounted on the sleeve and having a rotatable shaft therein, the locking rod being provided with a notch adjacent the upper end thereof, the lock shaft being provided with a semi-circular extension which is received in the notch when
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Frank E. Hixon
  • Patent number: 5454244
    Abstract: A lock device for locking a gearshift stick of a vehicle so as to prevent the gearshift stick from being operated includes a base having two holes for receiving two legs of a shackle, two catches slidably received in the base for locking the shackle, and a lock engaged in the base and having two plungers for actuating the catches. A housing is fixed on the base and has two channels for receiving the shackle, two resilient members are disposed in the channels for engaging with the shackle so as to retain the shackle in place. The housing has a key hole access for inserting a key into the key hole of the lock, and a lid is pivotally coupled in the housing for enclosing the key hole access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Gaieter Liou
  • Patent number: 5444999
    Abstract: A gear shift lever lock including a lock body fixedly fastened to the console of a car near the gear shift lever and defining a circularly arched constraint chamber, a top cover covered on the lock body at the top, a shackle made to slide in and out of a sliding way on the lock body, a shackle spring mounted within a groove on the lock body to keep the shackle in the unlocking position, a latch bolt supported on a spring within a locating groove on the lock body, and a lock cylinder mounted within a locating hole on the top cover and a recessed hole on the lock body, and wherein pulling the shackle out of the sliding way causes the latch bolt to lock the shackle in the locking position in holding down the gear shift lever within the constraint chamber; turning the cylinder lock with the key causes the latch bolt to be released from the shackle to unlock the gear shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Yung-Chi Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5432308
    Abstract: A lockout strip for an electrical switch of the type having a housing, an opening in the front face of the housing, an operating lever with lugs at its outer end extending out of the opening in the housing and stop surfaces at opposite ends of the opening in the housing. The stop surfaces define the "on" and "off" conditions of the switch. The lockout strip is formed of a thin, rectilinear piece of relatively stiff material, preferably plastic. An irregular shaped cutout is formed in the strip. The cutout has a central, rectangular portion of sufficient width to fit over the lever and its laterally extending lugs so as to allow the strip to be positioned against the front face of the switch housing. The cutout also has a narrow portion located longitudinally adjacent the central portion with sufficient width to receive the operating lever but not sufficiently wide to clear its lugs. This narrower cutout is inside lateral shoulders which fit under and engage the lugs of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventor: Robert K. Howie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5410896
    Abstract: A housing structure having a first shell and second shell arranged for hinged securement together and including a cooperative lock to permit latching of the first and second shells together to receive a gear shift knob within the shell when secured together preventing access to the gear shift knob release button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Donald A. Gleason
  • Patent number: 5404736
    Abstract: An attachable vehicle hand brake lock assembly capable of being selectively attached over the end of a push button-activated hand brake to prevent its release. The lock assembly includes a cylindrical shaped body designed to be placed longitudinally over the upward extending end of the hand brake handle. The body includes an upper lock, a central threaded section, and a lower, threaded clamping section. The lock assembly also includes an outer sleeve with internal threads capable of being interconnected with the threads on the body enabling the sleeve to be moved upward and downward over the body during use. When initially attached to the handle, the lower section which is made up of two clamping arms is slanted and biased outward away from the outer surface of the handle to enable the lock assembly to slide easily over the handle. When the sleeve is rotated and moved downward over the clamping arms, their inner surfaces are forced inward against the handle to hold the lock assembly in place thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Nicolas R. Lugo