Steering Mechanism With Switch Patents (Class 70/252)
  • Patent number: 5860303
    Abstract: A cable (52) operated ignition safety interlock assembly (50) for an automobile having an ignition switch (16) and an automatic transmission having a gear selector lever (14). The gear selector lever (14) includes a detent (20) manually moveable between a Home position, associated with the Park position of the gear selector lever (14), and a plurality of displaced positions associated with each of the drive positions of the gear selector lever (14). An interlock (50) restrains the ignition switch (16) in its Run position until the gear selector lever (14) is moved to its Park position to remind the driver that the transmission is not safety engaged in the Park condition. The interlock (50) includes a cable (52) having a first end (56) operatively connected to the detent (20) of the gear selector lever (14) and a second end (58) operatively engagable with the ignition switch (16) to restrain the ignition switch (16) in the Run position, and thus to prevent removal of the key from the ignition switch (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy K. Droz, Felix P. Adler
  • Patent number: 5848540
    Abstract: A motor vehicle steering column lock includes a drove rod element extending axially along a bore within the housing of the steering column lock for actuating a steering column locking bolt member in accordance with known steering column lock mechanisms. The drive rod element of the steering column lock is provided with a radial projection that cooperates with a radial wall of an enlarged recess of the bore extending through the lock housing for preventing axial withdrawal of the drive rod element from the housing and also includes an axial locking projection that is spring biased into a locking recess for preventing relative rotation between the drive rod element and the housing when the steering column lock is transported or stored without a lock cylinder installed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Friedrich Pieper
  • Patent number: 5836187
    Abstract: An electronic interlock system for a tumblerless lock which utilizes radio frequency identification to enable system operation. The interlock system includes a reader which powers an antenna to generate an electromagnetic field which in turn energizes a small transponder mounted in the key. The transponder transmits a unique identification code back to the reader via the antenna where it is decoded, and if valid enables system operation, but if invalid prevents operation. The antenna is mounted at the forward end of the lock assembly. A unique key retention system and cylinder anti-rotation lock system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: STRATTEC Security Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Janssen, Larry R. Grimmer
  • Patent number: 5826449
    Abstract: An electronic key contact assembly for automobiles has a static housing and a rotatable assembly. The rotatable assembly comprises a housing having a key receiving slot and spring terminals. In the Off position, the spring terminals are outwardly biased, where a camming portion thereof is received in a recess of the static housing. Upon turning the key to the On position, the contacts are inwardly biased by engagement of the camming portion with a raised portion of the static housing. Rubbing of the key with the contacts during insertion is thus avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Dupuis, Jacques Laquerbe
  • Patent number: 5823024
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotatably mounting a steering wheel to a steering column is provided. A core having a central bore is attached to the steering column. A housing is rotatably mounted to the core. A steering wheel is fixed to the housing. A central shaft extends away from the housing through the bore. A locking assembly is mounted to the housing which can be selectively engaged to the core such that, in an unlocked position, the housing can rotate with respect to the core and, in the locked position, the housing is fixed with respect to the core.An apparatus is provided for mounting a steering wheel to a steering column such that the steering wheel can be selectively disabled. A core is attached to the steering column. A track is located at the periphery of the core. A slot in the core extends from the track. A housing is fixedly attached to the steering wheel and rotatably mounted to the core. A lock assembly is mounted to the core having an end located on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: Doris Goodson, Elizabeth Stewart
    Inventors: Doris L. Goodson, Alexander Alon
  • Patent number: 5794469
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a steering lock device of the type that a key rotor is coupled to the shift lever of an automatic transmission, which is reduced in size, thus occupying a relatively small space when installed. The steering lock device, an accommodating section, which accommodates a rotary member and a slider, is provided on the outer cylindrical surface of a housing in such a manner that it is located above the axis of the housing, and its longitudinal direction is in parallel with the direction of a tangent line to the outer cylindrical surface of the housing, whereby the accommodating section is not so much protruded from the sidewalls of the housing. The rotary member is turned about its shaft by a cam which is turned together with a key rotor. The slide is moved longitudinally of the accommodating section in association with the movement of the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Sesakusho
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5793122
    Abstract: A triggering pin is connected between the steering column cover and the ignition switch lock, or a glass bead is held between the ignition switch lock and the ignition switch lock mounting assembly, of an automobile including a steering column lock. When either the steering column cover in the area of the ignition switch lock or the ignition switch lock itself is removed, the triggering pin or bead, connected to a trigger wire, triggers a switch that removes power from a propulsion system function necessary for the driving of the vehicle. In addition, where the automobile includes a conventional security system, the triggering of the security device trips a switch to provide power to the conventional security system. Power may also be provided to a hood lock spliced onto the hood release cable that, when actuated, prevents the cable from moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Motor Vehicle Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Dingwall, Howard T. Bellin
  • Patent number: 5735151
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for motor vehicles which selectively disables the vehicle by interrupting the operative connection of the steering wheel to the steering column. The device includes an outer cylindrical boss which is fixed to the steering wheel and rotatably mounted on and about an inner cylindrical boss affixed to the steering column. A key actuated locking mechanism is carried by the outer boss which selectively engages the inner boss to operatively connect the steering wheel to the steering column. By unlocking the locking mechanism, this operative connection is interrupted and the vehicle cannot be controlled by the steering wheel and is thus disabled. As the disabling of the vehicle is obtained when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position as opposed to a locked position, damaging the mechanism by the application of excessive force will not overcome its disabling effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Patent number: 5730011
    Abstract: In a structure for mounting a steering lock apparatus having a key cylinder unit fixed to an instrument panel and a key lock unit for permitting or regulating rotation of a steering shaft whose tilting is freely changed, a key cylinder interposing unit through which an end of the key cylinder unit is interposed and supported is formed in a plate bracket fixed in the instrument panel side, protrusions projecting upward are provided in an end of the key cylinder unit and an engaging groove for regulating rotation of the key cylinder unit by engaging with both sides of the protrusions and functioning as a stress concentration part for a load applied upward from the key cylinder unit is formed in the key cylinder interposing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Terai
  • Patent number: 5730010
    Abstract: In a mounting structure of a key lock unit comprising a key lock unit having a locking rod whose end engages and disengages with a lock recess portion formed in a steering shaft in a column tube, and a rod housing which slidably provides the locking rod therein, a boss portion provided on the end of the rod housing being fitted into a penetrating mounting hole of the column tube, and a key lock bracket that receives and supports the end of the key lock unit being welded to the column tube, according to the present invention, a patch bracket having a through hole with a size corresponding to the mounting hole, and disposed in overlap with the outer surface of the column tube, matching the through hole with the mounting hole, and further welded to the key lock bracket, is provided, a through hole-shaped gap is provided between the key lock bracket and the column tube, and a detecting protrusion which fits into the through hole-shaped gap is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Norimatsu, Yasunari Mita
  • Patent number: 5718131
    Abstract: A steering column locking assembly and method of making same includes swaging a steering column tube and a steering column lock collar in such a manner that relative movement between the two parts is resisted below a predetermined level of torque while relative rotation occurs at values of torque above the predetermined value. A layer of plastics material may be provided between the two parts. Once the predetermined torque is overcome, then rotation between the two parts occurs, but ceases once the torque level drops below the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Torrington Company
    Inventor: John Thomas Bobbitt, III
  • Patent number: 5718132
    Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock for an energy-absorbing motor vehicle steering column having a linearly collapsible mast jacket includes a unitized construction consisting of a cylinder lock attached to an instrument panel of the motor vehicle remote from the mast jacket, a lateral housing between the cylinder lock and the mast jacket, a lock bolt in the lateral housing, rack and pinion gears which convert rotation of an element of the cylinder lock into linear translation of the lock bolt, and a frangible connection means at which an inboard part of the unitized construction adjacent the mast jacket separates from an outboard part in the direction of linear collapse of the mast jacket. The frangible connection means includes a pair of laterally aligned frangible joints between inboard and outboard segments of the lateral housing and between inboard and outboard segments of the lock bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Kremer Riefe, David Michael Byers, Michael Patrick Anspaugh
  • Patent number: 5701773
    Abstract: Apparatus for opening, or removing without damage, automotive side-bar type ignition locks, comprises a combination tool with a plurality of projections extending horizontally and forwardly from the combination tool to engage the lock's keyway, at least one balanced pair of recesses in the lock's face, or, optionally, when the tool is used as a lock-remover, the inner walls of the lock's hollow wing-nut cylinder cap. When used as a lock-forcing opener, the combination tool is placed in position on the lock cylinder's face and a conventional wrench gripping the tool's hexagonally-shaped portion is turned to create torque applied by the tool's projections against the walls of the lock's recesses, forcing the lock cylinder to turn to its ON position and start the vehicle's engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Markisello
  • Patent number: 5689983
    Abstract: An improved ignition rack and an improved sector gear for a steering column in a vehicle inhibits theft of the vehicle. The ignition rack is used to operate an electrical switch mounted in the vehicle. The vehicle has a key receiving assembly rotatably mounted in the steering column and a shaft with a first end joined to the key receiving assembly for rotation therewith. A second end of the shaft is joined to the sector gear, the sector gear having teeth located on a portion of an outer perimeter. In a first embodiment, the ignition rack includes a guard flange for inhibiting removal of the sector gear from the shaft. The sector gear also includes a guard flange that forms a recess which opens to a surface opposite the guard flange of the ignition rack. The sector gear with the guard flange formed thereon protect a spring connected to the sector gear and a locking bolt from attack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Omaha Auto Safety, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. McCoolidge
  • Patent number: 5685183
    Abstract: A key interlocking mechanism for an automobile ensures that the automobile transmission is in the proper position when the key is removed. The mechanism includes a stopper pin protruding into the rotational path of the key motor and a solenoid valve energized when the automobile transmission is shifted out of park. When the key rotor is rotated with the solenoid valve unenergized, a cam plate within the mechanism acts to push the stopper pin up out of the rotational path of the key rotor. When the solenoid valve is energized, the stopper pin is prevented from being pushed out of the rotational path of the rotor. The key rotor is thus prevented from being rotated to a position in which the key can be removed from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masaichi Hattori, Osamu Shoji
  • Patent number: 5685180
    Abstract: An anti-theft security arrangement for the steering column of a motor vehicle includes a clutch which is adapted to resist turning of the steering up to a certain torque but thereafter to slip to avoid damage to the parts while still making control of the vehicle impractical. The clutch is arranged on a parallel axis to the steering column and is connected to the column through a high-ratio gear train comprising a gear wheel fast with the steering column and a pinion fast with the clutch. It is engaged and disengaged by sliding the assembly of clutch and pinion into and out of mesh with the other gear wheel. The clutch includes a rotatable shaft with teeth engaging between spring steel rods so as to turn in a series of discrete jerks if the limiting torque is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: C. E. Marshall (Wolverhamption) (Limited)
    Inventors: Michael G. Qualters, Derek H. Poole
  • Patent number: 5671624
    Abstract: A plastic key extension cover having an extending handle. The cover is mounted on the key to be turned either by a friction fit or by inserting a member through the key's ring hole and a complementary cover hole. When the handle is pulled towards a user, the in-place key turns in its keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Homer C. Sivils
  • Patent number: 5656867
    Abstract: A vehicle starting control apparatus is provided that both inhibits and allows rotation of a steering shaft, and controls starting of an engine in accordance with the operation performed when the correct electronic code has been inputted to the apparatus, making the apparatus easier to use. The apparatus includes an operation selecting unit and a operation position detecting unit that rotate in accordance with the rotation of an operational unit. An identifying unit drives a drive if an electronic code provided to the identifying unit is the correct one. The drive normally inhibits the operation selecting unit from rotating. The drive releases the operation selecting unit from the rotation inhibited state in accordance with the driving by the identifying unit, so as to allow the operational device to be operated. A steering lock unit removes the steering locked state in accordance with rotation of the operational unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Sadao Kokubu
  • Patent number: 5653131
    Abstract: In a key switch system for a vehicle, a plurality of tumblers 6 and a pair of cylinder pins engaging tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 in an outer cylinder 1 are radially slidably carried in an inner cylinder 2 which is rotatably carried within the outer cylinder 1. If a key K is correctly and deeply inserted into a key hole 2.sub.1, the tumblers 6 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a code valley K.sub.1 of the key K, and the pair of cylinder pins 8 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a tip end K.sub.2 of the key K, thereby permitting the rotation of the inner cylinder 2. If the key K is turned in a state in which it is not correctly and deeply inserted into the key hole 2.sub.1, the rotation is restricted by the engagement of the cylinder pins 8 having a high rigidity into the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2, thereby preventing a damage to the tumblers 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Shibata, Yoshiaki Hirakata
  • Patent number: 5641999
    Abstract: A vehicle ignition key device directly activates a rotary switch by a rotation-driving mechanism remotely driven by an external control signal for stopping the engine of the vehicle. The device is further useful as a burglar-proof device. A rotary switch can be placed in OFF, ON and START positions by key operation, and a rotation-driving mechanism activates the switch in each of the positions by receiving an externally dispatched signal. Further, this device is constructed for use as the burglar-proof device by being provided with a vehicle speed detector and a mode switch for burglar-proofing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kawashima
  • Patent number: 5632167
    Abstract: When a key cylinder is caused to come off a body, a regulating lever moves. As a result of such movement, a block member moves to engage with an engagement groove of an engagement body, so that the rotation of a cam shaft can be blocked. In addition, a lock piece enters between the block member and a cover. Even if the regulating lever is broken, the rotation of the cam shaft is blocked by the block member, and even if one attempts to move the block member in a disengagement direction, the movement of the block member is blocked by the lock piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tomonori Kawachi, Nobuyoshi Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 5623844
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting in the operation of a key in a lock. A leverage extender is provided having a base member comprising a pair of opposed ends secured to a pair of opposed sides and a pair of opposed tops secured respectively to the opposed ends and the opposed sides such that a longitudinal aperture is formed therebetween. A handle member is secured to one of the opposed sides, comprising an angular disposition relative to a plane of the base and having handle sides thereof parallel to the opposed sides. At least one set screw aperture is disposed in one of the opposed sides and is adapted to threadably receiving a set screw. A set screw member is threadably disposed in the set screw aperture. The apparatus is secured to flanges of a lock cylinder and a key is passed between the top members of the leverage extender and into the lock cylinder. Force is then applied to the handle member to operate the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Richard L. Draeger
  • Patent number: 5600979
    Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided comprising a mechanical security device mounted in a vehicle to limit rotation of the vehicle steering wheel and an electrically operable security device having armed and disarmed modes in which the starting motor circuit for the vehicle is respectively opened and closed independent of the vehicle ignition switch. The mechanical device includes a key operated locking mechanism for mounting and dismounting the device, the electrically operable device includes a key operated switch mechanism for arming and disarming the device, and the key operated locking mechanism and key operated switch mechanism are operable by the same common key. The electrically operable security device includes circuitry for maintaining the starting motor circuit of the vehicle open in response to an effort to bypass the key operated switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Winner International Royalty Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Winner, John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 5600980
    Abstract: An easy start adapter secured to the actuator of an automotive vehicle ignition switch and steering shaft lock. The adapter is in the form of a pair of clamp members adapted to be securely clamped to the diametrically opposed projecting wings or lugs utilized on existing steering column mounted ignition switches which operate the ignition circuit and also actuate the vehicle starter motor and lock and unlock the steering control shaft within the steering column. The clamp is provided with an elongated lever arm rigidly and adjustably secured thereto oriented generally in perpendicular relation to the rotational axis of the ignition key and lock cylinder which receives the ignition key in order to enable a vehicle operator to apply the necessary force to the ignition switch actuator to start the vehicle even though the vehicle operator has physical conditions that would not enable actuation of the ignition switch by conventionally engaging the usually provided ignition key diametrically opposed wings or lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph R. Fabian
  • Patent number: 5582047
    Abstract: An automobile ignition system that includes an ignition key lock cylinder mechanism and an ignition switch mechanism located within an automobile steering column and interconnected by an ignition actuator rod that includes two detachably interconnected sections adapted to separate from each other, when tampered with, to help prevent the operation of the ignition system without a proper ignition key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Jeffries
  • Patent number: 5570599
    Abstract: A steering lock device comprises a key cylinder 14 rotatably provided in a sleeve 13 which is arranged within the a frame 11; a first rotor 16 arranged, being capable of rotating, being capable of moving in the axial direction with respect to the sleeve 13, and connected with a cam for the key cylinder 14; a second rotor 18 connected with a locking rod 32 and an ignition switch 28 in operation; and a connector 17 arranged between the first rotor 16 and the second rotor 18. When the key cylinder 14 is rotated relative to the sleeve 13, the key cylinder 14 is connected with the second rotor 18, and thereby the locking rod 32 is moved to the unlocked position from the locked position. When a foreign key is inserted into the key cylinder 14, the key cylinder 14 is rotated together with the sleeve 13 as one unit, thereby the locking rod 32 cannot be moved to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuji Konii
  • Patent number: 5551267
    Abstract: A lock for the ignition circuit for an automobile including a Hall effect control sensor which is activated by a control magnet on the cylinder member of the lock so that when the cylinder is rotated by the key to its start position, the control sensor is activated. The activation of the control sensor provides one of several starting criteria to an ignition for starting an automobile. An anti-tampering sensor spaced from and adjacent to the control sensor has a trip level which is lower than the trip level of the control sensor so that magnetic forces induced from the exterior of the lock cannot trip the control sensor. A blocking plate is disposed between the control sensor and the anti-tampering sensor to prevent the anti-tampering sensor from being tripped by the control magnet when the cylinder member is rotated to its start position and to enable the anti-tampering sensor to be tripped first to produce a deactivation signal in response to a magnetic force induced from the exterior of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Janssen, Thomas G. Osborne
  • Patent number: 5495732
    Abstract: A steering lock apparatus of the type that a lock bar moving along the guide section of a lock body is protruded toward the steering shaft for locking, has a device for cooperating with the guide section to regulate the protrusion of the lock bar towards the steering shaft when the lock bar is accidentally released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nagae, Minoru Morikawa
  • Patent number: 5457973
    Abstract: A lock and key actuator for actuating a desired controlled component upon insertion of a key into the lock. The actuator includes either a sliding or pivoting member movable between non-actuated and actuated positions. The actuator may include a slidable plunger between the lock and controlled component. The system may be employed as a buzzer actuator on a vehicle ignition lock for signalling that a key is in the lock under certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Grimmer, William D. Boppre
  • Patent number: 5454238
    Abstract: A modular anti-theft apparatus for mounting on a core or generic steering column having a tubular mast jacket, a steering shaft in the mast jacket, a steering shaft bearing support housing attached to an upper end of the mast jacket, a platform on the bearing support housing for attachment of accessory modules, and a peripherally notched lock plate rigidly attached to the steering shaft. The anti-theft apparatus includes a case bolted onto the bearing support housing on the platform thereon, a bolt carrier mounted on the case for back and forth bodily movement, a lock bolt mounted on the carrier for bodily movement as a unit therewith and for bodily movement relative thereto, a reversible electric motor in the case, and a gear reduction drive between the motor and the bolt carrier. The operation of the electric motor is synchronized with an ignition switch lock remote from the steering column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christian E. Ross, Douglas M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 5454245
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing side-bar automotive ignition locks without damage, a tool kit being provided containing a drill guide block, an adjustably molted drill bit, a side-bar pressure tool for insertion into the access opening created by the drill bit, and a wafer pressure tool for insertion into the keyway of the ignition lock to urge the lock wafer elements into alignment at the same time the side-bar pressure is being applied, causing retraction of the side-bar and consequent opening of the lock to permit its removal. Plugs are provided to reseal the drilled access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Markisello
  • Patent number: 5442943
    Abstract: In a steering lock for motor vehicles, a lock cylinder having a rotor and a stator is received in a tubular steering lock housing. A tubular end section of the lock housing and lock cylinder is enclosed by a pot-shaped cap made from a high strength material. In the steering lock housing, in a radially displaceable arrangement, there is mounted at least one locking element which is spring-biased .in the radial outward direction to protrude into an inner ring groove of the cap to prevent axial displacement of the cap when in a locked position. The at least one locking element can be slid, in a certain rotational setting of the rotor, into a notch in the rotor and can thereupon be moved out of the inner groove of the cap. For this displacement of the locking element into the notch of the rotor, there is secured along the base of the inner groove a circumferential spring wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Gottfried Schremmer, Karl Peitsmeier
  • Patent number: 5428977
    Abstract: An arrangement for locking the ignition key of a motor vehicle by the selector lever of an automatic transmission has a bowden cable fastened to the ignition key. This bowden cable is pivotally connected to a check lever disposed in a pivotal connection parallel to the swivel shaft of the selector lever. The check lever actuates a swivel lever disposed on the swivel shaft in such a manner that during the drive a withdrawing of the ignition key is prevented and in the P-position of the selector lever, the arrangement is secured against theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Dieter Knape
  • Patent number: 5398532
    Abstract: A circuit module for a vehicle ignition lock. The circuit module houses a pair of electrical contacts on either side of a key way for closing a circuit between the contacts and a resistor provided in a key. The circuit module includes a cover and base adapted to be secured to one another for enveloping and securely holding a wire set within the module and for positioning the contacts in proper alignment with the key way. The circuit module is adapted to fit into a cylindrical cavity provided in a bezel of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Janssen, Vilnis Gagainis
  • Patent number: 5343077
    Abstract: An electric power supply control device for a vehicle comprises a lock actuator for driving actuators of the vehicle and an operation switch for outputting all operation instruction signal to the lock actuator. A circuit for vehicle running system for actuating an engine of the vehicle and a steering lock circuit for actuating the steering lock actuator in a locking direction are connected, exclusively with each other, to a power supply circuit. Wireless communication is conducted between a driver's transceiver and the vehicle when the vehicle engine is stopped and the power supply circuit therefor remains on, to automatically disconnect the power supply circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo KK, Honda Lock MFG. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Yoshida, Munemitsu Ebihara, Tsutomu Kurita, Masahiko Sueyoshi
  • Patent number: 5315851
    Abstract: In a steering lock device used for a vehicle in which the locking member allows a steering shaft to rotate when an inner cylinder of a cylinder lock moves to ON position by the operation of a key, while the locking member locks the steering shaft when the key is withdrawn at a LOCK position, the steering lock device comprises a key lever disposed in the inner cylinder such that it can swing depending on the insertion and withdrawal of the key, an engaging portion disposed on the outer cylinder that engages the key lever when the inner cylinder is rotated from the ON position to the LOCK position by the key operation and a locking member disposed on the outer cylinder which retracts when the inner cylinder is positioned at the key withdrawal position, thereby unlocking the steering lock shaft, while protrudes when the key is withdrawn, thereby locking the steering shaft non rotatably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Shigenori Kuroki
  • Patent number: 5291067
    Abstract: A motorcycle has an article storage box equipped with a lid member which is locked and unlocked and with a fuel tank having a gasoline injection port which is closed or opened by a lid member. The locking and unlocking of the lid members of the storage box and the fuel tank injection port are controlled by an electric circuit system. The electric circuit system includes a battery, a main switch unit operatively connected to the battery, a solenoid switch connected to the main switch unit for carrying out an on-off operation to the lid locking and unlocking mechanism for the fuel tank injection port lid, and a solenoid switch connected to the main switch unit for carrying out an on-off operation to the lid locking and unlocking mechanism for the storage box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Nakajima, Masao Takasaka, Tetsuo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 5289705
    Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by interference of the button itself with an abutment formed in a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder. The flange also retains the button in the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Larry R. Grimmer
  • Patent number: 5289706
    Abstract: A device for preventing the undesired rotation of a key and cylinder within a sleeve of an automobile steering column ignition assembly. The device prevents rotation of a key from an off position to a lock position, and the consequent locking of the steering wheel, unless an adjacent button is depressed. Rotation is prevented by the interference of a blocking element on the button itself with an end face of a flange projecting from a cap covering the outer end of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald R. Krebs, Kevin J. Elinski
  • Patent number: 5289707
    Abstract: A steering wheel lock device comprising a key rotor housed in a rotor case and adapted to be turned between a lock position and an operative position by a key inserted into said key rotor, said key rotor being allowed to move in its axial direction by pressing operation of the key; a cam rotated in association with the key rotor so as to move the lock member; a regulating member having a distal end portion; a regulating projection formed on the outer peripheral surface of the key rotor in such a manner that when the key rotor is turned from the lock position to the operative position, the distal end portion of the regulating member passes past the regulating projection relative thereto, thereby allowing rotation of the key rotor toward the operative position, and when the key rotor is turned from the operative position to the lock position with the key rotor kept in a non-pressed condition, the regulating projection is engaged with the distal end portion of the regulating member, thereby preventing the key ro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Noriyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5271252
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering shaft locking device in which a locking member is normally urged towards a lock position by a spring member, and is moved to a release position by the cam protrusion of a cam member when a key rotor is turned to an operating position. A key response member operates in such a manner that, when the locking member is moved to the release position with the key response member moved in a first direction upon insertion of the key into the key rotor, its end portion engages with the engaging portion of the locking member to hold the locking member at the release position, and that, when the key response member is moved in a second opposite direction upon extraction of the key from the key rotor, the end portion disengages the engaging portion, thus allowing the movement of the locking member to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Yasuhara, Tomonori Kawachi
  • Patent number: 5265487
    Abstract: A rack and pinion mechanism in a switch apparatus which ensures proper staging of the pinion to the rack during assembly is disclosed. A protuberance engages a receiver disposed on the rack and operates to prevent final assembly of the pinion to the rack unless both are properly staged. This minimizes the occurrence of misstaged switches assembled in blind installation conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Williams, John C. Singer, III
  • Patent number: 5255547
    Abstract: A motor vehicle ignition lock includes a housing, a lock barrel rotatable on the housing having a key slot, and a side bar on the lock barrel. The ignition lock further includes a solenoid on the housing and a slide on housing connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The slide has a notch which captures the side bar in an extended position of the side bar and an extended position of the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in a mechanical unlocking mode by a key inserted in the key slot in the lock barrel to withdraw the side bar from the notch in the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in an electronic unlocking mode by the solenoid when the plunger of the solenoid shifts the slide from its extended position to a retracted position to remove the notch from the side bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Larry W. Burr, James E. Rouleau, Ricardo A. Pastor, Christian E. Ross
  • Patent number: 5230233
    Abstract: A device for locking a steering gear having a body with a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion extending nearly perpendicular from the first cylindrical portion, and a reinforcing member disposed within the second cylindrical portion. The reinforcing member has an inner surface and an outer surface and a bottom portion connected to a tube containing the steering gear. The device also includes a locking bar disposed within the reinforcing member and movable between a locked position for locking the steering gear and an unlocked position to allow the steering gear to rotate, and means for moving the locking bar between the locked position and unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takeshi Shoji, Minoru Morikawa
  • Patent number: 5226303
    Abstract: A locking arrangement between a selector lever of a transmission and an ignition lock of a motor vehicle has a locking pawl, which is rotatably disposed in a selector lever block. The locking pawl, via a recess, form-lockingly reaches around a cam part arranged on the selector lever. When the selector lever is in the parking position, the cam part is rigidly connected with a button that is to be operated manually. In this case, a catch hook of the locking pawl engages into the moving path of a locking cam, which is arranged on the selector-lever-side end of a flexible linkage. The catch hook acts in a blocking manner, as long as the button is operated into a first position. When the button is not operated, the ignition lock, which by way of the linkage is connected with the locking cam, can be rotated into an inoperative position, whereby the locking cam fixes the locking pawl. The button cannot then be operated because the cam part is fixed by the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dieden, Edmund Sander, Bernd Plocher, Norbert Reiss
  • Patent number: 5218847
    Abstract: A locking arrangement between an ignition lock and the selector lever of an automatic motor vehicle transmission has a locking slide arranged on the selector-lever side which, via a control ramp, displaces a locking bolt into a position blocking locking pin. This blocking position can only be achieved when the selector lever with the inoperative button is in the parking position and an ignition key has been rotated into an inoperative position. When the ignition key is pulled out, the selector lever cannot move out of the parking position, thereby preventing an accidental engaging, for example, in a neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventors: Thomas Dieden, Bernd Plocher
  • Patent number: 5211042
    Abstract: A vehicle steering locking system with a tiltable steering mechanism includes a column disposing a tiltable steering shaft therein, an ignition key cylinder in which an ignition switch is arranged having a key hole exposed to a passenger compartment at a preselected position, an operating rod arranged in the ignition key cylinder for activating the ignition switch in response to ignition key operation, a locking rod responsive to operation of the operating rod to selectively engage with and disengage from the steering shaft for locking and unlocking steering shaft operation, a locking rod housing, disposing the locking rod therein for connecting between the column and the ignition key cylinder. When the column is tilted together with the steering shaft, the locking rod housing rotates relative to the column to allow the ignition key cylinder to pivot with respect to the end portion of the ignition key cylinder having the key hole to maintain the key hole at the preselected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshio Watanuki
  • Patent number: 5197312
    Abstract: A steering lock system includes a shift lever device in which a shift lever is operatively installed and a steering lock device in which a key cylinder is operatively disposed. In the system there is arranged a combination with a plug which is detachably fitted into an opening formed in a housing of the steering lock device; a slider movably disposed in the plug in a manner to be projectable into the housing through the opening, the slider being movable between a blocking position wherein the slider blocks rotation of the key cylinder of the steering lock device and a release position wherein the slider fails to block the rotation of the key cylinder; a resiliently flexible clip detachably fixed to the housing for achieving a tight connection between the plug and the housing; a bellcrank arranged to control movement of the shift lever of the shift lever device; and a cable member extending between the slider and the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Shoji Akutsu
  • Patent number: 5180029
    Abstract: An anti-theft device intended primarily for automotive vehicles comprises a coupling including two interconnectable coupling-halves firmly attached to an outer end of a steering-wheel shaft and to the center of a steering wheel, respectively. One coupling half includes a plug and the other coupling half includes a sleeve which fits the plug. Locking plungers passing through the sleeve wall and spring biased radially inwardly are intended to be received in recesses in the plug. Each locking plunger and associated recess from a wedge assembly which strives to press an end surface of the sleeve towards a support surface projecting outwardly from the plug, while preventing movement of the sleeve in an opposite direction. A pressure spring device acts between the support surface and the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Johan Rosenlund
  • Patent number: 5172576
    Abstract: An anti-theft steering shaft lock on an automotive steering column including a first clutch element on a rotatable steering shaft and a second clutch element on a stationary part of the steering column. The first clutch element has notches accessible in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft and the second clutch element has axial lugs for engagement in the notches. The second clutch element is mounted on the stationary part of the steering column for bodily movement in the direction of the centerline of the steering shaft between locked and unlocked positions relative to the first clutch element. An annular control element is rotatably supported on the stationary part of the steering column around the second clutch element and has a circumferential cam slot which receives a radial lug on the second clutch element such that rotation of the control element effects bodily shiftable movement of the second clutch element between its locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Milton