Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-12
2004-11-16
Toatley, Jr., Gregory J. (Department: 2836)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C180S287000, C070S057100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06819009
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle and more particularly, the present invention relates to a device for preventing the theft of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally speaking, the theft of vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATVs, watercrafts, motorcycles and other vehicles having a magneto/stator present in the motor system is fairly straightforward, much to the demise of the owners of such vehicles. This is also a problem for automobiles despite the fact that they do not include a magneto or stator.
The simplicity in, for example, starting the motors of these vehicles is realized by the arrangements used to link the ignition system to the ignition generator coil. In snowmobiles, for example, the block connectors electrically connect the ignition switch, kill switch and power accessories to the ignition switch. These elements are all exposed outwardly of the motor. To the skilled thief, since these elements are readily accessible, bypass is simple and can typically be achieved in seconds. The result is that the vehicle can be easily started and driven away with ease and with a minimum of effort.
In an attempt to speak to the escalation in theft of these vehicles, many devices have been proposed in the art which attempt to provide the user/owner with a greater degree of security. The arrangements known incorporate alarms, keylock systems, manual circuit interrupts inter alia. These devices, although somewhat useful, are all limited by the same vulnerability, namely the fact that they are external systems which are accessible by a thief and therefore are easily disabled by bypass or “hot wiring”.
In the case of snowmobiles, track locks have been proposed. These devices are simply not pragmatic; the user is confined to carrying these bulky awkward items on the snowmobile which requires storage space. This space is often at a premium in view of the size of the snowmobile.
A current manufacturer has offered a digital system (for selected models) and even though its method has a level of effectiveness, it is still vulnerable by its external application. Accordingly, the owner of earlier model vehicles is not helped by the new technology.
Other systems for preventing theft of watercraft include markings on the craft itself or special indications on the hull identification plate. These attempts at preventing theft can be easily circumvented by simply removing and replacing the plates or altering the information thereon.
In terms of automobiles, steering wheel arrangements such as the Club™ are typically employed. These devices are somewhat useful, but are easily removable by determined thieves.
Immobilizers are also used in automobiles for theft prevention, but are limited by their external disposition.
In view of the fact that the vehicles are expensive, a more sophisticated method and apparatus is required which is not external of the motor or engine and which does not employ interceptable digital streams.
The present invention addresses this need and thus one object of one embodiment of the present invention is internal and therefore offers a security system which is substantially inaccessible to tampering.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized access to and ultimately the theft of a vehicle.
A further object of the present Invention is to provide a method for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having a motor, a power source for the motor, a magneto and a stator housed within a housing and an ignition generator coil connected in electrical communication with the magneto, comprising the steps of:
providing an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit electrically connected to the ignition generator coil, the circuit for selectively interrupting power to the ignition generator;
mounting the ignition generator coil interrupt circuit directly within the housing;
providing switch means connected to the circuit for allowing power interruption to the ignition generator coil; and
activating the switch means to interrupt power to the ignition generator coil and disabling engine starting.
Generally speaking, the vehicles incorporating stator/magneto arrangements include watercraft, all terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, among others.
As a particular convenience, the switch means may be selected from any suitable switching devices, such as mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, electronic (digital) arrangements. The important feature is that the circuit (supra) is positioned within the housing as opposed to externally, this latter arrangement is what limited the effectiveness of the prior art.
Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle, the vehicle having a power source, a magneto and a stator housed within a housing and an ignition generator coil in electrical communication with the magneto;
an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit electrically connected to the ignition generator coil, the circuit for selectively interrupting power to the ignition generator, the circuit positioned directly within the housing; and
switch means connected to the circuit for allowing power interruption to the ignition generator coil for disabling the motor.
Mounting location for the circuit is conveniently anywhere within the housing with a suitable connection to the ignition generator coil. As a useful position, the circuit may be positioned between the stator and magneto.
A still further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an assembly for use with a vehicle having a motor, a power source for the motor, a magneto, a stator and an ignition generator coil in electrical communication with the magneto, the assembly for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle, comprising:
a stator plate;
mounting means on the stator plate for mounting the ignition generator coil;
circuit means for selectively interrupting power to the ignition generator coil, the circuit configured for positioning on the stator plate; and
switch means connected to the circuit for allowing power interruption to the ignition generator coil for disabling the motor.
In the embodiment-noted above, the assembly could be provided as a kit for retrofit applications and easily be used for watercraft, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, inter alia.
As a further object of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having an,engine and block therefor, sensors for effecting engine activation, a power source, ignition coils, and means for establishing electrical communication between the sensor and the coils, the method comprising the steps of:
providing switch means for interrupting power delivery to the sensors;
positioning the switch means between at least one sensor of the sensors and the means for establishing electrical communication between the sensors and the coils;
mounting the switch means to the at least one sensor; and
activating the switch means to interrupt power delivery to the sensors.
The means for establishing electrical communication between the sensors and coils is known in the art as an ECM motherboard. In current arrangements the ECM motherboard in automobiles is externally mounted of the engine and thus is vulnerable to tampering. If removed and replaced with a similar component not equipped with a theft deterrent (immobilizer) auto theft is easily achieved.
By providing the switch arrangement and mounting location, the presence of an immobilized ECM motherboard is of no consequence; the arrangement discussed supra interrupts power to the sensors leading to the ECM motherboard and further is mounted at least partially within the engine block to avoid tampering, bypass or expeditious removal.
As a particularly attractive advantage, the switch means may be integrally mounted to the sensor or a plurality of sensors. By pr
(Ogilvy Renault)
Sharpe Paul S.
Toatley , Jr. Gregory J.
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