Locks – Special application – For control and machine elements
Reexamination Certificate
2002-02-05
2003-04-29
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3676)
Locks
Special application
For control and machine elements
C070S226000, C070S237000, C070S200000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06553797
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to anti-theft devices for vehicles. More specifically, the invention is an anti-theft device for a skid steer loader to prevent unauthorized control and use of the skid steer loader.
2. Description of the Related Art
The related art of interest describes various steering wheel locking devices, but none discloses the present invention. There is a need for a locking device for the steering levers of a skid steer loader (skid loader) which also connects the locking device to both sides of the grid type safety cage of the skid loader. The relevant art will be discussed in the order of perceived relevance to the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,044 issued on Feb. 2, 1999, to Jin Fu Wu describes a steering wheel lock comprising a tubular member having a handle grip at one end to block rotation of the steering wheel, and a wheel rim hook and a keyed lock on the opposite end. A solid rod with another wheel rim hook telescopes into the lock portion with a ratchet toothed end to permit only axial extension when locked and only axial contraction only when unlocked. The wheel lock is distinguishable for its singular function of locking only the steering wheel.
The following patents describe steering wheel locks wherein the end rim hook with a lock slides along a single rod having a rim hook. U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,884 issued on Nov. 20, 1990, to Joseph E. Solow describes the carriage member having apertures to accept a ball in the lock under spring compression. U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,524 issued on Aug. 1, 1978, to Ronald A. Mitchell et al. describes a locking slide mechanism having a saddle and a depending loop to secure the steering wheel rim against a hook.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,045 issued on Dec. 10, 1996, to Sayeed Ahmed describes a steering wheel lock device having two pivoting parts wherein one part has a fork and a lock and the other part has a movable member which encircles the steering wheel rim. The device is distinguishable for its pivoting structure and limitation to a steering wheel.
A locking bar for a skid steer loader is described in my prior patent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,590, issued Jan. 16, 2001.
An Internet publication was seen describing a skid lock which locks the boom arms and the bucket in the full up position outside the cage, and does not include the locking fingers and the adapter element of the present invention. The publication was sent by E TIP, Inc., P.O. Box 571, Addison, Ill. 60101.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a skid steer lock solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a locking device for immobilizing the drive control levers inside a skid steer loader (skid loader), such as a Bobcat-type vehicle with a grid-type safety cage. The invention has an extendable shaft, a locking mechanism, two base plates, and two cage engaging means. Each cage engaging means is connected to a base plate which is connected to one end of the shaft. The shaft is made of two segments and can contract or extend by either telescoping one piece inside the other or by having one piece slide past the other in conjunction with a brace. When in use the skid steer lock is positioned inside the cabin of a skid loader such that the cage engaging means extend through both sides of the cage and the skid steer lock prevents the use of the skid loader's drive levers. The overall length of the invention is adjusted using the extendable shaft, and is locked in position with the locking mechanism so as to prevent unwanted removal of the device.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a skid steer lock for a vehicle having a driver's safety cage and drive control lever's.
It is another object of the invention to provide a skid steer lock which attaches at each end to the driver's safety cage.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a skid steer lock which immobilizes the drive control levers.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a skid steer lock which prevents access to the skid loader driver's seat.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2596802 (1952-05-01), Will
patent: 4103524 (1978-08-01), Mitchell et al.
patent: 4304110 (1981-12-01), Fain
patent: 4970884 (1990-11-01), Solow
patent: 5022697 (1991-06-01), Hettwer
patent: 5082213 (1992-01-01), Torres
patent: 5121617 (1992-06-01), Chen
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patent: 5419165 (1995-05-01), Perkins
patent: 5439210 (1995-08-01), Davis
patent: 5440907 (1995-08-01), Shen
patent: 5460021 (1995-10-01), Taylor
patent: 5582044 (1996-12-01), Bolich
patent: 5582045 (1996-12-01), Ahmed
patent: 5639001 (1997-06-01), Brady
patent: 5724839 (1998-03-01), Thering
patent: 5865044 (1999-02-01), Wu
patent: 5908178 (1999-06-01), Sandhagen
patent: 5911391 (1999-06-01), Russ et al.
patent: 5927109 (1999-07-01), Sieck
patent: 5953941 (1999-09-01), Freund
patent: 6003350 (1999-12-01), Sentner, Jr.
patent: 6173590 (2000-01-01), Witchey
patent: 6112560 (2000-09-01), Mabee
patent: 6116065 (2000-09-01), Hale
patent: 6311530 (2001-01-01), Woodward
E Tip web page http://www.etipinc.com/skidlock.asp Dec. 6, 1999.
Barrett Suzanne Dino
Litman Richard C.
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