Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure – Elongate member extending between and interlocking plural...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-02
2001-01-23
Wilson, Neill (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Threaded fastener locked to a discreet structure
Elongate member extending between and interlocking plural...
C411S099000, C411S910000, C070S230000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176661
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to locking devices and more particularly to a locking device for securing outboard motors and stern drives against theft.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The marine industry is experiencing an escalation in the number of thefts of stern drives and outboard motors from boats stored in marinas or private docks or whatever a thief may have occasion to work undetected for a brief period. As motors and stern drives become more sophisticated and thus more expensive, the market for stolen units is increasing. It takes only minutes for a thief using battery powered tools, to release a motor or stern drive and remove it. Besides the inconvenience of replacing the stolen motor, filing an insurance claim is time consuming and increases the cost of premiums.
Locking means for outboard motors and stern drives that are commonly available, are only a minor deterrent to theft. Thieves can defeat such systems in a variety of ways, mostly by either gripping the lock with special tools to unthread the lock or by simply cutting a face into its surface making it accessible to normal wrenches. Most locking devices now available, rely upon special keys or tools for installation and removal, and while such tools are meant only for legitimate access, thieves can simply obtain sets of the tools or keys for their own use.
Thus, an object of the invention is to provide the boat owner with a means of securing an outboard motor or stern drive using a unique combination of simple components which, when used together, provide a secure and tamper-proof attachment means.
This object, as well as other aspects, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The essence of the instant invention is the use of very tough (304 stainless) components which attach to the normal mounting bolts of a stern drive or outboard and are locked together to form a secure, difficult to remove, attachment unit. Removal of the attachment unit is only necessary when a motor is changed, or in the case of a stern drive, whenever work has to be done on the drive shaft or upper gear system, all other service can be accomplished with either unit in situ.
The lock of the invention consists of two, one inch diameter, 304 work-hardened stainless steel lock nuts, one with a through hole and the other with a blind hole. A work hardened stainless steel pin and a work-hardened stainless steel sleeve and two tempered steel roll pins make up the lock. The instant invention can be installed using simply a socket or wrench and a small hammer to tap locking pins in place. Any moderately skilled boat owner can easily install the lock.
The instant invention, once assembled on the mounting studs of the stern drive or outboard motor, can only be removed by destroying the lock with appropriate shop tools, such as for example, a diamond edged saw. By reason of its construction from 304 work-hardened stainless, and the fact that over 1.25 inches of the steel must be cut to effect its removal and that the removal must be done in a special sequence of cuts, the time thus involved is sufficient to deter a thief from taking the motor or stern drive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3752254 (1973-08-01), Carley et al.
patent: 4030324 (1977-06-01), Rizio
patent: 4466261 (1984-08-01), Zimmer
patent: 4562707 (1986-01-01), Graham, III
patent: 4655060 (1987-04-01), Jakugas
Lukasik Frank A.
Wilson Neill
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