Expanded – threaded – driven – headed – tool-deformed – or locked-thr – Internally threaded fastener element – e.g. – nut – etc. – Having cap
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-26
2001-11-27
Wilson, Neill (Department: 3627)
Expanded, threaded, driven, headed, tool-deformed, or locked-thr
Internally threaded fastener element, e.g., nut, etc.
Having cap
C411S372600, C411S373000, C411S910000, C070S232000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322308
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to locking devices and more particularly to a locking system for securing outboard motors, stern drives, construction equipment, building equipment, trucking equipment, or commercial and residential premises against theft or intrusion.
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 wherever 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 out board 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 said 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 a special keys or tools for installation and removal, and while such tools are meant only for legitimate access, thieves can simply obtain sets of said tools or keys for their own use. Construction equipment is often secured by simply hoisting it in the air beyond the reach of thieves, this is possible only with an available crane. Truckers secure rear roll doors with a variety of standard padlocks. Such locks are subject to removal by cutting with bolt cutters as are security gates or any other protective system which utilizes them.
Thus, an object of the instant invention is to provide the boat owner, homeowner, trucker, construction company for example with a means of securing an out board motor, stern drive, propeller, trucking container or perimeter gate for example, using a unique combination of simple components which, when used together provide a secure and tamper-proof attachment means.
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, outboard, or other equipment as described herein and are locked together to form a secure, difficult to remove, attachment unit. Removal of said attachment unit is only necessary in the case of marine engines 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 instant invention in each of its embodiments can be installed using simply a socket or wrench and a small hammer to tap locking pins in place (when required). Any moderately skilled individual can easily install the lock. The instant invention, in its “keyless” embodiment, once assembled on the mounting studs of the stern drive or outboard motor, can only be removed by destroying the lock with the 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. The instant invention in its “keyed” embodiments uses the same 304 stainless for its main components but is secured to the stern drive, outboard, construction, residential or trucking equipment by a pin, tumbler or other design of keyed lock.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1530521 (1925-03-01), Robinson
patent: 1796517 (1931-03-01), Ganz
patent: 1818373 (1931-08-01), Beach
patent: 1828658 (1931-10-01), Henke, Jr.
patent: 1877545 (1932-09-01), Wise
patent: 4904145 (1990-02-01), Koutsoupidis
patent: 5630687 (1997-05-01), Robinson
patent: 6161402 (2000-12-01), Moore
Lukasik Frank A.
Wilson Neill
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