Locks – Operating mechanism – Key
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-24
2001-06-05
Barrett, Suzanne Dino (Department: 3627)
Locks
Operating mechanism
Key
C292S346000, C292SDIG002, C070S416000, C070S448000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240754
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to vehicle security devices, specifically to such devices which are used to prevent unauthorized entry into locked doors of vehicles by insertion of certain tools and implements, other than a door key, into a door or between a door and a vehicle window.
A key-operated lock of a vehicle door includes a lock cylinder which extends into a door handle unit. The lock cylinder has an inner end and linkage which connects the inner end of the lock cylinder to a door lock. Typically, the lock cylinder is located below the door window. Access to the inner end of the lock cylinder allows manipulation by those who would steal or forcibly enter a vehicle.
Forced entry to a vehicle can be accomplished by downward insertion of a thin tool, between a vehicle door window glass and flexible molding around a door window frame. Such a tool pushes aside the molding which allows the tool into the cavity of a door through an opening created by the tool.
Another method of entry to a vehicle is accomplished by downward insertion of an implement, such as a stiff wire which is hooked or notched at one end, between a vehicle door window glass and the flexible molding around a door window frame. A linkage rod at the inner end of the lock cylinder inside the vehicle door can be manipulated with the aforementioned thin tool or stiff wire. This manipulation unlocks the door.
The lock cylinder of a vehicle door is often a component of a door handle unit that seats at a conforming opening in the outer shell of a door. Another common technique for unlocking a door is to insert a screw driver, or similar tool, between the conforming opening at the edge of a door handle unit and the vehicle door. After bending the vehicle door and its door handle unit and inserting such a tool, the tool is used to manipulate a linkage rod connected to the inner end of the lock cylinder. Prior art does not provide easily installed and inexpensive means for preventing unlocking a vehicle door using such techniques. Without altering the appearance of a vehicle, this invention shields, blocks, and prohibits forced entry into a vehicle by insertion of tools through flexible molding around a window or the seam between the door handle unit and the door of such a vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Inventors have created devices for inhibiting the form of lock manipulation described above. U.S. Pat. No. 4,041,741 to Cintron (1977), discloses an automobile trunk guard which consists of two protective plates. One plate is mounted on the outside and the other plate is mounted on the inside of a trunk lid. Installation of these plates requires drilling holes into the exterior of a trunk. The result is not aesthetically pleasing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,541,260 to Rubinstein and Rubinshtein (1985) discloses a guard plate which protects the cylinder of a lock. This guard plate consists of fingers and discs which rotate and studs which contain electrical contacts for completion of an electrical alarm circuit. This guard plate is expensive to produce and difficult to install.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,300 to Amato (1986) discloses a cover strip attached to the sash of a vehicle window to prevent release of lock actuating levers by inserting rods or other instruments. This cover strip will not inhibit entry to a vehicle through a door handle unit, and, it is not aesthetically pleasing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,556 to Wade, Sr. and Spector (1987) discloses a protective visor for vehicle door handles consisting of a hood to protect a door handle from inclement weather. This visor in its preferred embodiment does not inhibit unauthorized entry to a vehicle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,002 to Hoeptner, III (1997) discloses a guard housing which encloses the vulnerable portion of a linkage inside a vehicle door. The housing includes an extension angled along the inside of a door between the outer shell and the side impact beam of the door. The extension has no apparent deterring affect from unauthorized entry to a vehicle. This guard housing is difficult to install as the side impact spacer may have to be removed in order to install the housing. Also, this guard housing is expensive to produce.
DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART
Heretofore known devices for vehicle door security suffer from a number of disadvantages. The following descries the disadvantages of previously disclosed devices and provides reasons the present invention is superior.
(a) Existing devices for vehicle security are difficult to install, as some devices require drilling and metal cutting, some require removal or replacement of existing door handle assemblies, and some require removal of the adhesive spacer between a door and its side impact beam. Due to the simplicity of the design and method of installation of the present invention, installation is easier, resulting in a less costly installation.
(b) Existing devices for vehicle security are more difficult and more expensive to manufacture because multiple parts and more than one bend, or angle are required; consequently, more time and materials are required to produce them. Due to the simplicity of the design of the present invention, and use of standard production parts, a minimal amount of material and production time is required. The result is lower production costs.
(c) Some existing devices for vehicle security have moving parts which require maintenance. The present invention does not require moving parts; therefore, it does not require maintenance.
(d) Some existing devices for vehicle security require power from batteries in order for protection to remain uninterrupted. The result is a need for periodic maintenance and a danger of interrupted protection. This is not an issue with the present invention.
(e) Some existing devices for vehicle security require activation, which if not done would eliminate protection. This is not an issue with the present invention.
(f) Some existing devices for vehicle security are installed on the exterior of a vehicle. The present invention does not require unsightly plates on the outside of a vehicle.
(g) Some existing devices for vehicle security have complex designs which make the devices difficult for an owner of a vehicle to understand. The result of this lack of understanding is that the owner may not see the benefits of such devices. This is not an issue with the present invention due to its simplicity of design, use of standard production parts, and ease of installation.
(h) Some existing devices for vehicle security require alteration of vehicle components. This is not an issue with the present invention.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the vehicle security device previously described, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide a vehicle security device which is easier to install because no drilling, metal cutting, removal or replacement of existing door handle assemblies, or removal of side impact beam door adhesive spacer is required, resulting in a less costly installation;
(b) to provide a vehicle security device which is less difficult and less expensive to manufacture, as fewer parts are required due to the simplicity of design, and because standard production parts are used, less material and manufacturing time is required, resulting in lower cost to the consumer;
(c) to provide a vehicle security device which requires no moving parts, resulting in little or no maintenance;
(d) to provide a vehicle security device which does not require power from batteries, resulting in no maintenance and no danger of interrupted protection;
(e) to provide a vehicle security device which requires no action to activate or engage, ensuring protection without interruption;
(f) to provide a vehicle security device which is installed inside a vehicle door, eliminating the need for unsightly plates on the outside of a vehicle;
(g) to provide a vehicle security device which is more easily understood by the owner of a vehicle, benefiting the seller and the user of the device; and,
(h) to provide a vehic
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