Locks – Special application – For control and machine elements
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-28
2001-01-23
Boucher, Darnell M. (Department: 3627)
Locks
Special application
For control and machine elements
C070S226000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176110
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to security devices for locking vehicles to prevent theft, and more particularly to devices that lock the steering wheel of the vehicle to prevent unauthorized persons driving it.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
A number of devices have been designed in the prior art which are directed to locking the steering wheel of a vehicle so that the vehicle cannot be easily driven while the apparatus is locked to the steering wheel.
One problem with making such devices is that when they are not in use, they are somewhat inconvenient to store, as they have various hook structures or other oddly shaped extensions which take up space.
Also, steering wheels of varying designs may not accommodate all types of locking devices, as where there is no clearance for inserting the locking device on the particular steering wheel design.
In addition, devices that locked in the steering wheel may provide for accessibility for a potential thief for removing the device due to limited contact with the steering wheel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a steering wheel lock for vehicles which overcomes these drawbacks of the prior art.
To achieve this, an apparatus for locking steering wheels is provided which comprises a body member, an entrapping member and a locking system. The body member has a recess therein which is configured to receive therein a portion of the steering wheel. The entrapping member is movably supported on the body member, and is moveable between a locked position in which the entrapping member retains the portion of the steering wheel in the recess, and a release position in which the steering wheel can be withdrawn from the recess. The locking system is operatively associated with the entrapping member, and selectively secures the entrapping member in the locked position so that the locking apparatus cannot be removed from the steering wheel. The locking system also serves so as to release the entrapping member to move to the release position, so the apparatus can be removed from the steering wheel, and the vehicle can be driven.
It is also an object of the invention that the locking system preferably allows movement of the entrapping member into the locking position when the locking system is in the locked condition. The locking system preferably comprises a key lock structure, and the entrapping member can preferably be moved into at least one intermediate position between the locked and release positions. The locking system latch structure includes a ratchet which permits the entrapping member to incrementally move into the intermediate position from the release position. The reverse movement, however, is not possible while the system in the locked condition.
Most preferably the body member is a hollow cylindrical structure, and the recess is defined as a longitudinal opening in the wall of the cylinder. The entrapping member is moveable between the locked and release positions by rotation about the same axis as the cylinder.
It is also an object to further aid in the difficulty of turning the wheel when the locking device is locked thereto. The device preferably includes an extension arm which projects from the body away from wheel. The extension arm preferably is slidable in and out of the body and when locked to the wheel the presence of the wheel and the recess blocked the sliding of the arm. This allows for the storage of the extension arm of the member when the device is not in use.
The entrapping member in the locked position preferably extends across the recess in the body member so that there is an opening communicating with the recesses on either side of the entrapping member. The steering wheel extends through these openings when the apparatus is locked into it.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the foregoing specification, and the scope of the invention will be articulated in the claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5055823 (1991-10-01), Fuller
patent: 5129245 (1992-07-01), Chang
patent: 5144822 (1992-09-01), Jan et al.
patent: 5165264 (1992-11-01), Chen
patent: 5168732 (1992-12-01), Chen et al.
patent: 5199284 (1993-04-01), Lin
patent: 5230232 (1993-07-01), Yang
patent: 5678433 (1997-10-01), Riccitelli
patent: 5921120 (1999-07-01), Wu
Boucher Darnell M.
Howard Berger Co., Inc.
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
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