Column lock device
OwnerRobert A. Vitoinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A heavy duty steering wheel securing anti-theft device. Embodiments are described herein that also protect any air bag contained in the steering wheel.
Claims17
An anti-theft device for a vehicle, the anti-theft device being adapted to detachably engage a steering wheel rotatably mounted on a steering column, the steering wheel having a rim defining an outer perimeter of the steering wheel, the anti-theft device comprising:
- an elongated member comprising a first part in sliding engagement with a second part and having a first end, the elongated member being adapted to be located proximate to the steering column, the first end being adapted to extend generally radially outwardly away from the steering column past the outer perimeter of the steering wheel;
- at least one wheel engaging member disposed on the elongated member and adapted to engage the steering wheel and reduce rotation of the steering wheel relative to the elongated member;
- a first jaw disposed on the first part of the elongated member and adapted to abut a portion of the steering column;
- a second jaw disposed on the second part of the elongated member and adapted to abut a portion of the steering column and to, in combination with the first jaw, clamp the steering column therebetween in an installed configuration in which the wheel engaging member is engaged with the steering wheel;
- and
- a locking mechanism adapted to detachably lock the anti-theft device in the installed configuration.
A combination anti-theft device and steering wheel mounted on a steering column, the anti-theft device being detachably engageable with the steering wheel, the steering wheel having a rim defining an outer perimeter of the steering wheel, the combination comprising:
- the steering wheel rotatably mounted on the steering column;
- an elongated member comprising a first part in sliding engagement with a second part and having a first end, the elongated member being located proximate to the steering column, the first end being adapted to extend generally radially outwardly away from the steering column past the outer perimeter of the steering wheel;
- at least one wheel engaging member disposed on the elongated member to engage the steering wheel and reduce rotation of the steering wheel relative to the elongated member;
- a first jaw disposed on the first part of the elongated member and being positionable against a portion of the steering column;
- a second jaw disposed on the second part of the elongated member and being positionable against a portion of the steering column to, in combination with the first jaw, clamp the steering column therebetween in an installed configuration in which the wheel engaging member is engaged with the steering wheel;
- and
- a locking mechanism adapted to detachably lock the anti-theft device in the installed configuration.
A combination anti-theft device and steering wheel mounted on a steering column, the anti-theft device being detachably engageable with the steering wheel, the combination comprising:
- the steering wheel rotatably mounted on the steering column;
- an elongated member comprising a first part in sliding engagement with a second part, the elongated member being located to abut the steering column;
- at least one wheel engaging member disposed on the elongated member to engage the steering wheel and reduce rotation of the steering wheel relative to the elongated member;
- a first jaw disposed on the first part of the elongated member and being positionable against a portion of the steering column;
- a second jaw disposed on the second part of the elongated member and being positionable against a portion of the steering column to, in combination with the first jaw, clamp the steering column therebetween in an installed configuration in which the wheel engaging member is engaged with the steering wheel;
- and
- a locking mechanism adapted to detachably lock the anti-theft device in the installed configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.