Anti-theft mechanism for removable automobile roof panels

Abstract

An anti-theft mechanism for a handle operated latching mechanism of a removable automobile roof panel of the type in which the handle pivots to latch and unlatch the panel relative to the automobile roof. The anti-theft mechanism includes a fixed post positioned adjacent the handle. A keeper bar, preferably angle shaped, is formed with an opening adjacent one end which opening fits over the fixed post so that the keeper bar can be positioned to engage the handle to prevent pivotal movement thereof. A locking mechanism is provided which engages the fixed post and the keeper bar to prevent removal of the keeper bar from the fixed post. In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a nut which is threadedly engaged with the fixed post and the keeper bar and a lockable housing which swivels on the fixed post and encloses the nut so it cannot be removed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.