Steering wheel mounted anti-theft device for vehicles

An anti-theft device for vehicles having a steering wheel mounted on a steering column and having a hub, a rim, and spokes extending therebetween, the anti-theft device being adapted to be secured to the steering wheel of the vehicle to interfere with or prevent steering the vehicle, and comprising:

• a jacket, comprising a front panel adapted to overlie the front of the hub of the steering wheel, and a back panel having an opening with a downwardly facing mouth for receiving the steering column and surrounding it at the top, and sides, with at least two of the spokes between the panels;
• a locking bar adapted to extend under the steering column, generally adjacent the downwardly-facing mouth of the opening in the back panel of the jacket, from one side of the mouth to the other, when the jacket is positioned on the steering wheel to secure the jacket on the steering wheel, the locking bar having a shaft that extends between two spokes, and studs extending at least partway between the back and front panels sufficiently to hold the locking bar in place and prevent the removal of the locking bar by bending the back panel of the jacket, and an arm extending beyond the rim of the steering wheel to interfere with or prevent turning the steering wheel;
• and
• a lock for securing the jacket and the locking bar.

An anti-theft device for vehicles having a steering wheel mounted on a steering column and having a hub, a rim, and spokes extending therebetween, the anti-theft device being adapted to be secured to the steering wheel of the vehicle to interfere with or prevent steering the vehicle, and comprising:

• a locking bar having a generally U-shaped central section adapted to receive and surround the bottom and sides of the steering column, and having a shaft extending from the U-shaped central section, generally adjacent the bottom of the "U";
• a jacket, comprising a front panel adapted to overlie the front of the hub of the steering wheel, and a pair of mounting brackets extending generally rearwardly from the panel adapted to engage the locking bar on opposite sides of the U-shaped central section, the jacket further comprising an opening in the front panel adapted to receive the end of the shaft;
• and
• a lock adapted to engage the end of the shaft extending through the opening in the panel.