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US 6,560,999 B1Granted
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.
Claims15
An anti-theft device for a vehicle, the anti-theft device being adapted to detachably engage a steering wheel, the steering wheel having a hub with a plurality of spokes that support a rim defining an outer perimeter of the steering wheel, the anti-theft device comprising:
- an elongated member having a first end and a longitudinal surface, the elongated member being adapted to be located proximate to the hub of the steering wheel, the first end extending generally radially outwardly away from the hub past the outer perimeter of the steering wheel;
- a first spoke engaging member disposed on the elongated member and adapted to engage one of the plurality of spokes and reduce rotation of the steering wheel relative to the elongated member;
- a second spoke engaging member disposed on the elongated member, the second spoke engaging member being adapted to engage another one of the plurality of spokes to, in combination with the first spoke engaging member, secure the elongated member against the hub;
- and
- a locking mechanism adapted to detachably lock the anti-theft device in an installed configuration.
2 more elements
A combination anti-theft device and steering wheel, the anti-theft device being detachably engageable with the steering wheel, the combination comprising:
- the steering wheel having a hub with a plurality of spokes supporting a rim, the rim defining an outer perimeter of the steering wheel;
- an elongated member having a first end and a longitudinal surface, the elongated member being located proximate to the hub of the steering wheel when the anti-theft device is in an installed configuration, the first end extending generally radially outwardly away from the hub past the outer perimeter of the steering wheel;
- a first spoke engaging member disposed on the elongated member and engaging one of the plurality of spokes to reduce rotation of the steering wheel relative to the elongated member when the anti-theft device is in the installed configuration;
- a second spoke engaging member disposed on the elongated member, the second spoke engaging member engaging another one of the plurality of spokes to, in combination with the first spoke engaging member, secure the elongated member against the hub when the anti-theft device is in the installed configuration;
- and
- a locking mechanism adapted to detachably lock the anti-theft device in an installed configuration.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.