GB2303831A

GB2303831A - Anti-theft device for vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2303831A
Application number: GB9515950A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Alasdai Campbell-Collins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-08-03
Filing date: 1995-08-03
Publication date: 1997-03-05
Also published as: GB9515950D0

Abstract

An anti-theft device for vehicles with a gate type gear shift which prevents movement of the gear stick and stops the vehicle being driven or towed away. A top 10 of the device sits over the gate plate 16 covering any screws 18 and has a cutaway section 13 to accommodate the gear stick 14. The bottom 12 of the device fits into the gate and houses a mechanism for locking underneath the gate plate and console of the vehicle. The device also acts as a cover preventing dust and debris falling through the gate.

Description

VEHICLE ANTI -THEFT DEVICE This invention relates to an anti-theft device for vehicles with a 'gate"- like gear shift.

Vehicle anti-theft devices are well known especially for automobiles. There are locking devices such as those for preventing the movement of the steering wheel.

There are also devices for locking the gear stick and handbrake together. This invention is only suitable for manual "gate"-like gear shifts. It is not suitable for automatic cars.

A device is provided which prevents movement of the gear stick in the "gate" The invention comprises a top which covers the gate plate on the vehicle console and prevents it being unscrewed. It also provides for a cutaway section for locking the gear stick in reverse or neutral. This prevents the unauthorised driving the vehicle away.

Preferable is reverse as this prevents the vehicle being towed away.

This device also acts as a cover preventing dust and debris falling in through the "gate" This device is especially useful for convertible cars as many are parked with the roof down.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I shows in perspective the lock being placed in position.

Figure 2 illustrates in perspective the underside of the "gate" with the device in place.

Figure 3 is a plan of the underside of the "gate" with the device in place, illustrating rotational locking method.

Figure 4 is a side view of the invention showing another type of locking method.

Figure 5 is a plan from above of the device. it shows where the cutaway section might be positioned in the top for the gear stick.

Figure 6 gives examples of suitable "gate" shapes by reference to gear selection in vehicles.

Figure 7 simply shows that the "gate" plate in vehicles may be different shapes. In this example it is circular.

Referring to the drawings the device comprises a top 10 and a bottom 12. The top has a cutaway section 13 in it for the gear stick 14. The bottom 12 houses the locking mechanism. Shown is the preferred key 15 as it facilitates easy lifting off of the device.

However, a combination lock is possible, perhaps in conjunction with a handle.

In order to lock the gear stick the device is placed over the "gate" plate 16 on the console of the car 17 as the arrows show. This covers any screws 18 which attach the "gate" plate to the console of the vehicle. Figure 2 shows the underside of the "gate" plate and the bottom of the device in place. It shows the gear stick locked in position. Sections A and B in Figure 2 show two types of locking method. Section A is expanded in Figure 3.

Figure 3 shows the bottom 12 of the device as a shaded area and the underside of the "gate" plate 16. The arrow shows that the device might lock by rotation about a given axis 19. The location of the axis is dependant upon the shape of the "gate", refer to Figure 6 for possibilities. Thus, the shaded area 12 , or any part of it , or any piece housed within 12, might rotate to lock the device to the underside of the "gate" "plate.

Part of 12 when rotated might also lock back into itself,l2, for extra strength. It also shows the gear stick 14 locked in place.

Figure 4 expands section B in Figure 2, the preferred locking mechanism. It shows how the locking mechanism housed in the bottom 12 clicks on shut - much like the mechanism of a door. This is preferred as the device might be snapped on without using the key. Such a mechanism might be located anywhere in 12. The device may use either of the above locking methods or both.

The cutaway section 13 in the top 10 for the gear stick 14 is made where it is in either reverse or neutral. This will fall somewhere along the axes X - Y or at either end of A B respectively. This depends on the location of the gears in the vehicle especially the location of reverse, refer to Figure bfor examples. Three examples of a suitable cutaway section are shown, E and F for reverse and G for neutral. It is important to note that the cutaway section should not expose any screws of the "gate" plate as this would decrease security.

Figure 6 shows the shape the "gate" may take by reference to gear selection, much like the sort of diagram found on the top of gear sticks in manual cars. The horizontal line as viewed is neutral. Examples of possible reverse positions are indicated by R.

The last drawing Figure 7, is a plan of a "gate" plate showing that they might come in various shapes. The top 10 of the device would take the shape appropriate to the vehicle. However it miaht take anv shaPe desired so lona as it covers anv screws in the "gateS' plate and is secure with its bottom 12,

To remove the device the key (or combination) is unlocked and it is lifted off in reverse of the arrows in Figure 1.

Claims

A A device is provided which prevents movement of the gear stick in the agate The invention comprises a top which covers the gate plate on the vehicle console and prevents it being unscrewed. It also provides for a cutaway section for locking the gear stick in reverse neutral or both. This prevents the unauthorised driving the vehicle away. Preferable is reverse as this prevents the vehicle being towed away.

This device also acts as a cover preventing dust and debris falling in through the "gate"
2 An anti-theft device for "gate type gear shifts as in claim I with a bottom or underside which fits into the "gate" plate on the console of the vehicle . preventing the device from being slid off or moved laterally This in turn prevents the gear stick from being moved.
3 A device as in claims 1 and 2 that houses any form of locking mechanism which locks underneath the "gate" plate and console of the vehicle preventing it being lifted off Two example methods are illustrated. One or other or a combination of both may be used.
4 A device as claimed in any preceding claims that locks by means of a key or combination type lock or electronically or by remote control.
5 A device as claimed above which houses no locking mechanism but substantially resembles it and acts as a "female" counterpart for another lock which is housed within the console.
6 A device substantially as described herein with reference to all accompanying drawings.