US3866445A

US3866445A - Auto ignition lock

Info

Publication number: US3866445A
Application number: US380884A
Authority: US
Inventors: Warren L Erwin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-07-19
Filing date: 1973-07-19
Publication date: 1975-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 1992-02-18

Abstract

Disclosed is an auxiliary auto ignition lock which may be fitted over and secured to a steering-column-mounted auto ignition switch lock to prevent access to the ignition switch lock. The auxiliary lock includes a housing having a first aperture therein for receiving substantially the entire ignition switch lock including the protruding ears thereof and a movable element which is coupled to a lock mounted within the housing and which may be moved under the control of the lock between an operative position in which the element cammingly engages a portion of the ignition switch lock and a second position which permits removal of the auxiliary lock from the ignition switch lock. The movable element may be mounted on a rotatable portion of the lock for pivoting movement between the two different positions, or alternatively may engage a portion of the lock so as to undergo sliding movement in response to the operation of the lock.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Erwin Feb. 18, 1975 1 AUTO IGNITION LOCK [76] Inventor: Warren L. Erwin, 9906 Douney Ave, Downey, Calif. 90240 [22] Filed: July19, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 380,884

Primary Ii.\'aminc1'Robert L. Wolfe Attorney. Agent, or FirmFraser and Boqucki [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is an auxiliary auto ignition lock which may be fitted over and secured to a steering-columnmounted auto ignition switch lock to prevent access to the ignition switch lock. The auxiliary lock includes a housing having a first aperture therein for receiving substantially the entire ignition switch lock including the protruding ears thereof and a movable element which is coupled to a lock mounted within the housing and which may be moved under the control of the lock between an operative position in which the element cammingly engages a portion of the ignition switch lock and a second position which permits removal of the auxiliary lock from the ignition switch lock. The movable element may be mounted on a rotatable portion of the lock for pivoting movement between the two different positions, or alternatively may engage a portion of the lock so as to undergo sliding movement in response to the operation of the lock.

12 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED T 1866,4455

SHEET 2 OF 2 AUTO IGNITION LOCK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to auxiliary locks used in conjunction with a steering-column-mounted auto ignition switch lock to control access to the ignition switch lock.

2. History of the Prior Art In recent years most domestic automobiles have been equipped with a steering-column-mounted auto ignition switch lock of the type which locks the steering mechanism when the ignition is in the off or locked position. Ignition switch locks of this type typically comprise a generally disk-shaped element extending from the steering column and having a pair of cars protruding outwardly therefrom. The disk-shaped element has a central aperture for receiving the ignition key and is rotatable upon insertion of such key so as to unlock both the steering mechanism and the ignition system. The protruding ears aid in further rotation of the disk shaped element against a spring resistance to start the engine of the automobile.

There are a number of situations in which it is desirable to be able to control access to an auto ignition lock by one having the ignition key. For example it frequently occurs that keys are lost or stolen together with identification or other information which would enable the thief or finder to locate the auto of the victim. In still other situations it may be desirable to limit use of an auto by one having an ignition key. The ability to control the access to an auto ignition lock becomes particularly important in the case of steering-columnmounted locks because of the substantial expense involved in changing or replacing locks of this type.

A number of auxiliary locks have been developed for the purpose of controlling access to steering-columnmounted ignition switch locks. Two such devices are shown in US. Pat. No. 3,665,738 of Pescuma et al.. issued May 30, I972, and US. Pat. No. 3,635,057 of Foote et al., issued Jan. 18, 1972. The Pescuma et al. device completely encircles the steering column and has a hinged portion which may be secured by a padlock so as to prevent turning of the ignition switch lock. The Foote et al. device includes mating portions which are mounted on a padlock and which are selectively movable relative to one another under the control of the padlock to control access to the ignition switch lock.

Devices of the type shown in the Pescuma et al and Foote et al., patents have a number of limitations or disadvantages including size, expense of manufacture and complexity. Such devices, moreover, are often easily tampered with, particularly by one who is skilled in picking locks or in breaking or removing mechanical devices of this type.

Accordingly it would be desirable to have an auxiliary lock which is relatively compact and simple in design, inexpensive, and yet highly resistive to picking, damage or destruction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an auxiliary lock comprising a housing having an aperture therein. The aperture is configured to receive that part ofa steeringcolumn-mounted ignition switch lock which extends ing may be removed from the ignition switch lock. The

lock is capable of securing the movable element in the operative position, so that the auxiliary lock may be removed from the ignition switch lock only by use of a key.

In operation the housing is positioned over the ignition switch lock so as to receive the ignition switch lock within the housing aperture. By a simple turning motion of the key within the lock, the movable element is moved into its operative position in which it cammingly engages the underside or backside of the ignition switch lock to secure the housing and prevent its removal from the ignition switch lock. With the housing so positioned the keyhole within the ignition switch lock is totally covered, preventing insertion of an ignition key into the ignition switch lock. At the same time the ignition switch lock is itself substantially totally encompassed by the housing preventing access to the ignition switch lock or to the working portion of the auxiliary lock and thereby discouraging tampering with the auxiliary lock. When the auto is to be used a key is inserted into the lock within the housing so as to reposition the movable element and permit removal of the housing from the ignition switch lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a steering column illustrating one conventional form of ignition switch lock;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to the view of FIG. 1 but with an auxiliary lock in accordance with the invention installed on the ignition switch lock;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the auxiliary lock of FIG. 2 with certain parts removed for clarity of illustration;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the auxiliary lock of FIG. 2 with a portion of the housing broken away and illustrating the manner in which the movable element engages the ignition switch lock;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of FIG. 4 taken along the line 55 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lock of the auxiliary lock of FIG. 2 together with a key for the lock and the movable element;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a different form of movable element for use with a different ignition switch lock;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the auxiliary lock of FIG. 2 illustrating the manner in which the movable element of FIG. 7 is used in conjunction with a different ignition switch lock;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an alternative form of auxiliary lock in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the lock of FIG. 9 illustrating its engagement with an ignition switch lock; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lock used in the auxiliary lock of FIG. 9 together with the core and key therefor and the movable element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a portion of an auto steering column 10 and an ignition switch lock 12 as it is typically mounted on the steering column 10. The ignition switch lock 12 includes a generally disk-shaped element 14 having a pair of ears l6 and 18 extending therefrom and a cen tral ignition-key-receiving aperture 20. The rotatably mounted ignition switch lock 12 cannot be rotated when it is in a locked position as shown with the ignition key removed. In this position the steering mechanism is also locked. Insertion of the ignition key through the aperture 20 and into the ignition switch lock 12 unlocks the lock and permits rotation thereof. Rotation of the lock 12 into an on position unlocks the steering mechanism and turns on the electrical systern. Further rotation of the lock 12 starts the engine.

An auxiliary lock 22 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2 as it is placed over the ignition switch lock 12 to prevent access to the lock 12. The auxiliary lock 22 includes an elongated, generally oval-shaped housing 24 having a lock 26 mounted therein at one end thereof. The lock 26 controls removal of the auxiliary lock 22 from the ignition switch lock 12. As discussed hereafter insertion of a key into the lock 26 provides for positioning of a movable element inside the housing 24. The movable element may be locked in an operative position in which it cammingly engages the backside of the ignition switch lock 12 to prevent removal of the housing 24. Alternatively the movable element may be moved into an operative position under the control of the lock 26, permitting removal of the housing 24 to provide access to the ignition switch lock 12.

FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom of the housing 24 which is hidden in the view of FIG. 2. As seen in FIG. 3 the housing 24 includes a first or central aperture 28 of generally circular configuration and configured so as to receive the ignition switch lock 12. As discussed hereafter the aperture 28 is configured so as to receive the different shaped ignition switch locks of different makes of automobiles so that the auxiliary lock 22 may be used with virtually any make of domestic auto. The aperture 28 includes an opposite pair of generally

flat surfaces

30 and 32 for receiving opposite portions of the generally disk-shaped element 14 when the housing 24 is installed over the ignition switch lock 12. A long, narrow slot 34 disposed between the

surfaces

30 and 32 extends into the housing 24 to receive the ears l6 and 18 of the ignition switch lock 12. As described hereafter the slot 34 has an enclosed portion 36 at one end thereof for securing one of the ears l6, 18. The other car is engaged by the movable element to prevent re moval of the housing 24 from the ignition switch lock 12.

The housing 24 includes a second aperture 38 shown in dotted outline in FIG. 3 and a slot 40 which extends between the aperture 38 and the first aperture 28. The aperture 38 which is generally circular in configuration and which receives the lock 26 as discussed hereafter is disposed within the housing 24 such that the central axis thereof is generally parallel to the central axis of the aperture 28. The slot 40 is generally planar in configuration so as to be generally normal to the central axes of the

apertures

28 and 38. The slot 40 has a groove 42 in one of the surfaces thereof for accommodating the curved end portion of one embodiment of the movable element.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the manner in which the auxiliary lock 22 is installed and placed on the ignition switch lock 12. The housing 24 is moved onto the ignition switch lock 12 such that the lock 12 is inserted into the aperture 28 and the ear 16 is seated within the enclosed portion 36 of the slot 34. The disk-shaped element 14 is seated on the

surfaces

30 and 32. Although the car 16 is engaged within the enclosed portion 36, the other ear 18 is free to move out of the aperture 28 so as to remove the housing 24 unless engaged by a movable element 42.

The movable element 42 is generally elongated in shape and has a first end 44 mounted on the lock 26 and a second or operative end 48 adapted to cammingly engage the the ignition switch lock 12. In the particular embodiment of FIGS. 26 the movable element 42 undergoes rotational or pivoting motion about and under the control of the lock 26, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. The movable element 42 resides within the slot 40 where it is free to pivot under the control of the lock 26 between a first or operative position in which the end 48 thereof cammingly engages the backside of the ignition switch lock 12 and a second or inoperative position in which the element 42 is swung away from the lock 12 to permit removal of the auxiliary lock 22. The movable element 42 is shown in its first or operative position in FIG. 5. As shown by a dashed curved line 50 and by an arrow 52 the element 42 undergoes pivoting motion about the axis of the lock 26 so as to be swung out of the way of the ignition switch lock 12 and into the second or inoperative position. Because of the shape of the ignition switch lock 12 the end 48 of the movable element 42 has a curved portion 54.

As shown in FIG. 5 the auxiliary lock 22 may be positioned over the ignition switch lock 12 in a manner so as to substantially completely surround and encompass the lock 12. Adjacent portions 56 and S8 of the steering column 10 are shown in conjunction with the lock 12 and the auxiliary lock 22. It will be seen that with the auxiliary lock 22 in place over the ignition switch lock 12 virtually no access is provided either to the ignition switch lock 12 or to the working parts of the auxiliary lock 22. This feature greatly discourages tampering with the auxiliary lock 22.

FIG. 6 illustrates the lock 26 together with the movable element 42. The lock 26 is of the disk tumbler type and has a rotatable shaft 60 which is rotatable between opposite positions under the control of the key 62 for the lock 26. A nut 64 or similar item is permanently secured to the end of of the shaft 60 opposite the lock 26. Opposite sides of the shaft 60 are flattened so as to fit securely within a slot 66 adjacent the end 44 of the movable element 42. The slot 66 divides the end 44 of the movable element 42 into

opposite portions

68 and 70 which are of reduced thickness and which are readily bent toward one another. When the lock 26 is inserted into the aperture 38 in the housing 24 the movable element 42 is placed within the aperture 28 and inserted into the slot 40 so that the

opposite portions

68 and 70 of the element 42 slide around the opposite sides of the shaft 60 of the lock 26 to position the shaft 60 within the slot 66. Several sharp blows delivered by a hammer or similar object to the end 48 of the movable element 42 drives the element 42 against the curved back wall of the slot 44, forcing the

opposite portions

68 and 70 of the element 42 together and thereby permanently securing the movable element 42 on the lock 26. This feature is very useful since the movable element 42 assumes different shapes and sizes for use with the ignition switch lock of different makes of autos.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate use of the auxiliary lock 22 in conjunction with an ignition switch lock 72 which is of different size and shape from the lock 12 of FIG. 1. The lock 72 is characteristic of a different make of auto from the autos using the lock 12 of FIG. 1. The lock 72 'of FIG. 8 is similar in certain respects to the lock 12 of FIG. 1 in that it includes a generally disk-shaped element 74 and a pair of

ears

76 and 78. However the disk-shaped element 74 is considerably thicker than the element 14 of the lock 12. In addition a generally rectangular portion 80 extends from the disk-shaped element 74 between and along a portion of the lengths of the

ears

76 and 78.

In the example of FIG. 8 the housing 24 is identical to the housing in the arrangement of FIGS. 2-6. However a different movable element 82 is used as shown in FIG. 7. The element 82 has an end 84 for affixation to the lock 26 and an opposite end 86 for camming en-. gagement of the ignition switch lock 72 as in the case of the movable element 42. However the operative end 86 does not have a curved portion comparable to the portion 54 of the element 42, principally due to the increased thickness of the disk-shaped element 74 comprising the ignition switch lock 72. In addition the element 82 is slightly shorter in length than the element 42 to compensate for the slightly larger overall size of the ignition switch lock 72 as compared to the lock 12 of FIG. 1.

The auxiliary lock 22 may be used with still other ignition switch lock configurations by appropriate modification of the size and shape of the movable element. Since the same housing 22 will fit a variety of different ignition switch locks, it is only necessary that a number of different movable elements be supplied together with the housing 22 and the lock 26. The auxiliary lock may then be adapted for use with a particular auto by inserting the correct movable element in the slot 40 and tapping it against the curved back wall of the slot to bend the opposite portions together and around the shaft 60 of the lock 26.

A different auxiliary lock 100 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 9, and 11. The lock 100 includes an elongated housing 102 having an aperture 104 therein which corresponds to the aperture 28 in the housing 24 of FIGS. 28. The aperture 104 likewise has

opposite surfaces

106 and 108 for receiving the disk-shaped element of the ignition switch lock and a slot 110 disposed therebetween and having a closed portion 112 at one end thereof. A second aperture 114 within the housing 102 receives a lock 116 of generally cylindrical configuration and is connected to the aperture 104 by a slot 118 within the housing 102.

The auxiliary lock 100 of FIGS. 9-11 differs principally from the lock of FIGS. 2-8 in its use of the lock 116 and a movable element 120 which undergoes sliding movement in response to the lock 116. Because the element 120 undergoes sliding motion rather than circular motion, the housing 102 may be considerably narrower than the housing 24 and still accommodate the ignition switch lock in similar fashion.

As shown in FIG. 11 the lock 116 includes a generally cylindrical housing 118 which receives a core therein. By inserting a key 122 into the cors 120, the core 120 may be rotated between opposite positions within the housing 118 so as to slide the movable element 120 back and forth relative to the housing 118 as a pin 124 eccentrically disposed at the bottom of the core 120 engages a transverse slot 126 within the element 120. The movable element 120 has an operative end 128 thereof which is opposite the lock 116 and which cammingly engages the ignition switch lock when the element 120 is slid into an operative position by action of the turning of the key 122 within the core 120. The element 120 remains locked in this operative position so as to secure the housing 102 to the ignition switch lock 12, until the key 122 is used to turn the core 120 within the housing 118 and slide the element 120 away from the ignition switch lock 12 under the action of the pin 124 within the slot 126.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An auxiliary lock for providing controlled access to an auto ignition lock comprising:

housing means having an aperture configured to matingly receive an auto ignition lock, the housing being adapted to be disposed over and to prevent access to the ignition lock; and

means mounted on the housing means and movable between a first position within the aperture in engagement with the ignition lock to prevent removal of the housing means from the ignition lock and a second position out of engagement with the ignition lock and permitting removal of the housing means from the ignition lock.

2. The invention defined in claim 1, further including a lock mounted on the housing means and capable of locking the movable means in the first position.

3. The invention defined in claim 2, wherein the lock has rotatable shaft means which is lockable in at least one position, and the movable means comprises an elongated element secured to the rotatable shaft means of the lock and having a camming position for engagement with the ignition lock when the shaft means is rotated to dispose the movable means in the first position.

4. The invention defined in claim 2, wherein the movable means comprises an elongated element mounted for sliding movement relative to the housing means and having a camming position for engagement with the ignition lock when the movable means is slid into the first position, and the lock includes means engaging the elongated element and capable of movement to permit sliding movement of the elongated element, the lock being lockable in at least one position to hold the engaging means and thereby the elongated element in the first position.

5. An auxiliary lock for providing controlled access to a steering-column-mounted auto ignition lock of the type which has a plurality of ears protruding therefrom and a central ignition-key-receiving aperture compris a housing having a plurality of recesses therein configured to receive at least a substantial portion of the ignition lock, the housing preventing access to the ignition-key-receiving aperture when the ignition lock is received therein;

a movable element mounted on the housing and selectively movable into engagement with a portion of the ignition lock opposite the ears and adjacent the steering column to secure the ignition lock within the recesses in the housing; and

a lock mounted on the housing and capable of locking the movable element in a position in which the movable element remains in engagement with a portion of the ignition lock.

6. The invention defined in claim 5, wherein the ignition lock comprises a generally disk-shaped element having ears extending outwardly from one side thereof and the housing receives the entire disk-shaped element including the ears therein.

7. The invention defined in claim 5, wherein the movable element resides in a slot within the housing.

8. The invention defined in claim 5, wherein the lock has a rotatable portion thereof which can be locked in a selected position, and the movable element comprises an elongated cam having one end mounted on the rotatable portion of the lock and an opposite end adapted to cammingly engage the ignition lock.

9. The invention defined in claim 8, wherein said one end of the cam has a slot therein configured to receive the rotatable portion of the lock and dividing said one end into two spaced-apart portions, the spaced-apart portions being adapted to be bent toward each other to secure the cam on the rotatable portion of the lock.

10. The invention defined in claim 5, wherein the housing has a slot therein and the movable element comprises an elongated bar slidably mounted within the slot and having a portion thereof adapted to cammingly engage the ignition lock,'and the lock is coupled to the bar and is capable of locking the bar in a position in which the bar cammingly engages the ignition lock.

11. An auxiliary lock for an auto ignition lock comprising:

a housing having first and second apertures therein and a slot connecting the first and second apertures, the first aperture having a pair of surfaces separated by a relatively narrow, elongated slot;

a lock mounted within the second aperture; and

a movable element disposed within the slot and cou pled to the lock, the movable element being movable into an operative position in which a portion thereof extends into the first aperture and the lock being capable of locking the movable element in the operative position.

12. The invention defined in claim 11, wherein the first and second apertures have axes which are generally parallel and the slot is generally planar and is generally normal to the central axes of the first and second

Claims

1. An auxiliary lock for providing controlled access to an auto ignition lock comprising: housing means having an aperture configured to matingly receive an auto ignition lock, the houSing being adapted to be disposed over and to prevent access to the ignition lock; and means mounted on the housing means and movable between a first position within the aperture in engagement with the ignition lock to prevent removal of the housing means from the ignition lock and a second position out of engagement with the ignition lock and permitting removal of the housing means from the ignition lock.

5. An auxiliary lock for providing controlled access to a steering-column-mounted auto ignition lock of the type which has a plurality of ears protruding therefrom and a central ignition-key-receiving aperture comprising: a housing having a plurality of recesses therein configured to receive at least a substantial portion of the ignition lock, the housing preventing access to the ignition-key-receiving aperture when the ignition lock is received therein; a movable element mounted on the housing and selectively movable into engagement with a portion of the ignition lock opposite the ears and adjacent the steering column to secure the ignition lock within the recesses in the housing; and a lock mounted on the housing and capable of locking the movable element in a position in which the movable element remains in engagement with a portion of the ignition lock.

10. The invention defined in claim 5, wherein the housing has a slot therein and the movable element comprises an elongated bar slidably mounted within the slot and having a portion thereof adapted to cammingly engage the ignition lock, and the lock is coupled to the bar and is capable of locking the bar in a position in which the bar cammingly engages the ignition lock.

11. An auxiliary lock for an auto ignition lock comprising: a housing having first and second apertures therein and a slot connecting the first and second apertures, the first aperture having a pair of surfaces separated by a relatively narrow, elongated slot; A lock mounted within the second aperture; and a movable element disposed within the slot and coupled to the lock, the movable element being movable into an operative position in which a portion thereof extends into the first aperture and the lock being capable of locking the movable element in the operative position.

12. The invention defined in claim 11, wherein the first and second apertures have axes which are generally parallel and the slot is generally planar and is generally normal to the central axes of the first and second apertures.