WO1993015936A1 - Vehicle immobilisation device - Google Patents

Vehicle immobilisation device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1993015936A1
WO1993015936A1 PCT/GB1993/000307 GB9300307W WO9315936A1 WO 1993015936 A1 WO1993015936 A1 WO 1993015936A1 GB 9300307 W GB9300307 W GB 9300307W WO 9315936 A1 WO9315936 A1 WO 9315936A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
exhaust pipe
cap
collar
bolt
immobilisation device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1993/000307
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Timothy Girvin
Beryl Irene Girvin
Stephen Cockett
John William Girvin
Barry Graham
Original Assignee
John Timothy Girvin
Beryl Irene Girvin
Stephen Cockett
John William Girvin
Barry Graham
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB929203035A external-priority patent/GB9203035D0/en
Application filed by John Timothy Girvin, Beryl Irene Girvin, Stephen Cockett, John William Girvin, Barry Graham filed Critical John Timothy Girvin
Publication of WO1993015936A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993015936A1/en
Priority to GB9416468A priority Critical patent/GB2278641A/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/04—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
    • B60R25/043—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor by blocking the exhaust
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B1/00—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression
    • F02B1/02—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition
    • F02B1/04—Engines characterised by fuel-air mixture compression with positive ignition with fuel-air mixture admission into cylinder

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an immobilisation device for a vehicle powered by a petrol engine, and which operates to choke off the engine by obstructing the exhaust pipe with which such engines are normally provided.
  • the invention finds particular application as a vehicle security device preventing theft or unauthorised use of the vehicle.
  • GB 2 186 91 1 A discloses such a device in the form of a lockable cap which can be removably secured onto the end of the exhaust pipe.
  • the exhaust pipe is provided with one or more inwardly directed formations
  • the cap includes one or more expandable jaws adapted to project into the exhaust pipe and releasably engage the locating formation or formations.
  • the jaws are lockable in the engaged position to secure the cap onto the end of the exhaust pipe.
  • This earlier device requires the exhaust pipe to be specially formed.
  • the relatively large number of moving parts increases the cost and makes the device prone to failure after a relatively short period due to the corrosive effects of exhaust deposits.
  • An aim of the present invention may be viewed as being to provide a device which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, can be retro-fitted to existing exhaust pipes without modification, and is reliable in operation.
  • the present invention proposes an immobilisation device which includes a collar which can be secured onto the outside of the exhaust pipe to be enclosed by, or substantially enclosed by, a cap; and the cap has a lock with a bolt element arranged to engage the collar to lock the cap onto the exhaust pipe.
  • the device should effectively seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases so that if an attempt is made to start the engine it will quickly become choked and case to function. In fact, the device need not form a complete seal since the necessary choking action might still be achieved if a small proportion of the exhaust gases are allowed to escape.
  • the cap contains a resilient sealing pad which is interposed between the end of the exhaust pipe and the end of the cap in order to seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases.
  • the bolt element is preferably arranged such that when the cap is pushed over the end of the exhaust pipe the resilient pad must be compressed between the exhaust pipe and the cap before the bolt can move into engagement with the collar. Such an arrangement ensures that an effective seal is maintained.
  • the cap preferably has an internal projection and the collar has a keyway for receiving the projection, the keyway comprising an axially extending portion leading into a circumferentially extending portion.
  • the projection is preferably substantially diametrically opposed to the bolt.
  • the resilient sealing pad may be of a heat-resistant material, although a low cost material could be used, covered with a flexible layer of heat-insulation material for contact with the exhaust pipe.
  • Figure 1 is an end view of a device of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a longitudinal section ll-ll through the device of Fig. 1
  • Figure 3 is a side view of an inner part of the device.
  • the device comprises a first part 1 in the form of a cylindrical metal collar which is secured by a pair of diametrically opposed grub screws 2 onto the tail end of a vehicle exhaust pipe 3, shown in outline only.
  • the use of two diametrically opposed fixing screws 2 ensures that the collar is firmly secured in accurate axial alignment with the exhaust pipe.
  • the adjacent end faces 4 and 5 of the collar 1 and exhaust pipe 3 are accurately aligned at the same axial position before tightening the grub screws onto the exhaust pipe.
  • a second part 7 of the device in the form of a metal cap, e.g. an alloy casting, has a cylindrical side wall 8 closed at one end by an end wall 9.
  • a lock 10 (Fig.s 1 and 2) of known form has a mounting flange 1 1 which is secured by rivets 12, screws or the like, to a mounting platform 20 formed externally on the side wall 8.
  • the flange 1 1 carries a cylindrical barrel 13 which is arranged to project radially from the cap 7.
  • a bolt 14 projects from the barrel through the wall 8 into the inside of the cap 7, but by inserting the appropriate key into the outer end of the barrel 1 3 the lock can be operated to withdraw the bolt.
  • the cap 7 Diametrically opposite the bolt 14 the cap 7 has a radially inwardly projecting pin 21 (Fig. 2).
  • the collar 1 contains a hole 22 for receiving the bolt 14, and in addition, a keyway 23 is formed in the outside wall of the collar (see Fig. 3) having an axial portion 23a and a circumferential portion 23b which terminates at 24 diametrically opposite the hole 22.
  • the cap 7 contains a resilient circular pad 16 of heat- resistant low thermal conductivity foam, which covers the end wall 9.
  • the cap 7 When it is desired to protect the vehicle against theft or unauthorised use, the cap 7 is slid over the collar 1 , which has been secured onto the end of the exhaust pipe 3.
  • the cap must be orientated such that the pin 21 passes along the axial portion 23a of the keyway 23, and the cylinder lock 10 must be operated such that the bolt 14 is withdrawn from the interior of the cap.
  • the pad 16 contacts the radial end face of the exhaust pipe. A -further push causes the pad 16 to be resiliently compressed until the pin 21 is aligned with the circumferential portion 23b, whereupon the cap is rotated causing the pin to travel to the end 24 of the keyway.
  • the lock 10 is then operated so that the bolt 14 enters the hole 22.
  • the cap 7 is thus securely locked over the end of the exhaust pipe 3 with the pad 16 being compressed to form a gas-tight seal to effectively seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases.
  • the diametrically opposed pin 21 and bolt 14 provide secure fixing of the cap 7 on the collar 1 and ensure accurate axial alignment of the cap and collar. As with the accurate alignment of the collar and pipe caused by the opposed grub screws 2, this is important to ensure that the pad 16 forms an efficient gas-tight seal against the end of the exhaust pipe.
  • the device can only be removed by inserting the appropriate key into the barrel 1 3, and by turning the key, the bolt 14 is withdrawn to permit removal of the cap from the exhaust pipe by a twist-and-pull action.
  • the collar could be rivetted onto the exhaust instead of using grub screws 2.
  • the device is not suitable for use with diesel engines due to the high compression produced.

Abstract

A device for immobilising petrol engines comprises a cap (7) and a collar (1) which is secured about an exhaust pipe (3). The cap (7) contains a sealing pad (16) and has a cylinder lock (10) with a bolt (14) to engage in an aperture (22) in the exhaust pipe (3). The cap (7) also has a projection (21), diametrically opposed to the bolt (14), which engages in an L-shaped keyway (23) in the collar (1) to provide a positive push-and-twist action and thereby ensure that the pad (16) is in sealing engagement with the end of the exhaust pipe.

Description

VEHICLE IMMOBILISATION DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an immobilisation device for a vehicle powered by a petrol engine, and which operates to choke off the engine by obstructing the exhaust pipe with which such engines are normally provided.
The invention finds particular application as a vehicle security device preventing theft or unauthorised use of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
GB 2 186 91 1 A discloses such a device in the form of a lockable cap which can be removably secured onto the end of the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is provided with one or more inwardly directed formations, and the cap includes one or more expandable jaws adapted to project into the exhaust pipe and releasably engage the locating formation or formations. The jaws are lockable in the engaged position to secure the cap onto the end of the exhaust pipe.
*~4
This earlier device requires the exhaust pipe to be specially formed. In addition, the relatively large number of moving parts increases the cost and makes the device prone to failure after a relatively short period due to the corrosive effects of exhaust deposits.
An aim of the present invention may be viewed as being to provide a device which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, can be retro-fitted to existing exhaust pipes without modification, and is reliable in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention proposes an immobilisation device which includes a collar which can be secured onto the outside of the exhaust pipe to be enclosed by, or substantially enclosed by, a cap; and the cap has a lock with a bolt element arranged to engage the collar to lock the cap onto the exhaust pipe.
It is an important aspect of the invention that the device should effectively seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases so that if an attempt is made to start the engine it will quickly become choked and case to function. In fact, the device need not form a complete seal since the necessary choking action might still be achieved if a small proportion of the exhaust gases are allowed to escape.
In a preferred form of the invention the cap contains a resilient sealing pad which is interposed between the end of the exhaust pipe and the end of the cap in order to seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases. In this embodiment the bolt element is preferably arranged such that when the cap is pushed over the end of the exhaust pipe the resilient pad must be compressed between the exhaust pipe and the cap before the bolt can move into engagement with the collar. Such an arrangement ensures that an effective seal is maintained.
The cap preferably has an internal projection and the collar has a keyway for receiving the projection, the keyway comprising an axially extending portion leading into a circumferentially extending portion. Hence, the cap must be engaged with a positive push-and-twist action before the bolt is engaged with the first part.
in order to ensure accurate positioning of the cap resulting in a good seal, the projection is preferably substantially diametrically opposed to the bolt.
The resilient sealing pad may be of a heat-resistant material, although a low cost material could be used, covered with a flexible layer of heat-insulation material for contact with the exhaust pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is an end view of a device of the invention,
Figure 2 is a longitudinal section ll-ll through the device of Fig. 1 , and Figure 3 is a side view of an inner part of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The device comprises a first part 1 in the form of a cylindrical metal collar which is secured by a pair of diametrically opposed grub screws 2 onto the tail end of a vehicle exhaust pipe 3, shown in outline only. The use of two diametrically opposed fixing screws 2 ensures that the collar is firmly secured in accurate axial alignment with the exhaust pipe. The adjacent end faces 4 and 5 of the collar 1 and exhaust pipe 3 are accurately aligned at the same axial position before tightening the grub screws onto the exhaust pipe.
A second part 7 of the device in the form of a metal cap, e.g. an alloy casting, has a cylindrical side wall 8 closed at one end by an end wall 9. A lock 10 (Fig.s 1 and 2) of known form has a mounting flange 1 1 which is secured by rivets 12, screws or the like, to a mounting platform 20 formed externally on the side wall 8. The flange 1 1 carries a cylindrical barrel 13 which is arranged to project radially from the cap 7. A bolt 14 projects from the barrel through the wall 8 into the inside of the cap 7, but by inserting the appropriate key into the outer end of the barrel 1 3 the lock can be operated to withdraw the bolt.
Diametrically opposite the bolt 14 the cap 7 has a radially inwardly projecting pin 21 (Fig. 2). The collar 1 contains a hole 22 for receiving the bolt 14, and in addition, a keyway 23 is formed in the outside wall of the collar (see Fig. 3) having an axial portion 23a and a circumferential portion 23b which terminates at 24 diametrically opposite the hole 22. It will also be noted that the cap 7 contains a resilient circular pad 16 of heat- resistant low thermal conductivity foam, which covers the end wall 9.
When it is desired to protect the vehicle against theft or unauthorised use, the cap 7 is slid over the collar 1 , which has been secured onto the end of the exhaust pipe 3. The cap must be orientated such that the pin 21 passes along the axial portion 23a of the keyway 23, and the cylinder lock 10 must be operated such that the bolt 14 is withdrawn from the interior of the cap. When the pin 21 approaches the transverse circumferential portion 23b of the keyway, the pad 16 contacts the radial end face of the exhaust pipe. A -further push causes the pad 16 to be resiliently compressed until the pin 21 is aligned with the circumferential portion 23b, whereupon the cap is rotated causing the pin to travel to the end 24 of the keyway. The lock 10 is then operated so that the bolt 14 enters the hole 22. The cap 7 is thus securely locked over the end of the exhaust pipe 3 with the pad 16 being compressed to form a gas-tight seal to effectively seal off the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases. Thus, if an attempt is made to operate the engine it will quickly become choked and cease to function.
The diametrically opposed pin 21 and bolt 14 provide secure fixing of the cap 7 on the collar 1 and ensure accurate axial alignment of the cap and collar. As with the accurate alignment of the collar and pipe caused by the opposed grub screws 2, this is important to ensure that the pad 16 forms an efficient gas-tight seal against the end of the exhaust pipe.
Even if the collar 1 rusts onto the exhaust pipe after a period of use the device will still function satisfactorily. The only moving part which could deteriorate through the effects of corrosion is the cylinder lock, but this can be formed of a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel without a substantial increase in manufacturing costs.
The device can only be removed by inserting the appropriate key into the barrel 1 3, and by turning the key, the bolt 14 is withdrawn to permit removal of the cap from the exhaust pipe by a twist-and-pull action.
The collar could be rivetted onto the exhaust instead of using grub screws 2.
The device is not suitable for use with diesel engines due to the high compression produced.
* * * * * * * *

Claims

1 . An immobilisation device for petrol engine vehicles, for choking off the engine by obstructing the exhaust pipe of the vehicle, the device comprising a cap (7) which can be placed over the end of the exhaust pipe and which includes a key-operated cylinder lock (10), characterised in that the device includes a collar (1 ) which can be secured onto the outside of the exhaust pipe to be enclosed by, or substantially enclosed by, the cap (7); and the lock (10) has a bolt element (14) which is arranged to engage the collar (1 ) to lock the cap onto the exhaust pipe.
2. An immobilisation device according to Claim 1 , in which the cap (7) contains a resilient sealing pad (16) arranged to be interposed between the end of the exhaust pipe and the end (9) of the cap to seal the exhaust pipe against the escape of exhaust gases.
3. An immobilisation device according to Claim 2, in which the bolt element (14) is arranged such that when the cap (7) is pushed over the end of the exhaust pipe the resilient pad (16) must be compressed between the exhaust pipe and the cap before the bolt can move into engagement with the collar (1 ).
4. An immobilisation device according to Claim 2, in which the resilient sealing pad (1 6) is of a resilient heat-resistant material.
5. An immobilisation device according to Claim 2, in which the resilient sealing pad (16) comprises a layer of resilient material covered with a flexible layer of heat-insulation material for contact with the exhaust pipe.
6. An immobilisation device according to Claim 1 , in which the cap (7) has an internal projection (21 ) and the collar has a keyway (23a, 23b) for receiving the projection, the keyway comprising a longitudinally extending portion (23a) leading into a circumferentially extending portion (23b).
7. An immobilisation device according to Claim 6, in which the projection (21 ) is substantially diametrically opposed to the bolt (14) element.
PCT/GB1993/000307 1992-02-13 1993-02-12 Vehicle immobilisation device WO1993015936A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9416468A GB2278641A (en) 1992-02-13 1994-08-15 Vehicle immobilisation device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB929203035A GB9203035D0 (en) 1992-02-13 1992-02-13 Exhaust stop-a-thief
GB9203035.2 1992-02-13
GB9221148.1 1992-10-08
GB929221148A GB9221148D0 (en) 1992-02-13 1992-10-08 Vehicle immobilisation device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993015936A1 true WO1993015936A1 (en) 1993-08-19

Family

ID=26300314

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1993/000307 WO1993015936A1 (en) 1992-02-13 1993-02-12 Vehicle immobilisation device

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3461893A (en)
GB (1) GB2278641A (en)
WO (1) WO1993015936A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2283056A (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-26 Frank Douglas Calloway Lockable i.c. engine exhaust pipe closure
WO1997022502A1 (en) * 1994-06-29 1997-06-26 Kennet Hallberg Theft lock for cars

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995029074A2 (en) * 1994-04-15 1995-11-02 John Double Makavilitogia An engine emission restrictor
GB2331553B (en) * 1997-11-20 2002-01-09 Trevor Allen Vehicle immobiliser

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2136873A (en) * 1983-02-11 1984-09-26 Ronald George Connor Car exhaust gas operated alarm
GB2186911A (en) * 1985-04-02 1987-08-26 Baffler Sa I.c. engine exhaust pipe lockable end cap
DE8807220U1 (en) * 1988-06-03 1988-09-29 Jasdra-Vertriebs-Gmbh Leasingrepraesentanz, 2071 Ammersbek, De

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2136873A (en) * 1983-02-11 1984-09-26 Ronald George Connor Car exhaust gas operated alarm
GB2186911A (en) * 1985-04-02 1987-08-26 Baffler Sa I.c. engine exhaust pipe lockable end cap
DE8807220U1 (en) * 1988-06-03 1988-09-29 Jasdra-Vertriebs-Gmbh Leasingrepraesentanz, 2071 Ammersbek, De

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2283056A (en) * 1993-10-20 1995-04-26 Frank Douglas Calloway Lockable i.c. engine exhaust pipe closure
WO1997022502A1 (en) * 1994-06-29 1997-06-26 Kennet Hallberg Theft lock for cars

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2278641A (en) 1994-12-07
GB9416468D0 (en) 1994-10-05
AU3461893A (en) 1993-09-03

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