Vehicle anti-theft system

• US 4,762,198 A
• Filed: 12/08/1986
• Issued: 08/09/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Louis M. Vagnone, Richard Raheb
• Original Assignee: Louis M. Vagnone, Richard Raheb
• Inventors: Vagnone, Louis M., Raheb, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): Bertsch, Richard A.
• Application Number:
  US06/939,409
• Time in Patent Office: 610 Days
• Field of Search: 180/287, 180/90, 307/10 AT, 340/64, 123/146.5 B
• US Class Current: 180/287
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/21 using hidden switches

Abstract

An automobile security system having an auxiliary switch that is interposed in the ignition controlling circuit between the main key switch and the ignition starting unit. The auxiliary switch is formed with normally open single pole, single break contacts located behind and spaced from the outer surface of a vehicle wall and access to the contacts is through a single small diameter entrance tube, which functions also to mount the switch behind the vehicle wall. The switch is provided with a separate probe which is insertable in the entrance tube so as to pass through the vehicle wall into engagement with the contacts of the switch, acting to close the contacts. The entrance hole is hidden within the decorative feature of the wall.

Claims

1. In a vehicle anti-theft ignition controlling system of the type disabling the ignition of said vehicle in accordance with the condition of an on-off switch of said circuit, the improvement in said circuit comprising the use as said on-off switch of a cooperating pair of electrical contacts consisting of a first stationary contact and a second movable contact normally in a spaced clearance position therefrom so as to correspondingly provide said switch with a normally open condition, a switch mounting member in the form of a hollow tube bounding a cylindrical operative compartment oriented lengthwise thereof having a first opening at a distal end of said compartment and a second opening at an opposite proximal end thereof, said pair of contacts being mounted in said distal end first opening of said compartment and said hollow tube being attached with said proximal end second opening to a dashboard of said vehicle, so as to position said pair of contacts in a rearwardly spaced relation behind said dashboard, said dashboard having an opening in communication with said compartment proximal end second opening, and a probe sized to project into said compartment and electrically close said contacts, whereby the presence of said on-off switch is undetectable except for said dashboard opening.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said dashboard opening is optimally of a small size to contribute to maintaining said on-off switch visually undetectable.

3. The system according to claim 1, including means for electrical bypass of the on-off switch located in the glove compartment so that use of the ignition controlling circuit can be suspended preparatory to turning over the vehicle for valet parking the like.