Vehicle anti-theft device

• US 5,224,567 A
• Filed: 12/13/1991
• Issued: 07/06/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Norvel Tomlinson
• Original Assignee: Norvel Tomlinson
• Inventors: Tomlinson, Norvel
• Primary Examiner(s): Camby, Richard M.
• Application Number:
  US07/806,245
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 180/271, 180/287, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 307/10.4, 340/425.5, 340/426
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user

Abstract

A vehicle anti-theft device includes remotely operated relays for disabling the vehicle ignition and starter activated by a remote control or signal source that transmits an encoded radio frequency or infrared signal. A receive, including a decoder, located in the vehicle receives the signal and provides electrical pulses to flip flop switches that transmit electrical signals to selected trigger circuits. The trigger circuits generate short duration electrical pulses that are amplified to actuate the relays. An optional digital keypad mounted inside the vehicle may be used to close the relays in the event that the remote device is misplaced or lost.

Claims

1. A vehicle anti-theft device comprising:

a vehicle having an electrical system including an ignition system and starter;

a battery for supplying electrical power to the vehicle ignition system, said battery having positive and negative terminals;

a first relay for providing electrical power to the ignition system;

a first power cable for connecting said relay to said ignition system;

a second relay for providing electrical power to the starter;

a second power cable for connecting said second relay to the starter;

a pair of amplifiers associated with each of said relays for actuating said relays;

a pair of trigger circuits associated with each of said amplifiers for providing a short duration electrical pulse to said amplifiers when triggered;

first and second flip flop switches for triggering selected ones of said trigger circuits;

a receiver for receiving an encoded signal and providing an electrical pulse to said flip flop switches to trigger selected ones of said trigger circuits when said encoded signal is received;

a first enclosure for enclosing said first relay, said enclosure further comprising a lock for securing said enclosure in a closed position;

a first disconnect switch associated with said first enclosure for disconnecting the first power cable from the ignition when the enclosure is in an open position;

a second enclosure for enclosing said second relay, said enclosure further comprising a lock for securing said enclosure in a closed position;

a second disconnect switch associated with said second enclosure for disconnecting the second power cable from the starter when the enclosure is in an open position; and

whereby said first and second relays successively connect and disconnect said ignition system and said starter when actuated.

2. The vehicle anti-theft device of claim 1 further comprising a switch mounted inside the vehicle for activating said trigger circuits.

3. The vehicle anti-theft device of claim 1 further comprising a bypass for providing a limited amount of current to the vehicle electrical system when said first power cable is disconnected.

4. The vehicle anti-theft device of claim 1 further comprising an audible alarm.