Security tool absence alarm system

• US 5,331,306 A
• Filed: 01/03/1994
• Issued: 07/19/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John W. Carruthers II
• Original Assignee: John W. Carruthers II
• Inventors: Carruthers, John W. II
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams, Hezron E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Oda, Christine K.
• Application Number:
  US08/176,686
• Time in Patent Office: 197 Days
• Field of Search: 340/425.5, 340/438, 340/457, 340/457.1, 340/568, 340/572, 200/61.58 B
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 43/007 Anti-theft devices for spare wheels
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/24 Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms

Abstract

An alarm system for use with vehicles having a part requiring a special security tool for attachment or removal includes a bracket for removably holding the tool in a storage position, a normally closed electric proximity switch which opens when the tool is in the storage position, and an electric alarm. The proximity switch and alarm are wired in a circuit which is energized only when the vehicle ignition switch is on. When the tool is away from its storage position, the proximity switch is closed, and the alarm alerts the driver of such fact when the vehicle ignition is turned on. A preferred system includes a permanent disc magnet mounted on the security tool, a magnetically actuated reed proximity switch, and a magnetic buzzer alarm, the permanent magnet and switch being mounted on the tool and bracket respectively in such locations that the magnet is within the actuation distance of the switch when the tool is in its storage position.

Claims

1. In combination with an automotive vehicle having an engine and an electric ignition switch which must be closed to operate the engine:

a. a part removably attached to the vehicle;

b. a security tool configured specifically for use in removing the part, said security tool being mountable on the vehicle for storage and completely detachable from the vehicle for use;

c. a bracket member mounted on the vehicle and constructed to removably hold said security tool in a predetermined storage position on the vehicle; and

d. electric alarm means which produces an alarm signal when the ignition switch is closed and said security tool is not in said storage position in said bracket member.

2. The combination claimed in claim 1 in which a portion of the electric alarm means is continuously connected to the security tool.

3. The combination claimed in claim 1 in which said electric alarm means comprises:

a. a permanent magnet mounted on said security tool;

b. an electrically activated alarm member;

c. a normally closed magnetically responsive electric switch which opens when said permanent magnet is within a predetermined response distance therefrom;

d. electrical connection means forming an alarm circuit which electrically connects said normally closed magnetically responsive electric switch, said electrically activated alarm member and the ignition switch so that said alarm circuit is energized only when the ignition switch is closed; and

e. means mounting said normally closed magnetically responsive electric switch on said bracket member at a location such that when said security tool is in said storage position in said bracket member said permanent magnet is within said predetermined response distance from said normally closed magnetically responsive electric switch.

4. The combination claimed in claim 3 in which the permanent magnet is continuously connected to the security tool.

5. The combination claimed in claim 3 in which said normally closed magnetically responsive electric switch is a magnetically actuated reed switch.

6. The combination claimed in claim 5 in which said security tool comprises an elongated member having a first end and the permanent magnet is mounted on said first end.