Self-contained anti-theft device for motor vehicles

• US 5,397,925 A
• Filed: 02/14/1994
• Issued: 03/14/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/1983
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Winner International Royalty LLC
• Original Assignee: Winner International Royalty LLC
• Inventors: Adkins, Joey B., Carlo, Louis D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellinen, A. D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US08/195,936
• Time in Patent Office: 393 Days
• Field of Search: 70/DIG. 30, 70/255, 70/258, 70/237, 307/9.1-10.8, 361/171, 361/172, 340/426, 340/427, 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.34, 180/287, 180/289, 123/198 B, 123/198 DC, 123/198 E
• US Class Current: 307/10.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2001/5877 with provisions for direct mounting on a battery pole
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/574 Devices or arrangements for the interruption of current
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

An anti-theft device that is adapted to be connected adjacent to or on a battery of a motor vehicle and including a power switch for disconnecting the battery from its standard battery cable when current flowing through the cable exceeds a preselected substantial amount of current associated with an attempt to start the vehicle. A lockout circuit is actuated by a remote transmitter for generating an external command signal to override the operation of the power switch. This device can be attached directly to a battery without external wiring and still provide the passive or self-arming anti-theft device.

Claims

1. An anti-theft device used with a battery of a motor vehicle having a starting circuit, said battery having first and second outwardly extending electrode post members, said anti-theft device comprising a support member, means for attaching said support member onto said battery, a switching means on said support member having a first position electrically connecting one of said electrode post members with said starting circuit and a second position electrically disconnecting said one of said electrode post members from said starting circuit, means for shifting said switching means to said second position upon receipt of a specific external command signal, comprising:

said switching means including a first electrical conductor having a terminal end and fixedly connected to a clamping receptacle means for fixedly clamping said first electrical conductor to said first electrode post member, a second electrical conductor having a terminal end spaced from said terminal end of said first conductor to define a gap and having a substitute electrode post member, said switching means having a contact plate means for electrically connecting said terminal ends when said switching means is in said first position and a lock housing means for preventing unauthorized access to said clamping receptacle means and said switching means.

2. The anti-theft device of claim 1, wherein said contact plate means includes a movable bar member operable to electrically connect said terminal ends, and said lock housing means includes a plate mounted to said battery and a lock post fixed onto said plate, and a cover for mounting on said plate, said cover having a key mounted thereon and adapted to oscillate a keeper to provide an interference fit with said lock post.