Carjacking defense system

• US 5,424,712 A
• Filed: 12/13/1993
• Issued: 06/13/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald J. Rosenberger
• Original Assignee: Ronald J. Rosenberger
• Inventors: Rosenberger, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/165,680
• Time in Patent Office: 547 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/425.5, 340/428, 340/541, 116/214, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 180/287
• US Class Current: 340/426.26
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/10 actuating a signalling device

Abstract

A motor vehicle carjacking defense apparatus comprises a double pole switch which actuates at least one solenoid controlling at least one valve which interconnects a nozzle to a pump connected to a pressurized tank containing a non-toxic and non-corrosive irritant. The switch also overrides the vehicles electric window system, the alarm system, and the air flow system simultaneously sealing the windows and the air flow system and energizing the alarm system. Alternatively, the switch located inside the vehicle actuates an infrared heat detector connected to said solenoid wherein upon actuation of the detector, the detector energizes the solenoid from an electrical power supply. A plurality of nozzles and infrared heat detectors are arrayed around the vehicle whereby when the detector is armed it detects the presence of a carjacker and causes a spray of a pressurized, non-toxic and non-corrosive irritant and smoke towards the would-be carjacker. A secondary circuit may be activated so as to cause a siren or loudspeaker or the car horn to emit a high-pitched sound.

Claims

1. A carjacking defense apparatus for use in a motor vehicle having an existing electrical vehicle horn, an existing electric window system, an existing sealable interior air flow control system, side windows, front and rear bumpers, a firewall, and a horn system comprising:

A motor vehicle, a pressurized tank located inside said vehicle, filled with a discomfort causing substance and a dense smoke producing material, a valve, a nozzle, a valve distribution nozzle means located inside said vehicle for selectively releasing said substance and said material from said tank through said valve to said nozzle;

a warning means communicating outside said vehicle, a solenoid operatively connected for actuating said valve distribution nozzle means connected to said valve for distributing said substance and said material outside;

an infrared heat sensor means located adjacent each valve distribution nozzle means connected to said solenoid and adapted to actuate said solenoid upon detecting a change in ambient infrared heat;

an audible high decibel alarm operatively connected for actuation by said solenoid;

switching means activating said warning system and selectively energizing said solenoid to open said valve, causing release of said substance and material from said tank and simultaneously activating said audible alarm;

said switching means located inside said motor vehicle and selectively operative in a first position automatically overriding the interior air flow control system of said vehicle sealing same from outside ambient air and simultaneously overriding all electrical windows raising all electrically powered windows and simultaneously overriding and activating said alarm system and simultaneously energizing a pump means for pumping said substance and said material thru said valve means to said nozzle means, said switching means selectively operative in a second position to activate said infrared heat sensor, said infrared heat sensor operative at its threshold to energize said solenoid whereby said solenoid switches power to said pump and opens the valve adjacent the nozzle releasing said substance and said material in the vicinity of the actuated infrared heat sensor.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the smoke produced by said material is dense, opaque, and capable of irritating the olfactory system, mucous membranes, the respiratory system, or the eyes of the carjacker.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said substance is non-toxic and non-corrosive.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein said substance comprises an indelible dyestuff.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one module, at least one valve, one nozzle and one solenoid connected together in and disposed in said module, said module adapted with pipefittings and the module mounted in the body of the motor vehicle.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said distribution nozzle means comprises a plurality of nozzles located about the outside of said motor vehicle and a plurality of infrared heat sensors concealed about the outside of said motor vehicle.

7. The device of claim 5 further comprising electrical connectors inside said module and wherein at least one infrared heat sensor is located adjacent the nozzle and electrically connected to electrical connectors inside said module.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said nozzles and said infrared heat sensors are arrayed along each side of said motor vehicle above and below the windows.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein a plurality of said nozzles and another plurality of said infrared heat sensors are arrayed along the front and rear bumpers of said motor vehicle.