Remote control car alarm system with wireless module interconnect

• US 5,469,151 A
• Filed: 01/14/1994
• Issued: 11/21/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/07/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Audiovox Corporation (VOXX International Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Audiovox Corporation (VOXX International Corporation)
• Inventors: Malone, Thomas C., DiCroce, John, Lavelle, Patrick M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ZIMMERMAN, BRIAN A
• Application Number:
  US08/181,671
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.36, 340/825.32, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 340/426, 340/428, 340/429, 340/539, 340/533, 307/10.2, 455/90, 180/289
• US Class Current: 340/425.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1016 Remote signals alerting owner or authorities, e.g. radio signals
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1001 Alarm systems associated with another car fitting or mechanism, e.g. door lock or knob, pedals features related to the general power supply B60R25/1018
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features

Abstract

An easy-to-install automotive security system mounts a siren assembly in the engine compartment and a sensor assembly in the passenger compartment. The assemblies are in wireless, radio frequency communication, thereby eliminating wires extending between the compartments.

Claims

1. A security system for deterring a security breach in an unattended vehicle having passenger and engine compartments, comprising:

a) sensor means for sensing a security compromising event and including timer means and a transmitter module for transmitting a wireless signal having a predetermined length in response to said sensed event;

b) means for interiorly mounting the sensor means within the passenger compartment;

c) siren means, including a receiver module having a receiving antenna for receiving said wireless signal, and for sounding an alarm in response to receiving said wireless signal; and

d) means for interiorly mounting the siren means within the engine compartment.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means includes a voltage detector for detecting a drop in vehicle battery voltage.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the sensor means includes means for adjusting the voltage drop detected by the voltage detector.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means includes a shock detector unit for detecting shocks imparted to any part of the vehicle.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the sensor means includes means for adjusting the magnitude of the shock detected by the shock detector.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the siren means includes an on-board antenna for receiving the wireless signal provided by said sensor means.

7. The system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means further includes auxiliary power means for supplying electrical power in the event that the vehicle battery does not supply power.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means includes an on-board antenna for transmitting the wireless signal to said siren means.

9. The system according to claim 1 further comprising:

means for remotely arming and disarming the sensor means, including a portable transmitter for transmitting radio frequency arming and disarming signals on a carrier frequency distinct from the carrier frequency of the wireless signal provided by said sensor means and an arming/disarming antenna on-board the sensor means for receiving said arming and disarming signals.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the sensor means includes a clip for detachably mounting the sensor means to a sun visor in the passenger compartment.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the sensor means includes hook-and-loop fastener means for detachably mounting the sensor means on a dashboard in the passenger compartment.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means is adapted to operate on power supplied by the vehicle cigarette lighter receptacle.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor means is adapted to operate on power supplied by the vehicle fuse block.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein said sensor means further includes auxiliary power means for supplying electrical power in the event that the vehicle battery does not supply power.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the siren means is adapted to be electrically connected to a vehicle battery, and includes a rechargeable power means adapted for supplying electrical power in the event that the vehicle battery does not supply power.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for mounting the siren means includes a magnetic mount for detachably connecting the siren means on a metal support.

17. The system for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined length is one minute long.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter module transmits a first wireless signal having a first predetermined code and said receiver module sounds said alarm in response to a second wireless signal having a second predetermined code said system further comprising:

means for selectably determining one of said first and second codes so that the first code that said transmitter transmits matches said second code.

19. The system according to claim 2, wherein said vehicle battery voltage drop is a voltage drop produced by actuation of an electric accessory connected to said vehicle battery.