Vehicle anti-theft device
First Claim
1. A partial vehicle disablement system for limiting engine operation to idle speed, by selectively locking the vehicle accelerator pedal against depression, comprising:
- an obstructing member movable between obstructing and enabling positions, selectively contacting and completely clearing the accelerator pedal, respectively;
means defining an opening through a vehicle firewall in the vicinity of the vehicle accelerator pedal for enabling said obstructing member to be slidably mounted therethrough, toward and beneath the vehicle accelerator pedal; and
a means for moving said obstructing member selectively to said obstructing and enabling positions, said means for moving said obstructing member being located outside of the vehicle firewall and including;
a motor;
a pinion attached to said motor; and
a rack formed on said obstructing member, said pinion engaging said rack;
whereby,actuation of said motor moves said obstructing member between said enablement position and said obstructing position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle disablement system that prevents and deters the unauthorized use of a vehicle by limiting engine operation to idle speed. A pedal obstructing device is located beneath the accelerator pedal of the vehicle that is selectively movable between an obstructing position, engaging the pedal, and an enablement position, clearing the pedal. The pedal obstructing device is moved into the obstructing position by an electromagnetic actuator (e.g., a solenoid) or by a motor. The device is locked into the obstructing position by a locking arm which is electromagnetically activated. In an alternative embodiment of the system, the electromagnetic actuator or the motor is controlled from a remotely operated transmitter.
45 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A partial vehicle disablement system for limiting engine operation to idle speed, by selectively locking the vehicle accelerator pedal against depression, comprising:
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an obstructing member movable between obstructing and enabling positions, selectively contacting and completely clearing the accelerator pedal, respectively; means defining an opening through a vehicle firewall in the vicinity of the vehicle accelerator pedal for enabling said obstructing member to be slidably mounted therethrough, toward and beneath the vehicle accelerator pedal; and a means for moving said obstructing member selectively to said obstructing and enabling positions, said means for moving said obstructing member being located outside of the vehicle firewall and including; a motor; a pinion attached to said motor; and a rack formed on said obstructing member, said pinion engaging said rack; whereby, actuation of said motor moves said obstructing member between said enablement position and said obstructing position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A partial vehicle disablement system for limiting engine operation to idle speed, by selectively locking the vehicle accelerator pedal against depression, comprising:
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an obstructing member movable between obstructing and enabling positions, selectively contacting and completely clearing the accelerator pedal, respectively; means defining an opening through a vehicle firewall in the vicinity of the vehicle accelerator pedal for enabling said obstructing member to be slidably mounted therethrough, toward and beneath the vehicle accelerator pedal; a means for moving said obstructing member selectively to said obstructing and enabling positions, said means for moving said obstructing member being located outside of the vehicle firewall and including; spring means biasing said obstructing member toward said enablement position; and a first coil surrounding said obstructing member, effective when energized to develop a first electromagnetic force in opposition to said first mechanical force, thereby moving said obstructing member frown said enablement position to said obstructing position; a transmitter for transmitting operating commands; and a remote operated device for deploying said obstructing member responsive to said operating commands. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A partial vehicle disablement system for limiting engine operation to idle speed, by selectively locking the vehicle accelerator pedal against depression, comprising:
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an obstructing member movable between obstructing and enabling positions, selectively contacting and completely clearing the accelerator pedal, respectively; a means for moving said obstructing member selectively to said obstructing and enabling positions; means defining an opening through a vehicle firewall in the vicinity of the vehicle accelerator pedal, for enabling said obstructing member to be slidably mounted therethrough, toward and beneath the vehicle accelerator pedal, said means for moving said obstructing member being located outside of the vehicle firewall; a locking means movable between locking and release positions selectively contacting and clearing said obstructing member, respectively, for preventing said obstructing member from moving toward said enablement position when in said locking position; a transmitter for transmitting operating commands; and a remote operated device for deploying said obstructing member responsive to said operating commands. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification