Dual function theft prevention system

• US 5,610,446 A
• Filed: 12/22/1995
• Issued: 03/11/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barry Garber
• Original Assignee: Barry Garber
• Inventors: Garber, Barry
• Primary Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US08/577,114
• Time in Patent Office: 445 Days
• Field of Search: 307/9.1-10.6, 180/287, 340/425.5, 340/426, 340/825.3-825.32, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/542, 364/424.01-424.05, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 235/487, 235/493
• US Class Current: 307/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/08 operating on brakes or brake systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/23 using manual input of alphanumerical codes
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user

Abstract

A dual function theft prevention system including a plurality of numeric keys allowing a driver to enter a multiple digit numeric code and a magnetic strip reader for receiving and scanning an associated card with a code sequence present thereon. Also included is an ignition for actuating a conventional vehicle engine upon receipt of power and brake circuitry connected to a conventional anti-lock brake system module for engaging brakes of the vehicle upon the activation thereof and further allowing normal operation of the anti-lock brake system module upon the deactivation thereof. Finally, control circuitry is coupled to the numeric keys, magnetic strip reader, brake circuitry, and ignition. The control circuitry is adapted to provide power to the ignition and deactivate the brake circuitry upon receiving a proper multiple digit numeric code sequence via the numeric keys and subsequently receiving a proper code sequence from the magnetic strip reader.

Claims

1. A dual function theft prevention system comprising, in combination:

a rectangular housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front face, a rear face, and a pair of side walls defining an interior space, the housing adapted to be coupled to a conventional vehicle instrument panel;

a power source comprising a conventional automobile battery;

a plurality of numeric keys situated on the front face of the housing for allowing a driver to enter a four digit numeric code sequence, wherein the keys are staggered so as to allow ease in entering the code sequence;

a card comprising a magnetic strip with a card code sequence present thereon;

a magnetic strip reader comprising a slot horizontally formed on the front face of the housing with a pair of open ends positioned on each of the side walls for receiving the card and further allowing the card to be slid laterally between the open ends, the magnetic strip reader for scanning the code sequence present on the magnetic strip;

an ignition for actuating a conventional vehicle engine upon the receipt of power from the power source;

brake circuitry connected to a conventional anti-lock brake system module for engaging brakes of the vehicle upon the activation thereof and further allowing normal operation of the brake system module upon the deactivation thereof;

a lock key situated on the front face of the housing, the lock key having an activated orientation upon the depression thereof, the lock key including a light emitting diode for signalling when the lock key is in an activated orientation; and

control circuitry situated within the interior space of the housing and coupled to the power source, the numeric keys, the magnetic strip reader, the ignition, the lock key and the brake circuitry, the control circuitry for transmitting power to the ignition and deactivating the brake circuitry upon receipt of a proper four digit numeric code sequence from the numeric keys and further a proper card code sequence from the magnetic strip reader within a predetermined time period, the control circuitry further precluding power from being supplied to the ignition and further activate the brake circuitry upon the activation of the lock key.