Remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system

• US 5,805,057 A
• Filed: 11/05/1997
• Issued: 09/08/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Firooz B. Eslaminovin
• Original Assignee: Firooz B. Eslaminovin
• Inventors: Eslaminovin, Firooz B.
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US08/965,005
• Time in Patent Office: 307 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426, 340/428, 340/429, 340/430, 340/425.5, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/539, 307/10.2, 307/10.3, 307/10.4, 307/10.5, 307/10.6, 180/287, 180/167, 379/37, 379/38, 379/39, 379/44, 455/404
• US Class Current: 340/426.12
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/041 Preventing use of engine operating on the fluid supply
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1013 Alarm systems characterised by the type of warning signal, e.g. visual, audible
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/104 characterised by the type of theft warning signal, e.g. visual or audible signals with special characteristics

Abstract

A remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system for a motor vehicle that is activated by an external telephone call or internally by one of two switches. The telephone call sends a signal received by a modular telephone stored in the vehicle that disables the vehicle by deactivating the ignition coil or substantially closing a fuel valve that controls fuel flow between the vehicle fuel tank and the vehicle engine. The signal also causes a distress sign at the top of the vehicle to be illuminated. In addition, the signal activates a tape machine that plays a prerecorded distress tape message through speakers that send a loud audible reproduction of the taped message internally and externally to the motor vehicle to attract the attention of any local population. The taped message may be any of a variety of messages, such as "HELP|", "CALL THE POLICE|", etc.

Claims

1. A remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system for a motor vehicle comprising:

a modular telephone for receiving an external telephone call to activate said disabling and distress indicator system;

electronic control means mounted within the vehicle for disabling the vehicle upon being activated;

wherein said electronic control means include a first switch to disable the vehicle, illuminate said distress sign, and activate said tape machine to playback and transmit said prerecorded distress tape message internally and externally of the vehicle, and a second switch to illuminate said distress sign, and activate said tape machine to playback and transmit said prerecorded distress tape message internally and externally of the vehicle;

a distress sign mounted on the vehicle, and capable of being illuminated;

a tape machine mounted within the vehicle for playing back a prerecorded distress tape message; and

one or more speakers mounted in the vehicle for transmitting audio sounds of said prerecorded distress tape message internally and externally of the vehicle;

wherein said electronic control means electronically disables the vehicle, illuminates said distress sign, activates said tape machine to playback said prerecorded distress tape message, and activates said one or more speakers to transmit said prerecorded distress tape message internally and externally of the vehicle.

2. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 1, further comprising means for activating said system by a signal transmitted from the telephone external to the vehicle.

3. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 1, further comprising a first means for disabling the vehicle by deactivating a vehicle ignition switch.

4. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 1, further comprising a second means for disabling the vehicle by substantially closing a fuel valve that provides fuel flow between a fuel tank of the vehicle and an engine of the vehicle.

5. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 4, wherein said second disabling means is configured to limit the vehicle to a speed within a range of about zero to about ten miles per hour by substantially closing the fuel valve.

6. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 1, wherein said distress message is "HELP|".

7. The remote vehicle disabling and distress indicator system according to claim 1, wherein said distress message is "CALL THE POLICE|".