Vehicle security device

• US 7,400,230 B2
• Filed: 05/09/2005
• Issued: 07/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/11/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: PFK Electronics (Pty) Ltd.
• Original Assignee: PFK Electronics (Pty) Ltd.
• Inventors: Parnaby, Michael Boyden
• Primary Examiner(s): Tweel, Jr.; John
• Application Number:
  US11/124,115
• Publication Number:
  US 20050253691A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,163 Days
• Field of Search: 340/426.1, 340/426.11, 340/426.34
• US Class Current: 340/426.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1003 Alarm systems characterised by arm or disarm features
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/20 Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle security device. It relates, more particularly, to a security device or system which operatively serves as an alarm and/or immobilizer. The invention provides a vehicle security system including first and second parts, each including an electronic sub-circuit and a housing, and a communications link. In the operative configuration of the system on a vehicle, the first part is permanently mounted on the vehicle and the second part temporarily. The sub-circuits are interconnected via the link to define an integral control circuit, thus rendering the system operative. Should the vehicle be sold and the purchaser not require the system, the second part and the link may be removed and re-used by the seller. The value of only the first part is sacrificed by the seller. The system is aimed primarily at vehicle dealers.

Claims

1. A vehicle security system including

a first part, including a housing and a first electronic sub-circuit housed in the housing, which can be installed in a vehicle in a location which is not readily accessible;

a second part, including a housing and a second electronic sub-circuit housed in the housing, which can be installed in a vehicle in a readily accessible location;

a communications link via which the first and the second sub-circuits are, in the operative configuration of the system, releasably interconnected to define an integral control circuit having functionality associated with vehicle security, and

the system being configured to provide for the operation of a vehicle in which the system is operatively installed to be restored to its pre-installation state by merely removing the second part whilst the system is disarmed, leaving the first part in place.

2. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, which is configured so that tampering with the second part whilst the system is armed will trigger the system to activate associated alarm means.

3. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the first electronic sub-circuit and the communications link define complementary plug-in connectors via which they are operatively releasably interconnected.

4. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the second electronic sub-circuit and the communications link define complementary plug-in connectors via which they are operatively releasably interconnected.

5. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the second electronic sub-circuit includes a central microprocessor for controlling the operation of the control circuit, in the operative configuration of the security system.

6. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 5, in which the central microprocessor is programmable.

7. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 5, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes an ancillary microprocessor, the processors of the first and second electronic sub-circuits providing for coded communication between them.

8. A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the second electronic sub-circuit includes at least one of

a receiver, for receiving arm/disarm signals from a compatible transmitter;

a power supply for the entire control circuit;

protection circuitry for protecting the control circuit from interference from a vehicle on which it is operatively installed;

an intrusion sensor;

a light emitting status indicator light for indicating an armed status of the system;

a relay switch for flashing the indicators of a vehicle on which the system is operatively installed; and

a reset button.

9. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes a relay operatively associated with immobilization of a vehicle.

10. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the housing of the first part includes a mounting formation providing for it to be securely mounted on a vehicle.

11. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 10, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes a shock sensor.

12. A security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the housing of the second part includes a mounting formation providing for it to be removably mounted inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

13. A vehicle security system including

a first part, including a housing and a first electronic sub-circuit housed in the housing, which can be installed in a vehicle in a location which is not readily accessible;

a second part, including a housing and a second electronic sub-circuit housed in the housing, which can be installed in a vehicle in a readily accessible location;

a communications link via which the first and the second sub-circuits are, in the operative configuration of the system, releasably interconnected to define an integral control circuit having functionality associated with vehicle security, and

the system being configured to provide for the operation of a vehicle in which the system is operatively installed to be restored to its pre-installation state by merely removing both the second part and the communications link whilst the system is disarmed, leaving the first part in place.

14. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, which is configured so that tampering with the second part whilst the system is armed will trigger the system to activate associated alarm means.

15. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the first electronic sub-circuit and the communications link define complementary plug-in connectors via which they are operatively releasably interconnected.

16. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the second electronic sub-circuit and the communications link define complementary plug-in connectors via which they are operatively releasably interconnected.

17. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the second electronic sub-circuit includes a central microprocessor for controlling the operation of the control circuit, in the operative configuration of the security system.

18. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 17, in which the central microprocessor is programmable.

19. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 17, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes an ancillary microprocessor, the processors of the first and second electronic sub-circuits providing for coded communication between them.

20. A security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the second electronic sub-circuit includes at least one of

a receiver, for receiving arm/disarm signals from a compatible transmitter;

a power supply for the entire control circuit;

protection circuitry for protecting the control circuit from interference from a vehicle on which it is operatively installed;

an intrusion sensor;

a light emitting status indicator light for indicating an armed status of the system;

a relay switch for flashing the indicators of a vehicle on which the system is operatively installed; and

a reset button.

21. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes a relay operatively associated with immobilization of a vehicle.

22. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the housing of the first part includes a mounting formation providing for it to be securely mounted on a vehicle.

23. A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 22, in which the first electronic sub-circuit includes a shock sensor.

24. A security system as claimed in claim 13, in which the housing of the second part includes a mounting formation providing for it to be removably mounted inside the passenger compartment of a vehicle.