Anti-theft brake or clutch locking device

Abstract

A device for locking thea brake pedal and brake pedal shaft of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising:, which includes a base member for a placement on thea floorboard of athe vehicle beneath athe brake pedal; aand break pedal shaft. A U-shaped housing extendingextends downward and havinghas a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gapan opening for receipt of athe brake pedal shaft, said space. The opening between the first and second arms definingdefines a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting itspermits full extension of the brake pedal shaft upward through said shaft; andslot. A locking meansmechanism is associated with the secondfirst arm for locking thean underside of the pedal shaft within the slot such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 08 / 949,009 entitled ANTI-THEFT BRAKE LOCKING DEVICE filed Oct. 10, 1997.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an anti-theft brake-locking device for vehicles, which is particularly suitable for both automatic and standard transmission vehicles. More particularly, this invention relates to a device which prevents the brake or clutch pedal from being depressed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Automotive theft is a major worldwide problem. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has reported that a car is stolen every 20 seconds.[0004]The proliferation of mechanical type anti-theft devices for motor vehicles have resulted in the commercial availability of different types of anti-theft devices. One type of prior art system mechanically locks the brake and accelerator by means of two independent or articulated shoes which lock the pedals. The major problem stemming from the use ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]In still a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device for locking the brake of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising: a base member for a placement on the floorboard of a vehicle beneath a brake pedal; a steel U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its full extension upward through said slot, said first arm having a cylindrical opening extending therethrough and collinearly with said slot; a serrated rod extending through said cylindrical opening and being slidable therewith, said rod having a pin at a first end for catching the underside of said brake pedal shaft and a handle at a second end for pulls it upward in a decompressed position; and locking means adapted to lock the serrated rod for locking the position of the rod and pin such that the that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.

Problems solved by technology

Automotive theft is a major worldwide problem.

The major problem stemming from the use of such devices is that the driver has to reach out for the pedal area or actually get down on his or her knees in order to operate the locking device, and the varying distance between the brake and accelerator which can prevent the device from being installed.

First, the connection, due it longitudinal size and cumbersomeness is difficult to store when the device is not being utilized.

Secondly, devices of this nature actually have a poor record against theft. Indeed, it is relatively easy to cut the rim of the steering wheel by means of a saw or the like. The rim of the steering wheel is usually not a viable obstacle for thieves, and the anti-theft device by can be disengaged merely pulling apart the two ends of the rim. Such devices are also not usually adaptable for automatic transmission vehicles because of their structural characteristics.

When the stop bodies are locked in place, the pedal cannot be operated unless the apparatus is restrained.

In addition to above discussed devices and technologies, the prior art also includes complex tracking devices which send out signals to police if a vehicle is reported stolen.

The search may take up to 24 hours or longer with no guarantee of recovery.

Installation of these systems is expensive and require a monthly monitoring fee.

Automotive alarms are similarly expensive and may be deactivated by car thieves.

While the prior art is replete with mechanisms and inventions for locking the brake pedals of a vehicle, there is no simple and easy system ever devised for swiftly securing the brake or clutch pedal in a non-depressible state without the driver or operator having to get down on his or her knees or crouch down.

Images