AU656984B2 - Security cover - Google Patents

Description

i i 656984

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Regulation 3.2 o a r saoi a r a a c.r a I t r icrr

I

rr I r r I r rr c, I ar it r Name of Applicant: TRULINE FABRICATIONS PTY. LTD.

Actual Inventor: PETER DAVIS BETTESS Address for Service: R K MADDERN ASSOCIATES, 345 King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: SECURITY COVER Details of Associated Provisional Application Nos: PK 7170 dated 12th July, 1991 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to

US.

I

I

This invention relates to a security cover, and in particular relates to a security cover for a steering wheel lock and ignition assembly.

The theft of motor vehicles is a major problem, and obviously some effort is made by manufacturers of motor vehicles to provide security devices which wiL.l prevent motor vehicles from being stolen. However, regardless of these efforts, it appears relatively easy for some security systems to be overcome. In many cases, oilce the method is known, the security devices can be overcome and the vehicle stolen within a matter of seconds.

Once production design of the vehicle has been finalised, it is not easy to redesign or reinstall systems to overcome these design faults.

In particular, steering wheel lock and ignition assemblies are a major area of concern, as if these locks can be easily tampered with, then the vehicle may readily be stolen.

40.4 0o 00 o°tho Such assemblies normally comprise an assembly fitted to the steering column of the vehicle. The assembly which is generally elongate, has an ignition lock operated by a key at a first end. Rotation of the key disengages a steering lock, o and rotates an ignition switch.

4 44 The steering lock normally comprises a pin which locates into an indentation on the steering wheel column, and prevents rotation of the steering column when the pin is located within the indentation. The pin has a fail safe o: mechanism, and can only be disengaged by rotation of the key in the ignition lock. An ignition switch is fitted to the other second end of the lock assembly, and is a rotary type switch.

2 e. In some lock and ignition assemblies, a sharp blow to the external surface of the inner rotating member of the ignition lock is sufficient to internally rupture the lock, and to destroy the mechanism associated with the steering lock pin. By sharply jerking the steering wheel, the pin can be disengaged. Finally, the lower steering column plastic cover is ripped away, and the ignition switch can then be simply unplugged from the steering lock assembly. A screw driver can then be used to rotate the switch and start the engine. This operation can be completed in a matter of seconds.

Obviously, there is a need to prevent vehicles from being so easily stolen. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a means of securing such steering lock and ignition assemblies.

In its broadest form, the invention comprises a security cover for a steering wheel lock and ignition assembly, where the lock and ignition assembly is a generally elongate assembly having a key aperture on a first end and electrical switch mechanism at the other second end which is secured to a steering column, the security cover comprising an end cap for location over the first end of the lock and ignition assembly having the key aperture therein, the end cap having an aperture therein that is only large enough to allow location of a key into the lock, a cylindrical cover comprising a tubular member having one closed end and having longitudinal cut-out portions in the tubular member to allow the cylindrical cover to be placed over the second end such that the end cap and cylindrical cover interengage and fastening means to secure the end cap and cover together.

In use, the invention will prevent a sharp blow from being administered to the inner rotating member of the lock, and in addition will prevent the ignition switch from being easily removed from the end of the assembly.

3 Preferably, the cut out portions are designed to allow the minimum sized cylindrical cover to be used, while at the same time providing clearance for the cylinder cover to be slid on to the lock and ignition assembly from the ignition switch end. Therefore, the cut out portions will need to accommodate the external steering column tube, together with the various bracket elements of the lock and ignition assembly.

In addition, apertures will be required to allow exit of the wiring loom from the ignition switch, and in addition apertures may be provided for allowing securement of the normal plastic moulding to the ignition switch body.

In order for the cylindrical cover to locate over the generally cylindrical lock and ignition assembly, the axis of the cylindrical cover may need to be displaced in relation to the axis of the lock and ignition assembly. Therefore, the end cap may need to comprise a first smaller diameter tube which is secured eccentrically with respect to a second larger diameter tube, the second larger diamete" tube being the portion which interengages with the cylindrical cover.

In order to secure the end cap to the cylindrical cover, a threaded fastener may be used, but it should be of the variety which is self-locking. In order to prevent the fastener head from being sheared off by a hammer blow, a hardened ring or recess may be provided, so as to protect the 4fastener head.

j i The steering lock assembly normally comprises a metallic S structure which combines a bracket for securing the lock to the steering column, and the necessary housings for the lock A mechanism and steering lock pin mechanism. The ignition 3£ switch is normally a plastic fitting but is secured to the end of the steering lock. As the cover exteiids across both the steering lock assembly and ignition switch, and as cutout portions are provided on one side of the cover, then in some cases it would be possible to apply sufficient force to 4 an end of the cover such that the ignition switch breaks away from the steering lock, and such that the cover is distorted sufficiently to allow it to rotate away from the steering lock.

Therefore, the invention may further comprise a bracing bracket one end of which is secured to the cylindrical cover, the other end being secured to the steering column such that the bracing bracket substantially restrains rotation or movement of the cylindrical cover. A bracing bracket may be provided at either end of the cover, but preferably a bracing bracket is at least provided adjacent the end covering the ignition switch.

In order that the invention may be fully understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described, but it should be realised that the invention is not to be restricted or confined to the precise arrangement of this embodiment.

This embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 shows a part view of a steering column with a lock and ignition assembly attached thereto with the ignition switch removed from the end of the lock assembly, showing the location of the bracing bracket to the bracket of l ock assembly, Fig 2 shows a part view of a ste, ing column with attached ignition and lock assembly with the bracing brr et Sin location, and showing installation of the cylindrical J cover, Fig 3 shows the bracing bracket and cylindrical cover in position on the lock and ignition assembly, and shows the location of the end cap onto the lock and ignition assembly, and 5 fi Fig 4 shows the fully assembled security cover located on the lock and ignition assembly.

In this embodiment, the security cover 10 comprises an end cap 11 a cylindrical cover 12 and a bracing bracket 13.

The end cap comprises a first cylindrical portion 15 which has an inside diameter sufficiently large to slip over the first end 16 of the lock and ignition assembly. The first cylindrical portion 15 is eccentrically attached to a second cylindrical portion 18 which extends only a short length along the first end 16 of the lock and ignition assembly.

The cylindrical cover 12 is preferably manufactured from tubular steel having a circular cross-section. However, it may be equally manufactured from steel tubing having a square cross-section. The cylindrical cover 12 is arranged to IIlt locate over the lock and ignition assembly 14 from the second ri end or end opposite to that which the end cap 11 is located.

r The diameter of the cylindrical cover 12 tubing is just large enough to allow location over the lock and ignition assembly.

The bracing bracket 13 comprises a ring 20 which in plan view has an elliptical cross-section. Ring 20 is attached to a coupling means 21 which is designed to locate around an existing portion of the bracket 22 which secures the lock and ignition assembly 14 to the steering column 23.

The coupling means 21 comprises a main plate 25 which locates against a portion of the bracket 22, and a pair of lugs 26 locate around and behind flanges 27. The coupling means 21 is slid into location from below the steering column 23, and a stop 28 abuts against the lower edge of the flanges 27. A block 29 locates into the top of the coupling means 21, and is secured to the main plate 25 by threaded fasteners 30. This thereby securely fastens the coupling means 21 to the bracket 22.

6 Fig 1 shows an exploded view of the bracing bracket 13 being secured to the flange 27, and Fig 2 shows the bracing bracket 13 fully installed.

Fig 2 shows the location of thb cylindrical cover 12 over the second end of the lock and ignition assembly 14. As can be seen in Fig 2, the cylindrical cover 12 is provided with a longitudinal cut-out portion 31 which allows the cylindrical cover 12 to clear the various portions of the lock assembly and bracket 22. In addition, the cut-out portion 31 has an aperture or clearance which allows the wiring loom 32 to exit from the security cover Obviously, the cut-out portion 31 is arranged such that there are no or minimal gaps between the edge of the cut-out portion 31 and the steering column and steering column bracket 22.

cro As seen in Fig 2, the cylindrical-cover 12 is provided with a plurality of apertures 34 for location of threaded 0 fasteners 30. In addition, a raised ring 35 is pressed into the cylindrical cover 12 such that the head of the threaded fasteners 30 locates in a recess, thereby preventing access to the threaded fastener head by chisel or other impact means. In addition to the use of a pressed raised ring 35, a rl separate ring may also be welded in place.

i In order to close the end of the cylindrical cover 12, a cover plate 36 is welded to the end of the cylindrical cover I 12. As seen in Fig 2, the end of the cylindrical cover 12 is 30 cut at an angle, which allows for clearance between the security cover 10 and the plastic cowling which covers the lock and ignition assembly 14. As seen in Fig 3, the end cap 11 may then be located over the first end of the lock and ignition assembly 14 so as to interengage with the open end of the cylindrical cover 12. As seen in Fig 4, the second cylindrical portion 18 of the end cap 11 engagem within the end of the cylindrical cover 12. The second cylindrical portion 18 is provided with apertures for location of threaded fasteners therein.

7 c The second cylindrical portion 18 may also be provided with a cut-out portion to allow for clearance with the lock and ignition assembly 14 and bracket 22.

As seen in Fig 4, the end cap 11 is provided with an aperture 37 which allows insertion of the key into the ignition lock. This aperture 37 is made as small as possible so as to prevent ready access to the ignition lock by hammers or other impact means. Preferably, the ignition key may have portions of the key removed so as to allow for operation of the key within the aperture 37.

Finally, the cylindrical cover 12 may be provided with an aperture 38 which allows access to a threaded hole 39 in the lock and ignition assembly 14 which is used to secure the plastic cover to the steering column 23. Further, a projection 40 is attached to the end of the cylindrical cover 12 so as to prevent the ring 20 from being forced over the end of the cylindrical cover 12.

In this embodiment, all of the threaded fasteners which are used to secure the various elements of the security cover 10 comprise threzded fasteners having security screw heads. These screw heads have two projections diagonally 25 opposed about a central slot which allow the screw driver to engage those surfaces for insertion. These projections are positioned so that in respect of a right hand screw thread, V44%the projections are engaged for insertion of the threaded I to.. fastener, but in respect of applying an opposite rotating force with the screw driver, the screw driver simply rides up over the projections thereby effectively preventing removal of the threaded fastener once in position.

8 As can be seen from the above description, the invention restricts or prevents the destruction of the internal lock mechanism, and more importantly prevents the ignition swicch from being readily removed from the second end of the lock ignition assembly. This effectively prevents any tampering with the lock and ignition assembly.

i i'l; Io a *i -9

Claims (8)

1. A security cover for a steering wheel lock and ignition assembly, where the lock and ignition assembly is a generally elongate assembly having a key aperture on a first end and electrical switch mechanism at the other second end which is secured to a steering column, the security cover comprising an end cap for location over the first end of the lock and ignition assembly having the key aperture therein, the end cap having an aperture therein that is only large enough to allow location of a key into the lock, a cylindrical cover 0 comprising a tubular member having one closed end and having longitudinal cut-out portions in the tubular member to allow the cylindrical cover to be placed over the second end such that the end cap and cylindrical cover interengage and fastening means to secure the end cap and cover together.

2. A security cover according to claim 1 wherein the end cap engages within said cylindrical cover.

3. A security cove: according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said fastening means comprises threaded fasteners having a head for driving said fastener, the security cover 4 further comprising a plurality of recessed portions around apertures for location of the head of said thread fastener therein.

4. A security cover according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a bracing bracket, said bracket being secured at one end to the steering column, the other end of said bracing bracket positioned with respect to the 3' cylindrical cover, to restrain relative movement between said cylindrical cover and bracing bracket.

A security cover according to claim 4 wherein said bracing bracket further comprises a ring and coupling means, wherein said coupling means may be secured to a portion of the bracket that secures said lock and ignition assembly to 10 the steer with resp cylindric ring.

6. A se cylindric I prevents cylindric ing column, such that said ring is centrally located ect to the lock ,nd ignition assembly such that the al cover may locate over said assembly through said curity cover according to claim 5 wherein the al cover has a projection on said closed end which said ring from passing over said end of the al cover. ?o. 0 0 o 15 0o 0000 o o o o o Q~d

7. A security cover according to claim 6 wherein all threaded fasteners have security screw heads with projections diagonally opposed about a central slot which have surfaces that engage a screw driver for insertion but which will not allow the screw driver to remove said screw.

8. A security cover substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. S v o o 0 0 C Dated this 14th day of December 1994 TRULINE FABRICATIONS PTY. LTD. By its Patent Attorneys R K MADDERN ASSOCIATES CV---'Za. U00 /6 CFN 11 I_ I ABS TRACT This invention relates to a security cover for a steering wheel lock and ignition assembly where the lock and ignition assembly (14) is of a generally elongate nature having a key aperture on a first end and an electrical switch mechanism at the second end. This lock and ianition assembly (14) is generally securod to a steering column (23) and the steering column is surrounded by moulded covers. The invention comprises an end cap (11) for location over the first end of the lock and ignition assembly t14), the end cap (11) having an aperture therein that is only large enough to allow location of a key into the lock, a cylindrical cover (12) comprising a tubular member having one end closed and having a longitudinal cut-out portion (311 to allow the cylindrical cover (12) to be placed over the second end of the lock and ignition assembly and fastening means (30) to secure the end cap (11) and cover (12) together. The invention fully covers the ignition and lock assembly (14) thereby preventing access to the electrical switch mechanism and substantially preventing access to the lock on the first end of the lock and ignition assembly (14). ii ii