GB2282359A

GB2282359A - Vehicle anti-theft device

Info

Publication number: GB2282359A
Application number: GB9419457A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Ian Mcgrath; Ian Gillespie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-09-29
Filing date: 1994-09-27
Publication date: 1995-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2014-09-27
Also published as: GB9419457D0; GB9320062D0; GB2282359B

Abstract

A device for preventing unauthorised access to the ignition switch and steering lock commonly incorporated in the steering column of motor vehicles comprises two box-like casing components 10 and 12 which cover the steering column cowling and are hinged or otherwise linked together to allow easy installation over the steering column of a vehicle. Provision 24, 26 is made to accommodate instrumentation stalks and to securely lock the casings together after installation with lock 28. <IMAGE>

Description

VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE This invention relates to devices for preventing the unauthorised use of a vehicle and more particularly to a shroud for protecting the steering column cowling containing the ignition switch from breakage by an unauthorised user.

In recent years theft from and of motor vehicles has become much more common. Once access has been gained to the vehicle it is usual for car thieved who wish to steal the vehicle to smash the steering column cowling, force the steering lock and bypass the ignition switch either by "hot wiring" or simply by smashing the lock. This is easy to achieve without special tools or sophistication because of the trend over many years to use the lightweight plastics for components such as cowlings.

This type of theft accounts for about 95% of vehicle thefts.

Thus a need presently exists for a steering column shield to protect the steering column lock and ignition switch. Such a shield should be easily installable by the user yet impossible to defeat without special tools or taking excessive time.

It has been proposed to provide a permanently fitted strong shroud over the steering lock/ignition switch assembly leaving access to the ignition lock. This does not provide a visible deterrent, involves relatively high fitting costs, and is vulnerable to a thief with a skeleton key.

According to the present invention there is provided a strong demountable shroud comprising two or more shaped parts adapted to fit and be locked together without gaps or weak points around the steering column of a vehicle.

Preferably, two parts are provided, hinged together at one side and lockable one to the other at the other side.

Conveniently, the or each part may include internal padding to prevent damage to the steering column cowling in use.

In one preferred form the shroud has openings to coincide with the instrument stalks so that the latter protrude from the shroud when it is fixed in place. It is, however, currently preferred to make the shroud large enough so that it completely encloses the steering column including any instrument switches or stalks. This simplifies fitting and improves security.

Advantageously the shroud is made of a strong material such as metal of suitable gauge, and is brightly coloured or fluorescent so as to be easily visible when fitted and deter would-be thieves.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompany drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the device part opened; Figure 2 shows a secure hinge assembly; and Figure 3 shows in elevation the device fitted in position around a steering column.

Referring to the drawings the device comprises two boxlike structures, an upper section 10 and a lower section 12.

These sections are pivotally connected along end edges 14 and 16 by a hinge 18 which is designed to prevent external access to any elements of the hinge which would enable the components to be separated. The opposite end edges 20 and 22 on sections 10 and 12 respectively are adjacent to each other.

Sections 10 and 12 incorporate openings such as 24 and 26 illustrated. These coincide with the positions of the steering column appendages such as indicator/windscreen wiper/light stalks. Opening 26 at the hinge end is a hole which enables the assembly to be mounted over a stalk.

Opening 24 at the opposite end is slotted to allow the assembly to close over a stalk at that side of the column.

The opening end incorporates a lock 28 to enable the assembly to be fitted over the column such that it cannot be removed without the use of the special tool or key provided. In this embodiment provision is made for guide pins 30 to assist correct closure, for example when overcoming the resistance of padding used to prevent damage to the vehicle components being covered, and to improve the strength of the lock assembly.

Figure 3 illustrates the installation of the anti-theft device of the present invention on the steering column 32. It fits over the indicator stalk 34 and covers the ignition switch 36.

During installation the instrument stalk (not shown) on the opposite side of the steering column is inserted through opening 26 and the end edges 20 and 22 of the box portions brought together so that the anti-theft device is in close surrounding relation to the steering column in the desired location as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 2 illustrates a hinge which is secure when closed, access to the pivot pins only being possible with the casing open. In another embodiment the two sections 10 and 12 could be completely separate requiring either two locking devices such as the one illustrated for this embodiment or one locking and one linking device.

Additional security can be incorporated for example in the form of an alarm 38 within or upon the upper or lower casing which is activated when the security device is closed and generates an audible warning when any attempt is made to dislodge or remove the device.

Claims

CLAI1S

1. A strong de-mountable shroud comprising two or more shaped parts adapted to fit and be locked together to provide an inaccessible cover without gaps or weak points around the steering column of a vehicle.

2. A shroud as claimed in claim 1 comprising two parts hinged together at one side and lockable one to the other at the other side.

3. A shroud as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 including internal padding to prevent damage to the steering column cowling in use.

4. A shroud as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 of sufficient size to enclose the steering column including any instruments switches or stalks.

5. A shroud as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 fabricated from a metal of suitable gauge.

6. A shroud as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 which is brightly coloured of fluorescent so as to be easily visible when fitted and deter would be thieves.

7. A shroud as substantially as herein before described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.