US3618009A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automobile switch control and alarm system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-11-10
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Granted: 1971-11-02
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Expires: 1989-11-10
Abstract
Abstract An automobile antitheft system has an override mechanism for the ignition lock normally to prevent insertion of the ignition key into the lock. A number of pushbuttons located on the instrument panel are labeled to identify a secret code, and the pushbuttons are electrically coupled to the override mechanism to disable the mechanism when the proper code is selected. The pushbuttons are also electrically coupled to an alarm so that selecting an improper code activates the alarm.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph K Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:09
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/10; B60R25/1003; B60R25/01; B60R25/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for controlling the insertion of a key into the key barrel of an automobile ignition lock, the apparatus comprising: a. a plurality of selectivity operable sensing means defining properly selected sensing means and improperly selected sensing means; b. locking means movable between a normally locked position preventing passage of the key into the key barrel and an unlocked position permitting passage of the key into the key barrel; and c. electrical lock control means operable in response to actuation of the properly selected sensing means to move the locking means from its normally locked position to its unlocked position to thereby allow insertion of the key into the key barrel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
Apparatus for controlling the insertion of a key into the key barrel of an automobile ignition lock, the apparatus comprising: a. a plurality of selectivity operable sensing means defining properly selected sensing means and improperly selected sensing means; b. locking means movable between a normally locked position preventing passage of the key into the key barrel and an unlocked position permitting passage of the key into the key barrel; and c. electrical lock control means operable in response to actuation of the properly selected sensing means to move the locking means from its normally locked position to its unlocked position to thereby allow insertion of the key into the key barrel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
106 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking means comprises a movable locking element movably disposed within the key barrel movable between a normally locked position preventing passage of the key into the key barrel and an unlocked position permitting passage of the key into the key barrel, and movable retaining means arranged to cooperate with the locking element to normally maintain the locking element in its locked position, the retaining means being movable to a disabled position permitting movement of the locking element; and wherein the electrical lock control means is operable to move the retaining means from its normal position to its disabled position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 including reset means for returning both the retaining means to its normal position and the locking element to its locked position when the key is removed from the key barrel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 including an alarm, and electrical alarm control means in circuit connection with the alarm operable in response to actuation of the improperly selected sensing means to activate the alarm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the key barrel defines a key slot, and a channel extending radially from the key slot, the locking member being movable within the channel into and out of engagement with the key slot; and wherein the retaining means comprises a solenoid having a reciprocable plunger arranged to normally engage the channel to prevent the locking member from moving out of engagement with the key slot.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the selectively operable sensing means comprises a plurality of pushbuttons each of which possesses a respective code symbol to distinguish the properly selected sensing means from the improperly selected sensing means, and a switch associated with each pushbutton for closing the circuit connection between the locking means and the electrical lock control means when only the properly selected sensing means are activated in a predetermined sequence.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the electrical lock control means comprises an electrical circuit including in series a power source, at least two properly selected sensing means, and the locking means disposed in its normally locked position, whereby actuating the properly selected sensing means supplies power to the locking means to move it to its unlocked positIon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the electrical alarm control means comprises an electrical circuit including in series a power source, an electrical circuit including in parallel one or more improperly selected sensing means, and the alarm, whereby actuating any one of the improperly selected sensing means supplies power to the alarm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 including electrical intercoupling means in circuit connection with the electrical alarm control means operable in response to actuation of the properly selected sensing means for actuating the electrical alarm control means in the event the properly selected sensing means are not actuated in a predetermined sequence.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 including electrical means in circuit connection with the electrical alarm control means operable in response to actuation of the electrical lock control means for disabling the alarm in the event the properly selected sensing means are actuated in the predetermined sequence.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the reset means includes electrical means in circuit connection with the electrical lock control means for interrupting the circuit connection between the electrical lock control means and the retaining means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 including electrical means in circuit connection with the electrical lock control means operable in response to actuation of the electrical alarm control means for disabling the electrical lock control means in the event the alarm is activated.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2295178A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-11-01 | 1975-05-03 | 1975-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-11-01 | 1979-05-03 | 1979-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-11-01 | 1983-05-03 | 1983-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |