US3794796A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Alcohol security interlock switch device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-04-10
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Granted: 1974-02-26
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Expires: 1992-04-10
Abstract
Abstract This invention is an alcohol security interlock switch for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism disposed in a housing and operable by a key which, if inserted carefully and within a prescribed period by a driver with a steady hand, will start the motor of the motor driven vehicle, but, if the action is attempted by a driver under the influence of drink or drugs immobilisation of the motor will inevitably follow. The locking mechanism includes a lock barrel assembly which is rotatable by the key and movable axially by relatively light pressure to operate an electro/mechanical immobilising mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 A Dwan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:56
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/01; B60R25/02; B60R25/021; B60R25/0211; B60R25/02115; B60K; B60K28/00; B60K28/02; B60K28/06; B60K28/063; H; H01; H01H; H01H27/00; H01H27/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/20; Y10T70/25; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5889; Y10T70/5956; Y10T70/70; Y10T70/7141
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
An interlock switch for starting a motor vehicle which requires careful operation to prevent use of the vehicle by unauthorized persons and persons not in full control of their faculties comprising a housing, a lock barrel rotatably mounted and axially slidable therein, a key for said lock barrel, a selector ring means adapted to be set to a preselected position for unlocking said lock by said key, immobilizing means operable by predetermined excessive forward pressure of said key in said lock barrel to move the barrel axially in the housing to prevent unlocking the lock and to prevent retraction of said locK barrel by said key, electrical circuit means for starting the motor, means for completing the electrical circuits of said circuit means when the selector ring means is properly set and the key is properly rotated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
An interlock switch for starting a motor vehicle which requires careful operation to prevent use of the vehicle by unauthorized persons and persons not in full control of their faculties comprising a housing, a lock barrel rotatably mounted and axially slidable therein, a key for said lock barrel, a selector ring means adapted to be set to a preselected position for unlocking said lock by said key, immobilizing means operable by predetermined excessive forward pressure of said key in said lock barrel to move the barrel axially in the housing to prevent unlocking the lock and to prevent retraction of said locK barrel by said key, electrical circuit means for starting the motor, means for completing the electrical circuits of said circuit means when the selector ring means is properly set and the key is properly rotated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
An interlock switch as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising timing means operable by said immobilizing means for determining the period within which said selector ring means and said key means may be reset in starting position for the unlocking operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the timing means is a thermostatic means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said thermostatic means includes a bi-metal strip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said electrical circuit means includes a contact plate mounted on said axially slidable lock barrel and fixed contacts cooperating with said contact plate to complete the electrical circuits.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said selector ring means is a ring with markings thereon and interconnected with said lock barrel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 2 and further comprising means connecting said selector ring means with said timing means so that movement of said selector ring means initiates the operation of said timing means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 2 and further comprising means interconnecting said timing means and said selector ring means with said electric circuit means so that when said circuit means is disconnected said selector ring can not be set in its proper position for accepting said key.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising a membrane element adapted to shatter when high impact forces due to collision cause the axially slidable lock barrel to move in its housing, to disconnect said electrical circuit means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An interlock device as claimed in claim 9 and further comprising means for rendering said lock barrel inoperative when said membrane is shattered.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1937165A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-25 | 1977-08-27 | 1978-02-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-25 | 1981-08-27 | 1982-02-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-25 | 1985-08-27 | 1986-02-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |