Anti-theft steering column cuff device for automobiles and the like

Claim 1

An anti-theft cuff device for a motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a steering column with an ignition switch, said device comprising: (a) a first box shaped casing having an open side to fit against one side of the steering column; (b) a second box shaped casing having a curved open side to fit against opposite side of the steering column so as to cover and protect the ignition switch; (c) a hasp member extending between said first box shaped casing and said second box shaped casing so as to removably connect said first box shaped casing to said second box shaped casing on the steering column, wherein said hasp member includes: (i) a curved plate having a hooked projection thereon, said curved plate being attached to and extending away from an end wall at said open side of said first box shaped casing; and (ii) a curved strap having a slot therethrough and hinged to an end wall at said open side of said second box shaped casing so that said slot can fit over said hooked projection to be removably connected thereto; and (d) means extending between said first box shaped casing and said second box shaped casing opposite said hasp member, for locking said cuff device to the steering column to prevent an unauthorized person from operating the ignition switch, wherein said first box shaped casing includes a base wall, opposite said open side thereof, having two openings therethrough, so that a tilt lever on the steering column can extend through one of said openings while a signal lever on the steering column can extend through the other of said openings.