MXPA00003473A - Anti-theft brake or clutch locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (10) for locking the brake or clutch of a vehicle and preventing its theft comprising:a base member (12) for a placement on the floorboard (35) of a vehicle beneath a brake petal (13);a U-shaped housing (14) extending downward and having a first arm (18) attached to the base and having a second shorter arm (16) defining a gap (20) for receipt of a brake pedal shaft, said space between the first and second arms defining a slot (22) for receiving the brake pedal shaft (13) and permitting its full extension upward through said shaft;and locking means (32) associated with the second arm for locking the underside of the pedal within the slot (22) such that the brake pedal cannot be depressed.

Description

BRAKE OR CLUTCH CLUTCH DEVICE PRIORITY DECLARATION This application is a continuation in part of serial number 09 / 044,666, entitled Anti-theft Brake or Clutch Locking Device, filed on January 8, 1998, which is a continuation in part of the US serial number in progress, 08 / 949,009, entitled Anti-theft Brake Lockihg Device (Locking device against theft), filed on October 10, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a braking or clutch locking device for vehicles, which is particularly suitable for both automatic and normal transmission vehicles. More particularly, this invention relates to a device that prevents the brake or clutch pedal from being depressed thereby rendering a vehicle inoperable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Car theft is a very serious global problem. The Federal Agency of Investigation of E.U.A. has reported that he steals a car every 20 seconds. The proliferation of devices against theft of mechanical type for motor vehicles has resulted in the commercial availability of different types of devices against theft. A type of system of the previous technique mechanically locks the brake and the accelerator by means of two independent or articulated shoes that lock the pedals. The main problem that arises from the use of such devices is that the driver has to reach the pedal area or actually get on his knees in order to operate the locking device and the distance between the brake and the accelerator that can prevent the device from being installed. More recently, some devices have been suggested that are constructed with a long cane that consists of a material against theft and that is provided at both ends with two configured members that are respectively coupled with a pedal and with the steering wheel of the vehicle. The coupling with the steering wheel is locked using a safety lock that prevents it from disengaging. This device, which, due to its characteristics, can be used in traditional transmission cars as well as in automatic transmission vehicles, is mainly affected by two drawbacks. 20 First of all, the connection, due to its longitudinal size and discomfort, is difficult to store when the device is not being used. Second, devices of this nature actually have a history of little merit against theft. Indeed, it is i2g £ s_? ß * Relatively easy to cut the edge of the steering wheel by means of a saw or similar. The edge of the steering wheel is usually not a viable obstacle for thieves and the device can be disengaged against theft by simply separating the two ends of the edge with force. Such devices are also not usually adaptable for automatic transmission vehicles because of their structural characteristics. In the United Kingdom Patent Application No. 2,091, 656, a theft-arrest device for vehicles is described comprising a first support member that extends upwards and provided with a safety latch and a member laterally. projection, a second support member, on which the first support member slides, with a projection member cooperating with the corresponding member of the first support member, in order to lock a pedal of the vehicle when the last member is in its position. lower position, while the lower end of the second support member can carry a base member so that it rests on the floor of the vehicle. A number of United States patents on brake locking mechanisms have also been published. The patent of E.U.A. No. 4,040,675 discloses a device against vehicle theft that maintains the braking function of the brake fluid preventing the reverse flow thereof of the brake shoe cylinder back to the master cylinder, until an authorized procedure allows such return flow. The patent of E.U.A. No. 4,493,198 discloses an anti-theft device for a pedal operated device. The invention incorporates the first and second stop bodies that are arranged to embrace the lever of a pedal. When locking bodies are locked in place, the pedal can not be operated unless the device is restricted. The patent of E.U.A. No. 4,934,492 discloses an automatic brake lock mechanism that locks the brake of a vehicle having a hydraulic brake system. The system incorporates a safety switch provided to operate together with an ignition switch, so that the safety switch and ignition must be operated at the same time to an "on" position to free the auxiliary brake device to allow the normal operation of the vehicle. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,040,387 similarly discloses a vehicle brake lock assembly that engages a brake pedal and that includes a U-shaped end portion that extensively engages the brake pedal to lock the brake pedal in position. The patent of E.U.A. No. 5,345,796 discloses a vehicle brake pedal lock device that mechanically holds the vehicle's brake pedal in the depressed position to prevent the vehicle from being driven. The device includes an interface structure with swing arm and brake pedal that pivots horizontally and vertically. Finally, the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,653,133 discloses a device against theft for vehicles that have steering wheel and brake. The device comprises a brake guard movably mounted to a fixed portion of the brake, a lower elongate member that engages the brake guard, an elongate top member that is locked to the lower elongate member, a wide bar spaced a distance adapted to be placed around the steering wheel and a locking bar and a hook member. When the device is secured with two padlocks, movement of the steering wheel and brake pedal is prevented. All the above devices are the so-called active devices that must be actively placed in a vehicle. Passive alarms have also gained popularity recently, but these devices are expensive and frequently activated when a vehicle is accidentally hit. In addition to the devices and technologies discussed above, the prior art also includes complex tracking devices that send signals to the police if a vehicle is reported as stolen. The search may require up to 24 hours or more without any guarantee of recovery. The installation of these systems is expensive and requires a monthly monitoring fee. Automotive alarms are similarly expensive and can be deactivated by car thieves. Although the prior art is replete with mechanisms and dimensions for locking the brake pedals of a vehicle, there is absolutely no simple and easy system designed to quickly secure the brake or clutch pedal in a non-depressed state without the driver or operator having to get on your knees or bend over. Such a system would be to disable a vehicle because many cars built since 1990 can not start and be clutched without the brake or clutch penalty being pressed. The present invention is thus directed to a brake or clutch lock mechanism that does not require the driver or vehicle operator to kneel or move under the vehicle and prevent the brake from being depressed. These and other objects of the present invention will be described with reference to the brief description and detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a device for locking the brake or the clutch of a vehicle in an upward or non-extended position and preventing the theft of the vehicle is exposed. The invention comprises a base member for placing it on the floor of a vehicle under the brake or clutch pedal; a U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a reception gap of a brake or clutch pedal shaft, defining said space between the first and second arms a slot for receiving the brake or clutch pedal shaft and allowing its full extension up through said axis; and locking means associated with the second arm to lock the lower part of the pedal into the slot, so that the brake pedal can not be depressed. In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device for locking the brake or clutch of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placement on the floor of a vehicle under a foot pedal. Brake; a metal U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving a brake pedal shaft, defining said space between the arms first and second a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and allowing its full extension upwardly through said slot, said first arm having a cylindrical opening therethrough; a cane extending through said cylindrical opening and slidable therewith, said cane having a pin which engages the lower part of said brake pedal axis and pulls it upwards in a non-depressed position; and locking means to lock the position of the stick and the pin, in such a way that the brake pedal can not be depressed. In still another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device for locking the brake or clutch of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placement on the floor of a vehicle under a brake pedal; a U-shaped steel housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving a brake pedal shaft, defining said space between the arms first and second a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and allowing full extension upwardly through said slot, said arm having a cylindrical opening extending therethrough and colinear with said slot; a threaded rod extending through said cylindrical opening and slidable therewith, said cane having a pin at a first end for crimping the lower part of said brake pedal shaft and a handle at a second end for pulling it up in uncompressed position; and locking means adapted to lock the meshed rod to lock the position of the stick and the pin, in such a way that the brake or clutch pedal can not be depressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a vertical view of the anti-theft brake device of the present invention. Figure 2 is a vertical view of the handle and lock pin used with the brake lock mechanism of the anti-theft brake device of the present invention. Figure 3 is a vertical view of the brake or clutch lock theft device of the present invention in the inactive position. Figure 4 is a vertical view of a brake and clutch lock theft device of the present invention in the activated state. Figure 5 is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the brake or clutch lock theft device of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the alternative mode of the brake lock theft device of the present invention along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a brake mode. additional base still for use in the present invention. Figures 8-8B are a second alternative embodiment of the brake or clutch lock theft device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY The anti-theft brake device of the present invention is now described with reference to the accompanying figures in which the same numbers are used where they are applicable. In general, the present invention is a device specifically designed to lock the brake or clutch pedal of a motor vehicle in an upward or non-depressed state. Since since 1990, many vehicles manufactured for sale in North America can not start without the brake pedal being pressed, the invention is specifically designed to prevent the pedal or clutch from being depressed, thus disabling the vehicle and preventing its theft and use. This feature is referred to as the brake pedal change lock or TCPF in automatic transmission vehicles. Many vehicles without automatic transmission or so-called "normal vehicles" have a similar feature called the clutch pedal or TAPE starter that requires the removal of the clutch pedal to start the vehicle. The present invention is applicable to both types of vehicles. A particular feature of the present invention is that it is intended to be used by the driver or operator from the comfort of the driver's seat of the vehicle without any need for the driver to come down on the hands or knees or to bend down in order to place or adjust the system. Although the present invention will be described in the context of a conventional automobile, it is to be appreciated that the teachings of the present invention are equally applicable to all types of vehicles having brake pedal arms or shafts or clutches including sports service vehicles, moving, delivery and other trucks. For purposes of explanation of the present invention, it is now described in the context of a device that engages a brake pedal in an upward position, thereby disabling, for example, the vehicle's TCPF. Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, the anti-theft brake or clutch lock device 10 of the present invention comprises a base 12 which is placed on the floor of the vehicle adjacent to the pedal and brake axle 13. It is thus placed the base 12 at the floor level of the vehicle directly below the brake pedal and pedal deflector (arm) 13. Extending from the base 12, is a U-shaped steel housing 14 extending downwards. The U-shaped housing comprises two legs 16, 18. One leg 16 of the U-shaped housing is shorter than the other 18 thereby defining an opening 20 extending to an opening 22 defined by the space between the legs of the housing U-shaped. The opening 20 facilitates the positioning and removal of the brake pedal shaft 13. In a preferred embodiment, a slot 22 must have an approximate width of the brake pedal shaft 13 of steel, such that the Brake pedal shaft 13 extends through the slot and to an extended position. In this position, the brake pedal can be freely depressed, since it extends downwardly through said slot 22. The invention further comprises a locking mechanism 24 associated with the second leg 18 of the U-shaped housing. The second The leg 18 of the U-shaped housing 14 includes a cylindrical tube 24 designed to enclose a sliding latch pin 26 which is attached to the end of an extendable cane 28. The cane 28 contains machined latches or locking serrations 30 extending out of the rectangular steel housing tube to a locking mechanism 32. The second end of the cane 28 comprises a handle 34 which is used to pull the pole upwards. The locking mechanism or means 32 referred to in the present invention may be a commercially available key operated steering wheel lock mechanism. There are other locking mechanisms suggested by the present invention including combination locks. The locking mechanism or means 32 locks the locking pawls 30 machined at an appropriate point. As shown in the clearest way in figure 4As the rod 28 extends upwardly, the pin 26 enters the slot 22, pulls upwards (arrow A) and secures the lower part of the brake pedal shaft 13 in an upward or non-extended position, in such a way that you can not press In this position, after being locked in place by the pin 26, the brake pedal shaft can not be depressed. Since the pedal can not be depressed, the car can not be engaged in vehicles that contain TCPF and the brake can not be activated to stop the vehicle. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, the base 12 and the bottom of the leg 16 are beveled at 45 degree angles, so that the brake pedal shaft 13 can be more easily guided in and out of the groove. 22 when the device is placed on the brake pedal shaft 13 and removed therefrom. This embodiment also incorporates a means 36 to make it possible for the driver to press the device to the floor or to the carpet of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the means 36 comprises a foot support 36 that extends horizontally from the top of the leg 16. This extension 36 provides sufficient surface area 38 for an operator's foot to press downward and may include an upper clamping surface. This embodiment also includes the uprights 40 extending downwards from the base 12 and facilitating the placement of the device on a carpeted floor. The uprights 40 prevent the device from moving with respect to the floor. As shown in Figure 7, the device can also incorporate fasteners 42 that are cut into the bottom of the base 12. Finally, as shown also in Figure 7, this embodiment incorporates a triangular base design in which the legs extend to the left, the right and directly behind. The triangular base design provides maximum support and resistance in operation and use. The operation of the present invention is now described, with reference to the accompanying figures and very particularly Figures 3 to 6. The driver or operator wishing to use the device 10 will unlock the device and lower the pin 26 completely down to the base 12 by middle of the handle. The base 12 will then be placed on the floor 35 under the brake and the axle 13. The brake pedal axle will then extend through the opening 20 in the U-shaped housing and into the slot 22 with the base placed square on the floor of the vehicle. The operator will then pull the handle 34 (arrow B) thereby lifting the locking pin 26 upwardly into the slot 22 and securing the base pedal 13 in its lower part in an upward position. As shown in the alternative embodiment of Figures 5 and 6, the operator can place his foot on the extension 36 to maximize the downward momentum of the device against the floor of the vehicle. The uprights 40 secure the device against the floor or carpet. The operator of the vehicle will then lock the device in this position using the locking mechanism, in such a way that the brake pedal can not be depressed, thus disabling the operation of the vehicle. Figures 8-8B illustrate another alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the legs 16, 18 are of substantially equal length and form the base 12 of the device. The legs 16, 18 are open at the bottom and form an opening 20 that slides above the brake pedal to the groove 22. The locking pin 26 is pulled upwards thereby locking the brake in an upward position as in the other modalities described herein. This embodiment also includes two rotatable feet 42 that are attached to the lower part of the legs 16, 18 that facilitate the pivotable support on pivoting and the placement of the device. The main attribute of this mode is to enable the ease of placement of the device. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the device of the present invention may include a protective outer skin composed of vinyl, PTFE, rubber or plastic. The present invention has been described in the context of the brake lock of a vehicle. In normal transmission vehicles, the device will be fixed to the vehicle's clutch in the previously discussed. Since the clutch is then locked in the up position and can not be depressed, the vehicle can not be engaged. Accordingly, the teachings of the present invention are equally applicable to fastening to a clutch in a normal transmission vehicle. The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments satisfy the spirit and scope of the present invention and that the true nature and scope of the present invention is to be determined with reference to the claims appended thereto.

Claims (14)

NOV € pAP Dfe THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. -A device for locking the pedal of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placement on the floor of a vehicle under a pedal and pedal axle; a U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining a gap for the reception of the pedal axis, defining said space between the first and second arms a slot for receiving the pedal ej and allowing its full extension up through said slot; and a locking mechanism associated with the second arm for locking the lower part of the pedal shaft into the slot, so that the pedal shaft can not be depressed.

The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said input means is activated by a key.

The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said input means is activated by a combination.

4. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said pedal axis is a brake pedal.

5. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said pedal shaft is a clutch pedal.

6. A device for locking the brake or the clutch of the vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placing it on the floor of a vehicle under a brake or clutch pedal and a brake or idler shaft; clutch; a metal U-shaped housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving the brake or clutch pedal shaft, defining said space between the first and second arms a slot for receiving the brake or clutch pedal shaft and allowing its full extension both upwards and downwards through said slot, said arm having a cylindrical opening therethrough; a cane which extends through said cylindrical opening and which is slidable therewith, said cane having a pin which engages the lower part of said brake or clutch pedal shaft within the slot and pulls it upwards in position not oppressed; and a locking mechanism to lock the position of the pin cane in such a way that the brake or clutch pedal can not be depressed.

The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said pedal axis is a brake pedal.

The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said pedal axis is a clutch pedal.

9. A device for locking the brake and brake pedal of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placement on the floor of a vehicle under a brake pedal; a U-shaped housing of stainless steel extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving a brake pedal shaft, defining said space between first and second arms a slot to receive the brake pedal shaft and allow its full extension both upwards and downwards through said slot, said first arm having a cylindrical opening extending therethrough and colinear with said slot; a threaded rod extending through said cylindrical opening and slidable therewith, said cane having a pin at a first end for crimping the lower part of said brake pedal shaft into the slot and a handle in a second end to pull it up in the non-depressed position; and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the meshed rod and the pin in position, so that the brake pedal can not be depressed.

The device according to claim 9, further comprising extension means to facilitate compression of the device with the foot of the operator against the floor of a vehicle.

The device according to claim 9, further comprising studs for securing the base against the floor of a vehicle.

12. The device according to claim 9, further characterized in that said base is tringular in shape.

13. A device for raking the brake and brake pedal of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a base member for placing it on the floor of a vehicle under a brake pedal; a U-shaped stainless steel housing extending downward and having a first arm attached to the base and having a second shorter arm defining an opening for receiving a brake pedal shaft, defining said space between first and second arms a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its full extension both upwards and downwards through said slot, said arm having a cylindrical opening extending therethrough and colinear with said slot, said base and said second shorter arms also having engageable bevelled surfaces to enable the ease of positioning said brake pedal in said opening; a threaded rod extending through said cylindrical opening and slidable therewith, said cane having a pin at a first end for crimping the lower part of said brake pedal shaft into the slot and a handle in a second end to pull it up in the non-depressed position; and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the meshed rod and the pin in position, so that the brake pedal can not be depressed.

14. A device for locking the brake of a vehicle and preventing its theft, comprising: a U-shaped housing of stainless steel extending downward and having a first arm and a second arm defining an opening for receiving a brake pedal shaft, said space further defining between the first and second brackets a slot for receiving the brake pedal shaft and permitting its full extension both upwards and downwards through said slot, said arm a cylindrical opening extending therethrough and colinear with said groove.