Frank A Melo

US Patent:

49364081, Jun 26, 1990

Filed:

Mar 8, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/320329

Inventors:

Frank L. Melo - Union NJ

International Classification:

B60R 2502

US Classification:

180287

Abstract:

Apparatus for preventing theft of an automobile having a rotatable steering shaft for steering the vehicle and an ignition mounted at a fixed position, includes three equiangularly disposed holes extending transversely through the steering shaft; a steering shaft locking pin movable between a locking position in any hole and an unlocking position out of the holes; and ignition shaft engageable with the steering shaft locking pin for moving the latter into and out of the holes; a dead bolt locking pin engaged by the ignition; a spring which moves the dead bolt locking pin into blocking relation to the steering shaft locking pin to prevent removal thereof from a hole in the steering shaft when the ignition is removed from its fixed position; the upper end of the dead bolt locking pin extending through a first slot in a steering wheel locking plate positioned about the steering shaft and engaging a horn spring to actuate a horn; a plate locking pin engaged by the ignition shaft and movable into a second slot in the steering wheel locking plate when the ignition is turned off; a wire spring connecting the ignition shaft to the plate locking pin; a spring guide rod engaged with the wire spring to prevent removal thereof; and an ignition gear mounted on the ignition shaft and including a projection positioned beneath the plate locking pin when the latter is in its locking position within the second slot of the steering wheel locking plate.