Patent ID: 6701759
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
An antitheft apparatus comprising in combination: a steering assembly for a vehicle, the steering assembly providing a centrally positioned hub portion enclosing a shock actuated airbag, and extending around the hub portion and integral therewith, a steering wheel portion; and a theft-resistant cover, the cover providing a circular face portion covering the steering assembly and a circular peripheral flange portion extensive circumferentially from the face portion and therefrom, around the steering wheel portion of the steering assembly arcuately and angularly over approximately 180 degrees; the cover split into two opposing cover halves along a central split line; at one end of the split line and integral with the cover halves, a means for locking the cover halves about the steering wheel portion; and at the other end of the split line and integral with the cover halves, a hinging means, the cover halves pivotal thereabout between a closed position engaging the locking means and an open position disengaging the locking means and thereby enabling engagement and disengagement of the cover with the steering wheel portion; the cover halves providing dual abutting and interlocking faces of the cover halves, extensive along the split line on the face portion and continuously around the flange portion; the diameter of the flange portion being greater than the diameter of the steering wheel portion enabling a loose fit around the steering wheel portion so that the cover will rotate on the steering wheel portion without the steering wheel portion rotating as well.