Abstract:
A method to prevent unauthorized use and/or access to a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes apparatus which is positioned within a known motor housing and actuable only within the motor housing. In one embodiment, an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit is provided and mounted directly within the housing of the motor. A switch is connected to the circuit which allows power interruption to the ignition generator coil. When the switch is activated, power interruption of said ignition generator coil is achieved to disable the engine from normal operation. Conveniently, the interrupt circuit is positioned entirely within the housing and therefore inaccessible for tampering. In another embodiment a switch circuit is positioned between an ECM motherboard and sensors typically associate with an automobile engine. This circuit is useful for arrangements which do not include a magneto/stator arrangement.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/832,979, filed Apr. 12, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,009, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/196,301, filed Apr. 12, 2000. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use and/or access to a vehicle and more particularly, the present invention relates to a device that provides owners and authorized users varying degrees of control over their vehicle including its theft prevention. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Generally speaking, the theft of vehicles such as snowmobiles, ATVs, watercrafts, motorcycles and other vehicles having a magneto/stator present in the motor system, including most non jet propulsion aircraft, is fairly straightforward, much to the demise of the owners of such vehicles. This is also a problem for automobiles despite the fact that they do not include a magneto or stator. 
   The simplicity in, for example, starting the motors of these vehicles is realized by the arrangements used to link the ignition system to the ignition generator coil. In snowmobiles, for example, the block connectors electrically connect the ignition switch, kill switch and power accessories to the ignition switch. These elements are all exposed outwardly of the motor. To the skilled thief, since these elements are readily accessible, bypass is simple and can typically be achieved in seconds. The result is that the vehicle can be easily started and driven away with ease and with a minimum of effort. 
   In an attempt to speak to the escalation in theft of these vehicles, many devices have been proposed in the art which attempt to provide the user/owner with a greater degree of security. The arrangements known incorporate alarms, keylock systems, manual circuit interrupts inter alia. These devices, although somewhat useful, are all limited by the same vulnerability, namely the fact that they are external systems which are accessible by a thief and therefore are easily disabled by bypass or “hot wiring”. 
   In the case of snowmobiles, track locks have been proposed. These devices are simply not pragmatic; the user is confined to carrying these bulky awkward items on the snowmobile which requires storage space. This space is often at a premium in view of the size of the snowmobile. 
   A current manufacturer has offered a digital system (for selected models) and even though its method has a level of effectiveness, it is still vulnerable by its external application. Accordingly, the owner of earlier model vehicles is not helped by the new technology. 
   Other systems for preventing theft of watercraft include markings on the craft itself or special indications on the hull identification plate. These attempts at preventing theft can be easily circumvented by simply removing and replacing the plates or altering the information thereon. 
   In terms of automobiles, steering wheel arrangements such as the Club™ are typically employed. These devices are somewhat useful, but are easily removable by determined thieves. 
   Immobilizers are also used in automobiles for theft prevention, but are limited by their external disposition. 
   In view of the fact that the vehicles are expensive, a more sophisticated method and apparatus is required which is not external of the motor or engine and which does not employ interceptable digital streams. 
   The present invention addresses this need and thus one object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a control device mounted internally of the engine. This renders control of operation of the vehicle inaccessible to tampering. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for preventing unauthorized use of and ultimately the control of a vehicle. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle having a motor, a power source for the motor, a magneto and a stator housed within an engine housing and an ignition generator coil connected in electrical communication with the magneto, the engine housing within an engine compartment, comprising the steps of providing an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit electrically connected to the ignition generator coil, the circuit for selectively interrupting power to the ignition generator, mounting the ignition generator coil interrupt circuit directly within the engine housing, providing switch means mounted within the engine housing and connected to the circuit for allowing power interruption to the ignition generator coil and providing wireless transceiver means connected to the switch means for receiving electromagnetic signals from a signal service provider and transmitting electromagnetic signals to the signal service provider, the switch means being actuable by the transceiver means, and activating the switch means with the wireless transceiver means to alter or interrupt power to the ignition generator coil. 
   Generally speaking, the vehicles incorporating stator/magneto arrangements include watercraft, all terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles, among others. 
   As a particular convenience, the switch means may be selected from any suitable switching devices, such as mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, electronic (digital) arrangements. The important feature is that the circuit (supra) is positioned within the housing as opposed to externally; this latter arrangement is what limited the effectiveness of the prior art. 
   Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle, comprising in combination a vehicle, the vehicle having a power source, a magneto and a stator housed within an engine housing and an ignition generator coil in electrical communication with the magneto, the engine housing mounted within an engine compartment, an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit connected to the ignition generator coil, the circuit for selectively interrupting operation of the ignition generator, the circuit positioned directly within the engine housing, switch means connected to the circuit within the housing for allowing interference in operation of the ignition generator coil for disabling the motor, and wireless transceiver means connected to the switch means for receiving electromagnetic signals from a signal service provider and transmitting electromagnetic signals to the signal service provider, the switch means being actuable by the transceiver means, whereby upon actuation of the wireless transceiver means the switch means is activated. 
   Mounting location for the circuit is conveniently anywhere within the housing with a suitable connection to the ignition generator coil. As a useful position, the circuit may be positioned between the stator and magneto. 
   A still further object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for use with a vehicle having a motor, a power source for the motor, a magneto, a stator, a stator housing and an ignition generator coil in electrical communication with the magneto, the assembly for preventing unauthorized use of a vehicle, comprising a stator plate, mounting means on the stator plate for mounting the ignition generator coil, circuit means mounted within the stator housing for interrupting power to the ignition generator coil, the circuit configured for positioning on the stator plate, switch means connected to the circuit within the housing for allowing interruption of the ignition generator coil for disabling the motor, and wireless transceiver means connected to the switch means for receiving electromagnetic signals from a signal service provider and transmitting electromagnetic signals to the signal service provider, the switch means being actuable by the transceiver means, whereby upon actuation of the wireless transceiver means the switch means is activated. 
   In the embodiment noted above, the assembly could be provided as a kit for retrofit applications and easily be used for watercraft, snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, inter alia. 
   The transceiver arrangement facilitates communication between the vehicle and other extraneous communication devices such as satellite systems, computers, web enabled cellular phones, GPS, personal digital assistants (PDA) or any other suitable device or combination of devices useful for communication. 
   The transceiver system can be used to control operation of the ignition generator, engine rpm, air/fuel mixture inter alia. 
   The provision for GPS capacity allows for tracking of the vehicle in the event it is stolen. 
   As a further object of one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventing unauthorized access to a vehicle having an engine and block therefor, sensors for effecting engine activation, a power source, ignition coils, and means for establishing electrical communication between the sensor and the coils, the method comprising the steps of providing switch means for interrupting power delivery to the sensors, positioning the switch means between at least one sensor of the sensors and the means for establishing electrical communication between the sensors and the coils, mounting the switch means to the at least one sensor, and activating the switch means to interrupt power delivery to the sensors. 
   A still further of object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling vehicle function, operation and unauthorized use of the vehicle having an engine and block therefor, sensors for effecting engine activation and other functions, a power source, ignition coils, and means for establishing communication between the sensor and the coils, the method comprising the steps of providing switch means for and augmenting communication to and/or from the sensors for altering function of the sensors, providing wireless transceiver means connected to the switch means for receiving electromagnetic signals from a signal service provider and transmitting electromagnetic signals to the signal service provider, the switch means being actuable by the transceiver means, positioning the switch means and the transceiver means between at least one sensor of the sensors and the means for establishing communication between the sensors and the coils, mounting the switch means and the transceiver means to the at least one sensor, and activating the switch means by the transceiver means for communicating with the sensors for altering engine activation and other functions. 
   The means for establishing electrical communication between the sensors and coils is known in the art as an ECM motherboard. In current arrangements the ECM motherboard in automobiles is externally mounted of the engine and thus is vulnerable to tampering. If removed and replaced with a similar component not equipped with a theft deterrent (immobilizer) auto theft is easily achieved. 
   By providing the switch arrangement and mounting location, the presence of an immobilized ECM motherboard is of no consequence; the arrangement discussed supra interrupts power to the sensors leading to the ECM motherboard and further is mounted at least partially within the engine block to avoid tampering, bypass or expeditious removal. The ECM may also be mounted internally. 
   As a particularly attractive advantage, the switch means may be integrally mounted to the sensor or a plurality of sensors. By providing several such switches, security for preventing unauthorized access may be augmented. 
   It will be readily apparent to those skilled that the vehicles having stator/magneto arrangements could easily be adopted to the circuit mentioned above where the stator/magneto is removed in future modifications of such vehicles. 
   Having thus described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a typical engine of the vehicles set forth herein; 
       FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  with the cover removed from the stator housing; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of the wiring of a typical snowmobile; 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  with the arrangement according to one embodiment installed; 
       FIG. 5  is an abbreviated schematic diagram illustrating the positioning of the elements according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the starting circuit for an automobile with the switch; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle and positioning of various sensors; and 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of the switch arrangement in relation to the sensor(s) and ECM motherboard. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic illustration of a vehicle and positioning of sensors. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of the switch arrangement in relation to the sensors and ECM motherboard. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment. 
   

   Similar numerals in the figures denote similar elements. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings and particularly  FIG. 1 , numeral  10  generally references the engine. There is provided a housing  12  for housing the magneto and stator. A cover  14  is fixed by fasteners  16  to provide a sealed stator/magneto housing. As is generally known, specialized tools and skill are required to remove the cover  14  and eventually gain access to the interior of the housing  12 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the interior of the housing  12  where there are mounted several coils  18 , shown in the example as a quantity of five. A main coil or ignition generator coil  20  is also provided and is integral in starting the engine. It is known that such coils generally operate on the principle of sensors. Coil  20  has two leads  22  and  24  which terminate at a block connector  26 . Block connector  26  also includes leads, generally referenced by numeral  28 , leading to the CDI box (not shown). A mating block connector  30  connects to block connector  26  and the former provides leads to the ignition switch, kill switch and power accessories (none of which is shown) of the vehicle (not shown). 
   The arrangement is generally well known in the art. Unfortunately, it is also well known that by simply disconnecting the block connectors  26  and  30 , all security systems typically associated with the vehicle are disabled while a signal is still capable of being supplied to the CDI box from the ignition generator coil  20 . Accordingly, the vehicle will start in this condition. 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a typical schematic diagram for a conventional snowmobile, although the diagram is applicable to typical magneto/stator motors. As the diagram illustrates, the disposition of the ignition generator coil  20  in the circuit facilitates easy starting of the engine when the block connectors  26  and  30  are disconnected. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates an example of the invention as positioned within the housing  12 . A switch  32  is disposed in housing  12  and in this case is an electrical/mechanical switch.  FIG. 5  illustrates a truncated schematic of the circuit of  FIG. 4  showing the positioning of the switch  32  and its relationship to ignition generator coil  20 . As illustrated, the switch  32  includes leads  34  and  36 , with lead  34  being connected to ignition generator coil  20  and lead  36  extending to other electrical connections related to starting the vehicle. By connection to ignition generator coil  20 , the circuit is interrupted in the OFF position and is unaffected by disconnection of block connectors  26  and  30 . Accordingly, the user, in order to start the vehicle must initially actuate the switch  32  into the ON position with, for example, a key  38  which, in turn, will re-enable the ignition generator coil  20 . Once this is done, normal procedures may be performed to start the vehicle. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , a switch is mounted in the housing  12  adjacent the ignition generator coil  20 . Trigger coils are reverenced by numeral  20 ′. This is not essential. In the situation where the switch system comprises a remotely controllable arrangement, the switch may be replaced by a receiver (not shown) well known in the art. In these devices an antenna can be positioned in any convenient location provided it can communicate with a transmitter (not shown). It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that any suitable switch capable of selectively interrupting the ignition generator coil circuit may be used. 
   Advantageously, by positioning the circuit interrupt portion of the switch within the housing, tampering or bypass is difficult, tedious and would more than likely damage the vehicle if a thief attempted any tampering. Further, if the switch mechanism is damaged, broken or removed, the vehicle cannot be made to start unless original wiring is restored. Cover  14  is removed and the switch  32  removed from the vehicle. This is obviously time consuming and cannot be performed with any degree of stealth. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a further embodiment of the overall concept of the invention. In this embodiment, the engine housing  12  is shown the ignition generator coil  20  connected to the switch means  32  and the circuit positioned within housing  12 . As illustrated, this circuit is electrically connected to a CDI box, referenced in this figure by number  18 . The CDI module  18  is, in turn, electrically connected to the additional coils as well as a power supply (not shown) as is well known. As a further variation of  FIG. 6 , the dashed line represented by numeral  12 ′ constitutes the engine housing  12 , but accommodates a trigger coil  52 , which trigger coil  52  communicates electrically with switch means  32  and subsequently to CDI module  18 . This is a variation where the trigger coil  52 , switch means  32  and CDI module  18  are electrically connected for interruption. This provides an alternative to the ignition generator coil  20 , switch means  32  and CDI module  18  combination. 
   As still a further variant, the engine housing represented by the extended chain line  12 ″ may also include the CDI module  50  such that the CDI module  50 , switch  32  and ignition generator coil  20  as well as trigger coil  52  are all positioned within the engine housing. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates a further variation where the electrical communication between switch means  32  and ignition coils, referenced as  52 ′, is interrupted by CDI  18 . 
   The point in the further variations is to demonstrate the fact that the switch  32  is positioned within the housing and is in one manner or another connected to an essential element required for operation of the engine (not shown). By this provision, theft of the vehicle incorporating the variants outlined in  FIG. 6  is substantially averted, since no parts are available outside of the engine compartment for easy removal and or exchange in order to steal the vehicle. 
   In  FIG. 9 , a vehicle  51  is shown and includes an engine and an engine block, broadly denoted by numeral  54 . As is known, a number of sensors are required to carry out various functions with respect to the operation of the vehicle. In the example, numeral  56  represents a camshaft position sensor, numeral  58  represents a crankshaft position sensor and numerals  56  through  74  represent other sensors, amplifiers, inter alia. 
   As is illustrated in  FIG. 8 , disposed between engine  54  and sensors  56  through  74  is a switch  80 . The sensors  56  through  74  are in electrical communication with an ECM motherboard  82  which is responsible for numerous functions, the most important of which for purposes of this discussion is communication between the sensors and ignition coils  84  and  86 . As is known, coils  84  and  86  each communicate with cylinders  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94 , respectively. 
   By providing power interruption via switch  80  to the sensors  56  through  74 , it is inconsequential as to whether the ECM motherboard  82  is equipped with anti-theft provisions such as an immobilizer (not shown). This is a significant advantage since the sensors are effected by the switch  80  as opposed to the ECM motherboard  82 . By effecting the sensors  56  through  74 , the ECM motherboard  82  is also effected. This is a more effective system since it does not matter whether the ECM motherboard includes anti-theft provisions. 
   The sensors, and particularly those shown in  FIG. 8 , i.e. sensors  56  and  58  are typically at least partially mounted within the engine block  54  as is generally depicted in  FIG. 9 . By connecting the switch  80  to all or some of the sensors  56  through  74 , the switch is therefore at least partially mounted in the engine block  54  and therefore presents significant difficulty for potential thieves to tamper with the arrangement. This is in marked contrast to the disposition of the ECM motherboard  82  which is easily accessible. 
   In this manner, the sensors  52  through  70  and the switch  80  (of which there may be several) can be integrated as a single unit. This arrangement is shown in  FIG. 10  where the switch  80  and sensor  56  are unified as a single unit.  FIG. 10  also shows in dashed line the possibility of augmenting security by linking various switches and sensors in tandem. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , shown is a generic illustration which is applicable to either stator magneto arrangements or conventional internal combustion engines. Once again, it is illustrated the switch  32  is positioned within the housing  12  and that any one of the essential elements for engine operation such as the trigger coil  52  camshaft position sensor  56 , crankshaft sensor  58 , CDI module  50 , ECM motherboard  82  and/or fuel/air supply  100  may be connected to the switch internally of housing  12  in order to provide the highest degree of security and therefore the lowest incidents of theft. 
     FIG. 12  illustrates a further variation of the arrangement when a transponder  102  is positioned within housing  12  and communicates with ECM motherboard  82  and CDI module  50 . 
     FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention in which a wireless transceiver is connected to the switch means for interrupting various operations of the vehicle. The interruption circuit has been discussed herein previously; however, in this embodiment the interrupt circuit includes a wireless communication means, such as a wireless transceiver or transponder. The overall union of these two elements is broadly denoted in  FIG. 13  and represented by numeral  120 . As referenced with respect to  FIG. 9 , the sensors  56  and  58  are in direct electrical communication with the interrupt circuit modified with the wireless transceiver. 
   By this arrangement, wireless communication is effected with the vehicle and in view of the fact that the interrupt circuit includes a wireless arrangement with sensors at least partially mounted within the engine housing  12 , all of the advantages realized with respect to the difficulty in removal of the arrangement are immediately realized. This is not the case with existing wireless arrangements, such as, for example, the On Star™ system. The On Star™ system is very useful, however, it can be tampered with and even removed entirely from the engine compartment in view of the fact that the arrangement is not at least partially mounted within the engine housing. By incorporating the desirable features of the circuit discussed herein previously and augmenting the system with a wireless transceiver, all of the limitations of externally mounted wireless systems are overcome. As will be appreciated, this is particularly useful for tracking a stolen vehicle or, in extreme situations where the vehicle has been “chopped” the engine can be located by the wireless transponder. 
   In order to facilitate communication with the vehicle, the conventional system for wireless communications may be employed. This includes the satellites, one of which is shown in  FIG. 13  denoted by numeral  122  which can communicate with a land based tower  124  for receiving and transmitting signals to the wireless arrangement  120  in engine housing  12  as well as a portable communication device  126 , shown in the example as a laptop computer. It will be appreciated that other communication devices such as a web enabled cell phone, personal digital assistant or any other portable or permanent wireless communication device. This allows communication from land based systems such as the On Star™ with the tower and/or the individual circuit in the engine housing  12 . This is useful to control engine functions such as specific engine operations, and is useful to perform diagnostics on the engine and convey this information to a user of the vehicle by way of a stereo system within the vehicle (both of which are not shown) or by other means such as a user&#39;s cellular phone (not shown). 
   It will also be appreciated that all of the functions that are presently available by wireless communication can be realized with the instant invention such as vehicle tracking, performance and other factors. It will be evident that any of the existing wireless networks can be employed with the system with the simple modification of a specifically tuned transponder/transceiver. 
   Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications form part of the present invention insofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of the claimed and described invention.