Vehicle Security System and Method of Manufacture

The present application is directed to a vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking various compartments. In one embodiment, the vehicle security system which is capable of at least one user input device configured to generate one or more input signals. Further, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock control body positioned within a compartment of a vehicle. The lock control body is in communication with the user input device. The lock control body includes at least one lock shaft configured to be selectively extendable from and retracted to the housing of the lock control body in response to the input signal from the user input device. In addition, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock shaft receiver positioned on a door of the compartment proximate to the lock control body and configured to receive the lock shaft therein.

BACKGROUND

Presently, vehicle theft is a continuing problem for society. In fact, a vehicle is stolen in the United States approximately every 26 seconds. The societal effects of vehicle theft are far reaching. A considerable amount of law enforcement's time is consumed investigating vehicle theft, which diverts law enforcement's efforts from investigating more serious crimes. Further, automobile insurance rates continue to increase in response to a number of factors, including the increasing costs of repairing or replacing stolen vehicles. In recent years, sport utility vehicles (hereinafter SUVs) have been targeted by vehicle thieves. More specifically, Jeep Wranglers™ (hereinafter Wranglers) have been particularly favored by vehicle thieves as evidenced by the fact that these vehicles commonly rank among the top ten (10) vehicles stolen each year.

The utilitarian capabilities of SUVs, and particularly Wrangler's and similar vehicles, are well known. These vehicles have been used to traverse areas thought to be impassable by motor vehicles. For example, these vehicles are commonly used in off-road settings. As a function of their intended use, the design of these vehicles is focused on mechanical reliability rather than theft prevention. For example,FIG. 1shows a schematic of the security system of a Wrangler or SUV. As shown inFIG. 1, the vehicle15includes a body17having a passenger compartment19formed therein. Access to the passenger compartment19may be gained via at least one door27coupled to the body17in the body. Further, the body17further includes an engine compartment21configured to house the engine therein, and at a storage compartment or trunk23. Often, the vehicle15includes a master control or computer system25configured to control various subsystems of the vehicle15including, for example, ignition systems, fuel injection systems, environmental control, security systems and the like. Typically, a user input device29such as a remote actuator may be used to activate actuate at least a portion of the master control system25. For example, the user may actuate the user input device29to generate a user control signal31which is sent from the user control device29to the master control system25resulting in the security subsystem33of the vehicle activating or deactivating. During use, the security system33, if present, may restrict or permit access to the vehicle by selectively locking/unlocking the doors27. In addition, the security system33may prevent or restrict ignition of the vehicle's engine.

FIGS. 2-4show a various views of a SUV, more specifically a Wrangler. As shown, the vehicle1includes a body3having one or more doors5coupled thereto. Further, the vehicle3includes a hood7which encloses the engine compartment housing the vehicle engine. The hood7is secured in place by the latch assembly9. As shown inFIG. 2, the latch assembly9comprises a latch device11positioned on the body3and a latch feature13positioned on the hood7. The latch device11positioned on the body3is configured to selectively engage and couple to the latch feature13positioned on the hood, thereby controllably securing the hood7to the body3. In addition, the hood7may include at least one safety latch hook assembly35found on most vehicles. As shown, the safety latch hook assembly35is positioned on an interior portion of the hood7of the vehicle1and configured to selectively engage/disengage a latch passage37formed within a plate member39positioned within the engine compartment21(SeeFIG. 1).

While the vehicle and vehicle security system described inFIGS. 1-3has proven useful in the past, a number of shortcomings have been identified. For example, the security system described above is largely incapable of restricting unwanted access to the vehicle's engine and engine compartment. More specifically, integration of the mechanical latch assembly9(SeeFIGS. 2 and 3) into the vehicle's security system33(SeeFIG. 1) has proven challenging and largely ineffective. Moreover, once a thief gains access to the engine compartment the vehicle's security system may be easily deactivated or otherwise circumvented thereby permitting the thief to easily steal the vehicle.

Thus, in light of the foregoing, there is an ongoing need for an improved vehicle security system capable of selectively restricting or permitting access to the engine compartment of a vehicle.

SUMMARY

The present application is directed to a vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking various compartments. In one embodiment, the vehicle security system includes at least one user input device configured to generate one or more input signals. Further, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock control body positioned within a compartment of a vehicle. The lock control body is in communication with the user input device. The lock control body includes at least one lock shaft configured to be selectively extended from and retracted to the housing of the lock control body in response to the input signal from the user input device. In addition, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock shaft receiver positioned on a door of the compartment proximate to the lock control body and configured to receive the lock shaft therein.

In another embodiment, a vehicle security system is disclosed which includes at least one user input device configured to generate one or more input signals. The system further includes at least one lock control body positioned on the body of the vehicle within the engine compartment of the vehicle and in communication with the user input device. The lock control body includes at least one housing having at least one lock shaft in communication with at least one actuator. As such, the lock shaft is configured to be selectively extendable from and retractable to the housing in response to the input signal from the user input device. In addition, the vehicle security system includes at least one lock shaft receiver positioned on the hood of the vehicle enclosing the compartment proximate to the lock controller. The lock shaft receiver is configured to receive the lock shaft therein.

In another embodiment, the present application is directed to a vehicle security system and includes at least one user input device configured to generate one or more input signals. Further, the vehicle security system includes at least one auxiliary safety latch body coupled to a safety latch system positioned on a hood of a vehicle within the engine compartment of the vehicle. At least one lock control body is positioned within the engine compartment and is in communication with the user input device. The lock control body includes at least one housing having at least one lock shaft in communication with at least one actuator. The lock shaft is configured to be selectively extendable from housing and configured to engage the auxiliary safety latch body in response to the input signal from the user input device thereby preventing the hood from opening. In addition, the lock shaft is configured to be selectively retractable to the housing and configured to disengage the auxiliary safety latch body in response to the input signal from the user input device thereby permitting the hood to open.

Other features and advantages of the vehicle security system and methods of manufacture as described herein will become more apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking various compartments. In one embodiment, the vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking at least one internal compartment of a vehicle. For example, in one embodiment, the vehicle security system disclosed herein is configured to selectively restrict and/or permit access to the engine compartment of a Wrangler, similar SUV, or other vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking at least one external compartment of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle security system disclosed herein may be configured to selectively permit and/or restrict access to one or more external boxes, tire carriers, tool boxes, ski carriers, bicycle racks, and the like. Optionally, the vehicle security system which is capable of selectively locking and unlocking at least one internal and/or external compartment of a vehicle.

FIG. 5shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control system for a vehicle security system. As shown, the vehicle40includes a body42defining at least one passage compartment44and at least one engine compartment46. Further, the vehicle40may include one or more storage compartments48. For example, in one embodiment, the storage compartment48may comprise a trunk. In another embodiment, the storage compartment48may comprise a glove box.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the passenger compartment44further includes at least one door50permitting access to the passenger compartment44. In addition, the vehicle40includes at least one master controller or computer52. In one embodiment, the master controller52is configured to control various subsystems of the vehicle40. For example, in one embodiment, the master controller52is configured to regulate operation of at least one of the ignition system, fuel system, internal security system, door locks, and the like. For example, the master controller52may be configured to selectively lock/unlock the doors50.

Optionally, the vehicle40may include at least one external compartment56, internal compartment58, and/or both. Exemplary external compartments include, without limitations, tool boxes, ski carriers, bike racks, rack systems, tire carriers, fuel tanks, bed covers, roof boxes, and the like. Exemplary internal compartments include, without limitations, gun racks, audio equipment enclosures, glove boxes, storage boxes, and the like.

As shown inFIG. 5, the vehicle40may include at least one lock system70. As shown, the lock system70may be positioned in various locations in or about the vehicle40. For example, a security system70may be positioned within the engine compartment46and configured to selectively permit or restrict access to the engine compartment46. In one embodiment, the security system70may be configured to selectively permit and/or restrict access to the engine compartment46of the vehicle40independent of the master controller52. In an alternate embodiment, the security system70may be configured to selectively permit and/or restrict access to the engine compartment46of the vehicle40via the master controller52. Optionally, as shown inFIG. 5, the security system70may also be positioned within at least one external compartment, internal compartment, or both, if present.

Referring again toFIG. 5, the security system70positioned within the engine compartment46includes at least one lock control body72and at least one lock member74. In the illustrated embodiment the lock control body72may be positioned on the body42of the vehicle40while the lock member74may be positioned on the hood76selectively enclosing the engine compartment46. Optionally, one or more security systems70may be positioned within or otherwise coupled to one or more external compartments. Exemplary external compartments56include, without limitations, ski racks, tool boxes, utility boxes, tire racks, fuel sources, roof racks, lift systems, ladder racks, towing hitches, sheet material carriers, pipe holders, pipe threaders, generators, pumps, and the like. Internal compartments58include, without limitations, boxes, enclosures, racks, lift systems and devices, equipment slides, and the like.

FIGS. 6 and 7show various views of an embodiment of a security system70as shown inFIG. 5. As shown, the security system70includes at one lock controller72and at least one lock member74. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of lock controllers72may be used with any number of the lock members74. Further, the lock controller72and lock member74may be sized and configured to be coupled to or otherwise positioned in various locations within and/or on the vehicle40, the external compartment56, and/or internal compartment58of the vehicle40(SeeFIG. 5).

Referring again toFIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment the lock controller72includes at least one controller body80formed from at least one least one base member82having at least one housing84coupled thereto or positioned proximate thereto. At least one control board and/or processor board86having one or more components and/or processors88thereon or in communication therewith may be positioned within the controller body80. Exemplary components include, without limitations, microprocessors, ASICS, semiconductor devices, sensors, transmitters, memory devices, indicators, capacitors, inductors, resistors, diodes, power sources, and the like. Further, one or more actuators90may be positioned within the controller body80in communication with at least one of the control board86and component88. In one embodiment, the actuator90comprises a mechanical actuator. In an alternate embodiment, the actuator90comprises a piezo-actuator. In another embodiment, the actuator90comprises a solenoid. Optionally, the actuator90may comprise a magnetic, acoustic, or similar actuator.

Referring again toFIGS. 6 and 7, at least one lock shaft or extension92is included with the controller body80. In one embodiment, the lock shaft92is in movable communication with the actuator90. For example, the lock shaft92may be configured to selectively extend from and/or retract to the controller body80via the actuator90. In another embodiment, the lock shaft92may be configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the lock shaft92. Further, the lock shaft92may be configured to engage and be retained by the lock member body100. More specifically, the lock shaft92may be configured to selectively engage and be retained by the lock shaft receiver102of the lock member body100of the lock member74. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock controller72may be positioned in the engine compartment46while the lock member74may be positioned on the hood76proximate to the lock controller72. In the alternate embodiment, the lock controller72may be positioned on the hood76while the lock member74may be positioned in the engine compartment46proximate to the lock controller72.

FIGS. 8 and 9show another embodiment of the lock mechanism used in the security system shown inFIG. 5. As shown, the lock mechanism108of the security system utilizes at least one least lock controller110and at least one lock member112. As shown, the lock controller110includes at least one base member116having at least one housing118coupled thereto or positioned proximate to the base member116. Like the previous embodiment shown inFIGS. 5-7, the base member116and housing118shown inFIGS. 7 and 8may be configured to enclose various components, actuator, receivers, circuit boards, power sources, sensors, and the like therein. As such, the lock shaft or extendable body120of the lock controller110may be configured to extend from and retract into the lock controller body114via at least one actuator (not shown) positioned within or proximate to the lock controller body114.

Referring again toFIGS. 8 and 9, the lock member112may include at least one lock member body122having at least one lock fixture or lock shaft engaging body124formed thereon or positioned proximate thereto. During use, the lock controller110may be positioned within the engine compartment46of the vehicle40while the lock member112may be positioned on the hood76(SeeFIG. 5). The lock shaft120may be retracted into the lock controller body114of the lock controller110, thereby permitting the user to gain access to the engine compartment46of the vehicle40. Thereafter, the user may selectively actuate the user input device60to generate a user control signal62. As a result, at least one actuator90(SeeFIGS. 5 and 6) positioned within the lock controller110selectively extends the lock shaft120from the lock controller body114which engages or is retained by the lock fixture124of the lock member112, thereby preventing access to the engine compartment46.

FIG. 10shows an alternate embodiment of a security system for a vehicle or a compartment coupled to or in positioned within a vehicle. In contrast to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5-9, the security system shown inFIG. 10includes at least one lock controller130positioned on the hood132of the vehicle. Optionally, the lock controller130may be positioned on the vehicle body134proximate to the hood132. In another embodiment, lock controller130may be positioned on or within an external compartment, internal compartment, rack system, or the like.

Referring again toFIG. 10, the lock controller130may include a base member136having at least one housing138coupled thereto or positioned proximate therewith. At least one component140may be positioned within the housing138. Exemplary components include, without limitations, sensors, actuators, semiconductor devices, power sources, and the like. As shown, the lock controller130may include one or more actuators142configured to selectively move the lock member144from a retracted positioned within the housing138to an extended position configured to engage the vehicle body134, thereby preventing the hood132from being vertically displaced from the vehicle body134and restricting the opening of the hood132of the vehicle.

FIGS. 11 and 12show an alternate embodiment of the lock mechanism of a security system described above. As shown, the security system150includes at least one lock controller152and at least one lock member154. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, optionally, the lock controller152and lock member154may comprise the identical or differing designs. As shown, the lock controller152may include at least one base plate156having at least one housing158coupled thereto or positioned proximate thereto. The housing158may include one or more components160therein. Exemplary components include, without limitations, sensors, actuators, semiconductor devices, power sources, actuators, and the like. Further, one or more magnets or electro-magnetic devices configured to selectively generate a magnetic field may be positioned within the housing158. The housing158may include one or more magnetically-reactive devices or162therein.

Referring again toFIGS. 11 and 12, the lock member154may similarly include at least one base plate164having at least one housing166positioned thereon or positioned proximate thereto. The housing166may include one or more magnetically-reactive devices168therein. For example, one or more steel plates may be positioned within the housing166. Optionally, the magnetically-reactive device168may comprise a magnet. During use, the magnetically-reactive devices162,168may be configured to selectively apply a magnetic force to each other thereby securely positioning the lock controller152proximate to the lock member154. Optionally, one or more components (not shown) may also be positioned within the housing166. For example, various components enabling the magnetically-reactive device168to act as an electro-magnet may be positioned within the housing166. As such, the lock device150may be configured to selectively permit or restrict access to the engine compartment46(SeeFIG. 5).

FIGS. 13-18describe one exemplary embodiment of a vehicle security system for use on a vehicle incorporating the various component described inFIGS. 5-7above. As shown, the vehicle hood172includes at least one safety latch system174coupled thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that most if not all vehicle sold today include at least one hood safety latch system174positioned on or otherwise coupled to the hood172of the vehicle. The safety latch system174typically includes at least one safety latch body176configured to selectively engage at least a portion of the vehicle.

Referring again toFIGS. 13-18, the vehicle security system170includes at least one auxiliary latch device178positioned on or coupled to at least a portion of the safety latch system174. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary latch device178is position on the safety latch body176, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the auxiliary latch device178may be positioned anywhere on the safety latch system174. As shown inFIG. 18, the auxiliary latch device178includes an auxiliary latch device body230formed by a first body member232and at least a second body member234. The first and second body members232,234cooperatively form a safety latch device receiver236formed therein. As shown, in one embodiment the first and second body members232,234may be coupled to one another using one or more fasteners240(SeeFIGS. 13-16) positioned within one or more fastener receivers238formed in the first and second body members232,234. As such, the auxiliary latch device178may be coupled to the safety latch body176using a compressive or clamping force. As such, the auxiliary body device178may be detachably and adjustably coupled to the safety latch body176. Optionally, the auxiliary latch device178may be detachably or non-detachably coupled to the safety latch body176. As such, the auxiliary latch device178may be coupled to the safety latch body176using welds, bolts, screws, adhesives, and the like.

Referring again toFIGS. 13-16, at least one security system control device or lock controller180may be coupled to or positioned within the vehicle. For example, in one embodiment the security system control device180may be in electrical communication with the battery of the vehicle. Optionally, the security system control device180may be positioned within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the security system control device180is positioned within the engine compartment of the vehicle. As shown, the security system control device180includes at least one control device body182housing one or more components184therein. Exemplary components include, without limitations, circuit boards, integrated circuits, communication devices, power sources, transducers, transformers, fuses, and the like.

As shown inFIGS. 13-16, the security system170may include one or more remote control devices or user interface devices188in communication with the security system control device180. In the illustrated embodiment, remote control device188includes a remote body190having one or more actuators or buttons thereon. The remote body190may be configured to house various components therein, including, without limitations, circuits boards, transponders, wireless communication devices, batteries, power sources, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the remote body190includes at least one hood lock button192, at least one auxiliary lock button194, at least one security system lock button198, and at least one security system unlock button198. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of buttons may be includes on the remote control devices or user interface devices188. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that security system170described herein may be configured to have the functions performed by the remote control device188performed by existing remote control devices associated with the user's vehicle. As such, a single remote control device may be configured to arm/disarm the various components of the vehicle security system170are well as any components of the target vehicle, including, for example, remote starters, door lock/unlock systems, and the like. Optionally, in another embodiment, the various functions performed by the remote control device188may be performed by a smartphone or external controller having an associated computer application thereon.

As shown inFIGS. 13-16, the security system control device180in communication with the remote control device188and at least one hood lock device200. In the illustrated embodiment, the security system control device180is in communication with the hood lock device200via at least one conduit186. In another embodiment, the security system control device180is in wireless communication with the hood lock device200. As shown the hood lock device200includes a body202having at least one component204therein. In one embodiment, the hood lock device200and the associated components204are explained in greater detail above as outline in paragraph [0012]-[0014] and shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. Exemplary components including, transformers, transducers, batteries, power sources, diodes, capacitors, resistors, actuators, piezo-actuators, electro-actuators, magnetic devices, control boards, processors, memory devices, ASICS, integrated circuits, and the like. Further, the hood lock device200includes at least one lock shaft208having one or more biasing members206thereon or positioned proximate thereto. In one embodiment, the biasing member206is configured to bias the lock shaft208to an extended position. Further, the lock shaft208may include one or more engaging bodies210thereon, the engaging bodies210configured to engage the auxiliary latch device178positioned on the safety latch body176thereby selectively restricting movement of the hood172.

Optionally, the vehicle security system170may include any number hood lock devices200and any number of auxiliary lock bodies220. As shown inFIGS. 13-16, in one embodiment the auxiliary lock device220includes at least one plate member222and at least one auxiliary lock body224. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lock body224includes one or more components226therein. For example, in one embodiment at least one component226comprises an electro-magnetic device configured to selectively apply a magnetic force to permit or prevent the plate member222from being coupled to or detached from the auxiliary lock device224. As such, the auxiliary lock device224may be in communication with the security system control device180. In one embodiment, one or more hood lock devices200and/or auxiliary lock devices220may be used to secure a variety of internal compartments, external compartments, tire carriers, rooftop boxes, bike carriers, tool boxes, and the like.

As shown inFIG. 13, during use the user may lock the vehicle security system170by actuating the system lock button196located on the remote control device190. As a result, a control signal is sent from the remote control device190to the security system control device180. Thereafter, the control device180sends a lock signal to both the hood lock device200and to at least one auxiliary lock device220. As a result, the components204of the hood lock device220and the biasing device206apply a biasing force to the lock shaft208thereby extending the lock shaft208from the hood lock device200and engaging the auxiliary latch device178coupled to the safety latch body176. As a result, the hood172is secured. In addition, a control signal is sent from the security system control device180to the auxiliary lock device220which applies power/current to the component226which results in a magnetic force being applied to the plate member222thereby magnetically coupling the plate member222to the auxiliary lock body224. As a result, both the hood lock device200and auxiliary lock device220are in a locked state.

As shown inFIG. 14, the user may selectively unlock the hood lock device200of the vehicle security system170by actuating the hood lock button192located on the remote control device190. To open the hood170, at least one control signal is sent from the security system control device180which instructs the components204within the hood lock body202to retract the lock shaft208into or proximate to hood lock body202, thereby permitting the safety latch body176to freely move. In contrast, the user may selectively lock the hood lock device200of the vehicle security system170by actuating the hood lock button192located on the remote control device190. As a result, the security system control device180sends a lock signal to the hood lock device200. As a result, the components204of the hood lock device220and the biasing device206may selectively extend the lock shaft208distally from the hood lock body202, thereby resulting in the engaging body210restricting vertical movement of the safety latch body176, thereby securing the hood170. Further, the state (locked/unlocked) of the auxiliary lock device220remains unchanged.

As shown inFIG. 15, the user may selectively unlock the auxiliary lock device220of the vehicle security system170by actuating the auxiliary lock button194located on the remote control device190. To open the a compartment, box, rack, or similar device incorporating the auxiliary lock device220, at least one control signal is sent from the security system control device180which instructs the components226within the auxiliary lock body220to discontinue applying a magnetic field generated by at least one electro-magnetic device located within the auxiliary lock body224, thereby permitting the plate member222to be decoupled from the auxiliary lock body224. In contrast, the user may selectively lock the auxiliary lock device220of the vehicle security system170by actuating the auxiliary lock button194located on the remote control device190. As a result, the security system control device180sends a lock signal to the auxiliary lock device220. As a result, the components226of the auxiliary lock body224selectively generates a magnetic field which is applied to the plate member222, thereby resulting in the plate member222be magnetically coupled to the auxiliary lock body224. Further, the state (locked/unlocked) of the hood lock device200remains unchanged.

As shown inFIG. 16, during use the user may unlock the vehicle security system170by actuating the system lock button198located on the remote control device190. As a result, a control signal is sent from the remote control device190to the security system control device180. Thereafter, the control device180sends an unlock signal to both the hood lock device200and to at least one auxiliary lock device220. As a result, the components204of the hood lock device220apply a retracting force to the lock shaft208thereby withdrawing the lock shaft208to the hood lock device200and disengaging the auxiliary latch device178coupled to the safety latch body176. As a result, the hood172is unsecured. In addition, a control signal is sent from the security system control device180to the auxiliary lock device220which discontinues the application of current to the component226positioned within the auxiliary device body224which terminates the magnetic force being applied to the plate member222thereby permitting the plate member222to be decoupled from the auxiliary lock body224. As a result, both the hood lock device200and auxiliary lock device220are in an unlocked state.

As shown inFIG. 15, the user may selectively unlock the auxiliary lock device220of the vehicle security system170by actuating the auxiliary lock button194located on the remote control device190. To open the auxiliary lock device220, at least one control signal is sent from the security system control device180which instructs the components226within the auxiliary lock body224to restrict the flow of current to at least one magnetic component within the auxiliary lock body224, thereby permitting the plate member222to be detachable from the auxiliary lock body224. In contrast, the user may selectively lock hood lock device200of the vehicle security system170by actuating the hood lock button192located on the remote control device190. As a result, the remote control device sends a lock signal to the hood lock device200. As a result, the components204of the hood lock device220and the biasing device206may selectively extend the lock shaft208distally from the hood lock body202, thereby resulting in the engaging body210restricting vertical movement of the safety latch body176, thereby securing the hood170. Further, the state (locked/unlocked) of the auxiliary lock device220remains unchanged.

As stated above, in one embodiment, the security system disclosed herein is well-suited for use on various vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, and the like. In another embodiment, the security system disclosed herein well-suited for use with Jeep Wranglers, Range Rovers, Land Rovers, SUVs, and other vehicles utilizing an external hood latch, and internal hood release system, or both. Further, the security system disclosed herein may be incorporated into or otherwise attached to various other devices. For example,FIG. 19shows an embodiment of an external compartment or storage box commonly secured to the roof rack of a vehicle. As shown, the storage box270include a body272formed from a first body member274and at least a second body member276. As shown, at least one security system278as described above may be coupled to the first and second body members274,276, thereby permitting the user to selectively permit or restrict access to the storage box270.

FIG. 20shows an embodiment of a ski/snowboard rack or carrier which includes the security system disclosed in the present application. As shown, the ski rack290includes at least one rack body292coupled to a roof rack system294. Further, the rack body is formed by a first rack component296and at least a second rack component298. The first rack component296may be configured to be movable in relation the second rack component298via a pivot pin or body300. Further, at least one movable latch feature302may be used to selectively secure the position the first rack component296proximate to the second rack component298. The movable latch feature may also include at least one latch pivot pin or device304. In addition, at least one lock controller306may be positioned on the latch feature302while at least one lock member308may be positioned on at least one of the first rack component296, second rack component298, or both. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that lock controller306and lock member308may be positioned anywhere on the ski rack290.

FIG. 21shows an embodiment of vehicle having multiple tool boxes or storage areas coupled thereto. As shown, the vehicle320includes a truck bed322having multiple tool boxes324secured to the truck bed322. As shown, at least one tool box324includes one or more security systems326described above coupled to at least one of the tool box door328and the receiving area330of the tool box324. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool boxes324are secured to the bed322of a truck. Optionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that at least one of the illustrated tool boxes324may be used with any variety of vehicles.

FIG. 22shows an embodiment of a console device or internal storage compartment for use in a variety of vehicles. As shown, the console device340includes a console body344having at least one lid346coupled thereto. One or more pads or arm rests348may be positioned on at least one of the console body344or lid346. Further, at least one security system350as described above may be included with or coupled to the console device340. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one lock controller352may be positioned on the console body344. Further, at least one lock member354may be positioned on the lid346. Optionally, the lock controller352and/or lock member354may be positioned on various elements of the console device340.

FIG. 5shows an embodiment of a vehicle having an embodiment of the security system described in the present application included therein. In the embodiment described inFIG. 5, at least one user input device60selectively emits at least input signal62which is sent to the master control52. Thereafter, the master control52sends at least one signal to at least one security system70positioned in or coupled to at least one of the engine compartment46, external compartment56, and/or internal compartment58. In addition, the present security system may be configured to operate using the signal generated by the master control46configured to disarm/arm a pre-existing security system, automatic door locks, and the like. As such, the security system disclosed herein may be easily integrated into factory-installed or aftermarket security system.

In contrast,FIG. 23shows an alternate embodiment of vehicle having the security system described in the present application included herein. As shown, the vehicle370includes a passenger compartment372having an engine compartment374and at least one trunk or storage compartment376. The passenger compartment372includes one or more doors378formed therein. Further, the vehicle370may include one or more external compartment380, internal compartment382, or both. As shown, at least one security system390described herein may be positioned within or coupled to at least one of the engine compartment374, external compartment380, and the internal compartment382. As shown, the user input device394selectively generates at least one user input signal396when actuated by the user. In contrast to the embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the user input signal396is transmitted directly to at least one security system390positioned within at least one of the engine compartment374, external compartment380, and the internal compartment382, thereby forgoing the master control398.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other modifications may be employed which are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the devices disclosed in the present application are not limited to that precisely as shown and described herein.