Automobile Tire And Rim Anti-Theft Device

An anti-theft device for preventing the theft of tires and rims on automobiles. The anti-theft device may be secured over the rim of an automobile so that the anti-theft device is secure and covers the lug nuts of the wheel. The anti-theft device prevents access to the lug nuts and thus prevents the lug nuts and consequently the wheel from being removed. The anti-theft device may include a housing, security cables, a locking mechanism, and a lock.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to anti-theft devices, specifically devices that prevent the theft of automobile tires and rims.

BACKGROUND

Tires are secured to a car by a rim and lug nuts attached to lugs on a wheel. The rim provides the structural support for the tires, and 4-6 lug nuts are typically used to bolt the rim to the wheel. This method of securing tires to cars has been in use for decades.

Tires and rims are expensive, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of dollars for a full set. One major problem with the design, however, is that it leaves tires and rims subject to theft. This type of theft is quite common and easy. A thief would need only a car jack, lug nut wrench, and mere minutes to remove all the rims and tires from a car. A thief could simply lift the car using the car jack, unscrew the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench, and remove the tire and rim. While there exist locking lug nuts that require a key to loosen, such locking lug nuts (or the lugs to which they are attached) are breakable with a fair amount of force. Some car owners invest thousands of dollars into more expensive after-market tires and rims, but that often makes them more attractive targets for theft.

A solution is needed to provide a way to prevent tire and rim theft on automobiles. The present disclosure addresses these needs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed toward an anti-theft device that comprises a housing and at least one security cable. The housing comprises a locking mechanism, at least two entry points, and a lock. The housing may be placed over the lug nuts used to secure a rim to a car. The cable may be secured to the housing at one end. The other end may wrap around one or more spokes of a rim and enter back into the housing through an entry point. A locking mechanism inside the housing may secure the cable so that the housing remains securely pressed up against the lug nuts. Multiple cables may be used to ensure the housing is secure.

The cables may be made of flexible braded steel cables. The cables may also be made of any other strong and durable material suitable for this purpose. The cables may be flexible or rigid. The cables may have notches or holes that allow the locking mechanism to secure the cables inside the housing. One end of the cables may be fixed inside the housing while the other may be removable. It is also possible that both ends of the cables are removable and can be secured with a locking mechanism. The cables may be covered in a layer or layers of rubber, plastic, or any other soft, durable material. The layer surrounding the cable may be used to reinforce the cables. The layer may also be used to protect the rim from damage that may be caused by the cables.

The housing may be made of any hard, durable material, such as steel, iron, or titanium. The housing may be any shape so long as it fits over the lug nuts securing the rim to the car. It can be appreciated that different size housings may be necessary for different size rims. The housing may also be any shape, such as a square, circle, triangle, or rectangle.

The locking mechanism may be used to secure the cable inside the housing. The lock and locking mechanism may be separate devices that are connected by a connector, or they may be part of the same device. There may be one single locking mechanism inside of the housing or there may be multiple locking mechanisms. The lock may be used to secure or release the locking mechanism. The lock may be a key and lock, combination lock (either mechanical or electronic), or some other type of electronic lock, such as using a key fob or cellular device.

In an aspect, the anti-theft apparatus for a rim includes a housing having a base, the base sized to fit over at least a portion of a hub of the rim, the housing defining a hole therethrough, a piston positioned within the hole, the piston moveable axially and rotatably within the hole, a security cable connected to the piston, a distal end of the security cable having a lip formed thereon, wherein the security cable moves with the axial movement of the piston, a locking mechanism within the housing, wherein the locking mechanism is activated upon the axial movement of the piston away from the base, and a lock connected to the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may be fixed upon the rotational movement of the piston. The anti-theft apparatus may also include handle attached to the distal end of the piston away from the base, a ring attached to the piston through cooperating threads such that the position of the piston relative to the base is adjustable. The anti-theft apparatus may also include the lip being sized to contact the interior of a spoke. In an aspect, the apparatus may also have a buffer material attached to the base.

In another aspect of the disclosure, there is an anti-theft apparatus for a rim, including, hiding means for covering at least one lug nut, securing means for connecting the hiding means to the rim, tightening means for pushing the hiding means closer to the rim, and locking means for preventing the removal of the hiding means. The apparatus may also include rotation means for rotatably moving the tightening means to engage a locking mechanism. The securing means may also include a connection to the rim which may be one of a loop, a J-shaped portion, an L-shaped portion and a T-shaped portion. The securing means includes security cables. The hiding means comprises a housing having a hole therethrough and the tightening means comprises a piston axially moveable within the hole.

The disclosure is also directed to a method for securing an anti-theft device on a rim, comprising positioning a cover over at least one lug nut on the rim, securing the cover onto the rim using at least one security cable, tightening the cover, and engaging a locking mechanism for the cover, and locking the cover. The method may include wherein tightening the cover includes pulling the security cable away from the rim prior to locking the cover.

The anti-theft device can be used to effectively prevent the theft of tires and rims on an automobile. When the disclosed anti-theft device is placed securely over the lug nuts of an automobile, the lug nuts cannot be removed, thus preventing theft. The anti-theft device can be easily removed by releasing the locking mechanism so that the car is not driven with the anti-theft device attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

As described herein,FIG. 1illustrates an automobile10on which an anti-theft device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may be implemented. There is shown automobile10, which further includes multiple rims12and tires14. Automobile10may be any type of vehicle that includes rims12and tires14, such as a car, truck, or other vehicle. Rim12may be used to secure tire14to a wheel (not shown) of automobile10. In addition to being functional, the rims also serve an aesthetic purpose.

FIG. 2is a more detailed illustration of rim12ofFIG. 1. Rim12comprises spokes24and lug nuts22wherein spokes24extend from center hub of the rim12to the outer circumference of rim12. Spokes24provide structural sport for rim12as well as create aesthetic appeal. Lug nuts22are attached to lugs (not shown) which are integral to a wheel on automobile10and which pass through holes in the center section of the hub of rim12as is known in the art.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment of anti-theft device301. Anti-theft device301may be configured to be attached to rim12of automobile10in a way such that one or more of lug nuts22are not accessible and therefore cannot be removed. As set forth in more detail below, anti-theft device301may include housing302, lock303, locking mechanism304, security cable305, cable grooves306, entry points307, and connector310. It will be appreciated that anti-theft device301may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with the present disclosure. Housing302is that component of an anti-theft device301that, when attached to rim12, covers one or more of lug nuts22to prevent external access to one or more lug nuts22.

With reference toFIG. 4, housing302may be any device that includes lock303and locking mechanism304. Housing302may be square, rectangular, circular or any other shape. Lock303may be accessible from front311of housing302and lock303may be operable by a key, a combination, a biometric reading of a fingerprint or other biological attribute, electronically via a Bluetooth or other connection to a cellular device or key fob, or any other of type of locking/unlocking scheme. Lock303may be connected to locking mechanism304through connectors310. In operation, turning or otherwise activating lock303will cause connectors310to engage or disengage locking mechanisms304. Housing302may also include entry points307defined as holes in housing302wherein such entry points307are configured to receive security cable305. Note that there may be multiple entry points307into housing302to accommodate multiple security cables305. Housing302may be made of steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or any other durable material. Housing302may be sized such as to cover one or more lug nuts22on rim12

Housing302may also comprise protective layer401. Protective layer401may allow housing302to be positioned flush against rim12, and it may also serve as a protective layer so that housing302does not scratch or otherwise damage rim12. Protective layer401may be made of rubber, foam, or any other type of known protection or padding material. Front311of housing302may be sized and shaped to accommodate a logo or other markings, such as the name of the anti-theft device301or the name of the manufacturer or seller of rims12or tires14.

Referring again toFIG. 1, security cable305may be used as means to connect housing302to rim12. Each security cable305has two ends, a first end308and a second end309. Security cable305may be configured to enter through entry points307in housing302and be secured in housing302using locking mechanism304. One end of security cable305may be permanently attached to or integrally formed with housing302on first end308and be removably attached to locking mechanism304within housing302on second end309. In an alternative embodiment, first end308and second end309of security cable305may both be removably connected to one or more locking mechanisms304within housing302.

With reference toFIG. 5, second end309of security cable305may be configured to be received by a connector in locking mechanism304and releasable using lock303. Second end309of security cable305may include grooves306of security cable305which interact with cooperating grooves within locking mechanism304. In an aspect, first end308and second end309both have grooves306. In this case, both ends308and309are removable from housing302. Security cable305may be flexible or rigid, and in either case may be able to secure housing302to spokes24, and be made of any suitable material that is resistant to cutting. Security cable305may be of sufficient length as to wrap around spokes24of rim12and also be able to be tightly connected to locking mechanism304so as to not permit tampering with or cutting of security cable305without damaging the rims.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment of a cross section of security cable305. Security cable305may comprise inner layer602and outer layer604. Inner layer602may be steel cable, flexible braided steel cable, or any other type of durable and flexible material that would allow security cable305to wrap around one of spokes24of rim12. Outer layer604may be a protective layer made of rubber, plastic, foam, or any other known flexible protective material. Outer layer604may provide added protection to make security cable305more difficult to cut, and outer layer604may be a protective layer to prevent security cable305from damaging rim12. Security cable305may also include just a single layer or more than 2 layers.

FIG. 7illustrates an embodiment of lock303and locking mechanism304. Locking mechanism304may be disposed inside housing302. Locking mechanism304may be any mechanism that can secure security cable305inside of housing302. Locking mechanism304may secure security cable305automatically when second end309of security cable305is inserted into housing302through entry point307, or locking mechanism304may secure security cable305only when lock303is activated by lock303. Locking mechanism304may only release security cable305when activated by lock303. It will be appreciated that lock303, locking mechanism304, and connector310may include any sub-combination of the foregoing elements while remaining consistent with the present disclosure. For example, lock303may be connected directly to locking mechanism304, thus eliminating the need for connector310. Lock303may be connected to all locking mechanism304in housing302, but each locking mechanism304may also be connected to its own lock303.

It will be appreciated that there are other means for connecting security cable305with housing302consistent with the present disclosure. For example, security cable305may comprise grooves onto which locking mechanism304attaches. Security cable305may have holes into which locking mechanism304inserts a stopping device, such as a rod. Locking mechanism304may simply apply a strong compression force on security cable305and use the friction to secure security cable305. The combination of security cable305and locking mechanism304may have a quick release connector. Security cable305may pass through locking mechanism304or security cable305may attach directly into locking mechanism304. It can be appreciated that there are numerous other known methods in which locking mechanism304can secure security cable305inside of housing302.

Lock303may comprise a physical key and lock to release locking mechanism304. Lock303may also be a combination lock that only releases locking mechanism304when the correct combination is entered. The combination lock may be mechanical or electrical. Lock303may also release locking mechanism304using a cable-less device, such as a key fob sensor or a cellular device. It can be appreciated that there are numerous other means by which lock303can secure or release locking mechanism304.

For example, in an aspect, housing302may comprise one locking mechanism304and one lock303. Housing302may have two security cables305permanently connected to it on opposite sides of housing302. After being wrapped around spoke24, second end309of security cables305may be inserted into housing302through entry points307. Inside housing302, security cables305are guided to locking mechanism304. In this example locking mechanism304may have the capability to secure two cables simultaneously. Lock303could activate locking mechanism304to release both security cables305simultaneously. In another aspect, housing302comprises two locking mechanisms304and two security cables305. In this example each security cable305can connect to its own locking mechanism304. Housing302can further comprise one lock303that can activate both locking mechanisms304via connector310, or housing302can comprise two locks303that connect to their own respective locking mechanism304. In another aspect, housing302may comprise three or more security cables305that connect to the same locking mechanism304, share locking mechanisms304, or each connect to its own locking mechanism304.

In an aspect, security cables305may not be not permanently connected to housing302. Security cables305may have grooves306along first end308as well as second end309. Security cables305may also have grooves along the entire length of security cables305. First end308of security cables305may be inserted into housing302through entry points307. First end308of security cables305may insert into and be secured by locking mechanisms304. Second end309of security cables305may be wrapped around spokes24and back into housing302through entry points307such that housing302covers lug nuts22. Second end309of security cables305may be secured by the same locking mechanism304as their corresponding first end308. Second end309may also be secured by its own separate locking mechanism304. Both first end308and second end309of security cables305may connect to the same locking mechanism304. In an aspect, housing further comprises a type of crank (not shown) to allow security cables305to be tightened easier and more effectively than a user by himself.

With respect toFIG. 8, anti-theft device301may be placed over rim12such that one or more lug nuts22are covered and thereby not accessible with anti-theft device301attached. Security cables305may originate from housing302, wrap around spokes24, and be reinserted into housing302through entry point307where security cables305may be secured. InFIG. 8, anti-theft device301comprises three security cables305that each wrap around an individual spoke24. Security cables305may be secured tight enough so that lug nuts22cannot be exposed. This will prevent a potential thief from being able to remove lug nuts22and steal rim12.

FIG. 9illustrates another embodiment of how anti-theft device301may be used in conjunction with rim12. Anti-theft device301may be placed over rim12such that lug nuts22are covered. Security cables305may originate from housing302, wrap around spokes24, and reinserted into housing302through entry point307, where security cables305may be secured. InFIG. 9, anti-theft device301comprises two security cables305that each wrap around two spokes24before reinserting into housing302. Security cables305may be secured so that lug nuts22are not exposed and therefore not accessible. It can be appreciated that there can be numerous other configurations in which anti-theft device301can be secured to rim12.

FIG. 10illustrates a method for securing anti-theft device301to rim12. At1001, housing302may be placed over lug nuts22. At1002, first end308of security cable305may be attached to housing302. At1003, security cable305may be wrapped around one or more of spokes24. At1004, second end309of security cable305may be inserted into housing302through entry point307. At1005, second end309of security cable305may be secured to housing302by locking mechanism304. At1006,1002-1005are repeated for any other security cable(s)305. Removing anti-theft device301is accomplished by unlocking locking mechanism304and removing security cable(s)305.

Turning to alternative embodiments of a device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure shown inFIGS. 11-14,FIG. 11illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing anti-theft device1100, whileFIGS. 12, 13, and 14show a cross-sectional view, a top view, and a side view of anti-theft device1100, respectively. Anti-theft device1100may include housing1102, security cables1104aand1104b,handle1106, adjustment knob1108, piston1110, lock1112, and base1114.

Housing1102may be made of a hard, durable material, such as reinforced aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or the like. Housing1102may be sized to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of rim12ofFIG. 1. Housing1102may be sufficiently large that it may cover one or more lug nuts22that secure rim12to automobile10. Housing1102may be of any shape and may, for example, be shaped similar to a half sphere. It is contemplated that housing1102may be of other shapes and sizes that still achieve the desired function of covering lug nuts22on rim12and being secured to rim12. While housing1102shown is solidly formed, housing1102may also have holes formed therein in areas where lug nuts22are not exposed in order to reduce weight or for other aesthetic or functional purposes.

Piston1110may pass through a hole formed through housing1102and be axially and rotatably adjustable therein as shown inFIG. 12. Piston1110may be made of a hard, durable material, such as reinforced aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or the like. Piston1110may include grooves1111on at least a portion of piston1110. Piston1110may be spring loaded. Handle1106may be affixed to the distal end of piston1110opposite base1114. In an example, handle1106may allow a user to rotate piston1110to release a spring and thereby extend piston1110away from housing1102. This will be described later in more detail.

Handle1106may be constructed to be a break-away handle so as to withstand a predetermined amount of force before breaking. When a force greater than the predetermined amount of force is exerted on handle1106, handle1106may break away while anti-theft device1100remains operable. This may prevent a thief from attempting to break anti-theft device1100. Handle1106may be built or configured to withstand a smaller amount of force than would be necessary to break anti-theft device1100, thereby preventing the thief from accessing rim12to which anti-theft device1100is attached.

Each of security cables1104a-b may include arm portion1116, latching portion1118, and cylindrical portion1120. Security cables1104a-bmay be made of a hard, durable material, such as reinforced aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or the like. Cylindrical portion1120may be cylindrically shaped and contain grooves1122on the top and bottom of cylindrical portion1120. When cylindrical portion1120of security cables1104aand1104bare disposed adjacent each other as shown inFIG. 11, grooves1122of cylindrical portion1120of security cables1104aand1104bmay interlock, preventing security cables1104aand1104bfrom rotating relative to each other. Security cables1104aand1104bmay be rotated relative to each other only when grooves1122of each of security cables1104a-bare separated (i.e. not interlocked). This may be done, for example, to adjust the relative distance of the top of security cables1104a-bfrom base1114to fit the spokes and hub pattern of rim12. In an alternative embodiment, arm portion1116may be a chain and latching portion1118may be an end link on a chain with a hook that can hook around an edge of rim12. Although two security cables1104a-bare illustrated in the embodiment, it can be appreciated that anti-theft device1100may include just one or more than two security cables1104a-b.

Arm portion1116may extend from cylindrical portion1120and curve at approximately the same curvature of housing1102. Latching portion1118may be disposed at an end of arm portion1116opposite of cylindrical portion1120. Latching portion1118may be shaped to fit securely around a spoke of rim12or behind a spoke or multiple spokes.

Adjustment knob1108may be disposed between security cables1104a-band housing1102. Adjustment knob1108may be cylindrically shaped. Piston1110and adjustment knob1108may each include grooves1111such that adjustment knob1108may be moved along piston1110by rotating adjustment knob1108, similar to a nut and bolt apparatus. When adjustment knob1108is set to a desired position on piston1110, adjustment knob1108may prevent security cables1104a-bfrom moving along piston1110toward housing1102.

Base1114may be affixed to housing1102opposite of security cables1104a-b, adjustment knob1108, and handle1106. Base1114may be composed of a durable, but flexible material, such as rubber, a durable foam material, or the like. Base1114may serve as a protective barrier between anti-theft device1100and rim12of automobile10when anti-theft device1100is secured to rim12. Base1114may be flexible so that anti-theft device1100can securely attach to flat, concave, or convex rims.

FIG. 12illustrates a cross-sectional view of anti-theft device1100. Shown inFIG. 12is locking mechanism1202. Locking mechanism1202may be disposed inside of housing1102. Locking mechanism1202may include piston1110, handle1106, lock1112, lock rods1204, and latch rods1206. When locking mechanism1202is engaged, lock rods1204overlap with latch rods1206, preventing piston1110from moving. When lock1112is not engaged, lock rods1204do not overlap with latch rods1206, and piston1110can be moved or adjusted. Locking mechanism1202may be engaged or disengaged by extending piston1110such that handle1106is extended away from housing1102. When piston1110is fully or near fully extended, piston1110may be rotated, resulting in lock rods1204and latch rods1206overlapping and securing piston1110. Locking mechanism1202may then be engaged.

Handle1106may be used to facilitate the rotating of piston1110to engage locking mechanism1202. Locking mechanism1202may be locked using lock1112. When lock1112is in a locked state, piston1110cannot be rotated and locking mechanism1202therefore remains engaged. Unlocking lock1112may allow piston1110to be rotated such that locking mechanism1202is no longer engaged. Lock1112may be any type of known locking engagement mechanism, such as a key, combination lock (either mechanical or electronic), or some other type of electronic lock, such as using a key fob or cellular device, biometric authentication, or the like.FIG. 12also illustrates bolt1208that secures base1114to housing1102.

In an example, anti-theft device1100may have two states: engaged and disengaged. When anti-theft device1100is disengaged, locking mechanism1202may also be disengaged so that piston1110may be adjustable. Security cables1104a-bmay be free to be moved along piston1110between adjustment knob1108and handle1106. Adjustment knob1108may be rotated along piston1110.

When anti-theft device1100is engaged, anti-theft device1100may be placed on the outside of rim12so that base1114covers as least one lug nut22of rim12. Latching portion1118of security cables1104a-bmay be disposed around spokes24of rim12and fit behind spokes24on the interior of spokes24. Piston1110may be fully extended with handle1106pulled away from housing1102. Locking mechanism1202may be engaged and locked as described above. Adjustment knob1108may be set at a predetermined position such that, with piston1110fully extended, anti-theft device1100is securely attached to rim12. Security cables1104a-bmay exert a force toward base1114and latching portion1118of security cables1104a-bmay exert an opposite force on the interior of rim12. The opposing forces may effectuate a clamp-like mechanism that keeps anti-theft device1100device securely attached to rim12.

FIG. 15illustrates a method1500of securing anti-theft device1100to rim12ofFIG. 1. At1501, anti-theft device1100is placed over rim12. Anti-theft device1100may be placed so that base1114is in contact with the rim12and anti-theft device1100covers at least one lug nut22of rim12. At1502, latching portion1118of security cables1104a-bare placed behind spokes24on rim12. As an example, each latching portion1118may be placed behind a spoke24of rim12or in an alternative embodiment, may be a loop that encircles a spoke24of rim12. At1503, adjustment knob1108may be adjusted. For example, adjustment knob1108may be rotated so that it moves along piston1110. In1504, piston1110may be extended. For example, a user may pull handle1106with one hand and hold housing1102against rim12with the other hand. In1505, locking mechanism1202is engaged. Locking mechanism1202may be engaged by rotating piston1110such that lock rods1204overlap with latch rods1206. At1506, lock1112may be locked. Locking lock1112may prevent piston1110from being further rotated, thus keeping locking mechanism1202engaged.

In an example, a user places anti-theft device1100over rim12of his automobile10. The user positions anti-theft device1100such that it is centered on the outer surface of rim12and covers at least one lug nut22that secures rim12to automobile10. Being placed in such a position may prevent a potential thief from being able to access lug nuts22, and thus prevent the potential thief from removing rim12. The user then positions security cables1104aand1104bsuch that each latching portion1118is positioned between spokes24of rim12and disposed adjacent the inner side of rim12. The user then adjusts adjustment knob1108so that when anti-theft device1100is in an engaged state, anti-theft device1100is securely pressed against the outer surface of rim12. The user then pulls on handle1106while holding housing1102against the outer surface of rim12, resulting in piston1110being extended. The user then rotates handle1106, thereby rotating piston1110and engaging locking mechanism1202. Anti-theft device1100is then in an engaged stated with housing1102firmly pressed against the outer surface of rim12so that lug nuts22cannot be accessed. The user then locks lock1112so that locking mechanism1202cannot be disengaged.

When locking mechanism1202is engaged, security cables1104a-bexert two opposing forces creating a clamp mechanism to secure anti-theft device1100to rim12. On one end, cylindrical portion1120exerts a force toward adjustment knob1108, which in turn exerts a force on housing1102toward rim12. The second force may be exerted by latching portion1118toward the inner side of rim12. The two opposing forces secure create a clamp-like mechanism that keeps housing1102securely pressed against rim12.

When housing1102and base1114are a round shape, it may assist in securing anti-theft device1100to rim12. Having a round-shaped housing1102and base1114may create a flush barrier between anti-theft device1100and rim12. This may allow anti-theft device1100to be more snugly pressed against rim12and make it more difficult for a thief to remove anti-theft device1100.

In addition to the embodiments described above, the present disclosure includes means for performing certain functions. For example, the disclosure includes hiding means for preventing access to one or more lug nuts22. Hiding means, may, for example, include housing1102and housing302and the equivalents thereof. Hiding means may also include a square or rectangular plate, a circular or oblong disk, individual lug nut covers connected by a steel or other strong structure, or any other type of cover that prevents access to one or more lug nuts22. The square or rectangular plate or the circular or oblong disk may be solid or may have a mesh pattern or other cut-outs therein which may, for example, reduce the weight of the hiding means. Hiding means includes, but is not limited to, all of the above and the equivalents thereof.

The present disclosure also includes securing means for attaching the hiding means to a rim12. The securing means may, for example, include security cables305and security cables1104aand1104b.The securing means may also include a strap, a chain, a wire cable, a rod, an L-shaped bar, a u-shaped bar, a j-shaped bar, a t-shaped bar and any other type of member and their respective equivalents. Each of the securing means may be made of strong, break-resistant or cut-resistant material and each of the securing means may include a portion thereof capable of being connected to the hiding means and another portion capable of being connected to the rim itself. The securing means includes, but is not limited to, all of the above and their respective equivalents

The present disclosure also includes adjusting means for tightening the securing means to rim12. The adjusting means may include locking mechanism304in combination with entry points307whereby security cables305are inserted into the entry points307and pulled tightly by the locking mechanism304. The adjusting means may also include the piston1110which pulls the attached security cables11104aand1104baway from base1114thereby tightening security cables1104aand1104bvis-à-vis rim12. The adjusting means may also include a ratchet, a gear, a pulley, a knob or any other device capable of pulling the distal end of securing means away from rim12thereby tightening the hiding means against rim12. The adjusting means includes, but is not limited to, all of the above and their respective equivalents.

The present disclosure also includes clamping means for preventing the movement of the base1114away from the rim12. The clamping means, may, for example, include locking mechanism1202which engages upon the rotation of piston1110. The clamping means may also include a stationary gear interlocking with an otherwise rotatable gear, a pin inserted through a hole in piston1110to prevent further rotation or further axial movement, or any other mechanical or electronic device for clamping a piston1110from further movement once the anti-theft device1100is engaged. Clamping means includes, but is not limited to, all of the above and their respective equivalents

The present disclosure also includes locking means. The locking means may, for example, include the multiple embodiments of lock303and the multiple embodiments of lock1112and their respective equivalents.

The present disclosure also includes rotating means for rotatably moving the piston1110. The rotating means may include, for example, handle1106connected to the top of piston1110as described above. The rotating means may also include a grip for hand rotation of piston1110, a handle having holes for insertion of a tool or a portion of a hand, a battery powered motor to rotate piston1110, or any other device that will enable the rotational movement of piston1110. The rotating means includes, but is not limited to, all of the above and their respective equivalents.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of preventing or reducing the probability of theft of rims and tires. Although not every conceivable combination of components and methodologies for the purposes describing the present disclosure have been set out above, the examples provided will be sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to recognize the many combinations and permutations possible in respect of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.