Patent Application
20240328213
The present disclosure describes vehicle cabin security apparatus, systems, and methods and, more particularly, supplemental cabin security apparatus, systems, and methods for a passenger vehicle, such as a roadway passenger car, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or truck.
Passenger vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, or trucks, typically include cabin security devices to prevent or help present unwanted entry into a vehicle cabin. Such cabin security devices include, for instance, door handle locks, alarm systems, coded door entry systems, and otherwise. However, unauthorized entry into vehicle cabins can still occur.
In an example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a lock assembly and a lock stem; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock; and a sleeve sized to fit over the lock stem and configured to rotate about the lock stem in response to an external force or an external torque applied to the sleeve.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a lock assembly and a lock stem; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock; and a sleeve carried on the lock stem to move about the lock stem and limit a force or a torque transmitted to the back panel through the sleeve and the lock stem to no more than a specified breaking force of the back panel.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a lock assembly and a lock stem; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock; and a sleeve sized to fit over at least a portion of the lock stem of the door lock and configured to move about the lock stem in response to an external force or an external torque applied to the sleeve exclusive of passing a portion of the external force or the external torque, through the lock stem, to the back panel assembly that is sufficient to break the back panel assembly.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a lock assembly and a lock stem; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock; and means for isolating an external force or an external torque applied and sufficient to break the back panel assembly that is transmitted through the lock stem.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a first part and a second part; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the first part of the door lock into a contoured recess of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the second part of the door lock; and a sleeve carried on the second part to move about the second part and limit a force or a torque transmitted to the back panel through the sleeve and the second part to no more than a specified breaking force of the back panel.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a first part and a second part; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the first part of the door lock into a contoured recess of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the second part of the door lock; and a sleeve sized to fit over at least a portion of the second part of the door lock and configured to rotate around the second part in response to an external force or an external torque applied to the sleeve exclusive of passing a portion of the external force or the external torque, through the second part, to the back panel assembly that is sufficient to break the back panel assembly.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position, the door lock including a first part and a second part; a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the first part of the door lock into a contoured recess of the back panel; a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the second part of the door lock; and means for eliminating an external force or an external torque applied to, and sufficient to break, the back panel assembly through the second part of the door lock.
One, some, or all of the example implementations of a passenger vehicle door handle assembly can include one, some, or all of the following aspects, either alone or in combination.
In an aspect combinable with any of the example implementations, the sleeve is configured to rotate about the lock stem in response to the external force or the external torque applied to the sleeve without transmitting the external force or the external torque, through the lock stem, to the back panel assembly that is sufficient to break the back panel assembly.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a snap ring configured to fit over at least a portion of the door lock and maintain the sleeve at a particular position on the door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring includes a split snap ring.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring is biased to engage the portion of the door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door lock further includes a key cylinder that extends from the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve is sized to fit over the lock stem and terminate at a shoulder of the lock assembly.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring is configured to fit over the key cylinder and maintain the sleeve on the lock stem.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a material deposition layer applied to at least a portion of the door lock and configured to maintain the sleeve at a particular position on the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material deposition layer includes at least one of a weld deposition layer, a solder deposition layer, or a brazed deposition layer configured to maintain, when applied, the sleeve at the particular position on the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material deposition layer includes a ring applied to the door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door lock further includes a key cylinder that extends from the lock stem, and the sleeve is sized to fit over the lock stem and abut a shoulder of the lock assembly.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material deposition layer is applied to the key cylinder and is configured to maintain the sleeve on the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material deposition layer is applied to the lock stem between the lock stem and the sleeve and is configured to adhere the sleeve to the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material deposition layer includes an adhesive material.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the opening of the second portion of the door handle is configured to receive at least part of the sleeve.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door handle is configured to pivot at the first portion to retract the second portion away from the front panel and expose the sleeve from the opening of the second portion of the door handle without exposing the lock stem of the door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve is a cylinder or a split cylinder
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve has a polygonal cross-section.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve is at least partially made from a metallic material.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the metallic material includes stainless steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door lock includes a keyed door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door is a driver door.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the passenger vehicle is a passenger truck.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the passenger truck is a Ford® passenger truck.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the Ford® passenger truck is a Ford® F-150, a Ford® F-250 or a Ford® F-350.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the passenger vehicle is a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the SUV is a Ford® SUV.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the Ford® SUV is a Ford® Explorer or a Ford® Expedition.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes means for maintaining the sleeve at a particular position on the door lock.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the means for maintaining the sleeve at the particular position on the door lock includes means for preventing the sleeve from sliding from a lock stem of the door lock over a key cylinder of the door lock.
In another example implementation, a passenger vehicle includes a door configured to access a cabin of the passenger vehicle; and a door handle assembly mounted to the door and in accordance with any of the example implementations of the door handle assembly previously described (including one or more of the described aspects).
In another example implementation, a kit-of-parts for a door handle assembly of a passenger vehicle includes at least one container; and a door handle assembly that fits within the at least one container. The door handle assembly includes a door lock configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position to impede access to a cabin through the door and an unlocked position to allow access to the cabin through the door, the door lock including a lock assembly and a lock stem, a panel assembly configured to mount to the door, the panel assembly including a front panel portion and a back panel coupled to the front panel portion, the back panel including an aperture sized and configured to receive at least the lock assembly of the door lock into a slotted portion of the back panel, and a sleeve sized to fit over at the lock stem and configured to rotate about the lock stem in response to an external force or an external torque applied to the sleeve.
In another aspect combinable with this example implementation, the sleeve is configured to rotate about the lock stem in response to the external force or the external torque applied to the sleeve without transmitting the external force or the external torque, through the lock stem, to the back panel assembly that is sufficient to break the back panel assembly.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a door handle including a first portion configured to pivotally couple to the panel assembly at a first end of the panel assembly, and a second portion including an opening configured to receive at least the lock stem of the door lock.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a snap ring configured to fit over a key cylinder of the door lock and maintain the sleeve at a particular position on the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring includes a split snap ring.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring is biased to engage the key cylinder.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a snap ring pliers tool.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a portion of at least one of a welding material, a soldering material, a brazing material, or an adhesive material.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve includes a cylinder.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve includes a split cylinder.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve has a polygonal cross-section.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the sleeve is at least partially made from a metallic material.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the metallic material includes steel or aluminum.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the door lock includes a keyed door lock.
In another example implementation, a method includes moving a sleeve over a portion of a door lock, where the door lock is configured to adjust a door of a passenger vehicle between a locked position and an unlocked position; maintaining the sleeve on the portion of the door lock; and inserting the door lock through an aperture of a panel assembly configured to mount to the door to engage the panel assembly.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes coupling a first portion of a door handle to the panel assembly; and engaging the door lock into an opening of the door handle at a second portion of the door handle opposite the first portion to receive a key cylinder of the door lock through the opening.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, maintaining the sleeve on the portion of the door lock includes installing a snap ring over a key cylinder of the door lock adjacent to or abutting a shoulder of a lock stem of the door dock; and maintaining the sleeve on the lock stem with the snap ring.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the snap ring is biased to engage the key cylinder.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, maintaining the sleeve on the portion of the door lock includes applying a material layer to the door lock; and maintaining the sleeve on a lock stem of the door lock with the material layer.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, applying a material layer to the door lock includes applying the material layer to a key cylinder of the door lock adjacent to or abutting a shoulder of the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material layer includes at least one of a weld layer, a solder layer, a brazed layer, or an adhesive layer.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, applying a material layer to a portion of the door lock includes applying the material layer to the lock stem.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the material layer includes at least one of a weld layer, a solder layer, a brazed layer, or an adhesive layer.
Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes installing the door handle and the panel assembly into the door of the passenger vehicle.
In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, moving the sleeve over the portion of the door lock includes moving the sleeve over a lock stem of the door lock adjacent to or abutting a shoulder of a lock assembly of the door lock.
Implementations of vehicle cabin security devices, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure include one or more of the following features. For example, implementations according to the present disclosure prevent or help prevent unauthorized entry into a vehicle cabin through a locked, driver door. As another example, implementations according to the present disclosure provide a cost effective deterrent to unauthorized entry into a vehicle cabin. As another example, implementations according to the present disclosure are efficiently integrated into existing door handle assemblies of vehicle doors (e.g., driver doors) to provide for prevention of unauthorized entry into a vehicle cabin.
The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
The present disclosure describes example implementations of a vehicle cabin security apparatus that can, for instance, be used to prevent unauthorized entry into a cabin of a passenger vehicle that is gained by breaking or disabling a locked, door handle assembly of the vehicle. In some aspects, the vehicle cabin security apparatus can prevent exposure (e.g., to an external force or torque) of a door lock or portion of a door lock of a vehicle door (such as a driver door) when a door handle is manipulated. The prevention of the exposure can prevent an external force or torque from being applied to the door lock (or portion thereof) to break or disable the door handle assembly. For example, the vehicle cabin security apparatus can cover or otherwise surround the portion of the door lock while also preventing transmission of a force or torque applied to the apparatus to the door lock (or portion thereof) and subsequently to break a portion of a door handle assembly, thereby unlocking the vehicle door in an unauthorized manner.
Door handle assembly 200 can comprise a vehicle cabin security apparatus, which prevents or helps prevent unauthorized entry into a passenger vehicle cabin by breaking a portion of the door handle assembly 200 through an external force or torque applied to a door lock of the door handle assembly 200 (as described previously).
Turning first to
As further shown in
As shown in
The handle 204, as shown, includes a pivot end 212 that pivotally couples to the panel assembly 202 through a pivot member 225 (shown in
The back panel 220 is coupled to the front panel 216 and, as with the handle 204, also receives a portion of a door lock (such as door lock 500 described herein). In some aspects, the back panel 220 can be formed of molded plastic, aluminum, other metal or non-metal, or other material. Turning now to
In some aspects, the position of the wings 509 of the lock assembly 502 relative to the slots 224 determines whether the door handle assembly 200 (and thus passenger vehicle door 105 or 155) is in a locked position or an unlocked position. For example, insertion of a key into the key cylinder 506 and rotation thereof can directly rotate the lock assembly 502 to align or misalign the wings 509 with the slots 224, thereby locking or unlocking the door handle assembly 200. However, forcible rotation of a lock stem (504) of the door lock (as described later)-if exposed from the handle 204-can also rotate the lock assembly 502 to break at least a portion of the back panel 220 (such as the slots 224), thereby unlocking the door handle assembly 200 and preventing re-locking of the door handle assembly 200 once broken.
Once broken, the door handle assembly 200 must be replaced at a great cost. In one option, a keyless door handle assembly 115 (specifically made for a non-driver door) rather than keyed door handle assembly 200 can be installed in a driver door 105 (or 155). While the keyless door handle assembly 115 does not include a door lock 500, and therefore would not be susceptible to further unauthorized entries but would eliminate authorized, keyed entry into the door 105 (or 155). The other option is to replace door handle assembly 200 (including a new door lock 500) but the cost to do so is even greater than the first option.
Turning to
The lock stem 504 is part of the door lock 500 between the key cylinder 506 and the lock assembly 502. When exposed, the lock stem 504 can be forcibly rotated (e.g., by a wrench, pliers, or other hand or machine tool) to also rotate the lock assembly 502 within the back panel 220. As noted, forcible rotation of the lock stem 504 of the door lock when exposed from the handle 204 can also rotate the lock assembly 502 to break at least a portion of the back panel 220 (such as the slots 224), thereby unlocking the door handle assembly 200 and preventing re-locking of the door handle assembly 200 once broken. This action can be taken even in the absence of a key being used in the key cylinder 506 to unlock the door handle assembly 200.
Turning now to
As shown in
In some aspects, the snap ring 700 is a flexible, split ring (as shown) that is biased radially toward its center. Thus, when positioned over the key cylinder 506, the snap ring 700 grips the cylinder 506 to remain substantially secure in a particular position (as placed by a user). The snap ring 700 can have two terminal ends 701, each with holes to receive a snap ring wrench (shown in
Although the snap ring 700 is shown as a split ring in this example, a “snap ring” according to the present disclosure can refer to any member that can be positioned on the key cylinder 506, and remain adjacent or abutting the shoulder 507 of the lock stem 504, and maintain the sleeve 600 on the lock stem 504 (such as by preventing movement of the sleeve 600 onto the key cylinder 506).
In some aspects, the sleeve 600 is formed from a metallic material, such as steel (stainless or galvanized), titanium, iron, aluminum, or other metallic material. Alternatively, the sleeve 600 can be formed from a rigid, non-metallic material, such as rigid nonmetallic conduit, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or other material that will not be crushed or compressed by a wrench or pliers. In some aspects, the sleeve 600 can be 3 cm in axial length (plus or minus between 2-5 mm), 2.5 cm in outer diameter (plus or minus 1-2 mm), and 2.2 cm in inner diameter (plus or minus 1-2 mm).
The material deposition layer 705 can be, for example, a weld layer ring (in
However, in some aspects, the material deposition layer 705 can be connected (e.g., adhered thereto as an adhesive) or integrated with both the key cylinder 506 and the sleeve 600, thereby connecting the sleeve 600 to the key cylinder 506. In such cases, a force or torque required to break a connection between the sleeve 600 and the material deposition layer 705 (and thus the connection between the sleeve 600 and the key cylinder 506) is less than a force sufficient to break part of the panel assembly 202 (e.g., the back panel 220) by forcible rotation of the lock assembly 502 (transmitted from the force or torque on the sleeve 600 through the key cylinder 506 and/or lock stem 504). In such cases, therefore, a force or torque applied to the sleeve 600 to break the door handle assembly 200 and gain unauthorized entry into a vehicle cabin will break the connection between the material deposition layer 705 and the sleeve 600, but not the door handle assembly 200.
The material deposition layer 710 can be, for example, an adhesive layer ring (in
Process 1000 can continue at step 1004, which includes maintaining the sleeve on the portion of the door lock. For example, in some aspects, the snap ring 700 can be positioned on the door lock 500 and prevent or help prevent the sleeve 600 from sliding from the lock stem 504 (or other portion of the door lock 500, as appropriate) onto the key cylinder 506 or off the door lock 500 altogether. The snap ring 700 can be manipulated by, for example, the snap ring pliers 804 to stretch the terminal ends 701 apart (away from each other) to position the snap ring 700 about the key cylinder 506. The snap ring 700 can then be positioned adjacent to or abutting the shoulder 507 of the lock stem 504. Upon release of the terminal ends 701 with the pliers 804, the snap ring 700 is radially biased to grip the key cylinder 506 and maintain its position thereon.
As another example, the sleeve 600 can be maintained by applying material deposition layer 705 as a ring or tacks on the key cylinder 506 as shown in
As yet another example, the sleeve 600 can be maintained by applying material deposition layer 710 as a ring or tacks on the lock stem 504 as shown in
In some aspects, the sleeve 600 is maintained on the portion of the door lock 500 (such as on the lock stem 504) without the snap ring 700 or the material deposition layers 705 or 710. For example, an end of the sleeve 600 can be flared or crimped in order to prevent sliding off of the door lock 500. As another example, an axially length of the sleeve 600 can be chosen so that, when installed on the door lock 500 and with the door lock 500 installed in the door handle assembly 200, the sleeve 600 is maintained on the lock stem 504.
Process 1000 can continue at step 1006, which includes inserting the door lock through an aperture of a panel assembly configured to mount to a door to engage the panel assembly. For example, the door lock 500 including the sleeve 600 (maintained on the lock stem 504), can be inserted through opening 222 to engage with the back panel 220 (with the lock assembly 502 engaging with the slots 224. The door lock 500 (including the sleeve 600 and snap ring 700 or material deposition layers 705 or 710, if necessary), extend from the opening 222 of the panel assembly 202.
Process 1000 can continue at step 1008, which includes coupling a first portion of a door handle to the panel assembly. For example, the pivot end 212 of the handle 204 can engage with the panel assembly 202.
Process 1000 can continue at step 1010, which includes engaging the door lock into an opening of the door handle at a second portion of the door handle opposite the first portion to receive a key cylinder of the door lock through the opening. For example, the door lock 500 (and sleeve 600) can be inserted into an opening 215 (shown in
Process 1000 can continue at step 1012, which includes installing the door handle and the panel assembly into the door of a passenger vehicle. For example, the door handle assembly 200 can be installed in, for example, the driver door 105 or 155 of passenger vehicle 100 or passenger vehicle 150, respectively, (or another passenger vehicle according to the present disclosure). In some aspects, the door handle assembly 200 is only installed in the driver door 105 or driver door 155, rather than a non-driver door.
While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, example operations, methods, or processes described herein may include more steps or fewer steps than those described. Further, the steps in such example operations, methods, or processes may be performed in different successions than that described or illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
