GB2390584A - Vehicle anti-hijack device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle anti-hijack device particularly for road vehicles. The device comprises a manual activation switch 3 located on the rim of the steering wheel near the driver's right hand, a storage reservoir 10, a pump 7, tubing 8 and a spray head 9 located above the side windows of the vehicle. The device is intended to spray a hijacker who is outside the vehicle with an irritant fluid when it is activated by the driver pressing the switch 3, temporarily disabling the attacker and allowing the driver to drive away from the scene. A cover 6 may be provided for the switch 3 to prevent inadvertent activation. Power for the device may be provided from the vehicle's electrical system via the cigar lighter socket (13, fig 2). The pump 7 is a standard windscreen washer pump. The device uses mostly standard automotive components to reduce the cost. The device may be adapted for use with rail vehicles.

Description

ANTI HIJACK DEVICE

The threat of vehicles being hijacked is wide spread and concerns all drivers. The device protects drivers of road vehicles or trains from being hijacked. The device temporarily disables attacker, thus enabling the attacked drivers to escape.

The essential feature is the use of an Irritant Fluid to cause an attacker to desist.

A non-essential but important feature is the use of standard automotive components as much as possible in order to reduce the production cost and development cost and time.

The following descriptions are for a road vehicle but the principle is

also applicable to a train engine.

1 Block Diagram (a) The Block Diagram is shown in Figure 1.

(b) The system is powered from the vehicle O Volt (Earth) Supply 1 and the -12Volt Supply2. The system is electrically connected via the Cables 4. The - 12 Volt Supply2 is connected to and from the Switch 3 vie the Slip Ring Assembly 5. The Switch Safety Cover 6 prevents inadvertent operation of the system. The Switch 3 is shown in its normal position, which is held at open by a spring.

(c) When it is required to operate the system, the Switch 3 is pressed closed and this connects the -12 Volt Supply 2 to the Windscreen Washer Pump 7 via the Slip Ring Assembly 5. The Windscreen washer Pump 7 then sucks an Irritant Fluid from the Irritant Fluid Reservoir 10. The Windscreen Washer Pump 7 pumps the Irritant Fluid along the Irritant Fluid Pipe 8 to the Spray Head 9 and into the face of the Attacker.

2 Sketch of System Configuration (a) A Sketch of the System Configuration is shown in Figure 2.

(b) The Front Widow 11 of the vehicle is shown adjacent to the Instrument Panel 12 which mounts the Cigar Lighter Socket 13. The Vehicle Structure is represented by 14.

(b) The Switch Safety Cover 6, with the Switch 3 under it, is mounted on the rim of the Steering Wheel 18 adjacent to where the right hand of the driver would normally be.

(c) Electrical Connection to the Windscreen Washer Pump 7 and Cigar Lighter Socket 13 is via the Slip Ring Assembly 5.

(d) The Windscreen Washer Pump 7 and the Irritant Fluid Reservoir 10 are mounted unobtrusively under the Steering Column 16. (e) The System is Armed by inserting the plug on the end of the Cable 4 into the Cigar Lighter Socket 13.

(f) In the event of an attack, the system is operated by lifting the Switch Safety Cover 6 and depressing the spring loaded Switch 3.

This causes the Irritant Fluid 15 to be sprayed into the face of the attacker via the Spray Head 9 situated at the top of the Side Window 17. List of Figures Figure 1 Block diagram Figure 2 Sketch of System Configuration

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   An Anti Highjack System for road vehicles is claimed using an irritant fluid to cause attackers to desist.

   With minor modifications the System is also applicable to rail vehicles.