Catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems

{
  "publication_number": "US11713706B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems",
  "abstract": "Catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems are described.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A catalytic converter anti-theft system comprising: an exhaust flange bolt shield configured to be attached to one or more points near an exhaust flange via one or more corresponding security bolt fasteners, wherein the exhaust flange bolt shield includes one or more bolt covers configured to cover one or more exhaust flange bolts; and an exhaust pipe section cover configured to be attached to an exhaust pipe section adjacent a catalytic converter so as to cover at least a portion of the exhaust pipe section, wherein the exhaust pipe section cover is attached to the exhaust pipe section via one or more arcuate members and one or more corresponding security fasteners, wherein the exhaust pipe section cover includes a body portion having two apertures for fastening the exhaust pipe section cover to the exhaust pipe section, and a first angled member attached to a first side of the body portion and a second angled member attached to a second side of the body portion opposite the first side of the body portion.",
    "2. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust flange bolt shield and the exhaust pipe section cover are formed from one or more of steel, hardened steel, case hardened steel, or tempered steel.",
    "3. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust flange bolt shield and the exhaust pipe section cover are separate pieces.",
    "4. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 1, wherein the exhaust flange bolt shield includes: a first recess disposed at a first end of the exhaust flange bolt shield configured to fit over a first catalytic converter manifold bolt, and a second recess disposed at a second end of the exhaust flange bolt shield configured to fit over a second catalytic converter manifold bolt.",
    "5. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more corresponding security fasteners is a break-away security nut.",
    "6. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 5, wherein the break-away security nut is configured to break away at a given torque level.",
    "7. A catalytic converter anti-theft system comprising: a single piece catalytic converter cover configured to cover an exhaust pipe section and one or more exhaust manifold bolts, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover is attached to an exhaust system at one end of a catalytic converter, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover is configured to be attached to an exhaust pipe section adjacent the catalytic converter so as to cover at least a portion of the exhaust pipe section, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover is attached to the exhaust pipe section via one or more arcuate members and one or more corresponding breakaway security nuts, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover includes a dove tail configuration at an end of the single piece catalytic converter cover opposite to an end of the single piece catalytic converter connected to a manifold.",
    "8. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 7, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover is formed from one or more of steel, hardened steel, or tempered steel.",
    "9. The catalytic converter anti-theft system of claim 7, wherein the single piece catalytic converter cover includes a body portion having two apertures for fastening the single piece catalytic converter cover to the exhaust pipe section."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "Some implementations relate generally to anti-theft devices, and, more particularly, to catalytic converter anti-theft devices and systems.\n\nCatalytic converter theft is a common occurrence. Attempts have been made to develop devices to help prevent theft of catalytic converters. For example, some conventional catalytic converter anti-theft devices may be time-consuming and difficult to install. Also, some conventional catalytic converter anti-theft devices may visually obscure the catalytic converter, which can hinder efforts to inspect the catalytic converter such as during a vehicle inspection.\n\nEmbodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and limitations, among other things. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.\n\nSome implementations can include a catalytic converter anti-theft system comprising an exhaust flange bolt shield configured to be attached to one or more points near the exhaust flange via one or more corresponding security bolt fasteners, wherein the exhaust flange bolt shield includes one or more bolt covers configured to cover one or more exhaust flange bolts.",
  "cpc": [
    "F01N 13/1805",
    "B60R 25/00",
    "F01N 13/1855",
    "F01N 2260/22",
    "F01N 2450/16",
    "F01N 2450/20",
    "F01N 2450/24",
    "F01N 2530/04",
    "F01N 3/10"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "F01N 13/18",
    "B60R 25/00"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "William Todd"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2022-03-16",
  "publication_date": "2023-08-01",
  "grant_date": "2023-08-01",
  "priority_date": "2021-03-17",
  "application_number": "US-202217696817-A",
  "family_id": "84489069",
  "cited_by_count": 5,
  "citations": [
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    "US4719752A",
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    "US20020166720A1",
    "US7971676B2",
    "US8453784B2",
    "US20100258703A1",
    "US20110036130A1",
    "US20150117941A1",
    "US20190234275A1",
    "US20210253062A1"
  ]
}