Device and method for preventing catalytic converter theft

Abstract

A method and device for deterring theft of a catalytic converter connected to a vehicle's exhaust system. A securing device is used to secure a ground clearance reduction device to the ground. The ground clearance reduction device has a width, length and height that is sufficient to decrease the distance between the bottom of a vehicle's catalytic converter and the top of the ground. A vehicle operator drives a vehicle having a catalytic converter over the ground clearance reduction device and parks the vehicle, thereby deterring theft.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ground clearance reduction device positioned on the ground underneath a vehicle having a catalytic converter for deterring theft of the catalytic converter connected to the vehicle's exhaust system, said ground clearance reduction device comprising:
 A. a ground clearance reduction device width,   B. a ground clearance reduction device length,   C. a ground clearance reduction device height, wherein said ground clearance reduction device width, length and height decrease the distance between the bottom of said catalytic converter and the top of the ground, and   D. a securing device for securing said ground clearance reduction device to said ground.   
     
     
         2 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said ground clearance reduction device is fabricated from vulcanized rubber. 
     
     
         3 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said ground clearance reduction device comprises a reflective device. 
     
     
         4 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said reflective device is reflective tape. 
     
     
         5 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said reflective device is reflective paint. 
     
     
         6 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said securing device is a plurality of bolts. 
     
     
         7 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , wherein said securing device is a plurality of spikes. 
     
     
         8 . The ground clearance reduction device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a booster section rigidly attached to said ground raising section. 
     
     
         9 . The ground raising section as in  claim 1 , wherein said ground is a parking lot. 
     
     
         10 . A method for deterring theft of a catalytic converter connected to a vehicle's exhaust system, said method comprising the steps of:
 A. utilizing a securing device to secure a ground clearance reduction device to the ground, said ground clearance reduction device comprising:
 1. a ground clearance reduction device width, 
 2. a ground clearance reduction device length, and 
 3. a ground clearance reduction device height, wherein said ground clearance reduction device width, length and height decrease the distance between the bottom of said catalytic converter and the top of the ground, and 
   B. driving said vehicle having a catalytic converter over said ground clearance reduction device.   
     
     
         11 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said ground clearance reduction device is fabricated from vulcanized rubber. 
     
     
         12 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said ground clearance reduction device comprises a reflective device. 
     
     
         13 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said reflective device is reflective tape. 
     
     
         14 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said reflective device is reflective paint. 
     
     
         15 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said securing device is a plurality of bolts. 
     
     
         16 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said securing device is a plurality of spikes. 
     
     
         17 . The method as in  claim 10 , further comprising a booster section rigidly attached to said ground raising section. 
     
     
         18 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein said ground is a parking lot.