AU721136B3 - Security system - Google Patents

Description

APPLICANT: JOHN MARRIOT

NUMBER:

FILING DATE: Form COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA The Patents Act 1990 PETTY PATENT SPECIFICATION FOR AN INVENTION ENTITLED: SECURITY SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -1- "SECURITY SYSTEM Technical field This invention relates to a security system.

S The invention has particular but not exclusive application to security systems, equipment and methods for securing a wheeled vehicle against theft.

The invention has most particular application to a motor cycle anti-theft device.

The invention also relates to a retrofit security assembly for retro-fitting to a motor cycle or the like.

Background of Invention Known security systems for motor cycles and the like include manufacturer's steering locks, aftermarket anti-theft devices which are electronic devices such as motion/shock sensors and engine/ignition immobilisers, mechanical clamping devices acting on the wheel(s) and disc brakes, and other devices such as high quality chains and padlocks to secure the motorcycle to an immovable object (eg a lamppost or a special bike rack).

Summary of Invention The present invention aims to provide an alternative to known motor cycle security systems.

This invention in one aspect resides broadly in a security assembly for a motor cycle or the like having a stand operable in either a cycle-supporting mode wherein the stand engages a surface to support the cycle thereon or a retracted mode wherein the stand is retracted such that the cycle can be ridden, the stand having abutment means for abutting a support on the cycle to support the cycle on the surface, the security assembly including:restraining means adapted to be mounted on the motor cycle and when thus mounted operable in a first position in a restraint mode and in a second position in a non-restraint mode, and laterally disposed mounting means fixable to or integral with the cycle for mounting the restraining means therein, the restraining means when thus mounted in the mounting means being laterally movable between a first position constituting the restraint mode and a second position constituting the non-restraint mode; whereby in the restraint mode the stand is restrained from returning from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby maintaining the stand in engagement with the surface to substantially prevent the cycle being ridden, and in the non-restraint mode the stand is allowed to return from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby allowing the cycle to be ridden.

The stand may be any stand suitable to support a cycle in the manner referred to above. It could for example be a side stand. However it is preferred that the stand is a centre-stand. As used herein the expression centre-stand refers to stands which support a cycle centrally with one wheel rocked off the ground.

It is also preferred that the restraining means substantially maintains the abutment means in abutment with the support.

Preferably the restraining means is telescopically received in the mounting means.

In a preferred embodiment the restraining means is a first tube-like member and the mounting means includes a second tube-like member adapted to closely receive the first tube-like member, the tube-like members including cutout portions arranged to allow the abutment means to be positioned therein in the non-restraint mode to thereby allow the centre stand to be retracted.

It is preferred that the restraining means includes a bearing portion on the first tube-like member adjacent a cutout portion for bearing on the abutment means to substantially maintain the abutment means in abutment with the support.

It is also preferred that the assembly includes locking means for locking the restraining means in the restraint mode. The assembly may also include chain means attachable to the locking means for chaining the cycle to a fixture and adapted to be locked to the locking means when the restraining means is in the restraint mode.

Preferably the assembly also includes handle means for moving the restraining means between the restraint mode and the non-restraint mode. It is Spreferred that the handle means constitute an anchor for the chain means.

It will be appreciated that the invention can be used to retrofit varying brands and styles of cycles without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention.

In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a retrofit assembly for fitting to a motor cycle or the like having a stand operable in either a cyclesupporting mode wherein the stand engages a surface to support the cycle thereon or a retracted mode wherein the stand is retracted such that the cycle can be ridden, the stand having abutment means for abutting a support on the cycle to support the cycle on the surface, the retrofit assembly including:restraining means operable in either a restraint mode or a non-restraint mode, wherein in the restraint mode the stand is restrained from returning from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby maintaining the stand in engagement with the surface to substantially prevent the cycle being ridden, and wherein in the non-restraint mode the stand is allowed to return from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby allowing the cycle to be ridden, and mounting means fixable to the cycle for mounting the restraining means thereon.

In a further aspect this invention resides broadly in a method of securing against theft a motor cycle or the like having a stand operable in either a cyclesupporting mode wherein the stand engages a surface to support the cycle thereon or a retracted mode wherein the stand is retracted such that the cycle can be ridden, the stand having abutment means for abutting a support on the cycle to support the cycle on the surface, the method including:restraining the centre stand means from returning from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby maintaining the stand in engagement with the surface to substantially prevent the cycle being ridden.

Description of Drawings In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIGS 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams respectively illustrating the centrestand of a cycle in a supporting position and a non-supporting position; FIG 3 is a perspective view of a mounting housing fixable to a cycle; FIG 4 is a perspective view of the restraining means to be mounted in the mounting housing; FIG 5 and 6 are perspective views of alternative handles for moving the restraint between its operative positions; FIG 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the assembly of the elements illustrated in FIGS 3, 4 and FIG 8 illustrates the location of the security assembly on a Vespa-styled or -derived scooter; FIGS 9A to 9F illustrate the operation of the security assembly on the Vespa-styled or -derived scooter, and FIGS 10, 11 and 12 respectively illustrate the centre-stand in the nonsupport mode, and in two positions of the locked mode.

Description of Preferred Embodiment of Invention As can be seen in FIGS 1 to 7, the security assembly of the present invention is for a motor cycle or the like having a centre-stand 10 operable in either a cycle-supporting mode as seen in FIG 1 wherein centre-stand engages a surface 11 to support the cycle thereon, or a retracted mode as seen in FIG 2 wherein centre-stand 10 is retracted such that the cycle can be ridden. Centre-stand 10 has abutment means 12 for abutting a support 13 on the cycle to support the cycle on the surface.

The security assembly includes restraining means 14 which is operable in either a restraint mode or a non-restraint mode. In the restraint mode centrestand 10 is restrained from returning from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby maintaining centre-stand 10 in engagement with surface 11 to substantially prevent the cycle being ridden. In the non-restraint mode centre-stand 11 is allowed to return from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby allowing the cycle to be ridden.

Restraining means 14 substantially maintains abutment means 12 in abutment with support 13. The assembly also includes mounting means which is fixable to the cycle for mounting restraining means 14. Restraining means 14 is telescopically received in mounting means 15 and in a first position constitutes the restraint mode. In a second position it constitutes the nonrestraint mode.

Restraining means 14 is a tube 16 and mounting means 15 includes a tube 17 adapted to closely receive tube 16. Tubes 16 and 17 have respective cutout portions 18, 19 arranged to allow abutment means 12 to be positioned therein in the non-restraint mode to thereby allow centre stand 10 to be retracted.

Tube 16 has a bearing portion 20 adjacent cutout portion 18 for bearing on abutment means 12 to substantially maintain abutment means 12 in abutment with support 13.

A locking means 21 locks restraining means 14 in the restraint mode. A chain is attachable to locking means 21 for chaining the cycle to a fixture. The arrangement is such that the chain is itself locked to locking means 21 when restraining means 14 is in the restraint mode.

A handle facilitates movement of restraining means 14 between the restraint mode and the non-restraint mode. Two alternatives of the handle, 22 and 23, are illustrated in FIGS 5 and 6 respectively.

It will be appreciated that the illustration in FIG 7 is shown inverted to the orientation of the assembly when fitted to the cycle. Mounting 15 is fixed to the underneath of the scooter footboards or chassis by tamper-proof means. It is fitted using the same holes as are used to mount the centre stand. The holes are elongated slots which will allow for the different variations of Vespa-styled or -derived models it is required to fit.

Restraining member 14 (sliding tube 16) slides into mounting 15. There is a fully open slot 19 that allows the centre-stand to swing freely and a partially open slot 18, which when sliding within mounting 15 allows the tab or bearing portion 20 to slide over the centre-stand lug 12 (see FIG 1) and prevents it from swinging.

When located in mounting 15, tube 16 is spring-loaded so that it always returns to the open position when the locking means is disconnected.

Figure 10 shows the stand 10 in non-support mode with abutment means 12 exterior of cutouts 18, 19 and with the locking handle 22 stowed beneath the running board, to the underside of which the security support is mounted. FIGS 11 and 12 show the stand 10 in support mode with bearing position 20 covering abutment 12 to prevent its withdrawal from within the cutouts thereby preventing it being retracted to the non-support mode. It can be seen that in both the fully withdrawn position of the handle (FIG 11) and a partially withdrawn position (FIG 12) portion 20 is long enough, even when the handle is pushed back against the running board, to still block the entire abutment 12.

Handle 22,23 is made of a tamper resistant material and as seen in FIG 9A handle 22 has a secure keyed locking mechanism 21.

Handle 22,23 is connected to the sliding element 14 by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) that allows handle 22,23 when turned vertically, to be pushed inwards against the footboards or chassis. Rubber pads protect against footboard damage.

FIG 8 illustrates the positioning of the security assembly on a Vespastyled or -derived scooter with the illustrations in FIGS 9A to 9F showing operation of the assembly as now described.

In use as seen in FIG 9A, the scooter is supported on centre-stand with handle 22 disengaged. Handle 22 sits under the footboards or chassis, out-of-sight and protected from the weather.

As seen in FIG 9B, to lock the centre-stand 10 in position, handle 22 is pulled outwards against a return spring until it can travel no further. The lock tabs (bearing portion 20, see FIG 4) have now closed over the centre-stand lugs (abutment means 12, see FIGS 1 and 2).

As seen in FIG 9C, handle 22 is now turned from the horizontal position of FIG 9B to a vertical position. The assembly is now uninfluenced by the return spring and it can be released without moving inwards.

A security chain 24 and padlock (not shown) can be threaded through handle 22 or 23 and secured to an immovable object (such as a bike rack or a lamp post). Alternatively as seen with handle 22 as seen in FIG 9D, a link of chain 24 can be threaded on handle 22 via the opening in the U-shaped handle opposite its mounting on locking barrel 21 (see FIG 5) thus removing the need to carry an additional padlock and key.

As seen in FIG 9E, handle 22 is then pushed inwards against a ratchet until it closes against the footboards. This ensures that the handle does not protrude too far from the vehicle, whilst also stopping all opportunity to remove the chain previously threaded over loop 22. The connection between handle 22 and the sliding mechanism 14 is also hidden in its location beneath the footboard or chassis and this also makes the assembly more secure.

As seen in FIG 9F, to disengage the lock a key is required to unlock the assembly to allow handle 22 to move outwards again. The chain can be removed, handle 22 turned to the left so that it is horizontal and subject to the force of the return-spring and then pushed back in underneath the footboards or chassis.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, there is no handle means for moving the restraining means between the restraint mode and the non-restraint mode, but rather the restraining means is automatically actuated and is locked in place in the restraint mode when the mode of the stand changes from the retracted mode to the cycle-supporting mode.

In practice a number of mechanisms present themselves as practical options for effecting this aspect of the invention. These include a spring actuated mechanism (not shown) in which the manually actuated handle is replaced by a tensioned spring which is restrained from moving the locking tab when the stand is in the retracted mode, but which is released to bias the locking tab into its locking position when the stand is moved to cycle supporting mode.

In this aspect of the invention the security arrangement can be automatically engaged everytime the centre-stand is used to support the cycle. This feature is most useful on a cycle with 2 alternative cycle supporting mechanisms (such as a centre stand AND a side stand). This allows the cycle user to select either the side-stand to support the cycle (which will not be secured/locked) or the centre-stand to support the cycle (which is automatically secured/locked). This embodiment, being automatic, does not necessarily require a handle to move the locking mechanism from disengaged to engaged or vice versa. Engagement is automatic, with disengagement being either via a keyed lock acting directly on the restraining mechanism, or remotely operated from a keyed !ock elsewhere on the cycle or even via the cycle's standard ignition switch by the use of electrical means (eg. solenoid) or manual means (eg. cable acting on a spring loaded locating pin/bar).

The advantages of this aspect of the invention include that the locking mechanism, if built-in at time of manufacture, would be almost undetectable and simple to engage. It can-also be fitted as an aftermarket item. The handle for use with the monocoque Vespa (due to the almost non-existent opportunities to loop a chain on the one piece chassis) as described in the copending application is less important for motorcycles due to their typically tube like construction.

It will be appreciated that the present invention has a number of advantages over known security systems for motor cycles and the like.

Specifically having regard to prior art electronic devices, the present invention is relatively low cost thereby avoiding the typically high purchase cost of electronic systems, which are also difficult to fit and require expensive specialist help as it is hard to hide wires and alarm control boxes due to the exposed nature of motorcycles. Furthermore, despite being electronically immobilised with an alarm sounding, motorcycles are still lifted/carried away by professional thieves. Known electronic devices also offer little visual deterrent, meaning an attempted theft of a motor cycle may cause severe damage to the motor cycle even if it is not stolen.

Mechanical clamping devices also have certain disadvantages which may be avoided or alleviated by the present invention. In particular, such devices have to be stored on the motorcycle somewhere when not in use (typically motorcycles have limited storage space available). They are also often clumsy and time consuming to fit, leading to them often not being used when stopping for only short periods. Moreover it is still possible to drag a motorcycle away with a wheel clamped and they can be easily carried away by organised thieves.

Steering locks can also be relatively ineffective in that they do not prevent the cycle being wheeled on two wheels, whereas the present invention 1 prevents the cycle being moved other than by being dragged on the support stand or wheeled on a single wheel, both movements being achieved only with considerable difficulty.

Chains and the like also have to be stored on the motorcycle somewhere when not in used and they too are often clumsy and time consuming to fit, and are often not used for short term stops. Moreover a poor quality padlock is often used with a high quality chain, the lock being an easy target for a thief with bolt-cutters. Chains are also notoriously difficult to fit to a Vespa-styled or -derived motor scooter due to its monocoque chassis having no tubes or loops to thread a chain through.

The security assembly of the present invention renders the cycle unable to be ridden, wheeled or dragged away. It is quick to engage with a key only required to disengage, and is therefore likely to be used for all stops. For additional security the engaging handle can also be used to chain the motorcycle to a secure stationary item which prevents the motorcycle being lifted or carried away by professional thieves. Moreover if a chain is used to further secure the motorcycle, if made of chain links with suitable internal link aperture dimensions and suitable link thickness, the chain can be fitted and made secure to the security assembly of the present invention without the need for an additional padlock.

The retrofit assembly of the present invention is easily fitted to a wide range of cycles and although illustrated in the preferred embodiment in respect of the Vespa-styled or -derived scooter, it will be appreciated that customised variations of the embodiment illustrated enable the invention to be retrofitted to many makes of motor cycle. For the Vespa-styled or -derived scooter no drilling or frame modifications are required at all. The device will fit all Vespastyled or -derived scooters manufactured from 1960 onwards. When permanently fitted it does not take up any of the limited storage space on a motorcycle (unlike, for example a large chain and padlock). Also as it is fitted low on the motorcycle it does not adversely effect the motorcycle centre-of-gravity. Furthermore despite being permanently fitted to the motorcycle, it cannot endanger the rider should it accidentally engage whilst the 9 motorcycle is in motion. The assembly is unobtrusive until engaged and then I offers a good visual deterrent to a would-be thief.

Furthermore the locked stand ensures thatthe motorcycle will not blow forwards off the stand in a high wind which is a common problem for scooters and motorcycles with fairings. The locked stand can assist in wheel changing and general maintenance (ie. the vehicle is prevented from inadvertently rolling off its stand. In the case of the Vespa-styled or -derived scooter, the security assembly can add a certain degree of rigidity-to the entire chassis of older rust prone models.

It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Claims (3)

1. A security assembly for a motor cycle or the like having a stand operable in either a cycle-supporting mode wherein the stand engages a surface to support the cycle thereon or a retracted mode wherein the stand is retracted such that the cycle can be ridden, the stand having abutment means for abutting a support on the cycle to support the cycle on the surface, said security assembly including:- restraining means adapted to be mounted on the motor cycle and when thus mounted operable in a first position in a restraint mode and in a second position in a non-restraint mode, and laterally disposed mounting means fixable to or integral with the cycle for mounting said restraining means therein, said restraining means when thus mounted in said mounting means being laterally movable between a first position constituting said restraint mode and a second position constituting said non-restraint mode; whereby in said restraint mode the stand is restrained from returning from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby maintaining said stand in engagement with the surface to substantially prevent said cycle being ridden, and in said non-restraint mode the stand is allowed to return from the cycle supporting mode to the retracted mode thereby allowing the cycle to be ridden.

2. A security assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stand is a centre- stand.

3. A security assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said restraining means substantially maintains the abutment means in abutment with the support. JOHN MARRIOT by PIZZEYS PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS