AU2001100157A4 - A bicycle security system. - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION PATENT APPLICATION Invention Title: A Bicycle Security System Applicant: Steven Joseph Muscat This invention is described in the following statement: 2 A BICYCLE SECURITY SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed to a bicycle security system which can releasably lock one or more bicycles to a frame.

BACKGROUND ART Bicycle theft is an ever increasing problem. One reason for this is that bicycles are quite portable and can be easily stolen. Some bicycles are also quite valuable. It is known to have personal locking devices on bicycles.

These can include a bicycle chain, a lockable steel cable, and the like. One disadvantage with these personal locking devices is that the bicycle can still be lifted and carried away by a thief. It is therefore known to lock a bicycle to a support such as a post, rail and the like using the personal locking device.

However, some of these supports are not designed as a bicycle locking support, and purpose-built bicycle locking frames or devices are not common.

It is known to provide bicycle racks, for instance at railway stations. These racks comprise steel tubes which are spaced apart such that the front wheel of the bicycle can pass between the steel tubes. The personal locking device can then be used to lock the bicycle to the bicycle rack. A disadvantage with the system is that it is not easy to charge the bicycle owner for securing the bicycle in this type of rack. Moreover, it is not possible for the owner or carer of the bicycle rack to remove the bicycle as the bicycle is locked using the personal locking device of the bicycle owner.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a purpose-built bicycle security system which can releasably secure a bicycle, and where the personal locking device of the bicycle owner is not required. The present invention is also directed to such as security system whereby it is possible to charge the bicycle owner for securing the bicycle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a security system which may overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a security system for bicycles, the security system comprising a main body member, a plurality of arm members extending from the main body member, and at least some of the arm members being spaced apart such that part of a bicycle can be positioned between a pair of said arm members, a locking means which is moveable between an open position where a bicycle can pass between a pair of said arm members, and a closed position where the bicycle is secured relative to the arm members, a release means which allows the locking means to be moved from the closed position to the open position, and a control unit which operates the release means, the control unit having means to accept payment from a bicycle owner, a code means to provide a unique code to operate the release means, and code entry means to allow the bicycle owner to enter the unique code to operate the release means.

Therefore, the system allows a bicycle to be locked by the locking means. The bicycle owner can then go to the control unit to receive or to enter a unique code. The bicycle owner can then effect payment to allow the bicycle to be released.

The system is preferably designed to allow multiple bicycles to the individually locked and released. For instance, the system can be designed to accommodate between 1-100 bicycles. The system has a main body member. The main body member typically comprises a stout and secure member which cannot be lifted, destroyed, or easily tampered with.

For instance, the main body member may comprise an upright wall which can be formed of steel plate, concrete, and the like. The wall can be securely anchored in place by any suitable means. The wall typically has a length which will vary depending on the number of bicycles which are to be secured by the system. However, it is envisaged that the main body member can have a length of between 2-10 m. The wall typically has a height which allows the arm members to extend at a suitable distance above the ground. For instance, the wall may have a height of between 500-2000 cm. It should be appreciated that the main body member may not comprise a wall and may comprise a steel beam, a concrete beam, and the like.

The plurality of arm members can be attached to the main body member by any suitable means, preferably in such a manner that the arm members cannot readily be ripped away. The arm members may comprise steel box section, concrete, and the like. The number of arm members will depend on the number of bicycles to be secured by the system. Suitably, the number of arm members will be the number of bicycles to be secured 1.

For instance, to secure 10 bicycles, 11 arm members can be provided. The or each arm member typically extends outwardly from the main body member in a substantially horizontal manner. However, the arm members may also adopt an inclined position. The or each arm member is typically substantially straight, although it is envisaged that the or each arm member may be curved or otherwise configured as long as a bicycle can still pass between a pair of such arm members. The arm members may have various lengths. It is envisaged that a length of between 40-100 cm will be sufficient. The arm members may be substantially rectangular in cross section. However, the arm members may also comprise plate like members, or members having cross sections other than rectangular, these including circular cross-sections tubular members) and the like. It is also envisaged that the arm members need not be at the same height. For instance, a plurality of arm members may be at a lower height (for children's bicycles), and a plurality of arm members may be at a higher level (for adult bicycles). The arm members are spaced apart such that a bicycle can pass between an adjacent pair of arm members. A typical spacing might be between 10-40 cm.

It is also envisaged that the arm members can comprise side walls which extend at an angle from the main body member. However, as this can incur greater material costs, it is envisaged that arm members might be more convenient. It is also envisaged that the arm members may be reinforced by struts or other types of reinforcing means.

A locking means is provided which functions to secure the bicycle relative to the main body member and/or the arm members. Various types of locking means are envisaged. For instance, the locking means may comprise a strong (typically steel) bar or tube, a chain, a cable, and the like.

The steel bar may comprise a straight bar, a U shaped bar and the like.

The locking means typically extends through, around, or in some other manner relative to the bicycle to prevent the bicycle from being removed. Typically, the locking means will pass through part of the bicycle frame to prevent the bicycle from being removed.

It is envisaged that more than one locking means might be provided for a bicycle. For instance, for extremely expensive bicycles, there may be provided multiple locking means to lock the frame, and the wheels separately relative to the main body member and/or the arm members. A premium might be charged to the bicycle owner for this type of improved locking station.

Suitably, the locking means extends between an adjacent pair of arm members. For instance, one end of the locking means may be attached to one arm member when the locking means is in the open or the closed position, while the other end of the locking means may be attached to the other arm member when in the closed position. If the locking means comprises a locking rod, the rod may be slideable or hingeable between the open and closed positions. However, it is envisaged that the locking means may extend otherwise than between an adjacent pair of arm members, and may extend from one arm member to the main body member, or from one part of the main body member to another part of the main body member and the like. In this latter version, the arm members may be provided to support the bike against falling over.

The system may include a release means. The release means, if provided, can function to lock the locking means into the closed position, and to release the locking means to enable it to move to the open position.

The release means may comprise some form of locking member which can engage with the locking means when in the closed position. The release means may also comprise an actuator of sorts to remove the locking member from engagement with the locking means to enable the locking means to move to its open position. This arrangement lends itself to an automated system which enables the locking means for each bicycle to be released upon receipt of payments etc from the bicycle owner. The actuator may comprise a solenoid, ram and the like.

Suitably, a locking means is provided for each bicycle which is able to be secured in the system. Thus, if the system enables multiple bicycles to be individually secured, there will be provided multiple locking means with a separate locking means for each bicycle.

The system includes a control unit. The control unit can function to operate the release means to allow bicycles to be released from the system. The control unit may include a control station. The control station may comprise a box or similar type device which can be accessed by the bicycle owners. It is preferred that a single control unit operates all the release means. However, it is envisaged that for possibly extremely large security systems, there may be provided a control unit adjacent each end of the main body member. It is also envisaged that individual control units may be provided each operating the locking means of a single bicycle station.

However, it is considered that this may increase the cost of the entire system and it is considered preferable to use one or only a few control units.

The control unit has some sort of means to accept payment from a bicycle owner. In a simple version, a coin payment system can be provided where the bicycle owner will insert coins into a coin inlet. In a more complex version, the payment system can accommodate notes as well as coins. It is also envisaged that the control unit may include some form of electronic payment means including credit cards, debit cards and the like. In this latter version, a card reader may be provided as part of the control unit. Other forms by which payments can be accepted are also envisaged.

The control unit include some form of code means to provide a unique code which operates the release means on a particular bicycle station.

The code means can be displayed on a screen which may be provided on the control unit. A different code will typically be provided for each bicycle station therefore enabling a bicycle owner to open only his or her bicycle station. The code may be generated by a code generating means which can be provided in the control unit. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the bicycle owner may develop their own code. In this version, the control unit may have a keypad and the bicycle owner can insert their own code typically a 4-9 digit code.

The arrangement with the control unit is typically such that the locking means cannot be opened until such time has payment has been made. Thus, in one form, the system may operates with a fixed price in which case a bicycle owner will insert the required payment upon initially the locking the bicycle into place. A unique code can then be entered either by the bicycle owner, or provided by the control unit. The bicycle owner can then release his or her bicycle at any stage by re-entering the unique code.

In another version, a timed system can be provided, in which case the payment will depend upon the time that the bicycle is secured. In this version, a bicycle owner can initially secure the bicycle, which can set of a timer, which will time the number of hours that the bicycle is secured. The bicycle owner will then need to pay according to the number of hours before the bicycle is released.

It is envisaged that the system can include a preset arrangement where a bicycle owner will select a preset time. After the preset time has expired, the bicycle will be automatically released. This arrangement is not dissimilar to parking meters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1. Is an isometric view of a bicycle security system designed to hold up to 20 bicycles.

Figure 2. Illustrates in greater detail a locking means and a release means.

Figure 3. Illustrates a bicycle attached to the bicycle security system.

BEST MODE Referring to the drawings, and initially to figure 1, there is illustrated a bicycle security system 10. In the embodiment, the bicycle security system is illustrated as enabling 20 bicycles to be secured independently of each other. Of course, this is an embodiment only, and larger or smaller systems may be provided. The system in the embodiment has a main body member 11 which is in the form of a vertically extending wall which can be made of concrete, steel and the like. Wall 11 is anchored into the ground by anchoring bolts. Wall 11 can have a length of between 3-6 m, and a height of between 1-2 m. On top of wall 11 are a plurality of arm members 12. In this embodiment, arm members 12 extend from each side of main body member 11. Thus, eleven arm members extend from one side of the main body member, and eleven arm members extend from the opposite side of main body member 11. Each arm member 12 is rectangular in crosssection, and has a length of between 40-100 cm. Each arm member 12 is straight and extends in a substantially horizontal manner. Adjacent arm members are spaced apart sufficiently to allow a bicycle to be positioned between an adjacent pair of arm members 12. Typically, this spacing will be between 20-60 cm. Arm members 12 are also spaced above the ground by distance of between 60-100cm. This can of course vary and it is envisaged that lower arm members (not illustrated) might be provided for children's bicycles. Arm members 12 are strongly built such that they cannot readily be broken, bent or otherwise damaged by a thief. Suitably, the arm members 12 are made of steel box section.

A locking means 13, 14 is provided between each adjacent pair of arm members 12. In the embodiment, locking means 13 comprises a rigid steel bar, while locking means 14 illustrates an alternative locking means in the form of a steel link chain. Of course, the locking means may comprise other types of locking means such as steel cable and the like. If the locking means comprises a steel bar 13, the steel bar is moveable between a open position (not illustrated) where the steel bar has been moved away such that a bicycle can pass between an adjacent pair of arm members 12, and a closed position which is illustrated in figure 1 and figure 3 where steel bar 13 passes through some part of the bicycle frame to lock the bicycle against removal. If the locking means comprises a link chain 14, the chain is again moveable between open position, and a closed position, the closed position being illustrated in figure 1. The locking means, when in the closed position is held in place by a release means which is best illustrated in figure 2. The function of the release means 15, is to enable the locking bar or chain 13, 14 to be released remotely. In the embodiment, release means 15 comprises a locking bolt 16 which is moveable via a solenoid 17 between a retracted position where locking bar 13 can be slid to the open position, and a extended position where locking bolt 16 locks locking bar 13 against movement to the open position. The solenoid 17 is held within arm member 12 in such a manner that it cannot be tampered with by a thief. Similarly, if the locking means is a locking chain 14, locking bolt 16 can push through a link or other opening in the locking chain to lock the chain against movement to the open position. Other types of release means are also envisaged. These may include hydraulic and pneumatic rams and the like.

In use, a bicycle owner will push the bicycle between a pair of arm members (see figure 3) and then push the locking bar, locking chain and the like into the locked position where the bicycle is now held against the security system.

The release means 15 is operated by a control unit 17. Control unit 17 has a display screen 18, a keypad 19, and a coin collection container In use, once the bicycle owner has locked the bicycle into position, the owner will go to the control unit 17 and place the required number of coins into the unit. In this embodiment, the number of coins will determine the time that the bicycle remains locked. Control unit 17 will prompt for a station number. The station number will be clearly marked for the bicycle owner to see, and in this embodiment, there will be 20 station numbers as the system can secure up to 20 bicycles. The bicycle owner will enter the required station number using the keypad 19. The control unit will then ask for the bicycle owner to enter a unique code which the bicycle owner can develop. This code can be up to nine digits in length and is entered using the keypad. Once the code has been entered, the control unit will actuate the release means to lock the locking bar 13 or locking chain 14. Thus, the bicycle is now fully secured. The bicycle owner can release the bicycle at any time during the hiring period by re-entering the code. Once the code has been re-entered, the solenoid will be activated to retract locking bolt 16 to allow the bicycle owner to remove the bicycle from the station. It may be necessary for the bicycle owner to again re-enter the station number. In this embodiment, if the hiring period has expired and the bicycle owner has not yet returned, the solenoid will be automatically activated to unlock the bicycle. This will be an incentive for the bicycle owner to pay the full amount.

The system can be placed at railway stations, bus stations, schools, universities and the like. Suitably, the system has enough bicycle stations such that there will normally be traffic to and from the system. This in itself is a security feature as it will reduce the possibility for a thief to steal a bicycle without being seen. Of course, remote controlled cameras and the like can be provided to provide constant surveillance. A bicycle owner may still wish to use his own personal securing device as an added security. The entire assembly is manufactured such that it will be extremely difficult for a thief to cut through destroy, or otherwise manage to steal a bicycle. Repair and maintenance can be carried out in such a manner that a thief using normal hand tools will not be able to access any vital component within the frame or the control unit.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to the embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. For instance, although the system has been described with reference to bicycles, it may also be applicable to other types of devices such as scooters, motorcycles and the like.

Claims (4)

1. A security system for bicycles, the security system comprising a main body member, a plurality of arm members extending from the main body member, and at least some of the arm members being spaced apart such that part of a bicycle can be positioned between a pair of said arm members, a locking means which is moveable between an open position where a bicycle can pass between a pair of said arm members, and a closed position where the bicycle is secured relative to the arm members, a release means which allows the locking means to move from the closed position to the open position, and a control unit which operates the release means, the control unit having means to accept payment from a bicycle owner, a code means to provide a unique code to operate the release means, and code entry means to allow the bicycle owner to enter the unique code to operate the release means.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the main body member comprises a vertical wall, and the plurality of arm members comprise vertically extending spaced apart arm members.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locking means extends from one arm member to an adjacent arm member.

4. The system of any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the release means is operated by the control unit. A system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 13th day of July 2001 Steven Joseph Muscat By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.