CA2389353A1 - Locking device for tools and equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The operating control device (80) can be used on equipment such as hand tools, electronics or fuel pumps. An input devise (12) enables the input of user access codes and a readout panel monitors the equipment status. A control member is in communication with the input device (12), readout panel, power source (108), driver member and activation member to prevent operation of the equipment by requiring entry of a user nods. The control device (80) can include a programmable timer to communicate with the control member to enable the power to flow from the power source (108) to the driver member for a predetermined period of time. A clack can track time and activate and deactivate the timer based. The communication can be through electrical wires that can be encased in a solid material to make the control member and wires inaccessible. When used directly on a fuel pump, the control member prevents fuel from reaching the engine without the input of a proper user code. Alternatively, the control devise (80) can be a fuel line shutoff valve to prevent fuel from traveling along the line. A solenoid (206) can be used in the shutoff valve to prevent flow of fuel from the gas tank to the driver. A
locking device (208) for use on bicycles interacts with the axle (204) connecting the peddles.
An engagement disk (236) having multiple ports along its circumference, is unmoveably affixed to the axle. A locking bar activation member engages and disengages a locking bar (210) with the engagement disk (236) to prevent rotation of the axle (204).

Description

Field of the Invention The device relates to a safety. device that, once activated, allows the equipment to rtxtx for a preprogrammed period of time. In some eml7odiments the device is used as a antitheft device without use of the tinting mode. The, use of arl activation code prevents theft and resale of protected equipment.
Brief I~escrintion of the Prior Art Tools offer a temptation to thieves as they are easy tQ resell due to laol~ of G
distinctive features. Further, few people m,arlc their teals as faithfully as tbey 1~ would their stereo equipment. Even tools that have been marked can be sold to an unla~owiz~g purchaser prior to police reports being issued and few individuals F
check for stolen merchandise. The problem also arises in construction conyanies -that tools are stolen froze a job site, leading to costly repla~,ernents.

A locking device is disclosed for use on tools, electzoni c and mechanical equipznezlt, heavy equipment and machinery, gas-powered vehicles a,nd variaus other wheeled -vehicles. The device provides the optiozz ofperzraitti.ng the eduipment tt~ be operated 20 far a predetermined period of time.
1s? 17/06!2002 23:19 ~+1 306 359 6956 received Electronic airauitry within the device, in conjunction with an unlocking and ogtianal timer operation, requires that the equipment be uclacked prior to use.
A time period for operation can be pro~ra~nnicd into the equipment, after which time the snit shuts off Tbuis reduces theft a.s well a;; preventing tmautk~orized use of the item.
When used directly on a fuel pump, the control member prevents the fu~sl pump from enabling fuel to flow from the gas tank to the engine without tl~e input of a proper user code. Altematlveiy, the control device can 'be a fuel line shutoff valve to prevent fuel from traveling alnn~ the line. A solenoid can be uscd in the shutoff valve to prevent flow of fwel frcan the gas tank to the driver. In one embodiment, a solenoid is used to enable fuel to flow from the fuel frank, or gawer sr~urce, to the activation member, or engine.
A locY~ing device, encompassed 'by an exterior case, for use on bicycles interacts with the axle connectin,~ the peddles. A engagement disk, having multiple ports along its circurufercnce, is unmoveably affixed to th~ axle pausing the disk to mtata with the a axle. A locking bar, positioned within a brace ~f, fixed to the exterior case, engages one of the ports in the engag~eraent disk to prevent rotation of the axle. A
locking b~ _ ~0 activation member engages and disengages the locking bar witty the engage~aaez~t disk. ..
The locking device can be a manually operated lock, a solenoid having a power source and being activated by an input member. A reaetable timer can display the . ... ...M ., T..,~.~ .~~-~:~"~.:.,.s.~~ _._._._. . _._ ...
.__.~..".~.,~~,......--.-___ . _.__.__....~ ~,.~,..,~.__-_ lapsed time on a display panel. A removable a.cccss panel permits the user to access flit exterior case and locking bar.
l3RiEF DBS~~tTON OF THE bRAWINGS
The advantages o~ the instant disclosure will become more apparent when read with the specification and the tlrawin~s, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side view ofan example hand, tool iincarporating tlse TQCking device;

FIC'(2 is a cutaway view oftha interior t~fthe lucking arm and solenoid of the instant invention; '"
N
FIf3URE 3 is a top view of an example controller configuration;
FYG'i,~iE 4 is the sche~tic ~f ate eycxmple wirit~g fi~~r the lacking device foz E~
use with a hand tool;
a rIGTJRE 5 is a cutaway sire view ofthe intcri4r oftlae ~,ac,d tool aiFl~'igure 1;
FIGURE 6 is a cutaway side view of an altez~ate ex~n6odiz~aent of a. hand tool utilizing the disclosed locking device;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the instant device for use with a air tool system;
FIGURE 8 is a schematic of the wiring for use with the I,oclcing ~lleviee used ..
in conjunctiozi with air tools;
FIGURE 9 is a cutaway rear view of the meohazuically activated bxcyole P
looking device;
FIGURE 14 is a side view of the bicycle locking device of Figure 9 moe~nted in a bicycle;
)1XGUR.E 11 is a top view of the engagement disk for use with the bicycle ;:
locking device; _ FIGURL 12 is a side view of the bicycle locking device of Figure 11 I5 mounted inn a bicycle;
FIGURE 13 is a cutaway mieW of the solenoid activated bicycle locking device motuited an a bicycle; .
0 FIGUTtE 14 is are exploded view of the engagement disk and Iatchiz~
solenoid, p'I~~TtE x 5 l:: a schematic of the rwiri~g for use with electronic devices;
far use with the lockin FICitJRfi 16 is a schematic of ahe mrmg g device incorporating the analogue function;
S FIGUI~,E 17 is a schematic of the wiring for use with the Iocl~ing ' L
p device on mechanical apparatus, such as bicycles;
FIGURE 18 ie a side view of a fuel p~zmp containing the solenoid switch;
Fi~URE I9 is a gexspeotive view of the co7~t~'ol box arzd shut of valve s.
J placed along the fuel line; and E
I~rGXJItE 20 is a perspective view of the control box and shut off valve mounted separately.
~ETAiLEIS IyES~RIPTION QF THE INVENTION
is The disclosed invention relates to a coded locking mechaniism that discourages theft.
It1 addition to the 1111xexex7lt advautngeM obtained through the locking device as disclosed, furtherr safety advantages are achieved simply'by its existence. It will be obvious to axiyone who buys az~ item co~ta~iz~x~g the locking dwice that unless the seller has the code, the item is most likely stolen. Most theft of portable items, such as tools, bicycles and electronics, is related tQ resale of thE: item.
Generally this resale is through pawn slxops, or individuals, who have no way of tracing ownership of the item. The disclosed locking device controls the activation of the item?
preventing activation without the entry of user codes. Without access to the codes, floe item is useless and unsaleable.
Bicycles have been, to date, difficult to protect agaixa,st tk~eft. 'fhe stanc.3ard means for securing a bicycle is tc~ Ghain the frame to a non-movable object. ~:he thief, ktowever, can simply out flue ohain and ride the bike away. The disclosed device locks the peddles , thereby prevez~xing the bike from being ridden arid requiring a thief to pick the bicycle up and carry it off. The addition of an alarm will further deter the theft:
of the bike. Except in secluded aareas, this would cause far more attention.
than most thieves are willing to risk. The incorporataozt ofthe disclosed device installed sin a bicycle is discussed in detail farther herein.
Gas and diesel powez'ed vehicles, whether automobiles or :forklifts, are always in danger of being stolen. Various alarna, systems have came taut for automobiles, however few bravo been successful in preventing "hot-firing". The disclosed device ZO attaches to either the fuel line or fuel pump, to prevent fuel'. &orn reaching the engine.
the locki~tg riiechanism can be of a type that doew nrrt require the use of a key, or other device, thereby avoiding an additional item to lose or carry.

Alternatively, other lucking means can be used, such as magnetic card readers, standard keys, telephone signals, infrared code or radio frequency tJranst~aitters and receivers, etc. rris scans, finger printing or other mcaris for registering a user currently known in the technology provides benefits in a laboratory or other setting where equipment is centralized and removed for use. Each employee would have a personalx~ed touch key that records the employee name, time o~ removal, ctc. The disclosed device is easily incorptsrated into electronic devices, such as televisioxis, cameras, VCRs, stereo eguapmez~t, computers, camcorders, etc. at the time of manufacture. Alternatively the X 0 device can be retrofitted. into the power source, such as the power curd or plug. The use of microchips, or analog, technology permits various f~mctions to 4e monitored, such as scheduling service, based an use tune or the nmrrber of hours an item has bees used.
When installed. on a ccamputer, the disclosed devices can be connected directly to the pavver supply permitting businesses that self computer time to automatically enter the sleep mode, shut down or otherwise place the computer in an non-activa status, unless additional time is purchased. I7.?. home use. the device penuaits parental control on the amount of time, or specific time periods, the Gotnputer yr other electrvtuo device such as a TV, can be used by a child. Thus, the computer, VCS ox TV
could only be activated after homework is completed, etc. The device can be easily modified to either shut dawn the equiprncnt completely or, as in the case of co~ooputers, place the device in the °'sleep" or i~uoperative mode.
Computers are ._..._ _.....,_. __.. ~"~~ ~
x.~;"~,~~,....r~,.,~~:.;~t:..~_..~~~..~>".~.,~.~~,..-._.._. _.____,.~~""" .
..".~.~~"r~"

especially adaptable to keyboard progranuniug of tile device, although a keyboard interface can be incl~zded with any of the looking devices disclosed. A
program embedded in the device's microchip can allow for a simple timer setting that is activated through lCey input on the keyboard. As an option, a direct coding key can be incorporated on the keyboard that automatically aceesstes the program and permits activatioxA, setting changes, ctc. Although computer lock out programs are known in the prior art, they totally lock out use ofthe computer. 'Ihe disclosed device permits access to the computer for a predetermined period of time either at random or within a specific schedule time period. ,A, Warning Iight is preferably incorporated to permit a the user to save data prior to placing the computer in the inactive made. The user entering the time restraints would set up the program with a user cods to prevent unauthorized changes to the program.
The disclosed locking device i$ also advantageous fbr rental equipment, such as ~,en~rato~s, compressors, VCRs, etc. in that the rented equipment can be programmed for a specif o period of time and after that point be automatically deactivated. This discourages the theft or rental eduipmcnt, thereby reducing insurance aaad Iiabilxty, since by preventing unauthorized use, especially when used in conjunction with E
larger equipment, insurance rates would potentially 4e reduced.
In electronic equipment, such as TVs, VCRs, etc. cantaiuing infra red remote controllers, the timing activation device can be activated through the rerrtote controller. ~z~ce activated, the program would appear on the soxeen and utilize eitk~ox existing ar specific keys to set the shut down time, user time periods, etc.
This would be an inexpensive addition to a oK~ntroller and increase user aanvcnicnce.
Alteznatavely, the controller itself can be used to set the time of use, without the appearance of the settan~g pra~ram on the screen.

It should be noted that the use of analogue, key scanners, infra red, etc.
taught herein far use by a specific embudirnent, is not limited to that embodiment. Each embodiment ofthe looking device disclosed herein can incorporate the electronics, raemory, ere. as described herein in relation t4 any other embodirnent_ 1d A hand dr1,11, a-.s illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, is used to illustrate the disclosed mechanism used to limit user tirnc, however this is an example only and is not inteudcd to limit the invention. In order to facilitate the description of the embadimCnts herein, the recipient of the power received will be referred to herein as 1 S the driver. T'he power tool 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 ready for use, incorporating a nttmexic keypad 12 as the locking mechanism. Other activating mechanisms will be apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the disalasure. As Stated heretofore, in many applications advantages are providad by not having an additional device to activate the tool. idowever, in some reside~ataal and Goz~amercial 2Q applications, the separate activation device can bc~ desirable. It is preferable whom using this embodiment to protect devices owned by the user, that the use be an a timed basis rather than an on-oFf'basis. Forgetting to the turn aFFaccess to the device would negate the advantages to the disclosed lacking devisx. This is overcame by incorporating a tamer that deactivates the equipment ailex a preset period of non-use, requiring reaetivation through the appropriate method. The lapsod period of time can be factory set or pxa~rarnmed in by the user.
The tiume can be set through any means appropriate to the equipment being used as well as the final use. par example, the time can be through repeatedly tcsuching a specific l~ey, jumping the time bypredekezxx~i.n~ed i~nGremernts_ Alternatively, an ii~~T9t key a~ be pm~d~ which allows entry of the unlocking code arnd subLsGequent ~~try of a predetermined period oftime. Preferak7ly alt timed lock I4 devices are provided with nonvolatile memory to prevent ihc loss ofprogrammed instructions in the event the item's battery gees dead or is re3noved. This is more critical with. recharageable hand koo)s where completely discharging the battery is soles required to fully recharge. ~n larger items, such as construction E
equipment or ~eneratars, a cellular dial in aan be included to allow the addition of time to be accomplished remotely $om the owner's location. A microphone can be added to the loclang device to receive, and register, a code consisting oftclephane touch tones to extend the opeu~tion tiixae. Various other methods can alsc9 be used, and these meths will be evident to those skilled in the ark p 2U The lacking code can be factory set and the code numbers provided at ti~mc of purchase. Alternatively, tine locking code can be reprograrnrnable either by the user or by a factory representative. The reprogrammable feature. enables the code to be changed when required, such as sale of the tool. 'The device can be capable of being reprogrammed more thaw oaxe time, however, the number reprograrnn,ings allowed, and the party performing the rcpragrammia~, all affects the security of the device.
For maximum security, while still allowing reprogratnming, the device is provided with only otte or two opportunities to reprogram the code and the reprogramming ~ would be c4xnpleted at a service center. In the optimum configuration, other readings are also provided that would'be critical to the operation afthe device. The incorporation of a microchip to register the locking codes and program the.
activation time further provides the added ability to monitor various other tool functions. For example, an LETS display 14 of Figure 1 cats be included which indicates the activation time rezxAaaz~izxg and, if de"ired, the current state s of the tool. The status rats include, for example, current battery power {both during recharge and discharge), pressure remaining when air tools are used, xpm and direction of drills, etc.
This is of optimum use in moxtitodring the status of rechargeable batteries. Since many rechargeable batteries do not either fully charge unless fully discharged prior to rechaxging, the battery monitoring device permits opfimurn use and management of the battery. It should alstr be noted that an LED could be provided on the recharging device to monitor the battery recharge thereby serving as a double check to the LED
on the device being charged.
In Figure 2 one desigm of the internal activation unit 40 is illustrated, The locking arm 48 is supported between the upper case side 42 and the lower case side 44.
The spring tension 50 is desi~med to place the solcuoid contact ;56 in physical contact with the solenoid 52 when the locking arm 4$ is pulled baclt dzu~ing use. C7~nce the locking artn X18 is released, the solenoid contact ~6 is xezxioved frQ~m contact with the solenoid 52. The solenoid 52 receives power from the battery 108 (Figure 5) through the ct~ntroller 80, an example of which is illustrated in more detail in Figure 3.
As can be seen from the example sche~~.tie of Figure 4, the controller 80 serves as the central ~ pracessiag area, with all input a»d Output passim thrnugh the controller 80.
The controller 80 is cotmeetad directly to the locking mechanism, such .~ a numeric keypad 12, tl~z~ough the keypad wiring 100. The battery wiring 102 and motor wiring 104 also feed into the controller $0. once the locking means, such as numeric keypad 12, is activated, alI connections are made arid power is free to go to the driver 1U specific to the power tool 10. ?"he exact schematic ofthe wiring is not critical, as the criticality hes with im the interaction between the locking aneans and the controller 80. The iz~texior of the hand tool 10, as shown in Figure 5, is traditionally spaced, with the controller 8p located withia the handle area. In this embodiment, the various connecting wires 100, 102 and 104 are exposed and, in the vent of theft, the case can 15 be opened and the wires cut and crossed to bypass the controller 80. In order to prevent a thief from opening the case arid by-passing the controller 80, the ease is provided with a safety lock lccy having a number of different embodixxxents.
C7ne embodiment is to incaxparate a locking member, wires to the controller through the F
locking wire 156, that is deactivated by a loclcixag code, .key or other compatiblt~
20 methods. The controller 80 carr >ae programmed to allow the case to release, for example through a separate code being entered or by holdi,ag down the last number of the existing code for a predetermined time period. ~1. separate code is preferable in that it prevents any unauthorized access to the interior of the case. 1~or x~naximusn security, the safety lock key would be available only to certified dealers and service companies for the specific brand or obtuin~ed directly fmm the dealer by mail, etc.
By providing the safety lock key, if the tool was stolen and tampered with for sale or pawn, the by-pass would'be apparent due to the broken casing.
In an alternate embodiment tn the safety lock key, the solenoid 12f anal wiring 122 are encased in an epoxy, indicated herein as region 128, as illustrated in Figure 6_ By encasing tyke wiring 122 within the epoxy, it is impossible to rewire the unit axad by pass the cr~ntroller 124. Other materials, known in the art, can be used to replace the 1 D epoxy. To facilitate the placement of the epoxy region 128, the wiring 1;Z2 from the motor 120 exits the motor casing proximate the controller 124, which 'has bean placod as close as possible ko the solenoid 126. This revised placement reduces the r a area to be protected, thereby reducing material and labor costs. Rer~isng the E
placement of the battery 13d is difficult, provenHng in some instances the battery l~ wirixtg 132 from being covered. However, with the controller 12.4 and solenoid 126 loth encased in epoxy, there would be no value to cutting the battery wire 132, as there would not be any accessible power connections.
In Figure 7, the locking device is illustrated being used wish an air tool 200, although _ 20 it should be noted that the device can alsa be used with pmpane, gas, and diesel tools and equipment. This embodiment is addiaionally appliealle for use with electric tools and equipment having a power card. The cazttraller unit 202, as illustrated, is located in the handle 204 of. the air tool_ Due to the spread .out nature of the air tools.

the use of a safety key lack is, in some instances, more practical than redesigning the interior of the unit to allow the warin,g to be embedded in epoxy_ This is a choice of the zn.anufacturer based on cast, specific tool, etc. As can ibe seen in the exazrlgle sehcFnatics of Figure 4 (battery} and Figure 8 (air tool) there is little di~-'ereneo in S wiring between the twd. As stated, in the schexz~atic of Figure ~ the touch key wiring 1a0 goes to the controller 8D, as does the battery wire 1b2 and the motor wire 104_ In the air tool, or other removed power source, the touch key wiring 154 and solenoid 154 wiring feed into the controller 1. 52 and onto the drives, the battery atxd motor connections being eliminated.

As stated heretofore, the disclosed device can be easily incorporated with electronic equipment. The schematic of Figure 15 is an example otr the electronics for a device b~ in~rporated into a computer, VCR, television, e~. As can be seen, the basic N
fttnctio~g of the antithefk deuce iS the same as used for a battery or air tool. As in 15 the schematics disclosed heretofore, the touch key wiring 302 feeds into the oont~roller 3D4. In this embodiment, however, the electric wiring BOG is conxxactad to the controller 304 through the latching relay wires 348. The schematic Qf~Figure 1b provides an exannple of the electronic layout, disclosed in Figure 15, to incorporate p the anatc~gue function into the device through analog wiring 35Q, _ 2Q ..
Clne use of the disclosed invention is in commercial industries with workers using _ company owned tools and equipment. The tools xrei activated ill the mortliflg to ritn for an entire shitl; at which point they shut down. 'this pry rents theft from outside sources as well as employees. Additionally by reactivating the tools each mort'ring, a "safety check" can be incorporated with the activation to prevent faulty equipment from being used.
S The laolcing device can further be used with bicycles, chapping casts, wheelchairs, etc. It should be noted, however, that since the Ipcking devices disclosed herein aperata on bicycles by stopping movement of the pedals, this device is not recommended far bikes, or other items that have foot brakes.
In the event, that the device was activated during use, the ttser would be unable to activatC the 1?rakes. Tl~e C~~.z~t7ple used herein i$ a bicycle, however the devise, as disclosed, can easily be adapted far a, variety of other wheeled devices.
Tl~a locking device for use with bicycles, ar other applicable devises, preferably has a weiglxt of about one (1) pound or less.
IS
Figures 9, IO arid 11 illustrate a manual version of the lorkin,~ device 200 for 'use with wheeled vehicles and is illustrated an a bicycle, The loclning ~oaecha~aisms within the IQCI~in~ device are located within a protective .case 202 to prevent tampering. The case 202 is welded to the front frame 230 and rear frame 232 as currently done in the art replacing the standard joint at the juncture of the front and rear supports. The case 202 is sla~htly larger than standard cases to accommodate the loclci~ device 200. The pedal axle 204 passes throug$ the case 202 and is attached to the pedals 236 as known in the art. The engagexzxexxt disk 208 lass a centered receiving hole 220 that permits the disk 208 to 'be mounted on the axle 204. The disk 20$ is melded to the axle 204 to cause the disk 208 to rotate with the axle 204 as the bicycle is pedaled. The disk 208 contains; a series of receiving holes 222 around its periphery. T.he ,receiving hales 222 are dimensioned to receive the locking bar 210 that has been encased in the locking brace 216. The locking brace 216 is secured to tk~e case 202 Ca prevent movement of the bar 210 and therefore movement of the pedals 236 ounce the bar 210 is in the locked position. When in the unlocked position, the locking bar 210 is drawn intb the lfocking brace 216.
once placed into the locked position, the bas 210 engages the receiving holes 222 of the disk 208 azzd prevents the pedals 236 from turning..T'he locking brace 216 must be ' seetuely affixed to the case 202 to prevent the brace 216 from dislodging when a user attempts to pedal during the locked mode. Additiona~ILy, the locking bar F
must have su~cient strength to prevent the bar 2I0 from snapping or bending.
In the ernbodimCnt of rigure 9 the bar 2X0 is placed into either the locked or vnlacked position by a key lock 206, or other mechanically operated device. The interior mechaniszz~s zx~QVing the locking bar 210 in response to tt:~e key lock 206 are like those of dead bolts for doors and other methods will be k~aown to those skilled in the art. _ To provide the ability to repair the locking device in the event ~a problem arises; a bottom plate 214 is incorporated into the locking device 2;00. The bott4m plate 214 illustrated has a rotating lock 212 that is secured to a lacking plate 220.
The flanges 218 extend into the open area of the case 202 and provide support for the loeki.ng plate 220 when rotated to the locked position. Flotation of the rotating lack mpveS the locking plate 2201 into a position to clear the flanges, thereby permitting rem~aval of the bottom plate 214. The loeicing mcchanisiri for the bottom plate is an example of a method far locking the bottom plate onto the case arid other methods known in the art can be used.
An automatic embodiment of tlxe loo~ng mechanigm for use with bicycles is illustrated in Figures 12 - 14. The engagement disk 308 is welded to the pedal axle 324 as described heretofore. Rather than. the manual toclc of Figure 9, the izzteracting lacking bar 326 is operated by a battery-powered solenoid 304. The solenoid 304 is maintained in position through use bf a cas~g 306 that is securely aff'vced to the outer case 302. As stated heretofore, the locleing bar 326 must be capable of withstanding the pressure exerted by a perm attempting to pedal the bike. The f batteries 340 to power the solenoid 3U4 can be aontaizied vvithin the front support 342 or other location convenient far manufacture. The use of a battery-powered solexioid also permits the use of a timer as disclosed for use with the hand tool of >figure 1.
The analogue timer is advaa7.ta.~;eoug fc~r companies renting hikes by the hour or day as the timer can be activated upon the bike being removed froixi the shop and tire time read and calculated upon return. The timer readout, entry tnethad, etc., can be incorporated iri either the front support 342 or back support 344.
~fhe base plate 312 uses an alternate design to the embodimezit of Figure 9.
Tn this embodiment, the base plate 31, 2 is provided with a key lock 314 that is attached to ~"~m ~,.. _ dual rotating bars 32a and 322. The sides of the case 302 are provided with flat~gc pairs 318 arid 316 that are dimensioned to interact with the rotating bars 320 and 322.
Thus, as the Ifey lock 3j~ is turned, the bars 32d and 322 move out oftheir interaction with the flange pairs 318 az~d 316, tJaereby fieXeasing the base plate 312.
The disclosed device is app).ioc.ble for use with any gas powered vehicles, from heavy equipmcmt, such as fork lifts, bull dosers, automobiles ox boats. The locking device is not cvmpati>~le with the electronic starter system of the newer equipment and is too easily by passed. The device is, instead, placed along the ~.eld line cutting off the 10~ supply of fuel to the engine br, alternatively, placed on the exterior or irl the casing of the fuel pump. The fuel pomp and/or line is not readily accessible, thereby preventing the lock~g device from being either removed or "hot wired". Due to Safety concerns, thte tinned shutoff feature would not be i~acluded on all vehicle applicatio~as, such as automobiles or boats, however in some instances, such as twat rentals, the time-15 lapsed feature would be beneficial.
Tha disclosed security device 482 is illustrated in Figure 13 in conjunction with a fuel pttanp 4$0. The security device 4$2 is activated, or deactivated, by touch key, ir~f~a red, manual key, etc. The exact activation/deactivatic~n method would ZO be dependent upon the type of vehicle, end use and cost considerations. For a taew personal automobile, the security device 482 could be activated/deactivated as park of the infra red door Iock system. Therefore, when the doors are locked, using tha remote infra red pad, the security device A.82 would shut off power to ~fl the fuel pump 4$0. When the doors are unlocked, the power would be restored to the fuel pump 480. Alternatively, a touch lcey can be used to activateldeaetivate the security device a$2. The receiving portion of the touch key can be placed within device 48~ upon leaving flee tar and reactivate the power Lo the fuel yurip 490 upon, zeturning. The ability of the touch keys to be programmed would allow only certain users to activate the device 4$2. The security device 4$Z uses the sample electronics as illustrated ire. Figure 4, although other rnathods will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The power leads 4$b are placed directly az~t4 the security device 482. Power is then directed from the security device 482 to the fuel pump 4$0 through Ieads 484_ Prcferat~ly the security device 4$2 and fuel pump 480 are encased as one unit tn avoid overriding the security system.
In Figure 19 fuel line shutoff system 5pp, control box 5fl4, is in physical proximity tQ -_'~
the shut ofFvalve SOZ. The shut offvalve 502 is preferably an explosion proof solezzQid valve, such as manufactured by Asco and identified as EJF$2621$263_ These, or altezaaate valves rneetiog the safety criteria and having the ability to block fuel flow, are mounted directly onto the fuel lira 306 to control the foal flow tea the engine. The control box SU4 provides the electr4xxics to direct the valve ~p2 to open F
or close the fuel line SOG. Tlte control box S04 can receive signals to activate or _ 2U deactivate Fuel flow through any of the disclosed methods as well as those known xz~
the art. _ In Figure 20 the control box 524 is separated from the shutofr'valve 520. The valve 520 is mounted direvtly on the fuel Iine 522 and meets the criteria disclosed in Figure 19. The control box 524 is connected to the valve 5 ~0 through. use of power leads 526, thereby pezznitting the control box S24 to be spaced a desired distance from the valve 520. The control box 52~ reoeives power from the battery, or independent power source, through the power lead 52$.
Arty of the foregoing ezn.bodimer:ts can be connected to an indicator light within the vehicle to notify the user that the fuel line is either activated or deactivated.
I b Additionally, the disclosed fuel shut off devices cazz'be reh-afitted onto the gas vekxicJe by a mechanic. In the event that infra red activation/deactivation as desired, a sensor and carresporrding pad can be easily installed in the vehicle. The solenoid can also be incorporated with the timing device to block the fuel supply on a timed basis, however user safety xn>ast be considered prior to shutting down the fuel supply to a moving v~chicle. The timer can be used to prevent a gas powered vehicle from being used during a certain period_ The locking device disclosed herein, whether «sed on hard tools or heavy equipment, r caza be used in either a timer made andlor a security device. In instazzces where the _ 2p time used is not an issue and the owner is merely looking to prevent theft of the .
equipment, the device serves as a security measure.

Since other maditcatiaas and changes varied to iZt particular operating requiremcats and envn~coz~ments will bc~ apparent to t~hosc skilled in the art, the invention is rat coasid~cred limited to the example chaser far the pwpases of d15C10SUICr a,nd covers all changes and modifications that do not constitute departures from the true spirit artd scope of thifi invention.

Claims (5)

1. A locking device for use on bicycles having a pair of paddles connected by an axle, said locking device having:
an exterior case, said exterior case encompassing said axle;
an engagement disk, said engagement disk having multiple ports along its circumference and being unmoveably affixed to said axle causing said disk to rotate with said axle;
a brace, said brace being affixed to said exterior case;
a locking bar, said looking bar being positioned within said brace to permit said looking bar to engage one of said ports in said engagement disk to prevent rotation of said axle;
locking bar activation member, said activation member engaging and disengaging said locking bar with said engagement disk.

2. The locking device of claim 1 wherein said activation member is a manually operated lock.

3. The locking device of claim 1 wherein said activation member is a selected, said solenoid having a power source and being activated by an input member.

4. The locking device of claim 1 further comprising a resetable timer, said timer displaying lapsed time on a display panel.

5. The looking device of claim 1 further comprising a removable access panel, said removable access panel permitting user access to said exterior case and therefore said locking bar.