CA2891401A1 - Bicycle lock apparatus and methods for installing same - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for locking a bicycle, in which a bicycle lock is integrated with a seat post. The apparatus includes a lock-receiving seat post having an opening formed in the side or top of the seat post. The apparatus also includes a bicycle lock that is housed at least partially within the seat post. The bicycle lock is extendable from the seat post through the seat post opening. In particular embodiments the bicycle lock has a first cable having a first upper free end having a male locking connector, and a second cable having a second upper free end having a complementary female locking connector. When extended from the seat post, the cables may be wrapped around the bicycle frame and to a fixed object and their free ends locked together by means of the male and female locking connectors to protect the bicycle against theft.

Description

BICYCLE LOCK APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING SAME
Reference to Related Applications [0001] This application claims priority from United States Application No.
61/729,507 filed on 23 November 2012 and entitled SEAT POST BIKE LOCK. For purposes of the United States, this application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of United States Application No.
61/729,507 filed on 23 November 2012 and entitled SEAT POST BIKE LOCK which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
Technical Field

[0002] The technology described herein relates to bicycle locks and methods for installing bicycle locks on bicycles.
Background

[0003] To protect a bicycle (also referred to herein as a "bike") against theft while it is left unattended by the rider, bicycle locks (also referred to herein as "bike locks") are commonly used. Various types of bicycle locks are available. For example, a bicycle lock can be a chain, cable or a rigid ring such as a U-lock, D-lock or ring-lock. The bicycle lock can be inserted through the bicycle wheel, frame, and/or through a fixed or immovable structure, such as a post or rack secured to the ground or other such stationary structure to deter theft. Alternately, or in addition to the foregoing, a bicycle lock cable can be inserted into an electronic lock device affixed to the bike that will sound an alarm if the lock or cable is tampered with.

[0004] A problem with conventional bicycle locks is to determine how to transport the bicycle lock, cable or securing device with the bicycle to the location in which it is to be used. One way in which a bicycle lock may be carried is to wrap the lock around the bicycle frame, handlebar, rack, or other part of the bicycle, and optionally secure it to the bicycle using a strap, tie, bungee cord or clip. Another way in which a bicycle lock may be carried is to install an external mount to the bicycle frame or rack, and then clip in or fasten the bicycle lock to the mount. Yet another way in which a bicycle lock may be carried is to put the bicycle lock in the rider's pocket or in a bag that is mounted to the bicycle or carried by the rider.

[0005] However, the aforementioned ways of transporting the bicycle lock can be inconvenient or difficult to implement. Some bicycles do not have any convenient location on the frame to which a bicycle lock mount can be installed. Even if space for the mount is available on the bicycle frame, the mount can be difficult to install. If the user is attaching or wrapping the lock to the bicycle, each time once the bicycle lock has been used, the user typically has to spend some time to attach the lock back to the bicycle before transport. The bicycle lock takes up space on the bicycle or in a bag or the rider's pocket. The attached or mounted bicycle lock can hinder the rider's movements or can impede the installation of other bicycle accessories. Due to these and other difficulties and inconveniences, a rider may forego transporting a bicycle lock and may risk having his bicycle stolen or may restrict taking his bicycle only to places where a bicycle lock is not required. Or in some cases, the rider may either forget to attach the bicycle lock to the bicycle or to pack the bicycle lock in his bag or pocket.

[0006] There is a general desire for apparatus and methods that address at least some of the aforementioned problems.

[0007] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.
Summary

[0008] Aspects of the technology described herein provide an apparatus for integrating a bicycle lock with a bicycle seat post. The bicycle lock may be slid in and out of the bicycle seat post.
The bicycle lock may hang below the bottom of the seat post and into the seat tube of the bicycle frame.

[0009] One aspect provides an apparatus having a lock-receiving seat post, and a bicycle lock housed at least partially within the seat post. The seat post has an opening formed in the seat post through which the bicycle lock can be accessed. A portion of the bicycle lock is extendable from the seat post through the seat post opening. The seat post opening may be along a side of the seat post and/or through the top of the post.

[0010] In certain embodiments the bicycle lock has complementary male and female locking connectors, wherein the female locking connector is adapted to receive and engage with the male locking connector for locking together the male and female locking connectors.
The bicycle lock may comprise at least one cable. In one embodiment the bicycle lock has two cables: the first cable has a first upper free end which has the male locking connector, and the second cable has a second upper free end which has the female locking connector. In other embodiments the bicycle lock has a single cable. The single cable has an upper free end having one of the male and female locking connectors. The other one of the male or female locking connectors is affixed to the seat post or another part of the bicycle.

[0011] In particular embodiments, the bicycle lock includes a stop secured to a lower end of the bicycle lock. The stop is movable up and down within the seat post and is sized and shaped so as to restrict the stop from being completely pulled out through the seat post opening. The stop may be weighted to pull the bicycle lock down into the seat post in the absence of force applied to extend the bicycle lock from the seat post.

[0012] In alternate embodiments, the bicycle lock is fully removable from the lock-receiving seat post to allow for more flexibility in affixing the bicycle lock. For example, once removed from the seat post, the bicycle lock may be run through the frame and/or wheels of the bicycle and then optionally through a fixed object before connecting together the male and female locking connectors at opposite free ends of the bicycle lock cable.

[0013] Another aspect of the technology described herein provides a method for installing a bicycle lock on a bicycle. The method includes: providing a lock-receiving seat post having an opening; inserting a bicycle lock into the seat post, wherein the bicycle lock is extendable and/or removable from the seat post opening; and mounting the seat post in a frame of the bicycle. In particular embodiments, inserting the bicycle lock into the seat post includes inserting at least one bicycle lock into the seat post. For example, one or two cables may be inserted into the seat post. A stop may be affixed to a lower end of the bicycle lock prior to installing the seat post to the bicycle frame. The stop is movable up and down within the seat post and is sized and shaped S0 as to restrict the stop from being completely pulled out through the seat post opening. Other embodiments may incorporate a bicycle lock which does not include a stop; such lock may be fully removable from the seat post.

[0014] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0015] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a bicycle lock apparatus according to one embodiment comprising a bicycle lock and lock-receiving seat post. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the bicycle lock of the apparatus in a retracted (concealed) position and an extended position, respectively.

[0017] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the bicycle lock apparatus with the bicycle lock in the retracted and extended positions of FIGS. 1 and 2, as installed in a bicycle.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a bicycle lock apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an upper portion of a lock-receiving seat post of a bicycle lock apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates the locking connectors of a bicycle lock that is housed within a lock-receiving seat post according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates the locking connectors of the bicycle lock shown in FIG. 7.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a bicycle lock apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B (collectively, FIG. 10) illustrate a bicycle lock apparatus according to another embodiment.
Description

[0024] Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.
Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

[0025] Particular embodiments provide apparatus that may be used to lock a bicycle. The apparatus integrates a bicycle seat post with a bicycle lock, making it easy and convenient to transport and store the lock as well as to use the lock to protect a bicycle against theft. The apparatus comprises a lock-receiving seat post and a bicycle lock that may be housed at least partially within the seat post. The seat post is specially adapted to house the bicycle lock and to allow access to the bicycle lock. When not in use the bicycle lock is retracted within the seat post and the bicycle frame. When it is to be used the bicycle lock is pulled out through an opening in the seat post. In one embodiment the bicycle lock comprises two cables extendable from the seat post. The free ends of the cables can be locked together. For example, the free ends may comprise complementary male and female locking connectors, which when locked together, may be released only with the use of a key, a combination code (mechanically or electronically), or a key fob, smart card or other suitable device that can be used to control access. Alternately, the free ends may comprise loops or rings that may be connected together using a padlock or other lock.

[0026] To use the bicycle lock, the bicycle lock cables are extended from the seat post through the seat post opening by pulling on the cables' upper free ends. The cables can then be wrapped around the bicycle frame and/or other part of the bicycle and then around a rack, post, tree or other immovable structure, before locking together the free ends of the cables. In particular embodiments, the cables can be installed in the seat post and bicycle frame such that they cannot be removed from the bicycle. For example, the lower ends of the cables may be affixed to a stop that is sized and shaped so as to be slidable up and down within the seat post and bicycle frame, but cannot be removed through the seat post opening, thereby preventing the cables from being detached from the bicycle. Alternately, the lower ends of the cables may be permanently affixed to the seat post or the bicycle frame.

[0027] In another embodiment the bicycle lock comprises a single cable extendable from the seat post through the seat post opening. The cable's free end may have a locking connector that can be lockingly engaged to a complementary locking connector attached to the seat post or another part of the bike. The locking connectors may be complementary male and female locking connectors. Alternately, the cable's free end may have a loop or ring that can be connected using a padlock or other lock to a loop or ring on the seat post or another part of the bike. In still other embodiments, the cable's free end may have a locking connector that is connectable to a frame lock.

[0028] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a bicycle lock apparatus 20 according to a particular embodiment.
Apparatus 20 comprises a lock-receiving seat post 21 mounted to a bicycle frame 35 of a bicycle 30. A bicycle saddle or seat 32 can be mounted to seat post 21. As described in further detail below, seat post 21 is specially adapted to house a bicycle lock 31. Seat post 21 is generally a hollow tube. Typically the portion of bicycle frame 35 that receives seat post 21 is also a hollow tube, so that such portion of bicycle frame 35 and seat post 21 together provide a continuous channel 34 for receiving a bicycle lock 31 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). In some cases channel 34 may extend all the way to the bottom of the bicycle frame 35. In other cases channel 34 may extend along only a portion of bicycle frame 35, or may not reach the bicycle frame 35 at all (i.e. it extends only along a length of seat post 21).

[0029] Apparatus 20 comprises a bicycle lock 31 that is housed within channel 34 (i.e. within seat post 21 and bicycle frame 35). Bicycle lock 31 may extend through the channel 34 in seat post 21 down to the bottom bracket tube or bottom of the bicycle frame 35. An opening 22 is provided in the side of and/or at the top of the seat post 21, through which bicycle lock 31 is accessible. For example, opening 22 may be located in the side of the seat post 21 immediately below bicycle saddle 32, at the top of the seat post 21 immediately below the bicycle saddle, or at some other location on the seat post 21 that can provide the user with convenient access to bicycle lock 31.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, bicycle lock 31 comprises first and second cables 23a, 23b (collectively, cables 23). Cables 23 may be made of steel, aluminum, titanium, hardened steel, graphite, KevlarTM, carbon fiber and/or other suitable material for a cable lock.
Cables 23 are optionally coated with a high density plastic, rubber or fabric.
When not in use, cables 23 are housed and concealed within channel 34 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In this concealed position, cables 23 hang below the saddle 32 and may extend through a portion or the full length of channel 34. Cables 23 may be formed so that all or portions of cables 23 are substantially straight when pushed into channel 34 (i.e. the cables are not memory coiled). To use to lock a bicycle, cables 23 are extended from the seat post 21 by pulling them through seat post opening 22, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Cables 23 can then be wrapped around the bicycle frame and a fixed or immovable structure and their respective free ends locked together to secure the bicycle to the structure.

[0031] Cables 23a, 23b have upper free ends 24a, 24b, respectively (collectively, free ends 24).
In particular embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, free end 24a of cable 23a comprises a male locking connector 25. Free end 24b of cable 23b comprises a female locking connector 26. To lock together the free ends 24, male locking connector 25 is inserted into female locking connector 26.

[0032] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism automatically locks together the locking connectors once the male locking connector 25 is inserted into the female locking connector 26.
In other embodiments, the locking mechanism requires insertion of a corresponding key 33 (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2) to lock together the locking connectors. Once locking connectors 25, 26 are locked together, the lock can be released only with the use of the corresponding key 33 (or in other embodiments, a combination code, key fob, smart card or the like).

[0033] It is not necessary that free ends 24 incorporate male and female locking connectors 25, 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. In alternate embodiments, free ends 24 comprise loops or rings. A
padlock or other locking device may be inserted through the loops or rings and locked to secure the free ends 24 together.

[0034] Cables 23a, 23b have lower ends 28a, 28b, respectively (collectively, lower ends 28).
Lower ends 28 may be attached to a stop 27 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stop 27 is movable up and down within channel 34 to facilitate the extension of cables 23 from seat post 21. However, the shape and size of stop 27 is such that stop 27 cannot be entirely pulled out through seat post opening 22. Stop 27 therefore prevents bicycle lock 31 from being removed from the bicycle 30.
FIGS. 2 and 4 show bicycle lock 31 fully extended, with the stop 27 preventing any further extension of the lock from seat post 21. In some embodiments, stop 27 may be permanently clamped onto the lower ends 28 of cables 23a, 23b. In other embodiments, stop 27 may be removable or replaceable by the user. For example, stop 27 may incorporate threads so that it can be screwed onto a corresponding threaded piece on lower ends 28, 28b of cables 23a, 23b in order to removably fasten stop 27 to the cables.

[0035] In other embodiments, lower ends 28 of cables 23 are affixed to seat post 21 (or to a location of bicycle frame 35 in channel 34) to prevent removal of bicycle lock 31 from the bicycle. For example, lower ends 28 may be permanently attached to a base of seat post 21. In such case, cables 23 should have sufficient length that they can still be extended through seat post opening 22 even though the lower ends 28 cannot move within channel 34.

[0036] When cables 23 are not required to lock the bike, they can be pushed through seat post opening 22 back into the channel 34 extending through seat post 21 and bicycle frame 35 to assume a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. This can be done by hand by feeding cables 23 through seat post opening 22. In some embodiments, stop 27 on bicycle lock 31 is weighted so that stop 27 helps to pull cables 32 down channel 34, facilitating retraction of the bicycle lock 31 within channel 34.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a bicycle lock apparatus 120 according to another example embodiment.
Apparatus 120 is similar in some respects to apparatus 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4 and similar reference numerals are used herein to refer to similar features, except that for apparatus 120 the reference numerals are prefixed with the numeral "1". In the FIG. 5 embodiment, apparatus 120 comprises a bicycle lock 131 and a lock-receiving seat post 121 that is specially adapted to house the bicycle lock 131. The seat post 121 may be mounted to a bicycle frame to support a bicycle saddle 32. Apparatus 120 differs from the apparatus 20 of FIGS. 1 to 4 in that apparatus 120's bicycle lock 131 comprises a single cable 123 instead of two cables. Cable 123 of bicycle lock 131 is housed within a channel 134 extending through lock-receiving seat post 121 when not in use, as shown in FIG. 5. To use to lock the bicycle, cable 123 can be extended from seat post 121 through seat post opening 122. Cable 123 can then be wrapped around the bicycle frame and around a fixed or immovable structure, before locking a male locking connector 125 on cable 123's upper free end 124 to a complementary female locking connector 126 mounted to the seat post 121 or to some other part of the bicycle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the female locking connector 126 is mounted to seat post 121 near seat post opening 122 and below bicycle saddle 32. In some embodiments, the male and female locking connectors may be reversed (i.e. the upper free end 124 of cable 123 comprises the female locking connector 126, and male locking connector 125 is attached to the seat post 121). In still other embodiments, upper free end 124 of cable 123 may comprise a loop or ring that can be locked, using a padlock or other locking device, to another loop or ring attached to seat post 121. In still other embodiments, cable 123's free end 124 may have a locking connector that is connectable to a frame lock, such as a ring lock or wheel lock which secures the back wheel so that the bicycle cannot be ridden or pushed away.

[0038] As with the FIGS. 1 to 4 embodiment, cable 123 of FIG. 5's bicycle lock 131 comprises a stop 127 at its lower end 128 to prevent removal of the cable 123 from the bicycle. In other embodiments, lower end 128 of cable 131 is permanently affixed to the seat post 121 to prevent the cable 131 from being removed. Stop 127 may be weighted and/or a retraction mechanism may be provided to facilitate retraction of cable 131 within channel 134. In other embodiments, stop 127 is omitted (or is removable), and cable 123 is fully removable from the lock-receiving seat post 121.

[0039] To use the bicycle lock of the embodiments described above, cables 31, 131 are pulled out through the seat post opening, and inserted through the bicycle frame and around a fixed object. Then the locking connectors are locked together to deter theft as discussed. When affixing the bicycle lock to the fixed object, cables 31, 131 may be run through the bicycle frame (e.g. through the triangle 49 defined by the main part of the bicycle frame 35 as seen in FIGS. 3, 4) so as to ensure that the cable(s) stay connected to the bicycle frame even if the seat post is removed. This also protects against theft of the seat or seat post.

[0040] FIG. 6 depicts an upper portion 29 of a lock-receiving seat post that may be used in the lock-receiving seat post 21, 121 of FIGS. 1 to 5. Upper portion 29 has a generally tubular body 36. At one side of the tubular body 36 is defined an opening 22 through which the bicycle lock 31 is accessed and extended. Above the opening 22, the upper portion 29 may have generally curved edges 38 or a surface that conforms to the shape of the body 44 of female locking connector 26 (or male locking connector 25). In the storage or transport position, when body 44 of female locking connector 26 is received against edges 38 as seen in FIG. 7, body 44 is braced against tubular body 36 so as to reduce or minimize sliding or movement of the locking connectors relative to the lock-receiving seat post. At the top of the upper portion 29 is a surface 37 for supporting a saddle attachment assembly 39 (shown in FIG. 7).
Saddle attachment assembly 39 may be placed on surface 37 and then bolted to upper portion 29 of the lock-receiving seat post. Bicycle saddle 32 may be mounted to the saddle attachment assembly 39.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an upper part of a bicycle lock 31 received within a lock-receiving seat post 21 according to one embodiment. Bicycle lock 31 has similar features to those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. Bicycle lock 31 comprises cables 23a, 23b having upper free ends 24a, 24b, respectively. Free end 24a of cable 23a comprises male locking connector 25 and free end 24b on cable 23b comprises female locking connector 26. Only the male and female locking connectors 25, 26 protruding from seat post opening 22 are visible in FIG. 7, as the remainder parts of the bicycle lock 31 (including cables 23a, 23b) are largely concealed within channel 34 extending through seat post 21. FIG. 7 shows male and female locking connectors 25, 26 in the locked position, with male locking connector 25 inserted into and lockingly engaged with female locking connector 26.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows the male and female locking connectors 25, 26 of FIG. 7 separated from each other. As seen in FIG. 8, male locking connector 25 comprises a prong 41.
Female locking connector 26 comprises a complementary receptacle 43 for receiving prong 41 of male locking connector 26. Prong 41 of the illustrated embodiment includes a groove 42 extending around the prong 41 for receiving a complementary locking member (not shown) within the female locking connector 26; once such locking member is inserted into the groove 42, the locking mechanism is engaged and prong 41 is detained within receptacle 43 such that it cannot be removed. A key 33 may be inserted into a key slot on female locking connector 26 and turned in order to engage and disengage the locking mechanism.

[0043] In other embodiments, other kinds of suitable locking connectors or locking mechanisms may be used in place of the male and female locking connectors described herein, in order to:
lock free ends 24 of cables 23 together, lock free end 124 of cable 123 back to a locking connector located on the seat post 121 or elsewhere on the bike, or lock free end 124 of cable 123 to another lock, such as a frame lock.

[0044] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment for a bicycle lock apparatus 220. Apparatus 220 is similar in some respects to apparatus 20 of FIG. 1 and similar reference numerals are used herein to refer to similar features, except that for apparatus 220 the reference numerals are prefixed with the numeral "2". In the FIG. 9 embodiment, upper portion 229 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical piece which is open at the upper end, providing an opening 222 located at the top of the upper portion 229, through which the bicycle lock 231 is accessed and extended.
On the outside of the upper portion 229, a clamp may be affixed to which a saddle attachment assembly 239 may be affixed. In some embodiments, seat post opening 222 of upper portion 229 is relatively smaller than opening 22 of the FIG. 6 embodiment's upper portion 29. A lock-receiving seat post which incorporates upper portion 229 with a smaller seat post opening in the top of the seat post may be used in connection with narrower bike lock cables.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, upper portion 229 tapers or narrows at the upper end (i.e. toward the bicycle saddle 232 and seat post opening 222). Therefore, seat post opening 222 at the top of upper portion 229 has a smaller diameter than a diameter of a lower portion of the seat post tube.
This taper may help to secure the bicycle lock in the seat post and prevent its removal¨for example, a stop may be attached to the lower end of the bicycle lock; the stop is sized and shaped so that it cannot move through the upper tapered portion of the seat post. In other embodiments, the stop is omitted (or the seat post does not taper at the upper end) and the bicycle lock is completely removable from the lock-receiving seat post.

[0045] It is not necessary that bicycle locks 31, 131, 231 consist of cables as described above. In other embodiments, bicycle locks 31, 131, 231 can comprise chains, foldable locks, or other locks that can be at least partially concealed within a bicycle seat post, and extended (or removed) from the seat post to secure the bicycle to an immovable structure.
For example, the lock may comprise one or two foldable locks or chains. Each comprises a series of attached links that can be pivoted or bent relative to one another. To store the lock in the lock-receiving seat post, the links can be straightened into a linear shape. To use to lock the bicycle, the links can be shaped into a ring shape (such as a D, U or 0-shape) to wrap around the bicycle frame and a fixed structure. The lock links may be rigid or semi-rigid. The free ends of the lock may comprise complementary male and female locking connectors. A foldable lock having these features may be substituted for one of bicycle locks 31, 131, 231 in the embodiments described above. Alternately, a foldable lock can be housed in the lock-receiving seat post and can be completely removed from the lock-receiving seat post through the seat post opening when it is to be used to lock the bike.

[0046] For example, FIG. 10A illustrates a foldable lock 331 housed in a lock-receiving seat post 321 in the transport or storage position. FIG. 10B illustrates the same lock 331 completely removed from the seat post 321, and formed into a ring and placed in the locked position by locking together the opposite ends of lock 331. The foldable lock embodiment is similar in some respects to bicycle lock 131 of FIG. 5 and similar reference numerals are used herein to refer to similar features, except that in FIGS. 10A, 10B, the reference numerals are prefixed with the numeral "3" instead of the numeral "1". The illustrated foldable lock embodiment of FIG. 10A, 10B does not include a stop at its lower end 328. Lock 331 therefore can be completely removed from lock-receiving seat post 321. In addition, upper free end 324 of lock 331 includes a female locking connector 326 for receiving a complementary male locking connector 325 at lower end 328 of lock 331. Lock 331 may comprise a plurality of connected links 347 as shown. Each link 347 may be connected to adjacent links 347 with pins 348, so that the links 347 can pivot about the connecting pins 348 to allow for the arrangement of links 347 into the ring shape seen in FIG. 10B. In particular embodiments, the lock links 347 comprise hardened steel plates, providing similar security to conventional D-locks or U-locks.

[0047] It can be appreciated that a bicycle lock apparatus in accordance with the embodiments described herein provides a number of advantages including, for example:
= Ease and convenience of bike lock transport: when not in use, the bicycle lock is housed and concealed within an existing structure of the bicycle (i.e. a lock-receiving seat post, adapted to receive the bicycle lock). Apart from the lock-receiving seat post (and, for some embodiments, a locking connector mounted on the seat post or elsewhere on the bicycle), no separate lock mounting structure is required to be installed to the bicycle in order to accommodate the bicycle lock. In addition, since the bicycle lock is tucked inside the seat post and bicycle frame during transport, the bicycle lock is convenient to carry and does not get in the way of the rider.
= Convenience of use: The bicycle lock can be easily pulled out of the lock-receiving seat post when required to lock the bike. The stop on the lower end of the bicycle cable lock prevents the lock from being completely removed from the seat post and ensures that the cable lock does not become separated from the bicycle. When the cable lock is run through the bicycle frame and wrapped around a fixed object and its ends are locked together, the bicycle is protected against theft. The bicycle lock can also be conveniently pushed back into the seat post when it is no longer being used.
= Ease of installation: only the existing bicycle seat post on a bicycle needs to be replaced with the apparatus comprising the lock-receiving seat post and the bicycle lock contained within the seat post. To install the bicycle lock, the existing bicycle seat post is first detached and removed from the bicycle frame, and the bicycle's saddle along with its saddle attachment assembly is removed from the existing bicycle seat post. The bicycle's saddle attachment assembly and saddle may be mounted to the new lock-receiving seat post containing the bicycle cable lock. The new lock-receiving seat post is inserted into the bicycle frame's seat post-receiving tube so that the cable lock is allowed to hang down into the bicycle frame and the upper free end(s) of the cable lock are located near the seat post opening.

[0048] Where a component (e.g. lock, key, cable, seat post, stop, male or female locking connector, chain, link, pin, etc.) is referred to above, unless otherwise indicated, reference to that component (including a reference to a "means") should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which perform the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments.

[0049] While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof For example:
= Some of the embodiments described herein include a stop 27, 127, 227 to prevent removal of a bicycle lock from the lock-receiving seat post. In alternate embodiments, this stop is omitted so that the lock can be housed within the lock-receiving seat post for storage and transport, but can be completely removed from the seat post in order to be used to lock the bicycle in a variety of different manners to various objects. For example, once removed from the seat post, the bicycle lock may be wrapped around a wheel and frame of the bicycle only, or around a wheel, frame and/or some fixed structure. The bicycle lock that is stored in the lock-receiving seat post and completely removable from the seat post may comprise a cable, chain, foldable lock, or other lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the opposite free ends of the cable have complementary locking connectors which may be locked together. In other embodiments, the opposite free ends of the cable each have a locking connector which may be locked to a complementary locking connector mounted on the bicycle.
= Particular embodiments may include a light integrated with the bicycle lock. For example, the light may be housed in the part of the bicycle lock that has the locking mechanism. Such light may be useful where the lock is a mechanical or electronic combination lock; the user may turn on the light in poor lighting conditions in order to use the dial or key pad. In other embodiments, a light may be positioned on the bicycle lock (such as at the rear of body 44 of female locking connector 26 in FIG. 7) such that when the lock is in the storage or transport position, the light functions as a bicycle tail light.
= Upper portion 29, 129, 229 or 329 of the lock-receiving seat post need not be a separate component from the remainder or lower portion of the seat post. In some embodiments the entire lock-receiving seat post is an integrally formed single piece.
= In certain embodiments, apparatus 20 is provided with a retraction device that assists with pulling the extended cables 23 into seat post 21. The retraction device may comprise a spring which is biased to retract the cables 23 and maintain them in a retracted position in the absence of a countering force applied by the user to extend the cables 23 from seat post 21.
For example, the retraction device may be a spring connection between stop 27 and a base of seat post 21.
It is therefore intended that the scope of the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (17)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Apparatus for locking a bicycle comprising:
a lock-receiving seat post having an opening formed in the seat post; and a bicycle lock housed at least partially within the seat post, wherein a portion of the bicycle lock is extendable from the seat post through the seat post opening.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bicycle lock has complementary male and female locking connectors, wherein the female locking connector is adapted to receive and engage with the male locking connector for locking together the male and female locking connectors.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bicycle lock comprises a first cable having a first upper free end comprising the male locking connector, and a second cable having a second upper free end comprising the female locking connector.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bicycle lock comprises a cable having an upper free end, the upper free end comprising one of the male and female locking connectors, wherein the other one of the male and female locking connectors is affixed to the seat post.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bicycle lock comprises a cable having an upper free end, the upper free end comprising one of the male and female locking connectors, wherein the other one of the male and female locking connectors is affixed to the bicycle frame.

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the male locking connector comprises a prong and the female locking connector comprises a complementary receptacle, wherein the male and female locking connectors are locked together by inserting the prong into the receptacle and turning a key inserted into a key slot of the female locking connector to detain the prong in the receptacle.

7. Apparatus according to either one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the bicycle lock is completely removable from the lock-receiving seat post through the seat post opening.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising a stop affixed to a lower end of the bicycle lock, wherein the stop is slidable within the seat post and is sized and shaped so as to restrict the stop from being pulled out through the seat post opening.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the seat post opening is located along a side of the seat post.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the seat post opening is located in the top of the seat post.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the bicycle lock comprises a cable having a locking connector for engaging with a complementary locking connector of a second lock.

12. A method for installing a bicycle lock on a bicycle comprising:
providing a lock-receiving seat post having an opening in the seat post;
inserting the bicycle lock into the seat post, wherein the bicycle lock is extendable from the seat post opening; and mounting the seat post on a frame of the bicycle.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein inserting the bicycle lock into the seat post comprises inserting at least one bicycle lock cable into the seat post.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein inserting the bicycle lock into the seat post comprises inserting two bicycle lock cables into the seat post.

15. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 14 comprising affixing a stop to a lower end of the bicycle lock prior to installing the seat post to the bicycle frame, wherein the stop is slidable within the seat post and is sized and shaped so as to restrict the stop from being pulled out through the opening.

16. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the seat post opening is located along a side of the seat post.

17. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the seat post opening is located in the top of the seat post.