DE202018104570U1 - U-lock with novel cross-sectional shape - Google Patents

Abstract

A lock comprising: a stirrup lock comprising a U-shaped bracket comprising two legs extending from an arc, the legs being received in locked alignment in apertures formed in a transverse bar; anda locking mechanism connected to the crossbar to lock the legs to the crossbar, at least one of the legs and the arch of the U-shaped bracket having a cross-sectional shape of a polygon having flat sides, and none of the flat sides are parallel to each other.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to locks and more particularly to a U-lock with novel cross-sectional shapes.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

U-locks are generally used to complete a bicycle, motorcycle, motorcycle, tricycle and the like (the terms are used interchangeably throughout) to prevent theft of the bicycle. Usually, a driver attaches the bicycle frame and at least one wheel to a stationary object or to himself to secure the bicycle.

A U-lock generally comprises a U-shaped bracket having two substantially straight and parallel legs connected by a rounded arch and a removable cross bar. The cross bar is generally a bar comprising two holes for receiving the legs of the stirrup. A locking mechanism is mounted in the crossbar to secure the cross bar to the U-shaped bracket.

In the prior art, the U-shaped bracket is made of a metal rod having a circular cross-sectional shape formed in a U-shape.

To connect the bicycle to a pole or other object, the ends of the U-shaped bracket are passed around the post and part of the frame and / or a wheel (or both) of a bicycle and secured by the crossbar.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a U-lock with a non-circular cross-sectional shape, as described in more detail below.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a U-lock having a U-shaped bracket including two legs extending from an arc, the legs being received in a latched orientation in openings formed in a transverse bar and wherein a locking mechanism is connected to the transverse bar to lock the legs to the transverse bar, at least one of the legs and the arch of the U-shaped bracket having a cross-sectional shape of a polygon having flat sides and in which none of the flat Pages are parallel to each other.

For example, the legs and the arch can all have the cross-sectional shape of the polygon. In another example, only both legs can have the cross-sectional shape of the polygon. In yet another example, only the arc may have the cross-sectional shape of the polygon. The cross-sectional shape of the polygon may extend over the entire length of the legs or only a part thereof.

list of figures

• Fig: 1 eine vereinfachte Darstellung eines Bügelschlosses ist, das nach einer nicht begrenzenden Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung gebaut ist und funktioniert; und
• 2, 3, 4 und 5 vereinfachte Schnittzeichnungen einer Querschnittsform des U-förmigen Bügels des Bügelschlosses nach verschiedenen, nicht einschränkenden Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung sind, die entlang der Linien A-A in 1 ausgeführt worden sind.

The present invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

• Fig. 1 is a simplified illustration of a padlock constructed and operative in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and
• 2 . 3 . 4 and 5 simplified sectional views of a cross-sectional shape of the U-shaped bracket of the U-lock according to various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, taken along the lines AA in 1 have been executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

It will be up now 1 Refer to a padlock 10 in a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

U-lock 10 includes a U-shaped bracket 12 , the two thighs 14 includes, extending from a bow 16 extend out. It is noted that the U-shape not only includes a "U" having a rounded arc, but also includes other shapes such as, but not limited to, a straight arc, highly curved arc, and others. leg 14 can be straight, but they can also be curved or strongly curved or otherwise shaped. leg 14 can be hollow or solid without cavities.

leg 14 are in a locked orientation in openings 19 taken in a crossbar 18 are formed. A locking mechanism 20 is with the crossbar 18 connected to thighs 14 with crossbar 18 to lock. The locking mechanism 20 may, without limitation, include a cylinder lock, a combination lock, a wireless communication lock (operating with a translator communicating with an identification circuit in the lock to gain authorized access to the lock) such as an RFID lock, NFC lock, Bluetooth Lock, wi-fi lock, mobile device and others. Other interlock types can also be used.

As in 2 - 5 to see at least one of thighs 14 and bow 16 and any combination thereof of a U-shaped bracket 12 have a cross-sectional shape of a polygon having flat sides and in which none of the flat sides are parallel to each other. In 2 the polygon is a triangle (which can be equilateral, isosceles or otherwise shaped). In 3 is the polygon a pentagon ( 5 Pages). In 4 is the polygon a heptagon ( 7 Pages). In 5 is the polygon a nonagon ( 9 Pages). The corners on adjacent sides may be sharp or rounded.

The feature of the cross-sectional shape of a polygon having flat sides with none of the flat sides parallel to each other has several advantages. Firstly, since none of the flat sides are parallel to each other, a wrench can not be used to clamp the bracket 12 capture. Second, the polygonal shape can have better rigidity than a circular cross-sectional shape.

For example, in the article: "Circular vs. triangular cross sections: some thoughts about bending stiffness (circular versus triangular cross sections: some thoughts on flexural stiffness)", Johan Byström and Lenoid Kuzmin, page 5 , (see http://www.kuzmin.se/docs/buckling_of_ski-pole_2013.pdf), explains the following: "Therefore, a solid triangular section is 21% stiffer than a solid circular section with the same cross-sectional area".

The U-lock 10 can be made from any reasonably strong and durable material, as known in automotive lock technology.

Claims (9)

Claimed is: A castle, comprising: a buckle lock comprising a U-shaped bracket comprising two legs extending from an arc, the legs being received in locked alignment in openings formed in a transverse bar; and a locking mechanism connected to the transverse bar for locking the legs to the transverse bar, at least one of the legs and the arch of the U-shaped bar having a cross-sectional shape of a polygon having flat sides, and none of the flat sides are parallel to each other. Lock after Claim 1 , where the polygon comprises a triangle. Lock after Claim 1 , where the polygon comprises a pentagon. Lock after Claim 1 , wherein the polygon comprises a heptagon. Lock after Claim 1 , where the polygon comprises a nonagon. Lock after Claim 1 wherein the legs and the arch all have the cross-sectional shape of the polygon. Lock after Claim 1 wherein both of the legs have the cross-sectional shape of the polygon. Lock after Claim 1 wherein the arc has the cross-sectional shape of the polygon.

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