GB2161533A

GB2161533A - A locking mechanism for a cycle

Info

Publication number: GB2161533A
Application number: GB08511475A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Timothy Mark Whitty
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-05-09
Filing date: 1985-05-07
Publication date: 1986-01-15
Also published as: GB2161533B; GB8511475D0; GB8411725D0

Abstract

A quick release locking mechanism (2) for a cycle comprises a shaft (4), a first end member (6) on a first end (8) of the shaft (4), a second end member (10) on a second end (12) of the 10 shaft (4), an aperture (14) in the first end member (6), a housing member (16) for receiving the first end member (6), an aperture (18) in the housing member (16), a cam device (20) for passing through the aperture (14) in the first end member (6) and the aperture (18) in the housing member (16) when the first end member (6) is in the housing member (16) and the apertures (14, 18) are in registry, the cam device (20) being rotatable between a first position in which the locking mechanism (2) is in a release position and a second position in which the locking mechanism (2) is in a locked position, the cam device (20) being such that it cannot be rotated without the aid of a separate turning device (32), and one end (22) of the cam device (20) being constructed for receiving the turning device (32). <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A quick release locking mechanism for a cycle This invention relates to a quick release locking mechanism for a cycle. The cycle will usually be a bicycle but it may also be a tricycle.

Quick release locking mechanisms for use on bicycles are well known and are currently in use. They are employed for locking various parts of the bicycles together such for example as securing the bicycle wheels, the bicycle saddle post, the bicycle handle bar step and/or the bicycle handle-bars to appropriate parts of the bicycle frame. The known quick release locking mechanisms incorporate an integral turning handle. Because the handle is an integral part of the quick release locking mechanism, it cannot be removed and so it facilitates theft of the entire bicycle or parts from the bicycle. The very speed for which the quick release locking mechanisms were originally designed only aids the thief in his task. The theft of bicycles and parts from bicycles is a serious and ever increasing problem.Bicycle users often currently chain their bicycles to a fixed object such for example as railings or a lamp post but it frequently happens that a thief uses the known quick release locking mechanisms to remove substantially the entire bicycle except for that part that remains chained to the fixed object.

In addition to the above mentioned problem presented by the known quick release locking mechanisms, another subsidiary problem is the fact that the integral turning handle adds weight to the bicycle and this is undesirable.

For ease of riding, it is always desirable to keep the weight of a bicycle to a minimum.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a quick release locking mechanism for a cycle which reduces the above mentioned problems by making it more difficult for a thief to unlock the locking mechanism, and by offering the user the faciiity of not carrying a turning handle in instances where it is desired to cut down on the weight of the cycle.

Accordingly, this invention provides a quick release locking mechanism for a cycle, which locking mechanism comprises a shaft, a first end member on a first end of the shaft, a second end member on a second end of the shaft, an aperture in the first end member, a housing member for receiving the first end member, an aperture in the housing member, and a cam device for passing through the aperture in the first end member and the aperture in the housing member when the first end member is in the housing member and the apertures are in registry, the cam device being rotatable between the first position in which the locking mechanism is in a release position and a second position in which the locking mechanism is in a locked position, the cam device being such that it cannot be rotated without the aid of a separate turning device, and one end of the cam device being constructed for receiving the turning device.

It will thus be apparent that, without the turning device, a thief will be unable to release the locking mechanism or will at least have difficulty in releasing the locking mechanism and may be unprepared to spend the time required in releasing the locking mechanism without the appropriate turning device.

Thus users of cycles can still be afforded the benefits of a quick release locking mechanism but with a reduced chance of thieves using the quick release locking mechanism to steal the cycle or parts thereof. Furthermore, if the cycle users do not wish to carry extra weight, then they can leave the turning device at home. Obviously, if the cycle users wish to carry a bag of tools, then the turning device can be one of the tools carried.

Preferably, the cam device is provided with a recess for receiving the end of the turning device.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess in the cam device is a key slot for receiving a turning device in the form of a key.

The key is preferably a Yale (RTM)-type key but it may be any other type of key such for example as a mortice-type of key if required.

The use of a key as the turning device is especially preferred since quite a considerable degree of security is afforded, it being possible to have keys that are individual to each cycle user or that are at least relatively individual to each cycle user in the manner of existing car and door keys.

When the recess in the cam device is a key slot for receiving a turning device in the form of a key, the quick release locking mechanism is preferably one in which the cam device is in two parts, the first cam part being a barrel which receives the key, and the second cam part being a member having a head for releasably engaging with the barrel and a cammed shank which locates in the aperture in the first end member on the first end of the shaft.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the quick release locking mechanism may be one in which the recess in the cam device is a hexagonal recesss for receiving a turning device in the form of an Allen (RTM) key.

If desired, the recess in the cam device may be a slotted recess for receiving a turning device in the form of a screwdriver.

The slotted recess may be a single slot for receiving a blade screw driver, or it may be a cross slot for receiving a cross bladed screwdriver.

In another embodiment of the quick release locking mechanism, the cam device may be provided with a projecting member for receiving the turning device.

The projecting member on the cam device may have a square cross section for receiving a turning device in the form of an open ended spanner, or it may have a hexagonal cross section for receiving a turning device in the form of a socket spanner or a ring spanner.

Where the quick release mechanism is such that the cam device is turned by an Allen (RTM) key, a screwdriver or a spanner then the quick release mechanism may include a nut, the nut being for screwing over that end of the cam device that passes through the apertures in the first end member and the housing member and that projects beyond the housing member.

The nut may be provided with an associated washer. The nut may be an ordinary nut or one provided with a nylon insert and known as a Nyloc (RTM). If desired, the nut may be replaced with a circlip, the circlip being for clipping into a groove in that end of the cam device that passes through the apertures in the first end member and the housing member and that projects beyond the housing member.

The quick release mechanism may include a position mark for providing a visual indication of when the locking mechanism is in its closed position.

The position mark may be provided on the end of the cam device that is constructed for receiving the turning device.

The cam device will usually be rotatable through 180 from its first position to its second position.

The second end member may be a screw threaded second end member for screwing along the second end of the shaft, the second end of the shaft being provided with a complementary screw thread. The screw threaded second end member may be used to give easy adjustment of the aperture in the first end member and the aperture in the housing member to bring the two apertures easily into registry. If desired, the second end member may be a fixed end member..

Preferably, the cam device is made from case hardened steel but any desired and appropriate material may be employed, for example stainless steel or a tough plastics material. The cam device may be turned on a lathe or forged.

The quick release locking mechanism may include a pliable sleeve member for fitting over the cam device.

Usually, the pliable sleeve member will fit only over the cam part of the cam device. The pliable sleeve member may be made of a plastics material. A presently preferred plastics material is Nylon.

The quick release locking mechanism of the present invention may include the turning device.

The present invention also extends to a cycle, for example a bicycle, when provided with the quick release locking mechanism.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first quick release locking mechanism; Figure 2 shows in more detail the cam device used in Fig. 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a second quick release locking mechanism; Figure 4 is an assembled sectional view of the quick release locking mechanism shown in Fig. 3; and Figure 5 shows in more detail two parts of the quick release locking mechanism of Figs.

3 and 4.

Referring to Figs 1 and 2, there is shown a quick release locking mechanism 2 for a bicycle. The locking mechanism 2 comprises a shaft 4, a first end member 6 on a first end 8 of the shaft 4, and a second end member 10 on a second end 12 of the shaft 4. The first end member 6 is provided with an aperture 14.

The locking mechanism 2 further comprises a housing member 1 6 and the housing member 16 has an aperture 18.

A cam device 20 is provided for passing through the aperture 14 in the first end member 6 and the aperture 18 in the housing member 1 6 when the first end member 6 is in the housing member 1 6 and the apertures 14,18 are in registry. The cam device 20 is a one piece device as shown having a head 22, a cammed shank 24 and a screw threaded end 26 remote from the head 22.

The cam device 20 is rotatable between a first position in which the locking mechanism 2 is in a release position and a second position in which the locking mechanism 2 is in a locked position. The cam device 10 is such that it cannot be rotated without the aid of a separate turning device and one end of the cam device 20 is constructed for receiving the turning device. More specifically, it will be seen that the end of the cam device 20 having the head 22 is provided with a hexagonal recess 28 for receiving the hexagonal end 30 of a turning device in the form of an Allen (RTM) key 32.

In the assembled condition of the locking mechanism 2, the screw threaded end 26 of the cam device 20 extends through the bottom of the housing member 16 and is secured in position by a nut 34 which has a domed head 36 as shown. A split washer 38 is also preferably employed. The nut 34 can be an ordinary metal nut or it can be one with a nylon insert which is known as a Nyloc (RTM).

If it is desired, for example, to use the locking mechanism 2 to replace an existing quick release locking mechanism holding a front wheel of a bicycle, then the following steps may be effected. The bicycle wheel may be removed and the nut or circlip holding the existing lever bolt of the known quick release mechanism should be removed. Thereafter, the lever bolt should be withdrawn and the cam device 20 inserted. A dab of grease on moving parts may advantageously be employed. Care should be taken to ensure that the cam device 20 rotates through the correct 180 . The nut 34 should be carefully tightened to be firm but not too tight. With the wheel back on the bicycle, the locking mechanism 2 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 should have a locking position that is reached firmly.Fine adjustment can be achieved by screwing the second end member 10 along the threaded second end 1 2 of the shaft 4.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cammed shank 24 may be provided with a pliable sleeve member in the form of a nylon sleeve 40. The nylon sleeve 40 may facilitate the turning and/or locking action of the cammed shank 24.

Although not shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the locking mechanism 2 is preferably provided with a position mark for providing a visual indication of when the locking mechanism 2 is in its closed position. The position mark may be provided wherever desired, for example on the head 22 of the cam device 20. Preferably in the locked position of the locking mechanism 2, the position mark is always arranged to be parallel with the bicycle axle, facing outwards for easy identification.

If the locking mechanism 2 shown in Figs.

1 and 2 is applied on the rear wheel of a bicycle, then the locking mechanism 2 should be fitted on the side opposite the chain.

Referring now to Figs. 3,4 and 5, there is shown an alternative locking mechanism 42.

Similar parts as in Figs. 1 and 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of understanding. It will be seen from Figs. 3 and 4 that the housing member 1 6 in Figs. 3 and 4 is of a different shape to that shown in Fig. 1. More specifically, in Figs. 3 and 4, the housing member 1 6 is provided with a screw threaded aperture 1 8 which does not extend right through the housing member 1 6 as is the case in Figs. 1 and 2. In Figs. 3 and 4, the screw threaded aperture 1 8 receives a screw threaded locking member 44 having a head 46 which seats on the top 48 of the housing member 1 6 and a screw threaded shank 50 which locates in the screw threaded top part of the aperture 1 8.

In Figs. 3,4 and 5, the cam device 20 is in two parts. The first cammed part is a barrel 52 which is provided with a recess 54 for receiving a Yale-type key 56 which constitutes a turning device and which is used instead of the Allen (RTM) key 32 shown in Fig. 1. The second part of the cam device 20 comprises a member 58 having a head 60 for releaseably locking to the barrel 52, and a cammed shank 62. As can be seen most clearly from Fig. 5, the barrel 52 terminates in a single bladed end 64 which fits into a slot 66 in the head 60.

As can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4, the barrel 52 is provided with a circumferential groove 68 and a grub screw 70 passes through a screw threaded aperture 72 in the housing member 1 6 and locates in the groove 62. The grub screw 70 thus locates the barrel 52 firmly in the housing member 1 6 whilst permitting the barrel 52 to rotate, usually through 180', in the housing member 16.

It will be apparent that with all the parts assembled as shown in Fig. 4, rotation of the key 56 through 180 between locking and unlocking positions will cause the cammed shank 62 to bear with greater or lesser force on the walls of the aperture 14 in the first end member 6, depending upon whether the locking mechanism 2 is being locked or unlocked.

The locking mechanism 2 shown in Figs.

3,4 and 5 is advantageous over the locking mechanism 2 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in that the key 56 can be custom made and will be more difficult to duplicate than the Allen key 32 shown in Fig. 1. Nevertheless, both locking mechanisms shown in the drawings are advantageous over the prior art in that it is not easy to undo the locking mechanism 2 without the Allen (RTM) key 32 or the key 56. Furthermore, weight can be saved, especially in the case of the Allen (RTM) key 32, if these items are not carried and if they are left at home.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the recess 28 shown in Fig. 1 could be a slotted recess for receiving a screw driver. Alternatively, the recess 28 could be replaced by a projecting member for example having a square cross section for receiving an open ended spanner or having a hexagonal cross section for receiving a socket spanner or a ring spanner. The key 56 illustrated in Figs.

3,4 and 5 could be a different type of key and the barrel member 52 could be permanently connected to the member 58. Where the locking mechanism 2 is used for securing a bicycle wheel, the shaft 4 will pass through the wheel spindle and will be of an appropriate length. The locking mechanism 2 can be used at any desired part of the bicycle (or other cycle) and the length of the shaft 4 will be varied to suit the size of the bicycle part being releaseably locked together. The locking action of the locking mechanism 2 will be the same irrespective of the size of the locking mechanism 2 with the cam device 20 in effect drawing the first end member 6 into the housing member 1 6 as the locking mecha nism 2 is tightened.

The present invention also extends to any one of the above described features of the invention, taken separately or in any combination. In particular, the present invention extends solely to the cam device on its own, for example the illustrated cam device 20.

Claims

1. A quick release locking mechanism for a cycle, which locking mechanism comprises a shaft, a first end member on a first end of the shaft, a second end member on a second end of the shaft, an aperture in the first end member, a housing member for receiving the first end member, an aperture in the housing member, and a cam device for passing through the aperture in the first end member and the aperture in the housing member when the first end member is in the housing member and the apertures are in registry, the cam device being rotatable between a first position in which the locking mechanism is in a release position and a second position in which the locking mechanism is in a locked position, the cam device being such that it cannot be rotated without the aid of a separate turning device, and one end of the cam device being constructed for receiving the turning device.

2. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 1 in which the cam device is provided with a recess for receiving the end of the turning device.

3. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 2 in which the recess in the cam device is a key slot for receiving a turning device in the form of a key.

4. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 3 in which the key is a Yale (RTM)-type key.

5. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 3 or claim 4 in which the cam device is in two parts, the first cam part being a barrel for receiving the key, and the second cam part being a head for releaseably engaging with the barrel and a cammed shank which locates in the aperture in the first end member on the first end of the shaft.

6. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 2 in which the recess in the cam device is a hexagonal recess for receiving a turning device in the form of an Allen (RTM) key.

7. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 2 in which the recess in the cam device is a slotted recess for receiving a turning device in the form of a screwdriver.

8. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 7 in which the slotted recess is a single slot for receiving a blade screw driver, or a cross slot for receiving a cross blade screwdriver.

9. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 1 in which the cam device is provided with a projecting member for receiving the turning device.

10. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 9 in which the projecting member on the cam device has a square cross section for receiving a turning device in the form of an open ended spanner, or has a hexagonal cross section for receiving a turning device in the form of a socket spanner or a ring spanner.

11. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 10 and including a nut, the nut being for screwing over that end of the cam device that passes through the apertures in the first end member and the housing member and that projects beyond the housing member.

1 2. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 11 and including a washer.

1 3. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 10 and including a circlip, the circlip being for clipping into a groove in that end of the cam device that passes through the apertures in the first end member and the housing member and that projects beyond the housing member.

14. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims and including a position mark for providing a visual indication of when the locking mechanism is in its closed position.

1 5. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 14 in which the position mark is provided on the end of the cam device that is constructed for receiving the turning device.

1 6. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cam device is rotatable through 180 from its first position to its second position.

1 7. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second end member is a screw threaded second end member for screwing along the second end of the shaft, the second end of the shaft being provided with a complementary screw thread.

1 8. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cam device is made from case hardened steel.

1 9. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims and including a pliable sleeve member for fitting over the cam part of the cam device.

20. A quick release locking mechanism according to claim 1 9 in which the sleeve member is made of a plastics material.

21. A quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims and including the turning device.

22. A quick release locking mechanism substantially as herein described with refer ence to the accompanying drawings.

23. A cycle when provided with a quick release locking mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.