GB2283717A - Cycle anti-theft device - Google Patents

Abstract

The cycle 1 comprises a frame and a foot pedal 6 and a locking device 20. The device 20 has an active condition and an inactive condition, the device in the active condition holding the foot pedal against rotation relative to the frame. The device 20 may be mounted on upper forks 10, or another part of the frame 2. The device has a C-shaped bracket 22 which holds part of pedal arm 7. An activating lever 25 has one end which is engageable with the rear face of the bracket 22, or the lever may be omitted and the bracket is grasped and moved to its active position. A lock holds the device in place. <IMAGE>

Description

LOCKING DEVICE FOR A PEDAL CYCLE, AND FITTED CYCLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a locking device for a pedal cycle and to a fitted cycle, and in particular to a device for locking the pedal of a bicycle, and to a bicycle fitted with such device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Cycles are known which have one wheel (unicycle), two wheels (bicycle) and three wheels (tricyle). Each has a drive shaft, pedal operated, as well as an adjustable steering shaft and adjustable seat or saddle shaft.

Bicycles are possibly the commonest form of self-powered vehicle, extensively used throughout the world by children and adults alike, and this description will for ease of reference therefore relate to bicycles. Generally bicycles are lightweight, so that little of the user's effort is taken up in overcoming their inertia. They are easy to manoeuvre in confined spaces.

Whilst their lightness of weight, manoeuvrability and general ease of use make bicycles popular with all age groups, these features also make them relatively easy targets for theft. Furthermore, because bicycles are not required by law to carry any means of identification (corresponding to the registration mark of a motor vehicle) the disposal of a stolen bicycle is relatively straightforward.

The more widespread use of specialised materials to make bicycles lighter and yet at the same time more robust is leading to an increase both in the purchase price and in the re-sale value of bicycles, so making their theft more lucrative.

Each of the above factors contributes to bicycle theft, which is believed to be one of the most common crimes across the world.

It is known in particular for bicycles which are both unattended and unsecured to be ridden away "on impulse" by unauthorised persons. Even unused bicycles on display in front of, perhaps even inside, a bicycle showroom have been stolen and ridden away. It is to prevent a bicycle being ridden away after such a "spontaneous" theft that this invention is directed; it is expected that the likelihood of such theft will thereby be decreased.

DISCLOSURE OF THE PRIOR ART To combat bicycle theft, many anti-theft devices are currently available. Most include means for securing the bicycle to some fixed external object, usually an article of street furniture such as a lamp post. One known device is a chain and padlock; the chain carried by the cyclist is passed for example through the bicycle wheels, around the bicycle frame, and then around or through the fixed object; the ends of the chain are secured together by the padlock.

One disadvantage of a chain and padlock, and of any similar known anti-theft device, is that it needs to be carried by the cyclist e.g. in a pocket, which may not be convenient or desirable (if the chain is dirty). Another disadvantage is that its use requires some time, both to put in place and later to remove, so that if the rider of the bicycle (particularly a younger rider) intends to leave the bicycle unattended for what is considered only a short time then such anti-theft device may not be used, perhaps not even considered necessary, so that the bicycle is left unsecured. A further disadvantage is that a suitable fixed object may not be conveniently to hand.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION In order to reduce or avoid the problem of the cycle being pedalled away by an unauthorised person, we provide a cycle with a device for locking one of the foot pedals of the bicycle to the frame, so preventing the cycle being propelled by the pedals. The device can be sold separately, as for retro-fit to an existing cycle e.g.

bicycle, or can be purchased as original equipment on a new cycle.

In one aspect of the invention we provide a cycle comprising a frame and a foot pedal, in which the cycle carries a locking device, the device having an active condition and an inactive condition, the device in the active condition holding the foot pedal against rotation relative to the frame.

We also provide a cycle comprising a frame and two foot pedals, in which the frame carries a locking device, the device having an active condition and an inactive condition, the device in the active condition holding a foot pedal against rotation relative to the frame whereby to prevent the cycle being propelled by the pedal.

We furthermore provide a cycle having a wheel-mounting frame, a pedal shaft rotatable about an axis connected to the frame, a pedal arm connected at one of its ends to the pedal shaft and connected at its other end to a pedal, the pedal being generally parallel to the said axis and movable to rotate the wheel and drive the cycle, a lock housing secured to the frame, a holding member having a first rest position with at least part thereof located inwards of said housing and a second active position outwards of said rest position, the holding member having abutments fittable when in said active position to either side of the pedal arm at a selected rotational position thereof, manually-operated means to move the holding member into its active position, lock means in said housing to retain said holding member in said active position, and key operated release means to permit said holding member to be returned from the active to the rest position.

Usefully the manually operated means is a lever having a kick plate, foot operated, mounted on the housing.

The frame can usefully include twin forks, one to either side of the driven wheel for locating the wheel hub, and conveniently the device is secured to both of these forks.

The holding member, when in its extended or active position, with the abutments one to either side of the pedal bar when in a selected angular orientation (preferably horizontal), will prevent use of the pedal to propel the cycle. The holding member may only be moved inwardly from its extended or active position following operation of the key operated release means. Preferably turning of the appropriate key will permit a spring to (help) withdraw the holding member, so that the key need not be held in its turned condition; but in an alternative arrangement the key is held turned until the holding member is manually (or even perhaps for a less preferred embodiment gravitationally) withdrawn from its active position.

Two interconnected pedals can be fitted, in traditional fashion, but the holding means need only hold one of the pedal arms against rotational (angular) movement.

We also provide a locking device having mounting means for attachment of the device to a cycle frame, a holding member having a first rest position and a second active position, the holding member having abutments fittable when in said active position to either side of a pedal arm rotatably supported by the frame, manually-operated means to move the holding member into its active position, lock means to retain said holding member in said active position, and key operated release means to permit said holding member to be returned from the active to the rest position whereby to permit rotation of the pedal arm.

Desirably the direction of movement of the holding member between the rest and active positions is parallel to the axis of the pedal shaft.

If the device is to be fitted to an existing cycle as a retro-fit, the mounting means are usefully adjustable prior to final fitment.

Preferably the lock means is spring biassed towards the locking condition for the holding member; preferably the holding member is spring biassed towards the rest position.

Preferably, the holding member comprises a rod slidable within a channel in the housing, and a C-shaped bracket fixed to one end of the rod, the lock means including at least one lock engagement surface provided by a cut-out in the rod.

Thus the pedal locking device may be mounted to the frame of a cycle, and can quickly and easily be activated to hold a pedal, so preventing the pedal being turned and the cycle being ridden away. It will be understood that the device does not secure a cycle to a fixed object, and so cannot prevent the cycle being carried or rolled away, but the device is intended prevent or reduce the spontaneous theft of the cycle by preventing a stolen cycle being propelled by the pedals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig.l is a side view of a bicycle having a locking device according to the invention; Fig.2 is a perspective view of the locking device of Fig.l; Fig.3 is a plan view of the locking device of Fig.l, with its top cover removed; Fig.4 is a view of one embodiment of mounting means for the locking device; Fig.5 is a section on the line V-V of Fig.4, rotated through 900; Fig.6 is a perspective view of an auxiliary holding unit; Fig.7 is a sectional view of a camplate retainer for a holding unit; Fig.8 is a sectional view of a friction block mounting; and Fig.9 is a plan view of an optional operating arm guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The bicycle 1 of Fig.10 comprises a rigid frame 2 and ground engaging wheels 3,4. In known fashion, when in use the rider sits on saddle 5, and pushes alternately upon foot pedals 6, which are connected by pedal arms 7 to a shaft (not shown), which is rotatably mounted in boss 8.

The pedal shaft is connected to a sprocket and chain (not shown), and drives the rear wheel 4, to propel the bicycle.

The rear wheel 4 is mounted to the frame by upper forks 10 and lower forks 11, one of each pair of forks 10,11 being to either side of the wheel 4. Mounted upon the lower forks 11 is a locking device 20; in alternative embodiments the device 20 may be mounted on upper forks 10, or to another part of the frame 2, adjacent the path of pedal arms 7.

As more clearly shown in Fig.2, the locking device has a holding means comprising a rigid rod 21 and a C-shaped bracket 22 rigidly connected thereto. In this embodiment, both the rod 21 and the bracket 22 are manufactured from hardened, e.g. case-hardened, steel; in an alternative embodiment, the rod and bracket are integral with one another, perhaps manufactured as a one-piece steel forging.

In other embodiments, different materials may be used to conform to the users requirements.

The bracket 22 is adapted to hold part of a pedal arm 7; thus the separation between the upstanding abutments 23 of the bracket 22 is made greater than the thickness of the pedal arm, so that in use the abutments 23 can pass one above and one below a part of the pedal arm, so locking it in the substantially horizontal position, and preventing its rotation about the pedal shaft.

The device also includes an activating lever 25 pivotable about axis 26. One end of the lever is engageable with the rear face of the bracket 22. The other end of the lever carries a plate 27, which lies roughly parallel with the front face 28 of the housing, but is spaced therefrom. To activate the device, the plate 27 is pushed towards the front face 28, as by the rider kicking it with his foot, which causes the lever to pivot about axis 26, driving the bracket 22 and rod 21 outwards of the device towards its extended or active position as shown in Fig.2.

In an alternative embodiment of the device the lever is hand operated; in yet another alternative embodiment the lever is omitted, and the bracket 22 is required to be grasped and moved to its active position. In a further alternative embodiment, manual operation of the key controlled lock means is required to move the rod to and from its extended position i.e. the lock means comprises a cam lock directly engaging the rod; rotation of the key in one direction causing the rod to move to its extended position, rotation of the key in the opposite direction causing the rod to move to its retracted position.

As seen in Fig.3, the rod 21 is guided between an outer wall 30 of the housing, and an inner partition 31. The rod is biassed inwardly of the device, towards its retracted or rest position, by a tension spring 32. The rod has two lock engagement surfaces 34a,34b, provided by cut-outs 35.

The partition 31 is apertured at 36, so that the locking edge 37 of locking member 38 can pass therethrough, so as to contact the rod 21. The locking member 38 is rotatably mounted to the housing by pivot 39, its locking edge 37 being biassed towards the rod 21 by a tension spring 40.

In its rest position, almost the full length of the rod 21 is located between the wall 30 and partition 31, with the locking edge 37 riding over the rod 21, and the spring 40 holding the locking edge 34 in engagement with the rod 21.

When it is desired to use the locking device to lock a pedal of the bicycle, the pedal arm is rotated to the horizontal condition, or nearly so; and the lever 25 is then pivoted (conveniently by foot operation) to drive the bracket 22 and rod 21 to the left as viewed in Fig.3, until the bracket 22 engages the pedal arm, so preventing further (outwards) movement of the rod 21. In the preferred embodiment the bracket 22 continues to move under its own inertia after impact from the lever 25; in an alternative embodiment the bracket 22 is moved only whilst in engagement with the lever 25, and cannot return towards the rest position until the lever 25 itself is so returned.

The spring 32 can act to pull the rod 21 to the right as drawn in Fig.3, until the locking edge 37 enters one or other of the cut-outs 35 and contacts the corresponding lock engagement surface 34a or 34b, locking the rod 21 in one of its two active positions. It will be understood that the height of the upstanding abutments 23 of the bracket 22 will be selected so that these arms are still able to hold part of the pedal arm even after the bracket 22 has moved away (from the pedal arm) i.e. as the rod is being been pulled back by the spring 32 into one of its active positions.

To release the rod 21, a key operated release means 42 (Fig.2) is provided. In this embodiment the release means is a cam type lock, the cam 43 of which can only be rotated by the correct key. The cam 43 is connected to one end of a flexible cable 44 concealed within the housing; as seen in Fig.3 the opposed end of the cable 44 is connected to the locking member 38. In another embodiment of the locking device the flexible cable 44 is replaced by a substantially rigid rod, pivotally connected at one of its ends to the cam 43.

Rotation of the cam 42 will cause the cable 43 to pull the locking member 38 away from the rod 21, releasing the locking edge 37 from the lock engagement surface 34b, and so allowing the spring 32 to move the rod 21 to its rest position.

It will be understood that different forms of locking member may be utilised, e.g. the locking member can be arranged to move linearly (rather than rotationally) into and out of engagement with the rod, the path of movement of the locking member being perpendicular to the path of movement of the rod. Such a locking member could carry abutments engageable with the cam of the lock, so that a separate cable or rod would not be required.

When the device is to be fitted as original equipment, it is envisaged that a rod having only one lock engagement surface will be needed, with the device being welded or otherwise permanently secured to the lower forks.

For a device suited for a retro-fit to an existing bicycle, the rod 21 has two active positions, as shown in Fig.3, defined by its two lock engagement surfaces; in some embodiments more than two lock engagement surfaces may be provided. The greater the number of lock engagement surfaces, and the closer together they are spaced along the rod, the easier it will be to position the device upon the frame so that the rod has at least one effective active position (in which the bracket abutments hold the pedal arm). Also the device will be suited to a greater number of bicycle designs, and be less demanding in its fitting accuracy requirement.

However, there can still be a problem with fitting a standard device as a retro-fit to existing bicycles, in that for instance (1) some manufacturers make bicycles with parallel lower forks, whilst some have non-parallel lower forks; (2) the spacing between the lower forks can vary between different brands or makes of bicycles; and (3) the horizontal spacing between the forks and the plane of movement of the pedal arm can vary between different makes and brands of bicycles.

Having a rod with several, closely spaced, cut-outs, with the abutments 23 of the bracket being of greater height than the spacing between the lock engagement surfaces, will allow the correct positioning of the device. However, having several closely spaced lock engagement surfaces, or more specifically having the plurality of cut-outs which provide those surfaces may lead to an unacceptable weakening of the rod.

Thus, to overcome the potential difficulty in achieving the correct positioning of a device in which there are for example only two lock engagement surfaces, there may be provided mounting means which are "initially adjustable".

Figs.4 and 5 show one embodiment of mounting means which is "initially adjustable", to permit a one-occasion lateral adjustment of the device 20 relative to the lower forks 11.

The device 20 is positioned upon the lower forks 11, to be secured thereto by U-shaped bars 50. In this embodiment the bars 50 are of circular section, though in other embodiments they could be replaced by straps of rectangular section.

One end of each bar 50 is apertured and threaded, to accept a lightly-tightened respective screw 51, by which that bar may be fixed to a mounting plate 52, usually with the screw head received in a chamfered recess. Each mounting plate 52 is then fixed in turn to the bottom (in the orientation of Fig.l) of the device 20 by a lightly-tightened bolt 53.

This light-tightening permits adjustment of the position of the device 20 relative to the forks, since the plates 52 can be partially rotated relative to their respective bolt 53, and each bar 50 can be rotated relative to its screw 51.

When the device has been correctly sited, with the rod 21 locked in one of its active positions and the bracket abutments 23 properly holding part of the pedal arm, the bars 50 need to be tightened to grip the forks, but so that subsequent untightening is not straightforward nor easy.

To achieve this, each bolt 53 is released, to permit each respective plate 52 and bar 50 to be removed in turn, to expose the head of its screw 51, which can be fully tightened. The plate 52 is then replaced, hiding the head of screw 51, and secured by fully tightening its bolt 53 i.e. with bar 50 clamping fork 11.

The bolts 53 in other embodiments can be replaced by shearheaded pins or equivalent, so that upon correct siting of the device, the pins may be fully tightened, and then their heads broken off to prevent the subsequent removal of the mounting means.

In another embodiment, the bolts 53 are replaced by bolts having heads with a unique or non-standard periphery, so that they may be removed only by a suitably shaped spanner or mating part. Alternatively, the heads of the bolts may contain a recess with a non-standard shape, requiring the correctly mating tool for their removal. The form of the bolt head and mating tool provided could be one of many available, making it unlikely that a thief would have the correct tool readily to hand.

It is also known that different bicycles have different diameter lower forks, and so spacers can be provided to ensure that the arms 50 and spacers will provide a solid mounting for the device upon the lower forks.

The holding unit 60 of Fig.6 is intended for operation by activating lever 25 (Fig.2), but only as a supplementary holding means i.e. it is intended that it act to hold rear wheel 4 (specifically the wheel rim) against rotation only after abutments 23 of bracket 22 have been aligned to opposite sides of pedal arm 7.

As more fully described below, in use the arms 65 of holding unit 60 are mounted on rear lower forks 11 (Fig.l).

Arms 65 carry friction or clamp blocks 66. The clamp blocks are firmly secured to arms 65, as by hoops 56.

In alternative embodiments the blocks 66 are secured to arms 65 in one of the alternative known ways, but in such manner that the clamp blocks can be replaced when required e.g. when worn, after removal of rear cycle wheel 4.

The arms are positioned on forks 11 such that the clamp blocks 66 can be engaged with the wheel rim. In this position, for supplementary holding the arms should not be moved towards that engagement position before movement of the bracket 22 towards the pedal arm locking position i.e.

the blocks should not help slow a rotating wheel, for which the normal wheel brake blocks will be retained.

However the arms 65 are positioned such that (kick) lever 25 can also operate holding unit 60, by spreading apart adjacent ends 58 of the arms 65.

In particular, and as indicated in Fig.6, the lever 25 (Fig.2) is modified to include a projection 61, preferably formed integrally with lever 25; projection 61 carries an adjustment screw 62 engageable with cam plate 63. In this embodiment adjustment screw 62 cannot be removed from projection 61. One use for adjustment screw 62 is to delay the spreading apart the ends 58 of arms 65 until after bracket 22 has been moved.

Cam plate 63 is held against surface 24 by integral stud 64 movable within a slot 29 in surface 24, stud 64 having its remote end within hollow housing 19. The remote end of stud 64 has its end peened, both to retain a bias spring about the stud shaft (not shown) to urge the cam plate 63 against the surface 24, and to prevent cam plate 63 dislodging from surface 24 under vibration conditions.

In an alternative embodiment the cam plate 63 is held against dislodgement from surface 24 by a overlying hoop 79, generally as shown in partial section in Fig.7.

Cam plate 63 can be pressed downwardly when projection 61 is pivoted clockwise from the position as viewed in Fig.6.

In this embodiment there is a return spring (not shown) urging the shaft of stud 64 towards the Fig.6 position.

Each arm 65 is pivotally mounted to respective rear fork 11 by pin 67, carried by a part-hoop 68 which can be closed to grip about the fork 11, in this embodiment by tightening releasable strut 69.

Thus when the cam plate 63 is urged downwardly by activating lever 25, cam section 70 slides relative to mushroom-headed fixed posts 71 on arms 65 whereby to spread the adjacent ends 58 of arms 65 apart, eventually to cause the blocks of friction material 66 to engage opposite sides of the rear wheel rim. The external surface of each post 71 is smooth, and of a non-corrodible material, to allow cam section 70 to move easily relatively thereto i.e.

axially forwards as viewed and downwards. In this embodiment posts 71 are non-rotatable.

In the alternative embodiment of Fig.8, clamp block 66 comprises friction material 82 carried by metal back plate 83. Back plate 83 is pegged to one leg of L-shaped retainer 84, the other leg of retainer 84 being pegged to the underside (as viewed) of its arm 65; in this embodiment one of the pegs is releasable, for replacement when necessary of the back plate 83 and the associated friction material 82 adhered or otherwise secured thereto, with a grip washer 85 between the one leg and back plate 83 to inhibit rotation of the back plate relative to arm 65.

The posts 71 are resiliently biassed towards one another by a spring, not shown, so as to return towards the Fig.6 position as the lever 25 and thus projection 61 is released (to pivot anti-clockwise about axis 26) and the cam plate 63 returns towards its upper position. In an alternative embodiment a torsion spring is mounted between respective pin 67 and part-hoop 68, for the same purpose.

In the embodiment of Fig.6, posts 71 assist in inhibiting rotation of cam plate 63 about stud 64. In the embodiment of Fig.7, this is further assisted by hoop 79.

In an alternative embodiment there is provided a guide plate 90 for the posts 71, generally L-shaped in section as shown in Fig.9. In use one leg 91 of the plate is secured to surface 39 of housing 19 (Fig.2), whilst the other leg 92 extends away therefrom and has arcuate guide slots 93 to receive a respective downward protruberance (not seen) from each post.

Means (not shown) are provided to connect cam plate 63 to the locking member 38, usefully by way of an aperture in the housing 19, so that the arms 65 may be retained in the position with the clamp blocks 66 engaging the wheel 4 whilst the bracket 22 and rod 21 remain in their extended and active condition. Thus, the clamp blocks can only be disengaged from the wheel 4 upon operation of the release means 42.

Claims (16)

1. A cycle comprising a frame and a foot pedal, in which the cycle carries a locking device, the device having an active condition and an inactive condition, the device in the active condition holding the foot pedal against rotation relative to the frame.

2. A cycle comprising a frame and two foot pedals, in which the frame carries a locking device, the device having an active condition and an inactive condition, the device in the active condition holding a foot pedal against rotation relative to the frame whereby to prevent the cycle being propelled by the pedal.

3. A cycle according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the or each foot pedal is rotatable with a pedal shaft about a rotation axis, and in which the locking device is mounted for movement between the inactive and active positions parallel to said rotational axis.

4. A cycle having a wheel-mounting frame, a pedal shaft carried by the frame and rotatable about an axis, a pedal arm connected at one of its ends to the pedal shaft and connected at its other end to a pedal, the pedal being generally parallel to the said axis and movable to rotate the wheel and drive the cycle, a lock housing secured to the frame, a holding member having a first rest position with at least part thereof located inwards of said housing and a second active position outwards of said rest position, the holding member having abutments fittable when in said active position to either side of the pedal arm at a selected rotational position thereof, manually-operated means to move the holding member into its active position, lock means in said housing to retain said holding member in said active position, and key operated release means to permit said holding member to be returned from the active to the rest position.

5. A cycle according to Claim 4 in which the manually operated means is a lever having a kick plate, foot operated, mounted on the housing.

6. A cycle according to any of claims 1-5 having a frame with twin forks, one to either side of the driven wheel for locating a hub of a wheel in which the device is secured to both of said forks.

7. A cycle according to any of claims 1-6 with a supplementary holding device, the supplementary operating device being operated by the said locking device and adapted to engage a wheel.

8. A cycle according to claim 7 in which the cycle is a bicycle having a front steerable wheel, and a rear wheel mounted between rear wheel forks, in which the supplementary holding device is mounted on the rear wheel forks.

9. A cycle according to claim 8 in which the rear wheel includes a rigid rim, and in which the supplementary holding means includes a cam plate having a section movable between adjacent ends of a pair of clamping arms, the other end of the arms mounting clamping members engageable with the rear wheel rim, and separate pivot means for each said arm carried by a respective rear wheel fork, said pivot means being between said arm ends.

10. A locking device having mounting means for attachment of the device to a cycle frame and which includes a holding member having a first rest position and a second active position, the holding member having abutments fittable when in said active position to either side of a pedal arm rotatably supported by the frame, manually-operated means to move the holding member into its active position, lock means to retain said holding member in said active position, and key operated release means to permit said holding member to be returned from the active to the rest position whereby to permit rotation of the pedal arm.

11. A device according to claim 10 in which the mounting means are adjustable prior to cycle fitment.

12. A device according to claim 10 or claim 11 in which the lock means is spring biassed towards the locking condition for the holding member.

13. A device according to claim 12 in which the holding member is spring biassed towards the rest position.

14. A device according to any of claims 10-13 in which the holding member comprises a rod slidable within a channel in the housing, and a C-shaped bracket fixed to one end of the rod, the lock means including at least one lock engagement surface provided by a cut-out in the rod.

15 A cycle constructed and arranged substantially as described with reference to Fig.l and any of Figs 2-9.

16. A locking device constructed and arranged substantially as described with reference to any of Figs 29.