GB2298172A - Cycle security device - Google Patents

Abstract

A security device for a cycle includes a base 1 for securing the device to a solid object such as the ground, and arms 2 including holes 3,4 for receiving a D-lock 8. A cycle may be locked to the device with the cyclist's own D-lock to prevent theft.

Description

TITLE: Cycle Security Device DESCRIPTION Inventive Field The invention relates to a device for securing a cycle to prevent its theft.

Prior Art Traditionally, theft of cycles has been prevented by securing the cycle with a lockable chain to a relatively immovable object, such as a post or railing.

Recently thieves have become adept at sawing through such chains, or breaking their locks, and the traditional chain has largely been superseded by the "D-lock" or "Shackle-lock". D-locks are rigid, generally being made of a metal coated with a rubbery material, and have two arms joined by an arc at one end and a bar at the other (i.e. they are the shape of an elongated D). The bar locks to the arms to secure the device. Such locks have proved extremely hard to break into.

Thieves are therefore now turning their attention to the object to which the cycle is locked, rather than the lock itself. Railings and drainpipes can be sawn through, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for cyclists to find anything convenient and sufficiently strong to lock their cycles to. Even if a suitable object is found, it is common for cycles to fall, or be knocked over, causing damage to paintwork or gears.

Cycle-park operators have made an attempt to solve this problem by providing specially designed cycle racks complete with a lock for clamping cycles firmly into place. Usually, the cyclist puts a coin into the device to activate the lock, and the coin is refunded on the cyclist's return. These devices have the advantage of keeping cycles clamped firmly and neatly in place.

However, the locks have proved unpopular with the cycling public because they are fiddly to operate, and useless if the cyclist does not have the necessary coin to hand. In addition, cyclists often feel that it is unnecessary to "pay" to use a lock when they generally have a lock of their own. A further problem with the locks is that they can freeze up in the winter and become impossible to operate. The locks are also prone to vandalisation, and can quickly become unusable.

The Invention The invention provides a device to which a cycle may be locked using a D-lock; comprising: means for securing the device to the ground or a wall; and a member having a first hole for receiving a first arm of the D-lock, and a second hole for receiving a second arm of the D-lock; whereby when the D-lock is received in the holes and locked, it cannot be separated from the ground or the wall.

By using such a device, cyclists may use their own locks and the disadvantages associated with providing a complicated on-site locking mechanism are overcome.

Although it is essential that the holes in the device be spaced the correct distance apart to be compatible with a D-lock, cycles may also be locked to the device using a chain.

The means for securing the device to the ground or a wall may include "shear-off" bolts which, once in place, cannot be removed unless they are drilled out.

Alternatively, the device may be cemented in place.

The height of the holes is preferably such that a D-lock may be passed through the holes and through the frame and back wheel of a cycle. This is because the expensive gearing mechanisms are associated with the back wheel. If the cycle has a quick release front wheel, this may be removed from the cycle and also locked to the device.

In some circumstances it may be desirable to lock the front wheel and the frame of the cycle, rather than the back wheel and the frame, and a device according to the invention may be provided with holes at an appropriate height for doing this. These holes may be provided, instead of, or in addition to, holes at an appropriate height for locking the back wheel.

The holes are preferably elongated, for accommodating different heights of cycle. This also provides for different sizes of D-lock, although it has been found that the distances between the arms of D-locks vary very little.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes two members each having a first hole for receiving the first arm of the D-lock and a second hole for receiving the second arm of the D-lock. A cycle may be received between the two members and held firmly in place. This is an advantage for cycle-park operators, who often wish to see cycles stacked neatly in uniform rows. The device may include a central portion between the two members, shaped to help guide and retain the cycle in place. A piece of metal having a central Vshaped recess may be used for this purpose, and this central "gusset" also increases the overall strength of the device.

The device may be constructed by welding from sheet metal, for example sheet steel, which may be around 4mm to 6 mm thick. The steel is preferably case hardened on the outside so that it is virtually impossible to saw through, but does not become brittle. The parts of the device that come into contact with the frame of the cycle may be coated with a softer material such as rubber to prevent damage to paintwork.

A more economical construction might involve the use of wire instead of sheet metal for at least a part of the device. Indeed, the device may be constructed from any material or combination of materials that is sufficiently robust to deter thieves.

The Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic view of a cycle locked to a device according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device.

Description with reference to the Drawings Referring to the drawings, a device according to the invention includes a base 1, which is firmly fixed to the ground. It may be cemented in or bolted down using "shear-off" bolts. Extending upwards from the base 1 are two lock portions 2, each including first 3 and second 4 holes. The holes are elongated in the vertical direction, but in the horizontal direction are just a little under than the outside diameter of a normal cycle D-lock. This shape allows for differing heights of cycle, whilst also preventing too much freedom of movement of a cycle once it is in place.

The device includes a gusset 5 having a V-shaped recess for guiding a cycle 6 as it is pushed into the device, and helping retain it firmly in place when it is left.

The back wheel 7 of the cycle passes partially through the V-shaped recess which it then rests in, as shown in Figure 1. This gusset also increases the overall strength of the device.

Once a cycle is positioned between the two lock portions of the device, the cyclist's D-lock is connected through the four holes as shown in Figure 2, and locked. The positioning of the holes is such that the upper arm of the D-lock passes through both the frame of the cycle and its back wheel, while the lower arm does not pass through either. The cycle cannot therefore be removed from the device without breaking either the lock or the security device, or the cycle's frame and back wheel.

In this illustrated embodiment, the centre of the lower hole is about 200 mm from the ground, while the upper hole is about 320 mm above ground. The horizontal distance between the centres of the holes is about 50 mm.

These dimensions are suitable for the locking of most cycles, but are not critical. Provided that the first and second holes are the correct distance apart for the two arms of a standard D-lock, and at least a part of the frame of a cycle can be surrounded by the D-lock, any dimensions are acceptable.

Claims (8)

CLAIMS:

1. A device to which a cycle may be locked using a Dlock; comprising: means for securing the device to the ground or a wall; and a member having a first hole for receiving a first arm of the D-lock, and a second hole for receiving a second arm of the D-lock; whereby when a D-lock is received in the holes and locked, it cannot be separated from the ground or a wall.

2. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a second member having a first hole for receiving the first arm of the D-lock, and a second hole for receiving the second arm of the D-lock.

3. A device according to claim 2 further comprising means for receiving a cycle between the two members.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the means for receiving a cycle between the two members includes a substantially V-shaped recess located between the two members.

5. A device according to any preceding claim constructed substantially of sheet metal.

6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the holes are elongated.

7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the means for securing the device to the ground or a wall includes bolts which, once in place, cannot be removed without being destroyed.

8. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.