GB2352218A

GB2352218A - Vehicle security apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2352218A
Application number: GB9917235A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-07-22
Filing date: 1999-07-22
Publication date: 2001-01-24
Also published as: GB9917235D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a security apparatus (10) which, in use, can prevent or hinder a wheel (16) of a motorcycle from rotating, the security apparatus (10) including;<BR> ```a first receiving member (12) attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at one side of the wheel (16) and a second receiving member (14) attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at the other side of the wheel (16);<BR> ```a bar member (15) which, in use, is received by the first and second receiving members (12;14) and thus extends from one side of the wheel (16) to the other; and<BR> ```locking means for locking the bar member (15) between the first and second receiving members (12;14). The bar member may have an annular groove to receive a finger of the locking means, thus allowing the bar to rotate. The apparatus may include warning means indicating that the lock is on. The bar may be carried in a holder on the motorcycle.

Description

2352218 A SECURITY APPARATUS The present invention relates to a security

apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a security apparatus, which, in use, can prevent or hinder a wheel of a vehicle or motorcycle from rotating thereby preventing unauthorised removal of such vehicle or motorcycle. Additionally, the present invention also relates to a vehicle or motorcycle when fitted with a security apparatus of the present invention.

In order to prevent theft of a motorcycle or cycle, it is commonplace to secure the motorcycle to a permanent structure, such as a post or pillar or other like structure. In order to secure a motorcycle or cycle to a permanent structure it is known to use a padlock and chain or a U-Iock.

The problem associated with utilising a padlock and chain is that they are easily accessible and can both be removed by the utilisation of different types of cutting apparatus, for example, chain cutters or saws. With a view to enhancing the effectiveness of the padlock and chain as a deterrent to theft, heavy duty chains have been utilised; however, one of the major disadvantages associated with the use of heavy duty chains is that they are extremely heavy and hence, are not very portable. In this connection, the common way to carry such heavy-duty chains is over the cyclist's shoulder, which can pose a danger to the cyclist, especially if the cyclist is involved in a crash. Moreover, the size and strength of the chain is irrelevant if the padlock securing the ends of same together, can be easily removed.

The problem associated with utilising U-Iocks to secure a motorcycle to a permanent structure is that they too are difficult to carry and hence, not very portable. Moreover, the locking mechanisms of U-Iocks are easily accessible to thieves who may wish to disable and thus remove same. In this connection, and due to the shape of a U-Iock, it is known that same are particularly prone to removal by the use of a suitable leverage member, such as a crowbar.

With a view to overcoming the problems associated with securing a motorcycle to a permanent structure, small disc locks have been developed which, in use, are attachable to the brake disc located on the front wheel of a motorcycle wheel. Although such locks, being very small, are easy to carry and hence, portable, the locking mechanisms thereof are easily accessible and consequently, open to most forms of disablement and removal, which includes lock picking.

According to the present invention there is provided a security apparatus which, in use, can prevent or hinder a wheel of a vehicle or motorcycle from rotating, the security apparatus including: a first receiving member attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at one side of the wheel and a second receiving member attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at the other side of the wheel; a bar member which, in use, is received by the first and second receiving members and thus extends from one side of the wheel to the other; and locking means for locking the bar member between the first and second receiving members.

It is believed that the present invention provides a security apparatus which overcomes the problems associated with known locks and securing apparatus or devices of the type outlined above. In particular, the security apparatus of the present invention is easy to carry and hence, portable. Additionally, the security apparatus of the present invention, including the actual locking mechanism, is not easily accessible and therefore, more difficult to disable and remove; a factor which is believed would deter a thief 3 from attempting to remove same with a view to stealing the motorcycle with which such a security apparatus is associated.

In a preferred embodiment, the security apparatus of the present invention is constructed from high strength steel, for example, high- speed steel or hardened special alloy steel.

In a preferred embodiment, and when locked in position, the bar member can still rotate. This has the advantage in that it makes it very difficult for a thief to drill in to, or get leverage on to, the bar member, as the bar member will rotate when any pressure or force is applied thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, the security apparatus is further provided with means for notifying a cyclist that the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members. This has the advantage in that said means will prevent a motorcyclist from riding the motorcycle before removing the bar member. In this connection, it will be appreciated, that any attempt to ride the motorcycle when the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second members may cause damage to the motorcycle and/or cause injury to the motorcyclist attempting to ride same.

One, non-limiting, embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a security apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention when located between rim and hub of the back wheel of a motorcycle; Figures 2A and B is a front and side view respectively of a first receiving member of the security apparatus of Figure 1; Figures 3A and B is a front view and side view respectively of a second receiving member of the security apparatus of Figure 1; 4 Figure 4 is a front view of a bar member of the security apparatus of Figure 1; and Figures 5A and B is a top and side view of the bar member of the security apparatus of Figure 1 when located within a holder of a motorcycle.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a security apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a first receiving member 12 and a second receiving member 14, which are attached opposite one another, at either side of a wheel 16, to the rear suspension unit 11, also known as the swinging arms, of a motorcycle (not illustrated). Such receiving members 12, 14 may be integral with its respective swinging arm 11, or may be attached thereto by welding or other suitable means of attachment. Additionally, it is be understood that the receiving members 12, 14 may be attached to the top or the underside of their respective swinging arms 11. The skilled person will realise that a security apparatus in accordance with the present invention is less accessible than known security apparatus, as the swinging arms, mudguard and drive chain would hinder access to the security apparatus.

As illustrated in Figures 2A and B, the first receiving member 12 is provided with an aperture 20 extending therethrough. Additionally, the first receiving member 12 is further provided with a chamber 21 within which may be located any suitable locking mechanism, for example, a locking barrel (not illustrated). Preferably, the lock includes a finger member, which when locked, extends into the aperture 20.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and B, the second receiving member 14 is also provided with an aperture 22; however, such aperture 22 does not extend all the way through the receiving member 14.

With further reference to Figure 1, a bar member 15 is received by, and hence, located and supported between, the first and second receiving members 12, 14, and extends from one side of the wheel 16 to the other.

With reference to Figure 4, one end of the bar member 15 is further provided with an annular groove 24 and an aperture 25.

The shape and diameter of the apertures 20 and 22 are such that they complement the shape and diameter of the bar member 15.

In order to utilise the security apparatus 10 of the present invention, that is, when the motorcycle comes to rest and it is desired to prevent or hinder rotation of the back wheel thereof and hence, to prevent unauthorised removal of the motorcycle, the bar member 15 is first inserted into the aperture 20 and pushed until such time as it comes to rest in the aperture 22, provided in the second receiving member 14. On doing so, the bar member 15 should now extend or pass from one side of the wheel 16 to the other, by passing between a space provided between the hub and rim of the wheel 16. Once the bar member 15 is in position, the locking mechanism is engaged, such that the finger of the locking mechanism extends into the aperture 20 and into the annular groove 24, provided on the surface of the bar member 15. By doing so, horizontal movement of the bar member 15 is hindered or prevented and the bar member 15 will thus prevent rotation of the wheel 16, that is, by the action of the spokes of the wheel 16 on the bar member 15. Although horizontal movement of the bar member 15 is prevented or hindered by the locking mechanism, the bar member 15 is still free to rotate. As outlined above, this has the advantage in that it makes it very difficult for a thief to drill in to, or get leverage on to, the bar member 15, as the bar member 15 will rotate when any pressure is applied thereto.

In a preferred unillustrated embodiment, the security apparatus 10 is further provided with means for notifying a motorcyclist that the bar member 15 is located and/or locked between the first and second members 12, 14. This has the advantage in'that said means will prevent a cyclist from riding the motorcycle before removing the bar member 15. Such means may include a sensor or contact located in the aperture 22, provided in the second receiving 6 member 22, and which is coupled or linked to a flashing light located on the motorcycle's instrumentation, such that when the bar member enters the aperture 22, the flashing light is activated, thereby notifying the motorcyclist that the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members 12, 14. In a preferred embodiment, such sensor or contact may be linked to an audible alarm located on the motorcycle which will actuate in the event that the engine is started without removing the bar member 15 from between the first and second receiving members 12, 14. Further preferably, such sensor or contact may be linked to an immobiliser which will prevent the engine of a motorcycle from starting until the bar member 15 is removed from the first and second receiving members 12, 14.

When not in use, and as illustrated in Figure 5, the motorcycle may be further provided with a holder 30, which is attachable to the motorcycle at any, preferably unobtrusive, location, for example, on the oil cooler. Such holder 30 includes two support members 31, 32 each provided with an aperture adapted to receive one end of the bar member 15. One of such support members 31 is further provided with an additional aperture 33, which extends from one side of the support 31 to the other. When the bar member is located within the apertures provided by the support members 31 and 32, a pin 34 is inserted through the additional aperture 33 and into aperture 25 provided in bar member 15, such that the bar member is held in position on the holder 30.

Although the present invention has been described by way of example to a security apparatus suitable for use on a motorcycle, it is to be understood that same can be utilised on any vehicle or cycle where it is desired to prevent or hinder rotation of a wheel with a view to preventing unauthorised removal of such a vehicle or cycle. Additionally, it is to be understood that the first receiving member may be located on the left hand or right hand side of a wheel, with the second receiving member being on the opposite side. This has the advantage in that depending on the motorcyclists or riders or drivers 7 preference the bar member may be inserted from the left or right hand side of the vehicle or cycle.

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Claims

A security apparatus which, in use, can prevent or hinder a wheel of a vehicle or motorcycle from rotating, the security apparatus including; a first receiving member attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at one side of the wheel and a second receiving member attached to the vehicle or motorcycle at the other side of the wheel; a bar member which, in use, is received by the first and second receiving members and thus extends from one side of the wheel to the other; and locking means for locking the bar member between the first and second receiving members.
2. A security apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security apparatus is constructed from high strengthened steel.
3. A security apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the high strength steel is selected from the group consisting of high speed steel or hardened special alloy steel.
4. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means is located within a chamber provided within the first receiving member.
5. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means includes a finger member which is retractably extendable and releasably engageable with a surface of the bar member.
6. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bar member when received and locked between the first and second receiving members is rotatable.

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7. A security apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein an end of the bar member is provided with annular groove such that, in use, a portion of the locking means is locatable within the annular groove thereby preventing horizontal movement of the bar member but allowing rotation thereof.
8. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the security apparatus further includes means for notifying a motorcyclist that the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members.
9. A security apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the means for notifying a motorcyclist that the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second members include a sensor or contact located within the second receiving member such that, in use, removal of the bar member will deactivate the means for notifying a motorcyclist that the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members.
10. A security apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensor or contact is connected to a visual indicator means which, in use, are actuated when the bar member is located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members.
11. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the sensor or contact is connected to an audible alarm which is actuated in the event that the engine of the motor cycle or vehicle is started and the bar member is still located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members.
12. A security apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9, 10 or 11, wherein the sensor or contact is connected to an immobiliser which will prevent the engine of the motor cycle or vehicle from being started if the bar member is still located and/or locked between the first and second receiving members.
13. A security apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
14. A motorcycle including a security apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
15. A motorcycle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first and second receiving members are attachable to the rear suspension unit of the motorcycle.
16. A motorcycle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second receiving means are an integral part of the rear suspension unit.
17. A motorcycle as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the motorcycle includes a holder adapted to receive the bar member.