GB2508896A

GB2508896A - A portable lock

Info

Publication number: GB2508896A
Application number: GB201222586A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Al-Anazi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-14
Filing date: 2012-12-14
Publication date: 2014-06-18
Also published as: GB201222586D0

Abstract

A portable lock comprising an elongate member 2, a housing 1arranged in use to receive the first and second ends of the elongate member and a lock mechanism to lock said ends in a locked position; wherein in said locked position said ends are attached to said housing to form a mechanical and electrical circuit, and a key arranged in use to detach at least one end of said elongate member from said housing to open the circuit. Preferably an alarm sounds if the elongate member (e.g. chain etc.) is cut, the lock may also include global systems for communication GSM technology to send a text message SMS if the alarm is triggered. The housing may have an LCD screen 6 for displaying information regarding the lock or device status, a pvc cover may be placed over the screen. A test button may be provided to test the operation of the lock.

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL S... * PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. tJB1222586.8 RTM Date:8 May 2013 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

A PORTABLE LOCK

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable lock. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to a portable cable lock that accepts and transmits wireless signals.

Background

There are a number of situations wherein an item must be locked when left unattended for example a bicycle or a gate so as to prevent use by unauthorised persons.

Traditionally a chain or cable may be used which includes a lock or uses a separate lock such as a padlock to secure the two ends together around the item, Such locks are effective but may be bulky and there is no means of monitoring the lack when * unattended other than to visit the device.

***.** Also such locks often reply on manually operated opening and closing on the lock, either through a key or combination lock meaning the user must carry a key or remember a code. Therefore if the key is lost or the code forgotten the lock may be unusable.

* 25 The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with portable locks by providing a portable lock that may be remotely operated.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar including the following: Chinese utility model CN 201 924 683 (LI) discloses a kind of wireless warning combination lock, including controller, controller separately with the LED display lamp, keyboard and GSM communication module and alarm apparatus connection.

Through to the establishment of controller, can after consecutively for 3 times input the mistake split out the warning sound, simultaneously sent out the short news to report to the police to the master through the GSM communication module, increased the security.

Granted United States patent US 7 921 682 (CHANG) discloses a padlock, comprising: a lock body, said lock body comprising an accommodation chamber, a lock chamber, a first shackle hole and a second shackle hole arranged in parallel at two opposite lateral sides relative to said accommodation chamber and said lock chamber, two sliding grooves respectively transversely extended between two opposite lateral sides of said lock chamber and said first shackle hole and said second shackle hole, a plurality of first mounting holes respectively disposed in said lock chamber, and a plurality of second mounting holes; two actuation members mounted in said lock chamber of said lock body, two latches respectively mounted in said sliding grooves and movable by said actuation members in and out of said first shackle hole and said second shackle hole; a lock cylinder affixed to said first mounting holes of said lock body, said lock cylinder comprising a core rotatable by a predetermined key to drive said actuation members in moving said latches; an alarm control device accommodated in said accommodation chamber of said lock body, said alarm control device comprising a housing having a battery chamber that : 20 accommodates a set of battery cells, and an alarm circuit board mounted inside said housing, said alarm circuit board comprising a buzzer to output an audio alarm signal; a U-shaped lock shackle, said U-shaped lock shackle comprising a first end insertable into one of said first shackle hole and said second shackle hole, a second end insertable into one of said first shackle hole and said second shackle hole, a first retaining groove located on the periphery of said first end for the engagement of one said latch, and a second retaining groove located on the periphery of said second end for the engagement of one said latch; and a cover plate, said cover plate comprising a plurality of mounting through holes respectively fastened to said second mounting holes of said lock body with a respective fastening member and sealed with a respective water seal, a cylinder hole, which receives said lock cylinder, and a bottom chamber fitting over the battery chamber of said housing of said alarm control device.

Chinese utility model CN 201 071 639 (SHUQIANG et al) discloses a wireless electrically controlled lock which adopts the wireless communication mode to transfer the state of the, lock and the control command, has the functions of state signal feedback, lock logic control and operation prompt and has the difficult occurrence of the misoperation and high safety performance. The utility model adopts the technical proposal that: the wireless electrically controlled lock comprises a lock body, a lock pin, an electrically controlled element and a control circuit; a concave cavity to place the electrically controlled element and the control circuit and a through slot which can allow the lock pin to move up and down are arranged on the lock body, a wireless receiving and sending circuit which can carry out the data communication with an external controller and an antenna are arranged on the control circuit, the wireless receiving and sending circuit is electrically connected with other parts of the control circuit and the two are commonly arranged in a shell body of the wireless electrically controlled lock.

In contrast the present invention provides a means of ensuring that users remote from their valuables are alerted when their valuables are at threat of being stolen.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable lock comprising: an elongate member with a first end and a second end; a housing arranged in use to receive said first and second ends of the * elongate member; a lock mechanism arranged in use to maintain said ends in the housing in a locked position; wherein in said locked position said ends are attached to said housing to form a mechanical and electrical circuit; and 25 a key arranged in use to detach at least one end of said elongate member from said housing to open the circuit.

In preferred embodiments the lock further comprises an alarm means arranged in use for transmission of an alarm upon recognition of a break in said circuit not authorised by the key.

The lock may comprise any number of lengths of cable lock with Global Systems for Communication (GSM) technology. The lock may comprise: a housing that houses a lock, an electronic device having at least one printed circuit board (PCB), a subscriber identification module (SIM), at least one light emitting diode (LED) and a power source, wherein the housing accepts both ends of a cable so as to create a closed circuit in use and the alarm means is transmitted both locally and/or remotely.

Typically the housing is a lightweight, durable shell that encompasses all internal components of the housing. Preferably the housing may include a seal at any joints so as to provide a watertight connection thereby making the housing waterproof.

Ideally the housing includes an opening to accept the SIM and optionally a power lead.

Ideally the housing power source comprises a battery. It may be envisaged that the battery may be rechargeable in situ for example by connection to a charging lead such as via a universal serial bus (USB) port. Alternatively the batter may be charged wirelessly.

In preferred embodiments the housing provides two apertures arranged in use to accept and receive each end of a cable or elongate member. Preferably the cable/elongate member has ends arranged in use to be inserted through the apertures of the housing so as to engage with the lock. Typically the lock is a barrel lock that is toggled from locked to open through a twist mechanism and may cooperate with a key or combination input.

*" Typically but not exclusively the apertures are positioned on opposite sides of the housing.

* 25 Ideally the barrel lock may be sprung loaded so that when unlocked the cable/elongate member end is released and the barrel rotates back to its primary position. Preferably as each cable/elongate member end is inserted into the housing, it locks into place. Ideally both cable/elongate member ends are inserted simultaneously.

In preferred embodiments the lock may be controlled by and in communication with electronic signals transmitted and received from a remote monitor such as a mobile phone. It is envisaged that the lock or more specifically the SIM must be synced with a predefined device such as the mobile phone so as to enable functionality.

Ideally the device includes two PCBs which transmit, receive and interpret signals.

Preferably the signals received and transmitted are wireless and ideally are c3SM communications that are sent and received between synced devices over a mobile network for example between the housing and one or more mobile phones.

When both cable/elongate member ends are inserted to the housing a closed circuit is created. Typically an electrical switch located on the inside of the housing is activated when both cable/elongate member ends are inserted; this action turns the housing on, triggered by formation of the closed circuit.

The signals sent and received may control activation of the housing from open to locked and vice versa, confirmation of the housing status (on or off) and also providing alerts to notify the user of tampering or damage to the housing or cable/elongate member.

Preferably connection of the cable/elongate member ends to the lock within the housing triggers a shod message service (SMS) text message to be sent from the housing to the device which the housing has been previously synced with.

-. : 20 Advantageously the SMS confirms that the lock is active and may also provide additional information such as available power. In some embodiment this may be indicated as percentage of available power held in the battery or the amount of time the lock will remain active for example the number of hours or days.

25 As the formation of a closed circuit activates the device if the circuit is broken by means other than the user unlocking the lock, for example the cable/elongate member being cut, an alert communication is triggered and remote communication sent or local alarm raised. For example signals/SMS's may be sent to the synced device to advise that the circuit has been broken or damaged therefore the user will know to return and check their lock.

In some embodiments the lock or device may include a test mechanism so that the user may remotely send the signal in order to establish if still active and optionally obtain additional information such as current battery levels.

Such test mechanism may be programmed to run at regular intervals such as once an hour or once a day so as to check status wherein an alert may be raised if no response received or battery level low.

Advantageously the cable or member may be of varied length and thickness depending upon use, for example a heavy duty cable may be used for locking a vehicle and a lighter weight cable may be used for a bicycle. Different materials and lengths may be available wherein such variation in members is combined with a relatively higher value housing in a plurality of situations, so as to allow a modular and adaptable format lock.

In this way a number of different lengths and styles of member may be available for sale independently in order that the housing may be used with different members or cables according to user preference or requirements. For example therefore if the user wanted to lock up 6 family bicycles they can order a 6 meter cable or if the user wanted to lock gates to their house the user can order al meter cable, but all the cables can fit the same one housing.

ri Preferably the member is formed from a conductive material such as metal so as to *. :20 allow it to transmit an electrical signal and be used as an aerial for the device. Ideally * ** the cable/member is coated in a layer of non conductive material such as synthetic ** tubing so as to protect the cable/member and prevent interference. **

Ideally the cable/member end may include a shroud which protects the aperture **.*.t * 25 opening once the end has been inserted into the housing. Advantageously the shroud may be enlarged to also provide protection to other openings on the housing such as the USB port or SIM opening.

Preferably the housing houses the LED to indicate activation. Ideaby the LED is constantly pulsing in indicate an active state. In some embodiments more than one LED may be included for example to show low battery.

In some embodiments the housing may include a display which indicates status of the device for example whether it is on or off and amount of power remaining.

Ideally the housing may accept interchangeable SIMS SO that the lock may be synced with different devices or optionally more than one device, for example to an individual or group.

In further embodiments it is envisaged that a microchip, intermachine operability or shortwave radio transmission may be used instead of a SIM so as to enable communication between the lock and another device.

In preferred embodiments the cablefmember may be unlocked in at least two ways so as to have a failsafe mechanism. Typically the device may receive signals sent from the synced device to the lock so as unlock the cablelmember wirelessly therefore removing requirement for keys to be carried for example through use of radio frequency identification (RFID) or intermachine operability such as Bluetooth (Trade Mark). Alternatively the cable/member may be unlocked from the housing manually by the key which disengages the lock, for example if the battery is flat.

Brief Description of Figures

* **... * *

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a portable lock according to a preferred embodiment; S..... * S

-. Figure 2 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Z 25 Figure 3 shows a view from behind of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from in front of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a view from the side of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the housing of embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures, the portable lock includes a housing 1, and elongate flexible member 2. Said member has a first end 3 and second end 4, wherein in the preferred embodiment both ends are detachable from the housing 1 to alloW passing around an object such as a bicycle for securing.

The member is a flexible cable so as to facilitate this, although some embodiments may have rigid members such as U locks.

Ideally polycarbonate and a rubbery finish gives the housing and member extra strength and high scratch resistance.

A spring loaded barrel locks each end 3, 4 into place.

The lock may be opened or activated through a key hole 5, or remotely. * * * .t

Turning the barrel 1 /4 of a turn clockwise allows the end 3, 4 to eject and allow the barrel to rotate back to its primary position. a s * * **

Each end 3,4 slots into either side of the housing 1 independently. *. * 4

-A PVC screen cover is placed over an LCD screen 6 for displaying information * 25 relevant to the lock or device status.

The PVC cover is placed over the LCD screen. The LCD screen displays a battery and reception indicator, as well as a test button for the user to operate. Both the battery and reception indicators are only displayed for a 20 second period, due to a timer mounted on PCB board 1, ensuring that information is not visible to the public.

Using the same timer, the test button can only be used for a 20 second period until that function shuts off. All of these features only work when the cable is locked and the circuit is closed/on.

A rubber seal 7 ensures the housing is watertight and suitable for outdoor use without possibility of damage to the device.

S

As each end 3, 4 is inserted into the housing 1 they are locked into place and an electrical switch located on the inside of the housing is activated as the end 3, 4 is inserted, which completes a circuit and activates the device or locking mechanism.

By provision of said circuit and/or by using sensors in the cable, the device will sense any tampering or damage to the cable and will trigger the in-built SIM to call a linked mobile phone or monitor.

In use: User plugs in to USB charger via mini USB port. This charges the battery.

User texts a certain code to the SIM built into or installed in the device. This code will then synchronise the product with only that monitor. To reset this link, the user must send a similar code to revert back to default settings.

Once set up, the user can then use the product. Wrap each end of the cable around the item you wish to secure and insert into position.

To test whether the device is working and synchronised to the correct monitor, the user presses a hard test button.

When the cable is snapped, broken, or tampered with, this instantly triggers the :"; 25 device to call the linked monitor.

User receives call from the specific number to notify them there has been an intruder, pending theft or tampering.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then1 it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 1 a * . . * *t * * ** * * * * * ** * **..* * ** * * * *