GB2538740A

GB2538740A - A lock

Info

Publication number: GB2538740A
Application number: GB1509003.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chapman David
Original assignee: International Tool Co Ltd
Current assignee: International Tool Co Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2015-05-26
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: GB201509003D0

Abstract

A lock for securing a wheeled object to a support structure comprising: a lock arm 12 to be attached to a wheel of the wheeled object such that the lock arm extends substantially in a travel direction of the wheel; a lock arm receiver 1111 to be secured to the support structure and to receive part of the lock arm; and a lock mechanism 1121 for either preventing the lock arm from being removed or allowing removal. The arm may have a hook portion 121 for reception in a slot in the receiver. The receiver may be secured to the support surface, e.g. the floor or wall via a mounting member 131/133. The arm may be secured to the wheel via a mounting arrangement 122 and adhesive may be used to secure this to the wheel. The wheeled object may be a tool box, medical stand or trolley or cabinet and the lock can prevent theft.

Description

Title: A Lock

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a lock for a wheeled object such as a trolley or cabinet, a wheeled object lock, a wheeled object and wheeled object lock, and associated methods.

Trolleys, wheeled cabinets, and other wheeled objects are commonly found in many environments. These wheeled objects can be wheeled across a floor surface from one location to another location.

Examples of such wheeled objects include toolboxes, cabinets for the storage of items of value (such as computing devices), stands for diagnostic or treatment equipment (e.g. for medical use), and the like.

The wheeled objects can be expensive. Furthermore, the content of the wheeled objects and/or what the wheeled objects support or otherwise hold can also be expensive. The wheeled objects, therefore, represent a tempting target for thieves. As these objects are mounted on wheels are particularly attractive targets for thieves because of the easy of mobility of the objects.

There is, therefore, a need to provide a mechanism to secure wheeled objects.

W02008/023144 discloses a security device which comprises a receiver mounted to the floor and a pin mounted to the base of a cabinet. With the pin and receiver aligned, the pin can be lowered into the receiver and secured in place with a padlock. The document only discloses cabinets which are supported by legs and which are not, therefore, intended to be moved on a frequent basis. As will be appreciated, this device requires precise alignment of the pin and receiver, with the cabinet supported above the floor surface. Such a device would not be operable to secure a wheeled cabinet, is awkward to use, and requires the cabinet to undergo significant modification to secure the pin thereto.

Embodiments of the invention seek to ameliorate one or more problems associated with the prior art.

An aspect of the present invention provides a lock for securing a wheeled object to a support structure, the lock comprising: a lock arm configured to be attached to a wheel of the wheeled object such that the lock arm extends substantially in a travel direction of the wheel; a lock arm receiver configured to be secured to the support structure and to receive at least part of the lock arm; and a lock mechanism configured to be actuated between a locked configuration in which removal of the lock arm from the lock arm receiver is inhibited or substantially prevented and an unlocked configuration in which the lock arm is removable from the lock arm receiver.

The lock arm may include a hook member defining one or more shoulders and 20 the lock mechanism may be configured to engage the or each shoulder in the locked configuration to inhibit or substantially prevent the removal of the lock arm from the lock arm receiver.

The lock mechanism may be attached to the lock arm receiver.

The lock arm receiver may include a pair of plates which define a slot therebetween for receipt of at least a portion of the lock arm.

The slot may be flared towards an open end.

The lock may further comprise a mounting member which is configured to carry the lock arm receiver and to be secured to the support structure.

The position of the lock arm receiver with respect to the mounting member 5 may be adjustable.

The mounting member may define one or more elongate lock arm receiver mounting apertures.

The lock arm receiver may define one or more mounting apertures which are each configured to receive an elongate securing member for securing the lock arm receiver to the mounting member.

At least one of the one or more mounting apertures may be located at least partially within a slot of the lock arm receiver which is configured for receipt of at least a portion of the lock arm.

The mounting member may define one or more support structure mounting apertures for use in securing the mounting member to the support structure.

The lock arm receiver may inhibit or substantially prevent access to at least one of the one or more of the support structure mounting apertures.

The lock mechanism may include a lock cylinder carrier and a removable lock 25 cylinder.

Another aspect provides a wheeled object and a lock combination.

Embodiments of the invention are described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment in an unlocked state; Figure 2 shows an embodiment in a locked state; Figure 3 shows a wheeled cabinet according to some embodiments; Figure 4 shows a lock arm receiver according to some embodiments; Figure 5 shows a mounting member according to some embodiments; Figure 6 shows a part of the lock arm receiver of some embodiments; Figure 7 shows a part of the lock arm receiver of some embodiments; Figure 8 shows a part of the lock arm receiver of some embodiments; Figure 9 shows a part of the lock arm receiver of some embodiments; Figure 10 shows a part of the mounting member of some embodiments; Figure 11 shows a part of the mounting member of some embodiments; Figure 12 shows a part of the mounting member of some embodiments; and Figure 13 shows a part of the mounting member of some embodiments.

With reference to figures 1 to 13, embodiments of the present invention relate to a lock 1 which is configured to secure a wheeled object 100 (such as a wheeled cabinet, stand, or trolley) to a support structure 200 (such as the floor or a wall or another object).

The wheeled object 100 could take a number of different forms. One example is shown in figure 3. In the depicted example, the wheeled object 100 comprises a wheeled cabinet. The wheeled object 100 (e.g. the wheeled cabinet) may include one or more draws or other compartments 101. In the depicted example, the wheeled object 100 includes a single compartment 101.

The or each compartment 101 may have a door 102 which can be opened and closed to allow and inhibit access to the compartment 101, respectively. The or each door 102 may include a locking mechanism 103 which is configured to secure the or each door 102 in a closed position when the locking mechanism 103 is in a locked configuration, and to allow movement of the or each door 102 towards an open position when in an unlocked configuration (which may also require the disengagement of a catch mechanism, for example).

The or each compartment 101 may contain one or more shelves 104, which may be fixed with respect to a body of the wheeled object 100 or which may be extendable and retractable with respect to the body of the wheeled object 100 -to allow better access to one or more items stored on the or each shelf 104.

In the depicted and some other embodiments, the or each shelf 104 supports one or more receptacles 105. The or each receptacle 105 may comprise an open topped container or may take a different form.

The wheeled object 100 (e.g. the wheeled cabinet) may be configured to store one or more portable devices (not shown). The or each portable device may include a battery which is configured to provide at least part of the portable device with electrical power to allow operation of the portable device. As will be appreciated, the or each battery may periodically require charging.

Accordingly, the wheeled object 100 (e.g. the wheeled cabinet) may be a charging station which is configured to store the or each portable device and which may allow a respective battery of the or each portable device to be charged whilst the or each portable device is stored.

As such, the or each receptacle 105 may be configured to receive one or more of the or each portable devices. Wiring may be provided within the wheeled object 100 (including, for example, sockets for electrical plugs) and may be configured to deliver electricity to the or each portable device, or for the use in the delivery of electricity to the or each portable device.

Example portable devices include portable computing devices such as laptop computers, tablets, mobile (i.e. cellular) telephones, smart watches, and the like.

In some embodiments, the wheeled object 100 may be a wheeled toolbox 15 which has one or more draws or other compartments 101 (and which may include one or more shelves 104). The wheeled toolbox may be configured to store one or more tools -such as tools for working on vehicles.

In some embodiments, the wheeled object 100 may be a wheeled cabinet which is configured to store medical equipment -which may include containers (e.g. vials, bottles or other containers of drugs) and/or dressings (such as bandages, and the like) and/or syringes and/or implements for use in medical procedures (such as surgery).

In some embodiments, the wheeled object 100 may be a stand for medical diagnostic or treatment equipment (such as monitors for heart rate and/or blood-oxygen levels and/or blood pressure) and/or drug delivery systems (such as drips, syringe pumps, and the like)).

The wheeled object 100 includes one or more (e.g. four) wheels 106 which at least partially support the body of the wheeled object 100 with respect to a ground surface 201. The or each wheel 106 may be configured to assist a user in moving the wheeled object 100.

In some embodiments, one or more of the wheels 106 is configured to rotate about a respective wheel axis (e.g. as the wheeled object 100 moves across the ground surface 201) and about a direction axis (A). The direction axis (A) may be generally perpendicular to the wheel axis and rotation of the or each wheel about its respective direction axis (A) alters the alignment of the wheel with respect to the body of the wheeled object 100 in accordance with the direction of travel of the wheeled object 100 across the ground surface 201 (i.e. the travel direction of the wheeled object 100).

In some embodiments, there are a plurality of wheels 106, all of the wheels 106 are configured to rotate about their respective wheel axes; however, in some embodiments, not all of the wheels 106 are configured to rotate about a respective direction axis (A) (although in other embodiments all of the wheels 106 are configured to rotate about their respective direction axes 106).

As will be appreciated, the direction axis (A) may be referred to as the steering axis of the or each wheel 106.

In some embodiments, the or each wheel 106 comprises a wheel mount 106a which carries a wheel member 106b (of substantially circular cross-section). The wheel member 106b is configured to engage the ground surface 201 and is mounted to the wheel mount 106a on an axle 106c (about which the wheel member 106b is configured to rotate). The axle 106c and mounting between the wheel mount 106a and wheel member 106b could take a number of different forms. In some embodiments, however, the axle 106c includes a nut and bolt which holds the wheel member 106b in a mounted configuration with respect to the wheel mount 106a -the wheel member 106b being removable from the wheel mount 106a by removal of the nut from the bolt (or other axle 106c or part thereof) and removal of the bolt from the wheel mount 106a and wheel member 106b.

In accordance with some embodiments, the lock 1 comprises a lock body 11 and a lock arm 12 (see figures 1 and 2 in particular).

The lock arm 12 is configured to be mounted with respect to the wheeled object 100 such that it extends therefrom for selective engagement with the lock body 11.

The lock arm 12 may comprise, in some embodiments, a hook member 121 at or towards a first end and a mounting arrangement 122 at or towards a second end -the first and second ends opposing each other across a length of the lock arm 12.

The mounting arrangement 122 is configured to be mounted with respect to the wheeled object 100. In some embodiments, the mounting arrangement 122 is configured to be mounted to a wheel 106 of the or each wheels 106. In some embodiments, the mounting arrangement 122 may be configured to be mounted to the wheel member 106b and, in some embodiments, the mounting is uses the axle 106c. Accordingly, the mounting arrangement 122 may comprise a portion of the lock arm 12 which defines an aperture which is configured to receive at least part of the axle 106c therethrough (e.g. a portion of the bolt of the axle 106c). The mounting arrangement 122 may comprise an extension which is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the lock arm 12 -such that the aperture defined by lock arm 12 may also be so offset.

The lock arm 12 may define a recess 123 adjacent or as part of the mounting arrangement 122 which is configured to receive at least part of the wheel mount 106a such that the lock arm 12 may extend in the desired orientation with respect to the wheel mount 106a -as discussed below.

The mounting arrangement 122 may include an adhesive which is holds, or assists in the holding of, the lock arm 12 with respect to the wheel 106 (e.g. the wheel mount 106a) in a particular orientation. In some embodiments, the adhesive may hold (or assist in holding) the lock arm 12 with respect to another part of the wheeled object 100.

The hook member 121 is configured to be at least partly received by a lock arm receiver 111 (see figure 4). The hook member 121 may, accordingly, comprise a portion of the lock arm 12 which defines a recess. As such, the hook member 121 includes one or more shoulders 121a which form one or more respective ends or other parts of the recess.

In some embodiments, the hook member 121 is substantially planar and the lock arm receiver 111, therefore, defines a slot which is configured to receive at least part of the planar hook member 121. In some embodiments the lock arm 12 is substantially planar and may be formed from a sheet of material (e.g. a sheet of steel).

The lock arm 12 may extend (with respect to the wheeled object 100) in a direction which is substantially parallel to the ground surface 201 -which may be the desired or particular orientation discussed above.

The lock arm 12 is, in embodiments, secured with respect to the wheeled object 100 (e.g. to a wheel 106 thereof) such that the lock arm 12 extends forwardly in a direction of travel of the wheeled object 100. As will be appreciated, the lock arm 12 may rotate about the direction axis with respect to the body of the wheeled object 100 to remain substantially aligned with the direction of travel for the wheeled object 100 in normal use (i.e. when the wheel 106 is free to rotate about the direction axis and not, for example, restricted from free rotation by the lock 1).

The lock arm receiver 111 may, as discussed above, define a slot which is configured to receive at least part of the hook member 121 of the lock arm 12 (and, therefore, at least part of the lock arm 12). In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more shoulders 121a of the hook member 121 is received by the lock arm receiver 111.

The lock arm receiver 111 is configured to carry a lock mechanism 112 which is configured to engage at least part of the hook member 121 (e.g. at least one of the one or more shoulders 121a of the hook member 121) and, therefore, in other words, at least part of the lock arm 12. The engagement of the lock mechanism 112 and the hook member 121 (i.e. lock arm 12) may be selective, wherein the lock mechanism 112 is actuatable between a locked configuration in which the lock mechanism 112 engages the hook member 121 (i.e. lock arm 12) to inhibit removal of the hook member 121 (i.e. lock arm 12) from the lock arm receiver 111 and an unlocked configuration in which the lock mechanism 112 at least partially disengages the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12) to permit removal of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12) from the lock arm receiver 111. As will be appreciated, the lock mechanism 112 may be configured to engage one or more of the one or more shoulders 121a defined by the hook member 121 in the locked configuration and to disengage at least one of the one or more shoulders 121a defined by the hook member 121 in the unlocked configuration. Abutment of the or each shoulder 121a defined by the hook member 121 and the lock mechanism 112 in the locked configuration may inhibit or substantially prevent removal of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12) from the lock arm receiver 111.

The lock mechanism 112 may comprise a lock cylinder 1121 which is mounted to another part of the lock mechanism 112. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 112 is actuatable between the locked and unlocked configurations without removal of the lock cylinder 1121 from a lock cylinder receiver 1122 of the lock mechanism. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 112 is actuatable between the locked and unlocked configurations such that the lock cylinder 1121 is removed or is removable from the lock cylinder receiver 1122 of the lock mechanism 112 in the unlocked configuration (but is received by the lock cylinder receiver 1122 in the locked configuration).

The lock arm receiver 111 may, in some embodiments, comprise a pair of plates 1111,1112 (see figures 6 and 8) with define the slot therebetween (for receipt of at least part of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12)). The pair of plates 1111,1112 may define the slot such that a width of the slot is greater than a corresponding width of the part of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12) which is configured for receipt thereby. The width of the slot may, however, be less than double the width of that part of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12) such that the slot is not substantially wider than the part of the hook member 121 (i.e. the lock arm 12).

The pair of plates 1111,1112 may be mounted to a lock arm receiver base member 1113 (see figure 7) which may be in the form of a plate. In some embodiments the pair of plates 1111,1112 are substantially parallel to each other and the lock arm receiver base member 1113 is substantially perpendicular to the pair of plates 1111,1112 selectively. The pair of plates 1111,1112 may be configured such that the slot defined therebetween has a flared opening, to assist in guiding at least a portion of the hook member 131 (i.e. the lock arm 12) into the slot. Accordingly, towards a first end of the pair of plates 1111,1112, the distance between the two plates may increase towards an open end of the slot defined therebetween.

A second end of the pair of plates 1111,1112 may be mounted to a lock arm receiver rear member 1114 (see figure 9) which may be in the form of a plate. 30 The lock arm receiver rear member 1114 may be substantially perpendicular to the pair of plates 1111,1112 and the lock arm receiver base member 1113.

Each of the pair of plates 1111,1112 may include one or more protrusions 1115 which are configured to be received by respective recesses or apertures 1116 defined in the lock arm receiver base or rear members 1113,1114. In some embodiments, one or both of the lock arm receiver base or rear member 1113,1114 includes one or more such protrusions 1115 for receipt by one or more such recesses or apertures 1116 defined by the pair of plates 1111,1112. The receipt of the or each protrusion 1115 by the or each recess or aperture 1116 may assist in securing the pair of plates 1111,1112 to the lock arm receiver base and rear members, 1113,1114.

Similarly, the lock arm receiver base member 1113 may include one or more protrusions 1115 which are configured to be received by one or more recesses or apertures 1116 of the lock arm receiver rear member 1114, or vice versa.

The pair of plates 1111,1112, and the lock arm receiver base and rear members 1113,1114 may be welded together in the configuration(s) discussed herein.

The pair of plates 1111,1112 may be configured to carry the lock mechanism 112 or a part thereof. In some embodiments the lock cylinder carrier 1122 is mounted on or with respect to one or both of the pair of plates 1111,1112. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism 112 (and, in particular, the lock cylinder carrier 1122) is carried by another part of the lock 1 and, in particular, the lock body 11.

The lock cylinder carrier 1122 may be, in some embodiments, tubular such that a lock cylinder receiving aperture is defined by the lock cylinder carrier 1122. The lock cylinder carrier 1122 may further define a lock member aperture which is generally aligned with the slot between the pair of plates 1111,1112.

In some embodiments, the pair of plates 1111,1112 (oral least one of the pair of plates 1111,1112) may be configured to at least partially receive the lock cylinder carrier 1122. Accordingly, one or both of the pair of plates 1111,1112 may define a respective lock cylinder carrier receiving channel 1111a,1112a which are each configured to receive at least part of the lock cylinder carrier 1122.

A longitudinal axis of the lock cylinder carrier 1122 (and the lock cylinder receiving aperture) may be generally perpendicular to the pair of plates 1111,1112.

The lock arm receiver 111 may further define one or more mounting apertures 1114a which may, in particular, be defined by the lock arm receiver rear member 1114. The or each mounting aperture 1114a is configured for use in mounting the lock arm receiver 111 to another object. In particular, in some embodiments, the or each mounting aperture 1114a is configured for use in mounting the lock arm receiver to a mounting member 13 of the lock 1 (which may be part of the lock body 11) -see figure 5.

At least one of the or each mounting aperture 1114a may be at least partially aligned with at least one of the pair of plates 1111,1112. The at least one of the one or more plates 1111,1112 may, accordingly, define a recess adjacent or substantially adjacent the at least one of the or each mounting apertures 1114a to permit access thereto during securing of the lock arm receiver 111 to the mounting member 13. In some embodiments, the at least one of the or each mounting aperture 1114a is located at least partially within the slot defined by the pair of plates 1111,1112.

On some embodiments, there are two or more mounting apertures 1114a and, in some embodiments, there are three mounting apertures 1114a. The plurality of mounting apertures 1114a (in such embodiments) may be arranged diagonally across the lock arm receiver rear member 1114.

The mounting member 13 is configured to carry the lock arm receiver 111 and to be mounted to or with respect to the support structure 200 (such as the ground surface 201, a wall, or another object).

In some embodiments, the mounting member 13 includes a mounting member base portion 131 (see figure 10) and a mounting member rear portion 132 (see figure 12) secured to the mounting member base portion 131. The mounting member base portion 131 and mounting member rear portion 132 may be substantially perpendicular to each other. A plane of the mounting member base portion 131 may be substantially parallel to a plane of the lock arm receiver base member 1113 and a plane of the mounting member rear portion 132 may be substantially parallel to a plane of the lock arm receiver rear member 1114 -when the lock arm receiver 111 is mounted on the mounting member 13.

The mounting member 13 may further include one or more mounting member side portions 133 (see figures 5, 11, and 13). The or each mounting member side portion 133 may be secured to both or one of the mounting member base and rear portions 131,132 and may be substantially perpendicular to both the mounting member base and rear portions 131,132.

The or each mounting member side portion 133 may define a cut-out to assist in access during locking and unlocking of the lock cylinder 1121. The or each mounting member side portion 133 is configured to restrict or hinder access to at least part of the lock 1. In particular, the or each mounting member side portion 133 may restrict or hinder access to sides of the lock arm receiver 111 (e.g. sides of the lock arm receiver rear member 1114) and, in particular, where the lock arm receiver 111 contacts the mounting member 13. This helps to reduce the risk of a tool being used to prise the lock arm receiver 111 from the mounting member 13 and/or makes such a task more difficult.

In some embodiments, two mounting member side portions 133 are provided 5 at or towards opposing ends of the mounting member 13 -the lock arm receiver 111 being mounted therebetween.

The mounting member base portion 131, rear portion 132, and side portion(s) 133 may include one or more protrusions 134 and corresponding recesses or apertures 135 (for receipt of the one or more protrusions 134) to aid in the securing of the various portions 131,132,133 to each other. The mounting member base portion 131, rear portion 132, and side portion(s) 133 may be made of steel and may be made from sheet steel and may each be substantially planar. The mounting member base portion 131, rear portion 132, and side portion(s) 133 may be welded together.

The mounting member base portion 131 may define one or more support structure mounting apertures 1311 which are each configured to receive at least part of an elongate securing member -such as a screw or a bolt -to enable the mounting member base portion 131 to be secured to the support structure 200. In embodiments at least one of the one or more support structure mounting apertures 1311 is positioned such that the lock arm receiver 111 mounted on the mounting member 13 is adjacent the at least one support structure mounting aperture 1311 and inhibits or substantially prevents access thereto -and, in particular, removal of any elongate securing member received by the at least one support structure mounting aperture 1311.

The mounting member rear portion 132 defines one or more lock arm receiver mounting apertures 1321. The or each lock arm receiver mounting apertures 1321 is configured to be aligned with a respective one or more of the mounting apertures 1114a of the lock arm receiver 111 such that a bolt or other elongate securing member may be passed through the apertures 1321,1114a to mount the lock arm receiver 111 to the mounting member 13. A nut may, for example, be used to secure the bolt, and hence the lock arm receiver 1321, in place with respect to the mounting member 13.

In some embodiments, the or each lock arm receiver mounting aperture 1321 comprises an elongate aperture such that the position at which the lock arm receiver 111 is mounted to the mounting member 13 can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the orientation of the or each elongate aperture is such that the distance between the lock arm receiver 111 (e.g. the lock arm receiver base member 1113 and the mounting member base portion 131 is adjustable).

In some embodiments, a plurality of lock arm receiver mounting apertures 1321 are provided (e.g. in some embodiments, three).

The lock mechanism 112 may, as described above, include a lock cylinder 1121 which is configured to be at least partially received by the lock cylinder carrier 1122. The lock cylinder 1121 may comprise a substantially cylindrical body with a retractable lock member which may be resiliently biased into an extended position (in which the retractable lock member extends generally radially from the body thereof). When in the retracted position, the retractable lock member may be substantially within the confines of the cross-section of the rest of the lock cylinder 1121 such that the lock cylinder 1121 is insertable into the lock cylinder carrier 1122. Once in the lock cylinder carrier 1122, the retractable lock member may be configured to extend through the lock member aperture of the lock cylinder carrier 1122. Retraction of the lock member may require the use of a key 1123. With the lock member retracted, the lock mechanism is in the unlocked configuration and, with the lock member extending through the lock member aperture, the lock mechanism 112 is in the locked configuration.

If a lock arm 12 has been received by the lock arm receiver 111, the locking of the lock mechanism 112 (which may include the insertion of the lock cylinder 1121 into the lock cylinder carrier 1122) will cause a part of the lock mechanism 112 (e.g. the lock member) to engage the lock arm 12 (e.g. the hook member 121 and, in particular, at least one of the one or more shoulders 121a) to inhibit or substantially prevent removal of the lock arm 12 from the lock arm receiver 111.

Unlocking of the lock mechanism 112 (which may include the removal of the lock cylinder 1121 from the lock cylinder carrier 1122) may then allow the removal of the lock arm 12 from the lock arm receiver 111 -e.g. by disengagement of the part of the lock mechanism 112 (e.g. the lock member) and the lock arm 12 (e.g. the hook member 121 and, in particular, at least one of the one or more shoulders 121a).

The mounting member 13 may be used to secure at least part of the lock 1 (including the lock body 11 (and hence the lock arm receiver 111)) with respect to the support structure 200. Accordingly, the wheeled object 1 may be selectively secured with respect to the support structure 200 by use of the lock 1.

The positioning of at least one of the mounting apertures 1114a so that it is at least partially aligned with at least one of the pair of plates 1111,1112 or is at least partially within the slot defined by the pair of plates 1111,1112, means that when the lock arm 12 is received in the lock arm receiver 111 removal of any elongate member (e.g. bolt) which is holding the lock arm receiver 111 with respect to the mounting member 13 is difficult or impossible.

In some embodiments, the mounting arrangement 122 of the lock arm 12 is such that the lock arm 12 is rotatable about the mounting arrangement 122.

In some embodiments, the mounting arrangement 122 of the lock arm 12 is such that the distance from the lock arm 12 to the ground surface 201 (i.e. to the lowermost part of the associated wheel 106) is adjustable.

In some embodiments, the nut and bolt which may form part of the axle 106c include a security nut and/or bolt such that removal of the nut and bolt is difficult, requires a special tool, and/or is substantially impossible without damage to the nut and/or bolt.

In some embodiments, the elongate securing members discussed herein (e.g. a bolt, and any associated nut, a screw or the like) -for example, for securing the lock arm receiver 111 to the mounting member 13 -may be a similar security nut and/or bolt and/or screw or the like.

One or more locks 1 may be provided for a single wheeled object 100 -to secure the wheeled object 100 at multiple points simultaneously or at different times. Accordingly, more than one wheel 106 of the wheeled object 100 may carry a respective lock arm 12.

The lock arm 12 is secured, in some embodiments, to one of the or each wheels 106 such that the lock arm 12 extends in the direction of travel of the wheeled object 100 (e.g. forwards). This enables to the lock arm 12 to be directed into the slot defined by the pair of plates 1111,1112.

The lock arm 12 is, according to some embodiments, easily mountable to a plurality of different wheeled objects 100 without substantive modification of the wheeled object itself. The form of the wheels 106 of wheeled objects 100 is relatively common. Therefore, the same lock 1 can be used in relation to a large number of different wheeled objects 100.

The mounting of the lock arm 12 to the wheel 106, wherein the wheel 106 is configured to rotate about the direction axis (A), allows the lock arm 12 to be fed into the slot of the lock arm receiver 111 (which may have a flared opening). Accordingly, perfect alignment of the lock arm 12 and the slot of the lock arm receiver 111 is not required. This makes the lock 1 of at least some embodiments easy to use.

In addition, in embodiments in which one lock 1 is provided to secure the wheeled object 100, rotation of the wheel 106 about the direction axis (A) may allow rotation of the wheeled object 100 about the direction axis (A) whilst still secured to the lock 1. This adds flexibility to the operation of the lock 1. In some embodiments, the wheeled object 100 is rotatable about the direction axis (A) of the wheel 106 secured by the lock 1 through about 90° or more.

As the lock arm 12 is configured to extend in the direction of travel of the wheeled object 100, the lock arm 12 is less likely to hit other objects as the wheeled object 100 is being navigated through narrow spaces.

The lock 1 of embodiments provides a compact and useable locking mechanism of wheeled objects 100. This reduces the risk of the wheeled object 100 or its contents being stolen, for example.

The majority of the parts of the lock 1 of some embodiments can be constructed from sheet steel -which makes manufacturing simple and inexpensive.

In some embodiments, the pair of plates 1111,1112 take a different form and are not plates as such but still define a slot therebetween. In such embodiments, the pair of plates 1111,1112 may be referred to as a pair of slot 30 defining members.

During fitting of the lock 1, the lock arm 12 is secured to the wheeled object 100. The mounting member 13 of the lock body 11 is secured to the support structure 200. Then the lock arm receiver 111 is secured to the mounting member 13.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A lock for securing a wheeled object to a support structure, the lock comprising: a lock arm configured to be attached to a wheel of the wheeled object such that the lock arm extends substantially in a travel direction of the wheel; a lock arm receiver configured to be secured to the support structure and to receive at least part of the lock arm; and a lock mechanism configured to be actuated between a locked configuration in which removal of the lock arm from the lock arm receiver is inhibited or substantially prevented and an unlocked configuration in which the lock arm is removable from the lock arm receiver.
2. A lock according to claim 1, wherein the lock arm includes a hook member defining one or more shoulders and the lock mechanism is configured to engage the or each shoulder in the locked configuration to inhibit or substantially prevent the removal of the lock arm from the lock arm receiver.
3. A lock according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the lock mechanism is attached to the lock arm receiver.
4. A lock according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock arm receiver includes a pair of plates which define a slot therebetween for receipt of at least a portion of the lock arm.
5. A lock according to claim 4, wherein the slot is flared towards an open end.
6. A lock according to any preceding claim, further comprising a mounting member which is configured to carry the lock arm receiver and to be secured to the support structure.
7. A lock according to claim 6, wherein the position of the lock arm receiver with respect to the mounting member is adjustable.
8. A lock according to claim 7, wherein the mounting member defines one or more elongate lock arm receiver mounting apertures.
9. A lock according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the lock arm receiver defines one or more mounting apertures which are each configured to receive an elongate securing member for securing the lock arm receiver to the mounting member.
10. A lock according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more mounting apertures is located at least partially within a slot of the lock arm receiver which is configured for receipt of at least a portion of the lock arm.
11. A lock according to any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the mounting member defines one or more support structure mounting apertures for use in securing the mounting member to the support structure.
12. A lock according to claim 11, wherein the lock arm receiver inhibits or substantially prevents access to at least one of the one or more of the support structure mounting apertures.
13. A lock according to any preceding claim, wherein the lock mechanism includes a lock cylinder carrier and a removable lock cylinder.
14. A wheeled object and a lock combination, wherein the lock is a lock according to any preceding claim.
15. A lock substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A wheeled object and lock combination substantially as herein 5 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.