NZ270838A

NZ270838A - Cycle security device; comprises attachment fixed to a support, a first arm extending from the attachment and a second arm pivotally extending from the first, a cycle being secured to each arm

Info

Publication number: NZ270838A
Application number: NZ270838A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Fay Lorraine Cork
Original assignee: Fay Lorraine Cork
Priority date: 1994-03-31
Filing date: 1995-03-30
Publication date: 1997-02-24
Also published as: AUPM479794A0; GB2287983B; GB2287983A; GB9506521D0

Description

270838 Priority Date(s): Complete Specification FilecJ: Claw: (6) S.feaH 3.|S>%... EQ5«?£1A1«*?..

Publication Darts: 2.^,,FEB.j997 P.O. Journal No: 0£l3.

PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 1 & 4: $340.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION $0 mar isg5 SECURITY DEVICE FOR CYCLES I Fay Lorraine Cork, an Australian citizen of 10 Carrick Road, Armadale, Western Australia, Australia 6112 hereby declare the invention, for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 27083S 2 r The present invention relates to a security device for cycles.

In the prior art, security devices are known which are able to secure a single cycle. The present invention is directed to a security device which is able to simultaneously secure at least two cycles.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a security device which is able to secure simultaneously at least two cycles comprising: an attachment means arranged to be affixed to a support means by fixing means; a first arm means extending from the attachment means; a second arm means extending from the first arm means; the first arm means being connected to the attachment means and the second arm means being pivotally connected to the first arm means; the first and second arm means being provided with first and second engagement means respectively, arranged to engage respective first and second cycles, the first engagement means being spaced from the attachment means and the second engagement means being spaced from the first engagement means; the first arm means being movable from a non-operational condition to an operational condition at which a first cycle is securable and the second arm means being pivotal relative to the first arm means from a non-operational condition to a second operational position at which a second cycle is securable.

Preferably, the security device of the present invention is provided to secure two cycles. The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a security device for cycles in accordance with the present invention in an operational condition; Figure 2 is a first perspective view of the security device shown in Figure 1 in a non-operational condition; Figure 3 is a second view of the security device shown in Figure 1 with the first arm in an operational condition and the second arm in a non-operational condition; 270838 3 Figure 4 is a detail view of the engagement part of a second embodiment of the security device in accordance with the present invention; and, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the security device in an operational condition.

In Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a security device 10 for cycles 100a and 100b (not shown in Figures 1 to 3), frame portions 106a and 106b of which are, however, shown in broken lines in Figure 1.

The security device 10 comprises an attachment means 11 comprising a first portion 12, a second portion 1.4, a first arm 16 and a second arm 18.

The first portion 12 is arranged to be affixed to a support, e.g. a wall 102, as shown in the drawings.

The first portion 12 may be affixed to the wall 102 by fixing members, such as screws 20 which extend through the first portion 12 into the wall 102 (as can be best seen in Figures 1 and 2).

An example of alternative fixing members is bolts or the like (not shown).

The second portion 14 is pivotal rdative to the first portion 12 about a first axis 22 shown in broken lines in Figures 2 and 3.

In this way, the first and second portions 12 and 14 form a hinged bracket that supports the aims 16 and 18.

The first and second portions 12 and 14 may be substantially plate like.

The first arm 16 extends from the second portion 14.

The second arm 18 extends from the first arm 16.

The first arm 16 comprises an engagement part 24 and a shank-like portion 26. The engagement part 24 is arranged fo engage with a cycle 100a. The engagement part 24 is provided on the first aim 16 at a location spaced from the second portion 14. The engagement part 24 may be provided near the distal end of the shank-like portion 26 such that the engagement part 24 is spaced from the second portion 14 by the shank-like portion 26. The engagement part 24 is provided on the undersurface of the first aim 16 270838 4 as can be seen in Figures 1-3.

The engagement part 24 comprises a pair of curved portions 28 which have a lug 30 at their respective free ends. Each of these lugs 30 has a hole 32 therethrough. The curved portions 28 are pivotally connected to lugs 33, by pins 33a extending between opposed pairs of lugs 33. The lugs 33 extend from the underside of the first arm 16 on each side thereof. The lugs 33 on each side of the first arm 16 are formed integrally such that when the curved portions 28 are brought together, the lugs 33 and the curved portions 28 on each side of the first arm 16 define a substantially circular opening as can be seen in Figure 1. The curved portions 28 are able to pivot about axes (defined by the pins 33 a) substantially parallel to the axis 22.

An offset part 34 extends from the other end of the shank-like portion 26 of the first arm 16. In this way, the first arm 16 is offset relative to the second portion 14, at substantially a right angle.

The first arm 16 is swivellably connected to the second portion 14 at a swivel point 36 between the second portion 14 and the offset part 34. In this way, the first arm 16 is swivellable relative to the second portion 14 about an axis 38 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

This arrangement, in effect, means that the engagement part 24 is able to swivel (with the first arm 16) relative to the second portion 14 about an axis parallel with the axis 38. The axes 22 and 38 are substantially orthogonal.

The second arm 18 comprises an engagement part 40 and a shank-like portion 42. The engagement part 40 is arranged to engage with a cycle 100b. The engagement part 40 is provided at a location on the second arm 18 spaced from the first engagement part 24 of the first arm 16.

The engagement part 40 may be provided near the distal end of the second arm 18 such that the engagement part 40 is spaced from the first engagement part 24 substantially by the shank-like portion 42.

The engagement part 40 may be substantially forked or yoke-like in structure and r comprises a pair of strip-like engagement members 44. The strip-like engagement members 44 branch away from each other from a convergence 46 and then extend in a substantially parallel manner to respective ends 48. The strip-like engagement members 44 each have a hole 50 near their respective ends 48.

The second arm 18 is pivotal relative to the first arm 16 about an axis 52. The first arm 16 may be provided with a lug 54 on each side. A pin is provided between the lugs 54 to mount pivotally the second arm 18 at its proximal end.

Figure 4 shows a detail of an engagement part 53 of a security device 10' in accordance •with a second embodiment of the present invention. The security device 10' of the second embodiment is the same at the security device of the first embodiment apart from the structure of the engagement part 53. The security device 10' of the second embodiment is shown in Figure 5.

The engagement part 53 of the security device 10' is made of substantially U-shaped strip-like engagement members 56 and 58. The strip-like engagement members 56 are spaced apart by the strip-like engagement member 58. The strip-like engagement members 56 each have a hole 59 near their ends.

The second arm 18 of the security device 10' of the second embodiment has an offset portion 60 at its distal end remote from the first engagement part 24.

Preferably, the offset part 60 extends downwardly when the second arm 18 is in its extended position (as seen in Figure 5).

The engagement part 53 is swivellably connected to the second arm 18 via the strip-like engagement member 58 and the offset portion 60 at a swivel point 62. In this way, the engagement part 53 is swiveUable relative to the second aim 18 about an axis 64 as shown in Figure 4.

The remainder of the security device 10' is the same as the security device 10 hereinbefore described.

The manner of use and operation of the security devices 10, 10' of the present invention will now be described. 6 r Firstly, a security device 10,10* is affixed to the wall 102 (or other suitable support) via the first portion 12. To do this, the height of the portion 106a/106b of the frame 104a/104b of a cycle lOOa/lOOb at "which the engagement parts 24, 40 or 53 will engage is measured. The first portion 12 is affixed to the wall 102 at this height by drilling appropriately positioned holes into the wall 102 and then affixing the first portion 12 thereto by the screws 20 etc, ensuring sufficient clearance between the ground to enable the first and second arms 16 and 18 to swing (pivot) down when not in use, i.e. into the non-operational condition of the security device 10,10'. This condition is shown in Figure 2.

The first arm 16 is pivotal with the second portion 14 about the axis 22 between a first, non-operational condition (shown in Figure 2) and a second, operational condition shown in Figures 1 and 5. The first arm 16 is also in the second, operational condition in Figure 3.

In the first, non-operational condition, the first arm 16 and the second arm 18 extend downwardly adjacent the wall 102, as can be seen in Figure 2.

The second arm 18 is pivotal with the first arm 16 (since they are connected) about the axis 22 between the first, non-operational condition and the second, operational condition. The security devices 10,10' of the present invention enables one or two cycles to be secured.

When it is desired to secure a first cycle 100a using a security device 10, 10', the first arm 16 is pivoted, upwardly about the axis 22 to the second, operational condition which is substantially horizontal This is shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5. A portion 106a of the frame 104a of the cycle 100a is engaged by the engagement part 24 of the first arm 16 as ban be seen in Figures 1 and 5, with the portion 106a of the frame 104a of the cycle 100a being received between the curved portions 28.

The shackle 107 of a padlock 108 (shown in Figure 1) is then inserted through the holes 32 in the lugs 30 and locked. This is best seen in Figure 1, where the padlock 108 is shown in broken lines. 270838 7 r Since the'first arm 16 is swivellable relative to the second portion 14 via the swivel point 36, the engagement part 24 moves in a like manner with the first arm 16, as hereinbefore described, around the axis 38. This enables the security devices 10,10' to be used for securing an angled part of the frame 104a of a cycle 100a. Thus, this enables the security devices 10,10' to be used to secure men's or women's cycles using the first ann 16.

If only one cycle 100a is to be secured by a security device 10,10' it is preferable that the first arm 16 is used. In such an instance, the second arm 18 may be pivoted from its second, operational condition shown in Figures 1 and 5 to a third, non-operational condition of the second arm 18 shown in Figure 3 where the second arm 18 overlies the first arm 16.

It will be apparent that it is also possible to pivot the second arm 18 to its third, non-operational condition from its first, non-operational condition. The first arm 16 (together with the second arm 18) can then be pivotted via the axis 22 to the second, operational condition, shown in Figure 3, in which a cycle 100a may be secured by the first arm 16.

However, if it is required to secure two cycles 100a, 100b using the security device 10,10' then the second arm 18 is pivotted to its second, operational condition (if it is not already in such condition) shown in Figures 1 and 5 (in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1). A portion 106b of the frame 104b of a second cycle 100b is then engaged by the engagement part 40 (first embodiment) or 53 (second embodiment) of the second arm 18 as can be seen in Figures 1 and 5.

Once again, the shackle 107 of a padlock 108 is inserted through the holes 48 of the engagement pait 40/53 and locked. This can be seen in Figures 1,4 and 5.

Since the first arm 16 is swivellable relative to the second portion 14 and the second arm 18 is connected with the first arm 16, the first and second arms 16 and 18 of the security device 10 of the first embodiment can be together swivelled relative to the second portion 14.

The engagement parts 24,40 of the first and second arms 16 and 18 move in a like manner 270838 8 (with the'first and second arms 16 and 18) such that they can engage an angled portion of respective cycle frames 104a, 104b. However, the portions 106a, 106b engaged by the engagement parts 24,40 need to be substantially parallel.

Since the engagement part 53 of the security device 10' of the second embodiment is swivellable relative to second arm 18 via the swivel point 62, the engagement part 53 can be turned via the swivel point 62 to accommodate an angled portion 106b of the frame 104b of the second cycle 100b, even if the portion 106a of the frame 104 engaged by the engagement part 24 of the first arm 16 is angled differently. Thus, the engagement part 53 of the second arm 18 of the security device 10' can engage an angled portion 106b of the frame 104b of cycle 100b whilst the engagement part 24 of the first arm 16 engages a straight portion 106a of the frame 104a of a cycle 100a or (vice versa).

Accordingly, the engagement part 53 of the second arm 18 (of the security device 10') enables the security device 10' to simultaneously secure a men's cycle 100a and a women's cycle 100b. This is because the engagement part 24 and the engagement part 53 are independently swivellable relative to one another.

As an alternative to the engagement part 53 being swivellably connected to the second arm 18, the second arm 18 may be provided such that it is swivellably connected relative to the first arm 16. In such a case, the engagement part 53 can be replaced with the engagement part 24. In this way, the engagement parts 24/40 of the first and second arms 16 and 18 would be independently swivellable relative to each other to engage portions 106a, 106b of cycle frames 104a, 104b which are angled differently.

The security device of the present invention may be provided to secure more than two cycles. For example, a security device for securing three cycles has a third arm pivotally connected to the distal end of the second arm 18. A third engagement part 40/53 is provided at the distal end of the third arm. The second arm 18 is provided with an engagement part 24, or an engagement part of a different form which enables the engagement parts of all three arms to independently swivel relative to one another. Once again, as an alternative to the engagement parts of the second and third arms being 270838 9 swivellable relative to their respective arms, the second and third arms may be provided such that they are swivellable relative to the first and second arms, respectively, at their respective proximal ends. Similarly, a security device may be provided to secure four, five, etc. cycles by adding additional arms and engagement parts.

In the second, operational condition of the first arm 16 of the security devices 10,10', the screws 20 which affix the first portion 12 to the wall 102 are covered and not accessible. The screws 20 are covered by the second portion 14 in the second, operational condition of the first arm 16. The second portion 14 covers the first portion 12 and the screws 20 (in the second, operational condition of the first arm 16) such that the second portion 14 lies adjacent the first portion 12 in a substantially face to face arrangement. This can be seen in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings.

Further, the first portion 12 is covered by the second portion 14 when the first arm 16 is in its second, operational condition, notwithstanding that the second arm 18 may be in its third, non-operational condition as shown in Figure 3.

Thus, the use of padlocks 108 securely locks the frames 104a, 104b of the cycles 100a, 100b to the engagement parts 24, 40/53 of the security device 10, 10* and the second portion 14 covers the screws 20 which prevents access thereto and thereby prevents someone from stealing the cycles 100a, 100b by attempting to remove the security device 10, 10' from its mounting to the wall 102.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed within the scope of the present invention. For example, the first arm 16 may be provided / wi+K -wher» an outwardly facing U-shaped clip. This would enable the second arm 18 to be pivoted from the position shown in Figure 2 to a position at which it was disposed adjacent the first arm 16 and retained in position by engagement with U-shaped clip. Preferably, the U-shaped clip would be dimpled to ensure positive engagement. Thus, in the non-operational condition of the attachment means 11, the second arm 18 would be retained in a position adjacent to the first arm 16. 270838 The U-shaped clip would also be of use in the operational condition of the attachment means 11 shown in Figure 3. 11 270838

Claims

1. A security device which is able to secure simultaneously at least two cycles comprising: an attachment means arranged to be affixed to a support means by fixing means; a first arm means extending from the attachment means; a second arm means extending from the first arm means; the first arm means being connected to the attachment means and the second arm means being pivotally connected to the first arm means; the first and second arm means being provided with first and second engagement means respectively, arranged to engage respective first and second cycles, the first engagement means being spaced from the attachment means and the second engagement means being spaced from the first engagement means; the first arm means being movable from a non-operational condition to an operational condition at which a first cycle is securable and the second arm means being pivotal relative to the first arm means from a non-operational condition to a second operational position at which a second cycle is securable.

2. A security device according to claim 1, in which the attachment means comprises first and second portions, the second portion being pivotally connected to the first portion and being pivotal relative to the first portion about a Irst axis and the first portion being arranged to be affixed to the support means bymxing means.

3. A security device according to claim 2, in which the first arm means is connected to the second portion and is pivotal with the second portion about the first axis between the non-operational condition and the operational condition.

4. A security device according to claim 2 or 3, in which ~ jperational conditions of the first and second arm means, the first arm means depends from the attachment means and the second arm means may depend from the first arm means.

5. A security device according to claim 3 or 4, in which the second arm means is pivotal to a non-operational condition where it is located adjacent the first arm means and 27J amrmeanMs is then pivoted with the first arm means about the first axis when the first moved from its-fifflt-non-operational condition to its aooond operational condition.

6. A security device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the second arm means is pivotal to an operational condition at which it is extended from the first arm means.

7. A security device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, in which the fixing means is covered by the second portion in the ooooad operational condition of the first arm means.

8. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first arm means is swivdlably connected to the attachment means so that the first engagement means can adopt different positions.

9. A security device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second engagement means is swivellably connected to the second arm means or the second arm means is swivellably connected to the first arm means so that the second engagement means can adopt different positions.

10. A security device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.