WO1992002400A1

WO1992002400A1 - Bicycle anti-theft device

Info

Publication number: WO1992002400A1
Application number: PCT/AU1991/000325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Charles Mathews; John Hepi Rankin
Original assignee: Ian Charles Mathews; John Hepi Rankin
Priority date: 1990-08-01
Filing date: 1991-07-24
Publication date: 1992-02-20

Abstract

An integral retractable bicycle anti-theft device (1) comprises a cylindrical sleeve (2) forming a part of the seat mounting tube (3) and an elongate flexible element (10) disposed within the sleeve (2) and passing out through an aperture (11) in the sleeve (2). The element (10) comprises a pair of wire ropes (12) incorporating at their remote ends releasably engageable locking elements (21, 22) and joined together at corresponding adjacent ends within the sleeve (2) by a connecting bracket (13) of a diameter such as to prevent complete withdrawal of the wire ropes (12) form the sleeve (2). The cylindrical sleeve (2) may also form an integral part of the bicycle frame and the elongate flexible element (10) and releasably engageable locking elements (21, 22) may take other forms.

Description

Title: BICYCLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for bicycles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the past, in order to discourage or prevent the theft of bicycles, it has been known to secure the bicycle to a fixed structure such as a telegraph pole by means of a length of chain and a padlock. Similar devices make use of a length of flexible wire rope or cable incorporating releaseably interengageable locking elements to enable the frame of the bicycle to be releaseably secured to the fixed structure.

In each case, however, it is necessary for the rider to carry and store the relatively heavy length of chain or wire rope when not in use. This is cumbersome. tiresome, socially undesirable, and potentially dangerous for the rider whilst riding the bicycle.

It is also known to provide a bicycle anti-theft device in the form of a large padlock having an elongat shackle adapted to extend between the spokes of one of the bicycle wheels. The extended padlock is used to lock the wheel to the supporting forks of the frame in order to prevent rotation of the wheel. However, these devices have been found to be unsatisfactory in practice, because they can be circumvented relatively easily by removal of the bicycle wheel, or by carrying the entire bicycle away with the lock still in place. Moreover, as with the chains and flexible cables discussed above, these extended padlock devices are cumbersome for the rider to carry and store when not in use.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle anti-theft device which overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least some of these disadvantages of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention consists in a bicycle anti-theft device to releaseably secure a bicycle to a fixed structure, said anti-theft device comprising a partially hollow generally tubular frame member, an elongate flexible element disposed at least partially within the frame member and passing out through an aperture therein, said flexible element being mσveable between a retracted position substantially concealed within the frame member and an operative position wherein a substantial portion of the flexible element extends outwardly from the frame member through the aperture, barrier means to prevent complete withdrawal of the flexible element from within the frame, and locking means to permit a loop of the flexible element extended in the operative position to be releasably secured around the fixed structure.

Preferably, the elongate flexible element includes a length of wire rope, incorporating an enlarged end portion to prevent complete retraction within the frame member through the aperture.

Preferably also, the device further includes resilient bias means in the form of a spring to urge the flexible element toward the retracted position when not in use.

In one preferred embodiment, the locking means comprises a first locking element mounted to the remote end of the wire rope, and a second complementary locking element fixed to the bicycle frame, the first and second locking elements being releaseably engageable to selectively secure a loop of the rope in the operative position around the fixed structure.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the device - A - includes a pair of the flexible elements, joined together at corresponding adjacent ends within the fram member, the operative end of each flexible element passing out through the aperture. Preferably, each flexible element terminates in a closed loop formation, whereby the elements can be joined together by a padlock, or similar locking means to form a closed loop around the fixed structure.

In another preferred embodiment, however, the remote end of one of the flexible elements includes a first locking element, and the remote end of the other flexible element includes a second locking element. The first and second locking elements in this embodiment are releaseably engageable to secure the remote ends of the flexible elements together to form a closed loop around the fixed structure.

The barrier means preferably comprises a retaining pin extending transversely through a hollow region of the frame member intermediate the flexible elements, to prevent complete withdrawal from within the frame.

It should also be appreciated that the invention includes within its scope embodiments where the frame member comprises a tubular sleeve adapted to be inserted into a corresponding frame section of the bicycle, as well as embodiments wherein the frame member forms an integral part of a bicycle frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to th accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cut-away sectional view showing a first embodiment of the bicycle anti-theft device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment;

Figure 3 shows details of the method of connection of the flexible elements of the embodiment of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a series of views showing a third embodiment of the invention, incorporated into a bicycle handle bar;

Figure 5 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure A in use, securing a bicycle to a fixed structure

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment fitted to the cross bar of a bicycle frame.

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention, adapted to be fitted to a rear down-tube of a bicycle.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring firstly to Figure 1 of the drawings, the invention consists in a bicycle anti-theft device 1 to releaseably secure a bicycle (not shown) to a fixed structure such as a telegraph pole (also not shown). The device comprises a partially hollow generally tubular frame member 2 in the form of a cylindrical tubular sleeve. In this embodiment, the frame member 2 forms part of a seat mounting tube 3 retained within th rear downtube 4 of the bicycle frame. The axial position of the seat mounting tube 3 within downtube 4 is selectively adjustable by means of circumferential clamping bracket 5 to permit adjustment of the bicycle seat height in the conventional manner.

An elongate flexible element 10 is disposed partially within the frame member 2 and passes out through an aperture 11 formed therein. The flexible element 10 is moveable between a retracted position substantially concealed within the frame (as shown in Figure 1) and an operative position wherein a substantial portion extends outwardly from the frame through the aperture. In this embodiment, the flexible element 10 comprises a pair of wire ropes 12 joined together at corresponding adjacent ends within the frame member by connecting bracket 13 which is sized to prevent the bracket from passing out through the aperture. Thus, the aperture 11, in conjunction with connecting bracket 13 of larger effective diameter constitutes barrier means 15 preventing complete withdrawal of the wire ropes from within the frame.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the remote end of one of the wire ropes incorporates a first locking element 21, and the remote end of the other wire rope incorporates a second complementary locking element 22. The first and second locking elements 21 and 22 are releaseably engageable to secure the remote ends of the wire ropes together in the operative position around th fixed structure and the bicycle frame in a closed loop configuration to prevent theft of the bicycle. It is preferred that the apparatus includes resilient bias means in the form of a spring (not shown) to urge the flexible elements towards the retracted position when not in use. In either case, the locking elements are made sufficiently large to prevent complete withdrawal of the wire ropes into the frame member through the aperture. This configuration enables the ropes to be fully retracted either manually or under the biasing action of the spring where fitted so as to be concealed within the frame member, with the locking elements conveniently protruding from the aperture, out of sight under the seat, and ready for use when required to lock the bicycle.

In alternative embodiments, however, each wire rope may simply terminate in a closed loop formation, permitting the ropes to be joined together around the fixed structure in the operative position by a conventional padlock or similar locking means. Moreover, the aperture 11 may simply be the open end of the seat mounting tube in which case the locking elements are conveniently housed directly under the seat when not required for use. A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 2, wherein corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In this embodiment, the two wire ropes 12 protrude from respective spaced apart apertures 11 formed in opposite sides of the front down-tube of the bicycle frame. The wire ropes are joined together at corresponding adjacent ends within the frame by hinged brackets 25 (as shown in Figure 3) which are sized to prevent complete withdrawal of the wire ropes through either aperture. In this way, as in the embodiment of Figure 1, it will be appreciated that the apertures 11, together with the hinged brackets 25 of larger effective minimum dimension, constitute the barrier means 15.

Figures 4 and 5 show a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the anti-theft device forms part of a handle bar 30 of the bicycle. In this embodiment, the wire ropes 12 and associated first and second locking elements 21 and 22 extend axially outwardly from a remote end of the handle bar. The locking elements are releaseably restrained in the retracted position by complementary end bracket 31. The barrier means comprises a plug 32 disposed intermediate the wire ropes and retained within the handle bar by transverse retaining pin 35.

Figure 5 shows a variation of the embodiment of Figure 4, wherein the flexible element comprises only a single wire rope 12. The locking means comprises a first locking element 36 mounted to the operative end of the wire rope, and a second complementary locking element 37 fixed to the front fork of the bicycle frame. As in the embodiments described above, the first and second locking elements are releaseably engageable as shown to selective secure the flexible element in the operative position in a closed loop around the fixed structure.

Turning now to Figure 6 showing a fourth embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a tubular frame member in the form of cylindrical sleeve 40 nestingly disposed and captively retained within a complementary section of a cross-bar 41 of the bicycle frame. In this case, the wire ropes 12 extend through spaced apart holes 42 in an end wall of the sleeve 40, which acts in conjunction with the connecting bracket (not shown) joining adjacent ends of the wire ropes within the frame to form the barrier means preventing complete withdrawal of the ropes from the frame.

Finally, in Figure 7, the tubular frame comprises a generally cylindrical frame member 50 adapted to be slidably inserted into and secured at least partially within the rear down tube of the bycicle frame. As in the embodiment of Figure 1, the frame member 50 forms part of a mounting tube configured to support the bicycle seat. In this embodiment, however, the barrier means 15 comprises a necked down section 52 of the mounting tube defining a transitional annular shoulder 53 of reducing diameter. The connecting member 13 is formed in the shape of a plug 54 having larger effectiv diameter, whereby the maximum outward extension of the wire ropes corresponds to the point at which the plug 5 abuttingly engages annular shoulder 53. In use, the wire ropes extend outwardly through the aperture define at the top of the tube, immediately under the seat. Each rope terminates in a closed loop, permitting the ropes to be joined in the operative position by a conventional padlock or other suitable locking means.

Turning now to describe the operation of the device, which is essentially the same in each case, when the bicycle is in use, the flexible elements are stored in the retracted position and are thereby substantially concealed from view within the frame member. Only the locking elements connected to the operative ends of the wire ropes protrude from their respective apertures. When the rider wishes to leave the bicycle unattended, the wire ropes are simply extended manually from the frame into the operative position, against the biasing force of the retracting spring where relevant. Once a fixed structure has been located, the flexible elements are threaded around the bicycle frame and then around the fixed structure to form a closed loop. The locking elements are then engaged to secure the bicycle. The bicycle is released by a reverse of this procedure.

In the event that no fixed structure is available, the wire ropes can simply be threaded around the bicycle frame and through the spokes of one of the wheels, to prevent rotation of that wheel and thereby provide a measure of theft deterrent.

It will be appreciated that there is no need to store or separately carry the anti-theft device according to the invention when not in use. It is simple, convenient and safe to use, involves a minimal number of moving parts, and does not hinder the rider in any way. The invention therefore represents a commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the flexible element need not be a wire rope, but could comprise a chain or any other suitable partially flexible material.

Claims

1. A bicycle anti-theft device to releasably secure a bicycle to a fixed structure, said anti-theft device comprising a partially hollow generally tubular frame member, an elongate flexible element disposed at least partially within the frame member and passing out. through an aperture therein, said flexible element being moveable between a retracted position substantially concealed within the frame member and an operative position wherein a substantial portion of the flexible element extends outwardly from the frame member through the aperture, barrier means to prevent complete withdrawal of the flexible element from within the frame, and locking means to permit a loop of the flexible element extended in the operative position to be releasably secured around the fixed structure.

2. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 1, wherein said elongate flexible element includes an enlarged end portion to prevent complete retraction of the flexible element within the frame member, through the aperture.

3. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 1 or claim 2 further including resilient bias means to urge the flexible element toward the retracted position.

4. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said locking means includes a loop formed in the remote end of the flexible element and adapted for releasable engagement in the operative position with a padlock.

5. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said locking means comprises a first locking element mounted to the remote end of the flexible element, and a second complementary locking element fixed to the bicycle frame, the first and second locking elements being releaseably engageable to selectively secure a loop of the flexible element in the operative position around the fixed structure.

6. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a pair of flexible elements, joined together at corresponding adjacent ends within the frame member, the operative end of each said flexible element passing out through the aperture.

7. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 6 wherein each said flexible element terminates in a closed loop formation, whereby the flexible elements can be joined together around the fixed structure in the operative position by said locking means.

8. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 6 wherein the remote end of one of said flexible elements includes a first locking element, and the remote end of the other of said flexible elements includes a second locking element, the first and second locking elements being releaseably engageable to secure the remote ends of the flexible elements together around the fixed structure in the operative position.

9. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 6 to 8 further including resilient bias means to urge the flexible elements toward the retracted position.

10. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein at least one of said first and said second locking elements is sufficiently large to prevent complete withdrawal of the associated flexible element into the frame member through the aperture.

11. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein said corresponding adjacent ends of the flexible elements are secured together within the frame member by hinge means.

12. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein said barrier means comprises a retaining bar extending transversely through a hollow region of the frame member, intermediate the flexible elements, to prevent complete outward withdrawal of the flexible elements from within the frame.

13. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein said barrier means includes an enlarged end portion of said flexible elements disposed within the frame member, said end portion being effectively larger than said aperture to prevent complete outward withdrawal of the flexible elements from within the frame.

14. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 13 wherein said tubular frame member incorporates a section of reduced diameter defining a substantially annular shoulder within the frame member, and wherein said enlarged end portion includes a plug having larger effective diameter than said section of reduced diameter, whereby the maximum outward extension of the flexible elements from within the frame corresponds to a point at which the plug abuttingly engages the annular shoulder.

15. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claim 1 to 14 wherein said tubular frame member comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve adapted to be slidably inserted into and secured within a complementary section of a bicycle frame.

16. A bicycle anti-theft device according to claim 15 wherein said complementary section of the bicycle frame i a rear down-tube, wherein said frame member forms part of a seat mounting tube, and wherein said aperture, in use, is disposed immediately below a seat of the bicycle.

17. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said frame member forms part of a bicycle handle bar.

18. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said frame member forms part of a cross bar of a bicycle frame.

19. A bicycle anti-theft device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein said frame member forms an integral part of a bicycle frame.

20. A bicycle anti-theft device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.