WO2001096697A1 - A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall and use of such a lock - Google Patents

A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall and use of such a lock Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001096697A1
WO2001096697A1 PCT/DK2001/000425 DK0100425W WO0196697A1 WO 2001096697 A1 WO2001096697 A1 WO 2001096697A1 DK 0100425 W DK0100425 W DK 0100425W WO 0196697 A1 WO0196697 A1 WO 0196697A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
legs
locking
lock
vehicle
fixed structure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2001/000425
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jens Chr. Langhoff
Original Assignee
Langhoff Jens Chr
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Langhoff Jens Chr filed Critical Langhoff Jens Chr
Priority to AU65824/01A priority Critical patent/AU6582401A/en
Publication of WO2001096697A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001096697A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B67/00—Padlocks; Details thereof
    • E05B67/36—Padlocks with closing means other than shackles ; Removable locks, the lock body itself being the locking element; Padlocks consisting of two separable halves or cooperating with a stud
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B71/00—Locks specially adapted for bicycles, other than padlocks
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
    • E05B73/0082—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall
  • US 3.800.570 describes a locking apparatus for locking a bicycle to a stationary post.
  • the locking apparatus comprises three parts.
  • a shackle having a pair of legs, a bolt in the shape of a plate being able to cross said legs of the shackle, and a pad lock with a hasp for securing the bolt to the shackle when the bolt has been brought into engagement with the shackle.
  • the shackle is provided with a casing that is intended for enclosing the hasp of the pad lock when the parts of the locking apparatus are in engagement with each other. Thereby it is difficult to gain access to the of the pad lock.
  • this locking apparatus has some disadvantages. Firstly, the size of the shackle is rather cumbersome because of the shackle being provided with the casing for enclosing the hasp of the pad lock making it difficult to put the shackle around the wheel and the frame of the bicycle and also around the stationary post. Secondly, welding is necessary for providing the shackle with the casing. Thirdly, the access to the bolt is possible, so although the access to the hasp of the pad lock is difficult the blot may be tampered in order to break the locking apparatus. Fourthly, because of the size of shackle, it is not easy to bring the locking apparatus along with the bicycle in order to lock the bicycle to a post at the location where the bicycle is placed.
  • the lock may be used when locking a vehicle itself, but not to a stationary post or the like, which may not be available at the location, but must also be possible to use at locations where a stationary post or the like is available.
  • a lock wherein a first part consisting of a first U-shaped member having two elongate legs extending in planes parallel to a longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in at least one plane transverse to said longitudinal direction and said elongate legs having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the legs of the first part, and a third part comprising a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism having second locking means for engaging with the first locking means of the first part and having further means for engaging with the second part in order to maintain the first part and the second part in mutual engagement with each other by locking the first part and the second
  • the object of locking a computer is obtained with a lock where a first part consisting of an elongated toothed member having a toothing extending along a longitudinal direction of the first member and an elongated slotted member havin a slot extending through the member, and said toothing of the toothed member being intended for engagement with the slot of the slotted member, and either of these two members in one end having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, and the other of these two members in another end having means for engaging with connection means between a first set of a first part and an opposing second set of a first part, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the one end of the first part, and a third part comprising
  • first part and a second part with elongate legs or elongated members makes it possible to provide a kind of casing in which the locking mechanism is to be placed.
  • the locking parts themselves have the purposes of forming a locking part that are able to lock the vehicle or the computer when all of the locking parts are in mutual engagement, but also of protecting the locking mechanism from being tampered. No special means are provided for protecting the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism is protected through the design of the individual parts of the lock.
  • the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of each the elongate legs of the first part, and the first part and second part being intended for being mutually displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the elongate legs of the first part are displaced through both the slits made in each of the elongate legs of the second part.
  • the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in at least one of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of the one end of either the toothed member or the slotted member of the first part, and the respective member of the first part and the second part being intended for mutual displacement in the longitudinal direction so that the one end of the respective member of the the first part is displaced through the slits made in the elongate legs of the second part.
  • the second part with slits that are intended for taking up the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the elongated members of opposed first parts, and by displacing the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the members of the opposed first parts through the slits made in the legs of the second part, a technically simple but efficient engagement is provided between the first part and the second part.
  • the means for engagement eliminates the need for welding and other working processes that are needed for joining of parts. The only working processes that are needed are cutting or milling in order to make the slits in the legs of the second part. Not even working of the first part is necessary for enabling engagement between the first part and the second part.
  • the first locking means of the first part consist of slits made in the elongate legs of the first part and the locking means of the third part consist of tongues extending outwardly from the third part and being intended for extension into the slits made in the elongate legs of the first part so that the third part is mutually locked in relation to the first part in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • the locking means of the third part may simply be tongues extending through said slits.
  • the tongues may be brought into engagement with the slits when the parts of the lock are in engagement with each other and the engagement between the slits and the tongues provides the locking of the parts in relation to each other.
  • the elongate legs of the first part or one ends of members of opposed first parts, respectively are parallel and have a mutual distance d, where the slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part have a mutual distance d, and where the legs of the first part or the elongate members of the opposed first parts, respectively, when displaced through the slits of both the legs of the second part extend between the legs and beyond the legs of the second part thereby constituting a box-shaped casing being closed along five out of six sides, and the third part is intended for being placed between the elongate legs of the second part by displacing the third part parallel to the planes of the elongate legs of the second part and accordingly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and where a top of the third part constitutes the sixth side of the box-shaped casing.
  • the lock may be used in itself to lock as example a wheel of the vehicle to a chassis or a frame of the vehicle, making it impossible to use the vehicle, but nevertheless making it possible to remove the entire vehicle with the lock attached.
  • the lock may be used in connection with a fixed structure such as a post or a wall of a building.
  • a fixed structure such as a post or a wall of a building.
  • at least one of the parts of the lock must be fixed to the fixed structure.
  • the part or parts of the lock that are to be fixed to the fixed structure have one end of a wire, a chain or other linkage means being attached to it and the other end of the linkage means being attached to the fixed structure.
  • the locking of a bicycle may be combined with a small payment in order to prevent persons from just locking the lock for fun.
  • the person having locked the lock may bring the key along for use when the person returns to the bicycle.
  • the other two parts may be taken along with the vehicle.
  • These two parts may be used individually separate from the second part for locking a wheel of the vehicle to the chassis or the frame of the vehicle, and can also be used to lock the vehicle to a fixed structure by encircling with the first part the fixed structure such as a post and also either or both the wheel and the frame.
  • the fixed structure such as a post and also either or both the wheel and the frame.
  • fig. 1 is a drawing of the three parts of the lock for locking of a vehicle and viewed in an exploded view
  • fig. 2 is a drawing of the three parts of the lock for locking of a vehicle and viewed in mutual engagement of the parts
  • fig. 3 and fig. 4 are drawings of different members and parts of the lock for locking of a computer cabinet and viewed in an exploded view
  • fig. 5 is a drawing of the parts of the lock for locking of a computer and viewed in mutual engagement of the parts.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the lock for locking af vehicle.
  • the lock consists of three parts 1 ,2,3.
  • a first 1 part is shaped like a U.
  • a second part 2 is shaped substantially like a U.
  • a third part 3 is provided with a locking mechanism 4.
  • the three parts 1 ,2,3 are intended for mutual engagement (see fig. 2).
  • the first part has legs 5,6 extending in planes P5, P6 parallel with a longitudinal direction L.
  • the legs 5,6 have a length 15, 16 between 100 mm and 300mm.
  • the first part 1 also has a transverse section 7 extending in all in a plane P7 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse section has an arc-shaped extension.
  • the first part 1 has a rectangular cross section C1.
  • the dimensions of the cross section C1 may vary, but preferred dimensions are a height hi of between 10 mm and 50 mm and a width w1 between 2 mm and 10 mm.
  • the legs 5,6 have slots 8,9 provided between outer ends 10,11 of the legs and intersections 12,13 between the legs 5,6 and the transverse section 7. The slots 8,9 are intended for engagement of locking tongues of the locking mechanism (see below).
  • a space S is formed between the legs 5,6.
  • the space S is being provided for passing through of elements of a vehicle that is to be locked to a fixed structure, alternatively also for surrounding of a fixed structure to which the vehicle is to be locked (see description further below).
  • the second part 2 also has legs 14,15, however extending in planes P14, P15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.
  • the legs 14,15 have a length 114, 115 between 3 mm and 10 mm.
  • the second part 2 also has a transverse section 16 extending in all in a plane P16 parallel with the longitudinal direction L and the transverse section 16 has a linear extension.
  • the second part 2 also has a rectangular cross section C2.
  • the dimensions of the cross section C2 may vary, but preferred dimensions are a width w2 of between 3 mm and 10. mm and a thickness t2 between 2 mm and 10 mm.
  • the legs 14,15 have slots 17,18 provided between outer ends 19,20 of the legs 14,15 and intersections 21 ,22 between the legs 14,15 and the transverse section 16. The slots 17,18 are intended for passing through of the legs 5,6 of the first part 1.
  • the third part 3 has an inverted U-like element 23 with the transverse part of the U being a plate-like element.
  • the U-like element 23 contains the locking mechanism 24.
  • Locking tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism extend outwardly from the U-like element 23 containing the locking mechanism 24.
  • a keyhole 27 for inserting a key (not shown) to operate the locking mechanism is accessible from the top of the plate-like element.
  • the tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism will be pulled into the U-like element 23 when the locking mechanism is operated to an unlocked condition, and the tongues 25,26 will be pushed out of the U-like element 23 when the locking mechanism is operated to a locked condition.
  • the tongues 25,26 will extend into the slots 8,9 provided in the legs 5,6 of the first part 1.
  • the element could be a cube-like element with a plate-like element mounted on top of the cube-like element and the locking mechanism contained in the cube-like element.
  • the cross section C1 of the legs 5,6 and the transverse section 7 of the first part 1 and the cross section C2 of the legs 14,15 and the transverse section 16 of second part 2 may be different than rectangular.
  • the cross-section may be round, oval or triangular.
  • the dimensions of the first part and the second part may be different than the ones mentioned. This may depend on the type of vehicle that the lock are to be used for, the dimensions being smaller of a lock for a bicycle than the dimensions of a lock for a motor cycle.
  • the parts 1,2,3 of the lock may be made from any suitable material, that is materials that are sufficiently durable towards possible attempts to tamper with the parts of the lock.
  • the lock is made of a corrosion resistant material, as the lock mostly will be used outdoor.
  • a preferred material is a very durable and light material such as the material marketed under the trademark ALFORM ® .
  • the different parts of the lock may be made from different materials.
  • One or more parts of the lock may be coated with plastic or other material suitable for reducing the risk of scratching elements of the vehicle that are being used when locking the vehicle to a fixed structure
  • Fig. 2 shows the three parts 1 ,2,3 of the lock when being mutually engaged. Engagement of the three parts takes place in the following manner: The legs 5,6 of the first part 1 are inserted into and passed through initially the slots 17 of the one of the legs 14 of the second part 2 and subsequently the slots 18 of the other of the legs 15 of the second part 2. Thereby, the first part 1 is locked to the second part 2 in all directions being non-parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Also, the transverse section 16 of the second part 2 forms a bottom of a box-like structure, and the legs 5,6 of the first part 1 and the legs 14,15 of the second part 2 form sides of the box-like structure.
  • the U-like element 23 of the third part 3 and containing the locking mechanism are inserted into the box-like structure.
  • the locking mechanism is in its unlocked condition and the thus the tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism are pulled into the U-like element 23. Otherwise, it would not be possible to insert the U-like element 23 into the box-like structure.
  • edges of the plate-like element 24 (see fig. 1) is resting against inner surfaces of the legs 5,6 of the first part 1 and against inner surfaces of the legs 14J5 of the second part 2. The plate-like element 24 then forms a lid of the box-like structure.
  • the U-like element containing the locking mechanism is completely enclosed in the box-like structure. Thereafter the locking mechanism may be operated to its locked condition by a key inserted through the keyhole. The tongues will be pushed out of the U- like element and into the slots provided in the legs of the first part. Thereby the third element is locked to the first element and as the first part is engagement with the second part, then all three parts are mutually locked to each other. Because the locking mechanism is completely enclosed in the box-like structure that is formed when the three parts are mutually engaged then it is no access at all to the locking mechanism.
  • the legs of the first part are passed both around an element of the vehicle to be locked and around a fixed structure.
  • both the element of the vehicle and the fixed structure extend through the space formed between the legs of the first part.
  • the legs of the first part are passed around a bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle and the legs are also passed around a fixed structure such as a post or the like.
  • the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and mutually locked together whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure.
  • one of the three parts of the lock is permanently secured to a fixed structure such as a post or a building by means of a wire, a chain, a rod or other means for securing the part of the lock to the fixed structure.
  • the legs of the first part are passed around a bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle. Thereafter, the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and locked whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure.
  • the vehicle must be within a distance to the fixed structure being shorter than a length of the securing means such as a wire between the lock and the fixed structure.
  • the legs of the first part are passed around a part of bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle. Either before that or just subsequent to passing the legs around the part of the bicycle, then the loops, the links, the annular sections are brought over the legs. Thereafter, the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and locked whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure.
  • the vehicle must be within a distance to the fixed structure being shorter than the reaching distance between the loops, links or annular sections of the wire, chain or curved rod a length of the securing means.
  • the lock In the first situation of use, the lock must be brought along when travelling with the vehicle in order to have the lock ready when locking the vehicle to the fixed structure. This is an advantage for having the possibility of locking the vehicle to any fixed structure that the legs of the first part can surround, irrespective of where the fixed structure is situated.
  • the vehicle can be locked both to any fixed structure and also at places where the second part is secured to a fixed structure.
  • this is done without the use of the second part of the lock.
  • the tamper proof of the lock is limited and hence also the safety of the locking of the vehicle.
  • it will be possible in any case to bring along a second part. If the vehicle is placed at a location where a second part is secured to the fixed structure, then this second part can be used, and thus the second part brought along need not be used. However, if the vehicle is placed at a location where no second part is secured to the fixed structure, then the second part brought along can be used in order to have the vehicle locked optimally.
  • the lock In the first situation of use, in the fourth situation of use, the lock must be brought along when travelling with the vehicle in order to have the lock ready when locking the vehicle to the fixed structure. Together with the lock, the securing means such as the wire, the chain or the curved rod must be brought along. It is an advantage to have all of the parts of the lock together with the securing means brought along for having the possibility of locking the vehicle to any fixed structure that the securing means can surround, irrespective of where the fixed structure is situated.
  • the lock When a vehicle is to be locked to the fixed structure, then the lock is unlocked, the legs of the first part are passed around an element of the vehicle such as around the tire and rim or around the a tube of the frame of a bicycle. Then the three parts are mutually engaged as previously described and thereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure by the securing means such as a wire, a chain or a rod extending between the part or parts of the lock and the fixed structure
  • Fig. 3, fig. 4, fig. 5 and fig. 6 show an embodiment of the lock for locking a computer.
  • the lock consists of different parts.
  • a first part is shown in fig. 4 and is constituted by two members.
  • a second part is shaped substantially like a U and is almost similar to the second part of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2.
  • a third part only partly shown in fig. 6 is provided with a locking mechanism and is exactly similar to the embodiment of the third part which is shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2.
  • a fourth part being shown in fig. 4, which is a connecting means intended for connecting other ends of opposed slotted members. All the parts are intended for mutual engagement (see fig. 6).
  • the first part consists of two members, an elongated member having af rough toothing along side edges of the member and a member having a slot.
  • the toothing of the toothed member is intended for engagement with the slot of the slotted member.
  • Mutual engagement is provided by the toothed member being inserted into the slot of the slotted member.
  • the toothed member is inserted as illustrated with the dotted lines, i.e. with the toothed member being tilted 90° in relation to the slotted member and furthermor being inserted with an inclination ⁇ in relation to the slotted member.
  • the toothed member When the toothed member is inserted as far through the slot as necessary, the toothed member is tilted 90° clock-wise or counter-clock-wise. Thereby, the toothing of the toothed member engages with the sides of the slot in the slotted member. Mutual longitudinal engagement of the two members is then established.
  • the two members have a dimensional height of between 1 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm depending on the desired rigidity of the members.
  • the width is between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably about 20 mm.
  • the toothed member is provided with a step. This step is intended as a means for adjusting the lateral position of the one end of the toothed member in relation to another end of the toothed member.
  • the second part and the third part of the lock has fixed dimensions.
  • the slotted member must have a step in order to make space for the toothed member along the extension of the slotted member and with one section of the toothed member being situated at one side of the slotted member and the other section of the tothed member being situated at the other side of the slotted member, and with the toothed member extending through the slot and the toothing being in engagement with the sides of the slot.
  • the slotted member is furthermore provided with a hole in the other end of the member for letting bolts pass through and at least part of the head of the bolts being embedded in the holes and being secured against rotation in relation to the slotted members.
  • the one end of the toothed member functions the same way as one of the legs of the first part shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. Accordingly, the one end is provided with a slit for engagement with locking tongues of the third part of the lock.
  • the first part constituted by the toothed member and the slotted member is intended to function together with a similar first part being opposed to each other.
  • the one end of the opposed first parts functions exactly the same way as the legs of the first part of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2.
  • the only difference between the first part of the embodiment for locking vehicles and the opposed first parts of the embodiment for locking computers is the part of the first parts extending away from the one ends. This difference is determined by the fact that the embodiment of a first part shown in fig. 4 is for enclosing a computer cabinet in stead of as example the frame of a bicycle or a fixed post.
  • Fig. 4 shows two different embodiments of connecting members for connecting other ends of the toothed members as shown in fig. 6.
  • the connecting members are provided with a notch along one side. The notch is intended for abutting an outer corner of the computer cabinet.
  • the connecting member is provided with holes at the top and at the bottom (not shown). Each of the holes is provided with threads for taking up of bolts, as shown.
  • the bolts are inserted through the holes in the other ends of the slotted members (see fig. 3 and fig. 6).
  • the threads of the connecting means are right hand and left hand threads, respectively.
  • Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the second part of the lock for locking a computer.
  • the second part is almost identical to the second part of lock for locking a vehicle, the only difference being that one of the legs of the second part is shaped with a notch.
  • the notch is intended for abutting an outer corner of the computer cabinet, an outer corner being diagonally opposite the outer corner which the connecting means shown in fig. 4 is intended for abutting.
  • the second part functions exactly the same way as the function of the second part in the lock for locking a vehicle. Accordingly, the two legs of the second part are provided with slits intended for taking up the one ends of opposed first parts of the lock.
  • Fig. 6 shows the different parts and members of the lock for locking computers.
  • Two opposed first parts are crossing the upper surface and the bottom surface of a computer cabinet along a diagonal of the computer cabinet.
  • a connecting member is in abutment with one outer corner of the computer cabinet.
  • the bolts are inserted through the holes in the other ends of the slotted members of the first part and screwed into the threaded holes in the connecting member. Screwing of the bols into the connecting member is accomplished by turning the first parts in relation to which the bolts are secured because of the hexagonal shape of the holes of the slotted members (see fig. 3).
  • the bolts may be screwed into the holes by means of a wrench. This demands the holes of the other ends of the slotted members not having the hexagonal shape.
  • a further similar member is in abutment with a diagonally opposite corner of the computer cabinet. The further similar member is provided as an alternative to letting the second part of the lock itself abutting the corner.
  • the one ends of the toothed members of the opposed first parts are extending outwardly form the boundaries of the computer cabinet.
  • the further member similar to the connecting member is put into abutment with the opposite corner.
  • the second part of the lock is identical to the second part of the lock shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2.
  • the second part of the lock is slid into engagement with the one ends of the first parts by inserting the one ends into the slits of the second part.
  • the third part which is identical to the third part shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, is inserted into the last open surface of the six-surfaced cube, which the one ends of the first parts, the second part and the top of the third part constitute as described in relation to fig. 1 and fig. 2.
  • a wire, chain or similar means is attached around one of the first parts.
  • This means is intended for securing the computer and the lock to a fixed structure at the other end of this securing means.
  • the securing means may be joined with the part of the lock in question and may be joined with the fixed structure by any suitable means such as bolting, welding.
  • the means for joining the securing means to the part of the lock depends on the material that the part of lock are made of such as plastic, steel, aluminium etc. and the means for joining the securing means to the fixed structure depends on the type of fixed structure such as a metal post, a wooden post, a brick wall etc.
  • the securing means pass through a hole in the part of the lock in question and depending on the kind of fixed structure, also through a hole in the fixed structure, said hole having a certain diameter and providing a rest on the securing means with a greater diameter than the hole, thus acting as a stop for pulling the securing means out of the part of the lock in question and of the fixed structure.
  • the type of rest depends on the kind of securing means and may thus be a staple on a wire, a welding together of a couple of links on a chain, a bending of a rod, or any other means for enlarging the diameter of the securing means after the securing means have passed the hole in the part of the lock in question or in the fixed structure.
  • the invention is described above by reference to a specific embodiment and by reference to specific materials and specific uses. However, the invention may have other dimensions, may be made from other materials and may be used in other situations than the ones mentioned. Also, other means than a key and a keyhole may be used to operate the locking mechanism and the locking mechanism may operate with other means than tongues extending into slots in the legs of the first part.

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  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a lock for locking of a vehicle or a computer to a structure being more fixed than the vehicle or the computer. The lock consists of parts which, when mutually engaged and locked together makes it almost impossible to break up the lock. A first part is having outwardly extending legs or ends and a second part is substantially U-shaped, and when mutually engaged form bottom and sides of a box-like structure. A third part comprising a locking mechanism forms a lid of the box-like structure, said box-like structure completely surrounding the locking mechanism.

Description

A LOCK FOR ANTI-THEFT SECURING OF A VEHICLE OR A COMPUTER, PREFERABLY FOR LOCKING A VEHICLE OR A COMPUTER TO A FIXED STRUCTURE SUCH AS A POST OR A WALL AND USE OF SUCH A LOCK.
The present invention relates to a lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall
US 3.800.570 describes a locking apparatus for locking a bicycle to a stationary post. The locking apparatus comprises three parts. A shackle having a pair of legs, a bolt in the shape of a plate being able to cross said legs of the shackle, and a pad lock with a hasp for securing the bolt to the shackle when the bolt has been brought into engagement with the shackle. The shackle is provided with a casing that is intended for enclosing the hasp of the pad lock when the parts of the locking apparatus are in engagement with each other. Thereby it is difficult to gain access to the of the pad lock.
However this locking apparatus has some disadvantages. Firstly, the size of the shackle is rather cumbersome because of the shackle being provided with the casing for enclosing the hasp of the pad lock making it difficult to put the shackle around the wheel and the frame of the bicycle and also around the stationary post. Secondly, welding is necessary for providing the shackle with the casing. Thirdly, the access to the bolt is possible, so although the access to the hasp of the pad lock is difficult the blot may be tampered in order to break the locking apparatus. Fourthly, because of the size of shackle, it is not easy to bring the locking apparatus along with the bicycle in order to lock the bicycle to a post at the location where the bicycle is placed.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lock for a vehicle such as a bicycle or a valuable such as a computer, said lock being more secure against theft of the vehicle or the computer. According to a specific object of the invention the lock may be used when locking a vehicle itself, but not to a stationary post or the like, which may not be available at the location, but must also be possible to use at locations where a stationary post or the like is available.
This object of locking a vehicle is obtained with a lock wherein a first part consisting of a first U-shaped member having two elongate legs extending in planes parallel to a longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in at least one plane transverse to said longitudinal direction and said elongate legs having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the legs of the first part, and a third part comprising a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism having second locking means for engaging with the first locking means of the first part and having further means for engaging with the second part in order to maintain the first part and the second part in mutual engagement with each other by locking the first part and the second part in relation to each other.
The object of locking a computer is obtained with a lock where a first part consisting of an elongated toothed member having a toothing extending along a longitudinal direction of the first member and an elongated slotted member havin a slot extending through the member, and said toothing of the toothed member being intended for engagement with the slot of the slotted member, and either of these two members in one end having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, and the other of these two members in another end having means for engaging with connection means between a first set of a first part and an opposing second set of a first part, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the one end of the first part, and a third part comprising a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism having second locking means for engaging with the first locking means of the first part and having further means for engaging with the second part in order to maintain the first part and the second part in mutual engagement with each other by locking the first part and the second part in relation to each other. Using a first part and a second part with elongate legs or elongated members makes it possible to provide a kind of casing in which the locking mechanism is to be placed. Thereby the locking parts themselves have the purposes of forming a locking part that are able to lock the vehicle or the computer when all of the locking parts are in mutual engagement, but also of protecting the locking mechanism from being tampered. No special means are provided for protecting the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism is protected through the design of the individual parts of the lock.
According to an embodiment of the invention for locking a vehicle, the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of each the elongate legs of the first part, and the first part and second part being intended for being mutually displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the elongate legs of the first part are displaced through both the slits made in each of the elongate legs of the second part.
Similarly, according to an embodiment of the invention for locking a computer, the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in at least one of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of the one end of either the toothed member or the slotted member of the first part, and the respective member of the first part and the second part being intended for mutual displacement in the longitudinal direction so that the one end of the respective member of the the first part is displaced through the slits made in the elongate legs of the second part.
Providing the second part with slits that are intended for taking up the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the elongated members of opposed first parts, and by displacing the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the members of the opposed first parts through the slits made in the legs of the second part, a technically simple but efficient engagement is provided between the first part and the second part. The means for engagement eliminates the need for welding and other working processes that are needed for joining of parts. The only working processes that are needed are cutting or milling in order to make the slits in the legs of the second part. Not even working of the first part is necessary for enabling engagement between the first part and the second part. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the first locking means of the first part consist of slits made in the elongate legs of the first part and the locking means of the third part consist of tongues extending outwardly from the third part and being intended for extension into the slits made in the elongate legs of the first part so that the third part is mutually locked in relation to the first part in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
By providing the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of elongated members of opposed first parts with two slits the locking means of the third part may simply be tongues extending through said slits. The tongues may be brought into engagement with the slits when the parts of the lock are in engagement with each other and the engagement between the slits and the tongues provides the locking of the parts in relation to each other.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the elongate legs of the first part or one ends of members of opposed first parts, respectively, are parallel and have a mutual distance d, where the slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part have a mutual distance d, and where the legs of the first part or the elongate members of the opposed first parts, respectively, when displaced through the slits of both the legs of the second part extend between the legs and beyond the legs of the second part thereby constituting a box-shaped casing being closed along five out of six sides, and the third part is intended for being placed between the elongate legs of the second part by displacing the third part parallel to the planes of the elongate legs of the second part and accordingly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and where a top of the third part constitutes the sixth side of the box-shaped casing.
Mutual engagement of the parts according to the above have the effect, as mentioned, that some of the parts constitute a box-shaped casing enclosing the locking mechanism. Thereby it is practically impossible to tamper the locking mechanism when the lock is in use with all parts in mutual engagement. Accordingly, the locking mechanism itself may not be that tamper proof because it is totally enclosed. The only part of the locking mechanism itself that must be tamperproof is the part being exposed such as a slot for inserting a key. There are many known means for ensuring that a slot for inserting a key may not be tampered easily. The lock may be used in different applications. Either the lock may be used in itself to lock as example a wheel of the vehicle to a chassis or a frame of the vehicle, making it impossible to use the vehicle, but nevertheless making it possible to remove the entire vehicle with the lock attached. Alternatively, the lock may be used in connection with a fixed structure such as a post or a wall of a building. When used in this connection, at least one of the parts of the lock must be fixed to the fixed structure. Preferably, the part or parts of the lock that are to be fixed to the fixed structure have one end of a wire, a chain or other linkage means being attached to it and the other end of the linkage means being attached to the fixed structure.
Such a use is very useful in urban surroundings where many people place their vehicles such as placing of bicycles at railway stations or in offices where thieves know that are plurality of computers are present at the same location. It is a common problem that such places are places for having ones bicycle or computers stolen. By linking one or more parts of the lock according to the invention to fixed structures the risk of having your bicycle or computer stolen is highly reduced. If all of the parts of the lock are linked to a fixed structure, then it is not necessary for the person wanting to lock the bicycle or the computer to the fixed structure to bring along any means for locking the bicycle or the computer. The means for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism such as a key may be placed in the locking mechanism only possible to pull out of the locking mechanism when the lock has been locked.
The locking of a bicycle may be combined with a small payment in order to prevent persons from just locking the lock for fun. The person having locked the lock may bring the key along for use when the person returns to the bicycle.
In relation to locking of vehicles, if only one of the parts of the lock, as example the second part of the lock is being fixed to the fixed structure, then the other two parts, as example the first part and the third part, may be taken along with the vehicle. These two parts may be used individually separate from the second part for locking a wheel of the vehicle to the chassis or the frame of the vehicle, and can also be used to lock the vehicle to a fixed structure by encircling with the first part the fixed structure such as a post and also either or both the wheel and the frame. However, when placing the vehicle at a place where the second part is provided, then it will be possible to lock the vehicle to the fixed structure that the second parts is fixed to.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing where
fig. 1 is a drawing of the three parts of the lock for locking of a vehicle and viewed in an exploded view, fig. 2 is a drawing of the three parts of the lock for locking of a vehicle and viewed in mutual engagement of the parts. fig. 3 and fig. 4 are drawings of different members and parts of the lock for locking of a computer cabinet and viewed in an exploded view, and fig. 5 is a drawing of the parts of the lock for locking of a computer and viewed in mutual engagement of the parts.
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the lock for locking af vehicle. The lock consists of three parts 1 ,2,3. A first 1 part is shaped like a U. A second part 2 is shaped substantially like a U. A third part 3 is provided with a locking mechanism 4. The three parts 1 ,2,3 are intended for mutual engagement (see fig. 2).
The first part has legs 5,6 extending in planes P5, P6 parallel with a longitudinal direction L. The legs 5,6 have a length 15, 16 between 100 mm and 300mm. The first part 1 also has a transverse section 7 extending in all in a plane P7 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse section has an arc-shaped extension. The first part 1 has a rectangular cross section C1. The dimensions of the cross section C1 may vary, but preferred dimensions are a height hi of between 10 mm and 50 mm and a width w1 between 2 mm and 10 mm. The legs 5,6 have slots 8,9 provided between outer ends 10,11 of the legs and intersections 12,13 between the legs 5,6 and the transverse section 7. The slots 8,9 are intended for engagement of locking tongues of the locking mechanism (see below).
A space S is formed between the legs 5,6. The space S is being provided for passing through of elements of a vehicle that is to be locked to a fixed structure, alternatively also for surrounding of a fixed structure to which the vehicle is to be locked (see description further below). The second part 2 also has legs 14,15, however extending in planes P14, P15 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The legs 14,15 have a length 114, 115 between 3 mm and 10 mm. The second part 2 also has a transverse section 16 extending in all in a plane P16 parallel with the longitudinal direction L and the transverse section 16 has a linear extension. The second part 2 also has a rectangular cross section C2. The dimensions of the cross section C2 may vary, but preferred dimensions are a width w2 of between 3 mm and 10. mm and a thickness t2 between 2 mm and 10 mm. The legs 14,15 have slots 17,18 provided between outer ends 19,20 of the legs 14,15 and intersections 21 ,22 between the legs 14,15 and the transverse section 16. The slots 17,18 are intended for passing through of the legs 5,6 of the first part 1.
The third part 3 has an inverted U-like element 23 with the transverse part of the U being a plate-like element. The U-like element 23 contains the locking mechanism 24. Locking tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism extend outwardly from the U-like element 23 containing the locking mechanism 24. A keyhole 27 for inserting a key (not shown) to operate the locking mechanism is accessible from the top of the plate-like element. The tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism will be pulled into the U-like element 23 when the locking mechanism is operated to an unlocked condition, and the tongues 25,26 will be pushed out of the U-like element 23 when the locking mechanism is operated to a locked condition. When the three parts 1 ,2,3 of the lock are mutually engaged (see fig. 2) and when the locking mechanism are being operated to the locking condition, the tongues 25,26 will extend into the slots 8,9 provided in the legs 5,6 of the first part 1. Alternatively to an inverted U-like element 23 with the locking mechanism mounted to the transverse part of the inverted U, the element could be a cube-like element with a plate-like element mounted on top of the cube-like element and the locking mechanism contained in the cube-like element.
The cross section C1 of the legs 5,6 and the transverse section 7 of the first part 1 and the cross section C2 of the legs 14,15 and the transverse section 16 of second part 2 may be different than rectangular. As example, the cross-section may be round, oval or triangular. Also, the dimensions of the first part and the second part may be different than the ones mentioned. This may depend on the type of vehicle that the lock are to be used for, the dimensions being smaller of a lock for a bicycle than the dimensions of a lock for a motor cycle. The parts 1,2,3 of the lock may be made from any suitable material, that is materials that are sufficiently durable towards possible attempts to tamper with the parts of the lock. Preferably, the lock is made of a corrosion resistant material, as the lock mostly will be used outdoor. A preferred material is a very durable and light material such as the material marketed under the trademark ALFORM®. The different parts of the lock may be made from different materials. One or more parts of the lock may be coated with plastic or other material suitable for reducing the risk of scratching elements of the vehicle that are being used when locking the vehicle to a fixed structure
Fig. 2 shows the three parts 1 ,2,3 of the lock when being mutually engaged. Engagement of the three parts takes place in the following manner: The legs 5,6 of the first part 1 are inserted into and passed through initially the slots 17 of the one of the legs 14 of the second part 2 and subsequently the slots 18 of the other of the legs 15 of the second part 2. Thereby, the first part 1 is locked to the second part 2 in all directions being non-parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Also, the transverse section 16 of the second part 2 forms a bottom of a box-like structure, and the legs 5,6 of the first part 1 and the legs 14,15 of the second part 2 form sides of the box-like structure.
Thereafter, the U-like element 23 of the third part 3 and containing the locking mechanism are inserted into the box-like structure. When inserting the U-like element 23, the locking mechanism is in its unlocked condition and the thus the tongues 25,26 of the locking mechanism are pulled into the U-like element 23. Otherwise, it would not be possible to insert the U-like element 23 into the box-like structure. When the U-like element 23 is fully inserted into the box-like structure, edges of the plate-like element 24 (see fig. 1) is resting against inner surfaces of the legs 5,6 of the first part 1 and against inner surfaces of the legs 14J5 of the second part 2. The plate-like element 24 then forms a lid of the box-like structure.
Thus the U-like element containing the locking mechanism is completely enclosed in the box-like structure. Thereafter the locking mechanism may be operated to its locked condition by a key inserted through the keyhole. The tongues will be pushed out of the U- like element and into the slots provided in the legs of the first part. Thereby the third element is locked to the first element and as the first part is engagement with the second part, then all three parts are mutually locked to each other. Because the locking mechanism is completely enclosed in the box-like structure that is formed when the three parts are mutually engaged then it is no access at all to the locking mechanism.
In a first situation of use, before the threes element are mutually engaged as described above, then the legs of the first part are passed both around an element of the vehicle to be locked and around a fixed structure. Thus, both the element of the vehicle and the fixed structure extend through the space formed between the legs of the first part. As example, the legs of the first part are passed around a bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle and the legs are also passed around a fixed structure such as a post or the like. Thereafter, the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and mutually locked together whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure.
In a second situation of use, before the three element are mutually engaged as described above, then the legs of the first part are passed only around an element of the vehicle to be locked but not around a fixed structure. Thus, only the element of the vehicle and extends through the space formed between the legs of the first part. In the second situation of use, one of the three parts of the lock, as example the second part, is permanently secured to a fixed structure such as a post or a building by means of a wire, a chain, a rod or other means for securing the part of the lock to the fixed structure.
Alternatively, in a third situation of use two or all three parts of the lock are secured to the fixed structure.
As example, the legs of the first part are passed around a bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle. Thereafter, the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and locked whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure. The vehicle must be within a distance to the fixed structure being shorter than a length of the securing means such as a wire between the lock and the fixed structure.
In a fourth situation of use, before the three elements are mutually engaged as described above, then loops at each end of a wire, or links of a chain at each end of a chain or annular sections at each end of a curved rod is brought over ecah their leg of the first part so that the loops, links or annular sections each encircle a leg. Before at least both of the loops, links or annular sections are brought over the legs, the wire, chain or curved rod is passed around a fixed structure.
As example, the legs of the first part are passed around a part of bicycle to be locked by passing the legs around the tire and rim or around a tube of the frame of the bicycle. Either before that or just subsequent to passing the legs around the part of the bicycle, then the loops, the links, the annular sections are brought over the legs. Thereafter, the second part and the third part are brought into engagement with the first part and locked whereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure. The vehicle must be within a distance to the fixed structure being shorter than the reaching distance between the loops, links or annular sections of the wire, chain or curved rod a length of the securing means.
In the first situation of use, the lock must be brought along when travelling with the vehicle in order to have the lock ready when locking the vehicle to the fixed structure. This is an advantage for having the possibility of locking the vehicle to any fixed structure that the legs of the first part can surround, irrespective of where the fixed structure is situated.
In the second situation of use the vehicle can be locked both to any fixed structure and also at places where the second part is secured to a fixed structure. However, when locking the vehicle to any fixed structure to which a second part is not secured, this is done without the use of the second part of the lock. Thus, the tamper proof of the lock is limited and hence also the safety of the locking of the vehicle. Alternatively, it will be possible in any case to bring along a second part. If the vehicle is placed at a location where a second part is secured to the fixed structure, then this second part can be used, and thus the second part brought along need not be used. However, if the vehicle is placed at a location where no second part is secured to the fixed structure, then the second part brought along can be used in order to have the vehicle locked optimally.
On the other hand, in the second situation of use, when locking the vehicle to a selected fixed structure to which the second part is secured then the tamper proof of the lock is optimal and hence also the safety of the locking of the vehicle to the fixed structure. In both the above-mentioned instances, it is necessary to bring the first part and the third part of the lock along with the vehicle.
In the third situation of use where two or three of the parts of the lock are secured to a fixed structure, then it is only possible to use the lock at places where this fixed structure is situated. If as example the second part and the first part are secured to the fixed structure then all three parts of the lock, when not in use, is being mutually engaged and locked in order to also have the third part kept ready for use in combination with the first part and the second part.
As in the first situation of use, in the fourth situation of use, the lock must be brought along when travelling with the vehicle in order to have the lock ready when locking the vehicle to the fixed structure. Together with the lock, the securing means such as the wire, the chain or the curved rod must be brought along. It is an advantage to have all of the parts of the lock together with the securing means brought along for having the possibility of locking the vehicle to any fixed structure that the securing means can surround, irrespective of where the fixed structure is situated.
When a vehicle is to be locked to the fixed structure, then the lock is unlocked, the legs of the first part are passed around an element of the vehicle such as around the tire and rim or around the a tube of the frame of a bicycle. Then the three parts are mutually engaged as previously described and thereby the vehicle is locked to the fixed structure by the securing means such as a wire, a chain or a rod extending between the part or parts of the lock and the fixed structure
Fig. 3, fig. 4, fig. 5 and fig. 6 show an embodiment of the lock for locking a computer. The lock consists of different parts. A first part is shown in fig. 4 and is constituted by two members. A second part is shaped substantially like a U and is almost similar to the second part of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. A third part only partly shown in fig. 6 is provided with a locking mechanism and is exactly similar to the embodiment of the third part which is shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. Furthermore, there is provided a fourth part being shown in fig. 4, which is a connecting means intended for connecting other ends of opposed slotted members. All the parts are intended for mutual engagement (see fig. 6).
The first part consists of two members, an elongated member having af rough toothing along side edges of the member and a member having a slot. The toothing of the toothed member is intended for engagement with the slot of the slotted member. Mutual engagement is provided by the toothed member being inserted into the slot of the slotted member. However, this may only be accomplished if the toothed member is inserted as illustrated with the dotted lines, i.e. with the toothed member being tilted 90° in relation to the slotted member and furthermor being inserted with an inclination α in relation to the slotted member. When the toothed member is inserted as far through the slot as necessary, the toothed member is tilted 90° clock-wise or counter-clock-wise. Thereby, the toothing of the toothed member engages with the sides of the slot in the slotted member. Mutual longitudinal engagement of the two members is then established.
The two members have a dimensional height of between 1 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm depending on the desired rigidity of the members. The width is between 10 mm and 50 mm, preferably about 20 mm. In the embodiment shown, the toothed member is provided with a step. This step is intended as a means for adjusting the lateral position of the one end of the toothed member in relation to another end of the toothed member. As shown in fig. 5 and with reference to fig. 1 and fig. 2, the second part and the third part of the lock has fixed dimensions. However, cabinets of computers do not have fixed dimensions, and therefore it is necessary to enable adjustment of the first part in relation to the fixed dimensions of the second part and the third par of the lock and the varying dimensions of computer cabinets. By turning the toothed member 180° around its own longitudinal axis, it is possible to alter the lateral height of the one end in comparison with the lateral height of the other end.
The slotted member must have a step in order to make space for the toothed member along the extension of the slotted member and with one section of the toothed member being situated at one side of the slotted member and the other section of the tothed member being situated at the other side of the slotted member, and with the toothed member extending through the slot and the toothing being in engagement with the sides of the slot. The slotted member is furthermore provided with a hole in the other end of the member for letting bolts pass through and at least part of the head of the bolts being embedded in the holes and being secured against rotation in relation to the slotted members.
The one end of the toothed member functions the same way as one of the legs of the first part shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. Accordingly, the one end is provided with a slit for engagement with locking tongues of the third part of the lock. As shown in fig. 5, the first part constituted by the toothed member and the slotted member is intended to function together with a similar first part being opposed to each other. Thus, the one end of the opposed first parts functions exactly the same way as the legs of the first part of the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. The only difference between the first part of the embodiment for locking vehicles and the opposed first parts of the embodiment for locking computers is the part of the first parts extending away from the one ends. This difference is determined by the fact that the embodiment of a first part shown in fig. 4 is for enclosing a computer cabinet in stead of as example the frame of a bicycle or a fixed post.
Fig. 4 shows two different embodiments of connecting members for connecting other ends of the toothed members as shown in fig. 6. The connecting members are provided with a notch along one side. The notch is intended for abutting an outer corner of the computer cabinet. The connecting member is provided with holes at the top and at the bottom (not shown). Each of the holes is provided with threads for taking up of bolts, as shown. The bolts are inserted through the holes in the other ends of the slotted members (see fig. 3 and fig. 6). The threads of the connecting means are right hand and left hand threads, respectively. Thereby, tightening of one bolt will not effect the other blot to loosen, on the contrary, tightening of the one bolt will possibly also effect a tightening of the other bolt as well.
Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the second part of the lock for locking a computer. The second part is almost identical to the second part of lock for locking a vehicle, the only difference being that one of the legs of the second part is shaped with a notch. The notch is intended for abutting an outer corner of the computer cabinet, an outer corner being diagonally opposite the outer corner which the connecting means shown in fig. 4 is intended for abutting. Apart from this further feature, the second part functions exactly the same way as the function of the second part in the lock for locking a vehicle. Accordingly, the two legs of the second part are provided with slits intended for taking up the one ends of opposed first parts of the lock.
Fig. 6 shows the different parts and members of the lock for locking computers. Two opposed first parts are crossing the upper surface and the bottom surface of a computer cabinet along a diagonal of the computer cabinet. A connecting member is in abutment with one outer corner of the computer cabinet. The bolts are inserted through the holes in the other ends of the slotted members of the first part and screwed into the threaded holes in the connecting member. Screwing of the bols into the connecting member is accomplished by turning the first parts in relation to which the bolts are secured because of the hexagonal shape of the holes of the slotted members (see fig. 3). Alternatively, the bolts may be screwed into the holes by means of a wrench. This demands the holes of the other ends of the slotted members not having the hexagonal shape. At the diagonally opposite end of the connecting member, a further similar member is in abutment with a diagonally opposite corner of the computer cabinet. The further similar member is provided as an alternative to letting the second part of the lock itself abutting the corner.
The one ends of the toothed members of the opposed first parts are extending outwardly form the boundaries of the computer cabinet. When locking the computer, firstly the further member similar to the connecting member is put into abutment with the opposite corner. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the second part of the lock is identical to the second part of the lock shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2. After the further member has been put in abutment with the opposite corner, the second part of the lock is slid into engagement with the one ends of the first parts by inserting the one ends into the slits of the second part. Finally, the third part, which is identical to the third part shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, is inserted into the last open surface of the six-surfaced cube, which the one ends of the first parts, the second part and the top of the third part constitute as described in relation to fig. 1 and fig. 2.
However, before attaching the second part and the third part, a wire, chain or similar means is attached around one of the first parts. This means is intended for securing the computer and the lock to a fixed structure at the other end of this securing means. The securing means may be joined with the part of the lock in question and may be joined with the fixed structure by any suitable means such as bolting, welding. The means for joining the securing means to the part of the lock depends on the material that the part of lock are made of such as plastic, steel, aluminium etc. and the means for joining the securing means to the fixed structure depends on the type of fixed structure such as a metal post, a wooden post, a brick wall etc.
Alternatively, it is possible to let the securing means pass through a hole in the part of the lock in question and depending on the kind of fixed structure, also through a hole in the fixed structure, said hole having a certain diameter and providing a rest on the securing means with a greater diameter than the hole, thus acting as a stop for pulling the securing means out of the part of the lock in question and of the fixed structure. The type of rest depends on the kind of securing means and may thus be a staple on a wire, a welding together of a couple of links on a chain, a bending of a rod, or any other means for enlarging the diameter of the securing means after the securing means have passed the hole in the part of the lock in question or in the fixed structure.
Naturally, it is not possible to bring along the parts of lock that are secured to the fixed structure. For use when having to lock a vehicle to the fixed structure it is necessary that the key for the lock is placed in the key hole when the lock is not in use so that a user can use the lock when wanting to lock a vehicle to the fixed structure. Alternatively, a user must bring the key along. This, however, has the effect that it is only the user having the key that is able to use the lock.
The invention is described above by reference to a specific embodiment and by reference to specific materials and specific uses. However, the invention may have other dimensions, may be made from other materials and may be used in other situations than the ones mentioned. Also, other means than a key and a keyhole may be used to operate the locking mechanism and the locking mechanism may operate with other means than tongues extending into slots in the legs of the first part.

Claims

1. A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle, preferably for locking a vehicle to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall, said lock comprising a first part consisting of a first U-shaped member having two elongate legs extending in planes parallel to a longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in at least one plane transverse to said longitudinal direction and said elongate legs having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the legs of the first part, and a third part comprising a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism having second locking means for engaging with the first locking means of the first part and having further means for engaging with the second part in order to maintain the first part and the second part in mutual engagement with each other by locking the first part and the second part in relation to each other.
2. A lock according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in at least one of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of each of the elongate legs of the first part, and the first part and second part being intended for mutual displacement in the longitudinal direction so that the elongate legs of the first part are displaced through the slits made in the elongate legs of the second part.
3. A lock according to claim 2, wherein the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of each the elongate legs of the first part, and the first part and second part being intended for being mutually displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the elongate legs of the first part are displaced through both the slits made in each of the elongate legs of the second part.
4. A lock for anti-theft securing of a computer, preferably for locking a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall, said lock comprising a first part consisting of an elongated toothed member having a toothing extending along a longitudinal direction of the first member and an elongated slotted member havin a slot extending through the member, and said toothing of the toothed member being intended for engagement with the slot of the slotted member, and either of these two members in one end having first locking means for engaging with second locking means of a third part of the lock, and the other of these two members in another end having means for engaging with connecting members between a first set of a first part and an opposing second set of a first part, a second part consisting of a second U-shaped members having two elongate legs extending in planes perpendicular to said longitudinal direction and a transverse section connecting said two elongate legs and extending in a plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and said elongate legs having engagement means for mutually engaging the legs of the second part with the one end of the first part, and a third part comprising a locking mechanism, said locking mechanism having second locking means for engaging with the first locking means of the first part and having further means for engaging with the second part in order to maintain the first part and the second part in mutual engagement with each other by locking the first part and the second part in relation to each other.
5. A lock according to claim 4, wherein the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in at least one of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of the one end of either the toothed member or the slotted member of the first part, and the respective member of the first part and the second part being intended for mutual displacement in the longitudinal direction so that the one end of the respective member of the the first part is displaced through the slits made in the elongate legs of the second part.
6. A lock according to claim 5, wherein the engagement means of the second part consist of two slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part, said two slits each having a cross section substantially the same as a cross section of the one end of either the toothed member or the slotted member of the first part, and the respective member of the first part and the second part being intended for being mutually displaced in the longitudinal direction so that the one end of the respective member of the first part is displaced through both the slits made in each of the elongate legs of the second part.
7. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first locking means of the first part consist of slits made in the elongate legs of the first part or in the one ends of the members of opposed first part, respectively, and the locking means of the third part consist of tongues extending outwardly from the third part and being intended for extension into the slits made in the first part so that the third part is mutually locked in relation to the first part in a direction parallel to and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
8. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein the further means of the third part consist of a casing enclosing a locking tool, said casing being intended for placement between the elongate legs of the second part so that the third part is mutually locked in relation to the second part in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction.
9. A lock according to any of claims 1-3 or 7-8, wherein the second part is provided with a linkage to a fixed structure whereby the second part is permanently fixed to the fixed structure and wherein the first part and the third part is intended for transportation along with the vehicle and is intended for mutual engagement with the second part when the vehicle is parked by the fixed structure to which the second part is linked.
10. A lock according to any of the claims 1-3 or 7-8, wherein the first part is provided with a linkage to a fixed structure whereby the first part is permanently fixed to the fixed structure and wherein the second part and the third part is intended for transportation along with the vehicle and is intended for mutual engagement with the first part when the vehicle is parked by the fixed structure to which the first part is linked.
11. A lock according to any of the claims 1-3 or 7-8, wherein the first part is provided with a linkage to a fixed structure, where the third part is permanently fixed to the fixed structure and wherein the first part and the second part is intended for transportation along with the vehicle and is intended for mutual engagement with the third part when the vehicle is parked by the fixed structure to which the third part is linked.
12. A lock according to any of the claims 9-11 , wherein a number of the first, second and third parts of the lock are provided with a linkage to the fixed structure and where at least two of the first, second and third parts of the lock are intended to be permanently fixed to the fixed structure, and where the remainder of the parts not being permanently fixed to
5 the fixed structure are intended for transportation along with the vehicle.
13. A lock according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the members of the first part are parallel and have a mutual distance d, where the slits made in at least one of the elongate legs of the second part
10 have a mutual distance d, and where the legs of the first part or the elongated members of opposed first part, respectively, when displaced through the slits of the at least one leg of the second part extend between the legs of the second part thereby constituting a box- shaped casing being closed along five out of six sides.
15 14. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein the elongate legs of the first part or the one ends of the members of opposed first part are parallel and have a mutual distance d, where the slits made in both of the elongate legs of the second part have a mutual distance d, and where the legs of the first part or the one ends of the members of the opposed first part, respectively, when displaced through the slits of both the legs of
20 the second part extend between the legs and beyond the legs of the second part thereby constituting a box-shaped casing being closed along five out of six sides.
15. A lock according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the third part is intended for being placed between the elongate legs of the second part by displacing the third part parallel to
25 the planes of the elongate legs of the second part and accordingly perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and where a top of the third part constitutes the sixth side of the box- shaped casing.
16. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein the engagement slits made in 30 the elongate legs of the third part or in the one ends of the members of the opposed first part are made along an extension of the legs that are intended for extending between the legs of the second part when the legs of the first part are displaced through the slits made in the legs of the second part so that the engagement slits is situated between the legs of the second part along extensions of the legs of the first part or extensions of the one ends of the members of the first part, respectively, constituting two of the sides of the box- shaped casing.
17. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein a number of the parts of the lock are made of metal, preferably are made of corrosion resistant metal, more preferably are made of ALFORM.
18. A lock according to any of the preceding claims wherein the elongate legs of the first part or the one end of the members of the first part, respectively, have/has a cross section with a width of between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 7 mm, more preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm, even more preferably a width of 5 mm.
19. Use of a lock according to any of the preceding claims for locking the wheel of a vehicle in relation to a chassis or frame of a vehicle, preferably for locking the wheel of a bicycle to the frame of the bicycle, alternatively for locking the wheel of a motorised cycle to the frame of the motorised cycle.
20. Use of a lock according to any of the preceding claims for locking the cabinet of a computer in relation to a table supporting the chassis of the computer, preferably for locking the cabinet of a computer to a furniture or a equipment in a fixed position, alternatively for locking the cabinet of a computer to a space of residence of a vessel.
21. Use of a lock according to any of the preceding claims for locking a bicycle or a computer to a post, a piping or other item capable of encirclement.
22. Use of a lock according to any of the preceding claims for locking a bicycle or a computer to a wall, a ceiling or other item not capable of encirclement.
PCT/DK2001/000425 2000-06-16 2001-06-18 A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall and use of such a lock WO2001096697A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU65824/01A AU6582401A (en) 2000-06-16 2001-06-18 A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall and use of such a lock

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DKPA200000931 2000-06-16
DKPA200000931 2000-06-16

Publications (1)

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WO2001096697A1 true WO2001096697A1 (en) 2001-12-20

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PCT/DK2001/000425 WO2001096697A1 (en) 2000-06-16 2001-06-18 A lock for anti-theft securing of a vehicle or a computer, preferably for locking a vehicle or a computer to a fixed structure such as a post or a wall and use of such a lock

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2996909A (en) * 1960-11-14 1961-08-22 Royce L Raye Locking device
US4640107A (en) * 1985-12-12 1987-02-03 Slade Luman C Safety lock apparatus for an electrical plug
US5052199A (en) * 1990-11-30 1991-10-01 Derman Jay S Clamp locking device for PC's and the like
US5417092A (en) * 1994-06-02 1995-05-23 Iu; Chien-Chzh Padlock
US6003347A (en) * 1995-08-30 1999-12-21 Jade Las-Montage Ab Locking system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2996909A (en) * 1960-11-14 1961-08-22 Royce L Raye Locking device
US4640107A (en) * 1985-12-12 1987-02-03 Slade Luman C Safety lock apparatus for an electrical plug
US5052199A (en) * 1990-11-30 1991-10-01 Derman Jay S Clamp locking device for PC's and the like
US5417092A (en) * 1994-06-02 1995-05-23 Iu; Chien-Chzh Padlock
US6003347A (en) * 1995-08-30 1999-12-21 Jade Las-Montage Ab Locking system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6582401A (en) 2001-12-24

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