WO2009066110A1

WO2009066110A1 - Apparatus for securing a wheel

Info

Publication number: WO2009066110A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/051095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Glenn Schofield
Original assignee: Beartrap Security Limited
Priority date: 2007-11-22
Filing date: 2008-11-21
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: GB2454901A; GB0722909D0

Abstract

Apparatus for securing the front or rear wheel (4) of a motorcycle or scooter, for example when a motorcycle or scooter is parked. The apparatus comprises a clamp, an actuator (10) and at least one lock. The actuator is activated by a wheel. Movement of the clamp to a locked configuration causes wheel engaging members (6a, 6b, 6c) to be restricted from movement.

Description

Apparatus for Securing a Wheel

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for securing a wheel; in particular an apparatus for securing the front or rear wheel of a motorcycle or scooter, for example when a motorcycle or scooter is parked.

Background of the invention

Motorcycles, scooters and bicycles are often targets for thieves. Wheel locks, chains and similar security devices often prove ineffective. Thieves sometimes remove one or more of the wheels or lift the entire motorcycle or bicycle into a van.

Motorcycles need to be stabilised in an upright position when being transported or when parked to protect them from damage.

A number of devices have been proposed to protect bicycles or motorcycles from damage by stabilising them in a upright position. There are also various stands which have been designed to prevent theft of motorcycles.

US5301817 (Merritt) discloses a motorcycle security stand for locating the front wheel of a motorcycle. The stand includes side supports, each having three moveable U-shaped ribs, which can be moved to adjust the position of two arcuate flanges, which hold the wheel. Once in position, the apparatus is fixed using screws.

US5988402 (Mayfield) discloses a motorcycle stand for a front or rear motorcycle tyre. When the tyre enters the stand, it rotates a curved metal plate forward. This causes two capture plates, one on either side of the tyre, to be pivoted inwards to contact the tyre. US6755309 (Runge) discloses a similar mechanism for a bicycle stand, having a ramp and three-way hinge. When a wheel is rolled onto the ramp, it presses down on the hinge causing support surfaces at either side of the wheel to move towards each other to enclose, capture or support the wheel. US5735410 (Kallstrom) describes a motorcycle stand for supporting and locking a motorcycle at its front wheel. The weight of the front wheel acts on a pivotal ramp, which activates front tyre- engaging supports and rear tyre-engaging supports. The front tyre-engaging supports comprise arms with pads at the ends, which close against opposing sides of the tyre. The rear tyre-engaging supports include clamps or jaws, which engage the tyre at a point below the location of the front tyre-engaging supports. A locking mechanism locks the supports in position.

EP1086887 (Russi) and US5901725 (Libby) both describe stands combined with shelters. EPl 086887 (Russi) describes a parking shelter for scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles, which is associated with the support for the scooter /vehicle can lock in variable positions. US5901725 (Libby) describes a bicycle shelter and stand with a weather shield protecting the front wheel of a bicycle.

The prior art devices do not hold a wheel securely in an upright position and are not suitable for use with a range of different vehicles because they do not adjust to accommodate different sizes of wheels.

It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved apparatus for securing a wheel.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for securing a wheel as specified in Claim 1.

A further aspect of the invention provides a parking system as specified in Claim 22

Preferred aspects of the invention are specified in the claims dependent on Claims 1 and 22 and the description which follows. Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiments by way of example:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the apparatus for securing a wheel;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 a schematic representation of one embodiment of the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of the locking mechanism of the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a portion of the locking mechanism of the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a portion of the shaft locking mechanism of the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a portion of the locking mechanism of the apparatus for securing a wheel; and

Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of one embodiment of a parking system comprising the apparatus for securing a wheel of Figure 1. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an apparatus for securing a wheel 1 comprises a housing 2 and a ramp 3.

The housing 2 includes a hood 2a, which protects the front of the motorcycle and prevents access to the wheel of the motorcycle, making it difficult for thieves to remove the wheel or lift the motorcycle out of the apparatus 1.

A solar panel 11 is located in the housing. The solar panel charges a battery, which is used to lock the apparatus 1.

Preferably the housing 2 is made from manganese steel and includes strengthening ribs 8 as shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 4, a wheel 4 is guided into the apparatus 1 between guide walls 5 of the ramp 3 and between wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b and 6c, each of which is mounted on a spring loaded shaft

7a, 7b, 7c.

The wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c are arranged in pairs on either side of the ramp 3. The wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c are shaped to optimise the path of a wheel into the apparatus. In particular, the surfaces 6a' are angled at approximately 45 degrees to the central axis of the apparatus and 45 degrees to the horizontal axis of the apparatus 1.

The apparatus 1 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 in an unlocked configuration. The unlocked apparatus is activated to secure a wheel 4 when a predetermined pressure is applied to a T piece 10 when the wheel of the motorcycle or scooter being rolled onto the T piece 10. The motorcycle or scooter may be driven into the apparatus 1 so that the combined weight of the motorcycle and a rider pushes down the T piece 10.

Referring to Figures 4, 5a and 5b, as a wheel 4 rolls onto the T piece 10 is pushed down, which in turn pushes down on the lower portions 9a' and 9b' of bell crank arms 9a and 9b causing opposing bell crank arms 9a and 9b to pivot about pivot points 12 and 13 towards each other . At pivot points 13 the bell crank arms 9a, 9b are pivotally attached to a support 14.

Each bell crank arm 9a, 9b includes a cable mount 15, on which cables 16 are mounted. When the bell crank arms 9a, 9b pivot towards each other, the cable mounts 15 pull opposing cables 16 through cable plates 17, towards each other.

As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the bell crank arms 9a, 9b include a locking mechanism, which comprises a solenoid 26 and a locking pin 27. When a wheel 4 is introduced to the apparatus 1 and pushes down on the T piece 10, bell crank arms 9a and 9b pivot towards each other. Upon actuation of the lock mechanism, pins 27 are inserted into bores 28 in the bell crank arms 9a and 9b. This prevents further movement of the bell crank thus locking the bell crank arms 9a and 9b in a position such that there is a gap between them greater than or equal to the width of the widest spoke of the motorcycle. In a preferred embodiment, the bell crank arms 9a, 9b lock in a position between the wheel rim and underneath the brake disc apparatus of the motorcycle. This prevents the motorcycle from being removed from the apparatus and also prevents the pairs of wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c from being prised apart.

One end of each cable 16 is attached to the cable mount 15. The other end of each cable is associated with one of the spring loaded shafts 7a, 7b or 7c. Figures 6a and 6b illustrate the mechanism at shaft 7a. The shaft is moveable in a shaft housing 19 and is biased towards the central axis of the apparatus by a spring 18. A wheel 4 introduced into the apparatus 1, pushes against the wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c. The associated shafts 7a, 7b, 7c slide within their shaft housing allowing the wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c to move to their optimum positions for the width of the wheel 4.

A boss 20 is attached to the end of the cable 16. The boss engages a locking plate 21, which has a toothed surface. When the apparatus 1 is in an unlocked configuration, the boss 20 and locking plate 21 are biased by a spring 23 such that the toothed surface of the locking plate 21 does not engage with the teeth 22 on the shaft 7a.

When the bell crank arms 9a, 9b close towards each other, the cable 16 is pulled against the spring 23 and the locking plate 21 drops onto the shaft 7a. The toothed surface of the locking plate engages teeth 22 on the shaft, preventing movement of the shaft and locking it in position.

The locking plate 21 acts like a guillotine by dropping under gravity and by the extension of small springs 24, which are able to expand when the spring 23 is recoiled.

When the apparatus 1 is unlocked by the solenoid 26, the apparatus remains in a closed position until a user begins to slide the wheel out of the apparatus 1 and weight is lifted from the T piece 10. The bell crank arms 9a, 9b open and the cables 16 are no longer pulled against springs 23. The springs 23 expand, pushing the toothed surface of the locking plate 21 clear of the teeth 22, such that the shafts 7a, 7b, 7c can slide in the shaft housing and wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c can be moved apart. Expansion of the springs 23 also pulls cables 16, pulling the bell crank arms 9a, 9b open. The same mechanism is used at each of the shafts 7a, 7b and 7c.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 7, levers 25 and rods 26 may be used to link the bell crank arms 9a, 9b to the shafts 7a, 7b, 7c. When the bell crank arms 9a, 9b move towards each other, rod 26' is pulled, causing rotating rod 27 to rotate. Rotation of the rotating rod 27 causes rods 26 to rotate the other levers 25. This in turn causes the flat face of each cam 28 to contact the face of a locking plate 29. This restricts movement of the shafts 7a, 7b, 7c against springs 30.

As illustrated in Figure 8, the apparatus may form part of a parking system 31 comprising more than one apparatus 1. The parking system may include a controller 32, such as a parking meter. The system 31 may include computer software. Alternatively, a controller 32 may form part of the or each apparatus 1. Advantageously, the controller includes means to operate the locking mechanism.

The apparatus may be used to accommodate a front wheel or rear wheel of a motorcycle or scooter.

Tyre widths of motorcycles vary from about 90mm to 120mm. Different sizes of wheel can be accommodated due to the adjustable positioning of the wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c. Furthermore, correct positioning of the wheel engaging pads is automatic upon introducing a wheel to the apparatus 1.

Different numbers of wheel engaging pads and shafts may be used. In the preferred embodiments, a motorcycle engages all six wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c. However, a scooter may only engage pads 6a and 6b.

The wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c and the bell crank arms 9a, 9b do not touch any part of the motorcycle body. Only the tyres are touched by the wheel engaging pads 6a, 6b, 6c.

Claims

1. Apparatus for securing a wheel comprising at least one clamping member, an actuator and at least one lock, wherein the actuator is activated by a wheel and movement of the at least one clamping member causes at least one wheel engaging member to be restricted from movement.

2. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the at least one clamping member is associated with a lock.

3. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock comprises a solenoid.

4. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 3, wherein a pin is inserted into a bore in the at least one clamping member to lock the apparatus.

5. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least one clamping member is a bell crank.

6. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is a T piece.

7. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a linking element is connected to the at least one clamping member.

8. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the linking element connects a clamping member to a wheel engaging member.

9. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the linking element is a cable.

10. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the or each wheel engaging member is associated with a shaft.

11. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the shaft is slidable in a housing and biased towards the central axis of the apparatus by a biasing member.

12. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

13. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wheel engaging member is associated with a locking arrangement which provides locked and unlocked configurations.

14. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the locking arrangement comprises a locking member that restricts movement of the shaft in the locked configuration.

15. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 13 or 14, wherein in the locked configuration a locking surface of the locking member engages a surface of the shaft.

16. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 15, wherein surfaces of the locking member and the shaft are each provided with teeth and in the locked configuration teeth on the locking member engage teeth on the shaft.

17. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 15 or 16, wherein in an unlocked configuration the locking surface is biased away from the shaft by a biasing member.

18. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

19. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the spring is associated with the linking element and movement of the clamping member towards a closed position pulls the linking element and causes the spring to be compressed.

20. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in Claim 19, wherein movement of the clamping member towards an open position releases the linking element and allows extension of the spring, thereby unlocking the said locking arrangement.

21. Apparatus for securing a wheel as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a solar panel.

22. A parking system comprising at least one apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 21 and a controller.

23. A parking system according to Claim 23, comprising a plurality of the said apparatus.

24. A parking system according to Claim 22, wherein the controller is an integral part of the controller.

25. An apparatus substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings.

6. A parking system substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to Figure 8 of the drawings.