WO2010043848A1

WO2010043848A1 - Bicycle lock

Info

Publication number: WO2010043848A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/002376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Boorer; Sen-Yung Lee; Ting-Wei Lin
Original assignee: Holageo Entreprise, Co. Limited
Priority date: 2008-10-15
Filing date: 2009-10-05
Publication date: 2010-04-22

Abstract

A bicycle lock includes a first part and (1) a second part (2) located close to a bicycle wheel by two bolts (4, 5) with two respective protection members (13, 25) connected to the first part and the second part respectively. The protection members cover the heads of the bolts so that an unauthorized person cannot access the bolts to detach the bicycle lock from the bicycle. A lock rod (14) is connected to the first part which is pivotable about the bolt corresponding thereto so as to be inserted into the second part to lock the wheel.

Description

BICYCLE LOCK

The present invention relates to a bicycle lock, and particularly to a bicycle lock that is easily used with different types of bicycles and may not be unlocked without permission.

Bicycles are increasingly popular with users of different ages and jobs because of high energy costs and environmental concerns. Bicycles have become a trend of healthy living and do not consume energy, hence the market is growing fast. How to secure bicycles when not in use is one of the most important concerns when choosing bicycles as an alternative way for transportation. Most users will buy a lock to lock their bicycles to a fixed object such as a post or bicycle rails. Conventional bicycle locks have inherent drawbacks.

There are four types of the conventional bicycle lock, the first being the U-shaped lock or cable lock. The U-shaped lock and cable lock can be attached to the bicycle frame when riding and locked to a fixed object by extending a part of the lock through the wheels. However, these locks are not secured to the bicycle frame and can easily hit the frame or scrape its coating off. The second type is a fixed lock which is usually located on the seat stays located above the rear wheel. A latch can be extended through the rear wheel to prevent the rear wheel from rotating. A key is used to unlock the fixed lock. Both of the previous types are easily accessed by the thieves and are easily cut using a tool. The third type of lock is located within the front fork and restricts the rotation of the handlebar to secure the bicycle. The fourth type is located within the seat tube and restricts rotation of the crank. The third and fourth types cannot be moved from one bicycle to another, and usually increase the manufacturing cost of the bicycle.

The present invention aims to provide an improved bicycle lock which has a better anti-theft function and can be installed to any type of bicycle.

The present invention relates to a bicycle lock which comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is connected to a first bike part, for example a cantilever brake boss, by a first bolt. A lug extends from an end of the first part. A first protection member is connected to the first part and includes an end piece which covers the first path and a head of the first bolt. Two extensions extend from the first protection member and the lug is located between the two extensions. A lock rod extends through a hole in the lug and two respective through-holes in the two extensions. The first protection member and the lock rod are pivotable about the first bolt. The second part is connected to a second bike part, for example a second cantilever brake boss by a second bolt and includes a passage in which a lock core is received. A second protection member is connected to outside of the second part and includes a top portion which covers the second path and a head of the second bolt. A hook extends from a side of the second protection member and is inserted into the second part. The hook extends into the passage.

The bicycle lock may further comprise a reinforcement plate connected across the two cantilever brake bosses by first and second bolts. The positioning plate may be connected to the reinforcement plate and the lock rod can be removably engaged with the positioning plate.

Another embodiment of the bicycle lock is provided which comprises a first part connected to a first cantilever brake boss by a first bolt and a through-hole is defined through the first part and perpendicularly communicates with the first part. A first threaded hole is defined in an underside of the first part and communicates with the first path and the through-hole. A first protection member is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole. A lock rod extends through the through hole. A second part is connected to a second cantilever brake boss by a second bolt and includes a passage defined therein. A lock core is received in the passage. A second threaded hole is defined in an underside of the second part and communicates with the second path and the passage. A second protection member is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole.

The bicycle lock may further have a reinforcement plate connected across the two cantilever brake bosses by the first and second bolts. The positioning plate may be connected to the reinforcement plate and the lock rod removably engaged with the positioning plate.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing the first embodiment of a bicycle lock of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the bicycle lock according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a front view of the bicycle lock;

Fig. 4 shows how the lock rod is pivoted and can be inserted into a second part;

Fig. 5 shows the lock rod pivoted and inserted into the second part to lock the bicycle;

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an exploded view showing the second embodiment of the bicycle lock according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of the bicycle lock according to the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a front view of the second embodiment;

Fig. 10 shows how the lock rod in Fig. 9 is pivoted and inserted into the second part;

Fig. 11 shows the lock rod in Fig. 10 inserted into the second part to lock the bicycle;

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 11, and

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 11.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, a bicycle lock comprises a first part 1, a second part 2, a reinforcement plate 3 and a lock rod 14. The first part 1 is connected to a first cantilever brake boss Al by extending a first bolt 4 through a first path 11 in the first part 1. The first cantilever brake boss Al can be on the front fork A or the seat stays (not shown). The cantilever brake boss Al is connected to a brake arm of the brake system. The bicycle lock can be installed close to the front wheel or the rear wheel (both not shown). A sleeve 111 is located in the first path 11 and a lug 12 extends from an end of the first part 1. The lug 12 extends in a direction parallel to the direction of wheel rotation. A hole 121 is defined through the lug 12. A first protection member 13 is connected to the first part 1 and includes an end piece 131 which covers the first path 11 and a head of the first bolt 4. Two extensions 132 extend from the first protection member 13 and the lug 12 is located between the two extensions 132. Two respective through-holes 133 are defined through the two extensions 132. A lock rod 14 extends through the hole 121 in the lug 12 and two respective through-holes 133 in the two extensions 132. The first protection member 13 and the lock rod 14 are pivotable about the first bolt 4. The lock rod 14 extends perpendicular to the direction that the wheel moves.

The second part 2 is connected to a second cantilever brake boss Al by extending a second bolt 5 through a second path 21 in the second part 2. The second cantilever brake boss Al can be on the front fork A or the seat stays (not shown). The second part 2 includes a passage 22 defined therein and a lock core 24 received in the passage 22. An insertion hole 23 is defined in a side of the second part 2 and communicates with the passage 22. A second protection member 25 is connected to outside of the second part 2 and includes a top portion 251 which covers the second path 21 and a head of the second bolt 5. A hook 252 extends from a side of the second protection member 25 and is inserted into the second part 2 via the insertion hole 23 and a pin 26 extends through the hook 252 to position the hook 252. The hook 252 extends into the passage 22. The second protection member 25 further includes an end wall 253 at an end thereof and the end wall 253 faces the first part 1.

A substantially U-shaped reinforcement plate 3 is connected across the two cantilever brake bosses Al by the first and second bolts 4, 5, and a positioning plate 31 is connected to the reinforcement plate 3 and the lock rod 14 is removably engaged with the positioning plate 31.

Referring to Figs. 4 to 6, when locking the bicycle lock, the user removes the lock rod 14 from the positioning plate 31 and pivots the first part 1, the first protection member 13 and the lock rod 14 about the first bolt 4, the lock rod 14 is rotated and so extends through the gap between spokes of the front or rear wheel and is in use inserted into the passage 22 of the second part 2. The hook 26 of the second protection member 25 is located above the lock rod 14 as shown in Fig. 6. Even if the pin 26 is broken or removed from the second part 2 by the thief, the hook 252 cannot be accessed because the lock rod 14 blocks the hook 252 so that the bicycle lock cannot be damaged.

When unlocking the bicycle lock, the user uses a key (not shown) to rotate the lock core 24 to allow the lock rod 14 to be removed from the passage 22 as shown in the state of Fig. 4. Figs. 7 to 9 show a second embodiment of the bicycle lock, wherein the first part 1 is connected to the first cantilever brake boss Al by extending a first bolt 4 through a first path 11 in the first part 1. A through-hole 16 is defined through the first part 1 and perpendicularly communicates with the first part 11. A first threaded hole 17 is defined in an underside of the first part 1 and communicates with the first path 11 and the through-hole 16. A first protection member 18 is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole 17. A lock rod 14 extends through the through hole 16. A first slot 15 is defined in a top of the first part 1.

The second part 2 is connected to a second cantilever brake boss Al by extending a second bolt 5 through a second path 21 in the second part 2. The second part 2 includes a passage 22 defined therein and a lock core 24 is received in the passage 22. A second threaded hole 28 is defined in an underside of the second part 2 and communicates with the second path 21 and the passage 22. A second protection member 29 is threadedly connected to the second threaded hole 28. A second slot 27 is defined in a top of the second part 27.

A substantially U-shaped reinforcement plate 3 has its two ends inserted into the first and second slots 15, 27 which are in communication with the first and second paths 11, 21, the first and second bolts 4, 5 extending through the first and second paths 11, 21 and the two ends of the reinforcement plate 3 which is connected across the two cantilever brake bosses Al. A positioning plate 31 is connected to the reinforcement plate 3 and the lock rod 14 is removably engaged with the positioning plate 31. As shown in Figs. 10 to 13, when locking the bicycle lock, the user removes the lock rod 14 from the positioning plate 31 and pivots the first part 1 and the lock rod 14 so that it rotates about the first bolt 4. The lock rod 14 then extends through the gap between spokes of the front or rear wheel and is inserted into the passage 22 of the second part 2 to reach a locked state. In this embodiment, the first and second protection members 18, 29 are located outside of, and in front of, the first and second bolts 4, 5 as shown in Fig. 12, 13, so that the thief cannot use a tool to access and damage. Besides, the thief cannot extend a tool into the first and second threaded holes 17, 28 to damage the first and second protection members 18, 29 because the lock rod 14 blocks the first and second threaded holes 17, 28.

When unlocking the bicycle lock, the user uses a key (not shown) to rotate the lock core 24 to allow the lock rod 14 to be removed from the passage 22 as shown the status in Fig. 10.

The bicycle lock can be installed to any bicycle frame and the user can easily operate the bicycle lock using a key. The bicycle lock is secured on the bicycle frame so that the coating of the bicycle frame is not scratched by any moving part of the bicycle lock. Besides, the bicycle lock is located on the two sides of the bicycle frame so as to keep a proper aesthetic purpose. The bicycle lock is connected to the bicycle frame by two bolts which is easier and more convenient to any users. The protection members block access to the first and second bolts from outside of the bicycle lock, so that there will be no place for the thief to break the bicycle lock. The reinforcement plate effectively prevents tools such as a saw or pliers from entering the gap between the first and second parts to break the bicycle lock.

While we have shown and described embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A bicycle lock comprising: a first part connected to a fϊrstcantilever brake boss by extending a first bolt through a first path in the first part, a lug extending from an end of the first part, a first protection member connected to the first part and including an end piece which covers the first path and a head of the first bolt, two extensions extending from the first protection member and the lug located between the two extensions, a lock rod extending through a hole in the lug and two respective through holes in the two extensions, the first protection member and the lock rod being pivotable about the first bolt, and a second part connected to a secondcantilever brake boss by extending a second bolt through a second path in the second part, the second part including a passage defined therein and a lock core received in the passage, a second protection member connected to outside of the second part and including a top portion which covers the second path and a head of the second bolt, a hook extending from a side of the second protection member and inserted into the second part via an insertion hole defined in a side of the second part, the hook extending into the passage.

2. A bicycle lock as claimed in claim 1, wherein a reinforcement plate is connected across the two cantilever brake bosses by first and second bolts.

3. A bicycle lock as claimed in claim 2, wherein a positioning plate is connected to the reinforcement plate and the lock rod is removably engaged with the positioning plate.

4. A bicycle lock comprising: a first part connected to a first cantilever brake boss by extending a first bolt through a first path in the first part, a through-hole being defined through the first part and perpendicularly communicating with the first part, a first threaded hole defined in an underside of the first part and communicating with the first path and the through-hole, a first protection member threadedly connected to the first threaded hole, a lock rod extending through the through hole, and a second part connected to a second cantilever brake boss by extending a second bolt through a second path in the second part, the second part including a passage defined therein and a lock core received in the passage, a second threaded hole defined in an underside of the second part and communicating with the second path and the passage, a second protection member threadedly connected to the second threaded hole.

5. A bicycle lock as claimed in claim 4, wherein a reinforcement plate is connected across the two cantilever brake bosses by first and second bolts.

6. A bicycle lock as claimed in claim 5, wherein a positioning plate is connected to the reinforcement plate and the lock rod is removably engaged with the positioning plate.

7. A bicycle lock for connection to a bicycle frame, the lock comprising first and second parts arranged for attachment to opposite sides of a wheel fork by respective bolts, the first part having a locking arm movably attached thereto such that, in use, the arm is movable from a first, stowed position to a second, locked position in which at least part of the arm can pass through the vertical axis of a wheel attached in said wheel fork for insertion into a locking mechanism provided in or on the second, opposite part, wherein the first and second parts each comprise a protective cap or cover arranged to cover and thereby hinder exterior access to the attachment bolts when the arm is locked in the locking mechanism.

8. A bicycle lock according to claim 7, wherein the arm is pivotable about the bolt.

9. A bicycle lock according to claim 8, wherein the protective end cap or cover of the first part comprises a lug to which is attached the arm, both the cap and arm being pivotable about the bolt.

10. A bicycle lock according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an anti-saw device formed of a generally U-shaped member arranged for connection between the first and second parts and a part of which passes over the wheel.

11. A bicycle comprising a bicycle lock according to any preceding claim.

12. A bicycle lock constructed and arranged substantially as herein shown and described with reference to the accompanying Figures.