WO2015011463A1

WO2015011463A1 - A security device

Info

Publication number: WO2015011463A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/052238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ben Smith; John Abrahams
Original assignee: Plus 8 Industries Limited
Priority date: 2013-07-22
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2015-01-29
Also published as: GB2518585B; GB2518585A; GB201313095D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a security device (1) which can be worn around the body of a user, is easily adjusted, and can be quickly removed and used when required. The security device comprises an elongate flexible connector (2) and at least one further component comprising a channel (14) to receive a elongate flexible connector (2) allowing the security device (1) to be secured around the body of a cyclist.

Description

A SECURITY DEVICE

The invention relates to a security device, and the need to transport the aforementioned security device. Particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to a bicycle lock which can be transported simply and efficiently.

With the increased congestion in cities, many people are turning to cycling as a quick and healthy means of transport in urban areas. Regrettably, bicycle theft is all too common in such environments, such that the use of a bicycle lock is advisable whenever a bicycle has to be left unattended for any length of time. However, having to carry a lock at all times is inconvenient for cyclists. Some locks are provided with mounting systems for attaching the lock to the frame of the bicycle, but the poor design and build quality of many of these mountings means that the lock can often move around when attached to the bicycle, causing rattles and possibly damage, and the mountings frequently break or fail after relatively little use. The mounting systems are also generally cumbersome and unsightly, so many cyclists prefer not to use them at all.

Often, cyclists will carry other possessions in a bag a bag while cycling and will simply carry a lock in the same bag. However, this can significantly increase the weight of the bag and also reduces the capacity for other articles. In order these problems, or simply to avoid having to carry a bag only for the purpose of transporting a lock, some cyclists will attempt to wrap the lock around, or hang the lock from, the frame or handlebars of the bicycle whilst riding. However, this approach has the same drawbacks as above of creating rattles and potentially damaging the bicycle, and also risks making the bicycle unstable and/or unpredictable in use. There is also the danger that the lock could move around and interfere with the wheels of the bicycle while riding, leading to accidents.

For cyclists such as commuters, who make regular journeys, another solution is to leave a lock in at one or both ends of their journey as required. Often, the lock(s) in question will be of the D-lock (sometimes referred to as U-lock) variety, since these are generally considered to be amongst the most secure locks available, and also are seen as heavy and difficult to transport if the user does not have, or chooses not to use, either a bag or a bicycle attachment. Leaving one or more locks 'in situ' avoids the need to carry a lock on the journey, but can require two separate locks to be purchased. There is also a risk that the lock(s) will be tampered with when unattended. Finally, this solution is of no assistance when the cyclist needs to make a different journey, or to break their journey even for a short time.

Another approach is for cyclists to loop a flexible lock around their neck or waist, or otherwise carry it on their person. This approach was popularised by cycle couriers who started wearing chain locks around the body in this way to provide a practical and speedy way of transporting their lock. However, standard chain locks are not designed to be worn, and can therefore be uncomfortable, difficult, and in some cases even impossible (for example due to their length) to be used in such a way.

Chain locks specifically designed to be worn around the waist are available. Having the weight of the lock around the waist is an ergonomically sound position, as the majority of the weight is translated directly to the hip bones resulting in less strain on the body. The cyclist's centre of gravity is also less affected than if the lock was in a rucksack or bag. These wearable locks incorporate a sleeve around the chain, part of which is receivable in an opening in the locking part and can be used to adjust the overall length of the lock as require using hook and loop fastening. To use the lock, the adjustable part of the sleeve first needs to be removed from the opening in the locking part and reattached to the remainder of the sleeve. The lock then needs to be opened and locked between the two ends of the chain. This means that the wearable chain locks, while a significant improvement over a standard chain lock, still involve an element of inconvenience which could be frustrating if only a very brief stop is being made.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a security device which can be easily and conveniently transported in such a way that it can be quickly accessed and used to secure an article. In a first aspect, the invention provides a security device for a movable article, comprising first and second locking parts permanently joined together by an elongate flexible connector, wherein the first locking part is lockable to the second part such that the security device forms a closed loop, and further comprising a channel for receiving a section of the elongate flexible connector.

Preferably, the first and second locking parts comprises said channel.

Advantageously, the elongate flexible connector has a substantially constant cross-section.

Preferably, the elongate flexible connector comprises a cable.

Advantageously, the elongate flexible connector comprises a chain. Preferably, both first and second locking parts comprise a channel for receiving a section of the elongate flexible connector.

Advantageously, the elongate flexible connector has a smooth outer surface. Preferably, one of the first and second locking parts comprise a further channel for receiving a further section of the elongate flexible connector.

Advantageously, a snap fit is provided between the or each channel and the or each section of the elongate flexible connector.

Preferably, securing means are provided between the first and/or second locking parts and the elongate flexible connector.

Advantageously, the further securing means comprise hook and loop fastening. Preferably, the further securing means comprise a clip.

Advantageously, the elongate flexible connector comprises a reflective portion. Preferably, one or more of the first and second locking parts comprises a reflective portion.

Advantageously, the security device further comprises a rotary connector between the cable and at least one of the first and second locking parts.

Preferably, the rotary connector allows at least one of the first and second locking parts to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cable.

Advantageously, the rotary connector allows rotation in both a clockwise and an anticlockwise direction.

Preferably, the rotary connector allows only unidirectional rotation.

Advantageously, the rotary connector further comprises a locking mechanism. Preferably, at least one of the first and second locking parts comprises a locking mechanism.

Advantageously, the locking mechanism locks the rotary connector in a particular orientation relative to the cable. Preferably, the locking mechanism prevents rotation about a longitudinal axis of the cable. A bicycle left unlocked while it is unattended, even if only for a brief time, can be at significant risk of being stolen. Nonetheless, many cyclists still take this risk either because they are not carrying a lock or because of the inconvenience of locking a bicycle for a short time. Most cycle locks are stored in a locked configuration, and have to be removed from a bag or mounting, unlocked, and then secured around the bicycle and ideally an immovable anchoring point before being locked again. The time taken to do this can seem disproportionately long if only a brief stop is being made. The present invention provides a lock that can be secured around the body, for example the waist, of a cyclist by simply wrapping the lock around the body and inserting one or more sections of the elongate flexible connector into the one or more channels, which are preferably provided on one or more of the locking parts of the lock. When needed, the lock can be removed quickly and simply by separating the section or sections of the elongate flexible connector from the one or more receiving channels and then can be immediately secured around the bicycle.

The elongate flexible connector preferably has a substantially constant cross-section such that any part of the elongate flexible connector can be received in the one or more channels. This allows ready adjustment of the size of the loop made by the lock when worn around the cyclist's body.

The elongate flexible connector can comprise a, typically steel, cable or a chain. In general, a chain will provide greater security at the expense of greater weight. Aside from its lighter weight, a cable can provide greater comfort when the lock is being worn, and even a lightweight cable lock can be a significant deterrent to opportunist thieves.

Preferably, the elongate flexible connector has a smooth outer surface, which may be provided by a vinyl coating or similar. This may allow the elongate flexible connector to slide within the one or more channels to tighten or loosen the loop that is formed. A channel may be provided on both first and second locking parts such that two sections of the elongate flexible connector can be received. This helps to avoid unrestrained free ends of the lock when it is being worn, which can be a problem with longer locks and/or smaller cyclists, and also provides a more robust and stable loop which is less likely to come undone while riding.

Where the lock is of such a length that it is likely to be wrapped around the body of a cyclist more than once, it may even be preferable to provide more than one channel on one or both of the first and second locking parts such that each loop of the elongate connector can be restrained.

It is envisaged the elongate flexible connector will be retained in the one or more channels by friction and or by a snap fit. However, it is possible for alternative or additional restraining means, such as hook and loop fastening, to be provided for additional security between the elongate flexible connector and the one or more locking parts when the lock is being worn.

Since security device is designed to be worn, it is preferable to provide reflective portions, markings or coatings on one or more parts of the device to improve the visibility of a cyclist in the dark. For example, one or more of the first and second locking parts and the elongate connector could be provided with reflective portions or coatings.

A better understanding of the present invention will be obtained from the following detailed description or a preferred embodiment. The description is given by way of example only and makes reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a top view of a cable lock according to the present invention in an unlocked configuration;

Figure IB is a top view of a cable lock according to the present invention in a locked state; Figure 2 is a side view of the lock of Figure 1 A being formed into a loop to be worn;

Figure 3 is an end view of one locking part as shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the lock of Figure 2 fully formed into a loop to be worn; and

Figure 5 is a side view of the lock according to one embodiment of the present invention fully formed into a loop to be worn.

The orientations top, side, above, below etc. are taken from an arbitrary datum and are intended solely to simplify the description below. Figures 1A and IB show a cable lock 1 in unlocked and locked configurations. As is typical in locks of this type, the lock 1 of Figures 1A and IB has a cable 2 forming an elongate connector between a first locking part 4, which houses the lock mechanism, and a second locking part 6 comprising a locking pin/shackle 8 which is received in an opening (not shown) in the lock mechanism when the first and second locking parts 4,6 are locked together as shown in Figure IB. The cable is braided steel, and is provided with a smooth outer vinyl coating to avoid the cable 2 scratching or otherwise damaging the frame of a locked bicycle. The first and second lock parts comprise a plastics material surrounding the steel parts of the locking pin/shackle 8 and the lock mechanism. Referring now to Figure 2, a side view of the lock 1 is shown. It will be noted that the cable 2 is not centrally positioned with respect to either the first locking part 4 or the second locking part 6. As shown in Figure 2, a part 10 of the first locking part 4 extends below the cable 2 and a part 12 of the second locking part 6 extends above the cable providing, within the first and second locking parts 10,12, space for channels aligned with the cable.

Figure 3 shows an end view of the first locking part 4 showing one of the channels 14 and a section of the cable 2 in cross-section. An equivalent channel is also provided in the second locking part 6. A blade style lock barrel 16 is representatively illustrated in Figure 3, although it should be appreciated that alternative locking means, for example a disc style lock barrel or combination lock would be equally suitable.

As can be seen from Figure 3, the channel 14 is shaped and sized to receive the cable 2 when the cable 2 is aligned with the channel 14 and moved into engagement as indicated by arrow 18. Small overhangs 20 at the open side of the channel. The resilience of the plastics material used for the first and second locking parts 4,6 and/or of the cable 2, in particular its coating, allow for a snap fit to retain the cable 2 within the channel 14. The illustrated lock 1 is used in the conventional way to secure a bicycle, but may be worn by a cyclist to ease transportation. The lock 1 can be wrapped around the body of a cyclist, for example around the waist, as shown in Figure 2 such that the ends of the lock 1 overlap one another and the first and second locking parts 4,6 are aligned with sections of the cable 2. The cable 2 is then moved as indicated by arrows 22 into engagement with the channels 14 in the first and second locking parts 4,6 as previously described with reference to Figure 3.

Figure 4 shows the lock 1 in the configuration in which it will be worn. The engagement between the cable 2 and the channels 14 provides a secure loop with no loose free ends that could cause an imbalance to a cyclist of get caught in moving parts of the bicycle or other vehicles or street furniture. Frictional contact between the cable 2 and the channels 14 helps to retain the loop at a set size.

The size of the loop made by the lock 1 in Figure 4 can, nonetheless, be readily adjusted as required by simply increasing or decreasing the overlap between the two ends of the lock 1. The cable 2 has a generally constant cross- sectional size so any part of the cable can be received in the channels. The cable may either be separated from both channels 14 and tightened or loosened as required before being re-engaged or, as a result of the smooth outer coating of the cable 2, the cable 2 may be slid through the channels 14 without being separated. To reduce the frictional contact between the cable 2 and the channels 14 one part of the cable 2 may be separated from one channel 14 while the cable 2 is slid through the other channel 14. There is no need to unlock the lock 1 described above, or to release any separate fastening means, in order for a cyclist to remove it from their body. However, if desired a further fastening means, such as a clip or hook and look fastening, could also be provided for optional use to provide a more secure loop for longer rides.

The design of the lock 1 has a number of benefits in simplifying and speeding up the locking of a bicycle. A cyclist wearing the lock 1 in the configuration shown in Figure 4 will position their bicycle and then take hold of the first and second locking parts 4,6 to separate the cable 2 from the channels 14. The lock 1 is then immediately ready for use, and is already being held at one end ready for locking around the bicycle. The lock mechanism and locking pin are permanently connected to the ends of the cable so that no separate lock has to be attached to either end and. The lock may even 'snap shut' such that a bicycle may be secured in seconds without requiring a key.

Referring additionally now to Figure 5, it will be seen that a rotary connector 5 is provided between a first end of the cable 2 and the first locking part 4, and also between a second end of the cable 2 (opposite the first end) and the second locking parts 6. The rotary connectors 5 allow the first locking part 4 to rotate about the longitudinal axis X of the cable 2 as indicated by arrow 7, and the second locking part 6 to rotate about the longitudinal axis X of the cable 2 as indicated by arrow 9. Although an anticlockwise rotation is depicted in Figure 5, it is to be understood that rotation in a clockwise direction is also allowed by the rotary connectors. Alternatively, a rotary connection may be provided which allows only unidirectional rotation. Although rotary connectors 5 are provided between the cable 2 and both the first and second locking parts 4,6, in an alternative embodiment, a single rotary connector between the cable 2 and the first locking part 4 may be preferred, with the second locking part 6 rigidly connected to the cable 2. It may also be preferred to have a single rotary connector between the cable 2 and the second locking part 6, with the first locking part 4 rigidly connected to the cable 2. The rotary connectors 5 allow the first and second locking parts 4,6 to rotate so as to bring the channels 14 of the locking parts into alignment with the cable 2. This allows the cable 2 to be readily received in the channel 14 so the lock can be formed into a loop. If not for the rotary connectors, the locking parts may naturally assume a position such that the channel 14 and the cable 2 are out of alignment when the cable 2 is looped. In order to form the cable into a loop in such circumstances, the user would have to bend, twist or otherwise distort the locking parts and/or the cable 2 so that the cable 2 could be received in the channel 14. The thickness and/or rigidity of the cable may be such that the cable 2 naturally resists adopting a looped form in which the cable 2 and channels 14 align. This is undesirable and can render the cable difficult to wear in a looped form around the waist or body. The rotary connectors 5 allow the channels 14 to be moved into alignment with the cable 2 without the need for bending, twisting or otherwise distorting the cable 2. When the lock is ready to be worn it may be wrapped around the body of the cyclist, for example around the waist, such that the ends of the lock 1 overlap one another. If the first and second locking parts 4,6 are not aligned with sections of the cable 2, they may be rotated about the longitudinal axis X of the cable 2 to bring them into alignment. The cable 2 may then be moved into engagement with the channels 14 in the first and second locking parts 4,6 as previously described with reference to Figure 3. A loop naturally lying in essentially one plane may then be formed.

A locking mechanism may also be provided on the rotary connectors 5 to lock the rotary connectors in a particular rotary orientation relative to the cable and thereby preventing subsequent rotation. When the desired alignment is achieved, the user may utilise the locking mechanism to prevent the locking parts 4,6 moving out of alignment. The locking mechanism may be in the form of a screw and/or a clamp but alternative locking mechanisms may be provided in keeping with the principles of the present disclosure. It may be preferred to provide the locking mechanism on the first and/or second locking parts 4,6, in addition to or instead of the rotary connectors 5. The invention thus provides a bicycle lock which can be worn around the body of a cyclist, is easily adjusted, and can be quickly removed and used when required. The lock is therefore easily transported and is simple and quick to use, addressing the problems which most commonly lead to bicycles being left unlocked.

The invention is not considered to be limited to the configurations and materials described in the preferred above. The configuration of the structure as well as the dimensions and, to a certain extent, the material of the component parts would be dependent on a specific application.

For example, alternative lock mechanisms and engagements between the locking pin and lock mechanism could be utilised without any further modifications being necessary. The lock may be produced in various different lengths as required, and additional materials may be incorporated into the cable to provide additional strength or resilience. A chain lock following the same principles could be produced if a higher security lock were required.

Claims

1. A security device for a movable article, comprising first and second locking parts permanently joined together by an elongate flexible connector, wherein the first locking part is lockable to the second part such that the security device forms a closed loop, and further comprising a channel for receiving a section of the elongate flexible connector.

2. A security device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second locking parts comprises said channel.

3. A security device according to claim lor 2, wherein the elongate flexible connector has a substantially constant cross-section.

4. A security device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate flexible connector comprises a cable.

5. A security device according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate flexible connector comprises a chain.

6. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein both first and second locking parts comprise a channel for receiving a section of the elongate flexible connector.

7. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate flexible connector has a smooth outer surface.

8. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second locking parts comprise a further channel for receiving a further section of the elongate flexible connector.

9. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein a snap fit is provided between the or each channel and the or each section of the elongate flexible connector.

10. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein further securing means are provided between the first and/or second locking parts and the elongate flexible connector.

11. A security device according to claim 10, wherein the further securing means comprise hook and loop fastening.

12. A security device according to claim 10, wherein the further securing means comprise a clip.

13. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate flexible connector comprises a reflective portion.

14. A security device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the first and second locking parts comprises a reflective portion.

15. A security device according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a rotary connector between the cable and at least one of the first and second locking parts.

16. A security device according to claim 15 wherein the rotary connector allows at least one of the first and second locking parts to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the cable.

17. A security device according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the rotary connector allows rotation in both a clockwise and an anticlockwise direction.

18. A security device according to any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the rotary connector allows only unidirectional rotation.

19. A security device according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the rotary connector further comprises a locking mechanism.

20. A security device according to any one of claims 15 to 19 wherein at least one of the first and second locking parts comprises a locking mechanism.

21. A security device according to claim 19 or 20 wherein the locking mechanism locks the rotary connector in a particular orientation relative to the cable.

22. A security device according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the locking mechanism prevents rotation about a longitudinal axis of the cable.

23. A security device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.