GB2270662A

GB2270662A - Bicycle security device

Info

Publication number: GB2270662A
Application number: GB9219851A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edwin John Carter; John Richardson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-09-19
Filing date: 1992-09-19
Publication date: 1994-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2012-09-19
Also published as: GB2270662B; GB9219851D0

Abstract

A bicycle security device has a support 2, for mounting to a permanent fixture, and clamping means 10 on the support for clamping a part of a bicycle, such as the frame. The support preferably has a hinge connection 3 and may include a slotted bracket for mounting to the permanent fixture so that the support can be positioned at different heights to suit bicycle frames of different sizes. The clamping means, in use, is adapted to receive a lock through holes 6, 12, or to be locked, about the bicycle frame whereby the bicycle may be releasably clamped and locked to the mounted support. <IMAGE>

Description

BICYCLE SECURITY DEVICE This invention relates to a bicycle security device for securing a bicycle when parked.

Bicycles are particularly susceptible to being stolen and, at present, security-minded users. carry with them a chain and lock which enables them to lock their bicycle to a convenient permanent fixture. However, in many cases it is inconvenient to carry a bulky lock and chain for this purpose and, as a result, bikes are often left unsecured likely to be stolen.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved bicycle security device.

According to the present invention, a bicycle security device comprises a support, for mounting to a permanent fixture, and clamping means on the support for clamping a part of a bicycle, such as the frame, the clamping means, in use, being adapted to receive a lock, or to be locked, whereby a bicycle may be releasably clamped and locked to the support.

In a first embodiment, the support comprises an elongate arm having a hinged plate at one end by means of which it may be mounted to a permanent fixture such as a wall, a shaped portion towards the other end of the support for receiving a section of a bicycle frame, and a hole at the free end. The clamping means preferably comprises a movable clamping bracket secured to the support including a central shaped portion which cooperates with the shaped portion of the support to define an opening for receiving the frame section of a bicycle and an opening at the free end of the clamping bracket which, when the bracket is overlying a frame section, aligns with the hole in the free end of the support. The aligned holes are suitably designed to receive a user's locking padlock to lock the bike to the bicycle security device.

In a second arrangement, a security device as aforesaid is hingedly mounted to a bracket fixed to a permanent fixture such as a wall and the hinge is movable in a vertical slot to allow the support to be positioned at differing heights to suit bikes of different sizes.

In a third arrangement, the support is a stub support hingedly secured to a curved bracket for mounting to a permanent fixture such as a sign post, the curved bracket including an elongate slot for positioning the clamping means at different heights. The advantage of providing the support with a hinged fixture is that the support can be folded flat against the permanent fixture when not in use.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of bicycle security device; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of a second embodiment of bicycle security device in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 is a front view of the bicycle security device shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a side elevation of a third embodiment of the invention; and, Figure 6 is a front elevation of the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

In Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings a bicycle security device (1) comprises an elongate support (2). At one end of the support (2) is a hinged plate (3) having screw holes (4) by means of which the security device can be secured to a permanent fixture such as a wall (not shown). Towards the other end of the support (2) is a curved section (5) (see Figure 2) which is shaped to receive the underside of the cross bar of a bicycle frame.

The free end of the elongate support (2) includes a hole (6) and along the upper surface of the support is an opening (7). The opening (7) receives an extension rod (8) which passes through the opening (7) and is held therein by an enlarged end (9). The other end of the extension rod (8) is welded to a clamping bracket (10), a central portion (11) of which is curved to conform to the curvature of the upper surface of a bicycle frame section. The free end of the bracket (10) has an opening (12) which may be aligned with the opening (6) in the support as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment in which parts equivalent to the parts shown in Figures 1 and 2 have been given the same numbers.

However, in the second embodiment there is an elongate bracket (13) having screw holes (14) permitting fixture to a wall or similar structure and a raised central section (15). The central section (15) includes an elongate slot (16) providing a keyway for the head of a bolt (17) fixedly secured to the bracket (3).

Figures 5 and 6 show a similar arrangement to the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 except that the bracket (13) has a curved profile in order to correspond with the curvature of a sign post and the fixing holes (14) are adapted to receive rivets or similar fixing devices. In addition, the support (2) is very much shorter than the elongate support (2) of the first and second embodiments.

In use, in all three embodiments, the bicycle securing device is secured to a permanent fixture by the bracket (3) either directly as in the first embodiment or by means of the bracket (13) in the second and third embodiments. In each of the cases the hinged bracket (3) allows the bicycle securing device (1) to be hinged against the fixture. In order to secure a bicycle in position, the support (2) is extended and the clamping bracket (10) moved away from the curved portion (5). The curved portion is then positioned under the cross bar of a bicycle frame and then the clamping bracket (10) is moved back over the frame section in order to align the openings (6) and (12). In this position the bicycle can be locked to the support by passing a padlock through the aligned holes (6) and (12).

In the first embodiment the bicycle security device is designed primarily for home use and the device would be mounted permanently at a particular height and, when in use, the support is hinged up against the bracket (3) so that the fixing screws passing through the holes (4) are not accessible. In the second and third embodiments which are designed for general use, the provision of a slot (16) means that the device is adjustable in height in order to accommodate bicycles of different heights. In addition, the enlarged head of bolt (17) allows the support (2) to swivel about the axis defined by the bolt (17) so that, instead of clamping the cross bar of a bicycle the support may clamp an upright of the frame, for example in the case of a lady's bicycle.

The bicycle securing device in accordance with the invention is of heavy duty metallic material coated with plastics in order to resist corrosion.

We have therefore provided a bicycle securing device which may be hingedly secured to a permanent fixture such as a wall and which includes means allowing clamping about the frame of a bicycle so as to enable the bicycle to be locked in position.

Although it is preferred to provide holes for receipt of a user's own padlock, a more sophisticated device may include the provision of a lock the key for which is releasable on payment of a stowing fee for example.

Claims

1. A bicycle security device comprising a support for mounting to a permanent fixture, and clamping means on the support for clamping a part of a bicycle, the clamping means, in use, being adapted to receive a lock, or to be locked, whereby a bicycle may be releasably clamped and locked to the support.

2. A bicycle security device according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises an elongate arm having a hinged plate at one end by means of which it may be mounted to a permanent fixture, a shaped portion towards the other end of the support for receiving a section of a bicycle frame, and a hole at the free end.

3. A bicycle security device according to claim 2, wherein the clamping means preferably comprises a movable clamping bracket secured to the support including a central shaped portion which co-operates with the shaped portion of the support to define an opening for receiving the frame section of a bicycle and an opening at the free end of the clamping bracket which, when the bracket is overlying a frame section, aligns with the hole in the free end of the support.

4. A bicycle security device according to claim 1, comprising a bracket for mounting to a permanent fixture and including an elongated slot, and hinge means on the support hingedly mounted to the bracket so as to be movable in the slot whereby, when the bracket is mounted with the slot in a vertical disposition, the support may be positioned at differing heights to suit bikes of different sizes.

5. A bicycle security device according to claim 1, wherein the support is a stub support hingedly secured to a curved bracket for mounting to a permanent fixture, the curved bracket including an elongate slot whereby, when the bracket is mounted with the slot in a vertical disposition the clamping means may be positioned at different heights.

6. A bicycle securing device including hinge means whereby it may be hingedly secured to a permanent fixture such as a wall, and clamping means allowing clamping about the frame of bicycle so as to enable the bicycle to be locked in position.

7. A bicycle securing device according to any preceding claim, of heavy duty metallic material coated with plastics.

8. A bicycle securing device according to any preceding claim, including an integral lock.

9. A bicycle securing device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings.