Bicycle-mountable lock usable with a remotely controllable bicycle lock and alarm system

• US 20040119583A1
• Filed: 12/19/2002
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Compuloc Co.
• Original Assignee: Compuloc Co.
• Inventors: Linden, Edward A., Booty, Donald J. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US10/324,375
• Publication Number:
  US 20040119583A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/432
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/20 indicating unauthorised use, e.g. acting on signalling devices alarm locks in general E05B45/00, e.g. alarm cable or chain lock E05B45/005
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 3/14 indicating functioning of other devices, e.g. acoustic warnings indicating that lights are switched on
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 21/26 Handlebar grips twist grips B62K23/04
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1445 with detection of interference with a cable tethering an article, e.g. alarm activated by detecting detachment of article, breaking or stretching of cable furniture, e.g. shelves for displaying merchandise, incorporating tethers to prevent theft A47F7/024, A47F5/0861
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/008 Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system

Abstract

The invention provides a bicycle-mountable lock. The lock rigidly attaches to a first portion of a bicycle, and includes an attachable portion. An audible alarm sounds when either the lock is broken or when the attachable portion is broken, typically by a thief attempting to steal a bicycle. Also optionally provided in the lock and alarm is an audible alarm.

Claims

1. A bicycle lock and alarm (the lock), comprising:

a housing that is adapted to rigidly attach to a stationary portion of a bicycle at an attachment location;

the housing comprising an electrically insulating material that electrically isolates a conductive material;

the conductive material encompassing the attachment location;

a movable member that is adapted to attach to both of the housing and to a moving portion of a bicycle;

the movable member comprising an electrically insulating material that electrically isolates a conductive material;

the conductive material electrically couples the movable member to the housing;

a first circuit comprising the conductive material of the flexible member;

the first circuit adapted to detect an open-circuit condition in the flexible member;

a second circuit comprising the conductive material of the housing;

the second circuit adapted to detect an open-circuit condition in the housing; and

a control circuit maintained in the housing;

the control circuit coupled to the first circuit and to the second circuit;

the control circuit adapted to turn on an alarm when a short circuit is detected by either the first circuit or the second circuit.

2. The lock of claim 1 wherein the alarm is an audible alarm.

3. The lock of claim 1 further comprising an input/output system coupled to the control circuit.

4. The lock of claim 1 further comprising an infrared processor coupled to the control circuit.

5. The lock of claim 4 further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the control circuit and wherein the control circuit is enabled to lock and unlock a locking mechanism.

6. The lock of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism is enabled to unlock the movable member from the housing.

7. The lock of claim 5 wherein the locking mechanism is enabled to unlock the housing from the location of attachment.

8. The lock of claim 1 wherein the stationary portion is a bike frame.

9. The lock of claim 1 wherein the stationary portion is a handlebar.

10. The lock of claim 1 wherein the movable member is a tire.

11. The lock of claim 1 wherein the movable member is a pedal.

12. The lock of claim 1 wherein the conductive material in the housing forms a cage.

13. The lock of claim 4 wherein the infrared processor is capable of communication with a remote control device, the remote control device being enabled to unlock the movable member from the housing, and to turn off an alarm.

14. The lock of claim 3 wherein the input/output system comprises a keypad having entry keys for manually entering information based on alphanumeric characters or symbols printed upon the entry keys.

15. The lock of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a base and a hinged door.

16. The lock of claim 1 wherein the housing is substantially aerodynamically-shaped.

17. The lock of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises a permanent locking assembly.

18. A bicycle lock and alarm (the lock) tampering system, comprising:

a conductive girdle;

a printed circuit board coupled to the girdle;

a control logic coupled to the printed circuit board;

an alarm coupled to the printed circuit board; and

a movable member assembly coupled to the printed circuit board.

19. The lock of claim 18 further comprising an infrared receiver coupled to the printed circuit board.

20. The lock of claim 18 further comprising an actuator coupled to the printed circuit board.