Municipal bicycle sharing system

• US 20100313614A1
• Filed: 12/30/2009
• Published: 12/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/12/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rzepecki S. Ryan
• Original Assignee: Rzepecki S. Ryan
• Inventors: Rzepecki, S. Ryan
• Application Number:
  US12/655,400
• Publication Number:
  US 20100313614A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 70/233
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 2003/005 Supports or holders associated with means for bike rental
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/145 by means of removable bolts
• 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: G07F 17/0057 for the hiring or rent of vehicles, e.g. cars, bicycles or wheelchairs car rental G07B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5872 For cycles

Abstract

A bike share system with the flexibility to anchor the rental bike anywhere at the end of the trip employs a remotely operable lockbox which incorporates a wireless communication card with a GPS receiver. The lock system includes a scissor clamp for grasping the bicycle seat support post and a pair of extended fingers of the scissor clamp which are retained by the clamshell halves of the lockbox. One arm of a U-shaped retainer can be extended into throughbores of first and second ears positioned on opposing sides of the bicycle wheel to lock the wheel against rotation. A mechanical locking device has teeth which engage with protrusions on the other arm of the U-shaped retainer to prevent its movement relative to the lockbox maintaining the other arm in wheel immobilizing position.

Claims

1. A lock system for securing a bicycle against unauthorized use, said lock system comprising:

a) a scissor-clamp formed by a first arm and a second arm interconnected at a pivot post, each said arm having a gripping claw at one end which grasps a seat tube of a bicycle and an extending finger at a distal end of said arm;

b) a lockbox having a bottom wall and a lid, said bottom wall and said lid engaging said extending finger of each said arm in a closed, latched position securing said extending fingers against movement thereof preventing said scissor clamp from being removed from the seat tube of the bicycle.

2. The lock system of claim 1 further comprising

c) a U-shaped retainer having a first arm with a plurality of cylindrical protrusions, a second arm which can be extended outside said lockbox;

d) a mechanical locking device which engages said first arm of said U-shaped retainer preventing relative movement between said U-shaped retainer and said lockbox;

e) a first ear protruding from a lower side of said bottom of said lockbox on a first side of a wheel of the bicycle, said first ear having a first throughbore;

f) a second ear protruding from a lower side of said bottom of said lockbox on a second side of the wheel of the bicycle, said second ear having a second throughbore which is aligned with said first throughbore;

whereby said second arm of said U-shaped retainer is extended through said first and second aligned throughbores and the wheel of the bicycle, thereby immobilizing the bicycle.

3. The lock system of claim 2 wherein said U-shaped retainer is extended about a post prior to said first arm being engaged by said mechanical locking device thereby securing and immobilizing the bicycle.

4. The lock system of claim 3 wherein said lockbox contains a battery and a electronic actuator for said mechanical locking device.

5. The lock system of claim 4 further comprising a support post extending to said lockbox from a hub of the wheel above which said lockbox sits, said support post providing a path for an electrical connecting wire between a hub generator and said battery contained in said lockbox.

6. The lock system of claim 2 wherein said first arm of said U-shaped retainer includes a plurality of annular protrusions on at least a portion of its length.

7. The lock system of claim 6 wherein said mechanical locking device includes an extendable member having a plurality of teeth which interdigitate with said annular protrusions on said first arm to preclude movement thereof.

8. The lock system of claim 7 further comprising a solenoid attached to said extendable member to disengage said mechanical locking device responsive to an authorized signal from an electronic touch pad.

9. The lock system of claim 1 further comprising at least one illuminated light positioned in said lockbox and shining out through at least one portal on a rear surface of said lockbox to render the bicycle more visible.

10. The lockbox of claim 9 wherein said at least one illuminated light comprises at least two illuminated lights.

11. The lockbox of claim 10 wherein said at least one portal comprises at least two portals on said rear surface of said lockbox.