System and method for bike locking

• US 9,381,964 B2
• Filed: 10/07/2014
• Issued: 07/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bikeep Ou
• Original Assignee: Bikeep Ou
• Inventors: Haidak, Meelis, Kiv, Kustas, Reinhold, Ott
• Primary Examiner(s): BLOUNT, ERIC
• Application Number:
  US14/508,176
• Publication Number:
  US 20150096335A1
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 370/432, 70/571, 340/432
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 3/02 involving means for gripping the cycle by the handlebars or by the upper part of the frame
• 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: E05B 71/00 Locks specially adapted for bicycles, other than padlocks locks integral with holders for parking or storing bicycles B62H3/00; locks integral with cycles B62H5/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5004 For antitheft signaling device on protected article

Abstract

Provided is a secure and easy to use solution for bike holders to securely lock all kinds of bicycles with different frames and shapes without the need to carry a personal lock. The present system and method for bike locking securely locks the bike'"'"'s frame and wheel.

Claims

1. A system for bike locking comprising:

a main unit;

at least one docking unit;

a server;

a local station server; and

at least one user identification means;

wherein the local station server is connected to the server and at least one docking unit, and the main unit comprises a first power unit, a main controller, a first communication unit, and a security means,

wherein the docking unit comprises a housing, a locking module, a second power unit, a charging module, a microcontroller, a second communication unit, alarm means, and communication means,

wherein the microcontroller is connected to the alarm means and the locking module and the locking module comprises a locker, a locker door, a fixing lever, a bearing and a lock with electronic drive for the fixing lever and the locker door; and

wherein the second communication unit is connected to the microcontroller, the first communication unit, and the communication means;

wherein the first power unit is connected to the main controller, to the security means and to the second power unit, the first communication unit is connected to the main controller, to the security means, and over a wired or wireless network with the server;

wherein the second power unit is connected to the microcontroller and to the charging module.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing lever comprises a bended first part, a second part, an end part and a mounting part, wherein the first part, the second part and the end part are bended so that the fixing lever forms an angle of rotation approximately 120-140 degrees and a bike is locked by locking bike'"'"'s frame by a first fixing point and by locking bike'"'"'s wheel by a second fixing point and in closed position the mounting part is switched into the lock.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fixing lever is bended.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first power unit comprises a solar panel, battery and/or 110-230V AC connection(s).

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the user identification means is a manual dock ID input, mobile device, mobile application and/or web application.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the local station server is connected via data sync to the server and via service request to at least one identification means and via service request to at least one docking unit.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server is connected to the main unit and a service provider, a security provider, a maintenance service.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the main unit comprises the first power unit connected to main controller, which is connected to the first communication unit and security means which is connected to the first communication unit and the first power unit.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is wireless 2G, 3G connection or Bluetooth connection and/or wired connection.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication module is wireless 2G, 3G or Bluetooth connection and/or wired connection.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the communication means is RFID, NFC, QR, finger print reader, serial communication read for detecting and communicating with smart bike or other contactless data communication or identification means.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the security means is a camera, a piezo sound alarm, SMS notifications for related personnel, cover/case open/close detection, vibration sensors, and/or a dampening sensor.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm means comprises alarm sensors, sound and light indicators to indicate a free spot for the bike and buzzer or loudspeaker for alarm.

14. A method for bike locking using the system for bicycle locking according to claim 1 comprising the following steps:

activating the lock for fixing the lever and the locker door by user identification means;

notifying the user of an available docking unit;

placing the bike next to the docking unit;

locking securely the frame and the wheel of the bike by moving the fixing lever to closed position;

fixing the lever and the locker door, and

confirming the secure bike locking.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fixing lever is moved from one position to another by means of rotary movement to open and/or close the bike lock.