A blocking member of this kind is typically used in combination with a lock to protect for instance bicycles or other gear from wrongful use. The blocking member is then passed around or through a part of the bicycle, for instance around the frame or through a wheel, and optionally around a fixed object such as a pole or a bicycle rack, and then bolted at the ends via the lock, so that the lock and the blocking member prevent the bicycle from being ridden.

To transport the blocking member, it can be compactly folded. To that end, it comprises hinged coupling means between the blocking rods.

Similar combinations of a blocking member and a lock are known from the art as appears from, for instance, DE 102005063514 and

US4760718. A drawback of the blocking members with lock described therein is that due to the construction required for folding them compactly, they are relatively cumbersome in use and therefore complicate the locking of, for instance, a bicycle.

The present invention aims to realize a blocking member and a lock which are user friendly, offer a good protection and can be carried along compactly.

The proposed objective is achieved by a blocking member according to the present invention characterized by the features of claim 1, that is, in that the blocking rods are pivotable relative to each other in at least two orthogonal pivoting directions. By not limiting the hinge action of the coupling means between two adjacent blocking rods to pivoting movements within one and the same plane, as is known from the state of the art, but allowing for instance pivoting movements in three dimensions, the blocking member achieves a clearly better freedom of movement and therefore greater ease of handling. In an advantageous embodiment, this effect is achieved by using as coupling means a chain link which reaches though the coupling eyes of two

neighboring blocking rods and is configured for allowing the intended pivoting movements.

In additionally advantageous elaborations of the blocking member, a central axis of each blocking rod forms an axis of symmetry for each coupling eye of this blocking rod, the central axes of the blocking rods are in line when the blocking member is in the extended condition, and the two coupling eyes of each blocking rod are in the same plane. Owing to these elaborations, tensile forces exerted on an end of the blocking member are substantially absorbed by the straight parts of the blocking rods. Thus, deformation of the coupling means, such as the chain link, are well prevented. Hence, this configuration of the blocking member is resistant to a higher tensile force than, for instance, a classic chain.

At the same time, manufacturing the blocking rods requires less material than the material required for a chain of similar length and wire thickness. This is reflected in an extra advantageous lightweight blocking member.

To obtain a desired solidity and force resistance of the blocking member, it is preferred that the blocking rods and coupling means are manufactured from metal or an alloy, for instance from hardened steel. It is preferred that they have a circular transverse cross section, but this can also be oval, square, hexagonal or octagonal. The coupling eyes at either side of each blocking rod are formed by, for instance, bending this end, as will be clear to the skilled person. Preferably, a straight portion of each blocking rod is enveloped by a protective layer, such as a resilient layer of, for instance, rubber or rubbery material, foamy material, neoprene, or fiber material. This protective layer can be relatively thick, for instance such that an external dimension of the layer substantially coincides with a width of a coupling eye, all this for increasing a comfortable use of the blocking member. Alternatively, a relatively thin protective layer can be applied, for instance a layer with a thickness in the range of approximately 1 mm-5 mm, for instance a thickness of 1.5-2 mm.

In an advantageous embodiment of the blocking member, in front view, the coupling eyes at the two ends of a blocking rod are pear-shaped or teardrop -shaped. This shape offers a twofold advantage: on the one hand, it is simpler in manufacture than a circular coupling eye which demands a greater deformation of the end of the blocking rod. On the other hand, this shape prevents two adjacent blocking rods from being rotated opposite each other in a relatively acute angle while being blocked by the blocking member. In such a position, brutally forcing the blocking member would be simplified.

Another manner of preventing two adjacent blocking rods from being positioned opposite each other in the above mentioned unfavorable position, is to provide at least one, and preferably two rotation limiting projections on the outside of each blocking rod at the location of each coupling eye. Preferably, these projections are configured such that they limit the pivotal movement of the blocking rods opposite each other, and thus hinder any forcing of the blocking member.

In order to combine the blocking member with a lock, it is preferred that at least one, and preferably two ends of the blocking member are provided with a pin engageable by a lock.

The present invention also relates to a lock comprising a lock housing with a bolting mechanism, wherein the lock comprises a blocking member according to the invention, wherein the blocking member is designed for cooperation with the bolting mechanism for holding the blocking member in a locked position. According to the invention, an advantageous elaboration is achieved in that a first end of the blocking member is non-detachably fastened to the lock housing by means of at least one coupling element having, for instance, a link part which reaches through a coupling eye of a blocking rod and having a pin-shaped part reaching into the lock housing. Preferably, a second end of the blocking member is detachably fastenable to the lock housing by means of at least one coupling element, having, for instance, a link part which reaches through a coupling eye of a blocking rod and having a pin-shaped part which reaches into the lock housing. In an alternative embodiment, a first end of the blocking member may also be detachably fastened to the lock housing.

In order to promote the flexibility and hence the ease of use of the lock, at least one and optionally both ends of the blocking member, when attached to the lock housing, can rotate through 360° in a plane

perpendicular to a fastening direction of the blocking member to the lock housing.

In a user friendly elaboration of the lock, the blocking member is substantially enveloped by an impact and/or sound damping layer from, for instance, fiber material. This prevents the unprotected rods from making a rattling sound upon impact with each other.

In order to obtain a compact design of the lock, an insertion direction into the lock housing of the coupling element at a first end of the blocking member is parallel to the insertion direction into the same lock housing of the coupling element at a second end of the blocking element. Furthermore, in compactly folded condition, some blocking rods of the blocking member run parallel to each other, others at a slight angle, and are perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lock housing. Thus, this invention combines the advantages of different systems into a whole that is relatively flexible, relatively compactly foldable, hghter and less expensive and which provides a better protection than the systems known from the state of the art.

In the following, the invention is further elucidated with reference to the drawings of a few exemplary embodiments. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a part of an exemplary embodiment of the invention of a blocking member in extended condition;

Figures 2a and 2b show a perspective view on two hingedly coupled blocking rods of the blocking member shown in Figure 1, in non-extended and extended condition, respectively;

Figure 3 shows a detail of a coupling eye at the end of a first example of the blocking rod of the exemplary embodiment shown in

Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the blocking rod;

Figure 5 shows a front view of a third exemplary embodiment of the blocking rod;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 5, with a sleeve;

Figure 7 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a lock and a blocking member in extended condition according to a further elaboration of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a perspective front view of both ends of the blocking member with the lock housing of the elaboration shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a front view of both ends of the blocking member, upon bolting of the lock housing, of the elaboration shown in Figure 7;

Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show a front, side and rear view, respectively, of the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 7 of the lock in folded condition; Figure 11a and lib show a perspective front view and side view, respectively, of the exemplary embodiment of a lock in folded condition with sleeves; and

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment comprising hingedly linked blocking rods with relatively thin sleeves.

In this application, identical or corresponding features are indicated with identical or corresponding reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a blocking member 2 according to the invention, in extended condition. The member 2 shows multiple blocking rods 1 (in this case six), which are each time two by two, hingedly coupled to each other via a coupling means 4.

The blocking member can comprise different numbers of blocking rods 1, for instance a relatively small number such as at most ten, and in particular an even number of rods 1 (for instance selected from: four, six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen). It is preferred that the rods have equal lengths, but this is not essential. The rods can each have a length (measured between end faces) in the range of, for instance, approximately 5-40 cm, a range of, for instance, approximately 10-30 cm, or a different length. A minimal length of each rod can for instance be 5 cm. A maximum length of each rod can for instance be 50 cm. With these rod lengths, a relatively compact and well maneuverable blocking member 2 can be obtained. Other dimensions (lengths) are also possible, which will be clear to the skilled person.

Likewise, a total length of the blocking member 2 can for instance be in the range of approximately 0.5-2 m, in particular a range of

approximately 0.5-1-5 m, or be a different length.

In the present example, ends of the blocking rods 2 each comprise a coupling eye 3 (i.e. a rod end part comprising a passage). In the first exemplary embodiment, the coupling eyes 3 have a circular-symmetrical shape. In the extended condition shown, central axes 5 of the blocking rods 1 are aligned. This feature promotes the force resistance of the blocking member 2.

In the example, each blocking rod 1 comprises an elongate straight part 6. Hence, each of the rods 1 is straight (i.e. each extends in a straight hne). However, this is not essential, (viewed in longitudinal direction) one or more rods (for instance each rod) can for instance exhibit a curve or other shape deviating from a straight line.

In the present examples, the central axis 5 of each blocking rod forms an axis of symmetry for each coupling eye 3 of this blocking rod 1. This is important for the force resistance of the blocking rod 1 because in this manner, the tensile force exerted on the coupling eyes 3 at both ends of the blocking rod 1 in the direction of its longitudinal axis is transmitted to the straight part 6 of the blocking rod 1, so that the coupling means 4 is prevented from deforming. It is preferred that both coupling eyes 3 of a blocking rod 1 are in the same plane, which simplifies the relatively compact folding.

It is preferred that the blocking rods 1 and the coupling means 4 are manufactured from metal or an alloy, for instance hardened steel, this for the sake of the solidity of this material. In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling eyes 3 can be formed at the end of a blocking rod 1 by folding these ends over, optionally while heating them. Other methods are also possible.

Figures 2a and 2b each show a perspective view to a part of two hingedly coupled blocking rods 1 of the blocking member 2, in non-extended and extended condition, respectively. Through the coupling eyes 3 of the two adjacent blocking rods 1 reaches a coupling means 4, which couples the two blocking rods 1 hingedly. In the example, each coupling means is designed as a link 4, for instance an oval hnk defining an oval passage in which the coupling eyes 3 are hooked. The links 4 may be formed from wire (having, for instance, a circular cross section). The same holds true for the rods 1 and respective (integral) coupling eyes 3. In particular, the links 4 and rods 1 can be formed from wire having the same diameter, which is advantageous from the point of view of manufacture.

The coupling means 4 and the coupling eyes 3 are dimensioned such that each pair of adjacent blocking rods 1 are pivotable relative to each other in at least two orthogonal pivoting directions (indicated in Figure 2a and Figure 2b with arrow a and arrow b). Here, the first pivoting direction a is about a first pivoting axis which forms a central axis of the respective link. The second pivoting direction b runs at right angles to the first pivoting direction, a respective second pivoting axis being formed by a center 3a of the respective coupling eye 3.

In the example, the coupling via the coupling eyes 3 and

intermediate links 5 is in particular such that relative rotation of the blocking rods 1 about the respective central axes 1 is substantially blocked, at least with the blocking member 2 in extended condition. Further, the embodiment is in particular such that the adjacent blocking rods 1 are pivotable relative to each other in at most two orthogonal pivoting directions a, b. Therefore, torsion of the member 2 (about the central axis 5) is preferably not possible or hardly so.

Figure 3 shows a detail of the coupling eye 3 at the end of a blocking rod 1. As follows from the drawing, it is preferred that the coupling eye 3 comprises one or more rotation limiting means, in this case formed by two projections 7. In this example, the projections 7 are for instance at the outside of the rod, at the position where the straight rod part 6 merges into the coupling eye 3. As follows from the drawing, the two projections 7 each time form a local widening of the blocking rod 1. In particular, the projections 7 reach radially outward relative to a center or central pivot 3a of a respective coupling eye 3. The shape of these projections 7 can vary as becomes clear from the examples in Figures 3 and 4. Owing to the rotation- limiting means 7, in particular, a pivotal movement about the second pivoting direction b (therefore about the central axis 4a) can be limited. An advantage is that, in a particular manipulation position (where first, the rods 1 are brought opposite each other on the link 4 through angles of 90° in first pivoting directions a) adjacent bars 1 can only include a relatively obtuse angle so that forcing is hindered.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a blocking rod 1', which can be used, for instance, as replacement for the rod 1 shown in Figures 1 - 3. The second exemplary embodiment of the blocking rod may be manufactured in a casting process, or through, for instance, hot pressing (i.e. without the use of wire bending), and comprises at least one, and preferably two rotation limiting projections 7' at the outside of each blocking rod 1' at the location of each coupling eye 3'. It is preferred that these projections 7' are designed such that they limit the pivotal movement of the blocking rods 1' opposite each other, via a coupling means 4, and thus hinder forcing of the blocking member 2'. Figure 4 further shows that a straight part 6' of the blocking rod 1' can have a round oval cross section, but this cross section can also be round (circular), angular, square, hexagonal or octagonal or have a different shape.

Figure 5 is a frontal view of a third extra advantageous exemplary embodiment of a blocking rod 1" of the blocking member. In Figure 5, the coupling eyes 3" mentioned are pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped, but other shapes, such as circular are also possible as is shown in Figures 3 and 4. An advantage of a pear-shaped or teardrop-shaped coupling eye is that the end of the blocking rod needs less bending (in case the eyes are formed by means of a bending process) and are therefore relatively simple to manufacture. Furthermore, this shape prevents two adjacent blocking rods from being positioned opposite each other at a relatively acute angle, while they are at the same time blocked by the coupling means, so that intentional forcing of the coupling means would be simplified. It is noted that in Figure 5, the two eyes 3" of the rod 1" are formed in opposite bending directions, but they can also be formed in the same bending direction, which is relatively easy to manufacture.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a blocking rod 1", in this case - similar to Figure 5 - comprising two pear- shaped or teardrop -shaped coupling eyes 3". The straight part 6" of the blocking rod is enveloped by a protective layer 9, for instance a resilient layer, for instance of rubber or rubbery material, foam material, or fibrous material, while the protective layer is relatively thick, for instance as thick as up to the width of a respective coupling eye. The protective layer renders the use of the blocking member 2" of which this blocking rod forms part, comfortable, and it can reduce noise. Another exemplary embodiment comprising blocking rods with protective covers is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 7 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a lock according to the present invention, which example comprises a lock housing 10 with a bolting mechanism operable by a user. A first end of an above described blocking member 2 is fastened to the lock housing 10. This coupling can be achieved in different manners, which will be clear to the skilled person. Preferably, the coupling is such that the first end is rotatable relative to the lock housing (indicated with arrows in Figure 9). The bolting mechanism may comprise a cylinder lock known per se, accessible via a key insertion opening 14, with associated key (not shown).

Figure 8 shows both ends of the blocking member 2 and the lock housing 10 in further detail. In this example, at least one and preferably both ends of the blocking member 2 comprise a pin 8, engageable by a lock, which pin can have different shapes as will be clear to the skilled person.

In the example, a first end of the blocking member 2 is non- detachably fastened to the lock housing 10 by means of at least one coupling element 11, for instance having a link part of end ring 12 reaching through a coupling eye 3 of a blocking rod 1, and having a pin-shaped part reaching into the lock housing 10. In another possible elaboration, this first end may also be detachably coupled to the lock housing 10.

In the example, the second end of the blocking member 2 is detachably fastenable to the lock housing 10 by means of at least a coupling element 11, for instance having a link part/end ring 12 which reaches through a coupling eye 3 of a blocking rod 1 and having a pin-shaped part 8 reaching into the lock housing 10 to be engaged by the locking mechanism mentioned.

A coupling element 11 mentioned, more specifically the link part 12, between the blocking member 2 and the lock housing 10 promotes the flexibility of the lock housing relative to the blocking member, which is beneficial to the ease of use. In this example, an insertion direction

(indicated by arrows 13 in Figure 8, 9) of the coupling element 11 into the lock housing 10 at a second end of the blocking member 2 is at right angles to a longitudinal axis (central axis) of the lock housing 10. Preferably, a key insertion direction (and a central axis of a respective lock cylinder) are also at right angles to the central axis of the lock housing 10. In particular, the insertion direction into the lock housing 10 of the coupling element 11 at the second end, on the one hand, and the central axis of the lock cylinder on the other hand, are parallel to each other. In this manner, a relatively compact configuration can be obtained which simplifies transport of the lock.

Figure 9 shows a front view of both ends of the blocking member 2 when these two are fastened to the lock housing 10 via coupling element 11. In an advantageous embodiment of the lock, at least one end of the blocking member 2, when fastened to the lock housing 10, can rotate through 360° in a plane perpendicular to a fastening direction 13 of the blocking member 2 to the lock housing 10. It is also possible that both ends of the blocking member 2 are rotatably coupled to the lock housing 10. This feature is beneficial to the flexibility of the lock, and hence the ease of use thereof. Figures 10a, 10b, and 10c show the lock assembly, with the blocking rods 1 of the blocking member 2 substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lock housing 10. In the relatively compactly folded condition, some of the blocking rods 1 of the blocking member 2 run substantially parallel to each other, others at a small angle, as will be clear from the side view of Figure l ib. This relatively compact manner of folding is beneficial to the increased flexibility of the blocking member 2, and hence the enhanced user friendliness of the lock when compared to systems known from the state of the art.

Figure 11a and l ib are a perspective drawing and a side view, respectively, of a further elaboration of the example shown in

Figures 7 - 10, wherein the entire blocking member 2 is enveloped by one or more cushioning and/or sound proofing layers 15, for instance from fibrous material or other material, while these one or more layers may comprise a flexible cover fitting relatively tightly around the member 2, from cloth or similar material. The one or more layers 15 mentioned can also be

manufactured from other material, for instance rubber, foam or plastic or a combination of similar or other materials. It is also possible to envelop only a portion of the blocking member 2 with such a layer 15, for instance only the blocking rods 2 without the coupling means 4. This protective

layer/sleeve 15 has several functions. It prevents rattling sounds from unprotected parts of the blocking member 2 impacting on each other. It also protects the vehicle, for instance a bicycle to be protected from possible scratching by the blocking member 2.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a further elaboration of an exemplary embodiment, which is distinguished from the above described examples in that hingedly linked blocking rods 1" are each provided with a single relatively thin protective (cushioning and/or sound proofing) layer 15'. In particular, the thickness of this layer 15' is in the range of approximately 1 - 3 mm. The layer 15' can for instance be manufactured from foam material, such as neoprene foam. In particular, in this example, each cushioning and/or sound-proofing layer 15 envelops only a portion of the blocking member 2"', at least a straight part 6"'of the blocking rod l'"and relatively short adjacent parts of respective coupling eyes 3"', but for instance not a coupling means 4"'. In this manner, a flexible hinge movement can be obtained which simplifies handling.

It is self-evident that the invention is not limited to the above described exemplary embodiments. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims, as will be clear to the skilled person.

For instance, the blocking member can be designed for cooperation with various sorts of locks, for instance for cooperation with a locking mechanism of a bicycle ring lock known per se or the like. In that case, for instance, an end of the blocking member can be provided with a relatively large eye, while another end of the blocking member is provided with a lock inserting pin which can be inserted via this relatively large eye into a pin insertion opening of a bicycle ring lock.