FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a locking device for motorcycle. In more particular, the present invention provides a locking device for motorcycle and the like with dual locking mechanism capable of effectively immobilizing the motorcycle in its stationary state or its parking position and thus protecting it from theft or unauthorized use.

BACKGROUND OF TBDE INVENTION

The use of an auxiliary locking device for motorcycle and the like is known in the prior arts to enhance the safety of the vehicle in order to protect it from theft or unauthorized use. These locking devices are mechanically designed with a physical body and a specific locking mechanism. As security, portability and cost are usually the main concerns of a particular user when choosing a suitable locking device for their vehicles, various locking devices which are varied in size, design and security level have been invented.

There are some patented technologies over the prior arts relating to locking devices or anti-theft clamp for motorcycle. These devices include various types of chain-t3φe locks for engaging the vehicle wheel at its parking lot. However, these types of locking devices are large, heavy and inconvenient. Moreover, the chain could be easily disabled by thieves.

With limitations of the chain-type locking devices, throttle locks and/or brake locks have been invented. Of interest in connection with an anti-theft clamp for a motorcycle hand brake lever is U.S. Patent No. US2003/0101779. The clamp comprises a pair of jaws connected together at a pivot. There are first and second substantially parallel apertures located through the clamp, wherein the first aperture being shaped to receive a handlebar handgrip portion therethrough and the second aperture being formed in a movable member to receive a brake lever. The jaws can be locked in its closed condition. However, the adjustability of this type of locking mechanism is not flexible. In addition, there is merely one locking mechanism installed this clamp which is easily disabled.

Another brake lock and the like is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US4426861. This brake lock comprises a security bracket having a U-shaped shackle and a member which is slidable thereon and a lock, hi use the brake handle is locked by the shackle in a position which urges the brake handle toward the bike handle to thereby braking pressure to the bike until the shackle is unlocked. Although this lock can be used for different types of bikes, it is particularly useful when used on bicycles with hydraulic type brakes. This simple shackle-type of locking mechanism focuses on the immobilization of the brake.

Another U.S. Patent No. US5347835 also discloses a control lever lock for the handlebar of a cycle. There is a key-actuated lock at the first clamp and a lock engagement recess at the second clamp. It comprises a plurality of protruding tits extending therefrom for frictional engagement with the handlebar to prevent the arms from rotating on the handlebar. There is also another motorcycle throttle clamp disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US5511399. It possesses a pair of rectangular blocks having a semi-circular indentation on outer surfaces thereof so as to engage a round tubular handlebar of a motorcycle. These throttle locks exhibit different designs of locking mechanisms, however there is only one type of locking mechanism applied to each type of throttle or brake lock, in which the mechanism is usually simple and can be easily disabled. There is also a padlock-type locking device disclosed in PCT publication No. WO2007/010580 to be engaged on the brake disc or ring gear of a motorcycle. This device, however, only applies the conventional pin type padlock which is controlled by spring. Besides, it is also not as convenient as the throttle- or brake-type lock.

Some of the patented technologies attempt to provide a locking device which is capable of locking both the brake and the throttle of the motorcycle. However, these locking devices- are mostly low in security level, less adjustable, less fit and inconvenient. Clearly, it is desirable for the present invention to provide a locking device for motorcycle to overcome the drawbacks of the prior arts, i. e. the locking device shall be simple and convenient to use yet possesses a more complicated locking mechanism with higher level of security. The product invented shall also provide supporting features which help enhance the immobilization of motorcycle thus preventing theft and unauthorized use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a locking device which possesses a hybrid or dual locking mechanism which is more secure and thus enhances the safety of the motorcycle and the like when it is in stationary state or in its parking position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a throttle lock which is flexible and adjustable as well as suitable for use in the immobilization of motorcycles with different types of throttles and brake handles.

Still another object of the present invention is to develop a complicated and high- security locking mechanism for motorcycles with strong grasping which is difficult to be disabled by thieves or unauthorized parties. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a locking device which is relatively small, portable and user- friendly.

Further embodiment of the present invention is to provide a locking device having customizable external designs and colours suitable for different styles and personalities of the users.

The locking device shall also be high in quality, water-resistant and long lasting comparable to the existing products in the market.

At least one of the preceding objects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, in which one of the embodiments of the present invention describes a locking device (100) for locking a throttle (111) and a handbrake lever (112) of a motorcycle, comprising: a body member (103, 104) mounted with a first U-shaped member (101) to engage the throttle (111) and the second U-shaped member (102) to engage the handbrake lever (112) in such a way that when the device (100) is locked, the handbrake lever (112) is applied; and a locking mechanism enclosed within the body member (103, 104) having a first lock (105) and the second lock (106) to clamp the first U-shaped member (101) onto the throttle (111) and to lock the handbrake lever (112) into an applied condition, wherein the actuation of the first lock (105) activates a blocking mechanism (108) to restrain key access (114) to the second lock (106).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first lock (105) is a combination lock and the second lock (106) is a key-actuated lock.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses that the second lock

(106) is actuated to lock the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) via an adjusting means (109). Actuation of blocking mechanism (108) also locks the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102).

Still another embodiment of the present invention is a locking device (100) which further comprises a close-fitting means (107) mounted on the inner surface of the first U-shaped member (101) or the inner surface of the second U-shaped member (102) or both. Preferably, the close-fitting means (107) is rubber pads or a sponges.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the close-fitting means (107) further comprises a plurality of teeth-like protrusions (114) extended therefrom.

Further embodiment of the present invention discloses that the locking mechanism comprises a plurality of resilience means (113) for controlling the action of the blocking mechanism (108) and the adjusting means (109). Preferably, the plurality of resilience means (113) are springs.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first U-shaped member (101), the second U-shaped member (102) and the body member (103, 104) of the locking device (100) are customized with different colours and patterns.

The present invention discloses a design of locking device (100) which is an incremental improvement to the existing locking devices including improved features which is capable of enhancing the product's value of the device as well as overcoming the drawbacks of the prior arts. The locking device invented (100) is compatible with various types of motorcycles.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments described herein are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWLNGS

For tie purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing the preferred embodiments from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation and many of its advantages would be readily understood and appreciated.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the locking device (100) as described by one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention showing the outer appearance thereof.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the locking device (100) as described by another preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the configuration of the locking mechanism enclosed within the body member (103, 104) as well as the position of the first lock (105) and the second lock (106).

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the locking device (100) when it is used for locking the throttle (111) and handbrake lever (112) together to immobilize the motorcycles or the like.

Figure 4 shows the locking mechanism of first lock (105) and the second lock (106) as well as the position of the blocking mechanism (108) and adjusting means (109) of the locking device (100) in a locked mode.

Figure 5 shows the locking mechanism of first lock (105) and the second lock

(106) as well as the position of the blocking mechanism (108) and adjusting means (109) of the locking device (100) in an unlocked mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a locking device for motorcycle. In more particular, the present invention provides a locking device for motorcycle and the like with dual locking mechanism capable of effectively immobilizing the motorcycle in its stationary state or its parking position and thus protecting it from theft or unauthorized use.

Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

The present invention discloses a locking device (100) for locking a throttle (111) and a handbrake lever (112) of a motorcycle, comprising: a body member (103, 104) mounted with a first U-shaped member (101) to engage the throttle (111) and the second U-shaped member (102) to engage the handbrake lever (112) in such a way that when the device (100) is locked, the handbrake lever (112) is applied; and a locking mechanism enclosed within the body member (103, 104) having a first lock (105) and the second lock (106) to clamp the first U-shaped member (101) onto the throttle (111) and to lock the handbrake lever (112) into an applied condition, wherein the actuation of the first lock (105) activates a blocking mechanism (108) to restrain key access (114) to the second lock (106).

As illustrated in Figure 1, the locking device (100) of the present invention is made up of three main body parts, including the first U-shaped member (101). the second U- shaped member (102) and the body member (103, 104) which is located in between these two U-shaped members (101. 102). Preferably, this locking device (100) is fabricated in a suitable dimension to be used conveniently and efficiently as a multiple locking device for motorcycles and the like. For example, the volume of the locking device can be of approximately between the range of 125mm x 85mm x 35mm and 165mm x 115mm x 44mm, and the weight estimated is preferably ranged between 350g to 45Og. It is preferably made from light weight materials with considerable mechanical property, such as aluminium alloy.

Preferably, the present invention uses two separate yet interdependent locks as the locking mechanism for the locking device (100) to increase its security level. The first lock (105) can be a combination lock or a key-actuated lock. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the locking mechanism enclosed within the body member (103, 104) as described in one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which the first lock (105) is a combination lock and the second lock (106) is a key-actuated lock.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention discloses that the second lock (106) is actuated to lock the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) via an adjusting means (109). Actuation of blocking mechanism (108) also locks the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102).

As shown in Figure 2, the blocking mechanism (108) and the adjusting means (109) are mounted on the locking mechanism. This blocking mechanism (108) is located in between the first lock (105) and the second lock (106) to block or unblock the second lock (106) from being actuated. The first lock (105) is capable of locking the first U- shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) at one portion of the body member (104) as well as activating the blocking mechanism (108) to conceal the key access (114) for the second lock (106). According to this preferred embodiment, the key access (114) for the second lock is a hole for the insertion of the right key. The adjusting means (109) is situated adjacent to the second lock (106) to fasten or release the other portion of the body member (103) in the locked or unlocked mode, respectively. The adjusting means (109) works together with the blocking mechanism (108) and can be moved up and down to adjust the position of the body member (103, 104) and both the first and the second U-shaped members (101, 102).

In one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second lock (106) used is preferably a key-actuated lock which is hard to be disabled, convenient to use and capable of rotating the cam for applying force onto the adjusting means (109), which is a follower to the cam (110). Most preferably, the second lock (106) is a round lock as shown in Figure 2. Other types of key-actuated lock (106), such as drawer lock or cam lock, can also be applied. Optionally, the size of pins of the round lock can be modified so that the size of key can also be adjustable for different combination to enhance the level of security.

With reference to Figure 2, a combination lock which is a highly secure type of locking system that is hard to be decoded is preferably applied as the first lock (105). It is designed to enable the activation of the blocking mechanism (108). The first lock (105) or the combination lock can possess multiple rotating cams (115) to increase the combination code, thus enhancing the security of the first lock (105). Besides, the size of the rotating cams (115) can also be modified to allow the blocking mechanism (108) to displace as desired or to accommodate more rotating cams (115). All components of the locking mechanism are configured in a manner such that the functioning of the second lock (105) and the first lock (106) is interdependent.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking device (100) further comprises a close-fitting means (107) which is mounted on the inner surface of the first U-shaped member (101) or the inner surface of the second U-shaped member (102) or both, as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2. Rubber pads are considered the most suitable close-fitting means (107) to be used in the present invention due to its high coefficient of friction and capable of increasing the grasping force of both the U-shaped member (101. 102). The thickness of rubber pads can also be altered to fit both the U-shaped member (101, 102) tightly onto the throttle (111) and the handbrake lever (112) as rubber can be deformed according to its elasticity property. However, the present invention does not intend to limit any other suitable close-fitting means (107) available, such as sponges.

As illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2, there are a plurality of teeth-like protrusions (114) extended from the close-fitting means (107) or the rubber pads which help create frictional forces at the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) to obtain a strong grasping effect of the locking device (100) to the throttle (111) as well as the handbrake lever (112). The teeth-like protrusions (114) help prevent both the U-shaped members (101, 102) from being pulled apart as they only allow both the U-shaped members (101, 102) to be be moved transversely towards the body member (103, 104) but not in backward direction. These teeth-like protrusions (114) can be of different sizes and angles.

The locking device (100) invented applies a concept which will ensure the handbrake lever (112) to be locked tightly to the throttle (111) in order to immobilize the motorcycle by the clamping of the brake disc onto the motorcycle wheel. Meanwhile, the throttle (111) is also locked still so that it cannot be turned to initiate the movement of the motorcycle by disabling the initiation of fuel injection system by the locked throttle (111).

Illustrated in Figure 3 is the positioning of the locking device (100) at the throttle (111) and the handbrake lever (112) when it is in use. Initially, the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) are adjusted to the size of the throttle (111) and the handbrake lever (112) of a motorcycle respectively by adjusting the close-fitting means (107) horizontally along the peripheral of the body member (103, 104). Subsequently, the locking device can be fitted to the throttle (111) together with the handbrake lever (112). The position of the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) are adjusted through a slider or guide way which ensure the components move only in a single direction.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dual locking mechanism configured in the locking device (100) invented is interdependent, whereby the locking or unlocking conditions of the second lock (106) depend on the locking or unlocking conditions of the first lock (105) and vice versa. In other words, the second lock (106) can only be disabled once the combination code for first lock

(105) is inserted correctly, due to the presence of the blocking mechanism (108) that blocks the key from entering the second lock (106) as described by one of the preferred embodiments.

As set forth in the foregoing description of the present invention, the second lock

(106) applies force onto the adjusting means (109) via a cam (110). When the right key is inserted into the second lock (106) and turned, the cam (110) will rotate and the adjusting means (109) can be forced down by the cam (110), thus locking the one portion of the body member (103) which surrounds the second lock (106). Subsequently, the blocking mechanism (108) can be forced to lift up to block the key access (114) or the key hole of the second lock (106), as illustrated in Figure 4, by turning the first lock (105). A combination code for the first lock (105) is then randomized, thus locking another portion of the body member (103) which surrounds the first lock (105) through lifting of the blocking mechanism (108) by the rotating cams (115) of first lock (105) or the combination lock. The locked mode of the locking mechanism is shown in Figure 4.

Likewise, the locking device (100) can be unlocked when the right combination code for the first lock (105) is inserted. As a result, the blocking mechanism (108) can be pulled down together with the blocking mechanism (108) by forces from a plurality of resilience means (113). which are preferably springs. Various types of spring sizes and spring stiffnesses can be applied according to the overall design of the locking mechanism. The bottom portion of the body member (103) is thus released. At the same time, the adjusting means (109) can be deactivated or pulled up together with the blocking mechanism (108) by the forces applied through the resilience means (113), thus exposing the key access or the key hole of the second lock (106) for the insertion of the right key, as shown in Figure 5. When the right key is inserted and turned, the cam will rotate and the adjusting means (109) can be lifted up by forces from the resilience means (113). Hence, the top portion of the body member (103) can be released. The unlocked mode of the locking mechanism is illustrated in Figure 5. The concept of this locking and unlocking means is based on clinging of the blocking mechanism (108) to the first U-shaped member (101) and the second U-shaped member (102) and this goes same with the adjusting means (109), which the locking and unlocking means work similar to cable tie securing concept.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first U-shaped member (101), the second U-shaped member (102) and the body member (103, 104) can be customized with different colours and patterns to provide a more attractive appearance of the locking device (100). This customization also allows the locking device (100) to match with different styles of motorcycles and to suit different personalities of users.

The locking device (100) invented possesses a high product's value as it provides abundant advantages to a user of motorcycles and the like. The interdependent dual locking feature is able to increase the level of security of the vehicle when this locking device (100) is used. Besides, it can be easily adjusted to fit onto different types of throttles and brake levers and can be locked tightly into position at any desirable position. With the installation of the close-fitting means (107), high frictional forces and strong grasping effects can be created to hold and seize the throttle and brake lever. Furthermore, this locking device (100) is easy to position and convenient to use as it is relatively smaller and portable. It is competent as it is water- resistant, long-lasting and can be customized with different colours and patterns.

The present disclosure includes as contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangements of parts ma)' be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.