Bicycle lock The invention relates to a bicycle lock, having a locked position and an unlocked position, such that operationally a wheel of a bicycle will be blocked in the locked position and the bicycle may be used in the unlocked position, comprising a lock body, in which a movable blocking element is mounted, such that in the locked position the lock body and the blocking element together enclose the wheel, and a locking element for locking the blocking element in the lock body in the locked position.

Bicycle locks can be found on practically every bicycle. In a locked position, the bicycle lock usually blocks a rear wheel, which makes it almost impossible for a thief to make off with the bicycle. Fact is however that every year a large number of bicycles is stolen, which proves that existing bicycle locks are no longer satisfactory. More in particular it has become clear that for every existing bicycle lock of this kind a tool can be devised with which the lock can be cracked fast and effectively.

As a result of a well thought-out design and a careful selection of the used materials, it is practically impossible to crack the bicycle lock according to the invention. It is thereto characterised in that the lock body comprises at least a tubular element, that the blocking element comprises at least a J-shaped element which is mounted for rotation to the lock body, that the locking element comprises an object which is slidable and/or rotatable inside the tubular element, that an end of a long leg of the J-shaped element ends in a cavity in the object and that the locking element comprises, at least in the locked position, a lock for fixing the object inside the tubular element. With the construction as chosen, and

more in particular with the small number of parts, it becomes possible to fabricate the bicycle lock of a temperable type of steel, without the bicycle lock becoming prohibitively priced.

A favourable embodiment for which use can be made of mounting places which are in a standard way available on bicycles is characterised in that at least one mounting plate is connected to the tubular element, for mounting the bicycle lock to a bicycle. The mounting plate can be placed in such a manner that the J-shaped element will be less accessible and is protected by it.

A further favourable embodiment is characterised in that a hinge point of the J-shaped element is connected to the tubular element and/or the at least one mounting plate.

A hinge point of this kind can be designed exceptionally robust, for example as a rivet made of steel, having a large diameter.

A favourable alternative embodiment is characterised in that the at least one mounting plate is shaped as a housing, connected to the tubular element, which at least substantially encloses the J-shaped element, such that it becomes very difficult to reach it with a crowbar and the like. Preferably, also the hinge point of the J-shaped element is mounted to the housing and the housing is provided with mounting means, for mounting the bicycle lock to a bicycle.

A further favourable embodiment is characterised in that in the tubular element and in the object holes have been made, via which a padlock can be attached. Preferably, use is made then of a type of padlock that is difficult to open with tools, available within the criminal circuit.

A favourable alternative embodiment which enables a person to operate the bicycle lock with one hand is characterised in that the tubular element is provided with a cylinder lock. Preferably, use is made then of a type of cylinder lock that is difficult to open with tools, available within the criminal circuit.

A further favourable embodiment is characterised in that a connection between the cylinder lock and the object consists of a connecting-piece, provided with a pin, which may move inside a substantially radially extending slot in the object. Preferably, the tubular element is provided with an at least substantially L-shaped aperture, inside of which the pin may move during the unlocking or locking of the bicycle lock. In the locked position, the pin is positioned in the short leg of the L-shaped aperture and the key may be removed, while in the unlocked position the pin is positioned in the long leg end and the key cannot be removed.

A favourable alternative embodiment is characterised in that the tubular element is provided with an at least substantially I-shaped aperture, inside of which a sharp end of the J-shaped element may move during the unlocking or locking of the bicycle lock.

A further favourable embodiment in which the bicycle lock may me realised with a minimum number of components is characterised in that the object is provided with a groove, inside of which a sharp end of the J-shaped element may move during the unlocking or locking of the bicycle lock, to turn a rotational movement of the cylinder lock into a swinging movement of the J-shaped element.

A further favourable embodiment, by which it becomes possible to couple the bicycle lock to a cable or chain, is characterised in that an end side of the object is provided with a first slot, that an end side of the tubular element which at least substantially corresponds the end side of the object is provided with a cover provided with a second slot and that with the bicycle lock in an open position the first slot and the second slot at least substantially overlap.

The invention also relates to a cable or chain, for fixing a bicycle to an object, provided with a head that can be inserted into a bicycle lock and can be fixed to it when the bicycle lock is brought from an unlocked position into a locked position. The inventive cable or chain is characterised in that the head is provided with a T-shaped object, of which a leg is connected to the cable or chain and of which a cross piece can be inserted in the bicycle lock.

A favourable embodiment of the inventive cable or chain is characterised in that the leg is connected to the cable or chain via a tapered connecting-piece, which makes it very difficult to force the connection between the bicycle lock and the cable or chain.

The invention will now be further explained with a reference to the following figures, in which: Fig. 1 represents a possible embodiment of a bicycle lock according to the invention in a locked position; Fig. 2 represents a possible embodiment of a bicycle lock according to the invention in an unlocked position;

Fig. 3 represents an alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position; Fig. 4 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position; Fig. 5 represents an alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position; Fig. 6 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position; Fig. 7A represents a possible embodiment of a connecting- piece and a cylinder lock in a locked position; Fig. 7B represents a possible embodiment of a second tube in a locked position; Fig. 7C represents a possible embodiment of a connecting- piece and a cylinder lock in an unlocked position; Fig. 7D represents a possible embodiment of a second tube in an unlocked position; Fig. 7E represents a possible embodiment of a first tube; Fig. 8 represents a further alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position; Fig. 9 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position; Fig. 10A represents an embodiment which may accommodate a T-shaped object; Fig. 10B represents this embodiment with a locked T-shaped object ; Fig. 10C represents a cable or chain, provided with a T- shaped object.

Fig. 1 represents a possible embodiment of a bicycle lock according to the invention in a locked position, consisting of a first tube 1, onto which a fixed bracket part 2 is welded, and a movable bracket part 3 which is mounted for rotation to first tube 1 with the aid of two strips 4a, 4b, which are welded to it, of which only strip 4a is visible,

and with the aid of a spindle 5. Round fixed bracket part 2 also two strips 6a, 6b are placed, which are welded to first tube 1 as well. The strips are provided with holes, not shown in the figure, with which they can be mounted to a bicycle in such a manner that the wheel is positioned between first tube 1, fixed bracket part 2 and movable bracket part 3. In fact, only strips 4a, 6a are needed for mounting the bicycle lock and movable bracket part 3, but double strips provide for a more robust mounting of movable bracket part 3 and they also provide some protection for both bracket parts. In first tube 1, a second tube 7 is slidable mounted, provided with a slot through which end 8 of movable bracket part 3 passes. In the position shown here, a padlock may be passed through a hole 9a in second tube 7 and through a corresponding hole 10 in first tube 1 and locked, after which the bicycle is locked. A second hole 9b in second tube 7 remains covered and is only functional when the lock is open.

Fig. 2 represents a possible embodiment of a bicycle lock according to the invention in an unlocked position, where movable bracket part 3 has been pulled out, so that the bicycle may be used. Thereby second tube 7 is pushed outside by a rim of the slot in second tube 7, so that second hole 9b is positioned in line with hole 10 in first tube 1, after which a padlock may be passed through the holes and the bicycle may be used. Round an end of fixed bracket part 2, a steel sleeve 11 has been welded in this embodiment, such that during locking of the bicycle lock an end of movable bracket part 3 fits precisely into it, which will make it more difficult to force the bicycle lock.

Fig. 3 represents an alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position, consisting of a first tube 1, onto which a movable bracket part 3 is mounted for rotation

via a shaft 5 in a shell, consisting of two shell parts 12a, 12b, of which only shell part 12a is visible in the figure, which shell parts are welded to first tube 1 and which are welded together all around wherever possible. A shell part is provided with holes, not visible in the figure, via which it can be mounted to a bicycle. In the embodiment shown here, fixed bracket part 2 is missing. Its function is taken over by shell parts 12a, 12b. In first tube 1, a second tube 7 is slidable mounted, provided with a slot through which end 8 of movable bracket part 3 passes. In the position shown here, a padlock may be passed through a hole 9a in second tube 7 and through a corresponding hole 10 in first tube 1 and locked, after which the bicycle is locked. In first tube 1, a spring 13 is placed, so that the lock will spring open and remains open when the padlock is removed.

Fig. 4 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position, where second tube 7 is pushed outward by spring 13 and where movable bracket part 3 is pushed outward by an edge of the slot in second tube 7.

Fig. 5 represents an alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position, consisting of a first tube 1, to which a movable bracket part 3 is mounted for rotation via a shaft 5 inside a shell 12, which shell passes over first tube 1 and which protects it, together with bracket part 3.

Moreover, edges of shell 12 are welded together all around wherever possible. In first tube 1, a second tube 7 is slidable mounted, provided with a slot through which end 8 of movable bracket part 3 passes. In second tube 7 moreover a cylinder lock 14 is welded and additionally protected by a plate 15 which has been welded onto the end of second tube 7. Plate 15 is provided with a hole, with a diameter such that a key for operating lock 14 may just pass. A

rotatable, flattened pin 16 of the cylinder lock ends in a connecting-piece 17. To connecting-piece 17, a pin 18 is mounted that may move inside an L-shaped aperture 19 in first tube 1. In the position shown here, pin 18 is stuck in the short leg of L-shaped aperture 19, the key has been removed from cylinder lock 14 and a spring 13 is pushed in.

Preferably, the length of first tube 1 is chosen so that in the locked position the end of second tube 7 and plate 15 which has been welded onto it fall well inside tube 1 and are thus protected by it.

Fig. 6 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position where, after rotating cylinder lock 14, pin 18 is moved into the long leg of L-shaped aperture 19 and where second tube 7 is pushed outside by spring 13, so that movable bracket part 3 moves towards an open position.

Fig. 7A represents a possible embodiment of a connecting- piece and a cylinder lock in a locked position, in which pin 18, secured in connecting-piece 17, points outside the plane of the drawing and is positioned in the short leg of the L-shaped aperture in first tube 1. Connecting-piece 17 consists here of a metal cylinder, provided with a groove in which a flattened pin 16 of cylinder lock 14 ends, so that it rotates together with a key when this rotated to a locked or unlocked position.

Fig. 7B represents a possible embodiment of a second tube 7 in a locked position, in which movable bracket part 3 is pushed into a closed position. Second tube 7 is provided with a slot 20, inside of which which pin 18 can move when the cylinder lock is rotated to a locked or unlocked position. Moreover plate 15 is shown, which will be welded onto second tube 7.

Fig. 7C represents a possible embodiment of a connecting- piece 17 and a cylinder lock 14 in an unlocked position, in which pin 18 points in the plane of the drawing upwards and is moved into the long leg of the L-shaped aperture in first tube 1. Fig. 7D represents a possible embodiment of a second tube in an unlocked position, in which movable bracket part 3 is pushed towards an position.

Fig. 7E represents a possible embodiment of a first tube 1, provided with a slot via which the end of movable bracket part 3 may pass and an L-shaped aperture 19 in which pin 18 may move if the bicycle lock is locked or unlocked.

During the assembly of the bicycle lock, cylinder lock 14 is welded or pinned into second tube 7, after which plate 15 is welded onto tube 7 and connecting-piece 17 is pushed into second tube 7. Next, spring 13 is placed into tube 1, of which a left end has been closed beforehand, then second tube 7 is pushed into it and at the same time movable bracket part 3 is brought into its proper position. Then pin 18 is secured, which finishes the actual assembly.

Finally the shell parts 12a, 12b are installed and welded in place, so that pin 18 becomes inaccessible.

Fig. 8 represents a further alternative embodiment of a bicycle lock in a locked position, consisting of a tube 1, to which a movable bracket part 3 is mounted for rotation, via a shaft 5, in a shell 12, which shell extends over first tube 1 and protects it, together with movable bracket part 3. In tube 1, a connecting-piece 17 is mounted for rotation, provided with a groove 21, which extends partly round connecting-piece 17 as a part of a thread with a wide pitch. In tube 1 a cylinder lock 14 is welded and additionally protected by a plate 15 which has been welded onto the end of tube 1. Plate 15 is provided with a hole,

with a diameter such that a key for operating lock 14 may just pass. A rotatable, flattened pin 16 of the cylinder lock ends in a connecting-piece 17. The end 8 of bracket part 3 is in this embodiment provided with a point, in such a manner that this point rests inside groove 21. When cylinder lock 14 is rotated with the aid of a fitting key, connecting-piece 17 will be taken along by pin 16 and the pointed end 8 will slide through groove 21, as a result of which the bicycle lock will be opened. If required, this movement may be supported by a spring 22. Tube 1 is provided with a slot 23 via which the pointed end 8 of movable bracket part 3 may pass. Tube 1 is moreover closed with a cover 24 on the side pointing away from cylinder lock 14. In connecting-piece 17, a first slot 25 is made and in cover 24 a second slot 26 is made, in such a way that with the lock in the locked position the first slot 25 and the second slot 26 are mutually perpendicular positioned.

Fig. 9 represents this embodiment in an unlocked position, where after rotating cylinder lock 14 the pointed end 8 of movable bracket part 3 has substantially completely passed through groove 21 and movable bracket part 3 is moved to the open position. First slot 25 and second slot 26 now do overlap.

Fig. 10A shows tube 1 with cover 24 and connecting-piece 17 with first slot 25 in such a position that via second slot 26 a T-shaped object 27 can be accommodated, so that a cross piece 28 of the T-shaped object fits into first slot 25. Fig. 10B shows tube 1 with cover 24 and connecting- piece 17 with first slot 25 in a blocked position, whereby cross piece 28 of the T-shaped object is positioned perpendicular to second slot 26 in cover 24 and T-shaped object 27 cannot be taken out any more. In this position, a

tapered connecting-piece 29, which connects T-shaped object 27 to a cable or chain 30, is positioned practically against cover 24, which makes it virtually impossible to break the joint with the aid of a crowbar and the like.

Fig. 10C shows cable or chain 30, with on a first end a T- shaped object 27 and connecting-piece 29 and on a second end a strap 31 via which the bicycle now can be fixed onto for example a fence or a tree.