TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a universal motorcycle disk-brake lock, and more particularly to a universal disk-brake lock which is compatible to all motorcycle brands having a dual function and which provides a clear indication to a user that the lock is engaged with the disk-brake, to thereby prevent an attempt to drive the motorcycle while the lock is engaged with the disk-brake.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Various anti-theft devices for motorcycles have been suggested along the years. The simplest security device is a large chain, which can be looped through one of the wheels and/or a portion of the frame (interchangeably referred to also as chassis), and often also secured around a suitable stationary object such as a tree or lamp post. The chain must be sufficiently long, making it cumbersome to store and carry.

[0003] Other anti-theft arrangements for motorcycles are alarm systems with or without immobilizing systems; GPS assisted tracking systems, etc.

[0004] Alternatively, a disk-brake lock may be used. This is a lock, such as that described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,265,451 to Phifer and 5,492,206 to Shieh, which is secured through one of the holes formed in the disk portion of a disk- brake, preventing rotation of the motorcycle wheel. This is a highly effective anti- theft device, but has two main disadvantages: first, it is possible for the motorcycle to attempt traveling a very short distance with the lock in place. Second, a suitable storage location is required for this particular style of locks.

[0005] The traveling of a very short distance with the lock in place may occur when the owner of the motorcycle forgets that the lock is engaged, or during an attempted of theft by a potential thief or even an un-aware authorized user. The operator then starts the motorcycle, shifts into first gear and starts to roll. The wheel will be able to rotate until the disk-brake lock comes into contact with the brake caliper or some other part of the motorcycle, upon which the wheel will abruptly stop rotating. [0008] This would likely cause the motorcycle to fall over, possibly over the rider, or cause the driver to be thrown from the motorcycle and injured and likely cause damage to various parts of the motorcycle, e.g. damage the disk-brake, necessitating extremely expensive repair work. [0007] Devices intended to warn an operator that a locking device is attached to the motorcycle are known, including U.S. Patent No. 6,230,530 to Voigtet al. However, in moments of stress or when hurrying, the operator may not notice the warning device or even a warning signal. An ideal lock reminder device would therefore preclude operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged. A device aimed at fulfilling this purpose is described by Titterton in U.S. Patent No. 6175787. However, this does not solve the second problem associated with disk-brake locks, as described below.

[0008] Disk-brake locks are very heavy and bulky and are therefore difficult to transport when the motorcycle is in use, and therefore a suitable storage location is required for this particular style of locks. A disk-brake lock is commonly stored in a pouch or storage bin attached to the chassis of the motorcycle, in the helmet compartment, or similar storage devices, which are extremely inconvenient, or are carried by the operator.

[0009] As described in U.S. Patent No. 4436232 to Zaneet, a lock holder has been devised for fastening to the frame of a motorcycle for carrying a motorcycle lock. This comprises a mounting unit for fixing to the frame of a motorcycle and a carrier unit at one side of the mounting unit for carrying a motor lock. However, the lock holder may be heavily vibrated when the motorcycle runs over an uneven road, causing the lock to fall out of the holder. More lock holders are described in US5662255 to Lu.

[0010] US6131427 to Webberet et al. describes a disk-brake lock for motorcycles. The disk lock may be carried by an elongated foot peg of a motorcycle, which serves also as a lock holder. However, this elongated holder is deliberately indented to function for dual purpose, namely as a carrier of the lock and as a foot rest peg for the motorcycle. The holder is not intended for and is not capable of preventing operation of the motorcycle when the lock is detached from the holder. The holder does not provide a significant reminder for the operator to remove the disk-brake lock.

[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle disk brake lock which makes it highly unlikely or prevents normal operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged to the disk-brake and to thereby provide a clear alert to an operator thereof, and which can be conveniently stored and transported when not in use as a disk-brake lock.

[0012] Even more so, an attempt to break the lock may result in irreversible damage therein thereto such that it may no longer serve functionally, thus prevent operating the motorcycle.

[0013] WO2003051707 to Hogesta, who is the inventor of the instant application, which is considered the most pertinent prior art, discloses a motorcycle disk-brake lock. The motorcycle disk-brake lock of WO2003051707 makes it highly unlikely or prevents normal operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged with a disk-brake of the motorcycle and to thereby provide a clear alert to an operator thereof, and which can be conveniently stored and transported when not in use as a disk-brake lock. However, a disadvantage of WO2003051707 is that the motorcycle disk-brake lock was neither universally fitting nor backwardly compatible to a wide variety of motorcycles but rather limited to a certain brand and/or type of motorcycle.

[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide a disk-brake lock which, when in use as a lock, prevents a motorcycle from being operated in the normal manner, and when not in use as a lock, may easily and conveniently be a functional part of the motorcycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The following summary of the invention is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects and features of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and as such it is not intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention.

Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

[0018] According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose disk-brake lock for motorcycle for a motorcycle where the lock is detachable and connectable to a receiving adapter receiving adapter of the motorcycle.

The dual-purpose lock is suitable for locking engagement to a disk-brake of the motorcycle, characterized in that the lock is configured to be a foot-peg of the motorcycle used when starting or driving the motorcycle, wherein whenever the foot-peg is detached from the receiving adapter starting or driving of the motorcycle becomes highly unlikely or not possible at all; and a designated adapter comprising different changeable boxes, as shown in FIG 2, for fitting to various models of motorcycles.

[00 7] The present invention relates to a universal dual-purpose disk-brake lock for a motorcycle. The lock is a functional component of the motorcycle, such that it is unlikely to start and roll the motorcycle before disengaging the lock from the disk-brake and reengaging it at another location of the motorcycle for performing its function essential for starting or driving the motorcycle.

[0018] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a disk-brake lock for a motorcycle comprising a U-like shaped lock member defining a gap sized to receive a wheel disk-brake, a locking unit for removably attaching the lock member to a receiving adapter at a functional location of the motorcycle and for locking engagement onto the front/rear disk- brake of the motorcycle. A universal adapter is pivotally attached to the original receiving adapter of the motorcycle, wherein the universal adapter is configured to allow the lock portion of the dual-purpose disk-brake lock to lock thereon or removed therefrom, using a key. The arrangement is such that the locking unit of the dual-purpose lock is attachable to the universal adapter that is pivotally attached to the receiving adapter. Thereby, the dual-purpose lock is used as a functional component of the motorcycle and, when removed from the universal adapter, the disk-brake may be used as a wheel disk-brake lock. [0019] It is thus possible to provide a motorcycle wherein more than one locking mechanism is provided, e.g. a first element useful as a U-shaped lock for embracing the disk-brake (for example the disk-brake of the front wheel), and a second element useful as a locking pin (king-pin type lock) useful for locking engagement with the rear wheel of the motorcycle.

[0020] According to a different embodiment, the disk-brake lock is a pin-type lock (at times referred to as a king-pin lock) fitted for locking engagement into a hole of the disk-brake, and attachable, in the same manner, to the universal adapter that is pivotally attached to the receiving adapter of the motorcycle. A lock of this type may be easily fitted on either a front or a rear disk-brake of a motorcycle.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the invention, the lock member is functional as a foot peg (also referred to as a footrest) or paddle.

[0022] An advantage of the present invention is that the operator is instantly and automatically reminded that the lock is still engaged when attempting to operate the motorcycle.

[0023] A further advantage of the present invention is that the lock-brake functions as a foot peg when driving the motorcycle and when the motorcycle is parked, the unit is used as a lock. Its' dual-functionality saves the need of storage location and prevent driving attempt when the lock is steel mounted onto the disk brake.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a motorcycle fitted with a foot peg detachably connectable to the universal adapter that is pivotally attached to the receiving adapter of the motorcycle for cooperation therewith at an operative position of the motorcycle, and fitted for locking engagement to a disk-brake of the motorcycle to serve as a disk-brake lock; such that it is unlikely to start and roll the motorcycle before disengaging the lock from the disk-brake and re-engaging it to the receiving adapter of the motorcycle for performing its function.

[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle detachable and connectable to a receiving adapter compatible to all motorcycle brands by a universal adapter, the dual-purpose lock includes: a lock portion, foot-peg, key, a universal adapter having a bore formed therein to accommodate the original pivoting pin, a plurality of fitting cylinders, a tuning screw, lock connector and a lock mechanism, characterized in that the dual-purpose lock is configured to be a functional component of the motorcycle required for starting or driving the motorcycle, wherein whenever the functional component is detached from a mounting unit starting or driving of the motorcycle becomes highly unlikely or not possible at all; and wherein adapter comprises suitable fitting cylinder placed in bore of adapter thus fitting the bore to different sizes that are compatible with pin-lock mechanism; and wherein a tuning screw is used to maintain a desired distance from the head of said tuning screw to the base said receiving adapter.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for a motorcycle connectable to and detachable from the lock connector by a means of the key.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle detachable from the lock connector by a means an interlocking arrangement, lockable and releasable upon rotation.

[0028] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle, where the universal adapter and the lock connector forming a singular part.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts for assembling a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle including: an essentially Li- shaped part, comprising a lock portion, a foot-peg portion, a key, a universal adapter having a bore formed therein to accommodate the original pivoting pin, a plurality of fitting cylinders, a tuning screw, a lock connector, a lock cylinder, where the essentially Li- shaped part is detachable from and connectable to the lock connector, which is firmly attachable by the universal adapter to a motorcycle, where a suitable fitting cylinder from said plurality of fitting cylinders is placed in a bore in said universal adapter, thereby rendering said universal adapter backwardly compatible to pin-lock mechanisms of different sizes and/or types.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts for assembling a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle characterized in that the dual-purpose lock in a foot-peg configuration is mountable onto the lock connector attached to the motorcycle and configured to be used as a foot-peg of said motorcycle and further characterized in that said dual-purpose lock in a disk-brake configuration is detachable from said lock connector and lockable onto a disk-brake of said motorcycle, thereby effectively preventing rotation of wheel of said motorcycle,

[0031 ] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts for assembling a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle characterized in that dual- purpose lock is connectable to and detachable from the lock connector by a means of the key.

[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts for assembling a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle, where dual-purpose lock is connectable to and detachable from the lock connector by a means an interlocking arrangement, lockable and releasable upon rotation.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts for assembling a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycle, where said the adapter and said lock connector form a singular part.

[0034] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycles including: a universal adapter mountable on a motorcycle, a lock connector firmly attachable to the universal adapter, a lock cylinder operable by a key, an essentially U-shaped portion, a lock portion, configured to be connectable to and detachable from the lock connector, a lock cylinder portion, configured to accommodate said lock cylinder, a lock deadbolt, operationally connectable to the lock cylinder, configured to lock the essentially U-shaped portion onto a disk-brake of the motorcycle, characterized in that the dual-purpose lock in a foot-peg configuration is mountable onto the lock connector attached to the motorcycle and configured to be used as a foot-peg of the motorcycle and further characterized in that the dual-purpose lock in a disk-brake configuration is detachable from the lock connector and lockable onto a disk-brake of the motorcycle, thereby effectively preventing rotation of wheel of the motorcycle.

[0035] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycles, where the universal adapter forms an integral part of said motorcycle.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a universal dual-purpose lock for motorcycles, where the lock connector forms a singular part of said motorcycle. DEFINITIONS

[0037] An embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

[0038] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment",

"some embodiments" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. It is understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

[0039] The term "functional component" as used herein means, any component of the motorcycle required for starting or driving it, such as, for example a footrest peg, a foot-brake paddle, a gear shift peg, etc. Preferably, the functional component is an essential component, i.e. starting or riding the motorcycle is highly unlikely or not possible at all. Typically, a functional component functions and resembles in appearance a conventional corresponding component

[0040] Whenever in the specification hereunder and particularly in the claims appended hereto a verb, whether in base form or any tense, a gerund or present participle or a past participle are used, such terms as well as preferably other terms are to be construed as actual or constructive, meaning inter alia as being merely optionally or potentially performed and/or being only performed anytime in future. The terms essentially and substantially, or similar relative terms, are to be construed in accordance with their ordinary dictionary meaning, namely mostly but not completely.

[0041] As used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator, equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; whereas the term "and" as used herein is also the alternative operator equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0042] It should be understood, however, that neither the briefly synopsized summary nor particular definitions hereinabove are not to limit interpretation of the invention to the specific forms and examples but rather on the contrary are to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more comprehensively from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

[0044] FIG 1 is an illustration of prior art motorcycle, known from WO2003051707 to Hogesta, who is the inventor of the instant application, for better explaining the functionality of the device, having an original foot peg;

[0045] FIG 2 is an exploded view showing the different components of the lock according to the present invention;

[0046] FIG 3A shows the lock brake functioning as a regular foot peg paddle in an assembled state;

[0047] FIG 3B depicts the depicts the assembly of universal adapter;

[0048] FIG 4 shows the use of a key to remove/lock a dual-purpose disk-brake lock/foot-peg from an original receiving adapter on which the disk-brake lock/foot-peg is mounted in the foot-peg configuration;

[0049] FIG 5 shows the disk-brake lock/foot-peg, in normal operation, upon removal from the universal adapter, which stays mounted on the original receiving adapter;

[0050] FIG 6 shows the disk-brake lock/foot-peg in use as a motorcycle disk-brake lock, wherein the disk-brake lock/foot-peg is locked on the motorcycle disk- brake.

[0051] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown merely by way of example in the drawings. The drawings are not necessarily complete and components are not essentially to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles underlying the present invention. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with technology- or business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the effort of such a development might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0053] Attention is first directed to FIG 1 showing a motorcycle fitted with a foot- peg 1 (also known as a foot rest) on which a motorcycle rider rests his left foot during the operation of the motorcycle and a gear shift paddle 18, operable by the users left foot, known from WO2003051707 to Hogesta, who is the inventor of the instant application.

Another foot-peg is provided at the right side of the motorcycle, serving to rest/support the right foot which typically operates the rear brake pedal (not seen in FIG 1 ). The foot- peg 1 of WO2003051707 is a simple device, extending essentially horizontally perpendicular to the body of the motorcycle, which in some instances may be collapsible.

[0054] The front wheel 20 of the motorcycle in WO2003051707 is fitted with a disk-brake assembly 22 comprising a hydraulic caliper system 24 and a braking disk (disk- brake) 26, wherein braking occurs upon squeezing a hand-brake lever (not seen) whilst gripping a hand-grip (also not seen in FIG 1 ), resulting in clamping of the calipers about the braking disk 26. [0055] Each of the original foot-peg 31 , the paddle portion of gear shift paddle 18,

¾iWO2003051707 comprises a metal core (not clearly seen in FIG 1 ) provided with an outer layer of rubber or similar non-slip material to prevent the operator's foot from slipping off the peg or paddle. The original foot-peg 31 of WO200305 707 is pivotally mounted on an original receiving adapter 40 coupled with an original pivoting pin 42. [0058] With further reference being made now to FIG 2 showing an exploded picture of the different components of the disk-brake lock according to the invention, in an assembled state: a disk-brake lock 1 ; foot-peg 2; key 3; universal adapter 4; variety of fitting cylinders 5; tuning screw 6; lock connector (e.g. Bayonet) 7; lock connector tightening screw 8; a bore 9 formed therein to accommodate original pivoting pin 42; lock interface part 10 to match lock connector 7.

[0057] Foot-peg 2 is removably attached to the motorcycle via a universal adapter 4 that is pivotally attached to the receiving adapter 40. The overall appearance of foot- peg 2 is the same as a conventional foot-peg and its functionality is not affected.

[0058] FIG 5 and 6 show the dual-function disk-brake lock/foot-peg 2 comprises a substantially 'U'-like shaped metal body having a rubber anti-slip layer along its upper surface and outer edge. The region between the two parallel sides of the 'U' forms a disk receiving slot

[0059] In FIG 3A, the disk-brake lock/foot-peg 2 is seen in its foot-peg configuration functional to support the left foot of the motorcycle rider. FIG 3B depicts the assembly of universal adapter 4. FIG 4 depicts the use of a key 3 to remove/lock a dual- purpose disk-brake lock/foot-peg from/to a universal adapter 4 on which the disk-brake lock/foot-peg is mounted in the foot-peg configuration. In

[0060] FIG 5 the pin-lock mechanism is unlocked to enable detachment of foot- peg 2 from universal adapter 4. This position in itself makes it rather uncomfortable or impossible to ride the motorcycle as the rider will encounter difficulties in shifting gears by means of gear-shift paddle 18.

[0061] Referring now to FIG 6, the disk-brake lock/foot-peg 2 is depicted in use as a disk bake lock. The disk-brake lock/foot-peg 2 is used as an anti-theft device, such that the motorcycle cannot be operated with the disk-brake lock engaged, whereby the wheel of the motorcycle is unable to complete a full revolution.

[0062] As explained above, in order for the disk-brake lock/foot-peg 2 to fit all brands of motorcycles, new universal adapter 4 is provided with suitable fitting cylinders

5. As may be needed, a suitable fitting cylinder 5 is placed inside bore 9 of universal adapter 4 to fit to the diameter of the respective original pivoting pin 42 and enable the placing of the adapter in its place, as shown in F!G 3B.

[0063] Lock connector 7 is secured to universal adapter 4, for example by a screw 8. The pivotal mounting of on lock connector 7 and onto original receiving adapter 40 is typically performed just once as shown in FIG 5. [0084] Since there is a difference brands in the gap dimensions formed between the base 41 of receiving adapter 40 and the round portion 14 of universal adapter 4, a tuning screw 6 is used to maintain a desired distance from the head of tuning screw 6 to the base 41 of receiving adapter 40. This is typically performed just once when first connecting universal adapter 4 to receiving adapter 40 of the motorcycle, as seen in FIG 5. Universal adapter 4 is not removed when the lock mechanism portion is unlocked to enable detachment of foot-peg 2 from adapter 4 for functioning as a disk-brake lock.

[0065] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather the scope of the invention is defined by the claims which follow: