Abstract:
A safety system for reminding an operator of a motorcycle to remove a lock from a disc rotor of a brake of the motorcycle and for reminding the operator to replace the lock in a storage location on the motorcycle, the motorcycle requiring function of an electrical circuit for starting the motorcycle, is disclosed. The system comprises a sensing mechanism for sensing that the lock is present in the storage location, the sensing mechanism operatively connected to, a switching mechanism operatively connected to the required electrical circuit of the motorcycle for controlling current flow through the required electrical circuit, whereby the motorcycle is prevented from starting unless the lock is present in the storage location.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a motorcycle safety system and, more particularly, to a motorcycle brake disc lock reminder and safety system.  
           [0002]    The popularity and sales of motorcycles, as well as their cost, have grown and along with this growth has been a parallel increase in motorcycle theft. According to a survey of insurance companies by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, motorcycle-theft claims in the U.S. rose 46 percent in the period 1992-95 alone. As a result there has been an increased utilization of anti-theft devices such as alarms and locks. One such lock device that is very popular and highly recommended is the brake disc lock.  
           [0003]    A motorcycle&#39;s brake rotor (also known as a brake disc) is relatively thin and easily passes between the brake&#39;s calipers, which engage the disc when the brakes are applied, in order to slow and stop the motorcycle. The brake disc lock is a small but sophisticated device which fastens onto the brake rotor disc and which is of sufficient thickness such that it cannot pass between the brake calipers or the wheel fork. As a result the wheel can only rotate a short distance in either direction before it is abruptly stopped.  
           [0004]    One serious problem with this type of lock, though, is that it can be extremely dangerous to the rider and damaging to the motorcycle, if the operator were to inadvertently start the motorcycle and try to drive off, without first removing the lock from the brake rotor. If the operator starts to drive off with lock still fastened to the rotor, the motorcycle would move properly for a few feet until the lock engages with the brake calipers or fork. At that point, the wheel&#39;s rotation would come to an immediate and sudden stop. The rapid engagement of the lock with the brake calipers could damage the brake calipers and/or the rotor. More importantly, such a sudden stop would likely result in the rider being thrown over the motorcycle&#39;s handlebars, thus injuring the rider.  
           [0005]    As this is a common problem, in order to prevent this from happening, a variety of approaches have been tried to remind the operator to detach the lock before starting the motorcycle. For example, the lock can be painted a bright color so that the operator will notice it on approaching the vehicle and will remember to detach it. Other approaches rely on reminders such as plastic “key” that can be inserted into the ignition lock to serve as a reminder to the operator to detach the lock before starting the vehicle&#39;s engine. Approaches like these however have the limitation that they require the user to actively employ or set the reminder in order for them to be effective. Another approach is that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,025 to Phifer which employs a “lock-out” mechanism. In order to attach the lock to the brake rotor, the lock out device must first be removed from the lock. This requires the insertion of the ignition key into the lock out mechanism. This then prevents the motorcycle from being operated when the lock is in place because the lock-out mechanism retains the ignition key. This approach, which involves a mechanical device, is awkward, complicated to use and inconvenient.  
           [0006]    There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a motorcycle disc brake lock reminder and safety system devoid of the above limitations.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    According to the present invention there is provided a safety system for reminding an operator of a motorcycle to remove a lock from a disc rotor of a brake of the motorcycle and for reminding the operator to replace the lock in a storage location on the motorcycle, the motorcycle requiring function of an electrical circuit for starting the motorcycle, the system including: (a) a sensing mechanism for sensing that the lock is present in the storage location, the sensing mechanism operatively connected to, (b) a switching mechanism operatively connected to the electrical circuit of the motorcycle for controlling current flow through the electrical circuit, whereby the motorcycle is prevented from starting unless the lock is present in the storage location.  
           [0008]    According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the system further includes a resistance mechanism, the resistance mechanism being connected in a parallel circuit with the switching mechanism, wherein the resistance mechanism is of sufficient resistance such that the resistance mechanism draws sufficient current such that the required electrical circuit will function only if said switching mechanism allows current flow through said switching mechanism.  
           [0009]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the resistance device further includes a mechanism for delivering an alert.  
           [0010]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the switching mechanism includes a microswitch.  
           [0011]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the sensing mechanism further includes a storage bracket, whereby placement of the lock in the storage bracket serves to operatively engage the microswitch so as to permit current flow through the switching mechanism.  
           [0012]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the system further includes an identifier mechanism attached to the lock for causing the lock to be detectable by the sensing mechanism.  
           [0013]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the identifier mechanism is a magnet, and the sensing mechanism senses the presence of a magnet.  
           [0014]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the identifier mechanism includes a mechanism for uniquely distinguishing the lock from any other lock, and the sensing mechanism includes a recognition mechanism for specifically detecting the unique distinguishing mechanism.  
           [0015]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the unique distinguishing mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a machine readable bar code, a uniquely identifiable magnetic strip, an electronic chip, a radio transmitter, an infrared transmitter, and an ultrasound transmitter.  
           [0016]    According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments, the system further includes a bypass switch, connected to the switching mechanism, for bypassing the switching mechanism.  
           [0017]    The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a motorcycle disc brake lock reminder and safety system that can be used to prevent injury to the motorcycle driver and damage to the motorcycle, by preventing operation of the motorcycle unless the disc brake lock is properly stored. Further, in those embodiments where a unique distinguishing mechanism is used, the system of the present invention also functions as an anti-theft, theft deterrent system. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.  
         [0019]    In the drawings:  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a side view of a motorcycle with a brake disc lock in locking position (prior art), also showing the storage location of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2A is a schematic depiction of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2B is a schematic depiction of an alternate preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, further comprising an identifier;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram illustrating components and connections of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating components and connections of a preferred embodiment of the detector of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3C is a functional block diagram of an alternate preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, further including a unique identifier; and,  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention to the starter circuit of a motorcycle. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]    The present invention is of a motorcycle disc brake lock reminder and safety system that can be used to prevent injury to the motorcycle driver and damage to the motorcycle. Specifically, the present invention can be used to prevent operation of the motorcycle unless the disc brake lock is properly stored.  
         [0028]    The principles and operation of a motorcycle brake disc lock reminder and safety system according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.  
         [0029]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0030]    For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims, the terms “operator,” “driver,” and “rider” are used interchangeably throughout this specification and the accompanying claims to refer to the operator of the motorcycle.  
         [0031]    For purposes of this specification and the accompanying claims, the terms “brake rotor,” “brake disc,” “rotor disc,” and “disc rotor” are used interchangeably throughout this specification and the accompanying claims to refer to the rotating metal disc attached to the motorcycle&#39;s wheel which is compressed by the brake calipers to slow and stop the motorcycle.  
         [0032]    For purposes of better understanding the present invention, as illustrated in the drawings, reference is first made to the construction and operation of a conventional (i.e., prior art) motorcycle brake disc lock as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a motorcycle ( 10 ) with a brake disc lock ( 12 ) in place securing motorcycle  10 . Lock  12  is fastened onto the brake disc rotor ( 14 ). This is known as the locking position ( 20 ) of lock  12 . Because of the size of lock  12 , lock  12  will not pass through brake calipers  16  or fork  17  and the rotation of wheel  18  will be stopped. FIG. 1 also illustrates the storage location  22  of lock  12  where lock  12  is stored when lock  12  is not fastened to brake disc  14 .  
         [0033]    According to the present invention, at storage location  22  there is a storage holder  24  that serves to hold and store lock  12  when it is not in use. This is illustrated in FIG. 2A. Storage holder  24  may be, for example, a bracket, clamp, clip, strap, cup, receptacle, recess or other such device as may be used to hold and store lock  12 , and the precise structure and location of storage holder  24  may vary depending on the exact configuration of the system of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 2A, storage holder  24  takes the form of a bracket attached to the frame  28  of motorcycle  10 . Storage location  22  is preferably behind or under seat  29 , but can be located anywhere on the motorcycle. Adjacent to storage holder  24  and operatively associated with holder  24  is a detector  26 . Detector  26  serves to detect the presence of lock  12  in its storage holder. Therefore, when detector  26  detects the presence of lock  12  it is deduced that lock  12  has been replaced in the storage location of lock  12 , and if detector  26  fails to detect lock  12  in its storage holder, it is deduced that lock  12  may be in locking position  20 . The system of the present invention functions such that if the operator of motorcycle  10  attempts to start motorcycle  10  without lock  12  being replaced in its storage location, an alert is given and the motorcycle will not start. If on the other hand detector  26  detects that lock  12  is located in storage location  22 , the system of the present invention will allow motorcycle  10  to be started. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, detector  26  thus contains a sensing mechanism  56  for sensing the presence of lock  12  in storage location  22  and a switching mechanism  58  (for allowing motorcycle  10  to start and for preventing motorcycle  10  from starting) attached to the electrical starter circuit  40  of motorcycle  10 .  
         [0034]    A preferred embodiment of detector  26  itself is further illustrated schematically in the diagram of FIG. 3B. Detector  26  includes components of electrical circuitry  56  including sensor switch  30  (which combines mechanism for sensing  56  the presence of lock  12  in storage location  22  and switching mechanism  58  into a single sensor switch  30 ) and resistance device  32 . Sensor switch  30  is closed when lock  12  is located in storage location  22 . Sensor switch  30  can be, for example, but not limited to, a micro-switch depressed when lock  12  is replaced into storage holder  24 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which sensor switch  30  is a microswitch, storage holder  24  is so constructed as to insure that placement of lock  12  within operatively engages microswitch  30 . In another preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, sensor switch  30  is a switch which closes when in proximity to a magnet; a magnetic field causes the two metal leaves  34  and  36  to come into contact with one another, closing the switch.  
         [0035]    Another preferred embodiment of the safety and reminder system of the present invention is further illustrated in FIG. 2B. Here an identifier  38  is attached to lock  12 , using an adhesive material or any other material for reversibly or irreversibly attaching two pieces as is known in the art. In some embodiments of the present invention, identifier  38  is not unique, that is, it does not uniquely identify one specific individual lock. In such an embodiment, identifier  38  can be for example, but not limited to, a magnet. In such an embodiment, whenever any given lock  12 , with a magnet attached acting as identifier  38 , is replaced in storage location  22 , sensor switch  30  closes and the system of the present invention allows motorcycle  10  to be started.  
         [0036]    In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, identifier  38  is unique: each individual lock has a specific individualized unique copy of identifier  38  attached to it. In such an embodiment, identifier  38  is uniquely associated with one specific individual lock and detector  26  only recognizes a specific identifier  38  that it has been set to recognize. This is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3C. As shown in FIG. 3C, in such an embodiment, the system of the present invention includes unique identifier  138  attached to lock  12 , and detector  26  includes (a) sensor  130  set to specifically recognize only one specific identifier  138 , and (b) switch  134  operatively connected to sensor  130 . Only when lock  12  with the specific unique identifier  138  attached is placed in immediate proximity to sensor  130  which is set to recognize that unique identifier will switch  134  be closed. Non-limiting examples of unique identifier  138  and sensor  130  include mechanical devices, a machine readable bar code and a scanner, a uniquely identifying magnetic strip and an appropriate scanner, electronic chips, and combinations of a signal transmitter and a receiver (which use, for example, radio, ultrasound or infrared signals.) In such an embodiment, where a unique identifier is used, the system of the present invention also functions as an anti-theft deterrent system.  
         [0037]    As discussed hereinabove, detector  26  of the present invention is installed in the starter circuit  40  of motorcycle  10  as illustrated in FIG. 4. Starter circuit  40  includes a battery  42 , an ignition lock  44 , a starter switch  46  (generally located on the handlebars of motorcycle  10 ), a starter relay  48 , and a starter motor  50 , in addition to detector  26 . Resistance device  32 , which is wired in parallel to sensor switch  30  in detector  26 , is of a resistance high enough so that resistance device  32  draws sufficient current such that starter relay  48  will not function to start starter motor  50  even if ignition lock  44  and switch  46  are in their operative positions so as to allow current to flow, but switch  30  is open. Resistance device  32  preferably further includes an alert device such as, for example, but not limited to, a beeper, a buzzer, a siren, or a light that also delivers an alert when circuit  40  is closed with switch  30  open, as the resistance of the starter is sufficiently low as to allow resistance device  32  when configured as a beeper to beep. In this way detector  26  does not permit motorcycle  10  to be operated unless switch  30  is closed by the presence of lock  12  in proximity to detector  26 .  
         [0038]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, detector  26  also has a bypass switch  52 . Bypass switch  52  is ordinarily left in the open position, but can be closed to bypass sensor switch  30  in the event lock  12  is inadvertently lost or misplaced or is otherwise unable to be returned to storage location  22  but the driver still wishes to be able to operate motorcycle  10 .  
         [0039]    The circuit and components of detector  26  preferably are enclosed in a housing  54  (FIG. 2) adapted to be attachable to the motorcycle. Housing  54  may be constructed of any of a variety of durable materials including a plastic, ceramic or metal. Housing  54  can be of any shape and is preferably small in size (about 1-4 cm). Detector  26  can be attached to motorcycle  10  by any of a number of connections including, but not limited to, a buckle, band, bracket, clamp screws, nails or adhesive. Additional components such as, but not limited to, contacts and wires, may be required to establish the connections as described hereinabove. One of ordinary skills in the art would know how to operatively assemble these components.  
         [0040]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.  
         [0041]    All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.