Abstract:
An anti-theft device for motorcycle parking stands is automatically engaged when the motorcycle is raised up onto the stand and is disengaged by means of a key, another mechanical device, or an electrical contact, so as to enhance the traditional function of the parking stand by making movement of the motorcycle impossible without disengaging the device.

Description:
This invention concerns a new type of anti-theft device for motorcycles and the like and is an improvement in the traditional parking stand thereof. Known anti-theft devices for motorcycles, motorized bicycles and the like consist of mechanically or electrically operated blocking devices applied to the handle-bars. Such devices are mounted in positions which allow thieves easy access and provide thieves with an opportunity to defeat them, frequently resulting in damage. The aim of this invention is to realize a safe and simple anti-theft device for motorcycles applied in positions which make theft difficult. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This aim is achieved with a device applied to the parking stand to prevent it from being raised while the device is engaged. It is automatically engaged when the motorcycle is raised up onto the stand, independently of the memory and willingness of the cyclist. It may only be disengaged by means of a key, another mechanical means or an electrical contact, depending upon the embodiment of the invention. This enhances the traditional function of the parking stand by making movement of the motorcycle impossible without disengaging the device. The lowered stand may be blocked in various ways either within the structure of the motorcycle or by external devices. The device may be unlocked with a mechanical extension or electrical circuit operated with keys, relays, buttons and the like, located on the handle-bar. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is represented in some preferred purely exemplifying variations in the attached drawings, in which: 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show two possible mechanical blocking devices for the stand; 
     FIG. 3 shows a block acting on an internal extension of the lever formed by the stand; 
     FIG. 4 shows the possible mechanical or electrical conduction of the unblocking control from the instrument panel to the stand; 
     FIG. 5 shows a section of one embodiment with the stand raised; 
     FIG. 6 shows a section of the embodiment of FIG. 5 with the stand lowered and the device engaged; 
     FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 with the stand in the lowered position and with the device disengaged so the stand can be raised; 
     FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11 show the connection-disconnection sequence for another embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In particular FIG. 1 shows stand 1 rotatable about fulcrum 2, equipped with elastic functioning structures of known type, and bearing a single or double fin 3 with apertures 4. When the motorcycle 5 is raised up for parking, and the stand is rotated, the fin 3 is inserted into a blocking device 6. Blocking device 6 includes a peg to be inserted into aperture 4 and an aligned hole in crossbar 31. The peg may be released only by a person with a key 7 or the like. A thief would have considerable difficulty in removing this device because he would be required to work at ground level on the stand, and avoiding detection would be an impossibility in the presence of any witnesses or passersby. 
     In the embodiment in FIG. 2, the end of stand 1 is joined to disk 8 which has a peripheral opening 9. When the stand is rotated, pin 10 of automatic blocking device 11 is inserted into opening 9 to prevent the raising of stand 1. Blocking device 11 is openable afterwards with key 7 or in some other way, according to design preferences. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, stand 12 has an extension 12 beyond fulcrum 2. Rotation of the stand 1 around fulcrum 2 causes, at the end of such movement, automatic blocking of the extension 12. Extension 12 may vary in length as long as it fits in an internal space of the motorcycle 5, thus enhancing the anti-theft properties since no external component is involved. 
     In all the embodiments a small housing or protection device may be added to protect the mechanisms from mud and water thrown up during travel. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, joined to parking stand 1 is curved arm 13. When the stand is raised, arm 13 is inserted into a suitable hole in lock 14 such that pin 15, which is pushed by spring 16, is blocked against the surface of arm 13. Push-button 17, as shown in FIG. 5, has been activated to withdraw rod 18 to release pin 15. Pin 15 had previously been moved back by the key opening the anti-theft device. 
     In the parked position shown in FIG. 6, arm 13 has been extracted from lock 14. Pin 15 is pushed by spring 16 into a suitable hole in lock 14, thus absolutely preventing return of arm 13 and forcing stand 1 to remain in the parked position. Push-button 17 has been released by the removal of arm 13 and so rod 18, which had engaged groove 19 to hold pin 15 retracted, presses against pin 15. 
     Finally, as shown in FIG. 7, when pin 15 is retracted with a key or analogous method, rod 18 is inserted in groove 19 to hold said pin 15. This allows arm 13 to be raised and the anti-theft device to be disconnected. However, when arm 13 is raised far enough to depress push-button 17, rod 18 will withdraw from groove 19, releasing and readying pin 15 to relock the stand as soon as arm 13 is again withdrawn. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, stand 1 is joined to disk 8. The rotation of disk 8 is prevented by the penetration of pin 10 in suitable opening 9. Said pin 10 can be raised with a key or the like until further movement is blocked by the insertion of peg 20 in slot 21, releasing the stand 1 and allowing the vehicle to be moved. The blocking condition is reestablished when stand 1 is rotated until cam or protuberance 22, through mechanical transmission 23, raises peg 20 allowing pin 10 to be urged against the disk 8. Thus when the stand 1 is lowered again disc 8 rotates until pin 10 penetrates opening 9 and locks the stand. The protuberance 22 and peg 20 are linked by mechanical transmission 23. All the movable parts are furthermore covered with small housing 24 or the like in order to prevent the entrance of mud, water or the like.