Electronic security device for a bicycle

A bicycle includes a frame and an electronic security device. The frame includes a hollow space and at least one opening. The hollow space is configured within the frame. The at least one opening is configured in the frame and the at least one opening is connected to the hollow space. The electronic security device is configured such that it is accommodated within the hollow space of the frame. The electronic security device includes a retractable locking shackle configured to assume a locked position and a retracted position by moving through the at least one opening configured in the frame. The locked position of the retractable locking shackle restricts a movement of a wheel of the bicycle and the retracted position enables free movement of the wheel of the bicycle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic security device for a bicycle, and more particularly, relates to an electronic security device embedded inside a frame of the bicycle.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, bicycles are secured using locks by bicycle riders for preventing theft of bicycles. Although, conventional locks provide security to the bicycle, such locks still remain susceptible to tampering and other intrusions. These conventional locks are fairly conspicuous and are easily accessible by any unauthorized person. Moreover, losing keys or forgetting codes (combination of numbers) to unlock the conventional locks require replacement of the conventional locks, which leads to unnecessary expenses.

Recently, electronic security devices are increasingly used for securing the bicycles. Still, these security devices are conspicuous and susceptible to tamper. Further, performance of the conventional locks or the electronic security devices is also affected by dust or water seepage. Moreover, such placement of conventional locks or the electronic security devices tend to spoil the aesthetics of the bicycle.

In view of the above, there is a requirement for an electronic security device for the bicycle that provides utmost security to the bicycle and is not easily accessible by an unauthorized person without affecting the aesthetics of the bicycle.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment a bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle includes a frame and an electronic security device. The frame includes a hollow space and at least one opening. The hollow space is configured within the frame. The at least one opening is configured in the frame and the at least one opening is connected to the hollow space. The electronic security device is configured within the hollow space of the frame. The electronic security device includes a retractable locking shackle configured to assume a locked position and a retracted position by moving through the at least one opening configured in the frame. The locked position of the retractable locking shackle restricts a movement of a wheel of the bicycle and the retracted position enables free movement of the wheel of the bicycle.

In another embodiment, a bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle includes a chain stay and an electronic security device. The chain stay is operatively coupled to a rear wheel of the bicycle. The chain stay includes a hollow space and at least one opening. The hollow space is configured within the chain stay and the at least one opening is connected to the hollow space. The electronic security device is configured to be accommodated within the hollow space. The electronic security device includes a retractable locking shackle configured to move through the at least one opening to assume a locked position and a retracted position based on receipt of one or more user signals from a user device. In the locked position at least a portion of the retractable locking shackle is extended outwardly from the hollow space though the at least one opening to overlap with spokes of the rear wheel thereby restricting movement of the rear wheel. In the retracted position the retractable locking shackle is within the hollow space thereby not overlapping with the spokes of the rear wheel.

In another embodiment, a bicycle is disclosed. The bicycle includes a seat stay and an electronic security device. The seat stay is operatively coupled to a rear wheel of the bicycle. The seat stay includes a hollow space and at least one opening. The hollow space is configured within the seat stay and the at least one opening is connected to the hollow space. The electronic security device is configured to be accommodated within the hollow space. The electronic security device includes a retractable locking shackle configured to move through the at least one opening to assume a locked position and a retracted position based on receipt of one or more user signals from a user device. In the locked position at least a portion of the retractable locking shackle is extended outwardly from the hollow space though the at least one opening to overlap with spokes of the rear wheel thereby restricting movement of the rear wheel. In the retracted position the retractable locking shackle is within the hollow space thereby not overlapping with the spokes of the rear wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. Specific embodiments thereof have been shown with the help of examples in the drawings and are described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative fallings within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure. For the better understanding of this disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater depth in the accompanying figures and description given below. In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

Various embodiments provide different configurations for embedding an electronic security device within a frame. The electronic security device is disposed in a hollow space of the frame and is configured to lock/unlock the bicycle, thereby preventing theft of the bicycle. In addition, the electronic security device is configured to communicate with an external system. The external system is at least one of an external server or a user device associated with a user of the bicycle. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the terms ‘user’ and ‘rider’ have been used interchangeably throughout the present description and refer to a person accessing the electronic security device to lock/unlock the electronic security device that secures the bicycle.

The frame may be any frame of the bicycle such as a front fork, a head tube, a top tube, a down tube, a seat tube, a seat stay, a bottom bracket and a chain stay. In an embodiment, the chain stay includes a hollow space configured to accommodate and embed the electronic security device therein. Alternatively, one of the front fork, the head tube, the down tube, the seat tube, the seat stay or the bottom bracket comprise the hollow space for embedding the electronic security device. The electronic security device includes a retractable locking shackle that is configured to assume a locked position and a retracted position. The locked position of the retractable locking shackle restricts motion of at least one wheel of the bicycle and in the retracted position the retractable locking shackle allows free motion of the wheels of the bicycle. In an embodiment, an electronic control module is disposed inside the frame of the bicycle. The electronic control module is electrically coupled to the electronic security device and is configured to control the locked position and the retracted position of the locking shackle. The electronic control module is configured to wirelessly connect to a user device associated with the user for controlling the electronic security device. The electronic control module is configured to actuate the retractable locking shackle on receiving an unlock/locking call (e.g., one or more user signals such as a lock signal and an unlock signal) from the user device. The electronic security device includes a rechargeable battery that is configured to provide power to components of the electronic security device. In an embodiment the rechargeable battery can be disposed anywhere in the frame.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic representation of a bicycle100showing an electronic security device110and an enlarged representation thereof, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic security device110is embedded within a hollow space created inside a frame105of the bicycle100such that a retractable locking shackle140of the security device110is configured to assume a locked position and a retracted position. The frame105can be any such component of the bicycle100which has sufficient inner space to accommodate the security device110such that the locking shackle110can restrict/allow a movement of at least one of a front wheel115or a rear wheel117. For instance, the frame105as shown inFIG. 1is a seat stay120in which the security device110is embedded including the retractable locking shackle140. In the illustrated embodiment, the retractable locking shackle140in the locked position obstructs the movement of the rear wheel117, and allows a free movement of the rear wheel117in the retracted position.

The frame105may take other examples as well that that of shown inFIG. 1. For instance, the frame105can either be a chain stay125, a seat tube130, a front fork135, or a down tube150. Any of these frame components (e.g., the chain stay125, the seat tube130, the front fork135, or the down tube150) can be configured with a hollow space so that the security device110can be accommodated therein. It will be understood that such positioning of the security device110can restrict/allow movement of at least one of the front wheel115or the rear wheel117. For instance, when the security device110is embedded in the front fork135or the down tube150, the security device110restricts or allows the movement of the front wheel115. Similarly, when the security device110is embedded in the chain stay125or the seat tube130, the security device110restricts or allows the movement of the rear wheel117.

In this example representation, the electronic security device110is configured within a hollow space of the seat stay120(of the frame105). However, it must be noted that the electronic security device110can be configured in any hollow space of the frame105such as the chain stay125, the seat tube130, the front fork135, a bottom bracket145or the down tube150of the frame105.

FIG. 2is a schematic representation of a side view of the frame105showing the embedded security device110, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. The frame105includes the seat stay120, the chain stay125, the seat tube130, the front fork135, the bracket member145and the down tube150. In the illustrated figure, the electronic security device110is shown as embedded inside the chain stay125. The bicycle100also includes a charging port200and an electronic control module205. In an embodiment, the charging port200can be disposed anywhere on the frame105and the positioning of the charging port200in the seat tube130is merely as example representation. The charging port200is electrically coupled to charge a rechargeable battery (not shown inFIG. 2) of the electronic security device110. It must be noted that the rechargeable battery can be disposed anywhere on the frame105and is electrically coupled to the electronic security device110for powering components of the electronic security device110for its operation. Examples of the charging port200can include, but are not limited to, a micro-USB, a USB-c, a pogo pin port or an inductive charging port. The charging port200may be a solar panel disposed on the frame105or embedded inside the frame105of the bicycle100. The solar panel includes a charge controller that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery (not shown inFIG. 2) of the electronic security device110and is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery.

The charging port200can be connected to an external source, such as a battery or an external power supply, for charging the rechargeable battery of the electronic security device110. The rechargeable battery is configured to power components of the electronic security device110. The rechargeable battery is further explained with reference toFIG. 3. The electronic control module205is electrically coupled to the charging port200and the electronic security device110. The electronic control module205is configured with a variety of electrical and electronic components and enables communication with external systems such as user's mobile phone, and is described in detail with reference toFIG. 5.

In this example representation ofFIG. 2, the electronic security device110(shown with dashed lines) is configured within a hollow space of the chain stay125of the frame105. Alternatively, the electronic security device110can be configured anywhere within a hollow space of the frame105such as the seat stay120, the seat tube130, the front fork135and the bottom bracket145.

FIG. 3illustrates a schematic diagram of the electronic security device110disposed inside the frame105such as the chain stay125, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic security device110includes a motor300, a worm gear305, the retractable locking shackle140, a rechargeable battery315, the electronic control module205, one or more fastening means320a,320band a protective means325.

The electronic security device110is configured within a hollow space of the chain stay125of the frame105. The electronic security device110is mounted in the hollow space of the frame105using one or more fastening means for example fastening means320a,320b. The fastening means320a,320bcan be at least one of screws, rivets or clips. In an embodiment, the protective means325protects the electronic security device110inside the frame105from damages caused by impacts while riding the bicycle100. In addition, the protective means325helps in reduction of rattling noise when the bicycle security device110hits against the chain stay125. The protective means325can be configured to any suitable material including but not limited to cushions, springs or bumpers.

The frame105for example the chain stay125includes at least one opening (see, openings310aand310b) for the retractable locking shackle140to assume at least one of the locked position and the retracted position by moving through the at least one opening310a,310b. The opening310a,310bare connected to the hollow space of the frame105, and provide a passage for the movement of the retractable locking shackle140. In the locked position, the retractable locking shackle140restricts the motion of at least one of the wheels115,117of the bicycle100and in the retracted position, the retractable locking shackle140enables the free movement of the wheels of the bicycle100.

In an embodiment, the electronic security device110includes one or more water shields340. The water shields340are disposed on the inner side of the frame105near the openings310a,310band act as sealing agent between surface of the frame105and retractable locking shackle140. Such arrangement is configured to prevent water ingress into the electronic security device110. However, the water shields340are made of thin material for allowing free movement of the retractable locking shackle140from the locked position to the retracted position and vice versa. In one configuration, the water shields340can be a flap like structure made up of plastic or rubber having a cut in the middle portion. When the retractable locking shackle140is in retracted position, the flap structure covers the openings310aor310b. When the retractable locking shackle140is actuated to assume the locked position, the retractable locking shackle140passes through the cut in the middle portion of the flap like structure of the water shield340.

In an embodiment, the electronic control module205is disposed as part of the electronic security device110. Alternatively the electronic control module205can be disposed anywhere on the frame105or inside the frame105of the bicycle100, and is electrically or electronically connected to the motor300of the security device110. The electronic control module205is communicably coupled to a user device for example a mobile phone of the user. The electronic control module205is configured to actuate the retractable locking shackle140on receiving a lock/unlock call (e.g., one or more user signals such as a lock signal and an unlock signal) from the user device.

The rechargeable battery315of the electronic security device110is charged by at least one of one of an external battery (e.g., e-bike battery) present in the bicycle100or the charging port200. The rechargeable battery315is configured to power the components of the electronic security device110such as the motor300. Upon actuation the motor300, the motor300is configured to transmit rotational motion to the worm gear305. The worm gear305is configured to actuate motion of the retractable locking shackle140through the worm threads of predetermined length disposed on a portion of the circumference of the retractable locking shackle140.

The retractable locking shackle140can be configured to assume the locked position and the retracted position by moving through the first opening310aand the second opening310bof the frame105. For instance, when the retractable locking shackle140is actuated from the retracted position, the retractable locking shackle140moves outwardly from the opening310aconfigured in a first arm125aof the chain stay125and reaches till or slightly within the opening310bconfigured in a second arm125bof the chain stay125. As per the configuration of the bicycle100, the rear wheel117lies within the first arm125aand the second arm125b, and hence in the locked position, the retractable locking shackle140obstructs movement of the rear wheel117. In one alternate embodiment, the opening310bmay not be needed in the second arm125b. In such configuration, the retractable locking shackle140exits from the opening310aand reaches close to the surface of the second arm125bsuch that it obstructs with spokes118of the rear wheel117(e.g., at least a portion of the locking shackle overlaps with the spokes of the wheel117so that the movement of the wheel117is restricted).

There may be various configurations of the retractable locking shackle140and the openings310aand/or310b. For example, in one non-limiting implementation, the electronic security device110is in the locked position (restricting wheel movement) when the retractable locking shackle140moves in a clockwise direction through the opening310aand310b, and movement of the retractable locking shackle140in an anti-clockwise direction retracts the retractable locking shackle140thereby keeping the electronic security device110in the retracted position. Alternatively, the retractable locking shackle140can be configured to retract (retracted position) when the retractable locking shackle140moves in clockwise direction through the openings310aand310band assume the locked position when the retractable locking shackle140moves in the anti-clockwise direction.

In at least one embodiment, the electronic security device110can be completely mechanical and the motor300can be actuated upon pushing a push button disposed anywhere on the frame105. Alternatively, the motor300can be actuated upon verification of the identity of the user. For instance, biometric fingerprint scanning can be used to verify identity of the user accessing the electronic security device110for actuating the motor300.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate exploded views of the electronic security device110embedded inside the frame105, in accordance with an embodiment of present disclosure. Herein, the example of the frame105is the seat stay120. The seat stay120includes a hollow space400configured within the seat stay120to accommodate the electronic security device110. The seat stay120includes openings310aand310b(not shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B) and a frame cap405. The electronic security device110includes the retractable locking shackle140that is configured to move through the openings310aand310bof the frame105to assume the locked position and the retracted position.

The retractable locking shackle140can be configured to assume the locked position and the retracted position by moving through the first opening310aand the second opening310bof the frame105. For instance, when the retractable locking shackle140is actuated from the retracted position upon receipt of a lock signal from the user device, the retractable locking shackle140moves outwardly from the opening310aconfigured in a first arm120aof the seat stay120and reaches till or slightly within the opening310bconfigured in a second arm120bof the seat stay120. As per the configuration of the bicycle100, the rear wheel117lies within the first arm120aand the second arm120b, and hence in the locked position, the retractable locking shackle140obstructs movement of the rear wheel117. In one alternate embodiment, the opening310bmay not be needed in the second arm120b. In such configuration, the retractable locking shackle140exits from the opening310aand reaches sufficiently close to the surface of the second arm120bso as to obstruct with spokes118of the rear wheel117(e.g., at least a portion of the locking shackle overlaps with the spokes of the wheel117so that the movement of the wheel117is restricted).

The electronic security device110is mounted in the hollow space400of the seat stay120by using one or more fastening means410. The fastening means410can be at least one of screws, rivets or clips. The frame cap405is removably coupled to the frame105. The frame cap405covers the electronic security device110after the electronic security device110is disposed in the hollow space400. The frame cap405protects the electronic security device110from unfavorable weather conditions and prevents tampering of the electronic security device110. Further, the frame cap405provides easy access to the hollow space400for installation and maintenance of the electronic security device110.

FIG. 5illustrates a schematic representation of components of the electronic control module205. The electronic control module205is electrically coupled to the electronic security device110and is configured to control the operations of the electronic security device110. In an embodiment, the electronic control module205is disposed within the electronic security device110. However, the electronic control module205can be disposed anywhere inside the frame105and electrically coupled to the electronic security device110for controlling the operations of the electronic security device110. For instance, the user associated with the user device can send a unlock call to the electronic control module205to retract the retractable locking shackle140. The electronic control module205initiates the motor300(shown inFIG. 3) that actuates the retractable locking shackle140to move to the retracted position.

The electronic control module205includes a pairing module505, an alarm system510, a communication module515and an inertial sensor module520. The electronic control module205is communicably coupled to the user device (not shown inFIG. 5) associated with the user via the communication module515. The electronic control module205is configured to control locking and unlocking of the electronic security device110. The pairing module505is securely paired with the user device through at least one of a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) protocol, Long Term Evolution (LTE) protocol, Bluetooth protocol or any narrowband or short range communication protocol for actuating the motor300to retract or lock the retractable locking shackle140on receiving the lock/unlock call from the user device. For example, the pairing module505is securely paired with a Bluetooth module of the user device for actuating the motor300to retract the retractable locking shackle140or to cause the retractable locking shackle140to assume the locked position.

Any unauthorized forced movement of the bicycle100is detected by the inertial sensor module520and the alarm system510is activated. The alarm system510sends a notification to the user device associated with the user and alerts bystanders through an alarm sound. However, it must be noted that the components505,510,515and520have been shown for example purposes only and the electronic control module205may comprise fewer or more components based on intended application.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a perspective view of a first charging port connector600, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the first charging port connector600is an example of the charging port200disposed on the frame105of the bicycle100. The first charging port connector600can be disposed anywhere on the frame105or on the electronic security device110(shown inFIG. 3). The charging port connector600includes a magnetic shroud605and a plurality of pins610. In an embodiment, the pins610are pogo pin connectors. The magnetic shroud605and the plurality of pins610connectors facilitate the engagement of the first charging port connector600with different pin connectors, such as second charging port connectors650shown and explained with reference toFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6Billustrates a perspective view of a second charging port connector650, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The second charging port connector650includes a first end650aand a second end650b. The first end650aincludes a magnetic shroud655and one or more pins660configured to engage with the one or more pins610of the first charging port connector600. In an embodiment, the one or more pins660are pogo pin connectors.

The second end650bis configured as at least as one of micro-USB, mini-USB, USB-C connector or similar for connecting to a power supply. The charging port connector650is configured to plug into the charging port connector600. The magnetic shroud605and655facilitate the engagement of the first charging port connector600with the second charging port connector650. Upon engagement of the first charging port connector600with the second charging port connector650, the one or more pins610and660are in contact with each other and the connection is used for charging any device connected to the first charging port connector600. For instance, the first charging port connector600is electrically connected to the rechargeable battery315(shown inFIG. 3), and upon connecting the charging port connector650to the charging port connector600, the rechargeable battery315is recharged.

FIG. 7shows an environment700related to at least some embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment700shows the bicycle100having the frame105, the electronic security device110and wheels115,117. The frame105includes the seat stay120, the chain stay125, the seat tube130and the front fork135. In this example representation, the electronic security device110is configured within a hollow space, such as, the hollow space400(shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B) of the seat stay120of the frame105. Alternatively, the electronic security device110can be configured within a hollow space of at least one of the chain stay125, the seat tube130or the front fork135of the frame105. The electronic security device110is configured to secure the bicycle100and prevent theft of the bicycle100. The electronic security device110includes the retractable locking shackle140that is configured to assume a retracted position and a locked position, such that in the locked position the electronic security device110restricts motion of at least one of the wheels115,117of the bicycle100and in the open position the electronic security device110allows free motion of the bicycle100.

The electronic security device110is communicably linked with authorized devices of a user705using a network720. For example, the user705may have one or more devices such as a user device710. Examples of the user device710are not limited to mobile phones only, and the user device710may take examples of any portable electronic device (e.g., I-pods, laptops, smartphones and tablets) having cellular communication capabilities. For instance, the user device710may be equipped with subscriber identity module (SIM) or Removable User Identity Module (R-UIM) to enable cellular communication.

In an embodiment, the electronic security device110is configured to send information such as, tethering data, location data and notifications of tampering to an external system. The external system is at least one of an external server (such as a server715) of an insurance provider or even the user device120associated with the user of the bicycle. This data is transmitted to the server715over the network720. Further, the user705can send an unlock call from the user device710to the electronic security device110using the network720. This requires secure pairing of the electronic security device710with the user device120for retracting the locking shackle from the locked position. The network720may be a centralized network or may include a plurality of sub-networks that may offer a direct or indirect communication between the electronic security device110and the server715and communication between the electronic security device110and the user device710. Examples of the network720include, but are not limited to, the Internet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless, wired, and the like. The server715may be located at one place or may be distributed at multiple locations. In some scenarios, if the user has lost or misplaced the user device710, the user can access an application available with the server715to send lock/unlock signals to the electronic security device110.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously provide a bicycle where an electronic security device can be disposed in the hollow space of the frame and embedded inside the frame. Further, a protecting means is configured within the hollow space to protect the electronic security device from any damage due to impacts inside the frame and water shields configured at the openings for the locking shackle to prevent any ingress of water into the electronic security device. Furthermore, the advantageous design of the frame facilitates easy installation and maintenance of the electronic security device. The aesthetics of the bicycle are preserved when the electronic security device is conveniently embedded inside the frame. Moreover, the electronic security device receives the lock/unlock call from a user device and cannot be accessed by any unauthorized person.

While few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.