Bicycle lock

This device is a bicycle lock that prevents unauthorized movement of a bicycle. The lock permanently fastens to the tubing of a bicycle frame and includes a locking bar which hooks the front or back wheels to the frame. The lock has two major parts--a combination or key lock and attaching saddle that permanently attaches to the bicycle frame, and, the locking bar or shackle. The saddle is positioned on the frame adjacent to the back or front wheel. The wheel holding part of the shackle hooks around the rim of either the back or front tire. The shackle part fastens into the saddle lock on the bicycle frame in alignment with the frame. This causes the wheel and the frame to be joined so that the wheel cannot be removed and the bicycle cannot be ridden. When the bicycle is unlocked, the locking bar is secured in a carrying position in which it cannot be jarred loose. A flexible cable may be used with the lock to attach the bicycle to a stationary object to render the bicycle immobile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
(1) Field of the Invention 
This disclosure pertains to locking devices for bicycles and in particular 
those types of devices which include a saddle and lock cylinder 
permanently affixed to the bicycle frame and a removable locking bar which 
extends from the lock in alignment with the frame and encircles a portion 
of the wheel to prevent unauthorized movement of the bicycle. 
(2) Description of the Prior Art 
Theft has always been a problem for bicycle owners. Consequently, there 
have been many attempts to develop portable, unobstructive, economical and 
reliable bike locks. 
One such device is the Zane et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,231 (1979). This 
device shows a U-shaped shackle, a cross piece and a simple cam type of 
lock. This disclosure shows one type of lock which has met with varied 
degrees of acceptance. However, the lock tends to be rather expensive and 
bulky. It is not easily stored on the bike in an out of the way position 
which will not interfere with movement and/or the rider's ability to 
control or alight from the bicycle. 
Another type of locking arrangement is the Hurwitt U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,758. 
This device shows a combination cable lock which provides a housing 
containing a cable on a spring wound spool. Thus when the cable is not 
being used, it is wound around its associated spool and can be unwound for 
purposes of wrapping it around an adjacent stationary article or extending 
it through the wheels of the bicycle to prevent theft. 
Another type of bicycle lock, Smith U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,540, shows a cable 
that when pulled out of its housing wraps around the wheels of a bicycle 
and an adjacent object such as a bicycle rack, light post or parking 
meter. Smith also provides an electrical circuit which produces current 
flowing through the cable, when current flow is interrupted, as would 
occur when the cable is cut by a would be thief, an electronic circuit 
senses the interruption in current flow and sounds an alarm. Like some of 
the earlier devices, this product has not received widespread acceptance 
because the housing is somewhat large and bulky and it is cumbersome to 
transport and store the large cable. 
Other products in the prior art include conventional locks having a steel 
case and a long shackle with two legs which are inserted into the case. 
The shackle may be fitted over the bicycle fork and through a wheel spoke. 
When the case is attached to the shackle, the wheel cannot be moved. One 
problem with this type of lock occurs when it is attached to a front 
wheel. The lock can be removed by simply removing the front wheel. This 
has presented problems because many expensive bicycles have front wheels 
which can easily be removed without wrenches. Because such shackle locks 
do not hold the wheel to the frame, the wheel is not secured. These types 
of locks must be used with long cables to secure the wheel to the frame. 
On the other hand, the lock shown herein has a large, wide shackle which 
easily fits around a bicycle wheel and a large frame member in a position 
of alignment with the frame. 
The problems associated with the foregoing products are eliminated by the 
present invention. This device is economical and efficient. It locks and 
unlocks very quickly, easily, is stored on the bicycle and does not 
interfere with the normal operation or control of the bicycle. 
Also, the device shown herein can be used as a single unit to merely lock a 
wheel or can be used in combination with a high strength cable that can be 
attached to bicycle racks or other stationary objects. The bicycle then is 
rendered substantially immovable. 
SUMMARY 
This disclosure pertains to bicycle locks. This new lock is a small, 
portable lock which is attached to a bicycle frame. It has a shackle that 
makes the wheel immovable thus preventing unauthorized movement of the 
bicycle. This lock device fits any bicycle. 
Structurally the lock provides a saddle-type of clamp and lock cylinder 
that are attached permanently to the tubing of the bicycle frame such as 
the diagonal bar adjacent to the front wheel. When the lock shackle is 
fitted about a wheel, in alignment with the frame or the tubing which 
connects with the seat and connected with the lock lock cylinder it will 
securely hold the adjacent wheel and prevent its movement or removal. When 
not in use, the locking bar is fitted in carrier slots on the saddle. 
Combination and keyed locks are shown. The combination lock is convenient 
because the user is not required to carry around a key and the combination 
lock can be easily dialed and operated even in the presence of rain, ice, 
snow and the like. A key lock can also be used. 
A cable may also be used to attach the bicycle to a stationary object such 
as a bicycle stand, tree or the like to prevent the bicycle from being 
carried away. 
It is an object of this disclosure to provide a reliable, small lock 
attached to the bike frame when not in use and which can be easily used to 
secure the bike frame to one wheel of the bicycle. 
Another object of this disclosure is to provide a saddle and a clamp 
arrangement adapted for attachment to any size bike frame member. 
It is yet another object of this disclosure to provide a bicycle lock used 
in combination with a flexible, high strength cable, having loops at both 
ends which may be wrapped around a bicycle rack, telephone pole or the 
like to prevent theft of the bicycle. 
A further object of this disclosure is to show a lock having a case which 
is mounted to a bicycle frame member on the side of the frame member away 
from an adjacent wheel and which receives a locking bar fitted about the 
wheel to prevent movement and removal of both the wheel and the lock by 
having the case form part of the locking structure encapsulating the frame 
member and wheel. 
Another object of this disclosure is to show a bicycle lock wherein the 
lock case is a two piece unit and has a hollow compartment which contains 
a modular locking cylinder which can be easily assembled as a unit without 
the use of special assembly tools and without consuming a long time. 
Another object is to provide a bicycle lock with a U-shaped shackle that 
can be stored on cutout portions of the lock housing. 
Yet another object of this disclosure is to show a bicycle lock with a lock 
case having saddle-type attachment collars extending from each end to 
receive a clamping member for attaching the case to a bicycle frame 
member. 
Another object of this disclosure is to show a lock with a U-shaped shackle 
having legs with tapered or chamfered ends and constructed in a 
non-parallel relationship to thereby allow the legs to separate a short 
distance when urged into the stored position and provide a spring force to 
hold the shackle securely in position during bicycle operation or 
transport on automobile, train or the like. 
These and other objects of the invention would become apparent to those 
having ordinary skill in the art with reference to the following 
description, drawings and appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
FIG. 1 shows the front portion of a bicycle designated by the numeral 10. 
The bicycle includes the usual front wheel 12 fitten in an associated fork 
member 14 which swivels in a housing 16. A portion of the handlebars 18 
are shown extending upwardly from the housing 16. A diagonal tube 20 
extends downwardly from the housing 16 and a second tubular frame member 
22 extends in a horizontal direction from the housing 16. While it is 
anticipated that this is a common structure for all bicycles it is also 
contemplated that the lock shown in this disclosure can be adapted and 
used with other types of bicycles having various sized tubing members and 
tubing designs. The lock disclosed herein is described with reference to 
bicycles but also can be used in tricycles, motorcycles, mopeds and any 
type of transportation device having frame members located adjacent to 
wheels having spokes or other openings for insertion of a locking member. 
The lock is designated generally by numeral 24, and provides a high 
strength lock bar or shackle 26, a saddle clamp arrangement 28 and a lock 
mechanism 30. Several versions of the invention are shown. Essentially the 
shackle 26 shown in FIGS. 1-6 has an elongated shaft 32 having a hook 
portion 34 at one end adapted to fit about the rim 36 of a bicycle wheel 
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The other end of the shackle 26 includes four 
locking teeth 38. These teeth are adapted to fit within the mechanism 30 
and held in place by the usual locking members such as pins, springs and 
the like as shown in FIG. 5. The lock cylinder disclosed herein is shown 
as a combination lock having dial members 42 which are arranged in a 
predetermined order at the factory to provide a lock with a customized 
combination which can only be operated by the purchaser. It is 
contemplated that the invention is not to be limited to combination 
locking arrangements and a high security key lock could also be used. 
The saddle clamp designated generally by the numeral 28 allows the lock to 
be permanently and securely attached to a tubular frame member. In 
attaching the lock to a frame, one merely disassembles the clamp portion 
46 from the saddle 44 and then applies the saddle 44 over the bike frame 
adjacent to the front or back wheel as shown in FIG. 1. After initially 
positioning the saddle 44 to dispose the lock at the adjacent position to 
the wheel, the clamp member 46 is then placed in position followed by 
attachment of the fasteners 52 to secure the saddle and clamp securely 
around adjacent tube 20. As shown in the illustration, the clamp member 46 
has a cut out 48 which allows the clamp jaw portion to fit about any cable 
which may be located on the frame member 20. Also, the clamp portion 46 
has an enlarged bore 50 which provides some clearance about the shaft 58 
of the fastener 52 to allow the clamp to be easily fitted about various 
sized tubing frame members such as are used in the bicycle industry. Once 
the clamp and saddle are in position, the socket head 54 can be turned 
with an allen wrench or other suitable device to securely urge the legs of 
the saddle together to grasp the clamp 46 and hold it securely in 
position. It is contemplated that the fastener 52 will provide a security 
feature by using a socket head bolt which is flush with sides 60 of the 
saddle housing. 
Saddle clamp 28 also provides an extension tab 62, (FIG. 2) having a 
keyhole opening 64 through which the end of the lock bar 26 having teeth 
38 may be inserted. When placed in such position, the locking bar is 
securely stored and cannot be jarred free or otherwise inadvertantly 
removed. 
One form of the invention contemplates using a high strength cable 66 
(FIGS. 4, 7, 10) having loops 68 at both ends. The cable can be wrapped 
around a stationary object 71 such as a light post, bicycle rack and the 
bike. In this position, the loops are placed between the side extensions 
70 of the saddle 28. Next, the lock bar 26 is inserted into the lock 30, 
passing through the loops 68 of the cable 66. Thus, the cable is secured 
and cannot be removed until the lock bar 26 is removed from the lock 
cylinder 30. 
FIGS. 7-13 show two modified forms of the invention. Essentially, FIGS. 7-9 
show a key operated lock model and FIGS. 10-13 show a combination lock 
model. Thus, the following description utilizes the same reference 
numerals that describe the earlier version where these numerals reflect 
similar parts. 
Like the earlier version the modified form shown in FIG. 7 utilizes a 
shackle bar 26 which has an elongated, "U" shaped configuration and locks 
into a case 72. An attaching band 74 is fitted to the underside of the 
case 73 and has a screw for tightening and attaching the band around a 
bicycle frame. The case 73 includes suitable clamp jaws 76 which form a 
saddle to permit the band 74 to be attached to the case 72 and attached to 
a frame member. 
The shackle 26 is "U" shaped and includes a first rounded portion 78 having 
a pair of legs 79 attached thereto. Each of the legs 79 includes a number 
of notches 80. The legs 79 are inserted into openings 85 in the case 72 
and a lock mechanism 82 which includes a key 83 is actuated by turning the 
key 83 in order that a high strength cam lock 84 may be rotated into the 
spaced and aligned openings 80 to securely lock the device. 
As shown in FIG. 7, the case 72 is positioned on the diagonal tube 20 on 
the side away from the front wheel 12. When the shackle legs 79 are 
inserted into the associated openings 85 the round end of the lock along 
with the two legs 79 and the case 72 form an enclosure which securely 
attaches and restrains the rim or the wheel 12 and the frame member 20. 
Even though the attaching bands 74 may be loosened the security and 
integrity of the lock is not impaired in any fashion. 
As shown in phantom in FIG. 7 and also in FIG. 9, when not in use to lock 
the bicycle, the shackle member 26 is inserted into storage openings 86 
which extend through the case 72. Tubes 86a or suitable clips can be 
located on the exterior of case 72 to provide means for storing shackle 26 
without boring openings 86. Thus the legs extend downward of the case 72 
and are held in place by gravity. This storage feature allows the shackle 
78 to be easily removed from the housing 72 when it is desired to lock the 
bicycle. 
Another form of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 10 shows a combination 
lock 88 fitted within the lock housing case 72. Lock mechanism 30 shown in 
FIG. 12 includes a pair of lock bolts 84a pushed outward by a spring 85 
into the rounded openings 80a of the shackle leg members 79. When a proper 
combination is reached, camming action between the ends of the lock bolts 
84a and the rounded openings 80a spring the bolts together and additional 
camming action between the bolts and a lock pin 89 forced the lock pin 
upward to allow the shackle to be removed. 
As with the earlier form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-5, these two 
forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-13 can also be used with a cable 
66 by positioning cable loops 68 over one leg 79 of the shackle 26. 
These modified forms of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-13 offer simplified 
designs of locks which attach to a bicycle in alignment with the frame and 
securely hold the bicycle wheel to an adjacent frame member and prevents 
unauthorized movement. When not in use, the locking bars shown on all 
three devices may be conveniently stored on the lock in an out of the way 
position which does not interfere with the rider. 
FIGS. 14-17 shown another modified form of the invention which provides a 
modular locking arrangement comprising a lock housing or case 24 which 
consists of two halves connected by rivets 90. As shown in FIG. 16, each 
half of the case 24 has a chamber formed therein and designated by numeral 
91. Located within the chamber 91 is a modular lock cylinder 92 having the 
usual lock bolt 94 which extends therefrom. When the Unit is assembled and 
the key 83 turned, the lock bolt 94 will reciprocate back and forth as 
shown by the arrow in FIG. 16. The lock bolt is self-actuating and thus 
allows the unit to be locked without the use of a key. 
A saddle 96 is located at each end of the housing 24. Saddle 96 is 
semi-circular and fits about a frame member 20. Projections or ears 98 
extend from each end of saddle 96. The saddle members 96 are split in the 
middle with a slot 100 to accommodate a gear shift cable or a brake cable 
which may run along the surface of the frame tube member 20. Thus this 
lock can be attached without interferring with the operation of the 
bicycle or requiring modifications to be made with the bicycle. 
A clamp member 74a includes a circular metal band and a fastener 74b to 
allow the band to be tightened to securely nest the saddle 96 about the 
frame member 20 and hold the lock in position on the frame member. Should 
the band become loosened after initial tightening, the saddle ears 98 will 
prevent the band from becoming disengaged from the saddle 96. 
Each saddle 96 is spaced from the lower housing of the lock case 73a to 
provide a distance between the key 83 and tube 20 which is large enough to 
permit the user to easily insert the key into the lock cylinder to unlock 
the lock. 
Another feature of the saddle arrangement is shown by the cutouts 86c which 
are located between the case 73a and the saddle 96. These cutouts are 
located to receive the shackle 78 and store it when the lock is not in 
use. The ends of the shackle legs 79 may have a chamfer 101. As noticed in 
FIG. 17, the legs 79 of the shackle 78 may be slightly bend together to 
provide a spring bias to hold the shackle 78 in the cutouts 86c. As the 
chamfered portions 101 are inserted over the cutouts 86c, the legs 79 are 
pushed apart a short distance requiring that the shackle must be slightly 
forced into the stored position shown in FIG. 17. Once in this position it 
is securely held in place and cannot be jarred or vibrated loose during 
bicycle movement or transport. In the stored position, the legs 79 of the 
shackle 26 cover the openings 85 to prevent water, dirt, snow, ice and the 
like from entering and interfering with operation of the lock. 
The distance "d" between the inside surface of the saddle 96 and the bottom 
of case 73a is dimensioned to locate the key 83 away from the tube 20 to 
provide enough room for the rider to position his fingers to insert and 
turn key 83 with the bar 20 interfering. 
The bicycle is locked by removing the shackle 78 from the stored position 
of FIG. 17 and inserting the ends 101 into the openings 85. As one 
chamfered portion 101 passes the lock bolt 94, the lock bolt will be urged 
to the right as shown in FIG. 16 until the notch 80 is adjacent the lock 
bolt 94 at which time the lock bolt 94 will spring back and occupy the 
notch 80. Once in this position the shackle 78 can only be removed by 
using a key. It is noted that the ends 101 of the shackle 78 do not 
protrude from the lock when they are inserted into the openings 85. Thus 
the shackle ends are not exposed and cannot be tampered with. 
Like the other versions, this lock may also be used with a cable 66 to 
secure a bicycle to a stationary object such as pole 72. 
These modified constructions shown in FIG. 14-17 show an extremely durable 
lock having very few individual pieces and providing a construction which 
is easily assembled and operated. 
Thus, it has been shown by the foregoing, that a versatile lock is provided 
which can securely lock a bicycle, and, which may be used in combination 
with a cable to totally prevent unauthorized movement of the bicycle. 
The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the 
invention and the invention is not limited thereto, except insofar as the 
appended claims are so limited, as those who are skilled in the art and 
have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and 
variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.