LOCKING PLATFORM FOR RECEIVING A MOUNT

The present invention relates to a locking platform for receiving a mount comprising: a plate containing a lock mechanism that engages and disengages at least one locking member. A first face of the plate receives the mount, and the first face of the plate has an opening through which the at least one locking member projects to engage with the mount release mechanism; and retracts to disengage from the mount release mechanism. A second opposed face of the plate is adapted to receive a base whereby in use part of the plate is sandwiched between the mount and the base. At least one aperture is provided through the plate, between the first and second faces of the plate, to receive an attachment means for joining the plate to the mount and the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a locking platform for receiving a mount for a device, in particular a locking platform that engages with the mount to prevent removal of the device held by the mount.

BACKGROUND

It is often necessary to connect an electrical device, such as navigation aid to a vehicle. When the vehicle is not enclosed, such as a motorcycle, bicycle, quad bike, or other open vehicle, it is often preferred to remove the device from the vehicle when not attended to prevent likelihood of theft or damage.

Some lockable mounts are provided to lock a device to the mount so that it is secured to the mount, but such mounts do not specifically prevent removal of the mount from the vehicle which is simply connected by an exposed attachment means. Therefore theft of the device is still a risk if the attachment means of the mount are overcome. The present invention overcomes this problem.

PRIOR ART

Touratech Garmin Zumo XT Locking Mount (https://www.touratech-uk.co.uk/handlebar-mount-for-garmin-zumo-xt-lockable-black.html) discloses a lockable mount that can receive an electronic device.

Zumolock https://www.zumolock.com/index.php/en/information discloses an anti-theft solution placed between a mount and the RAM ball plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking platform for receiving a mount comprising: a plate containing a lock mechanism that engages and disengages at least one locking member; wherein a first face of the plate receives the mount and the first face of the plate has an opening through which the at least one locking member projects to engage with a mount release mechanism; and retracts to disengage from the mount release mechanism; and a second opposed face of the plate is adapted to receive a base whereby in use at least part of the plate is sandwiched between the mount and the base; at least one aperture is provided through the plate, between the first and second faces of the plate, to receive an attachment means for joining the plate to the mount and the base; and a key region is provided on the same face of the platform for receiving a device to the mount so that a user facing portion of the device and the key region are accessed from the same direction by a user.

In this way a mount for an electronic device such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device can be securely fixed to a vehicle such as a motorcycle on a mount and the lock mechanism prevents unauthorised removal or accidental release of the electronic device from the mount by stopping use of the mount release mechanism.

Advantageously the locking platform is designed to be fitted to standard fixings or fittings on a vehicle so that the platform can be used with existing equipment. Additionally, access to the lock itself is from the same direction as the device inserts into (is received to) the mount, therefore ensuring convenient use of the lock, unlike other locks that demand key entry from the sides and top of the device, which are often blocked or restricted but surrounding accessories or objects surrounding the mounting point.

The locking mechanism is preferably fully enclosed within the locking platform so that the locking mechanism is concealed and protected and only the at least one locking member is projected for engagement with a mount release mechanism. This configuration provides enhanced security as the locking mechanism cannot be tampered with and longevity as parts of the locking mechanism are protected.

By using the locking platform a user may leave the electronic device in place and electrically connected to the vehicle when unattended without risk of the device being stolen.

The plate is received in use between a base that is attached to, or forms part of the vehicle, and a mount. Typically the plate is planar so as to easily fit between the two parts (base and mount) that may usually directly connect to each other.

The plate has an internal cavity which houses the lock mechanism. In this way the lock mechanism is not accessible and cannot be tampered with during use to enable release of the device from the mount. The lock mechanism is intended to prevent functioning of the mount release mechanism and therefore it is appreciated that different lock mechanisms may be provided for different mounts.

In a preferred embodiment, the first face of the plate that receives the mount has an opening through which the at least one locking member projects to engage with the mount release mechanism and retracts to disengage from the mount release mechanism. The locking member may be provided in a compartment of the plate. The locking member is intended to engage with part of the mount release mechanism that prevents disengagement of a device from the mount, for example preventing use of a quick release button or twist lock function that enables a device to be fitted to a mount. In this way it is not possible to remove the device from the mount when the locking member is projected and inserted to an aperture on the mount that is in communication with the mount release mechanism.

The locking member(s) is connected to the lock mechanism so that the locking member moves when the lock mechanism is engaged or disengaged. This ensures that when the lock mechanism is in a locked configuration that the locking member(s) is projected from the opening and engaged with the mount release mechanism and when the lock mechanism is in the unlocked configuration the locking member(s) is retracted within the opening and is not engaged with the mount release mechanism.

The second opposed face of the plate is adapted to be positioned adjacent to a base so that the plate and mount become attached to the base. The base may be a fitting on the vehicle which is intended to receive a mount, or the base may be part of the vehicle that is suitable for receiving a mount.

The base, plate and mount are joined together by attachment means. In preferred embodiments the attachment means are a threaded bolt that passes through apertures in the mount and plate and engages with holes in the base to lock all parts together.

Ideally there may be a plurality of apertures through the plate, so that the plate is fixed in multiple locations and/or so the plate can be adapted for use with different bases that may have different arrangements of connection means.

Typically the bolt heads are located so as to be on part of the mount that is covered by the device when it is fitted to the mount, to prevent access during use so that it is not possible to remove the attachment means when a device is locked in the mount.

Preferably the lock mechanism is disengaged and/or engaged by a key so that unauthorised disengagement is prevented without the key. The key may be a mechanical key or an electrical or digital key.

A mechanical key provides a simple means to unlock and lock the position of the locking member(s) by inserting a key into a barrel and turning the key.

An electrical key, such as a key fob may enable a user to present the key fob to generate an electric current that causes locking and unlocking of the lock mechanism. For example the key fob may generate and electromagnetic pulse to lock and/or unlock the lock mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment with an electrical or digital key the lock is mechanical and the actuation of the lock is electronically activated. In this way it is appreciated that the lock components may be substantially the same for a mechanical or electronic key and different embodiments of the platform may be provided so that a user may select their preferred key. This enables different embodiments of the locking platform to be manufactured in a near similar way with only the key and key activation mechanism being changed.

Typically a platform including an electronic key has at least one battery and at least one receiver provided to receive a signal from the electric key to an actuation means to actuate the lock. For example the electronic key may be operable by means of a Radio frequency Identification (RFID) tag or near-filed communication (NFC) tag. Preferably the actuation means includes a solenoid to lock and unlock the lock mechanism.

In some embodiments the platform may additionally or alternatively include at least one sensor to transmit an activation signal to the lock.

It is appreciated that a platform with an electronic key may include a microprocessor to detect and analyse lock signals such as a signal to lock the device to the mount and a signal to release the device from the mount. The microprocessor may be provided on a printed circuit board in communication with at least one battery and a receiver and/or sensor. The electrical components are typically wired allowing the components to be fitted close to, or remote, from the lock within the platform.

In a preferred embodiment the actuation means for an electronic key may be arranged at or near to a lock pawl that forms part of the lock mechanism to minimise linkage that may be required for a platform with a mechanical key which may require additional space to locate the physical key receiving part whilst also ensuring it is easy to access the keyhole when a device is fitted to the mount.

In a preferred embodiment of the platform with an electronic key the platform includes a lock reset system to enable the lock to be reset under set conditions. For example the reset system may only permit reset when an authorised user is identified to prevent unauthorised removal of the electronic device from the mount.

In some embodiments the locking platform may include an access panel such as a key pad for receiving a code, or biometric identification means such as a fingerprint recognition module that permits selective unlocking when the correct authorisation is detected, for example the correct code, or an authorised fingerprint.

In a preferred embodiment the plate has an arm that spaces apart the region from where the mount is received from the region where the key is received. In this way access to the key region is not restricted by the device, so a user can easily lock and unlock the device from the mount.

The region where the key is received/presented matches the orientation of the user facing portion of the device that is fitted to the mount and locking platform. In this way the key entry region is provided on the same face of the platform that receives the device so that a user facing portion of the device and the key region are accessed from the same direction by a user. Advantageously this increases ease of use since the key region is easily accessible and easily identified even in low light or darkness.

In preferred embodiments the locking platform includes a push mechanism such as a button or lever operated push mechanism that is in communication with the lock mechanism for engaging the at least one locking member.

Preferably the push mechanism is operative to contact the lock mechanism to engage the at least one locking member. In this way the lock mechanism can be engaged without requirement for a key. Advantageously this allows the device to be quickly and easily fitted without the key.

Preferably the travel re required by the button to engage to lock is exaggerated, to give positive feedback to cold and/or gloved hands. The exaggerated movement may be provided as a ratio of movement of the push mechanism button relative to movement of the/each locking member. In a preferred embodiment the ratio is 1:0.3. For example, for button travel of 10 mm an output of 3 mm movement is achieved by the locking member.

In some embodiments the plate includes at least one cable clip for securing and guiding the cable of the electronic device in a fixed position.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The locking platform100for receiving a mount200comprises a plate50containing a lock mechanism60that engages and disengages at least one locking member20.

A first face ‘A’ of the plate50receives the mount200and the first face of the plate has an opening (seeFIG.4B) through which the at least one locking member20projects to engage with a mount release mechanism; and retracts to disengage from the mount release mechanism.

A second opposed face ‘B’ of the plate50is adapted to receive a base300whereby in use at least part of the plate50is sandwiched between the mount200and the base300

Four apertures51are provided through the plate50, between the first ‘A’ and second ‘B’ faces of the plate, to receive an attachment means120for joining the plate50to the mount200and the base300(seeFIG.6A).

A key region70is provided on the same face ‘A’ of the platform100that receives the device (not shown) so that a user facing portion of the device and the key region70are accessed from the same direction by a user.

FIG.1shows a rear exploded view of a locking platform100and the mount24.

The lock mechanism60is formed from a number of components enclosed within the plate50.

A physical key (not shown) is used to operate the lock mechanism60.

The key (not shown) is inserted into a lock70that includes:7An exterior lock shroud9A lock unit10A lock drive ring return spring11A pawl linkage ring15A back cover cone for the lock

The pawl linkage drive ring11is connected to a first end of the pawl linkage bar12so that when the key is turned in the lock the pawl linkage drive ring11rotates which moves position of the pawl linkage bar12. A second end of the pawl linkage bar12is connected to a lock pawl4which is moveable between unlocked and locked orientations (seeFIGS.4A and4B), as the lock pawl4engages and disengages with the gear2that is responsible for position of the locking members20. The lock pawl4is connected to a lock pawl spring5, so that the lock pawl is sprung.

A compartment21contains the locking member20. The compartment21extends from a rear face of the plate50. The compartment21has a pin cover plate23.

The components of the lock mechanism60and the compartment21are arranged on or connect to the main support chassis3. The main support chassis3receives the cover plat8on one face and the main cover plate14on the opposed face that together provide a housing that enclosed the components of the lock mechanism60and lock70.

A cable guide6is provided for supporting a mount power cable when present and stores the cable clear of the button mechanism as well as guiding it through the device along a predefined route.

The internal restraining plate17encloses the tension springs16thereby containing any spring deformation during operation.

The mount24is attached to a front face ‘A’ of the locking platform100so that the device (not shown) held in the mount24is presented to a user of the vehicle.

The mount24has a plunger release25that becomes locked when engaged with the locking platform100so that the device cannot be released.

FIG.2AtoFIG.2Gshows views of an assembled locking platform100that is attached to a mount200. The lock70is arranged at a distal end of an arm110of the plate50. This allows the key to easily be inserted to the lock70without being obstructed by the mount200or device (not shown) held on the mount.

The locking platform has a button80that push activates the lock mechanism so that the electronic device (not shown), can be locked to the mount and thereby to the locking platform, without requirement for the key. In this way the key is provided to unlock the lock mechanism60, but is not essential for locking the lock mechanism60as this can be achieved by means of the button80.

FIG.4Ashows a rear view of the locking platform in the unlocked configuration andFIG.4Bshows a rear view of the locking platform in the locked configuration.

The parts of the lock mechanism60(see above) are connected together as a linkage so that when the button80is pressed the gear2rotates to force the locking member20out from the compartment21to an opening on the mount200. Gear2is connected to a sliding pin mount with a rack19which holds a pin19A located into an angled slot20A in member20, changing direction of the drive train motion, forcing inward and outward movement of member20. This provides a compact and reliable means to change direction of applied force so that the locking platform100is compact. The locking member20is prevented from retracting into the compartment21because the lock pawl4is locked against the gear2at a locking point65to prevent rotation and thereby preventing release of the locking member20. The connection mechanism of the rack19to member20prevents forced reversal of the mechanism when driven by member20. The mechanism can only be driven by the rack19and gear2.

When a key is inserted into the lock70and turned the lock mechanism60is unlocked so that the pawl linkage bar12that is connected to the lock70(connected to the lock drive link ring11) is pulled downwards so that the lock pawl4rotates so as to be released from the gear2and therefore the locking member20is released from the mount and retracts into the compartment21.

This happens because when in the ‘locked’ state, the linkage train is loaded under tension by the two tension springs16.

FIG.5Ashows the locking platform100with alternative positions of the arm110indicated so show that the locking platform may be made in various different embodiments to be suitable for different users. For example the platform and/or the position of the arm may be shaped/located to be left or right handed, or to accommodate different fitting locations on a vehicle, or for best visibility and usability.

FIG.5Bshows two variations of the platform150,151without a mount wherein the thickness of the plate is varied to accommodate different bases and/or mounts. Platform150has a thicker plate than locking platform151. The features of each embodiment are the same, but the thickness of the plate50is different.

FIG.5Cshows front views of two variations of the plate adapted for different sized mounts. In these embodiments the shape of the plate50is changed to accommodate different mounts200,210. It is appreciated that the lock mechanism within the plate50may be reconfigured and/or scaled to correspond to dimensions of the plate50and proximity to the lock70.

FIGS.6A and6Bshow a base300on a motorcycle400, a lockable platform100arranged between the base300and the mount200. The base300, platform100and mount200are locked together by four bolts120that are inserted through apertures51on the plate50, into threaded apertures310on the base.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.