Abstract:
A method and apparatus for securing the free wheel of a bicycle to prevent rotation. Such rotation may be distracting and hazardous when a bicycle is transported on a vehicle rack. The apparatus comprises an elongated body with two curved ends, the body is separable to extend the distance between the curved ends such that they can be positioned between the wheel and/or the frame components of the bicycle to secure the wheel against rotation and turning.

Description:
NOTICE OF INTENT TO RESERVE COPYRIGHT OR MAST WORK RIGHTS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    When transporting a bicycle on a vehicle bike carrier, the motion of the vehicle causes issues with bicycles on an external carrier. The free wheel (i.e., that without the friction of the chain and gear system) may rotate as the vehicle accelerates and decelerates. The turning can cause damage to the bike, or the transport vehicle. The movement can also be a distraction for the driver. Drivers who ‘tune out’ or ignore this movement as seen in mirrors or as reflections of vehicle surfaces can cause a driver to unintentionally miss other roadway hazards they mistakenly believe to be the bike&#39;s movement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a frontal view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of a Free Wheel Lock. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross sectional view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3B  shows a cross sectional view of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative assembly of a Free Wheel Lock in a rotated position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  shows a detailed view of the preferred latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in a locked position. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  shows a detailed view of the preferred latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an unlocked position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6A  shows a close-up front view of an alternative latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6B  shows a close-up side view of an alternative latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows a bicycle with two exemplary placements for a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0018]    Described herein is a free wheel lock for a bicycle for use during transportation of the bicycle on a carrier. The primary purpose of the free wheel lock is to prevent the free wheel from rotating during transportation. Additionally, some versions of the device may be equipped with a keyed locking mechanism which provides anti-theft security is well. 
         [0019]    The device is assembled in two similar halves which mate through a locking rod permanently affixed to one half, and removable affixed to the other half. The distal ends form curved hooks which grasp the wheel rim or the tubular of the bike frame to secure the wheel from rotating. 
         [0020]    In the preferred embodiment, the locking, rod has teeth on a plurality of sides to allow the two halves to be rotated around the rod&#39;s central axis in relation to each other so that the hooks may orient in independent directions to each other, allowing multiple configurations to satisfy different application needs of the user. 
         [0021]    The preferred embodiment is constructed of a metal frame, to provide strength, encased in a molded plastic to prevent scratching or corrosion of the bicycle. In alternative embodiments, the frame may be made of a durable plastic which is encased in a rubberized plastic or left in the non-encased state. In alternative embodiments the device may be constructed with fiber glass, carbon fiber, resin, or other materials for durability and wear resistance. 
         [0022]    In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the hooks are further lined with padding or cushioning. This prevents bending of frame structures, or crushing of cables. The hooks are sized and curved to fit standard tubular structures. Alternative embodiment may comprise different sized hooks for different bicycle sizes. Alternative embodiments may comprise different shaped hooks for mating with different bicycle parts. 
         [0023]    In the preferred embodiment, the two halves are substantially similar in size and shape. In alternative embodiment, the division between the two hooks may be oriented more toward one hook rather than being positioned near the middle of the body. In such a configuration, the locking d would be permanently affixed to the shorter side, and extend into a cavity on the longer side. The longer side comprises a latching mechanism for securing the rod at a plurality of locations upon its length. 
         [0024]    The two halves of the preferred embodiment are joined by a locking rod which is permanently affixed to one side, and nest in a locking cavity in the other side. The locking cavity has a latching mechanism which engages the locking rod as it is inserted into the locking cavity, while not preventing further insertion into the cavity. However, the latching mechanism prevents the locking rod from sliding back out of the cavity unless it is disengaged. Disengaging the latching mechanism may require a key or combination which disengages a lock, or it may he a lever which requires simple force to overcome a biasing spring urging the lever to a locked position. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment, the latching mechanism may comprise a friction hold Where a clasp secures the locking rod between a plurality of body parts on the other half to secure the two halves from separating. In an exemplary embodiment, the clasping may be a screw with a nut providing compression against the screw head. 
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the two halves comprise at least one, but preferable a plurality of guide bars which nest into mating cavities on the opposing half, having a spring or other elastic member extended between the two halves. The two halves are pulled apart by a force overcoming the joining force of the spring, and then positioned as desired. Releasing the two halves allows the elastic member to urge the two halves back together with the guide bars, ensuring alignment when mated. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The wheel lock ( 100 ) comprises two hooks, ( 120  and  110 ) each lined with foam padding ( 115  and  125 ). The two hooks are joined to distal ends of a body ( 130 ) which divides at an expansion joint ( 140 ) creating two halves ( 145  &amp;  147 ). For purposes of this discussion, the upper half ( 147 ) is illustrated with a hook ( 120 ) which flares more than the hook ( 110 ) of the lower half ( 145 ); however, the two hooks could be substantially similar. 
         [0028]    In the illustration, the upper half ( 147 ) comprises the locking cavity (not visible) Which accepts the locking bar (not visible) and includes the release lever ( 135 ), which optionally contains a lock ( 190 ) secured with a key ( 195 ). 
         [0029]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a frontal view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The wheel lock ( 100 ) is illustrated in a closed position where the upper half ( 147 ) with the flared hook ( 120 ) and the lower half ( 145 ) with the non-flared hook ( 110 ) are mated at the expansion joint ( 140 ) of the body ( 130 ). 
         [0030]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view of a Free Wheel Lock. In the side view, the foam pad ( 125 ) is shown to line the upper hook ( 120 ) and another foam pad ( 115 ) lines the lower hook ( 110 ). Just above the expansion joint ( 140 ) of the body ( 130 ) the pivot point ( 138 ) of the latch ( 135 ) is illustrated. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a cross sectional view of a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the cross sectional view, the locking bar ( 170 ) is shown to have a secured end ( 172 ) which is attached/secured permanently into the lower half ( 145 ). The projecting end ( 173 ) extends into the sleeve ( 178 ) of the upper half ( 147 ) and the teeth ( 175 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ) engage the teeth ( 139 ) of the cam ( 137 ) on the end of the release lever ( 135 ). Pulling the release lever ( 135 ) rotates it around the pivot point ( 138 ) causing, the teeth ( 139 ) to rotate up into the void ( 136 ) and disengage from the teeth ( 175 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ). This then allows the locking bar ( 170 ) to be removed from the sleeve ( 178 ) of the upper half, ( 145 ) extending the distance between the two hooks ( 110  and  120 ). 
         [0032]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a side view of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position. In the side view, the foam pad ( 125 ) is shown to line the upper hook ( 120 ) and another foam pad ( 115 ) lines the lower hook ( 110 ). The expansion joint ( 140 A and  140 B) is opened with the upper half ( 147 ) and the lower half ( 145 ) joined by the locking bar ( 170 ). The pivot point ( 138 ) of the latch ( 135 ) is illustrated on the upper half ( 147 ). The teeth ( 175 ), visible on the front and side of the locking bar ( 170 ), allow the lower half ( 145 ) to be rotated around the central axis of the locking bar ( 170 ) with respect to the upper half ( 147 ). 
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  shows a cross sectional view of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In the cross sectional view, the locking bar ( 170 ) is shown to have a secured end ( 172 ) which is attached/secured permanently into the lower half ( 145 ). The projecting end ( 173 ) extends into the sleeve ( 178 ) of the upper half ( 147 ) and the teeth ( 175 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ) engage the teeth ( 139 ) of the cam ( 137 ) on the end of the release lever ( 135 ). Pulling the release lever ( 135 ) rotates it around the pivot point, ( 138 ) causing the teeth ( 139 ) to rotate up into the void ( 136 ) and disengage from the teeth ( 175 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ). This then allows the locking bar ( 170 ) to he removed from the sleeve ( 178 ) of the upper half ( 147 ) extending the distance between the two hooks ( 110  and  120 ). The teeth ( 175 ), located on the other sides of the locking bar ( 170 ), allow the lower half ( 145 ) to be rotated around the central axis of the locking bar ( 170 ) with respect to the upper half ( 147 ) while still presenting teeth ( 175 ) to engage the teeth ( 139 ) of the lever ( 135 ). 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  shows an alternative assembly of a Free Wheel Lock in a rotated position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The lower half ( 145 ) is illustrated in a rotated position around the expansion joint ( 140 ) with respect to the upper half ( 147 ), as illustrated by the forward presentation of the latch ( 135 ) and the rear presentation of the upper hook, ( 120 ) while the lower hook ( 110 ) with its foam padding ( 115 ) is presented to the side. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5A  shows a detailed view of the preferred latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in a locked position. The close up view details the pivot point ( 138 ) of the latch ( 135 ) in relation to the body ( 130 ). The cam ( 137 ) extends the teeth ( 139 ) of the latch ( 135 ) to engage the teeth ( 175 ) of the projecting end ( 173 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ) as it is inserted into the sleeve ( 178 ) of the body ( 130 ). A spring mechanism (not illustrated) urges the handle of the lever ( 135 ) against the body ( 130 ). 
         [0036]      FIG. 5B  shows a detailed view of the preferred latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an unlocked position. An opening force (not illustrated) rotates the lever ( 135 ) away from the body ( 130 ) against the urging of a spring mechanism (not illustrated). This allows the lever ( 135 ) to rotate around the pivot point, ( 138 ) moving, the teeth ( 139 ) on the cam ( 137 ) into the void ( 136 ) of the body ( 130 ) and disengaging the teeth ( 175 ) of the locking bar ( 170 ), allowing it to be removed from the ( 178 ). 
         [0037]      FIG. 6A  shows a close-up front view of an alternative latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6B  shows a close-up side view of an alternative latching mechanism of a Free Wheel Lock in an opened position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the upper and lower halves ( 145  and  147 ) remain joined by a catch end, ( 184 ) enclosing the end of a slotted opening ( 182 ) of the locking lever ( 180 ). The body ( 130 ) is notched to allow the locking lever ( 180 ) to be sandwiched in between the two notch halves. A screw ( 186 ) passes through the notched body perpendicular to the notch. The screw ( 186 ) also passes through the slotted opening ( 182 ) of the locking lever ( 180 ). A nut ( 188 ) with a handle ( 189 ) affixed thereto can he secured to the screw, ( 186 ) placing pressure through the body ( 130 ) and the locking lever ( 180 ) against the screw head ( 187 ) to produce a fiction force holding the two halves ( 145  and  147 ) in relation to one another. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  shows a bicycle with two exemplary placements for a Free Wheel Lock in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The bicycle&#39;s ( 40 ) front forks ( 55 ) have a wheel lock ( 100 ) passing across and securing to them. This stops the wheel ( 45 ) from rotating. In an alternative application, a wheel lock ( 100 ) secures the tire ( 45 ) by placing pressure against the inside of the tire ( 45 ) frame and the down tube ( 50 ) of the bicycle ( 40 ) frame. This alternative application prevents the wheel for rotating, and additionally prevents the wheel from turning. 
         [0039]    The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally. some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some elements illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one Ruin could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention. 
         [0040]    The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is filly appreciated. It is intended that the following chums be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.