Patent Publication Number: US-2021179220-A1

Title: On-vehicle helmet lock

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/938,395, entitled: On-Vehicle Helmet Lock, filed on Nov. 21, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosed subject matter is directed to a lock for attachment to a portion of a vehicle, in which a helmet or other structure can be locked. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Micro mobility, in the form of electronic and manual scooters, electronic and manual bicycles and motor bikes and motor scooters, is becoming an ever increasing form of transit, and is completing “the last mile” of transit for many people. As the aforementioned vehicles are driven on sidewalks, streets, and roads, users typically voluntarily wear a helmet for safety. Additionally, many jurisdictions require operators of these vehicles to wear a helmet. 
     As helmets, are forgotten, and or use of one of the aforementioned micro mobility vehicles is typically spontaneous, such that a helmet is needed, wearing a helmet may not be possible. When the jurisdiction has a helmet law, if the vehicle operator is caught without a helmet, they are subject to fines, bans, and other penalties. 
     While helmet sharing, leaving the helmet with the vehicle has been tried, many helmets are simply stolen. Also, the wearer forgets he has a helmet on and never returns the helmet to the associated micro mobility vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosed subject matter provides an on-vehicle lock for a helmet or other device or apparatus. The lock and the helmet are such that when the helmet is locked, does not obstruct steering or directing the vehicle, vehicle movement, or the user of the vehicle. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a lock which includes two or more prongs, spaced apart to engage corresponding individual openings in a helmet, to lock the helmet in place on a lock body in a stable manner, without any additional side or rear helmet support or locking members. If desired one or more side or rear support or locking members may be used with the lock, but are not necessary for proper operation of the lock. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a lock, for a helmet or other device. The lock comprises: a support configured for receiving a helmet; and, a locking member moveable with respect to the support. The locking member includes at least two prongs spaced apart from each other and dimensioned to correspond to spaced apart openings on the helmet. The locking member moveable into: a first position where the at least two prongs are positioned at least proximate to the support, for locking the helmet on the support, and, a second position where the locking member has been moved such that the at least two prongs are at a distance from the platform, where the helmet is unlocked from the support. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least two prongs includes two prongs. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least one prong includes an aperture, and the support includes: a slot through which the prong extends into the support, and a locking arm for being moved between the first position, where the locking arm is in the aperture, locking the at least one prong in place, and a disengaged position, where the locking arm is removed from the aperture, allowing the prongs to move out of the support to the second position. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the locking member is in communication with the support, and the locking member is moveable between the first position and the second position. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least one prong includes two prongs. 
     Optionally, the lock is such the locking arm is controlled by a motor. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the motor operates based on signals received from a computerized device. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the support is configured for attaching to a structure. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the support includes a post of at least one or a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a lock, for a helmet or other device. The lock comprises: a body for attaching to a structure, the body including an engagement member movable between an engaged and disengaged position, and a lock bar slideably mounted on the body. The lock bar includes: a first end and a second end, the first end including at least one receiver, for receiving the engagement member, when the engagement member in in the engaged position, such that the lock bar is in a locked position along the body, and, the second end including at least two prongs in a spaced apart arrangement corresponding to the position of apertures on a helmet, the prongs for extending through the openings (or apertures) of the helmet and engaging the helmet, such that when the lock bar has moved to the locked position along the body, the helmet is locked on the body by the engagement of each prong of the at least two prongs. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least two prongs are arranged on the second end of the lock bar, such that when engaging the openings of the helmet, a portion of the helmet extends over the body. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the engagement member includes at least one tab, moveable in and out of the at least one receiver, when the at least one receiver is aligned with the at least one tab. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least one receiver includes an indentation extending into the lock bar for receiving the at least one tab. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the at least one tab includes two tabs on opposite sides of the body, and the at least one receiver includes two receivers, the two receivers disposed on opposite sides of the lock bar which correspond to the opposite sides of the body. 
     Optionally, the lock is such that the indentation for each of the two receivers is in at least one of a rectangular or square shape. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a method for locking a helmet (or other device), the helmet including at least one opening. The method comprises: providing a locking apparatus including at least two prongs, spaced apart and dimensioned to correspond to the at least one opening of a helmet, to extend through the at least one opening, and a support, such that the at least two prongs are movable toward and away from the support; placing the helmet on the support; and, moving the at least two prongs into and through the at least one helmet opening to a positon at least proximate to the support, such that the helmet is locked on the support. 
     Optionally, the method is such that the at least one opening of the helmet includes at least two openings, and the at least two prongs include two prongs spaced apart from each other and dimensioned to correspond to the at least two openings of the helmet, and the moving the at least two prongs includes moving each of the at least two prongs, into and through a correspondingly located helmet opening, to a positon at least proximate to the support, such that the helmet is locked on the support. 
     Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced. 
       Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the lock of the present invention mounted on a micro mobility vehicle and in use with a helmet; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lock of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the lock of the present invention with the helmet; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the view of the lock of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows the engagement of a locking tabs in indents of the arm when the arm is locked; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of the control system for the lock of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side views of the lock of the present invention in operation with a helmet; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the lock of the disclosed subject matter, mounted on a vehicle; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a helmet in use on the lock of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIGS. 9A to 9C  are diagrams of the locking and unlocking of the lock of  FIG. 8A ; and, 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of the lock body of the lock of  FIGS. 8A, 9A, 9B and 9C , showing a sensor and controller arrangement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a lock for an article such as a helmet. The lock is typically for mounting on micro mobility vehicles, such as electric and manual scooters, electric and manual bicycles, motorbikes, motor scooters and motorcycles and the like. The various aspects of the invention will be illustrated herein primarily by reference to non-limiting examples of locks for locking articles such as helmets, but it will be appreciated that the various aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to other technologies where locks for articles are used. 
     Throughout this document, references to directions and orientations, such as upward, downward, upper, lower, up, down, upward, downward, top, bottom, inward, outward, lateral, front, rear, and the like, are made. These references are exemplary, for describing and explaining the present invention, and embodiments thereof, and are not limiting in any way. 
       FIG. 1  shows the lock  100  as mounted on a post or pole  102   a  of a micro mobility apparatus, such as an electronic scooter  102 . The post or pole  102   a , for example, supports the steering column for the scooter  102 . A helmet  104 , for example, at its front portion  104   f , is engaged by the lock  100 , which is in a locked or engaged position, to lock the helmet  104  at the post  102   a . The helmet  104  cannot be removed from the scooter  102 , until the lock  100  is in an unlocked or disengaged position ( FIG. 7B ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2 to 5 , the lock  100  is formed of a body (lock body)  110 , with, for example, one (front) side  110   a  shaped, e.g., curved or rounded, to receive a portion of the pole  102  of the scooter  100 , and to mate with a collar  112 , such that when the body  110  and collar  112  are joined together around the pole  102   a , the lock  100  is attached to the pole  102   a.    
     The body  110 , for example, is symmetric, and includes grooves  116  and apertures  118  along its lateral sides  110   y . A support  119 , which holds a controller  120  and lock system  122 , is received by the body  110  in a cavity, and remains securely in place in the cavity (not shown) of the body  110 , by a snap fit or other secure engagement. Locking tabs (LT)  126  (the locking tabs  126  also known as engagement members), controlled by the controller  120 , and are part of the lock system  122 , extend through the apertures  118 . The body  110  may support various sensors (not shown), such as a light sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a helmet (which is locked), when the arm  130  is in the locked position. The body  110  includes a curved upper surface  110   x , which, for example, accommodates any inner curvature of the helmet  104 , and, for example, serves as a support (support member) for the helmet  104 , when the helmet  104  is locked and during the locking and unlocking processes. The body  110 , for example, is dimensioned to fit within the cavity  104   h  of the helmet  104 . 
     An arm  130  (also known as a lock bar or locking member) is slideably mounted on the body  110 . The arm  130  is symmetric, and includes rails  132 , on the inner sides of the lateral bars  133  of the arm  130 . The respective rails  132 , engage the respective grooves  116  of the body  110 , allowing the arm  130  to slide axially along the body  110  (in the direction of the double headed arrow  134 ). The arm  130  includes indents  136 , for example, rectangular cube shaped, including square cube shaped, which align with the respective apertures  118  on both of the lateral sides  110   y  of the body  110 , when the arm  130  is in its locked position, where the end (lower) surfaces  132   x  of each rail  132  abut the shoulder surface  116   x  of the groove  116  of the body  110 . The indents  136  receive the respective locking tabs  126 , when the arm  130  is in this lower or locked position. The locking tabs  126 , for example, are spring loaded, so that once moved inward (to be retracted, for example, by the motor  220 ) for unlocking of the arm  130 , they are then released (for example, being moved by the motor  220  to the previous position), such that when the arm  130  is returned to the locking position, the locking tabs  126  spring outward into the indents  136  of the arm  130 , to lock the arm  130 , due to the tapered portions  126   a  (which are tapered outward, and extend downward) of the locking tabs  126 . For example, for one or both of the locking tabs  126 , the surface  126   b  of the locking tab  126  serves as a stop surface for the indent  136 , at the lower surface  136   x  of the indent  136 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternately, one or more of the indents  136  may be apertures extending through the arm  130 . 
     Alternately, the rails  132  may be T-shaped, with the respective groove  116  on the body  110  correspondingly shaped, for additional slideable securement. Also, the rails  132  need only extend a short distance upward, from the bottom of each lateral bar  133 , and coupled with a stop shoulder in the groove  116 , filling the groove  116  proximate to the upper surface  110   x  of the body  110 , this cooperating structure serves as a travel limit for the arm  130 , keeping the arm  130  on the lock  100 , and not allowing it to be separated from the body  110 . 
     Posts or prongs  140  (the terms “posts” and “prongs” used interchangeably herein), for example, one or more prongs  140 , and for example, typically two prongs  140 , extend from a crossbar  142  of the arm  130 . The prongs  140  are, for example, of a shape and diameter, suitable for extending into and through openings  104   x  (the openings  104   x  also known as apertures) of the helmet  104  (the openings  104   x  in the shell  104   g  of the helmet  104 , the shell  104   g  surrounding the helmet cavity  104   h  ( FIG. 4 ) into which the user&#39;s head is placed during use), such as the two spaced-apart openings  104   x  in the front of the helmet  104 . Alternately, the two or more prongs  140  may enter into and extend through a single opening in the front portion  104   f  of the helmet  104 , should the helmet  104  include such a single opening. The prongs  140  are, for example, of a length, such that when the arm  130  is in the locked position, each prong  140  extends into and typically through the openings  104   x  in the helmet  104 , and into contact with the surface (upper surface)  110   x  of the body  110 , or proximate to the surface  110   x  of the body  110 , such that the helmet  104  is locked or otherwise secured on the body  110 , in a stable manner, for example, with minimal, if any, movement or “play”. For example, the helmet  104  shown may be a Sporting Helmet, Model FCJ-301, from UTS Sport Co. Ltd. of Guangzhou City, China. 
     The prongs  140 , for example, two prongs at a fixed distance, the fixed distance corresponding to the distance between the openings  104   x  in the helmet  104  (e.g., front portion  104   f  of the helmet  104 ), can also be laterally moveable, one or both, along the crossbar  142  so as to be adjustable to different helmet openings, or other structures, such as rings mounted to the helmet or other structures which provide one or more openings. The prongs  140 , one or both, may also be extendible and/or contractible (upward and downward), so that the length of each prong  140  can be adjusted, for example, individually or together. While two prongs  140  are shown, as this arrangement of prongs  140  provides a stable mount for the helmet  104 , a single prong is also suitable, as are more than two prongs. Alternate embodiments may include multiple prongs, each prong for extending into and through a corresponding opening in the helmet  104  or other device. 
     Turning also to  FIG. 6  there is shown the architectures of the controller  120  and lock system  122  of the lock  100  as block diagrams. The architecture of the controller includes processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU)  202 , which is linked to storage/memory  204 , transceivers  206 , database(s)  208 , and modules  211 - 213 , for code matching  211 , sensors  212 , and motor control  213 . The motor control  213  is linked to the lock system  122 , which includes a motor (M)  220  linked to locking tabs (LT)  126 . While the most germane components are shown and described, other modules and power supplies (not shown) may be used with the controller  120  and lock system  122 . “Linked” as used herein, includes both wired and/or wireless links, either direct or indirect, such that the components  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208  and  211 - 213 , and  220  and  126 , are in electronic and/or data communications with each other, either directly or indirectly. As used herein, a “module”, for example, includes a component for storing instructions (e.g., machine readable instructions) for performing one or more processes, and including or associated with processors, e.g., the CPU  202 , for executing the instructions. 
     The CPU  202  is formed of one or more processors, including hardware processors, and performs the processes (methods) of the lock  100 . These processes may be in the form of programs, algorithms and the like, performed by the CPU  202 . For example, the processors of the CPU  202  may include x86 Processors from AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) and Intel, Xenon® and Pentium® processors from Intel, as well as any combinations thereof. 
     The storage/memory  204  stores machine-executable instructions executed by the CPU  202  for performing the processes of the lock  100 . The storage/memory  204 , for example, also provides temporary storage for data. 
     The transmitter/receiver or transceiver  206  communicates with a controlling device, such as a smartphone, to unlock the arm  130 , to unlock the helmet  104 , by Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, Internet, or the like. 
     The database(s)  208  store various data such as codes associated with the various users to unlock the lock when and entered code (from a user device) matches a stored and active code of the database  208 . This determination of matching is made by the code matching module  211 . 
     The sensors module  212 , for example, detect whether the helmet is present in the lock  100 , when the arm  130  is locked. 
     The motor control module or motor controller  213 , controls the motor  220 , which controls the locking tabs  126 . For example, the locking tabs are moved inward by the motor (M)  220 , when unlocking of the helmet  104  is desired, by allowing the arm  130  to move outward, typically upward, to an unlocked or second position, such that the prongs  140  clear (extend above, so as to extend beyond) the helmet  104 , allowing the helmet  104  to be removed from the lock  100 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  show an operation of the lock  100  on a scooter (post  102   a ) locking a helmet. Initially, as shown in  FIG. 7A , the helmet  104  is locked by the lock  100 , as the prongs  140  extend though the openings  104   x  of the helmet  104 , to at least proximate to the (upper) surface  110   y  of the body  110 . The arm  130  is in the first, lower, or locked position along the body  110 , as the rails  132  (in the grooves  116 ) are such that their end (lower) surfaces  132   x  abut the shoulder surface  116   x  of the respective groove  116 , and the locking tabs  126  extend into the indents  136  of the arm  130 . 
     A device, such as a smart phone  241 , or other computerized device, associated with a user who has an active code for the scooter  100 , sends the code, for example, via Bluetooth®, to the controller  120  of the body  110 . Should the transmitted code match a stored active code, the CPU  202 , via the motor controller  213 , signals the motor  220 , to move the locking tabs  126  inward, freeing the arm  130 , allowing the arm  130  to be moved or move axially (upward) to a second or unlocked position, as shown in  FIG. 7B . Additionally, the device  241  may run an application (APP) which interfaces with the lock  100 . 
     In the second or unlocked position, the arm  130  is movable axially (upward) to a point where the posts  140  clear the helmet  104 , or the arm  130  can be moved so as to be separated from the body, allowing for the helmet  104  to be removed from the lock  100  (e.g., the helmet  104  moved away from the lock  100 , as indicated by the arrow  250 ). With the helmet  104  removed, the arm  130  can be reconnected to the body  110 , if necessary, and moved axially) downward to the first or locking position, where once the indents  136  align with the apertures  118 , the locking tabs  126  will reengage the indents  136 , locking the arm  130  on the body (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ). 
     Alternately, should the codes not match, the arm  130  is not permitted to be moved, and remains in the locked position. 
     While a helmet  104  has been shown with openings  104   x  positioned at locations on the helmet  104  (e.g., the front of the helmet  104 ) corresponding to the positions of the prongs  140  on the crossbar  142 , the helmet  104  could also include a single opening for accommodating one or both prongs  140 , or an attachment, such as a ring structure, for accommodating the prongs  140 , so as to lock the helmet  104  on the body  110 , by the arm  130 , in accordance with that detailed above. 
     Also, the lock  100  may be used for locking other structures, articles and the like, such as those with openings, attached rings, and the like. 
       FIG. 8A  shows another lock  300 , similar to the lock of  FIGS. 1-7B , with identical or similar components having elements numbers in the  300 &#39;s and are in accordance with the descriptions above. This lock  300  is also controlled, for example, by the controller  120  detailed above. The lock  300  is shown mounted on a pole  102   a  of a scooter (identical or similar to the scooter  102 ), by collar members  303 . The collar members  303  are adjustable to the dimensions of the pole  102 . 
     The lock  300  includes a lock body  310 . The lock body  310  is, for example, similar to body  110 , detailed above. The body  310  includes an upper surface  310   x , and along the surface portion  310   xb , which, for example, supports the helmet  104  (the body  310  serving as a support or support member for the helmet  104 ), when the helmet  104  is locked, and during the locking and unlocking processes. The body  310 , for example, is dimensioned to fit within the cavity  104   h  of the helmet  104 , as shown in  FIG. 8B . In  FIG. 8B , the prongs  340   a ,  340   b  are outside of the helmet  104 , such that the helmet  104  may be removed by the user  301  from the lock body  310 , or the helmet  104  is placed onto the lock body  310 , such that the prongs  340   a ,  340   b  will be moved into the openings  104   x  of the helmet  104 , by moving the rounded member  312  downward, to lock the helmet  104  on the lock body  310 , the locking (and unlocking) of the lock  300 , for the helmet  104  or other device, detailed further below. 
     The lock body  310  includes oppositely disposed protruding flanges  311 , which receive a rounded (e.g., U-shaped) member  312  (the rounded member also known as a handle or locking member), in a moveable hinged attachment. The hinged engagement may be biased, e.g., spring biased, whereby when the spring relaxes, the rounded member  312  moves away from the lock body  310 , such that the helmet  104  may be removed from the lock body  310 , or placed onto the lock body  310  for locking. 
     Two prongs  340   a ,  340   b , for example, are attached to the rounded member  312 . Based on the hinged attachment of the rounded member  312  to the lock body  310 , the rounded member  312 , and therefore, the prongs  340   a ,  340   b  can be moved into and out of a locked and unlocked position, and therefore, a locked and unlocked engagement with the helmet  104 . The prongs  340   a ,  340   b  are of different lengths, with, for example, one prong  340  shorter than the other prong  340   b , with the shorter prong  340   a  of a length to abut or be in close proximity to the lock body upper surface  310   x , a portion  310   xb  which is, for example, angled downward from the flat portion  310   xa , when the helmet  104  is locked by the lock  300  (e.g., the rounded member  312  is in the locked position, and the helmet  104  is, for example, seated on the lock body  310  (which serves as a support or support member)). The longer prong  340   b  is of a length to extend through a slot  310   c  in the lock body  310 , to lock the lock  300  (in the body  310 ) or the helmet  104  (on the lock body  310  on its upper surface  310   x ). The longer length prong  340   b  terminates in a protrusion  344 . The protrusion  344  forms, for example, the extended (longer) length of the prong  340   b , this longer prong  340   b , for example, at the protrusion  344 , includes an aperture  344   a  (e.g., rectangular, including square shaped), through which as locking arm (or locking bar)  346  (of the lock mechanism  347 ) in the lock body  310  can extend through ( FIG. 9B ), when locking of the lock  300  or the helmet  104  or other device is desired. The prongs  340   a ,  340   b  are, for example, spaced apart from each other at a fixed distance, the fixed distance corresponding to the distance between the openings  104   x  in the helmet  104  (e.g., front portion  104   f  ( FIGS. 3, 4, 6A and 6B ) of the helmet  104 ). The prongs  340   a ,  340   b  may be such that the distance between them is adjustable on the rounded member  312 , or the like, to fit various helmet front opening arrangements. 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  show the locking of the lock  300  within the lock body  310  (including the locking mechanism  347 ).  FIG. 9A  shows the protrusion  344  on the prong  340   b  being moved downward, through the slot  310   c , toward the locking arm  346 .  FIG. 9B  shows the locking arm  346  engaged in the aperture  344   a  of the protrusion  344 , thus locking the rounded member  312  (and the helmet  104 ), in a locking or locked position.  FIG. 9C  shows the locking arm  346  disengaged and clear of the aperture  344   a  of the protrusion  344 , allowing the rounded member  312  to be moved upward, to an unlocked position, where the helmet  104  is unlocked, and may be removed from the lock  300  for use. 
     In  FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C , the lock mechanism  347 , in the lock body  310 , is shown in detail. The locking arm  346  is slideable laterally in a channel  350 . The locking arm  346  is biased, for example, by a spring  352 , that when in a relaxed position, as shown in  FIGS. 9A, 9B and 10 , the biasing allows the protrusion  344 , by its downward movement (in the direction of the arrow  353   a , in  FIG. 9A ), to push on the outwardly tapered end  346   a  of the locking arm  346  inward, until the aperture  344   a  aligns with the tapered end  346   a  (of the lock bar  346 ). The aperture  344   a , now aligned with the locking arm  346 , allows the locking arm  346 , at its tapered end  346   a , to move outward and enter the aperture  344   a , as pushed by the spring  352 , as the spring  352  returns to its relaxed position, where a locking engagement or locked position occurs, as shown in  FIG. 9B . For example, the tapered end  346   a  of the locking arm  346  extends at least into the aperture  344   a , and typically extends through, and typically beyond the aperture  344   a , as a result of the spring  352  biasing. Additionally, the aforementioned alignment, and further downward movement of the prong  340   b  (in the direction of the arrow  353   b  in  FIG. 9B ) is prevented by the edge  354  of the lock body  310 , serving as a stop surface and travel limit for the prong  340   b , due to the lock body edge  354  being aligned with the surface  340   bx  of the prong  340   b . When in the locking position, the surface  340   bx  typically abuts the edge surface  354   a  of the lock body edge  354 , but may also be in close proximity thereto, depending on the construction of the prong  340   b.    
     The locking arm  346  is moved between the locking and unlocking positions by a motor M  320 , controlled, for example, by signals from the CPU  202  and/or motor controller  213  ( FIG. 2 ), which are typically activated to signal the motor M  320 , upon receiving signals from a device, such as a smartphone  241  or other computer, or computerized device (similar to that discussed for the lock  100  above). The motor M  320  is mounted to a shaft  360 , which in turn, mounts to a plate  362  (e.g., a circular plate), which is movably (e.g., rotatably) mounted to a pull bar  364 , at one end of the pull bar  364 . The other end of the pull bar  364 , is movably (e.g., rotatably) mounted to the lock bar  346 . When the motor M rotates, such that the plate  362  rotates, for example, approximately 90 degrees (as per the arrow  367  of  FIG. 9B ), the locking arm  346  is moved inward, moving out of, and past, the aperture  344   a , as shown in  FIG. 9C , allowing the locking ring  310  and the prongs  340   a ,  340   b  to be moved upward (in the direction of the arrow  368  in  FIG. 9C ), either manually or by spring biasing, to free the helmet  104  from the lock body  310 , such that the helmet  104  is removable from the lock body  310  for use (by the user). 
     With the unlocking complete, the motor M may rotate the plate  362  approximately 90 degrees (in the direction of the arrow  369  in  FIG. 9C ), back to its starting position (shown, for example in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ), such that the locking arm  346  moves outward, as the spring  352  relaxes (from its contracted position shown in  FIG. 9C ), to the starting position, as shown in  FIG. 9A . Locking the helmet  104  on the lock body  310  may begin again. 
     Alternately, a sensor  370 , such as a light sensor, may be placed on, or extend through the surface  310   x  of the lock body  310 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The light sensor  370  works in conjunction with a sensor  372  for detecting locking of the locking arm  346  through the aperture  344   a  (the locked position), a motion sensor or Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)  374 , which, for example, includes an accelerometer, gyrometer, and a magnetometer, and the CPU  202 . All of the aforementioned sensors are part of the sensors  212  of the controller  120 , and the electrical and/or data connections between sensors  370 ,  372 ,  374  and the controller  120  are shown in  FIG. 10 . The sensor  370  functions to detect the presence or absence of a helmet  104 , locked on the lock body  310 , once the locking arm  346  is in the locked position (as determined by the locking sensor  372 ), and the motion sensor (IMU  374 ) has determined that there is no motion of the vehicle (e.g., scooter  102 ) for a predetermined time period. When all conditions are met, the transmitter  206  will send a signal to the user&#39;s device, e.g., smartphone  241 , computer or computerized device, that the helmet  104  is not present on the lock body  310  (and the user is responsible for its loss). 
     Alternately, the lock  300  may be constructed, such that the locking mechanism  347  accommodates two prongs, each prong identical or similar to the longer prong  340   b , for extending into the lock body  310 , through oppositely disposed slots  310   c  on the body  310  (at the sides), with each prong (extending through the respective slot  310   c ) into the body  310 , for locking in the lock body  310 , as oppositely disposed locking arms  346  extend through the respective apertures  344   a  in each of the prongs  340   b , as detailed for the lock  300  above. In other alternates, the two long prongs, may be part of a member, which includes the prongs, e.g., the two or more prongs. The member, via the prongs, such that the prongs extend into and through the respective openings of the device, e.g., helmet, and attach to the lock body  310  during locking (e.g., locking arms engage each prong aperture). The member is a separate structure from the body, and removable from the lock body, when the helmet  104  is released from the locking for use, or when the helmet is returned to the lock, for relocking thereon or reengagement on the lock body, when helmet use is finished. 
     Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.