Patent Publication Number: US-2021189770-A1

Title: Locking device and methods of use thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is an International Patent Application which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/659,886, filed on Apr. 19, 2018, and U.S. Design Application No. 29/644,663, filed on Apr. 19, 2018. The entire contents of these patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates to locking devices. More particularly, the disclosure relates to high security, personalized locking devices for personal transportation devices. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of personal transportation devices such as, for example, motorcycles, mopeds, Segways, bicycles, and scooters that provide low-cost, efficient personal transportation. Such personal transportation devices are beneficial because they reduce traffic congestion and parking problems, and also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, such personal transportation devices are prone to theft. For example, bicycle theft is a common crime committed in cities with high populations. It is estimated that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen worldwide every year, which equates to approximately $300-450 million in stolen property. In many cases, bicycle theft may be facilitated by bikes being left unlocked, improperly locked, or locked with low quality security devices such as lightweight cable locks or low cost U-lock devices. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for high security, personalized locking devices that are easy to transport and easy to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a locking device including: a clamping head having an opening; a body having a first end and a second end; and a securing ring. The clamping head is rotatably connected to the first end of the body by at least one hinge, and the securing ring is connected to the second end of the body and configured to move between a closed position and an open position. 
     In an embodiment, the hinge is configured to allow the clamping head to move about 180 degree on an axis perpendicular to the body. 
     In an embodiment, the at least one hinge has a first hinge end, a second hinge end, and a mating portion. 
     In an embodiment, the mating portion is configured to mate with a mating dock in the clamping head. 
     In an embodiment, the securing ring has a first arm with a mounting end and a distal end and a second arm with a connecting end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first arm abuts the distal end of the second arm when the securing ring is in a locked position. 
     In an embodiment, the body includes a biometric reader and a detecting sensor. 
     In an embodiment, the biometric reader is configured to open the securing ring when it identifies a predetermined biometric identity. 
     In an embodiment, the detecting sensor is configured to close the securing ring when it detects a locking surface. 
     In an embodiment, the locking surface is selected from the group consisting of a bike rack, a stanchion, a rail, a post, a fence, and a ring. 
     In an embodiment, the body includes a charging port and a power supply. 
     In an embodiment, the charging port is a solar panel or a USB-C port or an AC port or a DC port. 
     In an embodiment, the body includes a control unit configured to open and close the securing ring. 
     In an embodiment, the body includes a wireless communication device. 
     In an embodiment, the wireless communication device is selected from the group consisting of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. 
     In an embodiment, the wireless communication device is configured to be in electronic communication with the control unit. 
     In an embodiment, the wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a personal device selected from the group consisting of a smart phone, a tablet, a wearable computing device, and a laptop. 
     In an aspect, the disclosure provides a method of securing a personal transportation device including the steps of: attaching a clamping head of a locking device to the personal transportation device; deactivating the locking device to open a securing ring of the locking device; placing the opened securing ring around a locking surface; and activating the locking device to close the securing ring around the anchoring object, thereby securing the personal transportation device to the locking surface. 
     In an embodiment, the locking device includes a body having a first end and a second end; wherein the clamping head is rotatably connected to the first end of the body by at least one hinge, and the securing ring is connected to the second end of the body and configured to move between a closed position and an open position. 
     In an embodiment, the activating and deactivating steps are initiated by a biometric reader. 
     In an aspect, the disclosure provides a locking system, that includes: a locking device, including a clamping head having an opening; a body having a first end and a second end; and a securing ring, wherein the clamping head is rotatably connected to the first end of the body by at least one hinge, and the securing ring is connected to the second end of the body and configured to move between a closed position and an open position; one or more network interfaces to communicate in a network a processor coupled to the network interfaces and the locking device and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: deactivate the locking device to open the securing ring of the locking device; and activate the locking device to close the securing ring. 
     Where applicable or not specifically disclaimed, any one of the embodiments described herein are contemplated to be able to combine with any other one or more embodiments, even though the embodiments are described under different aspects of the disclosure. 
     These and other embodiments are disclosed and/or encompassed by, the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description, given by way of example, but not intended to limit the disclosure solely to the specific embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a locking device according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a locking device in the locked position according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a locking device in the open position according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a locking device in the locked position according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a locking device in the open position according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a picture of a locking device mounted on a bicycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 10  is a picture of a locking device being used to lock a scooter to a storage rack according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides high security, personalized locking devices for securing a wide variety of personal transportation devices. Advantageously, the personalized locking devices disclosed herein may provide a locking mechanism that is keyed to the specific user. For example, the locking mechanism may be keyed to a user&#39;s biometric signature (e.g., a fingerprint, palm print, retinal image, voice recognition, and the like). The personalized locking devices disclosed herein are easy to transport and easy to use. The personalized locking devices disclosed herein may be configured to securely fasten a user&#39;s personal transportation device to an external structure (e.g., a bike rack, a fastening post, etc.) for the purpose of theft prevention. It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the locking devices described herein may be configured to secure a variety of personal transportation devices that may include, but are not limited to, motorcycles, mopeds, Segways, tricycles, bicycles, unicycles, scooters, skateboards, and the like. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to those embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
       FIG. 1  shows a top, perspective view of locking device  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. Locking device  100  includes main body  110  having a housing  114  with a first end  101  and a second end  102 , a recess  109 , a clamping head  120 , a securing ring  130 , and a detecting sensor  134 . 
     Clamping head  120  includes clamping passageway  122  and clamp connecting end  124 . Clamping passageway  122  may be configured to fixedly or removably attach clamping head  120  to a personal transportation device (e.g., by attaching to a crossbar, an upright, a wheel, and the like). Clamping head  120  may be configured to attach to a first end  101  of main body  110  of locking device  100  via hinge  115 . 
     Recess  109  located on a top surface of main body  110 , may be configured to house one or more user accessible interface structures such as, for example, biometric reader  112  and charging port  113 . Other exemplary interface structures may include, but are not limited to, a panic alarm, a GPS tracking device, a wireless and/or cellular communication device, a Bluetooth communication device or module, a USB port, a data link port, and the like. Biometric reader  112  may be any of a variety of biometric readers configured to identify any of a variety of a user&#39;s specific biometric identification patterns such as, for example, a fingerprint, a palm print, a retinal print, a voiceprint, and the like. Charging port  113  may be configured to charge or recharge an internal power supply. For example, charging port  113  may include, but is not limited to, a solar panel, a USB-C port, an AC and/or DC charging port, and the like. 
     Securing ring  130  may be configured to attach to second end  102  of main body  110 . Securing ring  130  surrounds locking passageway  132  when in the locked position. Locking device  100  further includes detecting sensor  134 , which may be positioned on second end  102  of main body  110  and within the area encompassed by locking passageway  132 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , main body  110  may be a shaped structure having a first end  101  and a second end  102 . Main body  101  functions to connect an operational locking mechanism (e.g., securing ring  130 ) and clamping head  120 , protect and house the user accessible interface structures (e.g., biometric input  112  and charging port  113 ). Additionally, main body  101  may be configured to allow for attachment of locking device  100  to non-vertical external stanchions via clamping head  120 , and may also be configured to adjust the angle between securing ring  130  and clamping head  120  to allow for easier transport of locking device  100  while it is attached to a personal transportation device. 
       FIG. 2  shows a bottom view of locking device  100  showing securing ring  130  and clamping head  120 . As shown, clamping head  120  may be connected to main body  110  via hinge  115 , which may be positioned within hinge recess  118 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that hinge recess  118  may be configured in any of a variety of different ways depending on the specific size, shape, and configuration of hinge  115 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , which depicts an exploded view of locking device  100 , it can be seen that main body  110  may be an outer shell configured to encompass inner body  150 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, securing ring  130  may be comprised of two parts: first arm  135  and second arm  136 . In other words, the operational mechanism may consist of a shaped structure (e.g., a circle, an oval, and the like) having a first arm  135  and a second arm  136  and a locking mechanism  140  for closing/locking first arm  135  and second arm  136 . Locking mechanism  140  may be comprised of any of a variety of locking mechanisms known to one of skill in the art (e.g., a motor, a spring, a ratchet, and the like). In an illustrative embodiment, locking mechanism  140  may be configured to reversibly move second arm  136  so as to abut first arm  135 . The shaped structure of the operational mechanism is preferably comprised of a rounded structure, however, other non-round structures may be utilized for securing ring  130 . In an illustrative embodiment, first arm  135  may be fixedly mounted to inner body  150  via any of a variety of means known to one of skill in the art (e.g., welding, bonding, gluing, and the like). In another illustrative embodiment, first arm  135  may be integrally formed with inner body  150  via a unibody construction. In another illustrative embodiment, the operational mechanism may consist of a rigid or movable first arm and a movable second arm configured to interact with locking mechanism  140 . Locking mechanism  140  functions to secure the locking device  100  to an external stanchion by moving the second arm to abut the first arm, thereby locking the device to the stanchion. The operational mechanism is connected to the main body whereby a locking of the operational mechanism results in a securing of the device to the external stanchion. The operational mechanism may be operated by a control unit  144  that may be activated by biometric reader  112  and the detecting sensor  134 , which may be configured to automatically close securing ring  130  when proximity of a mounting stanchion or post is detected. Instructions for operating control unit  144  may be stored in memory  146  and may communicate with electronic devices or networks via network interface module  148 . Locking mechanism  140 , control unit  144 , memory  146 , and network interface module  148  may communicate via a bus (not shown), which is well known to one of skill in the art. 
     The one or more user accessible interfaces may be configured to reside within the interior recess  152 . These may include, for example, biometric reader  112  and charging port  113 . Biometric reader  112  may include an electronic device or other device whose function is to identify the user based on the individual&#39;s unique biometric signature (e.g., a fingerprint, a palm print, a retinal print, a voiceprint, and the like), a control unit which communicates with the operational mechanism (e.g., securing ring  130 ), a power supply  142  and means of re-charging the power supply such as, for example, charging port  113 . The control unit and other electronics (e.g., wireless transmitter, a Bluetooth communication device, cellular transmitter, GPS tracking device, and the like) may be housed within the inner body  150 . The biometric reader  112  and charging port  113  may be seated within interior recess  152  of inner body  150 . These user accessible interfaces may be partially encased in the inner body  150  and further encased by main body  110 . Biometric reader  112  may be operably linked to locking mechanism  140  via the control unit so that when the biometric reader  112  detects the user&#39;s unique signature, the operational mechanism is activated and securing ring  130  is opened. 
     The user accessible interfaces (e.g.,  112 ,  113 ) may be housed in the main body  110  and may consist of a biometric reader  112 , a control unit, power supply  142 , and charging port  113 . The biometric reader  112  may be, for example, a fingerprint scanner that detects the user&#39;s unique fingerprint and triggers the securing ring  130  through the control unit. The control unit is an electronic device, preferably a microcontroller or microprocessor, which contains the record of the user&#39;s fingerprint. The control unit checks each input from the biometric reader  112  against its stored data and, if the input matches the stored data, the control unit triggers the securing ring  130  to open. The biometric reader  112  and control unit are powered by the power supply  142  which contains one or more re-chargeable batteries. These batteries are re-charged by the charging port  113  which may be, for example, a solar panel housed in the main body  110  of the locking device  100 . The control unit communicates with the securing ring  130  through a wired connection with the locking mechanism  140 . 
     The biometric reader  112  may also be any biometric reader, blood vessel pattern reader, retinal scanner, DNA reader, etc. The biometric reader  112  be replaced or combined with an RFID, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication device. The control unit may be incorporated into the specific biometric or wireless communication device, or may be a separate unit. The control unit may be any electronic or non-electronic device which performs the required tasks of the control unit. The charging port  113  may be a power port for a wired connection, kinetic motion generator or other device that can provide power for the re-charging of the power supply  142 . The biometric reader  112  may be powered directly from the charging port  113  and/or the power supply  142 , which may or may not be included. The control unit may have a wireless connection with the securing ring  130 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the term “wireless communication device” may describe one or more electronic devices capable of performing procedures associated with various embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., communicating with a locking device as described herein, tracking a locking device via GPS, receiving tamper alerts from a locking device, identifying a locking device user and/or locking or unlocking the locking device based on a Bluetooth communication identifying the user). In accordance with various implementations, any one of these electronic devices may relate to: a cellular phone or a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a personal computer, a netbook computer, a media player device, an electronic book device, a MiFi® device, a wearable computing device, as well as any other type of active or passive electronic device (e.g., a keychain fob) having wireless communication capability that can include communication via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metro area network (WMAN) a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), a cellular wireless network, a fourth generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), and/or 5G or other present or future developed advanced cellular wireless networks. 
     The wireless communication device, in some embodiments, can also operate as part of a wireless communication system (e.g., as part of a WLAN, WPAN and/or an ad hoc wireless network). For example, WLAN technology may include a Wi-Fi (or more generically a WLAN) wireless communication subsystem or radio, the Wi-Fi radio can implement an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 technology, such as one or more of: IEEE 802.11a; IEEE 802.11b; IEEE 802.11g; IEEE 802.11-2007; IEEE 802.11n; IEEE 802.11-2012; IEEE 802.11ac; or other present or future developed IEEE 802.11 technologies. In some embodiments, the WPAN technology may include a Bluetooth wireless communication subsystem or radio, and the Bluetooth radio can implement one or more versions of a Bluetooth communication protocol in accordance with a present or future developed Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) technology. 
     It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that a Bluetooth device/module within the locking device may communicate with a user device (e.g., smart phone, smart tablet, laptop, and the like) to confirm the identity of the user via a biometric input associated with the user&#39;s device (e.g., a thumbprint recognition device, a facial recognition device, and the like). Accordingly, recognition of a user&#39;s identity by a trusted device known to be associated with the user, may be used as an alternative method by which to interface with the locking device. In this manner, a user may unlock the locking device, or lock the locking device, by input into a device such as, for example, a smart phone. 
     Clamping head  120  is a shaped structure having a clamping passageway  122  and a clamp connecting end  124 . The clamp is preferably comprised of a hollow, cylindrical structure, however, various other non-round structures may be utilized. The function of the clamp is to semi-permanently attach locking device  100  to the user&#39;s personal transportation device. The clamp connecting end  124  of the clamping head  120  may be connected to main body  110  via hinge  115  so that the semi-permanent securing of the clamp results in a securing of locking device  100  to the user&#39;s personal transportation device. For example, clamp connecting end  124  may be configured to mate with mating end  117  of hinge  115 , which may in turn be hingedly mounted to inner body  150  via hinge mount  119 . In an exemplary embodiment, inner body  150  may include two opposing hinge mounts  119 , which are configured to receive a first hinge end  111  and a second hinge end  116  of hinge  115  so as to allow mating end  117  to rotate in an axis perpendicular to securing ring  130 . 
     The clamping head  120  is a roughly cylindrical structure preferably made from metal with a plastic sheath. The clamping head  120  provides a means for semi-permanent attachment of the locking device  100  to the user&#39;s personal transportation device. The inner face of the clamping passageway  122  may be lined with a gripping surface to provide a better attachment to the vehicle. 
     The clamping head  120  may be non-cylindrical for attachment to non-cylindrical structures on the user&#39;s personal transportation device. The clamping head  120  may be constructed solely of metal (no sheath) or of another non-metal material. The clamping head  120  may be comprised of one or more parts either entirely separate or connected via hinge(s). In this regard, clamping head  120  may be split asymmetrically so that the two pieces would connect at a point that was not directly opposite of hinge  115 . The clamping head  120  may, or may not, be lined with a gripping surface. The clamping head  120  may include a bearing or other device for rotation around the structure on the user&#39;s vehicle. 
     Locking device  100  may the composed of main body  110  and inner body  150 , which may be constructed of metal to provide a sturdy, interior structure to prevent theft by a cutting of the main body  110  of locking device  100 . The inner body  150  provides a housing for the power supply  142 , charging port  113 , detecting sensor  134 , part of the securing ring  130  and the biometric reader  112  and may be configured to provide protection from tampering. The housing  114  may be a sheath preferably constructed of durable plastic whose purpose is to improve the aesthetics of the device and to provide an added layer of defense against cutting of the main body  110 . Additionally, housing  114  may be configured to be water resistant and/or waterproof so as to protect the enclosed biometric reader  112 , power supply  142 , detecting sensor  134  and related circuitry, and control unit. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , hinge  115  may be configured to be multidirectional and to allow for up to a full hemisphere of motion so that locking device  100  may be affixed to a structure at any angle and/or may be mounted on any suitable structure on the user&#39;s personal vehicle. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , mating end  117  of hinge  115  may be configured with a flange designed to mate with a mating dock  126  positioned within clamp connecting end  124 . This mating configuration may allow clamping head  120  to rotate 360° around mating end  117  of hinge  115 , thereby increasing the range of motion of clamping head  120  relative to main body  110 . It is also contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the mating end  117  of hinge  115  may be configured to provide a desired range of rotation of clamping head  120  around mating end  117  such as, for example, 0-90°, 0-180°, 0-360°, or particular sub-ranges therein. It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that hinge  115  may rotate through a full hemisphere with respect to main body  110 . One of skill in the art will appreciate that such ranges of rotation may be limited by configuring mating end  117  with a limiter, such as a detent or one or more detents. In other embodiments, mating and  117  of hinge  115  may be configured with a ball instead of a flange to create a universal joint-like coupling with mating dock  126 , which would be configured to receive the ball end of mating end  117 . It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that hinge  115  may be constructed of a variety of durable materials to prevent theft by cutting (e.g., metal, ceramics, hard plastics, combinations thereof, and the like). The main body  110  may contain more than one hinge  115  or no hinge  115  at all. 
     In an illustrative embodiment, main body  110  may be comprised solely of inner body  150  in lieu of housing  114  and inner body  150  together. While inner body  150  may be composed of metal, it is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that it may be constructed of other, non-metal, materials as well. Similarly, the housing  114  may also be constructed of other, non-plastic, materials. The housing  114  may encase the entirety of the inner body  150 , or only a portion thereof when present on the device. The elements housed in inner body  150  may be housed in the first and  101  or second end  102 , either together or separately. The second end  102  of the main body  110  may include the first arm  135  of the locking mechanism  140  as an extension of the inner body  150  and/or housing  114 . 
     The locking mechanism  140  is preferably partially encased by the main body  110  and is composed of a first arm  135 , second arm  136 , closing/locking mechanism  140 , and detecting sensor  134 . The arms  135  and  136  of the locking mechanism  140  may be constructed from metal to prevent theft by cutting and may generally be semi-circular in structure. The first arm  135  of the locking mechanism  140  may be rigid and formed as an extension of the inner body  150  and/or housing  114  of the main body  110 . The second arm  136  may be movable. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  depict an exemplary embodiment of the locking device  100  in a closed position and an open position, respectively. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , second arm  136  may be positioned within a track within the main body  110  to allow it to spiral out and connect with/abut to the first arm  135 . The second arm  136  may be moved between the open and closed positions by closing/locking mechanism  140 , which may consist of a motor to drive the motion of the second arm  136  and lock the arm  136  in the extended (lock closed) and retracted (lock open) positions. The closing/locking mechanism  140  may in turn be driven by communication from the biometric reader  112  (e.g., to open the lock) or the detecting sensor  134  (e.g., to close the lock) and powered by the power supply  142 . The detecting sensor  134  may be a proximity sensor, powered by the power supply  142 , which detects when the device is near an external stanchion (e.g., bike rack, locking post, rail, fence, and the like) and triggers the motor to close the second arm  136  thereby locking the locking device  100  to the stanchion. The locking end  133  of the locking device  100  is located at the end of the first and/or second arms ( 135 ,  136 ) of the securing ring  130 . 
     The first and second arms ( 135 ,  136 ) of the securing ring  130  may have a plastic or non-plastic sheath in addition to the sturdy metal core of the arms. The arms may also be constructed from other, non-metal, materials and may include gripping features (e.g., cruise, nubs, ribs, and the like) on the inside curvature of the arms. The arms of the securing ring  130  may have structures that are not semi-circular. The first arm  135  of the securing ring  130  may be movable and operated by the closing/locking mechanism  140  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In another illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second  136  and/or first arm  135  may move in a swinging motion as opposed to riding in a track in the main body  110 . The closing/locking mechanism  140  may consist of a spring, latch, ratchet, etc. as opposed to, or in addition to, a motor. The locking mechanism  140  may be a latch, pin, ratchet, motor, and the like. The detecting sensor  134  may consist of, but is not limited to, a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, a distance sensor, a touch sensor, etc. The closing/locking mechanism  140  and detecting sensor  134  may be powered directly from the charging port  113  and/or power supply  142 . 
       FIG. 9  is a picture of a locking device mounted on a bicycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a locking device being used to lock a scooter to a storage rack according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or sub-range from the group consisting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 as well as all intervening decimal values between the aforementioned integers such as, for example, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, and 1.9. With respect to sub-ranges, “nested sub-ranges” that extend from either end point of the range are specifically contemplated. For example, a nested sub-range of an exemplary range of 1 to 50 may comprise 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30, and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20, and 50 to 10 in the other direction. 
     The foregoing description has been directed to specific embodiments of a locking device  100 . It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. For instance, it is expressly contemplated that the components and/or elements described herein can be implemented as a locking device that comprises at least one data or cellular network interface that communicates with a data or cellular communication network, a processor coupled to the at least one network interface, and a memory configured to store program instructions executable by the processor. Further, it is expressly contemplated that the components and/or elements described herein can be implemented as software being stored on a tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable medium (e.g., ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards and optical data storage devices, and the like) having program instructions executing on a controller, CPU, computer, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Accordingly this description is to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the embodiments herein. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments herein. 
     A computer system (or digital device) may be used to receive, transmit, display and/or store results, and operate the locking mechanism described herein. A computer system may be understood as a logical apparatus that can read instructions from media (e.g. software) and/or network port (e.g. from the internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), which can optionally be connected to a server having fixed media via a dataport. A computer system may comprise one or more of a CPU, disk drives, input devices such as keyboard and/or mouse, and a display (e.g. an LCD). Data communication, such as transmission of instructions or reports, can be achieved through a communication device as described above to a server at a local or a remote location. The communication device can include any means of transmitting and/or receiving data (e.g. internet port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). For example, the communication device can be a network connection, a wireless connection, cellular network, or an internet connection. It is envisioned that data relating to the present disclosure can be transmitted over such networks or connections (or any other suitable means for transmitting information, including but not limited to mailing a physical report, such as a print-out) for reception and/or for review by a receiver. The receiver can be but is not limited to an individual, or electronic system. 
     In some embodiments, the computer system may comprise one or more processors. Processors may be associated with one or more controllers, calculation units, and/or other units of a computer system, or implanted in firmware as desired. If implemented in software, the routines may be stored in any computer readable memory such as in RAM, ROM, flash memory, a magnetic disk, a laser disk, or other suitable storage medium. Likewise, this software may be delivered to a computing device via any known delivery method including, for example, over a communication channel such as a telephone line, the internet, a wireless connection, etc., or via a transportable medium, such as a computer readable disk, flash drive, etc. The various steps may be implemented as various blocks, operations, tools, modules and techniques which, in turn, may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software. When implemented in hardware, some or all of the blocks, operations, techniques, etc. may be implemented in, for example, a custom integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable logic array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), etc. 
     A machine readable medium which may comprise computer-executable code may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution. 
     The subject computer-executable code can be executed on any suitable device which may comprise a processor, including a PC or a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. Computer circuitry may be placed within the body of the locking device disclosed herein, and may include numerous integrated circuit chips, such as a microprocessor, memory, interface circuits, and others. Inputting devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch-sensitive screen, optionally provide for input from a user. The computer can include appropriate software for receiving user instructions, either in the form of user input into a set of parameter fields, e.g., in a GUI, or in the form of preprogrammed instructions, e.g., preprogrammed for a variety of different specific operations. 
     It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that other processor and memory types, including various computer-readable media, may be used to store and execute program instructions pertaining to the techniques described herein. Also, while the description illustrates various processes, it is expressly contemplated that various processes may be embodied as modules configured to operate in accordance with the techniques herein (e.g., according to the functionality of a similar process). Further, while the processes have been shown separately, those skilled in the art will appreciate that processes may be routines or modules within other processes. 
     ELEMENTS 
     
         
           100 : Locking Device 
           101 : First End 
           102 : Second End 
           109 : Exterior Recess 
           110 : Main Body 
           111 : First Hinge End 
           112 : Biometric Reader 
           113 : Charging Port 
           114 : Housing 
           115 : Hinge 
           116 : Second Hinge End 
           117 : Mating End 
           118 : Hinge Recess 
           119 : Hinge mount 
           120 : Clamping Head 
           122 : Clamping Passageway 
           124 : Clamp Connecting End 
           126 : Mating dock 
           130 : Securing Ring 
           131 : Mounting End 
           132 : Locking Passageway 
           133 : Locking End 
           134 : Detecting Sensor 
           135 : Fixed Arm 
           136 : Locking Arm 
           140 : Locking Mechanism 
           142 : Power Supply 
           144 : Control Unit 
           146 : Memory 
           148 : Network Interface Module 
           150 : Inner Body 
           152 : Interior Recess 
       
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     All documents cited or referenced herein and all documents cited or referenced in the herein cited documents, together with any manufacturer&#39;s instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the disclosure. 
     EQUIVALENTS 
     It is understood that the detailed examples and embodiments described herein are given by way of example for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way considered to be limiting to the disclosure. Various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are included within the spirit and purview of this application and are considered within the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantageous features and functionalities associated with the systems, methods, and processes of the present disclosure will be apparent from the appended claims. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.