Patent Abstract:
A lock mounting arrangement comprising a lock and a mounting member secured to a portion of the lock such that the mounting member is rotatable relative to the portion of the lock. At least two position delineators are provided on one of the mounting member and the lock and an engagement member is provided on the other of the mounting member and the lock. The engagement member is movable between a first position in which the engagement member engages at least one of the position delineators and thereby fixes the rotative position of the mounting member relative to the portion of the lock and a second position in which the engagement member is lockingly disengaged from the position delineators such that the mounting member is free to rotate relative to the portion of the lock.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to mounting assemblies for temporarily stowing locks, for example, bicycle U-locks and cable locks, when not in use, and for releasing the locks for ready use when needed. More particularly, the present invention relates to mounting arrangements which facilitate adjustment in the position of the lock relative to the bicycle. 
         [0002]    Since the invention of bicycle U-locks and cable locks, a variety of holders have been proposed for removably carrying such a lock when the bicycle is in use, rather than parked. Such a U-lock typically comprises a semi-enclosure member or shackle having legs or fittings with configured feet, a straight crossbar having openings for reception of these feet, and a locking mechanism in the crossbar for retaining or releasing these feet. Such a cable lock typically comprises a cable having at one end a leg or fitting with a configured foot, a bar extending from the other end of the cable and having an opening for reception of this foot, and a locking mechanism in the bar for retaining or releasing this foot. For protection against theft, this tie lock assemblage ties a strut or the like of the bicycle to a post, rail or other station. 
         [0003]    The objectives of a holder for such locks are to carry the a lock securely on the bicycle frame without rattling, to position the lock inconspicuously on the bicycle frame without hindering movement of the cyclist, and yet to facilitate convenient release of the lock from the holder whenever needed. Prior art holders have not completely met these objectives. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention provides in one aspect a lock mounting arrangement comprising a lock and a mounting member secured to a portion of the lock such that the mounting member is rotatable relative to the portion of the lock. At least two position delineators are provided on one of the mounting member and the lock and an engagement member is provided on the other of the mounting member and the lock. The engagement member is movable between a first position in which the engagement member engages at least one of the position delineators and thereby fixes the rotative position of the mounting member relative to the portion of the lock, and a second position in which the engagement member is lockingly disengaged from the position delineators such that the mounting member is free to rotate relative to the portion of the lock. 
         [0005]    Other aspects of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawing figures and described in the following detailed description of the invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a cable lock incorporating a mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention, the cable lock being mounted on the bicycle. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows the bicycle of  FIG. 1  parked and secured by the cable lock of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an exemplary bracket in accordance with the lock mounting arrangement of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a side plan view of a portion of a cable lock incorporating a mounting arrangement that is a first embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view showing the mounting member of the cable lock of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the cable lock of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the cable lock of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is an end elevation view of the cable lock of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric view of the lock housing and mounting member of the cable lock of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  shows the mounting member of  FIG. 9 , in partial section, assembled on the lock housing. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the mounting arrangement of  FIG. 4  with the mounting member shown transparently. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is an expanded view of the mounting arrangement illustrated in  FIG. 11 , illustrating the engagement member in an engaged position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is similar to  FIG. 12  and shows the engagement member in a disengaged position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is similar to  FIG. 13  and illustrates rotative adjustment of the mounting member relative to the lock housing with the engagement member in a disengaged position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a side plan view of a portion of a cable lock incorporating a mounting arrangement that is an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is front elevation view of the cable lock of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is rear elevation view of the cable lock of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the cable lock of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of the cable lock of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is an exploded isometric view of the lock housing and mounting member of the cable lock of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement of  FIG. 15  with the engagement member in an engaged position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 22  is a cross sectional view of the mounting arrangement of  FIG. 15  with the engagement member in a disengaged position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 23  is an isometric view of the mounting arrangement of  FIG. 15  illustrating rotative adjustment of the mounting member relative to the lock housing. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 24 and 25  are isometric views of the mounting arrangement of  FIG. 15  in partial section and illustrating the movement of the adjusting member during adjustment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 26  is an elevation view of a U-lock incorporating a mounting arrangement that is an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 27  is an exploded elevation view of the mounting arrangement of the U-lock of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 28  is an elevation view of a U-lock incorporating a mounting arrangement that is an another alternate embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a cable lock  20  held on a strut  22  of a bicycle frame by an mounting arrangement  24 , which comprises a mounting member  26  secured to the lock body  21  and a bracket  28  which is securely connected to the strut  22  of the bicycle frame. As described in more detail hereinafter, the mounting arrangement  24  allows the rotative position of the mount member  26  relative to the lock body  21  to be adjusted such that the lock  20  can be unobtrusively stowed on the bicycle frame as shown in  FIG. 1 . With disengagement, the lock  20  is readily available for tying the bicycle to a secure post or other station as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary bracket  28  is illustrated. The exemplary bracket  28  is substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,442 which is incorporated herein by reference. The bracket  28  includes a mount portion  30  and an attachment portion  34 . The attachment portion  34  in the exemplary bracket  28  includes a strap  36  which is positioned about a bicycle frame member and tightened. While the exemplary bracket  28  includes a strap as an attachment means, the invention is not limited to such. The bracket  28  may have any of a number of attachment means, for example, but not limited to, the various attachment means illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,520, incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0036]    The mount portion  30  includes a channel  32  or the like which is configured to receive a complementary tongue portion  52  of the mounting member  26  (see  FIG. 4 ). Engagement of the tongue portion  52  in the channel  32  secures the lock  20  to the bracket  28 . While the illustrated tongue portion  52  and channel  32  are tapered, the invention is not limited to such. The complementary mating members can have any configuration, for example, a rectangular tongue and a corresponding channel. Furthermore, the complementary mating members may be reversed, i.e., the tongue portion may be provided on the bracket with the channel being defined on the mounting member. Various other configurations of mating members may be utilized without departing from the invention. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 4-14 , a cable lock  20  incorporating a mounting arrangement  24  that is first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mounting arrangement  24  includes a mounting member  26  rotatably secured to an end of the lock body  21 . In the present embodiment, the lock body  21  includes a key face  23  opposite the mounting member  26  and a cable head receiving opening  27  approximately midway along the body  21 . Such a configuration is not required and the lock body  21  may be otherwise configured, for example, the key opening may be provided midway along the body  21  with the cable head receiving opening  27  opposite the mounting member  26 . Other configurations may also be utilized. A lock cylinder (not shown) is positioned in the lock body  21  to lockingly engage a head (not shown) forward the shank  25  attached to end  31  of the cable. A keyway (not shown) or the like is provided on key face  23  to selectively lock and unlock the lock cylinder. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-14 , the mounting member  26  has a cylindrical body  50  having a generally open end  53  and a reduced open end  51 . The body  50  does not have to be cylindrical, but may have other configurations. The reduced open end  51  is configured to receive the opposite end  33  of the cable which passes through the mounting member  26  and is secured within the lock body  21 . The generally open end  53  has an internal annular protrusion  55  configured to snap fit into an annular recess  72  provided along an end projection  70  extending from the lock body  21 . The annular protrusion  55  may be continuous or segmented and may have various configurations. Engagement of the protrusion  55  in the recess  72  secures the mounting member  26  to the lock body  21 . Sufficient clearance is provided between the protrusion  55  and the recess  72  such that the mounting member  26  is rotatable relative to the lock body  21 . 
         [0039]    To set the position of the mounting member  26  relative to the lock body  21 , the lock body  21  includes a plurality of position delineators  73  and the mounting member  26  includes an engagement member  60 . While the present embodiment includes the position delineators  73  on the lock body  21  and the engagement member  60  on the mounting member  26 , the invention is not limited to such. Alternatively, position delineators may provided on or within the mounting member  26  and the engagement member  60  may be provided on the lock body  21 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0040]    In the present embodiment, the position delineators  73  are defined by a series of alternating teeth  74  and openings  76  defined by the end projection  70  extending from the lock body  21 . The delineators may have other structures including, but not limited to, projections, recesses, splines, or the like. For example, the end projection  70  extending from the lock body  21  may be provided with external splines while the inside surface of the mounting member  26  is provided with complementary splines. The mounting member  26  would be axially movable relative to the locking body  21  to engage and disengage the splines. 
         [0041]    In the present embodiment, the engagement member  60  includes a sliding block  64  with an engagement pin  66  extending from one end thereof. The opposite end of the sliding block  64  includes a spring post  67  which supports a spring  68  or other biasing member. The spring post  67  and spring  68  are received in a recess  59  within the mounting member  26  such that the spring  68  biases the sliding block  64 , and thereby the engagement pin  66 , toward the locking body  21 . The engagement pin  66  engages one of the openings  76  between the teeth  74  and thereby locks the rotative position of the mounting member  26  relative to the locking body  21 . 
         [0042]    To adjust the position of the mounting member  26  relative to the lock body  21 , for example, to facilitate a more comfortable position of the lock  20  on the bicycle, the engagement member  60  includes a push pad  62  which extends through an opening  54  in the mounting member body  50 . In the present embodiment, the push pad  62  includes feet  63  which snap fit into an aperture  65  in the sliding block  64 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , to adjust the position of the mounting member  26 , the push pad  62  is pushed away from the lock body  21  against the force of the spring  68 , as indicated by arrow A, until the engagement pin  66  disengages from the opening  76 . The mounting member  26  can then be rotated relative to the lock body  21  as indicated by arrow B. Once a desired position is reached, the push pad  62  is released and the spring  66  biases the sliding block  64  until the engagement pin  66  engages one of the openings  76 . The teeth  74  defining the openings  76  may be provided with tapered surfaces or the like to encourage the pin  66  into one of the openings  76 . 
         [0043]    The mounting arrangement  24  allows a user to easily fine tune the position of the lock  20  on the bicycle in a secure, reliable manner without the need for any tools. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-25 , a cable lock  120  incorporating a mounting arrangement  124  that is an alternate embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mounting arrangement  124  includes a mounting member  126  rotatably secured to an end of the lock body  121 . In the present embodiment, the lock body  121  includes a combination lock assembly  123  therealong and a cable head receiving opening  127  opposite the mounting member  126 . Such a configuration is not required and the lock body  121  may be otherwise configured. The combination lock assembly lockingly engages a head (not shown) forward the shank  125  attached to end  131  of the cable. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 20-25 , the mounting member  126  has a cylindrical body  150  having a generally open end  53  and a reduced open end  51 . The body  150  does not have to be cylindrical, but may have other configurations. The reduced open end  151  is configured to receive the opposite end  133  of the cable which passes through the mounting member  126  and is secured within the lock body  121 . The generally open end  153  has an internal annular protrusion  155  configured to snap fit over radial projections  174  provided along an end projection  170  extending from the lock body  121 . Engagement of the protrusion  155  against the projections  174  secures the mounting member  126  to the lock body  121 . Sufficient clearance is provided between the protrusion  155  and the projections  174  such that the mounting member  126  is rotatable relative to the lock body  121 . 
         [0046]    To set the position of the mounting member  126  relative to the lock body  121 , the lock body  121  includes a plurality of position delineators  173  and the mounting member  126  includes an engagement member  160 . While the present embodiment includes the position delineators  173  on the lock body  121  and the engagement member  160  on the mounting member  126 , the invention is not limited to such. Alternatively, position delineators may provided on or within the mounting member  126  and the engagement member  160  may be provided on the lock body  121 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0047]    In the present embodiment, the position delineators  173  are defined by the radial projections  174  and the openings  176  therebetween defined about the end projection  170  extending from the lock body  121 . The delineators may have other structures including, but not limited to, projections, recesses, splines, or the like. For example, the end projection  170  extending from the lock body  121  may include a plurality of detents and the mounting member  126  may include a complementary inward projection configured to engage within a desired detent. 
         [0048]    In the present embodiment, the engagement member  160  includes a flexible finger  164  formed integrally with the mounting member body  150  within an opening  154  through the body  150 . (see  FIG. 21 ). The flexible finger  164  is configured to be biased radially inward toward the delineators  173  defined on the end projection  170  extending from the lock body  121 . As such, the flexible finger  164  positions itself within one of the openings  176  defined between the radial projections  174  and thereby locks the rotative position of the mounting member  126  relative to the locking body  121 . 
         [0049]    To ensure the flexible finger  164  does not inadvertently disengage, the engagement member  160  further comprises an engagement pad  162  which moves along guides  163  extending outwardly from the mounting member body  150  as shown in  FIG. 23 . The engagement pad  162  is moveable between a locked position shown in  FIG. 21  and an unlocked position shown in  FIG. 22 . A first radially outwardly extending contact  167  engages a corresponding first radially inwardly extending contact  173  on the engagement pad  162 . To move the engagement pad  162  to the unlock position, the first radially inwardly extending contact  173  is snapped past the first radially outwardly extending contact  167 . In the locked position, a second radially inwardly extending contact  171  on the engagement pad  162  is positioned above and engages a second radially outwardly extending contact  165  on the flexible finger  164 , and thereby prevents the flexible finger  164  from inadvertently disengaging from the position delineators  173 . 
         [0050]    To adjust the position of the mounting member  126  relative to the lock body  121 , the engagement pad  162  is slid away from the lock body  121 , as indicated by arrow A in  FIG. 23 , with the first radially inwardly extending contact  173  snapping past the first radially outwardly extending contact  167 . As the engagement pad  162  is slid, the second radially inwardly extending contact  171  disengages from the second radially outwardly extending contact  165 , such that the flexible finger  164  is free to flex outward, see  FIG. 25 , as the mounting member  126  is rotated relative to the lock body  121  as indicated by arrow B in  FIG. 23 . The flexible finger  164  sliding past the radial projections  174  provides a ratcheting effect. Once a desired position is reached, the engagement pad  162  is slid back to the locked position, with the second radially inwardly extending contact  171  engaging the second radially outwardly extending contact  165  to maintain such in place. As in the previous embodiment, the mounting arrangement  124  allows a user to easily fine tune the position of the lock  120  on the bicycle in a secure, reliable manner without the need for any tools. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a U-lock  220  incorporating a mounting arrangement  224  that is another alternate embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mounting arrangement  224  includes a mounting member  26  which is substantially the same as in the first embodiment and like elements are numbered alike. While the mounting member  26  of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, the mounting member  26  may have other configurations, including but not limited to the configuration of the mounting member  126 . The mounting member  26  is rotatably secured to a collar  270  affixed to the shackle  231  of the U-lock  220 . The collar  270  may be affixed in various manners including, but not limited to, a set screw, welding or the like. The shackle  231  is configured for locking engagement with a crossbar  221  as is known in the art. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 27 , the collar  270  of the present embodiment is similar to the projecting end  70  of the first embodiment. The collar  270  includes an annular recess  272  configured to receive the annular protrusion  55  (not shown in  FIG. 27 ) on the mounting member  26 . Engagement of the protrusion  55  in the recess  272  secures the mounting member  26  to the collar  270  and thereby the shackle  231 . Other means for connecting the mounting member  26  to the collar  270  may also be utilized. Sufficient clearance is provided between the protrusion  55  and the recess  272  such that the mounting member  26  is rotatable relative to the collar  270  and shackle  231 . The collar  270  includes position delineators  273  defined by a series of alternating teeth  274  and openings  276  or any other configuration. The mounting member  26  may be adjusted relative to the collar  270  in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment. 
         [0053]    As in the previous embodiments, the mounting arrangement  224  allows a user to easily fine tune the position of the lock  220  on the bicycle in a secure, reliable manner without the need for any tools. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 28 , a U-lock  320  incorporating a mounting arrangement  324  that is another alternate embodiment of the present invention will be described. The mounting arrangement  324  includes a mounting member  26  which is substantially the same as in the first embodiment and like elements are numbered alike. While the mounting member  26  of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, the mounting member  26  may have other configurations, including but not limited to the configuration of the mounting member  126 . The mounting member  26  is rotatably secured to an end  370  of the crossbar  321  of the U-lock  220 . A shackle  331  is configured for locking engagement with the crossbar  321  as is known in the art. 
         [0055]    The end  370  of the crossbar  321  includes an annular recess  372  (shown in phantom) configured to receive the annular protrusion  55  (not shown in  FIG. 28 ) on the mounting member  26 . Engagement of the protrusion  55  in the recess  372  secures the mounting member  26  to the end  370  of the crossbar  321 . Other means for connecting the mounting member  26  to the collar  270  may also be utilized. Sufficient clearance is provided between the protrusion  55  and the recess  372  such that the mounting member  26  is rotatable relative to the crossbar  321 . The crossbar  321  includes position delineators  373  defined by a series of alternating teeth and openings or any other configuration. The mounting member  26  may be adjusted relative to the crossbar  321  in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the first embodiment. 
         [0056]    As in the previous embodiment, the mounting arrangement  324  allows a user to easily fine tune the position of the lock  320  on the bicycle in a secure, reliable manner without the need for any tools. 
         [0057]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1