Abstract:
A motorcycle disk-brake lock which makes it highly unlikely or prevents normal operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged with a disk-brake of the motorcycle and to thereby provide a clear alert to an operator thereof, and which can be conveniently stored and transported when not in use as a disk-brake lock.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a motorcycle disk-brake lock, and more particularly to a disk-brake lock which provides a clear indication to a user thereof that the lock is engaged with the disk-brake, to thereby prevent an offhand attempt to drive the motorcycle while the lock is engaged with the disk-brake.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Various anti-theft devices for motorcycles have been suggested along the years. The simplest security device is a large chain, which can be looped through one of the wheels and/or a portion of the frame (interchangeably referred to also as chassis), and often also secured around a suitable stationary object such as a tree or lamp post. The chain must be sufficiently long, making it cumbersome to store and carry.  
         [0003]     Other anti-theft arrangements for motorcycles are alarm systems with or without immobilizing systems, GPS assisted tracking systems, etc.  
         [0004]     Alternatively, a disk-brake lock may be used. This is a lock, such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,451 to Phifer and 5,492,206 to Shieh, which is secured through one of the holes formed in the disk portion of a disk-brake, preventing rotation of the motorcycle wheel. This is a highly effective anti-theft device, but has two main disadvantages:  
         [0005]     A. It is possible for the motorcycle to attempt traveling a very short distance with the lock in place. This may occur when the owner of the motorcycle forgets that the lock is engaged, or during an attempted of theft by a potential thief or even an un-aware authorized user. The operator then starts the motorcycle, shifts into first gear and starts to roll. The wheel will be able to rotate until the disk-brake lock comes into contact with the brake caliper or some other part of the motorcycle, upon which the wheel will abruptly stop rotating.  
         [0006]     This would likely cause the motorcycle to fall over, possibly over the rider, or cause the driver to be thrown from the motorcycle and injured and likely cause damage to various parts of the motorcycle, e.g. damage the disk-brake, necessitating extremely expensive repair work.  
         [0007]     Devices intended to warn an operator that a locking device is attached to the motorcycle are known, including U.S. Pat. No. 6,230,530 to Voigt et al. However, in moments of stress or when hurrying, the operator may not notice the warning device or even a warning signal. An ideal lock reminder device would therefore preclude operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged. A device aimed at fulfilling this purpose is described by Titterton in U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,787. However, this does not solve the second problem associated with disk-brake locks, as described below.  
         [0008]     B. Disk-brake locks are very heavy and bulky and are therefore difficult to transport when the motorcycle is in use, and therefore a suitable storage location is required for this particular style of locks. A disk-brake lock is commonly stored in a pouch or storage bin attached to the chassis of the motorcycle, in the helmet compartment, or similar storage devices, which are extremely inconvenient, or are carried by the operator.  
         [0009]     As described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,232 to Zane et al., a lock holder has been devised for fastening to the frame of a motorcycle for carrying a motorcycle lock. This comprises a mounting unit for fixing to the frame of a motorcycle and a carrier unit at one side of the mounting unit for carrying a motor lock. However, the lock holder may be heavily vibrated when the motorcycle runs over an uneven road, causing the lock to fall out of the holder. Further lock holders include that described by Lu in U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,255.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,427 to Webber et al. describes a footpeg which serves also as a lock holder for a motorcycle, in which the disk lock may be carried by attachment to the footpeg. However, this does not prevent operation of the motorcycle when the lock is engaged and does not provide a significant reminder for the operator to remove the disk-brake lock.  
         [0011]     Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle disk-brake lock which makes it highly unlikely or prevents normal operation of the motorcycle while the lock is engaged to the disk-brake and to thereby provide a clear alert to an operator thereof, and which can be conveniently stored and transported when not in use as a disk-brake lock. Even more so, an attempt to brake the lock may result in irreversible damage thereto such that it may no longer serve functionally, thus prevent operating the motorcycle.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and provide a disk-brake lock which when in use as a lock prevents a motorcycle from being operated in the normal manner, and when not in use as a lock may be easily and conveniently carried on the motorcycle.  
         [0013]     The present invention, according to its broad aspect, is directed to a disk-brake lock for a motorcycle, which lock is a functional component of the motorcycle, such that it is unlikely to start and roll the motorcycle before disengaging the lock from the disk-brake and reengaging it at another location of the motorcycle for performing its function essential for starting or driving the motorcycle.  
         [0014]     The term functional component as used herein the specification and claims denotes any component of the motorcycle required for starting or driving it, such as, for example a footrest peg, a foot-brake paddle, a gear shift peg, a hand-grip, a hand-gas grip etc. Preferably, said functional component is an essential component, i.e. starting or riding the motorcycle is highly unlikely or not possible at all. Typically, a functional component functions and resembles in appearance a conventional corresponding component.  
         [0015]     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a disk-brake lock for a motorcycle comprising a U-like shaped lock member defining a gap sized to receive a wheel disk-brake, a locking unit for removably attaching the lock member to a mounting unit at a functional location of the motorcycle and for locking engagement with the disk-brake. The arrangement is such that the locking unit of said lock member is attachable to said mounting unit for use as a functional component of the motorcycle and, when removed from said mounting unit, may be used as a wheel disk-brake lock.  
         [0016]     It is thus possible to provide a motorcycle wherein more than one locking mechanism is provided, e.g. a first element useful as a U-like shaped lock for lockingly embracing the disk-brake (for example the disk-brake of the front wheel), and a second element useful as a locking pin (king-pin type lock) useful for locking engagement with the rear wheel of the motorcycle.  
         [0017]     According to a different embodiment, the disk-brake lock is a pin-type lock (at times referred to as a king-pin lock) fitted for locking engagement into a hole of the disk-brake, and attachable to a mounting unit of the motorcycle in the same manner. A lock of this type may be easily fitted on either a front or a rear disk-brake of a motorcycle.  
         [0018]     According to one embodiment of the invention, the lock member is functional as a footpeg (also referred to as a footrest) or paddle and according to another embodiment the lock member is functional as a hand grip.  
         [0019]     According to still an embodiment of the present invention, the locking unit comprises an integral alarm system which generates an audible alarm signal upon displacement, while engaged with the disk-brake. By a further modification, the locking unit functions as an electronic immobilizer cooperating in conjunction with the mounting unit, such that the motorcycle can not be started without said locking unit. According to one particular application, an alarm/alert system is activated upon an attempt to start the motorcycle when the locking unit is disengaged from the mounting unit.  
         [0020]     An advantage of the present invention is that the operator is instantly and automatically reminded that the lock is still engaged when attempting to operate the motorcycle.  
         [0021]     A further advantage of the present invention is that a solution is provided for transport and placing of the lock when not in use as a lock.  
         [0022]     According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a motorcycle fitted with a functional component detachably connectable to a mounting unit of the motorcycle for cooperation therewith at an operative position of the motorcycle, and fitted for locking engagement to a disk-brake of the motorcycle to serve as a disk-brake lock; such that it is unlikely to start and roll the motorcycle before disengaging the lock from the disk-brake and re-engaging it to the mounting unit of the motorcycle for performing its function. Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     For a better understanding of the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, some embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a top left isometric view of a motorcycle fitted with a disk-brake lock according to the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is an enlargement of the portion marked II in  FIG. 1 , illustrating the footpeg and gear-shift paddle zone;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3A  shows the use of a key to remove a multi-purpose disk-brake lock/footpeg from a connector unit on which it is mounted in the footpeg configuration, according to a first embodiment thereof;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3B  shows the footpeg mounting adapter upon removal of the disk-brake lock/footpeg;  
         [0028]      FIG. 3C  shows a portion of a disk-brake with the disk-brake lock/footpeg in use as a motorcycle disk-brake lock;  
         [0029]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the dual-function disk-brake lock/footpeg of FIGS.  3  isolated from the motorcycle;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5A  is an enlargement of the portion marked V in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a hand-grip useful also as a disk-brake lock, according to another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view showing the disk-brake lock/hand-grip and the hand-grip mounting adapter;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5C  shows a portion of a disk-brake fitted with the disk-brake lock/hand-grip in use as a motorcycle disk-brake lock;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6A  shows a gear-shift paddle useful also as a disk-brake lock, according to still another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6B  shows a portion of a disk-brake fitted with the disk-brake lock/gear-shift paddle in use as a motorcycle disk-brake lock;  
         [0035]      FIG. 6C  shows the gear-shift paddle mounting adapter upon removal of the disk-brake lock/gear-shift paddle;  
         [0036]      FIG. 7A  shows a footpeg useful as disk-brake according to a further embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 7B  shows the disk-brake of  FIG. 7A  lockingly mounted on a disk-brake of a rear wheel of a motorcycle;  
         [0038]      FIG. 8A  is an isometric view of a foot rest/disk-brake lock according to an embodiment of the invention, detached from a corresponding mounting unit;  
         [0039]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic sectioned representation illustrating the foot rest/disk-brake lock of  FIG. 8A  lockingly engaged to the mounting unit; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 8C  is the same as  FIG. 8B , illustrating the foot rest/disk-brake lock detached from the mounting unit.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0041]     Attention is first directed to  FIG. 1  showing a motorcycle generally designated  10  and fitted with a footpeg  14  (also known as a foot rest) on which a motorcycle rider rests his left foot during the operation of the motorcycle and a gear shift paddle  18 , operable by the users left foot. Another footpeg is provided at the right side of the motorcycle, serving to rest/support the right foot which typically operates the rear brake pedal (not seen in  FIG. 1 ). The footpeg  14  is a simple device, extending essentially horizontally perpendicular to the body of the motorcycle, which in some instances may be collapsible.  
         [0042]     The front wheel assembly  20  of the motorcycle  10  is fitted with a disk-brake assembly  22  comprising a hydraulic caliper system  24  and a braking disk (disk-brake)  26 , wherein braking occurs upon squeezing a hand-brake lever (not seen) whilst gripping a hand-grip (also not seen in  FIG. 1 ), resulting in clamping of the calipers about the braking disk  26 , as known per se.  
         [0043]     As can better be seen in the enlargement FIGS.  2  to  7 , each of the footpeg  14 , the paddle portion of gear shift paddle  18  and both hand-grips, comprises a metal core (not clearly seen in some of the Figs.) provided with an outer layer of rubber or similar non-slip material to prevent the operator&#39;s foot or hand, respectively, from slipping off the peg or paddle or improving the hand grip, as may be the case. In some cases, a footpeg is provided (not shown) at a bottom outer end with a ground ‘sensor’ which is a downwardly projecting pin useful for indicating to the rider the extent of inclination of the motorcycle, when riding in a curb.  
         [0044]     With further reference being made now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 A to  3 C, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a disk-brake lock according to the invention, where the footpeg  14  is removably attached to the motorcycle via a mounting unit  42  (best seen in  FIG. 3B ) and fastened thereto by pin-lock mechanism  46 . A through-hole  50  (seen in  FIG. 4 ) is formed in footpeg  14 , such that it may be attached to mounting unit  42  by insertion of the pin-lock mechanism  46  there through. Mounting unit  42  is itself fixedly attached to the motorcycle by a bolt or other standard connecting device or being welded thereto. Pin-lock mechanism  46  is locked and unlocked by appropriate rotation of a key  48  ( FIG. 3A ) in order for footpeg  14  to be attached to or removed from mounting unit  42 . The overall appearance of the footpeg  14  is the same as a conventional footpeg and its functionality is not effected. Preferably, some covering means is provided (not shown) for covering the key-hole of the pin-lock mechanism to thereby protect the locking mechanism from ingress of dirt, mud, water, etc.  
         [0045]     It is appreciated that according to an embodiment of the invention, the mounting unit  42  may be attached to the motorcycle also in retrofit, i.e. after the motorcycle has left the factory.  
         [0046]     As can be seen in the Figures, and best in  FIG. 4 , the dual-function disk-brake lock/footpeg  14  comprises a substantially U-like shaped metal body  54  having a rubber anti-slip layer  56  along its upper surface and outer edge. The region between the two parallel sides of the ‘U’ forms a disk receiving slot  60 .  
         [0047]     In  FIG. 2  the disk-brake lock/footpeg  14  is seen in its footpeg configuration functional to support the left foot of the motorcycle rider. In  FIG. 3A  the pin-lock mechanism  46  is unlocked to enable detachment of the footpeg  14  from the mounting unit  42 , as seen in  FIG. 3B . This position in itself makes it rather uncomfortable or impossible to ride the motorcycle as the rider will encounter difficulties in shifting gears by means of gear-shift paddle  18 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 3B  shows mounting unit  42  upon removal of disk-brake lock/footpeg  14 . Mounting unit  42  comprises a body section  62  fitted with a projecting member  64 , formed with a central through-hole  66  for insertion of a locking pin of the pin-lock mechanism  46 . At the assembled position of the footpeg  14  over the mounting unit  42 , the foot peg is steady and provides firm support. However, according to some embodiments, the footpeg may be foldable about the mounting unit.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 3C , the disk-brake lock/footpeg  14  is shown in use as a disk bake lock. The disk-brake lock/footpeg  14  is mounted on the motorcycle disk-brake  26  such that the disk receiving slot  60  (best seen in  FIG. 4 ) embraces the disk-brake, and then the footpeg/disk-brake lock  14  is locked in place by means of the pin-lock mechanism  46 . The motorcycle disk-brake lock/footpeg of the present invention provides a disk-brake lock for use as an anti-theft device, such that the motorcycle cannot be operated with the disk-brake lock engaged, whereby the wheel of the motorcycle is unable to complete a full revolution.  
         [0050]     Further attention is now directed to  FIGS. 5A  to  5 C illustrating a further embodiment of a disk-brake lock in accordance with the present invention where a handgrip generally designated  70  ( FIG. 5A ) is detachably connected to the handlebar assembly  74  by means of a mounting unit  76  ( FIG. 5B ). The handgrip  70  is a generally round member having a solid metal core  78  and is coated with a suitable rubber  82  for effective and pleasing hand-gripping. The handgrip  70  is formed with a disk-receiving slot  86  sized to accommodate the disk-brake  26 .  
         [0051]     The handgrip  70  is detachable from the mounting unit  76  by a locking mechanism  88  which by means of a key  90  may be locked and firmly attached to the mounting unit  76  by a locking pin  91 , or unlocked to remove the handgrip  70  so it can facilitate as a disk-brake lock, in  FIG. 5C . When the handgrip  70  is mounted on the disk-brake  26  it is locked in position by same locking mechanism  88  and corresponding locking pin  91 . An example of a locking mechanism suitable for that purpose is illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 8B and 8C .  
         [0052]     In order to prevent rotational displacement of the hand grip  70  with respect to the handlebar assembly  74 , the mounting unit  76  is formed with a hole  79  engageable by the corresponding locking pin  91  of the handgrip, so as to ensure correct relative positioning and to prevent said rotational displacement there between.  
         [0053]     According to a particular embodiment, the hand grip is an assembly wherein the span of the disk-receiving slot is variable between a constricted position when attached to the mounting unit, and an expanded position for locking engagement with a disk-brake. Accordingly, while attached to the mounting unit  76 , the slot  86  is constricted where it is practically not noticeable ( FIG. 5A ), and when it is detached from the mounting unit  76  the slot  86  spontaneously expands ( FIGS. 5B  and  5 C) to a size suited for accommodation of the disk-brake. This arrangement is facilitated by means of the locking mechanism  88  and a loaded spring (not shown).  
         [0054]     The arrangement is such that when the handgrip  70  is in use as a disk-brake lock ( FIG. 5C ) it is absent from the handlebar assembly  74  ( FIG. 5B ) and therefore, when an operator wishes to prepare for driving the motorcycle, he will immediately notice that the handgrip is missing and will thus become aware that the disk-brake lock is still engaged. Further, the operator will not be able to shift the motorcycle into gear and it is thus unlikely that the machine can be driven.  
         [0055]     Turning now to  FIGS. 6A-6C , there is illustrated still a different embodiment wherein a gear-shift pedal  93  is dual-function and serves as a gear-shift pedal ( FIG. 6A ) and as a disk-brake lock ( FIG. 6B ). The gear-shift pedal  93  comprises a disk-brake receiving slot  95  and a connecting portion  94  ( FIG. 6A ) for lockingly mounting over a connecting/mounting unit  96  ( FIG. 6C ) by means of a locking mechanism  98  and an appropriate key  100 . Connecting/mounting unit  96  has a hexagonal cross-section ( FIG. 6C ) snugly receivable within a corresponding receptacle formed at the gear-shift pedal  93  (not seen) to thereby fix the relative angular position there between.  
         [0056]     In its function as a gear-shift pedal  93  ( FIG. 6A ) the device is tightly secured to the mounting unit  96  to avoid relative displacement between the gear-shift pedal  93  and the mounting unit  96  whereby gear shifting by said pedal is not effected.  
         [0057]     In its function as a disk-brake lock, the gear-shift pedal  93  is secured over the disk-brake  26  and is locked in place by means of the locking mechanism  98 , as in  FIG. 6B . A protective cap or cover may be fitted over the locking mechanism  98 , for the reasons mentioned hereinabove.  
         [0058]     It is appreciated that in its function as a disk-brake lock, the gear-shift pedal  93  is absent from its originally intended position as a gear-shift pedal ( FIG. 6A ) whereupon the motorcycle cannot be operated and whereby the motorcycle rider will become aware of the fact that the disk-brake lock is engaged with the disk-brake instantaneously upon sitting on the motorcycle.  
         [0059]     The embodiment of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrates still a modification of the invention wherein a footpeg (also referred to as a foot rest)  106  is a dual-function device serving as a footpeg in  FIG. 7A  to facilitate gear shifting, and serving as a king-pin type disk-brake lock ( FIG. 7B ), for lockingly engaging within one of the plurality of holes  108  formed in a conventional disk-brake  26  (on either a front or rear disk-brake of the motorcycle).  
         [0060]     The footpeg  106  is lockingly mounted to a corresponding mounting unit  110  and is lockingly attached or detached therefrom by means of the locking mechanism  112  of the king-pin. By the same king-pin and locking mechanism the footpeg  100  is lockingly engaged to the disk-brake (a rear wheel of the motorcycle in the present example), as in  FIG. 7B . According to some other embodiments (not shown) rather or in addition to using the footpeg  106 , one could also use the gear-shift paddle, a hand-grip, etc.  
         [0061]     Similar to the arrangement of the previous embodiments, also in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the disk-brake lock/footpeg serves as an anti-theft device such that the motorcycle cannot be operated with the disk-brake lock engaged on the one hand, whilst, on the other hand, an attempt to operate the motorcycle with the disk-brake lock  106  engaged, will immediately alert the operator who will become aware that the disk-brake lock is still engaged.  
         [0062]     Further attention is now directed to  FIGS. 8A-8C  of the drawings illustrating a particular embodiment of a footrest-disk-brake lock in accordance with a modification of the present invention. The footrest generally designated  120  has an overall shape similar to footpeg  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and comprises a body portion  122  formed with a disk-receiving slot  126  sized and shaped for alternate locking engagement with a connector  127  of a mounting unit  130  (similar to mounting unit  62  in  FIG. 3B ) and for locking engagement in an embracing manner over a disk-brake as explained in connection with the embodiments of FIGS.  2  to  4 .  
         [0063]     The footpeg  120  further comprises a locking pin  134  spring biased by a coil-spring  136  into its retracted position as in  FIGS. 8A and 8C , though prevented from removal e.g. by a restricting pin (not seen), so as to prevent losing the pin  134  and the associated spring  136 . Pin  134  serves for locking engagement of the footpeg  120  by penetration into hole  128  ( FIG. 5A ) of mounting unit  130  and for locking embracement over a brake-disk.  
         [0064]     Locking pin  134  is controlled by an axially displaceable locking rod  146 , fitted for arresting the locking pin  134  by engagement with a corresponding notch  150  formed at an end of the locking pin  134  ( FIGS. 8B and 8C ). By means of a coiled spring  148  is biased to retract from the notch  150 . Locking rod  146  is manipulable by means of a locking mechanism  160  which by a removable key  164  propels the locking pin  146  into locking engagement with notch  150  Of the locking pin  134  ( FIG. 8B ), to facilitate its locking engagement with a mounting unit  130  or embracingly over a disk-brake (not shown). Unlocking the lock mechanism  160  permits the locking rod  146  to spontaneously retract into its open position ( FIG. 8C ) to disengage from notch  150  of the locking pin  134  to thereby facilitate disengagement from the mounting unit  130  or from a brake-disk, respectively.  
         [0065]     As can further be noted in  FIG. 8A , the footpeg  120  is formed with a pivotable cover unit  172  fitted for covering the keyhole  174  of the locking mechanism  160 , to thereby prevent dirt, e.g. mud, water, etc. from entering the locking mechanism.  
         [0066]     Furthermore, the footpeg  120  is formed with a gliding grove  178 , which facilitates easy location of the keyhole  174  by mealy sliding the key  164  over the grove  178 , directing the key  164  into the keyhole  174 . This arrangement is useful for fast insertion of the key into the keyhole also at extreme conditions e.g. at poor visibility, wearing gloves, etc. Still, the arrangement is such that sliding the key  164  over the gliding grove  178 , entails displacement of the cover unit  172  into its open positing.  
         [0067]     It is apparent that a motorcycle may be fitted with two or more locking arrangements according to the invention where, for example, one lock is fitted for locking engagement with the front disk-brake (either by embracing or as a king-pin type lock) and an other lock is fitted for locking engagement with the rear disk-brake (typically as a king-pin type lock). It is thus possible to increase the security level by providing more than one locking mechanism and by simultaneous removal more than one essential component from the motorcycle.  
         [0068]     In addition to solving the problem of a motorcycle operator inadvertently attempting to ride the motorcycle with a disk-brake lock engaged, the device of the present invention also solves the problem of storing and transporting the lock when not in use, since the lock is transported in the form of a footpeg.  
         [0069]     The disk-brake lock/footpeg of the present invention therefore provides an effective method for efficiently and conveniently transporting a disk-brake lock, while also preventing damage to the motorcycle and the operator by neglecting to remove the disk-brake lock before commencing operation of the motorcycle.  
         [0070]     According to other modifications of the invention the mounting unit comprises a discreet connector for connecting only to a designated mating coupler of the component. Such a discreet connection may be obtained, for example, by forming the mounting unit in the form of a pin having a polygonal cross section or an abnormal cross section, where the mating portion of the locking mechanism of the lock component has a receptacle formed with a corresponding cross section.  
         [0071]     By a further embodiment, the locking member may constitute part of an electronic immobilizing system, such that, for example, the ignition system of the motorcycle will not ignite at the absence of the locking component (e.g. footpeg or hand-grip) from its functional location attached to the motorcycle. Evermore so, the arrangement may be such that an attempt to ignite the motorcycle before attaching the locking member to its functional location, may trigger an alarm signal such as an audible signal, etc.  
         [0072]     Whilst several embodiments have been shown and described, it is to be understood that it is not intended thereby to limit the disclosure, but rather it is intended to cover all embodiments, modifications and arrangements falling within the spirit and the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims,  mutatis mutandis.