WO1991000949A1

WO1991000949A1 - System for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects

Info

Publication number: WO1991000949A1
Application number: PCT/US1989/005398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne E. Saunders; Raymond C. Saunders; David W. Saunders
Original assignee: Striders Incorporated
Priority date: 1989-07-10
Filing date: 1989-11-18
Publication date: 1991-01-24
Also published as: AU4809190A

Abstract

A system for securing wheeled articles such as bicycles to immobile objects is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, a first length of cable (12) and a second length of cable (14) are kept within a housing (10) until needed to secure the article to an object. A cable holding sleeve (16) holds the lengths of cable in a substantially side-by-side relationship when the cables are within the housing. When needed, the lengths of cable are withdrawn from the housing, passed through the frame of the article, around the object and the two ends of the cables are locked together by way of, for example, a cylindrical combination lock (54). When the first and second lengths of cable are unlocked, a constant tension spring (32), provided in some embodiments, retracts the lengths of cable back into the housing. The present invention is particularly well suited for application with bicycles and may be applied to a variety of other wheeled vehicles.

Description

SYSTEM FOR SECURING WHEELED ARTICLES TO IMMOBILE OBJECTS

BACKGROUND

₅ l. The Field of the Invention.

This invention relates to apparatus used to secure wheeled articles such as bicycles to immobile objects to prevent unauthorized taking thereof. More particularly, the present invention is related to apparatus which are _n conveniently mounted on a wheeled article such as a bicycle and include a cable which encircles an immobile object and secures the wheeled article thereto. 2. The Prior Art.

It has long been recognized that securing systems are 5 necessary to prevent the theft of wheeled articles such as bicycles, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and the like. In particular, an unsecured bicycle is a particularly lightweight, easily moved, and attractive target for a thief. Thus, there has been a long felt need in the art to provide a system for securing bicycles, and other articles 0 which are easily moved, to immobile objects.

In the past, various types of securing systems have been proposed. For example, some prior art securing systems are intended to merely immobilize one of a bicycle's wheels, with the thought that this will prevent 5 a thief from jumping on the bicycle and riding away. Various types of padlocks have been proposed that will lock the wheel to the bicycle frame for this purpose.

There have also been a number of securing systems proposed for attaching a bicycle or other wheeled article 0 to an immobile or substantially immobile, object, such as a post, tree, or the like. Flexible chains and cables have been used for this purpose, with the chains or cables being wrapped around the substantially immobile object and then passed through the frame or the wheel of the wheeled 5 article. The ends of the chains or cables are then connected together with some type of locking device so that only an authorized person with the key or combination to the locking device can release the article for use.

One of the major problems encountered in the use of chains or cables for a securing system has been the convenient holding of the chain or cable on the article so that it will be available for use when desired. Simple chains or cables are generally carried around on the article, for example, by wrapping the chain or cable around the bicycle seat post or a portion of the bicycle frame.

While a simple chain or cable wrapped around an article frame member may provide a securing system that travels with the article, it is also very unsightly and cumbersome to use. Such an arrangement is so cumbersome that individuals often forego using such an arrangement, especially when the bicycle or other article will be left unattended for only a short period of time. Thus, the cumbersome nature of the prior art securing systems prevent them from being used effectively.

Wheeled articles, such as those mentioned above, generally include one or more elongated tubular members as frame or handle members. Thus, it is been deemed desirable to provide securing systems which either attach to elongated tubular members and/or are themselves elongated tubular members.

One preferred material for use in securing systems is galvanized steel cable, which is some cases is also referred to as steel rope. Basic steel cable construction makes use of three or more steel strands laid together in a helical arrangement to form a cable. A strand is defined as two or more wires laid together. A strand may consist of seven, nineteen, or more, individual wires. A cable may consist of three, seven, or more, strands laid together. 1 Generally, for a given diameter of cable, as the number of wires in the strands and the number of strands in a cable increases, so does the strength, flexibility, and longevity of the cable. Significantly, as the number of

5 wires in a strand and the number of strands in a cable increase, so does the cost of the cable. Thus, as a rule, the least expensive and the least flexible and least durable cable is selected which is suitable for a particular application. Furthermore, in most instances,

^_n the cable is also preferably coated with a plastic such as vinyl, nylon, teflon, or some other plastic to protect the galvanized steel from the corrosive effects of the environment and to protect the cable from abrasion.

When used in securing systems, steel cable combines c the important considerations of a flexible securing member with a high strength-to-weight ratio. In securing systems used to secure articles such as bicycles to immobile objects, weight is an important consideration. Still, it is important to use the largest diameter cable allowed by

_₀ other considerations to increase the securing member's resistance against breakage and cutting.

Moreover, the semi-rigid nature of steel cable makes it much more suitable and manageable for the use in securing systems than solid nonflexible members or chain securing members. In securing systems, it is desirable that the securing member cable be somewhat rigid, a somewhat rigid cable being easier for the user to manipulate around poles, fence posts, and other immobile objects. Thus, in addition to the advantage of lower cost, a larger diameter and less flexible cable has the advantage of ease of manipulation by the user. Still further, steel cable, at least of a minimum diameter, requires specialized cable cutting equipment thus providing theft protection against persons who do not possess such cable cutting equipment. 35 As mentioned, the diameter of a steel cable determines its ability to resist cutting and breakage. The greater the diameter the greater the resistance against cutting and breakage. It is, however, the case that as the diameter of steel cable increases, so does the minimum bending radius of the cable. One major manufacturer of steel cable recommends that the bending radius (as related to pulley diameters) of their most flexible standard steel cable (7 strands of 40 wires each) not be less than 7.5 times the uncoated diameter of the steel cable. Sava Industries, Inc. Catalog, 1989 Thomas Register of American Manufacturers, Catalog File Section at 7783 (1989) .

Such a cable, however, is generally too expensive to have application as a securing member in^"a securing system. More suitable is a cable constructed of 7 strands with 19 wires in each strand. In the case of such a cable a bending radius of at least 12 times the uncoated diameter of the cable is recommended. Id.

Thus, for steel cables having a diameter of one- quarter of an inch ( k inch) , the recommended minimum bending radius is three inches. Moreover, if the minimum bending radius is exceeded, such as forcing a one-quarter inch cable into a one inch radius, the strength and longevity of the cable is compromised. Still further, due to the nature of the cable, as the tightness of the bend imposed on the cable is increased, the force which the cable will exert on its surroundings will increase as it tries to assume a less tight bend. In the extreme case of a zero bending radius, i.e.. the cable being bent back on itself, .the force necessary to overcome the tendency for the two lengths of cable resulting from the 180° bend, to spread apart is great.

The advantages of using steel cable have been recognized in the prior art securing devices. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,023,387 to Gould discloses an "elongate cable" covered with "weather proof plastic" along its length and U.S. Patent No. 3,910,602 to Lindner discloses a "braided steel" core covered by a "plastic sheath." Neither the Gould nor the Lindner references, however, recognize the above described considerations which must be accounted for when using steel cable.

Significantly, both the Gould and the Lindner references show the "cables" disclosed therein being bent back upon themselves within the very tight radius of approximately a bicycle frame tube, which is generally not more than about one inch. Thus, very flexible and very small diameter cable must be used in the disclosed devices. If very small diameter cable is not used, the tendency of the cable to straighten itself will cause the devices to be inoperative (i.e.. the cable will not retract into the housing or be withdrawn from the housing) as the cable rubs against, and engages, the interior of the housing in which the cable is held and withdrawn from when it is needed. The use of very small diameter flexible cable which can be easily cut (even by commonly available tools) results in a device which provides virtually no protection from theft.

The prior art securing systems present other difficulties and drawbacks. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,990,279 a drum wound cable is disclosed as a bicycle locking system. Disadvantageously, the structure disclosed therein to retract the cables is such that the cables are retracted at a varying rate due to the nature of the spring device disclosed therein and as the cable drum diameter changes due to the changing amount of cable wrapped there around. The structure disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,990,279 results in the undesirable result that the tension or pull on the cable is great when the cable is fully withdrawn but the tension dwindles as the cable is retracted into the housing. 1 Furthermore, the prior art securing systems often made undue noises and rattled when used on a bicycle. Still further, due to the retraction system used, prior art securing systems often did not keep the securing cables 5 within their housing when the wheeled article was in motion. In particular, the normal vibration encountered when riding a bicycle often would cause the securing cables to come either partially or completely out of their housing creating a nuisance for the user.

•Lø In view of the forgoing, it would be an advance in the art to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects that is convenient to use, allows the securing cables to be attractively kept ready to use in a housing, and that still provides for a secure attachment to

■_jc an immobile object such that the article cannot be stolen. It would be a further advance in the art to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to an immobile object which may be adapted to attach to a number of different wheeled articles or may be incorporated into a tubular

_7n frame member of the wheeled article.

It would be a still further advance in the art to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects wherein the securing cables used therewith are of a substantial diameter to deter theft of the wheeled

__ article. It would be yet another advance in the art wherein the securing cables are kept out of the way when not being used and undue noises and rattles are prevented. It would be still another advance in the art to provide a system for securing wheeled articles which is as small as, and is the shape of, a frame member of the wheeled article and which keeps the securing cables untwisted, tangle-free and ready for immediate use.

35 BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects. Such wheeled articles can include a variety of recreational, household, and commercial articles and the term is particularly intended to include bicycles and the like. The present invention advantageously utilizes lengths of flexible cable to secure the article to an immobile object.

Two flexible lengths of cable are provided to function as securing cables. The lengths of cable functioning as securing cables may comprise two discrete cable segments or a single cable segment properly formed.

The distal ends of the securing cables extend out of a housing. The housing may be an independent housing specifically adapted for holding the securing cables when not in use or may comprise a hollow frame member of the wheeled article, such as the tube of a bicycle frame. When an independent housing is used, a means for attaching the housing to the frame of the wheeled article may be provided.

The proximal ends of the securing cables are retained within the interior of the housing. A cable holding means for holding the lengths of the securing cables in a side- by-side relationship is provided at the proximal ends of the securing cables. Preventing the securing cables from excessively rubbing against the interior of the housing is one primary function of the cable holding means.

If the securing cables comprise two discrete cable segments, the holding means functions to join the two segments together and hold them in a side-by-side relationship. If the securing cables comprise a single continuous cable segment, the holding means functions to keep the two lengths of cable from spreading apart thus maintaining the substantially side-by-side. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also comprise a means for retracting the securing cables into the housing when the article is .not secured to an object. The housing and the retracting means cooperate to firmly hold the cables within the housing to prevent undue noises, rattling, and to avoid the nuisance to the user of the securing cables leaving the housing when unsecured to an object.

The housing is provided with a guide means to prevent the securing cables from becoming tangled or twisted. A restricting means is also provided to restrict the proximal end of the securing cables from being pulled from the housing. In the preferred embodiments, an end cap fitted at one end of the housing functions as a guide means. The end cap, in cooperation with a cable holding sleeve, functions as restricting means.

Locking means is also provided at the distal ends of the securing cables to allow the distal ends to be locked to another object, preferably each other, and around an object. Thus, the securing cables secure the article to an object when encircling the object and a portion of the article frame.

In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects that is convenient to use, allows the securing cables to be attractively kept in a housing, and that still provides for a secure attachment to aij immobile object such that the article cannot be stolen.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects that is easy to attach to a wheeled article.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects which may be incorporated into a tubular frame member of a wheeled article.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing a bicycle to immobile objects which is easy to use with, and install on, a bicycle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects incorporating securing cables and wherein the cables are retracted into a housing at a constant force when not in use.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects wherein the securing cables are of a sufficiently large diameter to deter theft of the wheeled article.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects wherein a single embodiment of the system may be adapted for use on many different wheeled articles.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects which is no larger than approximately the frame member of the wheeled article.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects wherein securing cables are kept untwisted, tangle free, and ready for use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects which conveniently and firmly keeps the securing cables out of the way when not in use and avoids undue noises due to rattling of the cables and associated apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects which prevents placing undue strains on the securing cables while they are not in use.

These and other objects and.advantages of the present invention will be understood by examining the disclosure of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention contained herein and by practicing the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross section taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an elevated view, partially cut away, of a portion of an alternative cable holding structure which may be incorporated into embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross section of a second presently preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded, partially cut away perspective view of the second presently preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking structure illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a perspective view of another locking structure which may be included in some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bicycle with an embodiment of the present invention attached thereto showing one application of the embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the article and the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a clamp constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 11 is an side view, partially cut away, of the clamp illustrated in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on another wheeled article;

Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12. 0

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. 5 Figure 1 provides a perspective view of a first presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 is a self-contained system for securing articles to other, preferably immobile, objects. 0 While the embodiments disclosed herein may be attached to a variety of articles, the first presently preferred embodiment is particularly adapted to be attached to wheeled articles, namely, bicycles.

The first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 includes 5 an elongated, hollow tubular housing 10, a first length of cable 12, a second length of cable 14, the first and second lengths of cable functioning as securing cables, and a cable holding sleeve 16. A first end cap 18 is provided at a first end of tubular housing 10 and a second end cap 20

.,- is provided at a second end of tubular housing 10.

A plunger 17 is attached to cable holding sleeve 16. Plunger 17 functions to keep the securing cables and cable holding sleeve from rattling in the housing and to slightly engage the interior wall of housing 10 so as to have some

__ frictional engagement with the same. The plunger's frictional engagement of the interior of the housing assists with keeping the securing cables from moving too freely within the housing. Both first length of cable 12 and second length of cable 14 are provided with a locking loop,.generally designated 22 and 24, respectively, formed by bending_,the distal ends of cables 12 and 14 and swaging or crimping sleeves 26 and 28 into place.

In accordance with the present invention, housing 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is just one example of a housing means which may be incorporated into the present invention. In the fir≤tt embodiment represented in Figure 1, housing 10 is preferably a cylindrical aluminum tube. It will be appreciated that many other structures could be used as the housing means of the present invention. For example, a housing fabricated from different materials or of a different size, shape, or configuration could be used.

Any structure which performs the function of at least partially enclosing securing cables 12 and 14 and keeping securing cables 12 and 14 in a substantially linear fashion when they are not being used is to be considered equivalent to housing 10 represented in the drawings. Furthermore, as will be explained more fully later in this disclosure, the present invention may be incorporated into a frame member of the article to be secured thus allowing the frame member itself to be used as the housing means of the present invention.

The first embodiment is intended to be used primarily to secure bicycles to immobile objects so maintaining the weight of the embodiment as low as possible while still retaining the advantages of the present invention, particularly the resistance against theft, is desirable. Thus, aluminum is the presently preferred material for housing 10.

In the case of embodiments of the present invention which are to be used to secure bicycles to objects, it is 1 preferred that shape of the housing simulate the shape of the bicycle frame member, i.e. , generally cylindrical, and that the diameter of the housing not exceed the diameter of the bicycle frame member to which it is attached. 5 A common bicycle frame member diameter is approximately one inch. Thus, it is preferred that housing 10 have a inner diameter of .810 inches and an outer diameter of less than one inch. Other cross sectional dimensions for the tubular housing may also be used 0 according to the present invention, including, for example, 1.5 inches, 1.0 inches, and 0.75 inches.

It will be appreciated that the elongated tubular shape of housing 10 provides significant advantages. Among these advantages is that the securing cables are stored 5 linearly and are not coiled around a drum or required to be bent along their length. Since steel cable will somewhat retain the shape which is imposed upon it during storage, keeping securing cables 12 and 14 storec linearly prevents undesirable bends and patterns from being impressed into 0 the securing cables.

Still further, the cylindrical shape of housing 10 is aesthetically pleasing when attached to a bicycle frame member and simulates the shape of air pumps commonly attached to bicycle frame members. Moreover, the small

25 diameter and cylindrical shape of housing 10 minimize wind resistance of the housing, particularly when attached to the "downwind" side of the bicycle frame member.

Referring next to Figure 2, which is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment taken along line 2-2 in Figure

2o 1, the arrangement of securing cables 12 and 14 within housing 10 can be observed. Figures 1 and 2 represent cable lengths 12 and 14 in their retracted position. To secure an article using the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, a user withdraws the securing cables from the

_ housing and passes the cables through the frame of the 1 article to be secured and locks locking loops 22 and 24 together using any commonly available locking device.

When not is use, the securing cables are inserted into housing 10 by the user. The limited diameter of housing 10

5 keeps the inner wall of the housing in close contact with the cables held therein and so reduces any vibration and rattle of cables 12 and 14 within the housing.

Securing cables 12 and 14 are exemplary of the cable means of the present invention. One example of a cable

20 means in accordance with the present invention are the two discrete cable segments joined together as illustrated in Figure 2. Another example of a cable means in accordance with the present invention is the continuous cable segment which is bent back upon itself as represented in Figure 3.

25 As used herein, the term "securing cables" is intended to include both the arrangement represented in Figure 2 and in Figure 3 and equivalents thereof.

Also included in the present invention is a cable holding means whose function it is to hold the two securing

2o cables in a substantially parallel relationship. As mentioned earlier, steel cable which is bent back upon itself 180° requires that a structure be used to hold the securing cables in a substantially side-by-side relationship. As can be seen in Figure 2, if securing

2₅ cables 12 and 14 are not held together, securing cables 12 and 14 will unduly rub against the inner wall of housing 10 and interfere with the operation of the system.

To keep the securing cables in a substantially side- by-side relationship, a cable holding sleeve, such as 16 in

__n Figure 2 and 16A in Figure 3, is included to function as a cable holding means. With the inclusion of a cable holding sleeve, or its equivalent, either the two discrete cable segments represented in Figure 2, or the single continuous cable segment represented in Figure 3, may function as the

_ cable means of the present invention. The structure illustrated in Figure 3, including securing cables 12A and 14A extending out of the cable holding sleeve 16A and structures equivalent thereto, are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, cable holding sleeve is a crimped or swaged metallic sleeve. Other structures, however, may be used within the scope of the present invention.

It is preferred that securing cables 12, 12A, 14, and 14A, as well as the other cable disclosed herein, comprise steel cable. As explained earlier, steel cable, properly selected, provides the proper resistance to cutting and breaking and the proper rigidity to make the use of the system of the present invention a significant deterrent to theft of an article while at the same time providing other important advantages as explained. In the preferred embodiments disclosed herein, as shown in Figure 5, the preferred steel cable consist of a steel core 44 surrounded by a plastic coating 46.

The preferred cable for use in the described embodiments is manufactured by Sava Industries, Inc. of Riverdale, New Jersey and identified by part number 3219- GV-9. This preferred cable is a galvanized steel cable wherein each cable consists of seven strands of nineteen wires and having a nominal uncoated diameter of 7/32 of an inch and a coated diameter of 9/32 of an inch. The minimum breaking strength of the preferred cable is 5,600 pounds while weighing approximately 1.5 ounces per foot of cable. This cable has the characteristics of rigidity, weight, and strength which make the cable well suited for use in the embodiments of the present invention. Other cables and diameters of cables, for example one-eighth, one-quarter, and three-eighths diameter cables may be used in accordance with the present invention.

It will be appreciated that materials other than the specified steel cable may be used. For example, rather 1 than steel , the cable may consist of fibers or wires of another material, metallic or otherwise. Thus, as used herein, the term "cable" is intended to include within its meaning any flexible rope-like structure comprised of a

5 plurality of individual fibers, wires, or filaments.

Also represented in Figure 2 are two end caps. A first end cap 18 is provided at a first end of housing 10. A second end cap 20 fits into a second end of housing 10 and prevents entry of dirt and contaminants therein.

10 In the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, first end cap 18 functions as a restricting means for restricting the complete removal of securing cables 12 and 14 from housing 10. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, cable holding sleeve 16 cooperates with end cap 18 to

25 restrict the complete removal of the securing cables from the housing. Other structures, however, may function as the restricting means of the present invention.

First end cap 18 is provided with an oval bore 40 (best seen in the perspective view of Figure 5) through

₂₀ which the securing cables pass and which serves as a guide for the cables as they are withdrawn from, and retracted into, housing 10. The oval shape of bore 40 helps prevent the securing cables from becoming twisted or tangled. It will be appreciated that other structures may be serve

_,. within the scope of the present invention to guide the cables.

The structure of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 can be attached to any number of articles having a frame, such as a bicycle. Once the embodiment is attached to the article, the securing cables remain in the housing until needed whereupon they are withdrawn by the user, passed through the frame of the article and around an immobile object, and locked together. In the described fashion, the embodiments of the present invention are

35 conveniently attached to an article and remain ready for use.

Reference will now be made to Figures 4 and 5 wherein is illustrated a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second embodiment includes housing 10, securing cables 12 and 14 held in a side-by-side relationship by cable holding sleeve 16, first end cap 18, and cylinder lock 54. Also provided in the second illustrated embodiment are structures which function as a retraction means for retracting the securing cables into the housing for storage.

The retraction means of the present invention retracts and/or holds the securing cables in the housing when they are not being used to secure the article. For example, when the embodiments of the present invention are attached to a bicycle or other article which is subject to vibration, without the inclusion of a retraction means the securing cables would tend to move out of the housing as vibrations occurred. Thus, the retraction means of the present invention may include any structure which functions to keep the securing cables in the housing when unused.

Moreover, the retraction means preferably, but not necessarily, applies a constant retracting tension to the securing cables so that the cables are constantly being pulled tight when stored. Thus, the movement of the securing cables within the housing is reduced and any noises or rattles which might be caused by the structures contained within the housing hitting the inner wall of the housing are minimized or eliminated. Furthermore, having the retraction means apply a constant retraction bias to the securing cables ensures that the unneeded portion of cable remains in the housing when a user is preparing to secure the article to an object.

In the second embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a constant tension spring 32, a spring bushing 34, an axle 36, and a spring holder 30 cooperate to function as the retraction means. As shown in the cross sectional view of Figure 4, a first end of constant tension spring 32 is connected to cable holding sleeve 16. In the preferred embodiment represented in Figures 4 and 5, a first end of constant tension spring 32 is connected to cable holding sleeve 16 by the action of the swage or crimp formed in sleeve 16.

As can be seen best in the exploded perspective view of Figure 5, constant tension spring 32 is formed so that it coils itself around bushing 34. Importantly, the proper operation of constant tension spring 32 requires that the second end of constant tension spring 32 be coiled around bushing 34 but be allowed to rotate freely about bushing 34. Moreover, the length of constant tension spring 32 must be adequate so that the spring remains partially coiled around bushing 34 even when securing cables 12 and 14 are withdrawn from the housing as far as allowed by the structures of the restraining means.

Bushing 34 is held in place by axle 36 which is inserted through bores provided in bushing 34 and spring holder 30. The coiled portion of constant tension spring 32 is held in place and guided onto the bushing during the winding and unwinding of the spring by a recess 38 formed in spring holder 30.

Spring holder is provided with four ridges 42 (only two of which are visible in Figure 5) which serve to prevent any adhesive applied to the spring holder during assembly of the embodiment from seeping into recess 38 and interfering with the operation of the constant tension coiled spring. The preferred method of fixing the spring holder 30, end cap 20, and end cap 18 into housing 10 is by way of an adhesive.

It is preferred that spring holder 30, axle 36, bushing 34, and end cap 18 all be fabricated from a polycarbonate material. It will be appreciated that other suitable materials could also be used. A wear plate 31 is positioned on spring holder 30 to retard wear of the spring holder material due to the scraping of the constant tension

5 spring during operation.

The constant tension spring represented in Figures 4 and 5 differs from spring components utilized in prior art securing systems in both structure and function. As can be seen in Figure 5, the coiled end of the constant tension _2Q spring is not attached to bushing 34 as would be the case in prior art devices.

Furthermore, the construction of the constant tension spring is such that the tension, or "pull," of the spring varies little, if any, throughout most of the "travel" of _ιg the spring. Thus, in contrast to springs used in the prior art devices which exert their greatest tension or pull when nearly fully extended, i.e. , when the cables are fully withdrawn and very little tension when the spring is nearly fully coiled, the constant tension spring _ incorporated into the present invention provides a substantially constant tension or pull regardless of the relative position of the cables in relation to the housing or the coiled state of the spring itself.

The constant tension spring preferably utilized in the embodiments of the present invention has the further advantage of providing a greater tension than the same size springs used in the prior art devices. The incorporation of a constant tension spring into the embodiments of the present invention provides a securing system which is trouble free and easy to use. Nevertheless, other types of spring devices may also be utilized in some embodiments of the present invention.

The constant tension spring which is preferred for use in the illustrated embodiments is one manufactured by John

Evans Sons, Inc. referred to as 0.008 X 5.20 X 20 inches

35 -20-

which is fabricated from 301 high yield stainless steel having a #5 edge and a minimum tensile strength of 270,000 p.s.i. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the fabrication of such constant tension springs, the tension or the pull exerted by the spring is dependent upon factors such as the thickness and width of the spring material and the inside diameter of the spring when it is coiled. Those skilled in the art of designing and fabricating such springs can select or design other springs suitable for use in this other embodiments of the present invention.

The incorporation of a constant tension spring into the embodiments of the present invention prevents the securing cables from being uncontrollably pulled back into the housing as is experienced with prior art devices. Moreover, the structure of end cap 18 arrests the movement of the securing cables without any damage to itself and while protecting the housing.

Referring next to Figure 6, a more detailed perspective view of cylinder combination lock 54 is provided. Cylinder combination lock 54 includes a cylinder body, generally designated at 57, and a shaft, generally designated at 58. Cylinder body 57 and shaft 58 are hingeably attached to fittings 55 by pins 56. Fittings 55 are preferably swaged or crimped in place at the end of the securing cables. As is known by those skilled in the art, the illustrated combination lock is used by inserting shaft 58 into cylinder body 57 and operating the lock to hold the shaft therein.

Referring next to Figure 7, another lock which may serve as the locking means of the present invention is shown. In the lock represented in Figure 7, a post 50 is inserted into a receptacle 52 provided in a lock body 48. Post 50 is secured in lock body 48 by use of a key (not shown) to operate the locking mechanism. It will be appreciated that the illustrated structures are merely exemplary of the many structures which could be incorporated into the present invention to serve as a locking means.

Figure 8 will now be referred to in order to show an embodiment of the present invention applied in one of a number of contemplated uses of the present invention. Represented in Figure 8 is a wheeled article, generally designated A, namely a bicycle, which is secured to an immobile object, generally designated 0, namely a post as is commonly found curbside in urban areas. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention is attached to the down tube, or other tube, of the bicycle by way of two clamps indicated at 60.

A bottle cage 66 is also fixed to the housing of the embodiment by way of a clip 68 which flexibly grips the exterior of the housing. The lateral cross sectional shape of clip 68 is preferably greater than a half circle having a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the housing. Since it is preferred that the inner surface of the housing be free from protrusions, an adhesive is used to permanently attach clip 68 to housing 10.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 is provided with combination lock 54, illustrated in greater detail in Figure 6, which functions as the locking means of the illustrated embodiment. By examining Figure 8, it will be appreciated that the present embodiment is particularly suited for securing bicycles to objects.

Figure 9 provides an enlarged perspective view of a portion of bicycle A and combination lock 54 illustrated in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, when not being used to secure the bicycle to an object, combination lock 54 may be located in a ready-to-use position with cables 12 and 14 disposed on either side of the bicycle head tube and combination lock 54 joined in front of the head tube. 1 The arrangement of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 is particularly advantageous. With the securing cables located on either side of the bicycle head tube, and the securing cables locked together, the embodiment is both 5 secured to the bicycle frame and ready for immediate use. Furthermore, other embodiments of the present invention may also be attached to a bicycle frame and kept ready to be used at all times with little effort from the user. Thus, the system of the present invention will be

20 used regularly, rather than being ignored as is the case with prior art devices which are too cumbersome or complicated to allow easy use.

It will be appreciated that different securing cables may be used to accommodate different applications and that

25 in an application such as that illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, additional components, such as components to hold combination lock 54 in place adjacent to the head tube, may be added to the described structures to further facilitate use of the embodiment.

20 Figures 10 and 11, which are perspective and cross sectional views, respectively, of clamps 60 which are represented generally in Figure 8, will be referred to next. Clamp 60 comprises two identical clamp halves 60A and 60B which are held together by bolt 62 and nut 64.

_2c Clamp 60 is able to accommodate a range of bicycle frame tubes in the first jaw, generally designated 61, with the smaller second jaw, generally designated 63, being adapted to accommodate the fixed diameter of the housing of the embodiment. Since the diameter of bicycle frame tubes

__ varies, there is a great advantage to having a clamp structure which can accommodate a range of bicycle frame tube sizes.

Provided below in Tables A and B are the dimensions which are presently preferred for a larger clamp and a

35 smaller clamp, respectively, which can accommodate two different ranges of bicycle frame tube sizes.

Referring next to Figure 12, another article, generally designated A^, namely a power lawn mower, has been provided with an embodiment of the present invention. As indicated earlier, the present invention may be adapted for use with a variety of articles having wheels, i.e. , wheeled articles. Such articles are commonly targets of thieves due to the ease with which they may be moved. Such articles also commonly include tubular frame members.

In Figure 12, an embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein a handle H of another article, generally designated Ai, is utilized as the housing of the embodiment. Securing cables 12 and 14 are stored within handle H and are kept in proper side-by-side alignment by cable holding sleeve 16 as has been explained in connection with the earlier described embodiments. Lock loops 22 and 24 formed at the end of cables 12 and 14, respectively, protrude out from an oval opening 70 provided in handle H. When the article is to be secured to an object, the securing cables are withdrawn from their storage position and passed through the frame of the article, around an object, and the locking loops are locked together.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention is a great advance over the prior art devices used to secure wheeled articles, such as bicycles, to immobile objects to deter thefts thereof. The present invention includes an aesthetically attractive housing which is preferably as small as, or smaller than, a conventional bicycle frame tube. Moreover, the present invention allows the securing cables to be of sufficient size to deter the cutting or breakage thereof by a thief.

Still further, the present invention may be easily attached to any one of a number of differing wheeled articles or may be incorporated into the frame member of the wheeled article. Still further, the present invention includes a retraction means which exerts a constant tension on the securing cables as they are retracted into, or withdrawn from, the housing. Even further, the present invention holds the securing cables so that undue rattles and noises potentially caused by vibration are not experienced. Yet further, the present invention provides a system for securing articles such as bicycles which is convenient and easy to use and which keeps the securing cables so that they remain out of the way when not being used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. We claim:

Claims

1 1. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects comprising: a tubular housing having a first end; a first length of cable having proximal and

5 distal ends, the proximal end being at least partially disposed within the tubular housing and the distal end extending out of the first end of the tubular housing; a second length of cable having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being at least partially 0 disposed within the tubular housing and the distal end extending out of the first end of the tubular housing; first locking means for locking the distal end of the first cable to another object, the first locking means being positioned at the 5 distal end of the first length of cable; second locking means for locking the distal end of the second cable to another object, the second locking means being positioned at the distal end of the second length of cable; _Q means for holding the first length of cable and the second length of cable in a substantially side-by- side relationship adjacent their proximal ends such that undue friction between the interior of the elongated housing and the first and second lengths of _e. cable is avoided and the first and second lengths of cable may be withdraw from, and retracted into, the tubular housing.

2. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 further comprising restriction means for restricting the removal of the proximal ends of the first and second lengths of cable from the tubular housing.

5

3. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 2 wherein the restriction means comprises an end cap positioned at the first end of the tubular housing, said end cap having an oval opening therein and the first and the second lengths of cable passing therethrough.

4. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 2 further comprising 0 means for guiding the first and the second lengths of cable as they are withdrawn from, and retracted into, the housing.

5. A system for securing wheeled articles to ₍- immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first and the second lengths of cable are longer than the length of the housing.

6. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first 0 and the second lengths of cable are shorter than the length of the housing.

7. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein a portion of 5 the first and the second lengths of cable are maintained in a substantially linear configuration when within the housing.

8. A system for securing wheeled articles to 0 immobile objects as defined in claim 7 wherein the wheeled article comprises a bicycle having a head tube and wherein the first and the second lengths of cable are disposed on opposite sides of the head tube when the bicycle is not secured to the immobile object. 5

9. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable are two discrete cable segments.

10. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 9 wherein the means for holding comprises a cable holding sleeve.

11. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable are portions of a continuous segment of cable.

12. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 11 wherein the means for holding comprises a cable holding sleeve.

13. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an elongated hollow tube.

14. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 13 wherein the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical housing having an outer diameter which is less than about 1.5 inches.

15. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 13 wherein the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical housing having an outer diameter which is less than about 1.0 inches.

16. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 13 wherein the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical housing having an outer diameter which is less than 0.75 inches.

17. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing has an inner cross sectional dimension which is less than about 1.5 inches.

18. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing has an inner cross sectional dimension which is less than about 1.0 inches.

19. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 18 wherein the first and second lengths of cable comprise steel cable having an uncoated diameter of at least one eighth of an inch.

20. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 18 wherein the first and second lengths of cable comprise steel cable having an uncoated diameter of at least one quarter of an inch.

21. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 18 wherein the first and second lengths of cable comprise steel cable having an uncoated diameter of at least three eighths of an inch.

22. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the housing has an inner cross sectional dimension which is less than about 0.75 inches.

23. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable each comprise steel cable.

24. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 23 wherein the first length of cable and the and the second length of cable comprise a plastic coating.

25. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 23 wherein the steel cable comprises an uncoated diameter of at least one eighth of an inch.

26. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 23 wherein the steel cable comprises an uncoated diameter of at least one quarter of an inch.

27. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 23 wherein the steel cable comprises an uncoated diameter of at least three eighths of an inch.

28. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for retracting the first length of cable and the second length of cable into the tubular housing.

29. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 28 wherein the means for retracting comprises a constant tension spring, a first end of the constant tension spring being connected to the means for holding.

30. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 further comprising means for attaching the tubular housing to a wheeled article.

31. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 30 wherein the article comprises a bicycle having a frame member, the bicycle frame member comprising the down tube of the bicycle frame.

32. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the tubular housing comprises a bicycle frame member.

33. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the tubular housing comprises an article frame member.

34. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first locking means comprises a first loop formed at the distal end of the first length of cable and wherein the second locking means comprises a second loop formed at the distal end of the second length of cable.

35. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first locking means comprises a first locking device attached to the distal end of the first length of cable and wherein the second locking means comprises a second locking device attached to the distal end of the second length of cable.

36. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 wherein the first and the second lengths of cable are of substantially the same length.

37. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 36 wherein the first length of cable is in the range from about 16 inches to about 24 inches in length.

38. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 1 further comprising a bottle holder fixed to an outer wall of the tubular housing.

39. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof, the apparatus comprising: cable means for encircling a portion of the

5 article and the immobile object such that the article cannot be removed from the immobile object without removal of the cable means, the cable means having a first end and a second end; housing means for enclosing at least a portion of o the cable means when the article is not secured to the immobile object; cable holding means for holding the cable means such that a first portion of the cable means and a second portion of the cable means are maintained in a ₅ substantially side-by-side relationship; first locking means connected at the first end of the cable means; second locking means connected at the second end of the cable means, the first and the second locking means being capable of selectively locking together; restricting means for preventing the complete removal of the cable means from the housing means; and

retraction means for exerting a tension on the cable means to bias the cable means into the housing 5 means such that the cable means tends to remain in the housing means until removed by a user to secure the article to the immobile object and such that the cable means may be removed from the housing means by the user to secure the article to the immobile object. 0

40. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the housing means comprises a elongated hollow tube. 5

41. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 40 wherein the hollow tube has an inner diameter which is less than about 1.5 inches.

42. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 40 wherein the hollow tube has an inner diameter which is less than about 1.0 inches.

43. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 40 wherein the hollow tube has an inner diameter which is less than about 0.75 inches.

44. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 further comprising means for guiding the cable means as the cable means is withdrawn from, and retracted into, the housing means.

45. A system for securing any one of a number of artiqles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 44 wherein the guiding means comprises an end cap positioned at a first end of the housing means, said end cap having an oval opening therein and the cable means passes through the oval opening.

46. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the cable means is maintained within the housing means in a substantially linear configuration.

47. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the cable means comprises two discrete cable segments.

48. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 47 wherein the cable holding means comprises a cable holding sleeve.

49. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the cable means comprises a continuous section of cable.

50. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 49 wherein the cable holding means comprises a cable holding sleeve.

51. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the cable means comprises steel cable.

52. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 51 wherein the steel cable comprises a plastic coating.

53. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 51 wherein the steel cable comprises a uncoated diameter of at least one eighth of an inch.

54. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 51 wherein the steel cable comprises a uncoated diameter of at least one quarter of an inch.

55. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 51 wherein the steel cable comprises a uncoated diameter of at least three eighths of an inch.

56. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 51 wherein the steel cable comprises a uncoated diameter of at least 7/32 of an inch.

57. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the means for retracting comprises a constant tension spring, a first end of the constant tension spring being connected to the cable holding means.

58. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 further comprising means for attaching the housing means to the article.

59. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the housing means comprises a bicycle frame member.

60. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the housing means comprises an article member.

61. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the first locking means comprises a loop formed at the first end of the cable means and wherein the second locking means comprises a loop formed at the second end of the cable means.

62. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 wherein the first locking means comprises a first locking device attached to the first end of the cable means and wherein the second locking means comprises a second locking device attached to the second end of the cable means.

63. A system for securing any one of a number of articles to an immobile object to deter unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 39 further comprising a clip fixed to the housing means, the clip being adapted to allow a bottle cage to be connected thereto.

64. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof, the system comprising: an elongated tubular housing having a cross sectional dimension in the range from about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches; a first length of cable having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end being positioned within the elongated tubular housing; a second length of cable having proximal and distai ends, the proximal end being positioned within the elongated tubular housing; means for holding the first length of cable and the second length of cable in a substantially parallel relationship adjacent their proximal ends such that undue friction between the interior of the elongated hollow housing and the first and second lengths of cable is avoided and the first and second lengths of cable may be withdraw from, and retracted into, the tubular housing; first locking means for locking the distal end of the first cable to the distal end of the second length of cable, the first locking means being positioned at the distal end of the first length of cable; second locking means for locking the distal end of the second cable to the distal end of the first length of cable, the second locking means being positioned at the distal end of the second length of cable; means for restricting the removal of the proximal ends of the first and second lengths of cable from the tubular housing; means for holding the first and the second lengths of cable in a substantially parallel relationship as the first and second lengths of cable pass through the first end of the tubular housing; means for retracting the first length of cable and the second length of cable into the tubular housing, the means for retracting comprising a constant tension spring; and means for attaching the tubular housing to the bicycle such that the first and the second lengths of cable may be withdrawn from the tubular housing when the cables are to be locked around an immobile object and the cables may be retracted into the tubular housing when not in use.

65. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 64 wherein the restricting means comprises an end cap positioned at the first end of the tubular housing, said end cap having an oval opening therein and the first and the second lengths of cable passing therethrough.

66. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 64 wherein the portion of the first and the second lengths of cable which are within the elongated tubular housing are maintained in a substantially linear configuration.

67. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 66 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable are disposed on opposite sides of the bicycle head tube when in the bicycle is not secured to an immobile object.

68. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in

10 claim 64 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable are two discrete cable segments.

69. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in _ις claim 64 wherein the means for holding comprises a cable holding sleeve.

70. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 64 wherein the first length of cable and the second

20 length of cable are portions of a continuous section of cable.

71. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in

25 claim 64 wherein the means for holding comprises a cable holding sleeve.

72. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in

30 claim 64 wherein the first length of cable and the second length of cable each comprise steel cable having a plastic coating and having an uncoated diameter of at least one eighth of an inch.

35

73. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined.in claim 64 wherein the constant tension spring is connected to the means for holding.

74. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 64 wherein the first locking means comprises a first loop formed at the distal end of the first length of cable and wherein the second locking means comprises a second loop formed at the distal end of the second length of cable.

75. A system for securing a bicycle to an immobile object to prevent unauthorized taking thereof as defined in claim 64 wherein the first locking means comprises a first locking device attached to the distal end of the first length of cable and wherein the second locking means comprises a second locking device attached to the distal end of the second length of cable.

76. A system for securing wheeled articles to immobile objects as defined in claim 64 further comprising a clip fixed to an outer wall of the tubular housing, said clip adapted for supporting a bottle cage.