Bicycle Pedal Lock Device

Abstract

A bicycle pedal lock device comprising a body (1) connected to the pedal connecting rod (8) by a second side (1.2) of the body (1), said second side (1.2) being opposite a first side (1.1), and the device comprising a U-shaped locking piece (2) with its ends (21) attachable to said body (1), the body (1) having locking means (5) configured for locking the coupling of the locking piece (2) allowing an element suitable for preventing bicycle theft to be immobilized between the locking piece (2) and the body (1), characterized in that the body (1) comprises a plurality of holes (3) for coupling the ends (21) of the locking piece (2) by the first side (1.1) and by the second opposite side (1.2) of the body (1), the locking means (5) being configured for locking the coupling of the locking piece (2) by both sides (1.1, 1.2), and the device being configured so that in the position in which the locking piece (2) is coupled to the first side (1.1) of the body (1) it defines a functional pedal support surface.

Description

Bicycle Pedal Lock Device TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention relates to the industry dedicated to bicycle security and anti-theft protection systems, and more particularly to devices intended for immobilizing and preventing bicycle theft by means of mechanical locking elements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, the use of bicycles as a means of urban, recreational, and sporting transport has experienced a remarkable increase, establishing itself as a sustainable and efficient mobility alternative. As a direct consequence of this increased adoption, there has also been a significant rise in bicycle thefts, generating the need for increasingly effective security systems that allow for their immobilization and protection against unauthorized access. Currently, the anti-theft devices conventionally used for bicycles are widely known, consisting mainly of independent locks such as metal link chains, braided steel cables, articulated closures, locking systems using rigid bars and U-shaped padlocks, all of them intended to fix the bicycle to a fixed external element, such as a railing, a lamppost, a traffic sign, a bicycle rack or any other immobile structure that prevents its unauthorized movement. Solutions also exist that attempt to partially integrate the locking function into functional elements of the bicycle itself. In this regard, document CN106143768A discloses a bicycle pedal system with a locking function, in which a structural element of the pedal works in conjunction with a locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized use of the bicycle. However, these types of solutions have design and functional limitations, particularly regarding versatility, the possibility of attaching them to different external elements, and the reversible configuration of the locking element. However, both these types of solutions and conventional anti-theft systems have several technical and functional limitations that reduce their practical effectiveness and ease of use. Firstly, when dealing with standalone padlocks, an additional component must be carried while driving, increasing the overall weight and taking up considerable space, especially when high-strength padlocks are required. Furthermore, these independent devices are susceptible to being forgotten, lost, or misused, meaning the user may not have the locking system available when needed or may use it incorrectly, substantially reducing the actual level of protection against theft. Similarly, the use of certain locks requires awkward or unergonomic handling, especially when simultaneously trying to secure the frame, the wheel, and a fixed external component. On the other hand, in most known solutions, the eventual breakage, tampering, or forced removal of the locking system does not directly affect the bicycle's functionality, allowing it to continue being used normally after its theft. This significantly reduces the deterrent effect against theft, as there is no immediate visible consequence or partial disabling of the vehicle that would hinder its subsequent use by the offender. Additionally, the lack of structural integration between the anti-theft system and the functional elements of the bicycle makes it difficult to immediately visually identify a tampered or stolen bicycle, since removing the lock does not usually leave clear evidence of the theft or an appreciable alteration in the external configuration of the vehicle. Given the disadvantages described for existing solutions, the need to develop a technical solution that improves bicycle anti-theft security by reducing the need for additional components and increasing the deterrent effect against theft attempts is evident. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve this objective and solve the technical problems discussed so far, as well as provide additional advantages that may arise later, the present invention relates to a bicycle pedal lock device comprising a body connected to the pedal crank by a second side of the body, and a U-shaped locking piece with its ends attachable to said body, as well as locking means configured to ensure the attachment of the locking piece to the body, allowing at least one item to be immobilized between the locking piece and the body to prevent bicycle theft. The device further comprises a plurality of holes in the body for coupling the ends of the locking piece on both the first side and a second opposite side of the body, the locking means being configured to lock the coupling of the locking piece on both sides, and the device being configured so that, in the position in which the locking piece is coupled to the first side of the body, both elements form a functional pedal support surface. Preferably, the plurality of holes pass through from the first side to the second side of the body of the pedal-lock device. This configuration integrates the pedal and lock functions into a single device, allowing the bicycle to be immobilized by securing the pedal to an external element, the frame, or any other part of the bicycle where the pedal reaches, or both simultaneously. This increases theft protection and deters thieves. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can be used to immobilize the bicycle against a fixed external element or to lock a structural part of the bicycle itself, preventing its normal use. Preferably, according to the invention, the locking means consist essentially of at least one notch arranged at at least one end of the locking piece, said notch being configured to cooperate with a key-operated pin and / or combination, allowing the locking piece to be selectively fixed or released from the body. This arrangement allows for a padlock-type attachment that facilitates the coupling and uncoupling of the device, while also providing a secure lock against unauthorized openings. More preferably, the notches arranged at least at one end of the locking piece comprise a plurality of aligned notches, configured to allow adjustment of the insertion depth of said locking piece relative to the body. This allows for a more precise and adaptable fit to different external anchoring elements, improving the versatility and effectiveness of the locking mechanism. The invention also contemplates that the locking piece, in its position attached to the first side of the body, has a projected width dimension greater than the projected width dimension of the body, in the direction of its extension from the connection with the connecting rod, i.e., the useful surface of the pedal's tread. This feature facilitates attachment to larger objects, expands the device's usability, and makes it more difficult to operate the pedal solely with the body, thus reinforcing its anti-theft function. Furthermore, it also generates immediate visual evidence of tampering or unauthorized use, strengthening the device's deterrent effect. Additionally, preferably, the connection of the body to the pedal crank is configured to be detachably fixed. This configuration allows the device to be completely separated from the bicycle for use as an independent lock, facilitating the attachment of the bicycle to external elements. According to another aspect, the invention provides a system in which said detachable connection is made by means of quick coupling means configured to selectively allow the attachment or removal of the device from the pedal connecting rod. Preferably, this solution facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the device on the bicycle, improving its usability and adaptability, and allowing its autonomous use as a locking element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the device that is the subject of the invention, in which the body (1) and the U-shaped locking piece (2) are shown separated from each other. Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device in an alternative configuration, in which the locking piece (2) is separated from the body (1) by the second side (1.2), illustrating the reversibility of the coupling. Figure 3 shows a profile view of the device, in which the arrangement of the locking means (5) on the body (1) can be seen. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the device, depicting the notches (4) arranged at the ends (21) of the locking piece (2) and their cooperation with the locking means (5). Figure 5 shows a view of the device attached to a bicycle and fixed to an external element, specifically a railing. Figure 6 shows a view of the device attached to a bicycle, in which the locking piece (2) joins the frame to the wheel, preventing its movement. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION An example of a practical, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is described below. Other embodiments with minor modifications that do not alter its fundamental principle are not excluded. The present invention relates to a bicycle pedal-lock device, as shown in the figures, comprising a body (1) intended for connection with a pedal crank (8) and a U-shaped locking piece (2) attachable to said body (1). The body (1) has a first side (1.1) and a second side (1.2) opposite the first, by means of which it is connected to the pedal connecting rod (8). The body (1) also comprises a plurality of through holes (3). An embodiment in which the holes (3) are not through holes and are located on both sides of the sides (1.1) (1.2) is not excluded, configured to receive the ends (21) of the locking piece (2), allowing its selective coupling by either the first side (1.1) or the second side (1.2). As shown in Figure 1, the locking piece (2) can be separated from the body (1) of the first side (1.1) at its ends (21), demonstrating how these ends are inserted into the through holes (3). Similarly, Figure 2 shows the separation of the locking piece (2) from the second side (1.2), which demonstrates the possibility of reversible coupling on both sides of the body (1). The device comprises locking means (5) arranged in the body (1), as shown in Figure 3, configured to ensure the engagement of the locking piece (2) in the selected position. In a preferred embodiment, these locking means (5) comprise a key-operated pin (6) intended to cooperate with at least one notch (4) arranged at the ends (21) of the locking piece (2). As shown in Figure 4, the ends (21) of the locking piece (2) preferably comprise a plurality of aligned notches (4), configured to allow adjustment of the insertion depth of said locking piece (2) in the through holes (3) of the body (1). This configuration allows the device to be adapted to different anchoring elements, facilitating a precise adjustment according to the needs of use. In a pedal configuration, the locking piece (2) is attached to the first side (1.1) of the body (1), so that together they form a functional support surface for the user's foot. In this configuration, the locking piece (2) has a projected width greater than the width of the body (1), improving the support surface and stability during pedaling. Additionally, in the event of theft or improper handling of the device, the absence of the locking piece (2) attached to the body (1) means that the body (1), having a reduced and insufficient lower support surface, cannot be used normally as a pedal, significantly hindering pedaling and, therefore, the use of the bicycle. Furthermore, this situation is easily noticeable visually, as the device appears incomplete or altered, allowing for the immediate identification of potential tampering or theft and reinforcing the system's deterrent effect. In a configuration for use as an anti-theft device intended for attachment to an external element, the locking piece (2) is detached from the first side (1.1) of the body (1), arranged around said external element and is reattached to the first side (1.1), immobilizing said element between the locking piece (2) and the body (1) by means of the locking means (5), the adjustment being adjustable by means of the cooperation of the notches (4) with said locking means (5). Furthermore, in a configuration for use as an anti-theft device intended to immobilize parts of the bicycle itself, the locking piece (2) is detached from the first side (1.1) and attached to the second side (1.2) of the body (1), arranged so that it surrounds at least a part of the frame or a wheel of the bicycle or preferably a part of the frame and a wheel simultaneously, remaining immobilized between the locking piece (2) and the body (1) and preventing the rotation of said wheel and the operation of the pedals. As shown in Figure 5, the device can be used to fix the bicycle to an external element, such as a railing, by placing the locking piece (2) around said element and subsequently attaching it to the body (1), being locked by means of the locking means (5). Also, as shown in Figure 6, the device can be used to immobilize parts of the bicycle itself, by arranging the locking piece (2) so that it joins the frame to the wheel, preventing the pedals from turning and, consequently, the bicycle from moving. In an alternative configuration for use as an anti-theft device, the locking piece (2) is detached from the first side (1.1) and attached to the second side (1.2) of the body (1), arranged so that it simultaneously surrounds at least a part of the bicycle as well as an external element, remaining immobilized between the locking piece (2) and the body (1), preventing the theft of the bicycle. In a preferred embodiment, the connection of the body (1) to the pedal connecting rod (8) is configured to be detachable, allowing the device to be removed from the bicycle. Preferably, this connection is made by means of quick-coupling means (7), configured to selectively allow the device to be attached to or removed from the pedal connecting rod (8), i.e., it could be by press-fit or threading. Thanks to this configuration, the device can be used both as an integrated pedal on the bicycle and as an independent locking element, providing a compact, versatile and effective solution for preventing bicycle theft.

Claims

1. A bicycle pedal-lock device comprising a body (1) connected to the pedal crank (8) by a second side (1.2) of the body (1), said second side (1.2) being opposite a first side (1.1), and the device comprising a U-shaped locking piece (2) with its ends (21) attachable to said body (1), the body (1) having locking means (5) configured for locking the coupling of the locking piece (2) allowing an element suitable for preventing bicycle theft to be immobilized between the locking piece (2) and the body (1), characterized in that the body (1) comprises a plurality of holes (3) for coupling the ends (21) of the locking piece (2) by the first side (1.1) and by the second opposite side (1.2) of the body (1), the locking means (5) being configured for locking the coupling of the locking piece (2) by both sides (1.1, 1.2).2), and the device being configured so that in the position in which the locking piece (2) is coupled to the first side (1.1) of the body (1) it defines a functional pedal support surface.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of holes (3) for coupling the ends (21) pass through from the first side (1.1) to the second side (1.2).

3. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means (5) are essentially constituted by at least one notch (4) disposed in at least one of the ends (21) of the locking piece (2), said notch (4) being configured to cooperate with a key-operated pin (6) and / or a combination, allowing selective locking or release of said locking piece (2) from the body (1). 4.A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the notches (4) arranged at least at one end (21) of the locking piece (2) comprise a plurality of aligned notches (4) configured to allow adjustment of the insertion depth of said locking piece (2) with respect to the body (1).

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the locking piece (2) in its engaged position on the first side (1.1) of the body (1) has a projected width dimension greater than the projected width dimension of the body (1).

6. A device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connection of the body (1) to the pedal connecting rod (8) is configured to be detachably fixable. 7.Device according to claim 6, wherein the connection is made by means of quick coupling means (7) configured to allow selective attachment or removal of the device from the pedal connecting rod (8).