EXTRA ELEMENT, ESPECIALLY BICYCLE LOCK

Abstract

The invention proposes a pull-out element for various applications, which can be arranged in a pipe end. An anchor secures the pull-out element against removal, and the pull-out is held to the anchor by means of a connecting element. The anchor incorporates at least one radially extendable expanding element, which can be disengaged by an actuating element. Such an actuating element can be operated using a tool section provided on the extension or connecting element, so that the anchor is held firmly in the tube but does not need to be welded in place, making retrofitting particularly straightforward.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pull-out element comprising an anchor for immovable fixing in a pipe which is open at least on one side, wherein the anchor is connected by means of at least one connecting element to a pull-out element which can be pushed in and out at one end of the pipe.

[0002] Such a pull-out element is conceivable in numerous designs and is suitable for all applications in which a pull-out element is mounted in an open tube end in such a way that it can be pulled out to a limited extent but is held against a stop. Such applications can range from a towel rail and a coat hook to more complex applications such as bicycle locks. The latter represents a particularly preferred design in this case.

[0003] Corresponding pull-out elements used as bicycle locks are already known in the prior art. For example, DE 20 2022 000 370 U1 describes a pull-out element in the form of a steel cable that is stored in the tubular bicycle handlebar and secured there by an anchor. However, the anchor is connected via a steel cable to a cap that must be attached to the opposite side of the tube, making it unsuitable for tubes that are open on one side.

[0004] JP 2003314115 A proposes a solution for a fully removable pull-out element, with one variant also being secured using a stopper. However, this can be pulled out with some additional force.

[0005] ES 1 177 611 U provides for a stop formed by a welded-in ring, against which a stop element in the form of a steel ball, located at the end of the connecting element, strikes. However, this solution is expressly only suitable for installation during bicycle production.

[0006] In US 5,752,416 A and JP 2003328625 A2, as well as in US9580936B2, a complete removal of the bicycle lock from the handlebar is provided, so that the lock is only stored in the tube of the handlebar without any further interaction.

[0007] US Pat. No. 4,064,715 A proposes a lock that can be slid out of a sleeve to which it is attached by a cable. The cable is attached to the sleeve and wound onto a spool of the extension. However, it is unclear how the sleeve is secured in the tube.

[0008] DE 203 17 845 U1 provides for an extension which strikes against a fixed stop in the tube of the handlebar, whereby the disclosure provides for a non-detachable, manufacturer-side anchoring in the handlebar.

[0009] US 2002 / 0073750 A1 provides a terminal plug to which a lock can be attached. The anchor, which is integrally connected to the lock, is secured in the pipe end by a screw connection, and a cover can be used together with a connecting element to connect a fixed object to the lock.

[0010] However, the current state of the art does not provide for a pull-out element in general, or a bicycle lock in the form of such a pull-out element in particular, which can be anchored force-fittingly in a tube end during retrofitting. Therefore, the present invention is based on the object of proposing such a pull-out element.

[0011] This is achieved by a pull-out element according to the features of independent claim 1. Useful embodiments of the pull-out element, in particular in its design as a bicycle lock, can be found in the subsequent dependent claims.

[0012] In this respect, an extension element is provided, comprising an anchor for immovable fixation in a pipe that is open at least on one side, wherein the anchor is connected by means of at least one connecting element to an extension element that can be pushed in and out at one end of the pipe. According to the invention, such an extension element is characterized in that the connecting element is guided through at least one passage of the anchor and has a stop element that prevents the connecting element from passing through the passage, wherein the anchor has at least one expansion element that can be radially disengaged by means of an actuating element and can be non-positively secured to an inner wall of the pipe by disengaging the expansion element.

[0013] While the pull-out element as such is pushed into the pipe end and can be stored there, the anchor is always located further back in the pipe, i.e. pushed deeper into the pipe end. There the anchor is spread open and in this way force-fittingly connected to the pipe. It is particularly advantageous for the expansion element to additionally have a rough surface on the side facing the inner pipe wall, which can nestle against the inner pipe wall or even press into it at specific points. Longitudinal displacement of the anchor in the pipe is thus avoided. For the purposes of the invention, a bore, a dowel or any other type of insertion opening is also considered equivalent to a pipe.

[0014] If such a solution is used for wall hooks, for example, they can be stored inside the tube when not in use, eliminating the need for a bulky wall. When needed, the pull-out section can be extended and used. This is also true for a towel rail or a telescopic pull-out. When used as a bicycle lock, which is applicable to any device with a tubular body, including bicycles, ski poles, hiking poles, motorcycles, strollers, scooters, jet skis, handcarts, and the like, the pull-out section can incorporate a lock that can be used to chain the device.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the connecting element can be a torsion-resistant rod and has at least one tool section that interacts with the actuating element. Such a solution is particularly useful for hooks and holders if they are intended to be able to withstand loads in the transverse direction after being pulled out. If the extension is now pulled far enough out of the pipe end that the connecting element designed as a rod is pulled completely through the anchor, the actuating element of the anchor can come into contact with a tool section provided at the end of the rod. By rotating the extension, and with it the torsion-resistant rod, the actuating element can be operated and the expansion element can be expanded. This allows installation and, if necessary, deinstallation.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the connecting element can form at least one polygonal section, with the actuating element being assigned a polygonal receptacle corresponding to the polygonal section. If this is a hexagon, for example, a conventional hex wrench can be used to operate the connecting element if the extension is lost. This can easily be applied to other tool shapes.

[0017] It is also possible to provide the pull-out with a cap with a mounting profile for transmitting force to the actuating element. This allows the tool to be attached directly to the pull-out cap.

[0018] As an alternative to a torsion-resistant rod, the connecting element can also be flexible and comprise at least one tensile cable. This is particularly useful when the extension is subjected to tension rather than transverse compression. This can also be used as a suspension. In this case, the connecting element can also be a double-guided cable, which is guided through two adjacent openings of the anchor, with a bend in the cable between the openings forming the stop element. In this case, a separate stop element can be omitted, and the two ends of the single cable are preferably connected to the extension.

[0019] To design the pull-out as a tool for fastening the anchor, it is particularly advantageous to assign a tool section to the pull-out that interacts with the actuating element when retracted. If the pull-out is then rotated in the retracted state, the tool section of the pull-out engages with the actuating element of the anchor, and the anchor's expansion element is spread or disengaged.

[0020] It is also possible to connect the tool section to the pull-out in a detachable but force-locking manner. This has the advantage that, firstly, some space remains between the pull-out and the anchor when the pull-out is retracted, preventing the pull-out from touching the anchor. Secondly, if the tool section is removed from the pull-out, the anchor cannot be removed by third parties without the appropriate tool. If the tool is a custom-made tool, the anchor is secured in this way.

[0021] As already mentioned several times, the pull-out element can be designed to serve as a bicycle lock or a similar solution for objects with tubular ends. In this case, the pull-out can be designed as a lock, with the connecting element being non-detachably connected to the pull-out at a first connection point and detachably connected to the pull-out at a second connection point, but secured by the lock. This can form a holding loop that can be opened and closed again at the lock, with the holder being able to be gripped around an immovable object, such as a holder in the form of a bicycle stand, in between, so that the holder is gripped by the holding loop and thus connected to the object to be secured.The length of the connecting element can also be selected so that it can be used for securing without an external fixed object, for example by passing the connecting element through a front wheel and the frame. In particular, the lock can be a mechanical key or combination lock, but also an electric lock with an opening sensor or an interface, in particular a mobile device interface. In the latter case, the necessary electronics can be housed in the anchor or the stop element and a data connection can be established wirelessly or via the connecting element. The user then only has to issue an opening command via an app on their mobile device, and the lock that receives this opening command reacts to it.

[0022] It is also possible to assign electronic communication devices, in particular a GPS module, a Bluetooth module, or a ZigBee module, to the anchor or the stop element, which can be specially widened for this purpose and extended to include a cavity to accommodate the required electronics. This makes it possible, in particular, to locate the device, for example, if the device equipped with the stop element is stolen. Even if the extension is disconnected, the electronic communication device remains in the tube into whose end the device is inserted and remains operational even if the extension is disconnected.

[0023] An electronic alarm circuit can also be assigned to the anchor and / or the stop element. This can also include an acoustic signal generator to emit an appropriate alarm signal in the event of an alarm. Furthermore, a data transmission for location purposes can be transmitted when an alarm occurs. Such an alarm can be monitored, in particular, when the lock has been activated. For example, if the pull-out is extended and the lock is closed and locked, the status of the connecting element is monitored. This can be a status signal sent and received back via several strands of the connecting element, which no longer reaches the transmitter if the connecting element is cut.Because the electronics remain with the anchor or with the stop element held in the tube behind the anchor even if the lock is removed, the perpetrator cannot remove the signal source in the event of a theft and the protected object becomes of no interest to the thief.

[0024] In a specific design, the connecting element can be made of metal or plastic. The connecting element can also have a plastic or natural rubber coating to make it easier to handle and better protect it from damage.

[0025] Finally, the extension can be designed as a plug-in element that is held in the tube end by friction, magnetic attraction, or mechanical force, and closes the tube end when plugged in. If the extension sits too loosely on the tube end, it could fall out while riding a bicycle to which the extension element is attached, causing interference during the ride.

[0026] The invention described above is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] It shows Fig. 1 a pull-out element comprising an anchor and a pull-out, as well as a connecting element for connecting these two parts, wherein the pull-out element is fastened in the storage position in the tube of a bicycle handlebar, in a perspective partial section, Fig. 2 an extract with an alternative, fixed tool section in perspective view with a view of a cap side, Fig. 3 the extract according to Fig. 2 in perspective view with a view of a tool section side, Fig. 4 an alternative design of the extract according to Fig. 3 with released tool section, Fig. 5 an anchor in a perspective partial section, Fig. 6 the pull-out element according to Fig. 1 in a position of use in perspective view, as well as Fig. 7 a variant of the pull-out element according to Fig. 6 with an electronic module on the stop element.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pull-out element 1 in the form of a bicycle lock, which is arranged in a bicycle handlebar. The bicycle handlebar is essentially a tube 18, which is open at the edge. At this tube end, a pull-out element 11 with an anchor 2 is inserted and in close contact. The anchor 2 has a passage 3 through which a connecting element 6 is guided. The passage 3 is in Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The connecting element 6 can, as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, have a stop element 7 so that it strikes the anchor 2 when the extension 2 is pulled far out of the tube 18.

[0029] Initially, the extension 11 is held at the outer end of the tube 18 due to frictional engagement. During a first installation of the device in the tube 18, the extension 11 and anchor 2 are inserted together into the tube end. Fig. Figure 2 shows that the extension 11 has a cap 13 on the side facing away from the anchor 2, which closes the tube end when inserted. A mounting profile 14, here a hexagon socket, is provided on this cap 13, with which the extension 11 can still be rotated even when inserted. In addition to a lock 15, which is integrated into the extension 11 and which will be discussed later, the extension 11 has a tool section 12, which interacts with an actuating element 4 of the anchor 2. This tool section 12 is shown, for example, in Fig. 3 and comprises two cylindrical elevations which can engage with corresponding counterparts on the actuating element 4 of the armature 2.

[0030] If, after insertion, the extension 11 is rotated while the tool section 12 interacts with the actuating element 4, the actuating element 4 actuates the expansion elements 5 of the armature 2, which thereby disengage radially and press against the inner wall of the tube 18 until a tight, longitudinally secured connection is created. The armature 2 is now held in the tube 18, and the extension 11 can no longer be completely pulled out of the tube with the armature 2.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a modification in which the tool section 12 is detachable from the pull-out 11. Since this is only an intermediate part, it can be removed after installation, so that the pull-out element 1 can no longer be easily removed without this tool. A first connection point 16 and a second connection point 17 are provided on the pull-out 11. The connecting element 6, which can be in the form of a steel cable, is firmly connected at the first connection point 16 and has means for detachable connection at the second connection point 17. This can be a plug which can be held in the lock 15 and is released when the lock 15 is opened. The first connection point 16 and the second connection point 17 can alternatively also be arranged on different sides of the pull-out 11.

[0032] In Fig. 5 shows the anchor, which can be secured in the tube 18 with its expansion elements 5. This is achieved by the actuating element 4, which has corresponding openings into which the tool section 12 of the extension 11 can engage. By rotating the tool section 12 and thus the actuating element 4, the expansion elements 5 are spread open and hold the anchor 2 firmly in the tube 18.

[0033] At the end of the anchor, the passage 3 through which the connecting element 6 is passed can be seen. This area houses a receiving space for electronic communication devices 9 and an electronic alarm circuit 10. The electronic communication devices 9 comprise a GPS transmitter. The electronic alarm circuit 10 detects whether the lock 15 is secured and emits an acoustic alarm signal in the event of a break in the connecting element 6 or in the event of a strong mechanical shock. Since the electronic alarm circuit 10 is installed in the tube 18, a thief cannot take the bicycle unnoticed, even if the cut-off extension 11 remains behind.

[0034] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show how the pull-out element 1 is inserted. Here, the pull-out element 1 looks Fig. 6 proposes that a double cable pull 8 made of steel cable is used as the connecting element 6, which is guided through the passage 3 of the anchor and has a stop element 7 behind the anchor 2, as seen from the extension 11. The stop element 7 prevents the extension 11 from being pulled out beyond the anchor 2. In Fig. 7, the stop element 7 is assigned the receiving space for the electronic communication means 9 and the electronic alarm circuit 10, as shown in Fig. 5. Further differences between Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 do not exist.

[0035] The cables 8 are wrapped around a bracket 19, such as a bicycle stand, and reconnected at the extension 11. There, one of the cables 8 is firmly connected to the first connection point 16 of the extension 11, while the other cable 8 has a terminal connector with which it is releasably received in the second connection point 17. Using the lock 15, the second connection point 17 can be mechanically opened and the connector released using a correct number combination.

[0036] What is described above is therefore a pull-out element in general and a bicycle lock in the form of such a pull-out element in particular, which can be anchored in a pipe end in a force-fitting manner during retrofitting. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 pull-out element 2 anchors 3 Passage 4 Actuating element 5 Spreader element 6 Connecting element 7 Stop element 8 cable pull 9 electronic means of communication 10 electronic alarm circuit 11 Extract 12 Tool section 13 cap 14 Mounting profile 15 Castle 16 first connection point 17 second connection point 18 pipe 19 Bracket QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2022 000 370 U1

[0003] JP 2003314115 A

[0004] ES 1 177 611 U

[0005] US 5,752,416 A

[0006] JP 2003328625 A2

[0006] US 9580936B2

[0006] US 4,064,715 A

[0007] DE 203 17 845 U1

[0008] US 2002 / 0073750 A1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Extraction element, comprising an anchor (2) for immovable fixing in a tube (18) open at least on one side, wherein the anchor (2) is connected by means of at least one connecting element (6) to an extract (11) which can be pushed in and out at one end of the tube (18), characterized by in that the connecting element (6) is guided through at least one passage (3) of the armature (2) and has a stop element (7) which prevents the connecting element from passing through the passage (3), wherein the armature (2) has at least one expansion element (5) which can be radially disengaged by means of an actuating element (4) and can be non-positively fixed to an inner wall of the tube (18) by disengaging the expansion element (5). [2] Extractor element according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting element (6) is a torsion-resistant rod and has at least one tool section (12) cooperating with the actuating element (4). [3] Extractor element according to claim 2, characterized by that the connecting element (6) forms at least one polygonal section, wherein the actuating element (4) is assigned a polygonal receptacle corresponding to the polygonal section. [4] Extraction element according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the pull-out (11) has a cap (13) with a mounting profile (14) for transmitting a force to the actuating element (4). [5] Extractor element according to claim 1, characterized by that the connecting element (6) is flexible and comprises at least one tensile cable (8). [6] Extractor element according to claim 5, characterized by that the connecting element (6) is a double-guided cable (8) which is guided through two adjacent passages (3) of the anchor (2), wherein a bend in the cable (8) between the passages (3) forms the stop element. [7] Extractor element according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the pull-out (11) is assigned a tool section (12) which interacts with the actuating element (4) and which interacts with the actuating element (4) in an inserted state. [8] Extractor element according to claim 7, characterized by that the tool section (12) is detachably but force-lockingly connected to the extension (11). [9] Extractor element according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized by that the pull-out (11) has a cap (13) with a mounting profile (14) for transmitting a force to the actuating element (4). [10] Extractor element according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized by that the pull-out (11) is designed as a lock (15), wherein the connecting element (6) is connected to the pull-out (11) in a non-detachable manner at a first connection point (16) and detachably at a second connection point (17), but secured by the lock (15). [11] Extractor element according to claim 10, characterized by that the lock (15) can be operated mechanically as a key or combination lock or electrically via a sensor or a mobile device interface. [12] Extractor element according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized by that electronic communication means (9), in particular a GPS module, a Bluetooth module or a ZigBee module, are assigned to the armature (2) and / or the stop element (7). [13] Extractor element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting element (6) is made of metal or plastic. [14] Extractor element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connecting element (6) has a sheath made of plastic or natural rubber. [15] Extractor element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the extension (11) is designed as a plug-in element which is held in the pipe end by frictional engagement, by magnetic attraction or by mechanical force and closes the pipe end in the inserted state. [16] Extractor element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the armature (2) and / or the stop element (7) is assigned an electronic alarm circuit (10), preferably with an acoustic signal generator.

Images