Frame lock for a two-wheeler and method of fastening a frame lock to a two-wheeler

Abstract

A frame lock for a two-wheeled vehicle includes: a housing; a locking device housed within the housing; and a closing ring movably supported at the housing between an open and a closed position, and capable of being blocked by the locking device in the closed position. In this respect, the frame lock has two fastening members having at least one corresponding hole, and the frame lock is configured to be fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle by screwing a screw through the hole in the screwing direction into a threaded bushing disposed at the two-wheeled vehicle. Each of the two fastening members is configured as a fastener, the fastener being formed separately from the housing, in which a corresponding hole is formed, and the fastener being displaceably supported at the housing, the fastener being linearly guided along the direction of displacement.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a frame lock for a two-wheeled vehicle. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Frame locks generally differ from portable two-wheeler locks because they are fixedly and usually permanently attached to the frame of the two-wheeler, for example, screwed onto the frame support. In this respect, frame locks are arranged such that the closing hoop of the frame lock can be selectively adjusted from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, the frame lock does not obstruct the rotation of the two-wheeler's wheels; in the closed position, the frame lock engages between the spokes of one of the wheels, thereby preventing the two-wheeler from moving. In this closed position, the closing hoop can be conveniently blocked by the locking mechanism of the frame lock, i.e., it is fixed and will not leave the closed position, wherein the user must have a secret code, such as a key, for unlocking actuation of the locking mechanism. Typical designs for the closing hoop are, on the one hand, a pivot hoop configuration with a straight path, and on the other hand, a rotary hoop configuration with an arcuate path.

[0003] Therefore, the closed loop of the frame lock reliably blocks the corresponding wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle in its closed position, but is firmly positioned outside the wheel's path of motion in its open position, allowing the closed loop to be adjusted unobstructed between these positions. For this purpose, the frame lock must be securely fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle in the appropriate position. Particularly common is to fasten the frame lock to the two rear-end supports of the two-wheeled vehicle, i.e., to the two supports at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle, which connect the seat tube to the rear wheel hub on opposite sides of the rear wheel. For fastening the attachment, threaded bushings are typically provided at the rear-end supports, to which the frame lock can be tightly screwed. However, due to the large number of different types of two-wheeled vehicles and the general trend towards greater individualization, two-wheeled vehicles can have vastly different frame geometries, causing the position of the threaded bushings to vary greatly relative to each other and relative to the corresponding wheel. Additionally, it is possible for a two-wheeled vehicle to lack threaded bushings or be unsuitable for fastening the corresponding frame lock. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a frame lock for a two-wheeled vehicle, which is simple and particularly flexible to fasten to the two-wheeled vehicle because the frame lock can be adapted to a large number of different frame geometries, and the object of the present invention is to provide a method for simply and flexibly fastening the frame lock to a two-wheeled vehicle.

[0005] The above objective is achieved by a frame lock having the features of claim 1 and by a method of fastening such a frame lock.

[0006] The frame lock for a two-wheeled vehicle according to the invention comprises: a housing; a locking device housed in the housing; and a closing ring clamp movably supported on the housing between an open position and a closed position, and blocked by the locking device in the closed position. The closing ring clamp may, for example, be configured as a pivoting ring clamp or a rotating ring clamp.

[0007] Specifically, according to the typical function of a frame lock, the frame lock can be configured such that the closing ring clamp, in its closed position, prevents the rotation of the wheels of the two-wheeled vehicle, and in its open position, releases the wheels to rotate. In this respect, the closing ring clamp is generally movable between the closed and open positions, i.e., adjustable by hand, for example. However, this general mobility can be counteracted by a locking device that can prevent the closed ring clamp from closing in the closed position. Therefore, the locking device can be adjusted between a blocking state and a releasing state, in which the locking device prevents the closing ring clamp from closing in its closed position, and in the releasing state, the locking device releases the closing ring clamp to move between the closed and open positions. In this respect, adjusting the locking device from the blocking state to the releasing state preferably requires a password. In this way, it can be ensured that only authorized personnel can unlock the closing ring clamp, and thus open the frame lock.

[0008] For example, the locking device may include a latch that can cooperate with a closing ring in a blocking manner. Alternatively, the locking device may include a lock cylinder, by which the latch can be actuated, wherein the combination may be in the form of a key associated with the lock cylinder. The latch may also be adjustable by a motor that enables remote actuation. Therefore, the locking device may include a motor and, if necessary, a communication device.

[0009] In particular, the type of mobility of the closed hoop is defined by its support at the housing. For example, the closed hoop may be pivotally supported on the housing. Alternatively, the closed hoop may be at least partially housed in a hoop receiver within the housing and may be moved therein by the hoop receiver along its path. Typically, this can be a linear displacement along a straight path. The closed hoop is preferably a rotating hoop that extends along a circular path and is movable along that circular path between its open and closed positions. This displacement of the rotating hoop along the circular path is not linear because it is not a pure translation but corresponds to a rotation about an axis of rotation that extends through the center of the circular path perpendicular to a plane perpendicular to the path.

[0010] For fastening to the two-wheeled vehicle, the frame lock has two fastening members, each having at least one corresponding hole. Thus, at least one such hole is formed in each of the two fastening members. In this respect, the frame lock is configured to be fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle by screwing a screw through the hole into a threaded bushing located at the two-wheeled vehicle, particularly at the rear end support of the two-wheeled vehicle. In other words, the fastening members, especially their respective holes, are formed and provided on the frame lock so that this fastening can be achieved by screwing a screw through the hole into the threaded bushing. In view of this, the fastening members may, in particular, be arranged on the rear side of the frame lock or its housing, the rear side being configured to contact the rear end support of the two-wheeled vehicle.

[0011] Specifically, the shape and orientation of the hole formed in the fastening member are determined such that the corresponding screw can extend through the hole in the screwing direction. For example, the inlet and outlet cross sections of the corresponding hole at its opposite ends may be perpendicular to the screwing direction. In this respect, the hole preferably extends continuously through the corresponding fastening member such that the screwed-in screw can contact the hole on one side through its head and protrude from the hole on its opposite side through its shaft. In particular, the screw may be a screw with an ISO metric thread of size M5. Then, the hole in the fastening member advantageously has a corresponding size.

[0012] The number of fastening components (and thus the number of holes provided for fastening the frame lock with screws) is not limited to two in this respect. However, the frame lock preferably has exactly two fastening components of the type described above, each of which forms exactly one hole for receiving the corresponding screw, thus reducing the complexity of fastening. The screw can then be screwed through the hole in one of the two fastening components into a threaded bushing located on one side of the corresponding wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle, in particular into a threaded bushing located at one of the two rear end supports of the two-wheeled vehicle, and the screw can be screwed through the hole in the other fastening component into a threaded bushing located on the other side of the corresponding wheel, in particular into a threaded bushing located at the other of the two rear end supports.

[0013] For example, threaded bushings can each be configured as bases with internal threads, wherein the bases can be welded or soldered to the two-wheeler, and in particular, to the corresponding rear-end support of the two-wheeler. Threaded bushings can also typically be configured as reconfigurable, for example, as tightening bases that are initially independent of the two-wheeler and can be attached to it, having internal threads and capable of being tightened to the two-wheeler in the desired location by fastening devices. Such reconfigurable threaded bushings can be supplied as accessories for frame locks. However, typically, threaded bushings are not integral parts of the frame lock, and in particular, are not located on its housing or its fasteners.

[0014] According to the invention, each of the two fastening components is configured as a fastener, which is formed separately from the housing, has a corresponding hole formed in it, and is displaceably supported on the housing and linearly guided along the direction of displacement. Since each of the two fastening components is configured with such a fastener, the frame lock includes at least two such fasteners, particularly exactly two. In this respect, the fasteners preferably have identical constructions, thereby simplifying the manufacture of the fasteners.

[0015] The fact that the two fasteners are formed separately from the housing does not mean that the fasteners do not have a connection to or are spaced apart from the housing. Rather, the fasteners are formed as components substantially independent of the housing, which can be manufactured separately from the housing and may also have a different material than the housing. In fact, the two fasteners are connected to the housing and are movably supported on the housing. This movability is displacement along the direction of displacement. In other words, the respective fasteners can move relative to the housing only in the direction of displacement and in the opposite direction.

[0016] In this respect, the displacement directions of the two fasteners may be the same. However, this is not necessarily the case; each of the two fasteners may be displaceably supported on the housing along its respective displacement direction, wherein the displacement directions of the two fasteners may be different. In both cases, it is advantageous that the (corresponding) displacement direction is perpendicular to the screwing direction, in which screws can be screwed into threaded bushings provided on the two-wheeled vehicle through holes in the corresponding fasteners in order to lock the frame to the two-wheeled vehicle. However, it is also generally considered that the (corresponding) displacement direction is different from the orientation perpendicular to the screwing direction, for example, by an angle of up to 15°, preferably up to 10°, and especially up to 5°. In this respect, it may be advantageous that the two displacement directions differ by the same angle in magnitude, but in directions opposite to the direction perpendicular to the screwing direction. In particular, the two displacement directions may be oriented mirror-symmetrically to each other with respect to the screwing direction or with respect to a plane parallel to the screwing direction.

[0017] In particular, the displacement of the fasteners is linear, because each of the fasteners can be displaced linearly along its respective displacement direction. In this respect, the respective fasteners are guided along their respective displacement directions, particularly according to the type of their support at the housing. In particular, this may include a corresponding fastener that can only be displaced within its displaceable frame along its respective displacement direction, and in this respect cannot move relative to the housing in any other direction or manner (except for any possible clearances). In particular, it may be configured that the corresponding fastener can neither rotate nor pivot relative to the housing. In general, the mobility of the fasteners resulting from the support of the respective fasteners at the housing preferably has only exactly one degree of freedom.

[0018] Thus, the fastener can be used as a fastening component for locking the frame to the two-wheeled vehicle, and the fastener is preferably supported on the outside of the housing. In particular, the fastener can be arranged entirely outside the housing and is movable.

[0019] In addition, it is preferable that the two fasteners are at least substantially rigid. In particular, as rigid components, the fasteners are configured not to deform when fastened to the two-wheeler; instead, each of the fasteners is configured to maintain its shape in which the fastener is linearly displaceable on the housing when and after being fastened to the two-wheeler.

[0020] However, in the case of conventional frame locks, the fastening component for securing the corresponding frame lock to a two-wheeled vehicle is typically formed as an integral part of the housing, wherein, for example, a hole formed in the fastening component is formed in the rear wall of the housing or in a flange portion of the housing. In the frame lock according to the invention, the fastening component is formed separately from the housing and is further movably supported relative to the housing. In this way, the position of the fastening component, particularly the position of the hole formed therein, can be adapted to the frame geometry of the corresponding two-wheeled vehicle, so that the frame lock according to the invention can be fastened to two-wheeled vehicles with different frame geometries in a particularly flexible manner.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the displacement directions of the two fasteners are at least substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, effectively, in such an embodiment, the two fasteners are movably supported on the housing and guided along the same common displacement direction. Consequently, the two fasteners can move toward or away from each other along the common displacement direction, allowing for flexible adjustment of the spacing between the holes formed in the two fasteners. Additionally, the two fasteners can move together relative to the housing in the same direction. Consequently, the entire frame lock (away from the fasteners) can also move relative to the two fasteners, which also allows for subsequent adjustment of the frame lock's position relative to the threaded bushing after the screw is screwed through the hole in the fastener into the threaded bushing. However, it is generally also considered that the two displacement directions are inclined relative to each other. For example, the angle between the two displacement directions may include up to 30°, preferably up to 20°, and particularly up to 10°. In this respect, the plane spanned by the two displacement directions is preferably parallel to the screwing direction.

[0022] According to another advantageous embodiment, the corresponding hole is formed as an elongated hole, the longitudinal length of which is transverse to, and particularly perpendicular to, the displacement direction of the corresponding fastener. Specifically, the elongated hole may have a straight line, and relative to the direction of this line, the elongated hole may be oriented transversely to, and particularly perpendicular to, the displacement direction of the corresponding fastener. The longitudinal extent of the elongated hole is also preferably transverse to, and particularly perpendicular to, the screwing direction. If the fastener has more than one hole for securing the frame to a two-wheeled vehicle, each of these holes is preferably formed as an elongated hole and oriented transversely to, and particularly perpendicular to, the displacement direction of the corresponding fastener. Specifically, the plurality of elongated holes of the corresponding fastener may be aligned parallel to each other.

[0023] Due to the combination of the linear displacement of the fasteners and the elongated holes, the frame lock's flexibility to adapt to different frame geometries of different two-wheeled vehicles is significantly improved, wherein the elongated holes are formed in the fasteners and oriented transversely to this displacement. Since the screw can move within the elongated holes along the longitudinal range of the corresponding holes, and the fasteners with the elongated holes can also move transversely to the longitudinal range, not only can the spacing of the elongated holes be adapted to the spacing of the threaded bushings, but the frame lock housing can also be moved laterally to the appropriate position (at least as long as the screw is not yet tightened) in a lateral sliding manner along the displacement direction of the fasteners and along the longitudinal range of the elongated holes relative to the threaded bushings after the screws have been screwed into the threaded bushings through the elongated holes. This is particularly applicable if the fasteners can move parallel to each other, wherein the elongated holes formed in the two fasteners are subsequently preferably also aligned parallel to each other.

[0024] Furthermore, preferably, the fasteners are constrained and supported on the housing such that even if the frame lock is not yet fastened to the two-wheeler, the fasteners cannot automatically detach from the housing (e.g., due to gravity). They can be held on the housing solely by this guidance within their path of being guided and movably supported at the housing. To prevent the fasteners from separating from the housing at their ends with the capacity for guided displacement, means can be provided to prevent the fasteners from moving beyond these ends.

[0025] Therefore, according to another advantageous embodiment, an abutment portion may be formed at the housing and / or the fastener, the abutment portion restricting the fastener from moving along a defined path in the displacement direction of the respective fastener. Thus, within the path, the fastener can generally move freely along the respective displacement direction; however, at the end of the path, the fastener may abut the abutment portion formed on the respective fastener and / or the abutment portion formed on the housing, such that the fastener does not move beyond the defined path and does not (at least not automatically) separate from the housing.

[0026] In this respect, it is possible to configure at least one corresponding adjacent portion to be resiliently pushed back so as to enable, for example, the corresponding fastener to be assembled onto the housing, particularly the corresponding fastener to be inserted into a support on the housing, and / or to enable the corresponding fastener to be removed from the housing for, for example, replacement. When the fastener is assembled onto the housing, after the fastener is attached to the housing, the corresponding adjacent portion can resiliently return from its pushed-back position to its normal position. In this way, the fastener can be snapped into its movable support at the housing.

[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment, each of the fasteners is configured as an area fastening plate aligned parallel to a fastening plane, wherein the displacement direction of the respective fastener is parallel to the fastening plane. Typically, if the fasteners are configured as fastening plates, one fastening plate can be aligned parallel to another corresponding fastening plane and can move as another fastening plane. However, in various cases, it is preferable to use identical fastening planes, such that the fastening plates are aligned and displaced parallel to a common fastening plane.

[0028] Specifically, the fastening plates are planar because each fastening plate has two side surfaces perpendicular to and opposite to the normal direction, and the spacing between them along the normal direction is significantly smaller than their respective ranges in two spatial directions perpendicular to and perpendicular to the normal direction. Specifically, this spacing is at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, of the minimum range of the corresponding one of the side surfaces in the spatial direction perpendicular to the normal direction. Here, specifically, the fact that the corresponding fastening plate is parallel to the plane means that the direction of the minimum range of the corresponding fastening plate (which may correspond to the normal direction) is perpendicular to the plane. In this respect, one of the two side surfaces of the corresponding fastening plate perpendicular to the normal direction may be disposed in the fastening plane. Specifically, both such side surfaces of one fastening plate and such side surfaces of the other fastening plate may be disposed in a common fastening plane.

[0029] For a frame lock, it is advantageous that the housing has a C-shaped or U-shaped form, allowing the frame lock to be arranged on a two-wheeled vehicle, such that the housing of the frame lock can engage around the rims of the tire and the wheel of the two-wheeled vehicle via branches of the C-shaped or U-shaped form, and that the closing ring of the frame lock can extend from one branch to the other between the spokes of the wheel in its closed position, so as to prevent the wheel from turning. In this respect, the C-shaped or U-shaped form of the housing can be at least substantially mirror-symmetric with respect to a central plane extending between the two branches of the C-shaped or U-shaped form. In particular, this central plane can be parallel to the screw-in direction, in which screws can be screwed into threaded bushings provided on the two-wheeled vehicle through holes in the fastening components to secure the frame lock to the two-wheeled vehicle. In this respect, the mirror symmetry does not mean that the housing as a whole must be precisely mirror-symmetric, but rather refers to an ideal C-shaped or U-shaped form, which, in a simplified view, can be reduced to this ideal C-shaped or U-shaped form.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the two fasteners are mirror-symmetrical to each other relative to the central plane along their path of movement. In this respect, in particular, the displacement directions of the two fasteners can be perpendicular to the central plane (and therefore also parallel to each other). If each hole formed in the fastener is an elongated hole, their respective longitudinal extent is also preferably parallel to the central plane. Due to this symmetry and orientation, the frame lock can be positioned with equal flexibility in two directions perpendicular to the central plane.

[0031] According to another advantageous embodiment, each of the fasteners is formed as at least two parts and includes a first fastening part and a second fastening part fixedly connected to each other, wherein the first fastening part has a hole, the second fastening part has a hole, and the holes of the two fastening parts are arranged to overlap relative to the screwing direction, such that the holes of the two fastening parts together form at least one hole of the respective fastener. In this respect, the respective fastener is formed as two parts because the first fastening part and the second fastening part are two parts that are manufactured separately from each other and together form the fastener, wherein it is generally not excluded that the fastener includes even more parts.

[0032] The first fastening member may be a front portion in the screw-in direction, and the second fastening member may be a rear portion in the screw-in direction, such that the second fastening member is positioned further away in the screw-in direction than the first fastening member. In this respect, the first fastening member preferably comprises metal as the material and may be specifically constructed as a sheet metal, such as a perforated sheet metal. The second fastening member may, for example, comprise plastic as the material and may be specifically configured as an injection-molded part.

[0033] In particular, the fact that these two fastening components are fixedly connected to each other means that they are permanently connected, i.e., the two fastening components are not configured to release each other during typical use of the frame lock. Furthermore, the fastening components are preferably connected to each other such that they cannot move relative to each other, at least along the direction of displacement. Additionally, preferably, the first and second fastening components are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the first and second fastening components can clamp each other such that when the two fastening components are connected, one fastening component engages with the other in a form-fitting manner.

[0034] In this aspect, at least one hole formed in the respective fastener extends through both fastening components of the respective fastener, such that both fastening components themselves have holes, and the holes of the fastener are created by the overlap of two holes formed in one of the two fastening components. In this aspect, the holes overlap with respect to the screwing direction because they are arranged one behind the other along the screwing direction, such that when viewed along the screwing direction, one hole covers the other. In this aspect, the continuous holes of the fastener have the shape of a cross group of the shapes of the holes of the fastening components formed by the fastener. In this aspect, the holes of the fastening components are preferably at least substantially consistent. In particular, the holes of the fastening components may each be formed as elongated holes, having the same length (range along the longitudinal direction) and width (range perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). In this aspect, the holes of the two fastening components do not necessarily need to be in direct contact with each other along the screwing direction, but may also be arranged at a certain interval between them.

[0035] The fastener is displaceably supported on the housing and can be linearly guided along its respective displacement direction, wherein a groove is formed on the fastener or at the housing, and a web provided on the corresponding other component engages in the groove. In this respect, the groove and the web preferably have straight lines and are aligned parallel to the displacement direction with respect to their respective lines.

[0036] According to another advantageous embodiment, each of the fasteners has one or more grooves aligned parallel to the displacement direction, wherein a corresponding web formed at the housing engages in each of the grooves. In this respect, the grooves being aligned parallel to the displacement direction refers to their respective paths. The webs engaged in the grooves are accordingly oriented such that the corresponding fastener can be displaced relative to the housing. For example, the webs may be configured as sheet edges projecting from the outside of the housing.

[0037] Each of the fasteners preferably has two grooves arranged opposite to each other, particularly relative to the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction. For example, the grooves may be provided at two opposite edges of the respective fastening members, particularly on the opposite edge sides of the respective fastening members configured as face fastening plates. In this respect, in particular, the grooves are arranged opposite to each other because they extend into the fastener from opposite directions, particularly towards each other, and thus face the opening sides of their respective cross-sections in opposite directions, particularly away from each other.

[0038] In this respect, in particular, the webs formed in the grooves on the housing and engaged with the corresponding fasteners can be arranged such that the webs are oriented from opposite directions toward the corresponding grooves engaged with each other. Therefore, in this respect, the corresponding fasteners can be provided between the webs. Specifically, the corresponding fasteners can be inserted between the webs formed on the housing for assembly on the housing.

[0039] In this respect, each groove is typically open at at least one or both ends to allow for the insertion. However, it is also possible that one or more grooves, particularly all of them, are closed at at least one end by a blocking portion, such that the web engaged in the corresponding groove does not leave the groove at that end. In this respect, as further described above, the blocking portion can serve as an abutment, thus limiting the displacement of the corresponding fastener in at least one direction. In this respect, the blocking portion can be resiliently pushed back, allowing the corresponding web to be guided through the blocking portion for assembly or replacement of the corresponding fastener.

[0040] If the fastener is formed as two parts as explained, it is advantageous to form one or more grooves between the two fastening parts of the respective fastener. The groove can then be defined on one side by a fastening part transversely to its path, and on the other side by another fastening part. The base of the groove can be formed partially by one fastening part, partially by the other fastening part, or may be formed by only one of the two fastening parts. The base of the groove can also generally be at least partially open.

[0041] In such an embodiment, one or more grooves are formed between the two fastening parts of the respective fasteners. Further advantageously, the fastening parts of the respective fasteners, at least as long as the frame lock is not yet fastened to the two-wheeler, have a gap relative to each other in the screwing direction, i.e., are at least partially movable relative to each other in the screwing direction, and are configured such that when the frame lock is fastened to the two-wheeler, they are clamped together along the screwing direction by screwing in the screw through the hole in the fastener, such that at least one of the webs of the housing, which engages in the respective groove of the fastener, is clamped in the respective groove. Thus, due to the tightening of the screw, frictional locking of the fastener's position during tightening can be achieved along the displacement direction of the fastener. Conversely, as long as the screw is only screwed in but not yet tightened, the fastener can still be displaced relative to the housing, and thus the housing can still be flexibly positioned relative to the threaded bushing provided at the two-wheeler.

[0042] According to another advantageous embodiment, in each of the fasteners, a receiver for receiving a tightening base with internal threads is formed in its side facing the screw-in direction, the receiver widening the hole of the corresponding fastener in one side region. On two-wheeled vehicles without threaded bushings in place, such a tightening base with internal threads can replace the threaded bushing and can be subsequently attached to the corresponding two-wheeled vehicle for this purpose. The frame lock can then be configured to be fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle by screwing a screw through the hole in the screw-in direction into the tightening base with internal threads attached to the two-wheeled vehicle. In particular, the receiver can be formed in the region of the hole of the corresponding fastener.

[0043] Since the tightening base (unlike the threaded bushing permanently formed on a two-wheeler) is not fixed to a precisely defined position on the two-wheeler, its arrangement can be conveniently and clearly defined relative to the corresponding fasteners of the frame lock. In view of this, the receiver can be formed to complement the shape of the tightening base, such that the tightening base can be received transversely in the tightening direction, and there is at least substantially no gap in the receiver.

[0044] Although the hole need not be much wider than the diameter of the internal thread of the tightening base to accommodate the screw, the receiver must be able to accommodate the tightening base, which is wider than the internal thread and therefore wider, at least relative to the hole area. If the hole is formed as an elongated hole, the receiver can be particularly used to secure the tightening base to a specific location along the longitudinal range of the elongated hole. In view of this, the elongated hole is preferably not widened by the receiver along its total longitudinal range, but only in the region of the longitudinal range corresponding to that location, for example, in the central region.

[0045] In order to be able to receive the tightening base, it is sufficient that the receiver is formed on the side of the corresponding fastener facing the tightening direction, and the hole of the fastener is therefore widened only on one side, that is, only on said side, and in particular discontinuously, especially when there is a risk that the screw can pass through the hole with its head and therefore cannot be tightened to the tightening base continuously.

[0046] The tightening base can be independent of the frame lock. However, it is advantageous for the user of the frame lock that the tightening base is included in the frame lock. Thus, in the above embodiment, it is further advantageous that the frame lock includes two clips configured for fastening to corresponding supports of the two-wheeled vehicle, particularly the rear support, wherein each of the clips has a tightening base disposed at the corresponding clip, the tightening base having internal threads, and the tightening base having a shape complementary to a receiver formed in the fastener.

[0047] The tightening base can be secured to the two-wheeled vehicle by a clip. In this respect, the tightening base is preferably movably disposed at the corresponding clip. After the tightening base is secured to the two-wheeled vehicle, a frame lock with fasteners can be placed on the tightening base, so that the tightening base engages with a receiver formed in the fasteners. In this respect, the complementary shapes of the tightening base and the receiver advantageously provide a precise fit. The tightening base may, for example, have a conical dome shape, which facilitates the insertion of the tightening base into the receiver that forms a complementary relationship with it.

[0048] The method of fastening a frame lock according to the invention (which may be configured particularly in one of the above-described ways) to a two-wheeled vehicle includes the following steps: moving the fasteners relative to each other until the spacing of the holes formed in the fasteners corresponds to the spacing of two threaded bushings disposed on the two-wheeled vehicle or to the spacing of two tightening bases attached to the two-wheeled vehicle and having internal threads; screwing two screws through the holes into the threaded bushings or into the tightening bases; moving the housing of the frame lock relative to the threaded bushings or tightening bases until the desired position of the frame lock relative to the two-wheeled vehicle is reached; and tightening the screws to fix the position.

[0049] The displacement of the fasteners relative to each other can be limited to the movement of one of the two fasteners. Furthermore, due to the linearly guided displaceable support of the fasteners at the frame lock housing, this displacement is limited to the displacement direction along the respective fastener. Conversely, the displacement of the frame lock housing relative to the threaded bushing does not necessarily have to be limited to this displacement direction. In particular, if the hole formed in the fastener is an elongated hole, the longitudinal extent of which is transverse to the displacement direction, the housing can also be displaced relative to the threaded bushing along the corresponding longitudinal extent of the elongated hole due to the movement of the screw within the elongated hole. If, instead of the threaded bushing provided on the two-wheeler, a tightening base is attached to the support of the two-wheeler, the tightening base can move parallel to the path of the support, preferably transverse to the displacement direction. Due to the superposition of this displaceability and displaceability along the displacement direction, the housing can advantageously be positioned at least substantially freely throughout the entire two-dimensional region before being fixed in position by tightening the screw. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0050] The present invention will now be further explained by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the frame lock according to the present invention, each figure being a front view of two different positions of the fastener;

[0050] Figures 3 and 4 show the same embodiment of the frame lock according to the present invention, each figure being a rearward tilted view of the same two different positions of the fastener shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0050] Figures 5 and 6 show one of the fasteners of the frame lock according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, respectively, showing the assembled state forming the fastener (Figure 5) and the mutually separate fastening components forming the fastener (Figure 6).

[0050] Figure 7 shows a clip that can be provided in a frame lock according to the invention to provide the frame lock with the possibility of fastening to the support of a two-wheeled vehicle;

[0050] Figure 8 shows a portion of the frame lock according to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the frame lock is fastened to the support of a two-wheeled vehicle by a clip as shown in Figure 7, wherein the fastening area is shown in cross-section; and

[0050] Figure 9 shows, in a rearward tilted view, an embodiment of the frame lock according to the invention as shown in Figures 1 to 4, wherein the frame lock is fastened to two supports of a two-wheeled vehicle by two straps of the type shown in Figure 7.

Implementation Method

[0051] The same embodiment of the frame lock 11 according to the invention is shown in the various figures, wherein the frame lock 11 is not fully shown in any of the figures. The frame lock 11 includes a housing 13 having a C-shaped form, the C-shaped form having a central portion of a parallelepiped shape and two arcuate branches extending from the central portion opposite to each other. For an ideal C-shape, the frame lock 11 is mirror-symmetric with respect to the central plane M (shown only in FIG. 1). In addition, with respect to the actual external design of the frame lock, the frame lock 11 is at least largely mirror-symmetric with respect to the central plane M.

[0052] The hoop receiver extends along a circular path through the branch shown on the left in Figures 1 and 2 to the central portion, and, if necessary, extends beyond the central portion to another branch, in which the closed hoop of the frame lock 11, configured as a rotating hoop, is received, and the closed hoop extends along the circular path. The closed hoop is adjustable along the circular path between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the closed hoop is fully disposed within the hoop receiver of the housing 13. In the closed position, the closed hoop extends out of the housing 13 at the end face of the first branch and extends to the end face of the second branch, or, if necessary, extends through the end face of the second branch into an engagement opening provided at the end face of the second branch. The open position is shown in each figure.

[0053] The frame lock 11 is configured to fasten to the wheel of the corresponding two-wheeled vehicle, such that the housing 13 of the frame lock engages around the tire and rim of the wheel, wherein the C-shaped branches of the housing 13 are arranged on opposite sides of the wheel. Then, in the closed position of the closed ring clamp, the closed ring clamp engages through the spokes of the wheel to prevent wheel rotation. Conversely, in the open position, the area between the end faces of the C-shaped branches of the housing 13 remains free, allowing the wheel to rotate freely.

[0054] The housing 13 also houses a locking device 15, the end of which, as shown in the figure, comprises a lock cylinder. This end protrudes beyond the central portion of the housing 13, and a key 17 can be inserted into this end to actuate the locking device 15. The main portion of the locking device 15 is arranged within the housing 13 and specifically includes a latch, not visible in the figures. This latch is adjustable between an unlocked and locked position by the key 17, and is configured to block a closing ring in its closed position (locked), allowing the frame lock 11 to be opened using only the key 17.

[0055] To enable fastening to a two-wheeled vehicle, the frame lock 11 has two fastening components 19. Unlike conventional frame locks, these two fastening components 19 are not integral parts of the housing 13 in the frame lock 11 according to the invention, but are formed as fasteners 21 separately from the housing 13. In this respect, each of the fasteners 21 has a corresponding hole 23 formed as an elongated hole. The frame lock 11 can then be fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle by screws 25, which are screwed into the two-wheeled vehicle through the holes 23 in a screwing direction perpendicular to the image planes of Figures 1 and 2.

[0056] Fasteners 21 are arranged in two flange regions of housing 13, which are adjacent to the concave side of the corresponding branch of the C-shaped branch of housing 13. Therefore, holes 23 formed in fasteners 21 are also arranged in the corresponding one of the two flange regions.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5, each of the fasteners 21 is configured as two area fastening plates arranged parallel to each other. In particular, the fasteners 21 and the corresponding rear side 27 are located in a common fastening plane parallel to the image planes of Figures 1 and 2.

[0058] As shown in the comparison between Figures 1 and 2 and Figures 3 and 4, the fasteners 21 are linearly supported relative to the housing 13 along a displacement direction V (shown only in Figure 1) parallel to the fastening plane. Therefore, the rear sides 27 of the two fasteners 21 are always located within the fastening plane, regardless of their respective positions. Furthermore, the fasteners 21 are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the central plane M, wherein their displacement direction V is oriented perpendicular to the central plane M, such that both fasteners 21 can be displaced parallel to each other along a continuous line.

[0059] Fasteners 21 can move independently of each other in the displacement direction V and in the opposite direction to the displacement direction V. However, for two fasteners 21, the mobility is limited to a defined path along the displacement direction V in all cases. In Figures 1 to 4, fasteners 21 are located at corresponding ends of this defined path, i.e., corresponding ends of their respective mobility. In Figures 1 and 3, fasteners 21 are furthest apart from each other in this respect, such that they have the largest possible gap between them. Conversely, in Figures 2 and 4, fasteners 21 move furthest towards each other, such that they have the smallest possible gap between them.

[0060] The holes 23 of the fastener 21, which are formed as elongated holes, are aligned parallel to each other with respect to their respective longitudinal extents and are also oriented perpendicular to the displacement direction V. Thus, the screws 25 can move within their respective holes 23 in a direction perpendicular to both the screwing direction and the displacement direction V. Consequently, the housing 13 of the frame lock 11 can also move relative to the screws 25, which are screwed into the two wheels along the longitudinal extension of the holes 21 and thus perpendicular to the displacement direction V. Parallel to the displacement direction V, the housing 13 of the frame lock 11 can also move relative to the screws 25 due to the displaceability of the fasteners 21. This is due to the superposition of these two types of mobility, so that after the screws 25 are screwed into the two wheels, at least before the screws 25 are tightened, the housing 13 can still be positioned substantially freely within its two-dimensional region parallel to the fastening plane and spanned by the mutually perpendicular mobility. Then, by tightening the screws 25, the position of the frame lock 11 can be fixed to the position adopted in this respect.

[0061] The displaceability of the fasteners 21 is caused by the type of support they receive at the housing 13. In this respect, each of the two fasteners 21 having the same structure has two grooves 29 formed in the opposing edge sides of the respective fastener 21 and having a path parallel to the displacement direction V and of substantially the same length. In each of the two flange regions, two webs 31 configured as the edges of a sheet are also provided at the housing 13, protruding from the housing 13, and in this respect oriented toward each other at least with their respective free ends. In this respect, the spacing between the two webs 31 substantially corresponds to the spacing between the two grooves 29 of the respective fastener 21. Thus, the respective fastener 21 can be inserted between the two webs 31 along the displacement direction V, such that the respective one of the webs 31 engages in each of the two grooves 29 of the fastener 21. Due to this engagement, the fastener 21 is supported at the housing 13 and, in this respect, movably guided relative to the housing 13.

[0062] Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, only one of two fasteners 21 with the same structure is shown in various cases. The fastener 21 is formed as two parts, and each fastener 21 includes a first fastening part 33 and a second fastening part 35. The two fastening parts 33, 35 are configured to clamp each other. In view of this, the second fastening part 35 has a locking receiver 37 in which a locking protrusion is formed, which is not visible in the figures. When the locking lug 39 is inserted into the locking receiver 37, the locking protrusion engages behind the locking lug 39 formed at the first fastening part 33.

[0063] The first fastening member 33 is configured as a perforated metal plate, while the second fastening member 35 is manufactured as an injection-molded part made of plastic. The rear side 27 of the corresponding fastener 21 is disposed in the fastening plane and faces the screwing direction, and the rear side 27 is formed at the second fastening member 35 (see Figures 3 and 4). Both fastening members 33, 35 have holes 41 or 43 formed as elongated holes. In this respect, the holes 41, 43 of the two fastening members 33, 35 are aligned with respect to the screwing direction, that is, the holes 41, 43 have the same length and the same width, and are arranged such that they together form a continuous hole 23 of the corresponding fastener 21, which is also formed as an elongated hole with the same length and the same width.

[0064] The groove 29 of the corresponding fastener 21 is formed between the two fastening members 33, 35. In this respect, the sidewall defining the groove 29 opposite to the screwing direction is formed by the first fastening member 33, while the sidewall defining the groove 29 in the screwing direction is formed by the second fastening member 35. The base portion of the groove 29 is also formed by the second fastening member 35. However, in this respect, free space is maintained in the base of the groove 29 between the first fastening member 33 and the second fastening member 35. Therefore, due to the way the two fastening members 33, 35 are connected to each other, the fastening members 33, 35 have a gap relative to each other in the screwing direction, so that the width of the groove 29 (i.e., its range along the screwing direction) can vary to a certain extent.

[0065] As a result, by screwing the screws 25 through the holes 41, 43 of the two fastening members 33, 35 at the two wheels, the two fastening members 33, 35 are clamped together along the screwing direction, reducing the width of the groove 29 and clamping the corresponding web plate 31 engaged in the groove 29 between the two fastening members 33, 35 (see FIG8). Thus, the displaceability of the corresponding fastener 21 is counteracted by friction locking, and the fastener 21 is fixed in position relative to the housing 13 along the displacement direction V. In addition, due to the tightening of the screws 25, the position of the screws 25 along the longitudinal range of the corresponding hole 23 of the corresponding fastener 21, which is formed as an elongated hole, is also fixed by friction locking. Thus, in general, the frame lock 11 can be fixed to the position subsequently adopted relative to the two wheels in the two-dimensional area.

[0066] A structure serving as an abutment portion 45, 47 is formed at the second fastening member 35 of the corresponding fastener 21 to limit the displaceability of the fastener 21 to a defined path, the fastener 21 being displaceably supported at the housing 13 in a guided manner.

[0067] The structure of the second fastening member 35 is provided in the corner region of the side of the corresponding fastener 21 facing the other corresponding fastener 21. This structure forms two inner abutment portions 45. When the corresponding fastener 21 moves outward relative to the housing 13, that is, when it moves in the direction away from the central plane M, the corresponding fastener 21 finally abuts one of the two branches of the housing 13 using the inner abutment portions 45. Therefore, the corresponding fastener 21 will not move outward beyond the position shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0068] Additionally, the second fastening member 35 has a further structure disposed in the corner region of the side of the corresponding fastener 21 away from the other corresponding fastener 21, forming two outer abutment portions 47. The two grooves 29 formed at the corresponding fastener 21 are blocked at one of the two ends of their paths by a corresponding one of the outer abutment portions 47, such that when the corresponding fastener 21 moves inward relative to the housing 13, i.e., in the direction of the central plane M, the web 31 engaging in the corresponding groove 29 ultimately abuts the outer abutment portion 47. At this point, the outer abutment portion 47 forms a blocking portion for the groove 29. Because the web 31 abuts at the outer abutment portion 47, the corresponding fastener 21 may not displace inward beyond the position shown in Figures 2 and 4 (within the typical operating range of the frame lock 11).

[0069] The outer abutment portion 47 can be laterally pushed away from its position, thereby blocking one end of the corresponding groove 29, so that the web 31 engaged in the groove 29 can be guided through the corresponding abutment portion 47. In this way, when the fastener 21 is assembled at the housing 13, the fastener 21 can be inserted between the corresponding two webs 31. In this respect, the outer abutment portion 47 is advantageously shaped such that when acting from the outside along the displacement direction V, it can be pushed back into the corresponding groove 29 relatively easily, but when acting in the opposite direction on the corresponding web 31, it cannot be pushed out of the groove 29. In view of this, a continuous run-on chamfer is formed on the side of the outer abutment portion 47 opposite to the corresponding groove 29.

[0070] If no threaded bushing is provided on the two-wheeled vehicle, the corresponding screwing-in capability can be improved. For this purpose, the frame lock 11 includes two clips 49 as shown in Figures 7 to 9. Each of the clips 49 has a tightening base 51 movably arranged along its longitudinal direction at the corresponding clip 49 and has an internal thread in the form of a threaded bushing. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal thread is matched with a screw having an ISO metric thread of size M5.

[0071] The belt clip 49 can be fastened around the corresponding rear end support 53 of the two-wheeled vehicle. In this respect, the belt clip can move along the path of the corresponding rear end support 53 as long as it is not yet tightened. In this way, the position of the tightening base 51 at the corresponding rear end support 53 can be flexibly fixed.

[0072] The tightening base 51 (at least partially) has a conical dome shape. Each of the two fasteners 21 has a receiver 55, which is formed in the rear side 27 of the second fastening member 35 of the respective fastener 21. In this respect, the receivers 55 are formed in the region of the hole 23 of the respective fastener 21, that is, at the center of the longitudinal range of the hole 23 formed as an elongated hole. In this respect, the hole 23 is widened on both sides by the respective receivers 55. The shape of the receivers 55 is complementary to the shape of the tightening base 51. Thus, the housing 13 of the frame lock 11 can be arranged together with the fasteners 21 fastened to the belt clip 49 of the two-wheeled vehicle, such that the tightening base 51 is received in the receivers 55 in a precisely fitting manner (see FIG. 8).

[0073] Since the tightening base 51 is housed in the receiver 55, the screw 25 is effectively prevented from moving within the hole 23, which forms the elongated holes of the two fasteners 21. However, this is compensated for, as the clip 49 can move parallel to the path of the rear support 53 even before it is tightened. Thus, whether screwed into the tightening base 51 subsequently attached to the two-wheeler or into the threaded bushing provided on the two-wheeler, the frame lock 11 can move parallel to the longitudinal range of the elongated hole before its final fixation. In this respect, the displaceability of the two fasteners 21 in various cases also has the effect that the frame lock 11 can move along the displacement direction V. As a result, the frame lock 11 according to the invention thus exhibits particularly flexible positionability, which allows for fairly free positioning within a two-dimensional planar region.

Claims

1. A frame lock (11) for a two-wheeled vehicle, the frame lock (11) comprising: Housing (13); locking device (15), housed within the housing (13); The frame lock (11) includes a closing ring that is movably supported in the housing (13) between an open and closed position and is blocked by the locking device (15) in the closed position. The frame lock (11) has two fastening members (19) with at least one corresponding hole (23). The frame lock (11) is configured to be fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle by screwing a screw (25) through the hole (23) in the screwing direction into a threaded bushing provided at the two-wheeled vehicle. Each of the two fastening members (19) is configured as a fastener (21) that is formed separately from the housing (13) in which the corresponding hole (23) is formed. The fastener (21) is displaceably supported in the housing (13) and is guided linearly in the displacement direction (V).

2. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, The displacement directions (V) of the two fasteners (21) are at least substantially parallel to each other.

3. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, The corresponding hole (23) is formed as an elongated hole, the longitudinal extent of which is transverse to the displacement direction (V) of the corresponding fastener (21).

4. The frame lock as described in claim 3, wherein, The longitudinal range of the elongated hole is perpendicular to the displacement direction (V) of the corresponding fastener (21).

5. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, Adjacent portions (45, 47) are formed at at least one of the housing (13) or the fastener (21), the adjacent portions (45, 47) restricting the displaceability of the fastener (21) to a defined path along the displacement direction (V) of the respective fastener (21).

6. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the fasteners (21) is configured as a face fastener plate that is parallel to and aligned with a fastening plane, and wherein the displacement direction (V) of the corresponding fastener (21) is parallel to the fastening plane.

7. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, The housing (13) has a C-shaped or U-shaped shape that is at least substantially mirror-symmetric with respect to a central plane (M) parallel to the screwing direction.

8. The frame lock as described in claim 7, wherein, The two fasteners (21) are mirror-symmetric to each other with respect to the central plane (M) along the path of their displacement.

9. The frame lock as described in claim 7, wherein, The displacement direction (V) of the two fasteners (21) is perpendicular to the center plane (M).

10. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the fasteners (21) has one or more grooves (29) aligned parallel to the displacement direction (V), and wherein a corresponding web (31) formed at the housing (13) engages in each of the grooves (29).

11. The frame lock as described in claim 10, wherein, Each of the fasteners (21) has two grooves (29) arranged opposite to each other.

12. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the fasteners (21) is formed as at least two parts and includes a first fastening part (33) and a second fastening part (35) fixedly connected to each other, wherein the first fastening part (33) has a hole (41) and the second fastening part (35) has a hole (43), and the holes (41, 43) of the first fastening part (33) and the second fastening part (35) are arranged to overlap with respect to the screwing direction, such that the first fastening part (33) and the second fastening part (35) together form at least one hole (23) of the respective fastener (21).

13. The frame lock as described in claim 12, wherein, Each of the fasteners (21) has one or more grooves (29) aligned parallel to the displacement direction (V), wherein a corresponding web (31) formed at the housing (13) engages in each of the grooves (29), and wherein one or more of the grooves (29) are formed between the first fastening member (33) and the second fastening member (35) of the corresponding fastener (21).

14. The frame lock as described in claim 13, wherein, The first fastening member (33) and the second fastening member (35) of the corresponding fastener (21) have a gap relative to each other in the screwing direction, and the first fastening member (33) and the second fastening member (35) are configured such that when the frame lock (11) is fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle, the screw (25) tightened through the hole (23) of the fastener (21) clamps each other in the screwing direction, such that at least one of the web plates (31) of the housing (13) that engages with the corresponding groove (29) of the fastener (21) is clamped in the corresponding groove (29).

15. The frame lock as described in claim 1, wherein, In each of the fasteners (21), a receiver (55) is formed in the side (27) of the fastener (21) facing the screwing direction for receiving a screwing base (51) with internal threads, the receiver (55) widening the hole (23) of the corresponding fastener (21) in one side region.

16. The frame lock as described in claim 15, wherein, The frame lock (11) includes two clips (49) configured to fasten to a corresponding support (53) of the two-wheeled vehicle. Each of the clips (49) has a tightening base (51) disposed at the corresponding clip (49). The tightening base (51) has an internal thread and a shape complementary to the receiver (55) formed in the fastener (21).

17. A method for fastening a frame lock (11) as claimed in claim 1 to a two-wheeled vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: displacing fasteners (21) relative to each other until the spacing of holes (23) formed in the fasteners (21) corresponds to the spacing of two threaded bushings disposed on the two-wheeled vehicle or to the spacing of two tightening bases (51) attached to the two-wheeled vehicle and having internal threads; screwing two screws (25) into the threaded bushings or into the tightening bases (51) through the holes (23); moving the housing (13) of the frame lock (11) relative to the threaded bushings or the tightening bases (51) until a desired position of the frame lock (11) relative to the two-wheeled vehicle is reached; and tightening the screws (25) to secure the position.

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