Bicycle lock system and methods

Abstract

A bicycle lock assembly includes a securing member and a receiver. The securing member can include one or more ends. The receiver can be integrated within a frame of a bicycle. The receiver can include an opening to receive the one or more ends of the securing member to couple the securing member with the frame of the bicycle.

Description

BICYCLE LOCK SYSTEM AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 63 / 582,893, filed September 15, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Bicycles can include an electric motor that receives power from a battery.SUMMARY

[0003] The technical solutions are generally directed to an integrated bicycle lock with latching and electronic actuation. The lock assembly is built into the frame of the bicycle (e.g., an electric bicycle). The locking assembly can include a receiver and a securing member configured to engage with the receiver. The receiver of the locking assembly can be integrated with (e.g., built into) the frame of the bicycle such that a user can insert the securing member (e.g., a “U” bar, cable, or other securing member) into the receiver integrated into the frame to lock the bike to another object (e.g., a public bike rack). The securing member can be inserted into an opening of the receiver and can engage with the at least one striker of the receiver to secure the securing member within the opening of the receiver. The striker can be spring loaded or otherwise biased to engage a locking region of the securing member. The striker can be driven by a motor of the receiver. For example, once the securing member is inserted within the opening of the receiver, a motor (e.g., an electric motor, a non-backdrivable electric motor) can rotate a gear in a first direction to actuate a plunger in a first direction. The plunger can engage the striker and cause the striker to engage the securing member to lock the securing member within the receiver. The motor can rotate the gear in a second direction to actuate the plunger in a second direction to disengage the striker with the securing member. The motor can be actuated via an action of the user, such as an action initiated via a mobile device, a near field communication (NFC) tap, an input provided to a screen, other input option. This mechanism can be built directly into the frame of the bicycle. The locking mechanism can be electronic. The user can lock their bike while only having to handle the securing member (e.g., U bar or chain). Because the receiver can be integrated into the frame, internal locking components (e.g., mechanical features that physically facilitate the locking of the securingmember within the receiver) can be obscured within the frame to discourage theft. The receiver can be integrated into the frame in a position that accommodates nearly all public infrastructure (e.g., bike racks).

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to an assembly. The assembly can be a lock assembly for a bicycle. A bicycle lock assembly includes a securing member and a receiver. The securing member can include one or more ends. The receiver can be integrated with a frame of a bicycle. The receiver can include an opening to receive the one or more ends of the securing member to couple the securing member with the frame of the bicycle.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to an electric bike. The electric bike can include a bicycle lock assembly. The bicycle lock assembly can include a securing member and a receiver. The securing member can include one or more ends. The receiver integrated can be with a frame of the electric bicycle. The receiver can include an opening to receive the one or more ends of the securing member to couple the securing member with the frame of the bicycle. The bicycle can include at least one battery coupled with the frame and electrically coupled with the receiver.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include inserting an end of a securing member into an opening of a receiver. The receiver can be integrated with a frame of a bicycle. The method can include engaging a striker of the receiver with a locking portion of the securing member to couple the securing member with the receiver. The method can include the securing member configured to engage with the receiver with an object positioned therebetween to couple the frame of the bicycle with the object.

[0007] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an example bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an example securing member for a lock assembly, in accordance with some aspects.

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an example bike with a lock assembly to secure the bike to an object, in accordance with some aspects.

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts an example bike with a lock assembly to secure the bike to an object, in accordance with some aspects.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating a lock assembly for a bike, in accordance with some aspects.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture for a computer system that can be employed to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein, including, for example, the lock assembly of FIGS. 1-8.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of integrating feedback systems into bicycles. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0020] This disclosure is generally directed to an integrated bicycle lock with latching and electronic actuation. The electronic lock assembly is built into the frame of the bicycle (e.g., an electric bicycle). The locking assembly can include a receiver and a securing member configured to engage with the receiver. The receiver of the locking assembly can be integrated with (e.g., built into) the frame of the bicycle such that a user can insert the securing member (e.g., a “U” bar, cable, or other securing member) into the receiver integrated into the frame to lock the bike to another object (e.g., a public bike rack).

[0021] The securing member can be inserted into an opening of the receiver and can engage with the at least one striker of the receiver to secure the securing member within the opening of the receiver. The striker can be spring loaded or otherwise biased to engage a locking region of the securing member. The striker can be driven by a motor of the receiver. For example, once the securing member is inserted within the opening of the receiver, a motor (e.g., an electric motor, a non-backdrivable electric motor) can rotate a gear in a first direction to actuate a plunger (e.g., a spring-loaded plunger) in a first direction. The plunger can engage the striker and cause the striker to engage the securing member to lock the securing member within the receiver. The motor can rotate the gear in a second direction to actuate the plunger in a second direction to disengage the striker with the securing member. The motor can be actuated via an action of the user, such as an action initiated via a mobile device, a near field communication (NFC) tap, an input provided to a screen, other input option. This mechanism can be built directly into the frame of the bicycle. The locking mechanism can be electronic. The user can lock their bike while only having to handle the securing member (e.g., U bar or chain).

[0022] The receiver of the lock assembly can be built directly into the frame of the bicycle. Because the receiver can be integrated into the frame, internal locking components (e.g., mechanical features that physically facilitate the locking of the securing member within the receiver) can be obscured within the frame to discourage theft. The receiver can be integratedinto the frame in a position that accommodates nearly all public infrastructure (e.g., bike racks).

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts an example perspective view of a bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 can be an electric bike 100 installed with at least one battery pack 105. The bicycle 100 can be a human-operated bike 100. The bike 100 can include single rider bicycles, tandem bicycles, cargo bicycles, motor-assist bicycles, pedicabs, electric-assist bicycles, road bicycles, mountain bicycles, or unicycles, among others. The battery pack 105 can also be used as an energy storage system to power a building, such as a residential home or commercial building. The bike 100 can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., pedal-powered) and further, the electric bike 100 can be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, semi-autonomous, or unmanned. The electric bike 100 can also be human operated or non-autonomous. A human operator or the rider of the bike 100 can sit on a saddle 110 to operate the bike 100. The rider of the bike 100 can steer, grip, balance, or otherwise control the bike 100 using the handlebar 115.

[0024] The bike 100 can include a frame 120. The frame 120 can support various components of the bike 100, such as a handlebar 115, the saddle 110, the battery 105, at least one light 125, and at least one lock assembly 130. The frame 120 can span a front portion 135. The front portion 135 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a wheel 140 of the bike 100, a fork 145 of the bike 100, the handlebar 115, the light 125, among other components. The bike 100 can include two or more wheels 140 (e.g., a front wheel 140 and a rear wheel 140). The frame 120 can span a middle portion 150. The middle portion 150 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, the saddle 110, the battery 105, a crank shaft or drive mechanism 155 of the bike 100, or a pedal 160 of the bike 100, among other components. The frame 120 can include the mid portion 150 including the lock assembly 130. The frame 120 can include a rear portion 165. The rear portion 165 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a rear wheel 140 of the bike 100, the light 125, a drive train 170 of the bike 100, or a rack 175 of the bike 100, among other components. The battery 105 can be disposed anywhere within the frame 120.

[0025] The bike 100 can include at least one battery 105 or battery pack 105 that can include at least one battery, at least one battery module, or at least one battery cell. The battery 105 can be electrically coupled with the bike 100 (e.g., to the drive mechanism 155, to the light 125, the lock assembly 130, or some other components). For example, the battery 105 can provide electrical energy to the bike 100 to power the bike 100. The battery 105 can be installed or placed within the bike 100. For example, the battery 105 can be installed on theframe 120 of the bike 100 within one or more of the front portion 135, the middle portion 150, or the rear portion 165. The battery 105 can be integrally coupled with the frame 120 such that it is not removable. The battery 105 can be detachably coupled with the frame 120 such that in can be removed (e.g., to charge the battery 105). The battery 105 can include or connect with at least one busbar, e.g., a current collector element. For example, the busbar can include electrically conductive material to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery 240 with other electrical components of the bike 100 to provide electrical power to various systems or components of the bike 100, such as the lock assembly 130 or some other system.

[0026] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, among others, the lock assembly 130 can be coupled with the frame 120. For example, the lock assembly 130 can be at least partially integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100 such that at least a portion of the lock assembly 130 can be inseparable from, built within, permanently coupled with, or otherwise integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100. The lock assembly 130 can include a securing member 200 and a receiver 205. The securing member 200 can be selectively coupled with the receiver 205. For example, the securing member 200 can be selectively coupled with the receiver 205 to lock the bike 100 to some other object (e.g., a bike rack or other public infrastructure). The securing member 200 can be coupled with the receiver 205 with the object (e.g., a structure, tube, or other public infrastructure) positioned at least partially between the securing member 200 and the receiver 205. The object can be retained by (e.g., temporarily secured between) the securing member 200 and the receiver 205 with the securing member 200 coupled with the receiver 205. For example, the frame 120 — and thus the bike 100 itself — can be secured to (e.g., locked to) a bike rack or other object with the bike rack or other object positioned between the securing member 200 and the receiver 205 and with the securing member 200 engaged with the receiver 205.

[0027] The lock assembly 130 can include the receiver 205 integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100. For example, the receiver 205 can be built within or otherwise combined with the frame 120 of the bicycle 100 such that the receiver 205 cannot be separated from the frame 120 of the bike 100. The receiver 205 can be positioned within the frame 120. For example, if the frame is an aluminum frame or frame of some other material having hollow members (e.g., tubes), the receiver 205 can be positioned within the hollow core of the frame 120 or frame member. The receiver 205 can be positioned within a notch, recess, cut-out, or other void defined by the frame 120. The receiver 205 can be permanently coupled with the frame 120.For example, the receiver 205 can be welded with the frame 120, integrally molded with the frame 120, secured to the frame 120 via one or more fasteners inaccessible from an exterior of the frame 120, or in some other manner that can prevent the receiver 205 from being separated from the frame 120 without at least partially destroying the frame 120 or the receiver 205. The receiver 205 can be a part of the bike 100 such that an operator or user of bike 100 need not provide a separate receiver 205 in order to use the lock assembly 130 to secure the bike 100 to an object, bike rack, or other structure. As depicted in FIG. 2, among others, the receiver 205 can be integrated with the frame 120 above the drive mechanism 155 and within the middle portion 150 of the bike 100. For example, the bike 100 can include the receiver 205 integrated within the frame 120 and positioned between the drive mechanism 155 and the frame 120. The receiver 205 can be integrated within the frame 120 between the drive mechanism 155 and a battery 105. For example, the battery 105 can be coupled with the frame 120 via the receiver 205 or proximate (e.g., within 6 inches, within 12 inches, within one inch) of the receiver 205. The lock assembly 130, namely the receiver 205 of the lock assembly 130 can be positioned within the middle portion 150 of the bike 100 and beneath the saddle 110 or proximate the drive mechanism 155 and pedal 160. The receiver 205 of the lock assembly 130 can be integrated with the frame 120 between a down tube and a seat tube, for example. The receiver 205 can be integrated with the frame 120 in some other area.

[0028] The bike 100 can include the lock assembly 130 electrically coupled with the battery 105. For example, the battery 105 can be electrically coupled with the receiver 205 of the lock assembly 130 to facilitate the actuation or movement of one or more components of the receiver 205. In this way, the receiver 205 can be configured to be controlled or actuated electronically via power provided by the battery 105, rather than being controlled or actuated manually or mechanically (e.g., via some manual action of an operator). For example, the battery 105 can provide power to the drive mechanism 155 to power the bike 100 (e.g., propel the bike by causing the at least one wheel 140 to rotate) and also provide power to the receiver 205 to operate the lock assembly 130. The battery 105 can provide power to the lock assembly 130 and other components of the bike 100 (e.g., the drive mechanism 155, the light 125, or some other component) simultaneously, separately, in sequence, or in some other manner.

[0029] As depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the lock assembly 130 can include the receiver 205 having at least one opening 305. The opening 305 can be defined in a housing 310 or body portion of the receiver 205. The lock assembly 130 can include the securing member 200having at least one end 300. For example, the receiver 205 can define the opening 305 to receive the end 300 of the securing member 200. The end 300 of the securing member 200 can be a free end (e.g., a terminal end) of the securing member 200 or some other object protruding from the securing member 200. For example, the securing member 200 can be a U-shaped member (e.g., a rod), chain, tether, linkage, rope, cable, or other member. The securing member 200 can be a rigid member such that it cannot flex or bend without substantial force. For example, the securing member 200 can have two ends 300 separated by some distance, where that distance is fixed because the securing member 200 is rigid. The securing member 200 can be flexible or semi-flexible. For example, the securing member 200 can include two ends 300 that can be moved toward or away from each other as the securing member 200 flexes or bends. The securing member 200 can include a material or structure that can permit a limited or defined amount of flexure or bending. For example, the securing member 200 can flex a limited amount to allow the ends 300 of the securing member 200 to move toward or away from each other by some predefined amount (e.g., less than 5 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 1 inch).

[0030] The securing member 200 can include at least two ends 300. For example, the securing member 200 can include two ends 300 separated by a distance. The distance can be greater than a width, thickness, or other dimension of an object, such as a bike rack, a tube, or some other structure to which the bike 100 can be secured (e.g., locked). For example, the two ends 300 of the securing member 200 can be configured to be positioned around the object to which the bike 100 is to be secured. In this way, the securing member 200 be wrapped around the object with the object positioned within an area between the two ends 300.

[0031] The opening 305 of the receiver 205 can receive the end 300 of the securing member 200. For example, the opening 305 can be a hole, aperture, passageway, or other opening in the receiver 205. The opening 305 can include a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, a cross-sectional area) that is greater than a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, or a cross-sectional area) of the end 300 of the securing member 200. The receiver 205 can include two or more openings 305. For example, the receiver 205 can include a number of openings 305 corresponding to the number of ends 300 of the securing member 200. The receiver 205 can include two openings 305, and each opening 305 can receive one end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple the securing member 200 with the receiver 205.

[0032] The lock assembly 130 can include the receiver 205 including the opening 305 to receive the end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple the securing member 200 with the frame 120 of the bike 100. For example, because the receiver 205 can be integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100, the securing member 200 can be coupled with the frame 120 of the bike 100 by virtue of the securing member 200 being coupled with the receiver 205. The securing member 200 can couple (e.g., engage) with the receiver 205 to couple (e.g., secure) the frame 120 of the bike 100 with an object, such as a bike rack or some other structure. For example, the securing member 200 can engage with the receiver 205 to secure the bike 100 to an object (e.g., a bike rack) positioned at least partially between the securing member 200 and the receiver 205.

[0033] The receiver 205 can include at least one striker 315. The striker 315 can engage the end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple the securing member with the receiver 205. For example, the striker 315 can engage the end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple the securing member 200 with the frame 120 of the bike 100. The striker 315 can include a locking portion 320. The locking portion 320 can be an end, such as a tapered, beveled, or other end shaped to engage the end 300 of the securing member 200. For example, the end 300 of the securing member 200 can include a locking region 325. The locking region 325 of the end 300 can be a notch, slot, groove, impression, or other feature shaped to engage the locking portion 320 of the striker 315. For example, the locking region 325 can be a notch or notched area of the end 300 that can receive at least a portion of the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 to couple the end 300 within the opening 305 of the receiver 205. The securing member 200 can be coupled with (e.g., engaged with) the receiver 205 with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 engaged with the locking region 325 of the end 300.

[0034] The lock assembly 130 can include the striker 315 to move to engage the end 300 of the securing member 200. The striker 315 can be coupled with a plunger 330 (e.g., a spring- loaded plunger 330). For example, as depicted in FIG. 5, among others, the striker 315 can be coupled with the plunger 330 via a fastener 505. The fastener 505 can be a screw, pin, rod, shaft, rivet, or other fastener. The striker 315 can be compressibly coupled with the plunger 330 via the fastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 can include be operatively coupled with a bias spring 355 or other compressive member. The fastener 505 can include the spring 355 surrounding a body or shank of the fastener 505 such that the spring 355 can be compressed along an axis that is substantially (e.g., ± 15%) coaxial with a central axis of thefastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 couple the striker 315 with the plunger 330 with the spring 355 positioned between a surface of the plunger 330 and a surface of the striker 315 such that the striker 315 can move toward or away from the plunger 330 along the central axis of the fastener 505 by compressing the spring 355. In this way, the spring 355 of the fastener 505 can bias the striker 315 away from the plunger 330 while the fastener 505 can retain the striker 315 by coupling the striker 315 with the plunger 330. For example, a spring force applied by the spring can act to position the striker 315 some distance away from the plunger 330, where the distance is defined by the fastener 505 coupling the striker 315 with the plunger 330. When the spring force is overcome, for example, the distance between the striker 315 and the plunger 330 can be reduced to move the striker 315 closer to the plunger 330.

[0035] The lock assembly 130 can include a motor 350 and at least one gear 340. The motor 350 and the gear 340 can be positioned within the receiver 205. For example, the receiver 205 can include the motor 350 and the gear 340. The gear 340 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350. For example, the gear 340 can be rotatably coupled with the motor 350 such that operation of the motor 350 (e.g., actuation of the motor 350) can cause the gear 340 to rotate. The motor 350 can include at least one shaft 500. The gear 340 can be coupled with the shaft 500. The motor 350 can be an electric motor 350, such as an AC motor, a DC motor, a brushless motor, or some other kind of motor. The motor 350 can be actuated to cause the shaft 500 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) or in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). For example, the motor 350 can be electrically coupled with the battery 105 of the bike 100 and can be configured to receive power (e.g., electrical energy) from the battery 105 to actuate the motor 350. For example, to actuate the motor 350, power can be transmitted to the motor 350 from the battery 105, which can cause the shaft 500 of the motor 350 to rotate, which can further cause the gear 340 coupled with the shaft 500 to rotate. If the motor 350 is a DC motor, for example, the battery 105 can apply a first voltage to the motor 350 to cause the shaft 500 and the gear 340 coupled with the shaft 500 to rotate in a first direction. The battery 105 can apply a second voltage to the motor 350 to cause the shaft 500 and the gear 340 to rotate in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, where the second voltage can have a polarity that is opposite (e.g., inverted with respect to) the first voltage. The motor 350 can be a non-backdrivable motor such that the motor 350 cannot be operated in absence of power (e.g., power provided by the battery 105 or otherwise.

[0036] The gear 340 can be coupled with the shaft 500 such that rotation of the shaft 500 can cause a corresponding rotation of the gear 340. The gear 340 can be a circular gear having one or more gear teeth extending radially from the gear 340. The plunger 330 can be operatively coupled with the gear 340. For example, the plunger 330 can include one or more gear teeth 335 configured to mesh (e.g., engage with) the gear teeth of the gear 340. The plunger 330 can include the gear teeth 335 extending from a linear portion (e.g., a shank, beam, or other portion). The gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can be positioned at or near (e.g., within 3 inches) of a proximal end of the plunger 330, while the striker 315 can be coupled with a distal end of the plunger 330. For example, the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can be positioned toward the gear 340 and the motor 350 such that the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can engage with the gear 340. The gear teeth 335 can extend from a linear portion of the plunger 330 such that the gear teeth 335 are positioned in a linear fashion (e.g., forming a line). Accordingly, engagement of the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 with gear teeth of the gear 340 can translate rotational motion of the gear 340 into linear motion of the plunger 330. Engagement of the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 with the gear teeth of the gear 340 can translate linear motion of the plunger 330 into rotational motion of the gear 340. For example, as the gear 340 rotates about the shaft 500 of the motor 350, the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can engage with the gear teeth of the gear 340 such that the rotation of the gear 340 causes the plunger 330 to translate (e.g., move, actuate, slide). The gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can extend along a curvilinear or curved portion of the plunger 330 such that the gear teeth 335 extend along a curvilinear, curved, or other path. The gear teeth 335 can be engaged with the gear teeth of the gear 340 such that rotation of the gear 340 about the shaft 500 can cause movement of the plunger 330 along the path corresponding to the curvilinear shape of the plunger 330, for example.

[0037] The lock assembly 130 can include the plunger 330 engaged with the gear 340 and configured to cause the striker 315 to engage the end 300 of the securing member 200 via rotation of the gear 340. For example, because the striker 315 is coupled with the plunger 330, a movement of the plunger 330 (e.g., a lateral translation, linear movement, or movement along some other path) can cause a corresponding or at least partially corresponding movement of the striker 315. For example, a linear movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding linear movement of the striker 315. A rotation of the gear 340 can cause a linear movement of the plunger 330, which can further cause a linear movement of the striker 315. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500, which can further cause rotation of thegear 340. The gear teeth of the gear 340 can be meshed with the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 such that rotation of the gear 340 can cause movement of the plunger 330. The movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding movement of the striker 315 with the striker 315 coupled with the plunger 330.

[0038] The striker 315 can move from a first position with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 disengaged from the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 200 to a second position with the locking portion 320 engaged with the locking region 325. For example, the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 can engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 200 to secure (e.g., lock, engage, or couple) the securing member 200 with the receiver 205. The striker 315 can move from the second position with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 engaged with the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 200 to the first position with the locking portion 320 disengaged from the locking region 325. For example, the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 can be disengaged from the locking region 325 of the securing member 200 such that the securing member 200 can be freely removed from the receiver 205.

[0039] The end 300 of the securing member 200 can be inserted into the opening 305 in a first direction, and the striker 315 can move in a second direction to engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 200. For example, the second direction can be non-parallel with the first direction (e.g., perpendicular or some other non-parallel angle). The end 300 of the securing member 200 can be inserted into the opening 305 and the striker 315 can move to engage the end 300. The end 300 of the securing member 200 can be inserted into the opening 305 with the striker 315 in a first position where the striker 315 is disengaged from the end 300 such that the securing member 200 can be freely removed from the opening 305. The striker 315 can be moved to engage the end 300 of the securing member 200 with the end 300 inserted into the opening 305. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500, which can cause a corresponding rotation of the gear 340, which can further cause a movement of the plunger 330 to move the striker 315 into a second position where the striker 315 is engaged with the end 300 such that the securing member 200 cannot be freely removed from the opening 305. The motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500 in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) to move the striker 315 into engagement with the end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple (e.g., secure, lock) the securing member 200 with the receiver 205. The motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500 in a second direction (e.g., acounterclockwise direction) to move the striker 315 out of engagement with the end 300 of the securing member 200 to decouple (e.g., disengage, release) the securing member 200 from the receiver 205. For example, with the securing member 200 can be removed from the receiver 205 after the motor 350 is actuated to rotate the gear 340 in a direction configured to draw the striker 315 away from the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 200.

[0040] The lock assembly 130 can include multiple plungers 330 to move (e.g., actuate) multiple strikers. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include two plungers 330 with each plunger 330 coupled with a striker 315. Both plungers 330 can be coupled with the same gear 340 such that both plungers 330 can move based on a rotational movement of the gear 340. For example, the plungers 330 can include gear teeth 335 meshed with gear teeth of the gear 340 such that a rotational movement of the gear 340 (e.g., rotational movement caused by actuation of the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500) can cause each of the plungers 330 to move. A first plunger 330 can be meshed with the gear 340 at a first radial location of the gear 340, and a second plunger 330 can be meshed with the gear 340 at a second radial location of the gear 340, where the second radial location can be diametrically opposed to the first radial location. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, among others, the rotation of the gear 340 in a first direction can cause a first plunger 330 to move in one direction (e.g., a positive X-direction) and a second plunger 330 to move in another direction (e.g., a negative X-direction). For example, rotation of the gear 340 can cause two plungers coupled with the gear 340 to move outward to engage two ends 300 of the securing member 200. The two plungers 330 can move at the same rate (e.g., pace, inches per second, millimeters per second, or some other rate) or at a different rate. For example, each plunger 330 can move to cause a striker 315 to engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 200 at substantially (e.g., ± 10%) the same time.

[0041] The lock assembly 130 can include a second set of plungers 330 and a corresponding second set of strikers. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include at least one striker 360. The striker 360 can engage another object, such as another securing member 200 or a securing member having a different geometry, dimension, or form factor. The striker 360 can engage another object, such as a detachable battery 105 of the bike 100, a detachable storage compartment, or some other object. For example, the striker 360 can be coupled with the plunger 330 and can move as the plunger 330 moves such that the striker 360 can be moved into and out of engagement with some other object. The striker 360 can be coupled with the plunger 330, where the plunger 330 can be operatively coupled with the gear 340. Forexample, the receiver 205 can include two gears 340, including one to actuate the striker 315 to engage the end 300 of the securing member 200 and another to actuate the strike 360 to engage some other object. Each gear 340 can be coupled with a shaft 500 of the motor 350. For example, the motor 350 can include two or more shafts 500, with each shaft 500 coupled with a gear 340 or some other member. Each of the shafts 500 of the motor 350 can be actuated simultaneously or at separate times. For example, each of the shafts 500 of the motor 350 can be independently operable.

[0042] The lock assembly 130 can include a control device 365. The control device 365 can be a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 365, a printed circuit board, a controller, a computing system, or some other device configured to control the lock assembly 130. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, among others, the receiver 205 can include a PCBA 365 configured to control the lock assembly 130. The PCBA 365 can be communicably coupled with the motor 350. For example, the PCBA 365 can be communicably coupled with the motor 350 to actuate (e.g., operate, start, stop, control) the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can be electrically coupled with the battery 105. For example, the PCBA 365 can require electrical power to operate. The PCBA 364 can provide electrical energy to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350 (e.g., to rotate the shaft 500). For example, the battery 105 can provide power to the PCBA 365, and the PCBA 365 can in turn provide power to the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can control or modulate a polarity of a voltage provided to the motor 350. For example, motor 350 can be a DC motor, and the PCBA 365 can modulate the power provided by the battery 105 to control whether or not the shaft 500 of the motor rotates in one direction or another direction (e.g., an opposite direction).

[0043] The PCBA 365 can include a communication interface to facilitate communications with one or more other components. For example, the PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to communicate with the motor 350 for the purpose of controlling the motor 350, monitoring the operation of the motor 350, or otherwise communicating with the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to communicate with other components of the bike 100, an operator, or another device. For example, the PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to receive data regarding the battery 105 (e.g., a state of charge or some other property of the battery) or to transmit data to a controller or computing system of the bike 100 (e.g., to cause the light 125 to emit light in response to an action of the lock assembly 130). The communication interface can be configured for wirelesscommunication (e.g., radio frequency transmissions, short-range wireless transmissions, near field communication (NFC) transmissions, or other wireless communications). For example, the PCBA 365 can include an input / output device (e.g., a wireless transceiver or some other device) to facilitate wireless communications or wired communication between the PCBA 365 and some other device (e.g., an operator’s mobile device, some other network-connected device). The communication interface can facilitate communication with remotely located devices, such as a central operator (e.g., the manufacturer of the bike 100 or some other trusted entity).

[0044] The PCBA 365 can include one or more processors coupled with one or more memory devices. For example, the memory devices can store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors can cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations can include, for example, actuating the motor 350 to cause the striker 315 of the receiver 205 to engage (e.g., couple with, contact) the end 300 of the securing member 200 to couple the securing member 200 with the receiver 205. The operations can further include actuating the motor 350 to cause the striker 315 of the receiver 205 to retract to disengage the securing member 200 from the receiver 205 to unlock the lock assembly 130, for example. The operations can include sounding an audible alarm (e.g., via a speaker or other audio device), operating a visual indication (e.g., illuminating the light 125 to indicate that the bike 100 is locked), providing a notification or alert (e.g., pushing a notification to a mobile device of an operator or presenting an alert on a graphic display of the bike 100 or some other device).

[0045] The PCBA 365 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350. For example, the PCBA 365 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350 to selectively operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to cause a rotation of the gear 340 of the receiver 205. As discussed above, rotation of the gear 340 can cause the striker 315 to engage the end 300 of the securing member to secure the securing member 200 to the receiver 205. The PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350, for example, to cause the motor 350 to operate (e.g., cause the shaft 500 to rotate the gear 340). For example, the PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to operate in response to a signal. The signal can be provided to the PCBA 365 via the communication interface or via some other means. For example, the PCBA 365 can receive a wireless signal via the communication interface and, in response to the received signal, cause the motor 350 to operate. The received wireless signal can be, for example, an input from an operator (e.g., a user, an owner of the bike 100, or some other authorized individual). The input from theoperator can be input provided via a mobile application on a mobile device (e.g., cellular phone, tablet computer, or other device), an NFC tap between a key card or mobile device and the receiver 205, or some other input. The operator input can be a physical (e.g., tactile) input provided via a button, switch, or other input device on the bike 100, on the securing member 200, on the receiver 205, or positioned in some other location. The operator input can cause the PCBA 365 to operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to engage the receiver 205 with the securing member 200 to lock the securing member 200 with the receiver 205. The operator input can cause the PCBA 365 to operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to disengage the receiver 205 from the securing member 200 to unlock the securing member 200 with from receiver 205.

[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, among others, the receiver 205 can define a cavity 345. For example, the housing 310 of the receiver 205 can include a first housing 400 and a second housing 405 that, when coupled together, define the housing 310 and a cavity 245 positioned at least partially between the first housing 400 and the second housing 405. The cavity 245 can contain various components of the receiver 205. For example, the motor 350, the gear 340, the PCBA 365, the plunger 330, and the striker 315 can be housed (e.g., contained) within the cavity 245 of the receiver 205. The opening 305 of the receiver 205 can provide access into the cavity 245. For example, the ends 300 of the securing member 200 can be inserted into the opening 305 to engage with components contained within the cavity 245, namely the striker 315. As depicted in FIG. 5, among others, the first housing 400 and the second housing 405 can be coupled together via one or more fasteners 510. The first housing 400 or the second housing 405 can further be coupled with the frame 120 of the bike 100 via the fastener 510 or some other fastener.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, among others, the securing member 200 is shown. The securing member 200 includes the end 300 and the locking region 325. For example, the securing member 200 includes two ends 300, each having a locking region 325. The securing member 200 can further include a body 600. The body 600 can be a portion between the two ends 300 of the securing member 200. The body 600 can include an outer member 605. The outer member 605 can be an outer shell, covering, case, or housing. The outer member 605 can be or include a material that is tamper-resistant (e.g., resistant to blades), corrosion resistant, UV-resistant, or otherwise resistant to tampering or environmental factors. Within the outer member 605, the securing member 200 can include at least one inner member 610. The inner member 610 can be rigid, hardened, and tough member (e.g., a slug, a rod, a pin, or some othermember). For example, the inner member 610 can be made of a hardened metal that can further resist a cutting blade (e.g., a blade of a saw or angle grinder). The securing member 200 can include one inner member or multiple inner members 2610. For example, the securing member 200 can include multiple inner members abutting (e.g., touching, contacting) adjacent inner members 610. The securing member 200 can include multiple inner members 610 positioned some distance from an adjacent inner member 610.

[0048] As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, among others, the lock assembly 130 can be configured to lock the bike 100 with some other object, such as a bike rack, rod, structure, or public infrastructure. For example, the lock assembly 130 can be positioned on the bike 100 in a location designed to accommodate a variety of objects (e.g., a variety of public infrastructure designs). For example, the receiver 205 can be integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100 in a location (e.g., within the middle portion 150 and proximate the drive mechanism 155) such that the lock assembly 130 can accommodate various objects to which the bike 100 can desirably be secured. As depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, among others, the securing member 200 can be secured to (e.g., engaged with) the receiver 205 with an object positioned between the securing member 200 and the receiver 205. Because the securing member 200 can be engaged with (e.g., secured to, in locking relationship with) the receiver 205 such that the securing member 200 cannot be separated from the receiver 205 without disengaging the securing member 200 from the receiver 205, the frame 120 of the bike 100 can be coupled with whatever object is positioned between the securing member 200 and the receiver 205 as the securing member 200 is coupled with the receiver 205. For example, the bike 100 can be positioned near an object, such as public infrastructure 700, public infrastructure 705, public infrastructure 710, or some other object. Once positioned near the object, the securing member 200 can be positioned around the object and engaged with the receiver 205. For example, the securing member 200 can receive the object between the ends 300 of the securing member 200 before the ends 300 of the securing member 200 are inserted into the openings 305 of the receiver 205. In this way, the securing member 200 can be engaged with the receiver 205 while an object is positioned between the receiver 205 and the securing member 200 in order to secure (e.g., lock, couple) the frame 120 of the bike 100 with the object. The receiver 205 of the lock assembly 130 can be positioned on the frame 120 of the bike 100 such that the securing member 200 can be engaged with the receiver 205 with any one of the public infrastructure 700, the public infrastructure 705, or the public infrastructure 710, among other objects, are positioned between the receiver 205 and the securing member 200. Accordingly,the lock assembly 130 can be used to secure (e.g., lock, couple) the frame 120 of the bike 100 with the respective public infrastructure 700, public infrastructure 705, public infrastructure 710.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 9, among others, depicts a method 900 of operating the lock assembly 130. The method 900 can include one or more of the ACTS 905-930. The ACTS 905-930 can be performed in the order depicted in FIG. 9 or in some other order. Any of ACTS 905-930 can be omitted.

[0050] The method 900 can include inserting an end at ACT 905. For example, the method 900 can include inserting the end 300 of the securing member 200 into the opening 305 of the receiver 205. The securing member 200 can include two or more ends 300 corresponding to two or more openings 305 of the receiver. The ends 300 of the securing member 200 can include the locking region 325. The locking region 325 can be a notch, groove, slot, or other feature shaped to engage the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 of the receiver 205.

[0051] The method 900 can include actuating a motor at ACT 910. For example, the method 900 can include actuating the motor 350 at ACT 910. The motor 350 can include the shaft 500 coupled with the gear 340. The gear 340 can include gear teeth engaged with the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330. The plunger 330 can be fastened to the striker 315 of the receiver 205. Movement of the shaft 500 can cause movement (e.g., rotation) of the gear 340, which can further cause movement of the plunger 330, which can in turn cause movement of the striker 315. The motor 350 can be actuated 350 at ACT 910 to move the striker 315 towards the end 300 of the securing member 200. The motor 350 can be actuated via the PCBA 365. For example, the PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500. The PCBA 365 can provide power via the battery 105 to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can transmit the signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction). The PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in response to an operator input. For example, the PCBA 365 can receive an operator input and can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in the first direction based on the operator input.

[0052] The method 900 can include engaging the end at ACT 915. For example, the method 900 can include disengaging the striker 315 from the end 300 of the securing member 200 at ACT 915. The striker 315 can include the locking portion 320 engaged with (e.g.,contacting, touching, abutting) the locking region 325 of the securing member 200 as a result of the striker 315 being moved towards from the end 300 via the actuation of the motor 350 at ACT 910. The securing member 200 can be secured with (e.g., locked in, retained by, coupled with) the receiver 205 with the striker 315 engaged with the end 300.

[0053] The method 900 can include receiving an input at ACT 920. For example, the method 900 can include receiving an operator input at ACT 920. The PCBA 365 can include a communication interface configured to receive and transmit inputs, signals, or other communications to the motor 350, among other components. For example, the PCBA 365 can receive an input from an operator. The input can be an indication to actuate the motor 350 to, for example, unlock the lock assembly 130. The input can be provided by an operator via tactile or physical input (e.g., via a button or switch) or via wireless communication. For example, the operator input can be an input provided via NFC tap with a wireless transceiver positioned on the frame 120 of the bike 100 or in some other location (e.g., the securing member 200). The operator input can be an input provided via a mobile application (e.g., via a graphical user interface of a mobile application) or by some other means.

[0054] The method 900 can include actuating a motor at ACT 925. For example, the method 900 can include actuating the motor 350 at ACT 925. The motor 350 can be actuated at ACT 925 to draw the striker 315 away from the end 300 of the securing member 200. The motor 350 can be actuated via the PCBA 365. For example, the PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500. The PCBA 365 can provide power via the battery 105 to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can transmit the signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). The PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in response to the operator input received at ACT 920.

[0055] The method 900 can include disengaging the end at ACT 930. For example, the method 900 can include disengaging the striker 315 from the end 300 of the securing member 200 at ACT 930. The striker 315 can include the locking portion 320 disengaged from the locking region 325 of the securing member 200 as a result of the striker 315 being retracted (e.g., moved away) from the end 300 via the actuation of the motor 350 at ACT 925. The securing member 200 can be freely removed from the receiver 205 with the striker 315 disengaged from the end 300.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture for a computer system 1000 that can be employed to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein, including, for example, the lock assembly depicted in FIGS. 1-5, 7, and 8, among others. For example, the PCBA 365 can be or include the computing system 1000 can include at least one bus 1005 or other communication component for communicating information and at least one processor 1010 or processing circuit coupled to the bus 1005 for processing information. The computing system 1000 can also include one or more processors 1010 or processing circuits coupled to the bus for processing information. The computing system 1000 also includes at least one main memory 1015, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 1005 for storing information, and instructions to be executed by the processor 1010. The main memory 1015 can be used for storing information during execution of instructions by the processor 1010. The computing system 1000 may further include at least one read only memory (ROM) 1020 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1005 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 1010. A storage device 1025, such as a solid state device, magnetic disk or optical disk, can be coupled to the bus 1005 to persistently store information and instructions.

[0057] The computing system 1000 may be coupled via the bus 1005 to a display 1035, such as a liquid crystal display, or active matrix display, for displaying information to a user such as a rider of the bike 100 or other end user. An input device 1030, such as a keyboard or voice interface may be coupled to the bus 1005 for communicating information and commands to the processor 1010. The input device 1030 can include a touch screen display 1035. The input device 1030 can also include a cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 1010 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 1035.

[0058] The processes, systems and methods described herein can be implemented by the computing system 1000 in response to the processor 1010 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1015. Such instructions can be read into main memory 1015 from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 1025. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1015 causes the computing system 1000 to perform the illustrative processes described herein. One or more processors in a multiprocessing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory 1015. Hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions together with the systems and methods described herein. Systems and methods described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0059] Some of the description herein emphasizes the structural independence of the aspects of the system components or groupings of operations and responsibilities of these system components. Other groupings that execute similar overall operations are within the scope of the present application. Modules can be implemented in hardware or as computer instructions on a non-transient computer readable storage medium, and modules can be distributed across various hardware or computer based components.

[0060] The systems described above can provide multiple ones of any or each of those components and these components can be provided on either a standalone system or on multiple instantiation in a distributed system. In addition, the systems and methods described above can be provided as one or more computer-readable programs or executable instructions embodied on or in one or more articles of manufacture. The article of manufacture can be cloud storage, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic tape. In general, the computer-readable programs can be implemented in any programming language, such as LISP, PERL, C, C++, C#, PROLOG, or in any byte code language such as JAVA. The software programs or executable instructions can be stored on or in one or more articles of manufacture as object code.

[0061] Example and non-limiting module implementation elements include sensors providing any value determined herein, sensors providing any value that is a precursor to a value determined herein, datalink or network hardware including communication chips, oscillating crystals, communication links, cables, twisted pair wiring, coaxial wiring, shielded wiring, transmitters, receivers, or transceivers, logic circuits, hard-wired logic circuits, reconfigurable logic circuits in a particular non-transient state configured according to the module specification, any actuator including at least an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator, a solenoid, an op-amp, analog control elements (springs, filters, integrators, adders, dividers, gain elements), or digital control elements.

[0062] The subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The subject matter described in this specification can beimplemented as one or more computer programs, e.g., one or more circuits of computer program instructions, encoded on one or more computer storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatuses. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machinegenerated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. While a computer storage medium is not a propagated signal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices include cloud storage). The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0063] The terms “computing device”, “component” or “data processing apparatus” or the like encompass various apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a crossplatform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

[0064] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can correspond to a file in afile system. A computer program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0065] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by, and apparatuses can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0066] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or a combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to- peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0067] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0068] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, and although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0069] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing” “involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0070] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0071] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0072] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0073] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0074] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0075] Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A bicycle lock assembly, comprising: a securing member comprising one or more ends; and a receiver integrated with a frame of a bicycle, the receiver comprising an opening to receive the one or more ends of the securing member to couple the securing member with the frame of the bicycle.

2. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the receiver comprising a striker coupled with a plunger, the plunger to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member.

3. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the receiver comprising a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear.

4. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the receiver comprising a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear; and an electric motor comprising a shaft, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause the rotation of the gear.

5. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple and decouple the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver.

6. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple and decouple, based on an operator input, the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver.

7. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple and decouple, based on an operator input, the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver, wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

8. The bicycle lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the receiver comprising a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear; an electric motor comprising a shaft, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause the rotation of the gear; and a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the electric motor, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively operate, based on an operator input, the electric motor to cause the rotation of the gear; wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

9. An electric bicycle, comprising: a bicycle lock assembly, comprising: a securing member comprising one or more ends; and a receiver integrated with a frame of the electric bicycle, the receiver comprising an opening to receive the one or more ends of the securing member to couple the securing member with the frame of the electric bicycle; and at least one battery coupled with the frame and electrically coupled with the receiver.

10. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly including a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple and decouple the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver.

11. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly including printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple anddecouple, based on an operator input, the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver.

12. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly including a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the receiver, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively couple and decouple, based on an operator input, the one or more ends of the securing member with the receiver, wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

13. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly including: the receiver having a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear.

14. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly including: the receiver having a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear; and an electric motor having a shaft, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause the rotation of the gear.

15. The electric bicycle of claim 9, comprising: the bicycle lock assembly comprising: the receiver comprising a gear, a plunger, and a striker coupled with the plunger, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage at least one end of the one or more ends of the securing member with a rotation of the gear; an electric motor comprising a shaft, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause the rotation of the gear; and a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the electric motor, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively operate, based on an operator input, the electric motor to cause the rotation of the gear; wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

16. A method, comprising: inserting an end of a securing member into an opening of a receiver, the receiver integrated with a frame of a bicycle; and engaging a striker of the receiver with a locking portion of the securing member to couple the securing member with the receiver; wherein the securing member is configured to engage with the receiver with an object positioned therebetween to couple the frame of the bicycle with the object.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising: actuating a motor to move a plunger of the receiver; wherein a movement of the plunger causes the striker to engage the locking portion of the securing member.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the receiver includes a gear, a spring-loaded plunger, and a striker coupled with the spring-loaded plunger, the spring-loaded plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the striker to engage the locking portion of the securing member with a rotation of the gear; wherein engaging the striker includes actuating the gear to move the spring-loaded plunger.

19. The method of claim 16, comprising: receiving, by a printed circuit board assembly of the receiver, an operator input; and actuating, based on the operator input, a motor to move a plunger of the receiver; wherein a movement of the plunger causes the striker to disengage the locking portion of the securing member to decouple the securing member from the receiver.

20. The method of claim 16, comprising: receiving, by a printed circuit board assembly of the receiver, an operator input; and actuating, based on an operator input, a motor to move a plunger of the receiver; wherein a movement of the plunger causes the striker to disengage the locking portionof the securing member to decouple the securing member from the receiver; wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

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