Seat post Anti-theft arrangement for a pedal cycle

Abstract

There is provided an arrangement for a pedal cycle, comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part. Also provided is a pedal cycle having a removable seat post arranged to mate with a seat tube on a frame of the pedal cycle, comprising an arrangement for a pedal cycle, the arrangement for a pedal cycle comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

Description

[0001] ARRANGEMENT FOR A PEDAL CYCLE

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to arrangements for cycles. In particular, the invention relates to arrangements for pedal cycles and pedal cycles comprising an arrangement.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Environmental reasons and increases in fuel prices have made travelling by bike a much more attractive and popular option in recent years. However, bike theft is a prolific issue that may put many people off travelling by bike.

[0006] As travelling by bike for commuting or pleasure increases in popularity, instances of bike theft have also increased. Advances in designs of bikes means that they are now typically much more expensive, and therefore a more desirable target for thieves.

[0007] On average, over 77,000 bikes are reported as stolen in the UK every year. This equates to one bike being stolen every 7 minutes. This number may be a minimum estimate, since not all bike thefts will be reported to police. Bike theft is reportedly the number one insurance claim on household insurance in the UK. Often, stolen bikes are easily disposed of by thieves, for example by reselling on online marketplaces.

[0008] Thieves often target bikes that have been stored in communal areas like flats or train stations, or outside offices. Even when bikes are securely locked with high quality and expensive locking mechanisms, thieves may still be able to use, for example, high powered battery angle grinders or the like to remove the locks. Alternative anti-theft systems have been developed that often use technology, such as trackers or apps, to deter thieves. However, these may not prevent theft as the bike may still be physically taken away and easily resold, as well as being technically complex and burdensome for a rider.

[0009] Therefore, an arrangement for a bike that can effectively deter bike theft is required. It is desired to address the drawbacks associated with current proposed solutions. SUMMARY

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for a pedal cycle, comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

[0011] By providing uniquely-keyed seat post and seat tube part that are correspondingly shaped, the seat tube and seat post parts may fit together. As such, standard or noncorresponding seat post and seat tubes may not fit together.

[0012] In use, a rider may remove the seat post part to leave a pedal cycle with a correspondingly shaped seat tube locked up when the pedal cycle is not being ridden. The requirement for a corresponding shape of the uniquely-keyed seat post and seat tube part and replace a correspondingly shaped seat post with a different seat post. Advantageously, this means that bike thieves may be deterred from stealing bikes where it would not be possible to simply fit a replacement seat post or to ride the pedal cycle away.

[0013] In particular, it would take considerable effort and / or cost for a thief to fit a seat post to the pedal cycle because they would need to match the uniquely-keyed seat tube part with a corresponding uniquely-keyed seat post part. Such replacement would require considerable cost to manufacture individual posts and therefore the bicycle would be a less attractive target than a pedal cycle that is absent the arrangement of the first aspect. Such an arrangement is also relatively cheap and simple to implement and not technically burdensome for a rider to use.

[0014] The uniquely-keyed seat post part may be shaped as one of a set of irregular shapes, and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be correspondingly shaped as a corresponding one of the set of irregular shapes.

[0015] The shapes of the uniquely-keyed seat post and seat tube parts may be irregular. That is, the uniquely-keyed seat post and seat tube parts may act as a keyway to ensure that standard shaped seat posts and seat tubes do not fit the uniquely-keyed seat post and seat tube parts, in order to make it difficult for bike thieves to fit or replace alternative parts, and thereby deter theft.

[0016] In practice, the pairs of correspondingly shaped uniquely-keyed seat posts and seat tube parts may be manufactured in batches like keys. As such, each will be shaped as one of a set of shapes. This is a solution that is simple to implement, without extra technical burden for a user, as well as being cheap to manufacture.

[0017] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be complementarily shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat post part.

[0018] Complementarily shaped means that the uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be shaped to fit exactly (with some clearance) with a uniquely-keyed seat post part. As such, the likelihood of a different shaped corresponding part fitting with either of the uniquely-keyed seat tube or the uniquely-keyed seat post part will be reduced, thereby increasing security.

[0019] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part may define a seat post receiving opening.

[0020] By defining a seat post receiving opening, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be configured to slidably receive a corresponding uniquely-keyed seat post part. This means that the parts may suitably fit together to provide the required support for a saddle on the pedal cycle, whilst increasing securing by virtue of the corresponding uniquely-shaped parts.

[0021] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part extends along at least a portion of the length of the seat tube of a pedal cycle.

[0022] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part extends along at least a portion of the length of the seat tube meaning that the portion of the uniquely-keyed seat tube part that fits with the uniquely-keyed seat post part may provide support and reduced movement of the parts with respect to each other when fitted together. This may increase security and structural support of the seat post on the seat tube.

[0023] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be integrally formed on a portion of the seat tube of a pedal cycle. By being integrally formed, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part may not be detachable from the frame of the pedal cycle. This may increase security to act as a deterrent for thieves as it may be difficult to retrofit alternative parts.

[0024] The uniquely-keyed seat post part may comprise one or more protrusions.

[0025] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part may comprise one more recesses that correspond to at least one of the one or more protrusions of the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the one or more recesses may be arranged to receive the corresponding one or more protrusions on the uniquely-keyed seat post part.

[0026] By using protrusions with corresponding recesses, a close fit between the uniquely-keyed seat post part and uniquely-keyed seat tube part may be provided. This enables a secure fit and means that a plurality of different keyway combinations may be provided.

[0027] The one or more protrusions may project radially around a central portion of the uniquely-keyed seat post part.

[0028] The one or more protrusions may be radially asymmetric.

[0029] The one or more protrusions may each have varying widths.

[0030] The one or more protrusions may have varying lengths.

[0031] The one or more protrusions may have varying polygonal shapes.

[0032] Such arrangements of the protrusion may provide a secure fit between the uniquely-keyed seat tube part and the corresponding uniquely-keyed seat post part. As such, a more secure combination that acts like a key and lock may be provided. Irregularities in the shapes of the protrusions may also make it more difficult for bike thieves to reproduce, thereby acting as a deterrent.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided a pedal cycle having a removable seat post arranged to mate with a seat tube on a frame of the pedal cycle, comprising an arrangement for a pedal cycle, the arrangement for a pedal cycle comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

[0034] Such an arrangement on a pedal cycle may act as a deterrent for thieves since, as described with respect to the first aspect, the pedal cycles would be absent a seat post and saddle when locked up and, as such would be a less desirable target. The uniquely-keyed seat post part and uniquely-keyed seat tube part act as a keyway such that alternative and replacement parts would not fit with the respective other part. Such a solution is not technically complex and easy to use for a rider.

[0035] The pedal cycle may further comprise a release mechanism to release the seat post from the seat tube.

[0036] By providing a release mechanism, the seat post may be simply and easily removed by a rider. This ensures that implementation of the arrangement is simple and not burdensome for a rider.

[0037] The pedal cycle may comprise a securing mechanism for adjusting and securing the height of the seat post.

[0038] A securing mechanism may secure the relative height of the seat post to the seat tube. It may secure the uniquely-keyed seat post part and uniquely-keyed seat tube part such that the saddle is sufficiently supported on the frame of the pedal cycle. It may also mean that a rider can easily use the arrangement without requiring to adjust the seat height every time.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 shows an example of a typical pedal cycle;

[0042] Figure 2 shows an example of an arrangement for a pedal cycle in accordance with an aspect of the invention; and Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of part of a pedal cycle comprising the arrangement of Figure 2.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In brief overview, an arrangement for a pedal cycle comprises a uniquely-keyed seat post part and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part. The uniquely-keyed seat tube part is configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat tube part. The uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

[0045] The term “pedal cycle” used herein covers at least bikes, trikes, unicycles, tandems and triplets, as well as e-bikes, electronic cycles and the like. It will be appreciated that while the examples described herein relate to pedal cycles, the arrangement is suitable for other types of cycles, with or without pedals. The arrangement is also suitable for e-bikes and electronic cycles without pedals. The term “pedal cycle” may be used interchangeably with the term “bike”, without excluding any of the above-mentioned cycles.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows an example of a typical pedal cycle 1. Among other features of a known pedal cycle, the pedal cycle 1 comprises: a bike frame 2, wheels 3, saddle 4, handlebars 5 and pedals 6. The bike frame 2 comprises a seat tube 7. The saddle 4 is attached to a seat post 8. The seat post 8 may support the saddle 4.

[0047] The seat post 8 is received and engaged in the seat tube 7. The height of the saddle 4 and seat post 8 may be adjusted by a securing mechanism 9 provided on the seat tube 7. The securing mechanism 9 may allow for a relative sliding movement between the seat post 8 and the seat tube 7. The securing mechanism 9 may also be provided with releasing means to enable a rider to fully remove the seat post 8 from the seat tube 9.

[0048] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an arrangement for a pedal cycle 100. The arrangement 100 comprises a uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120. The uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 are correspondingly shaped. In this disclosure, the term “uniquely-keyed” refers the seat post part 110 and the seat tube part 120 being provided as one of a set of shape and dimensions, i.e. as a key and corresponding lock combination. In examples, the each of the seat post part 110 and the seat tube part 120 is shaped as one of a set of irregular shapes. The term “irregular shapes” refers to the shape of each seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120 having at least part that is or has, for example, non-circular, non-round, ribs, rebated, cut-outs, extrusions, protrusions, recesses. Every single seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120 as defined in this disclosure may not be uniquely different, rather each pair will act like a key or keyway to fit with each other by providing combinations that are not compatible with other unique-keyed seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120 or standard-issue seat posts and seat tubes. In examples, batches of uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120 pairs may be manufactured and shaped as one of a set of irregular shapes. Further batches of different seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120 pairs may be manufactured and shaped as a different one of the set of irregular shapes.

[0049] The uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may be provided on the seat post of a pedal cycle. In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 has a non-circular cross section.

[0050] In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 is provided with one or more protrusions that project radially from a central portion in plan view. Referring to Figure 2, an example of a uniquely-keyed seat post part comprising four protrusions 112 projecting radially from a central portion 114 is shown. The protrusions 112 extend longitudinally along the length of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110.

[0051] Each protrusion 112 may have a varying radial width. That is, each protrusion 112 may have a different width to another one of the protrusions 112. The width of the protrusions 112 may not be consistent. The protrusions 112 may be radially asymmetric. That is, the protrusions 112 may not have any lines of symmetry in plan view such that their arrangement is random.

[0052] The protrusions 112 may have varying lengths. That is, each protrusion may extend a different length along the of the seat post part 110. The protrusions 112 may be formed as different polygonal shapes. For example, the protrusions 112 may be formed with circular, oval, triangular, or square shapes in plan view polygonal shapes.

[0053] In examples, the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may be a polygonal shape for example a triangle, square, rectangle. As such, the uniquely- keyed seat post part 110 may not fit onto a seat tube part that is not correspondingly shaped with respect to the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110.

[0054] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 defines a seat post receiving opening 122. The seat post receiving opening 112 is correspondingly shaped with respect to the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. As such, the seat post receiving opening 122 is configured to receive the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110.

[0055] In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may act as a female part of the arrangement 100. The uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may act as a corresponding male part of the arrangement. In use, the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may be slidably engaged with the seat post receiving opening. Correspondingly shaped means that the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 fits together with the uniquely-keyed seat tube part with a small clears such that they may be slidably engaged.

[0056] In examples, seat post receiving opening 112 is complimentarily shaped with respect to the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. In other words, the shape of the seat post receiving opening 112 may have an inverted shape that exactly matches the shape of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. In examples where the seat post receiving opening 112 is correspondingly shaped with respect to the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110, the shapes may be substantially similar such that they fit and engage as a keyway, but their respective shapes may not exactly match.

[0057] In examples, the seat post receiving opening 112 is complimentarily shaped with respect to the cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. This means that the shapes may be complementary i.e. exactly match rather than corresponding where the parts fit together. This may provide for an additional security whereby only an exact match of seat tube parts 120 and complementarily shaped seat post parts 110 fit together.

[0058] The uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may extend along a portion of the length of the seat tube of a pedal cycle. The uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may comprise at least one recess 124 that is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to at least one of the protrusions 112 of the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. That is, one of the recesses 124 may be shaped and dimensioned to receive a corresponding one of the protrusions 112 such that the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 fits within the seat post receiving opening 122. As such, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 and the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may be engaged in a specific orientation such that together they act as a keyway. Advantageously, this means that alternative components may not be fitted together. Additionally, by matching irregular shapes, the seat post may be supported to avoid twisting of the seat post and saddle with respect to the seat tube, as well as simple attachment of the seat post for a rider.

[0059] In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 defines an end of the seat tube of a pedal cycle. In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may be attached to an end of the seat tube of a pedal cycle. In examples, uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 fits within the end of a seat tube of a pedal cycle. The exterior cross section of the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may be round to suitably fit with a standard seat tube of a pedal cycle. In examples, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may have an exterior cross section that corresponds to an interior cross section of a seat tube of a pedal cycle. In each of these examples, the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 may be integrally formed on a portion of the seat tube of the pedal cycle. The exterior cross section may be square, triangular, octagonal or have another polygonal shape.

[0060] As described, a pedal cycle 10 may be provided with the arrangement 100 thereon. Figure 3 shows part of a pedal cycle 10, comprising the arrangement 100. The seat post 80 may be removable. The seat post 80 may be attached to, and / or support, a saddle 40.

[0061] The seat post 80, which may comprise the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110, is configured to mate with a seat tube 70 that is part of a frame 20 of the pedal cycle 10. The seat post 80 may have a uniquely-keyed seat post part 110. The seat tube 70 may have a uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120. The seat post 80 and seat tube 70 mate via the arrangement comprising the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120.

[0062] In use, the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 is inserted into the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120. The corresponding shaped uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and the uniquely-keyed tube post part 120 fit together to act as keyway between the seat tube 80 and the seat post 70. This means that non-corresponding seat tubes or seat posts will not fit with the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 or the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120.

[0063] The seat post and the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 are slidably received in the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120. This means that the height of the seat post 80, and therefore the saddle 40, may be easily adjusted by a rider. The rider may secure the seat post 80 at an appropriate height using a securing mechanism 90 and by slidably moving the seat post 80 with respect to the seat tube 70.

[0064] In examples, the securing mechanism 90 may comprise a seat clamp. In examples, the securing mechanism 90 may comprise one or more screws and corresponding threaded one or more holes that passes through part of the seat post and the seat tube, or the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120. The screw may be loosened or tightened as appropriate for height adjustment and removal. In examples, more than one screw may be provided. In examples, the one or more screw may be a wing nut. This may provide additional stability to prevent the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 from separating. In examples, the one or more screws may attach the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 for an extended period. This may be useful if the rider does not remove the seat post regularly, for example if they often lock the pedal cycle up at their residence. In examples, the securing mechanism may comprise an annular ring that extends around the exterior cross of the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120 and may be secured to fix the height of the seat post.

[0065] When a rider is leaving the pedal cycle, the seat post 80 may be removed. This means that the pedal cycle 10 may be secured in a public place without the seat post 80. By virtue of the uniquely-keyed seat tube part 120, an alternative seat post will not fit with the seat tube 70 . As such, bike thieves may be deterred from stealing the bike and frame since it will be difficult to provide and attach an alternative seat post.

[0066] In examples, a release mechanism 95 may be provided to release the seat post 80 from the seat tube 70. In examples, the release mechanism 95 may be provided as part of the securing mechanism 90. In examples, a separate release mechanism may be provided that may loosen the fit between the corresponding seat post part 110 and seat tube part 120. The release mechanism 95 may comprise a release button or leaver. As such, it is simple and not burdensome for a rider to remove the seat post from the seat tube. In examples, the securing mechanism 90 and the release mechanism 95 may be interchangeable.

[0067] In examples, one or both of the seat post and / or seat tube may comprise a notch. The notch may be part of the securing mechanism. It may be configured to fix the height of the seat post within the seat tube such that the height of the seat post does not need to be reset or readjusted each time the seat post is reattached to the buke. The notch may comprise an adjustable screw or similar.

[0068] In examples, the seat post may be inserted over the seat tube, i.e. the uniquely- keyed seat tube part 120 may act as a male part of the arrangement 100 and the uniquely-keyed seat post part 110 may act as a corresponding female part of the arrangement. In this example, the seat post part 110 may receive the seat tube part 120.

[0069] Although a few example embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0070] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or before this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0072] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings, or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An arrangement for a pedal cycle, comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

2. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 1 , wherein the uniquely-keyed seat post part is shaped as one of a set of irregular shapes, and the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped as a corresponding one of the set of irregular shapes.

3. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the uniquely- keyed seat post part is complementarily shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

4. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of any preceding claim, wherein the uniquely- keyed seat tube part defines a seat post receiving opening.

5. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 4, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part extends along at least a portion of the length of the seat tube of a pedal cycle.

6. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of any preceding claim, wherein the uniquely- keyed seat tube part is integrally formed on a portion of the seat tube of a pedal cycle.

7. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of any preceding claim, wherein the uniquely- keyed seat post part comprises one or more protrusions.

8. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 7, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part comprises one more recesses that correspond to at least one of the one or more protrusions of the uniquely-keyed seat post, wherein the one or more recesses are arranged to receive the corresponding one or more protrusions on the uniquely-keyed seat post.

9. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 8, wherein the one or more protrusions project radially around a central portion of the uniquely-keyed seat post part.

10. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 9, wherein the one or more protrusions are radially asymmetric.11 . The arrangement for a pedal cycle of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the one or more protrusions each have varying widths.

12. The arrangement for a pedal cycle of any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the one or more protrusions have varying polygonal shapes.

13. A pedal cycle having a removable seat post arranged to mate with a seat tube on a frame of the pedal cycle, comprising an arrangement for a pedal cycle, the arrangement for a pedal cycle comprising: a uniquely-keyed seat post part; and a uniquely-keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely-keyed seat post part, wherein the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.

14. The pedal cycle of claim 13, wherein the pedal cycle further comprises a release mechanism to release the seat post from the seat tube.

15. The pedal cycle of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the pedal cycle further comprises a securing mechanism for adjusting and securing the height of the seat post.

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