Lock mounting device

Abstract

This invention relates to a lock mounting device. In particular, the invention relates to a lock mount, a locking device, and a locking device kit, in which the locking device is a smart lock. The lock mount includes a mounting body, having a surface mounting face securable to a surface via temporary or permanent attachment means, and a locking device mounting face shaped and dimensioned to receive a lock body of the locking device. The locking device body is shaped and dimensioned to remotely and physically engage and disengage with the lock mount. The lock kit includes the locking device and the lock mount, both having interlocking elements operable to secure the locking device within the lock mount once the lock mount is attached to a surface and the locking device is inserted into the lock mount.

Description

[0001] LOCK MOUNTING DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a lock mounting device. In particular, the invention relates to a lock mount, a locking device, and a locking device kit, in which the locking device is a smart lock.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] While traditional locks utilise mechanical components to operate, loT or electronic locks, otherwise known as “smart” locks, incorporate electronic systems and offer remote access capabilities, data storage of access history, and GPS location tracking thereby enhancing its functionality and security when compared to conventional locks. As “smart” locks become increasingly popular, ensuring its durability and reliability is crucial. loT locks contain sensitive electronic components and motors which are vulnerable to physical impact and external damage. The internal mechanisms are at risk of malfunctioning when the loT lock has been damaged.

[0006] Protection is required to ensure the internal components are adequately shielded from physical impact and external damage. Such protection is especially crucial for outdoor or high-traffic installations where loT locks are more likely to be exposed to harsh conditions.

[0007] The inventor is aware that loT or Smart locks are expensive and contain sensitive components which may be damaged by physical impact. The inventor provides a solution to this problem through the proposed invention.

[0008] In this specification the term locking device means any lock which includes a lock body and a locking member, such as a shackle, extending form the lock body, and of which one end of the locking member engages and disengages from the lock body. In particular, locking devices having shackles of wire rope, or the like. The lock devices may be in the form of an electronic, IOT, smart locks / padlock or the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Broadly according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lock mount for securing a locking device to a surface, which includes a mounting body, having a surface mounting face securable to a surface, and a locking device mounting face shaped and dimensioned to receive a lock body of the locking device.

[0010] The locking device may include a lock body, and a locking member in the form of a wire rope, cable, shackle or the like, configured to be inserted and selectively retained in the lock body. In one embodiment, the locking device may be a pad lock. The lock mount, is operable to mount the lock body to a surface at a location proximate an intended locking position. The lock mount can be secured to a surface, after which it can receive and retain the lock body of the locking device, while allowing the locking member to freely engage and disengage with a locking element (such as a hasp, eyelet, ring, loop closure member or the like). Advantageously, the lock mount does not obstruct or participate in the locking function of the locking device, but serves to hold the lock body in position.

[0011] The mounting body may be in the form of a cradle.

[0012] The surface mounting face may include attachment means in order to secure the mounting body to a surface such as a container wall, truck door or the like. In use, the surface would be positioned proximate to where the locking device needs to be utilised.

[0013] The attachment means may be permanent or temporary. The attachment means may be in the form of an attachment assembly which is connectable on the surface mounting face of the lock mount to allow the lock mount to be attachable to a surface. The attachment means may be in the form of any one or more of: adhesives, adhesive tape, screws, fasteners, magnetic connectors, suction cups, or the like. In one embodiment, the attachment means is in the form of one or more suction cups positioned on the surface mounting face to temporarily mount the lock mount to a surface.

[0014] In another embodiment, the attachment means may include a plurality of apertures may be provided for on the surface mounting face such that a plurality of fasteners may pass through and permanently secure the lock mount to a surface.

[0015] The lock mount may be operable to receive and retain the lock body of the locking device therein. In one embodiment, the lock mount may be operable to slidably receive the lock body of the locking device.

[0016] The locking device mounting face may be in the form of a planar support surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the planar support surface may include upstanding side walls extending away from the planar support surface along opposing edges of the planar support surface, operable to slidably receive and retain a locking device therein. The planar support surface may further include an upstanding bottom wall extending away from the planar support surface, the walls providing a generally U- shaped configuration, thereby defining a cradle. The walls may define an open top side of the lock mount such that the lock body can be pushed into and slid downwardly between the two side walls towards the bottom wall.

[0018] The mounting body may include guiding features operable to engage complementary features on the lock body.

[0019] The guiding features may be in the form of any one or more of: a male and / or female formation, complementary tab, slot and / or pin / tab, groove and / or tongue, projection and / or socket, or the like.

[0020] The guiding features may extend along at least two opposing sides of the mounting body. In particular, the guiding features extend inwardly from the side walls. The guiding features may be in the form of interlocking elements shaped to engage corresponding features on the lock body. The interlocking elements may be in the form of inwardly extending lateral projections formed integrally with, or carried by, the side walls, and are operable to engage the interlocking elements of the lock body and secure the lock body within the locking device mount, thereby preventing lateral movement of the lock body while facilitating longitudinal movement of the lock body into and out of the locking device mount. The interlocking elements may resemble dovetail-like profiles. When sliding the locking device downward into the mounting body, interlocking elements of the locking device may engage with the complementary interlocking elements of the mounting body such that the locking device is held securely therein. The interlocking elements may be spaced apart along the side walls, so as to define gaps therebetween, such that when the lock body is moved towards the planar support surface, such that the interlocking elements of the lock body align with the gaps, and the lock body is subsequently moved downwardly, the interlocking elements of the lock body is positioned behind the inwardly extending lateral projections of the locking device mount, and the lock body is retained within the locking device mount.

[0021] It is to be appreciated that the locking device mount may be used in any orientation, depending on the surface and locking position in which it is to be utilised. In an orientation where the locking device mount is positioned horizontally, the open top will be in a lateral position, and the locking device will be slid laterally into the locking device mount.

[0022] The mounting body may include a locking element. The locking element may be in the form of a lockable member or a retainer on the locking device mounting face, for engaging a corresponding locking element on the locking device when the lock body is positioned within the lock mount.

[0023] In one embodiment, the locking element on the lock mount is in the form of a retainer, the retainer is shaped to receive a complementary lockable member. In use, for retaining the lockable member on a lock body, to prevent the locking device from moving out of the cradle. In particular, for preventing longitudinal movement of the lock body relative to the mounting body. The retainer may be in the form of a detent seat, locking recess, catch plate, or the like. In one embodiment the retainer may be in the form of a catch. The catch may include a bar with a recessed engagement surface, shaped to receive and retain the locking element in position. The recessed engagement surface may be in the form of a semi-circular or cylindrical recess.

[0024] Broadly according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a locking device, which includes a lock body, shaped and dimensioned to be received and secured in a lock mount; and an elongate locking member, operable for locking the lock body onto an object.

[0025] One end of the elongate locking member may be fixed to the lock body, and the other free end defining a locking end which is configured to be inserted and selectively retained in a locking aperture of the lock body.

[0026] The locking device may be in the form of an electronic smart lock with wireless connectivity and the elongate member may be in the form of a wire rope, cable, shackle or the like.

[0027] The lock body may include guiding features operable to engage complementary features on the lock mount.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lock body may be slidably receivable by the lock mount.

[0029] The guiding features may be in the form of interlocking elements shaped to engage corresponding features on the lock mount. In one embodiment, the interlocking elements may resemble dovetail-like profiles. The interlocking elements may be in the form of outwardly extending lateral projections on opposing sides of the lock body. When sliding the lock body downwardly into the lock mount, the lateral projections are positioned such that they may overlap with complementary projections of the lock mount, such that the locking device is held securely in the lock mount. The lock body may further include a locking element. The locking element may be in the form of a lockable member and / or a retainer. In use, the locking element may be operable to engage with a lockable member and / or retainer of the lock mount, to prevent the locking device from moving out of the lock mount.

[0030] In one embodiment, the locking element is in the form of a lockable member. The lockable member may be positioned on the lock body such that the lockable member aligns with a retainer of the lock mount when the locking device is positioned therein. The lockable member may be spring-loaded. The lockable member may be in the form of a ball, a projection, a detent pin, a hook, or the like.

[0031] The lockable member may be a displaceable lockable member. In particular, the lockable member may be displaced between a locked position in which the lockable member is urged away from the lock body (where it engages with a retainer on the lock mount), and an unlocked position in which the lockable member is retracted toward the lock body and disengages the retainer of the lock mount.

[0032] The locking device may include an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement may be controllable electronically, specifically remotely and wirelessly. The actuation arrangement may control the locking and unlocking of the lockable member and / or the locking an unlocking of the elongate locking member.

[0033] In one embodiment the actuation arrangement may include a lever which may actuate the displaceable lockable member. The actuation arrangement may further include a motor connected to the lever. The motor may be in the form of a servo motor. The servo motor may receive commands via wireless communication. Upon activation the servo motor moves the lever, which in turn engages the lockable member, causing the lockable member to urge outwardly into engagement with the retainer.

[0034] The locking device may include a guide groove. The lockable member may be positioned within the guide groove. The guide groove may be operable to slide over a bar of the mounting body, such that when the lock body is fully inserted in the mounting body, the lockable member moves into the recess of the retainer. In a locked position, the lever urges the lockable member into the recess, which then locks the locking device into position within the cradle body.

[0035] The elongate locking member may have an attached end connected to the lock body and a free end. The free end may be received by a locking aperture (such as a hasp) provided for on the lock body. The elongated locking member may be in the form of a U-shaped bar, flexible cord, shackle, or the like. The elongate locking member may loop around or through an object which is to be locked and secured.

[0036] In one embodiment, the elongate locking member may further include one or more apertures positioned through the elongate locking member, proximate any one or both the attached end and the free end. The one or more apertures may be in the form of through-apertures in the elongate locking member, extending transversely through the elongate locking member.

[0037] The lock body may include one or more seal-receiving formations, in the form of a ring, eyelet, boss, loop or the like. The locking device may include one or more tamper-evident elements looped through the apertures of the elongate locking member and through the seal-receiving formation of the lock body thereby securing the lock body to the elongate locking member such that the tamper-evident elements are broken upon release of the elongate locking member. The one or more tamper- evident elements may be in the form of a break-away seal, security strip, zip-tie or the like.

[0038] The locking device may include a transmitter within the lock body which receive input signals. When an input signal to lock is received by the transmitter, the elongate locking member is retained within the locking aperture. When an input signal to unlock is received by the transmitter, the elongate locking member is released from the locking aperture. The input signal may be in the form of wireless communications sent from a remote keypad, mobile device, remote computer, biometric scanner, or the like. In one embodiment, the input signal to lock or unlock may simultaneously retain or release the elongate locking member from the locking aperture and the lock body from the lock mount. In another embodiment, the input signal to lock or unlock may only retain or release the elongate locking member from the locking aperture, requiring an additional input signal to retain or release the lock body from the lock mount.

[0039] The locking device may include one or more smart features, such as a geo-location tracker (GPS), transmitter to send and / or receive wireless communication, recording device, clock, alarm, and the like. The locking device may record events, such as locking and unlocking of the locking aperture, locking and unlocking of the locking device from a lock mount, position, time, and the like.

[0040] Broadly according to another aspect of the invention there is provided a locking device kit, which includes a lock mount as described above; and a locking device, in which the locking device is shaped and dimensioned to engage or disengage the lock mount.

[0041] The locking device may be in the form of the locking device as described above.

[0042] In one embodiment, when in use, the locking device is slid downwardly into the lock mount. As the locking device is slid downwardly into the mounting body, the interlocking elements on the opposing sides of the lock body slidably engage with the interlocking elements on the locking device mounting surface. Once the locking device is completely slid into the lock mount, the servo motor may actuate the lever thereby urging the lockable member on the lock body into the recess of the retainer on the locking device mounting face. The elongate locking member may be looped through or around an object and the free end is inserted and locked into the locking aperture.

[0043] When an input signal to unlock is received by the transmitter the elongate locking member is released from the locking aperture. As the locking device is slid upwardly out of the lock mount, the interlocking elements of the lock body slidably disengages with the complementary interlocking elements on the lock mount. The lockable member on the lock body is disengaged from the retainer on the locking device mounting face. Once the locking device is completely slid out of the lock mount, the locking device is free to move.

[0044] The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0045] FIGURE(S)

[0046] In the figure(s):

[0047] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a lock mount in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

[0048] Figure 2 shows a front view of the lock mount of Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 3 shows a rear view of the lock mount of Figure 1 ;

[0050] Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional rear view of the lock mount with a suction cup assembly attached thereto;

[0051] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional rear view of a locking device in accordance with the invention;

[0052] Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of the locking device and lock mount, in use together as a kit, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0053] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking device (for illustrative purposes) on the lock mount, with the mount locking element of the locking device in an unlocked position;

[0054] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking device (for illustrative purposes) on the lock mount, with the mount locking element of the locking device in a locked position;

[0055] Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of another example of the locking device inserted in the lock mount;

[0056] Figure 10 shows the locking device of Figure 9 removed from the lock mount. In the figures, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.

[0057] EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0058] In the Figures, reference numeral (12) refers to a lock mount for securing a lock body (26) of a locking device (24) to a surface. In particular, the locking device (24) is a lock, in the form of an loT or electronic lock, otherwise known as a “smart” lock, which incorporates electronic systems and offer remote access and control capabilities, data storage to access history, and GPS location tracking. loT locks contain sensitive electronic components and motors which are vulnerable to physical impact and external damage. Thus, this invention aims to provide the means to secure the lock (24) on a surface proximate to where the lock (24) is needed to be used, such as a container wall, truck door or the like.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 3, the lock mount (12) includes a mounting body (14), having a surface mounting face (104) securable to a surface, and a locking device mounting face (102) shaped and dimensioned to receive a lock body (26) of the locking device (24).

[0060] The mounting body (14) in this example is in the form of a cradle.

[0061] The surface mounting face (104) includes attachment means in order to secure the mounting body (14) to a surface such as a container wall, truck door and the like. In use, the surface is positioned proximate to where the lock needs to be utilised.

[0062] The attachment means are either permanent or temporary. The temporary attachment means is in the form of adhesive tape (not shown) placed on the surface mounting face (104), thereby temporarily securing the mounting body (14) to a surface. In a further example, with reference to Figure 4, the temporary attachment means is in the form of a suction cup assembly (50) having two suctions cups (52), operable to be secured against the surface mounting face (104) in order to allow the lock mount (12) to be secured to a surface.

[0063] Four apertures (16) are provided for on the surface mounting face (104) such that four fasteners may pass through and permanently secure the lock mount (12) directly to a surface or to attach the lock mount (12) to a suction cup assembly (50) or the like.

[0064] As best shown in Figures 1 to 3, the locking device mounting face (102) is in the form of a generally planar support surface (102).

[0065] The lock mount (12) includes two side walls (14.1) extending along opposing side edges of the planar support surface (102), and a bottom wall (14.2) connecting the side walls. The walls (14.1 and 14.2) along with the planar support surface (102) define a cradle that is substantially U-shaped. A top of the mounting body (14) has an open top that when in use, the lock (24) can be pushed into and then slid downwardly between the two side walls (14.1) towards the bottom wall (14.2).

[0066] The mounting body (14) includes guiding features in the form of interlocking elements (18), shaped to engage corresponding features on the lock body (26).

[0067] The interlocking elements (18) extend along the two opposing sides of the mounting body (14). In particular, the interlocking elements (18) extend inwardly from the side walls (14.1) and resemble dovetail-like profiles. The interlocking elements (18) align and secure the lock body (26) within the lock mount (12) and prevent lateral movement, while facilitating longitudinal movement of the lock (24) into and out of the lock mount (12). When sliding the lock downward into the mounting body (14), lateral projections (30) of the lock (24) engage with the complementary interlocking elements (18) of the lock mount (12) such that the lock body (26) is held securely in the mounting body (14).

[0068] The interlocking elements (18) are spaced apart along the side walls (14.1), so as to define gaps therebetween, such that when the lock body (26) is moved towards the planar support surface (102), the interlocking elements (30) of the lock body (26) align with the gaps of the interlocking elements (18) of the mounting body (14). The lock body (26) is subsequently moved downwardly such that the interlocking elements (30) of the lock body (26) are positioned behind the inwardly extending lateral projections (18) of the lock mount (12), the lock body (26) is thereby retained within the lock mount (12).

[0069] As shown in Figure 1 , the mounting body (14) includes a retainer in the form of a catch (20) on the locking device mounting face (102), for engaging a corresponding lockable member (32) of a corresponding lock (24). The catch (20) includes a bar with a recessed engagement surface in the form of a semi-circular recess (22), shaped to receive and retain a lockable member (32) in position.

[0070] In this example, the catch (20) is shaped to receive a lockable member (32). In use, the catch (20) retains the lockable member (32) on the lock (24) to prevent the lock (24) from moving out of the mounting body (14). In particular, for preventing longitudinal movement of the lock body (26) relative to the mounting body (14).

[0071] In the Figures, as best shown in Figure 5, reference numeral (24) refers to a locking device, in the form of a lock, which includes a lock body (26), shaped and dimensioned to be slidably received and secured in the lock mount (12). The lock (24) further includes an elongate locking member (28) for looping through and locking an object.

[0072] The lock (24) in this example is electronic and in the form of a smart wire rope lock.

[0073] With reference to Figure 5, the lock body (26) includes guiding features in the form of lateral projections (30) shaped to engage the complementary features (18) on the mounting body (14). The lateral projections (30) are provided for on rear opposing sides of the lock body (26) and resemble dovetail-like profiles.

[0074] When pushing the lock (24) downwardly into the lock mount (12) such that the interlocking elements (30) of the lock body (26) align with the gaps between the interlocking elements (18) of the mounting body (14), the lateral projections (30) are positioned behind the complementary interlocking elements (18) of the mounting body (14) such that the lock (24) is held securely therein.

[0075] The lock (24) further includes a locking element in the form of a lockable member (32). In use, the lockable member (32) engages with a catch (20) of the lock mount (12) to prevent the lock (24) from moving out of the mounting body (14), best shown in Figures 7 and 8. In this example, the lockable member (32) is provided for on a rear of the lock body (26) and is in the form of a spring-loaded ball.

[0076] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the lockable member (32) is a displaceable lockable member (32). In particular, the lockable member (32) is displaced between a locked position in which the lockable member (32) is urged away from the lock body (26), where it engages with the catch (20) on the lock mount (12) as shown in Figure 7, and an unlocked position in which the lockable member (32) is retracted toward the lock body (26) as shown in Figure 8.

[0077] In this example, and as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lockable member (32) is positioned on the lock (24) such that the lockable member (32) aligns with the catch (20) when the lock (24) is positioned within the lock mount (12).

[0078] The lock (24) includes an actuation arrangement which is controlled electronically and wirelessly. The actuation arrangement controls the locking and unlocking of the lockable member (32) and / or the locking and unlocking of the elongated locking member (28).

[0079] The actuation arrangement includes a lever (36) which actuates the displaceable lockable member (32). The actuation arrangement further includes a servo motor (38) connected to the lever (36). The servo motor (38) receives commands via wireless communication. Upon activation, the servo motor (38) displaces the lever (36), which in turn engages the lockable member (32), causing the lockable member (32) to urge outwardly into engagement with the catch (20). The lock (24) includes a guide groove (34), best shown in Figure 5. The lockable member (32) is positioned within the guide groove (34). The guide groove (34) slides over the catch (20) of the mounting body (14), such that when the lock (24) is fully inserted in the lock mount (12), the lockable member (32) moves into the semicircular recess (22) of the mounting body (14). In a locked position, the lever (36) urges the lockable member (32) into the semi-circular recess (22), which then locks the lock (24) into position within the lock mount (12), best shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0080] With reference to Figure 5, the elongated locking member (28) has an attached end (28.1 ) connected to the bottom end of the lock body (26) and a free end (28.2). The free end (28.2) is received by a locking aperture (40) provided for on the bottom of the lock body (26). The elongated locking member (28) is in the form of a flexible wire rope. The elongated locking member (28) loops around or through an object which is to be locked and secured.

[0081] The elongated locking member (28) includes apertures (44) through the attached end (28.1 ) and the free end (28.2). The lock body (26) includes two sealreceiving formations (46) proximate the elongated locking member ends (28.1 , 28.2), in the form of an eyelet (46). The lock (24) includes a tamper-evident element (48) in the form of a break-away seal. The seal (48) is looped through the aperture (44) on the free end (28.2) and through the eyelet (46) thereby securing the lock body (26) to the elongated locking member (28) such that the seal (48) is broken upon release of the elongated locking member (28).

[0082] The lock (24) includes a transmitter (42) within the lock body (26) which receives an input signal. When an input signal to lock is received by the transmitter (42), the elongated locking member (28) is retained within the locking aperture (40). When an input signal to unlock is received by the transmitter (42), the elongated locking member (28) is released from the locking aperture (40). In this example, the input signals are in the form of wireless communications sent from a mobile device.

[0083] In this example, the input signal to lock or unlock simultaneously retains or releases the elongated locking member (28) from the locking aperture (40) and the lock body (26) from the lock mount (12). In an example not shown, the input signal to lock or unlock only retains or releases the elongated locking member (28) from the locking aperture (40), requiring an additional input signal to retain or release the lock body (26) from the lock mount (12).

[0084] The lock (24) includes smart features, such as a geo-location tracker (GPS), transmitter to send and / or receive wireless communication, recording device, clock, alarm, and the like. The lock (24) can record events, such as locking and unlocking of the elongated locking member (28), locking and unlocking of the lock (24) from a lock mount (12), position, time, and the like.

[0085] With reference to the Figures, reference numeral (10) refers to a lock kit. The lock kit (10) includes the lock mount (12) and the locking device (24) as described above.

[0086] With reference to the Figures, when in use, the lock (24) is slid downwardly into the lock mount (12). As the lock (24) is slid downwardly into the mounting body (14), the lateral projections (30) on the rear opposing sides of the lock body (26) slidably engage with the interlocking elements (18) on the locking device mounting face (102). Once the lock (24) is completely slid into the mounting body (14), the servo motor (38) actuates the lever (36) thereby urging the spring-loaded lockable member (32) on the rear of the lock body (26) into the semi-circular recess (22) of the catch (20) on the locking device mounting face (102). Once the lock body (26) is secured within the lock mount (12), the elongated locking member (28) is looped through or around an object and the free end (28.2) of the elongated locking member (28) is inserted and locked into the locking aperture (40).

[0087] With reference to the Figures, an input signal to unlock is received by the transmitter (42) thereby releasing the free end (28.2) of the elongated locking member (28) from the locking aperture (40). As the lock body (26) is slid upwardly out of the mounting body (14), the lateral projections (30) of the lock body (26) slidably disengages with the complementary interlocking elements (18) on the mounting body (14). The spring-loaded lockable member (32) on the rear of the lock body (26) is disengaged from the catch (20) on the locking device mounting face (102). Once the lock (24) is completely slid out of the lock mount (12), the lock is free to move. The inventor believes that the invention provides a new mounting arrangement for an electronic smart lock, which protects the internal electronic components housed within the electronic lock and allows for locking or unlocking of the electronic lock without the need to hold the electronic lock in a user’s hand. The lock mount, is operable to mount the lock body to a surface at a location proximate an intended locking position. The lock mount can be secured to a surface, after which it can receive and retain the lock body of the locking device, while allowing the locking member to freely engage and disengage with a locking element (such as a hasp, eyelet, ring, loop closure member or the like). Advantageously, the lock mount does not obstruct or participate in the locking function of the locking device, but serves to hold the lock body in position.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A lock mount for securing a locking device to a surface, which includes a mounting body, having a surface mounting face securable to a surface, and a locking device mounting face, shaped and dimensioned to receive a lock body of the locking device.

2. The lock mount as claimed in claim 1 , in which the locking device includes a lock body, and a locking member, such as a wire rope, cable, or shackle, configured to be inserted and selectively retained in the lock body.

3. The lock mount as claimed in claim 1 , in which the surface mounting face includes attachment means to secure the mounting body to a surface.

4. The lock mount as claimed in claim 3, in which the attachment means are temporary or permanent in the form of any one of: adhesives, fasteners, screws, magnetic connectors, and suction cups.

5. The lock mount as claimed in claim 4, in which the attachment means is in the form of an attachment assembly, which is connectable on the surface mounting face of the lock mount to allow the lock mount to be attachable to a surface.

6. The lock mount as claimed in claim 1 , in which the locking device mounting face is in the form of a planar support surface having upstanding side walls extending away from the planar support surface along opposing edges of the planar support surface, operable to slidably receive and retain a locking device therein.

7. The lock mount as claimed in claim 6, in which the locking device mounting face includes an upstanding bottom wall extending away from the planar support surface, the walls providing a generally U-shaped configuration, thereby defining a cradle.

8. The lock mount as claimed in claim 7, in which the walls define an open top side such that a locking device body is pushed into and slid downwardly between the side walls toward the bottom wall.

9. The lock mount as claimed in claim 6, in which the mounting body includes guiding features operable to engage complementary features on the lock body.

10. The lock mount as claimed in claim 9, in which the guiding features are provided on the opposing side walls.11 . The lock mount as claimed in claim 10, in which the guiding features are in the form of interlocking elements extending inwardly form the side walls, and are shaped to engage complementary features on the lock body.

12. The lock mount as claimed in claim 11 , in which the interlocking elements are in the form of inwardly extending lateral projections formed integrally with, or carried by, the side walls, and are operable to engage the interlocking elements of the lock body and secure the lock body within the locking device mount, thereby preventing lateral movement of the locking device body while facilitating longitudinal movement of the locking device body into and out of the locking device mount.

13. The lock mount as claimed in claim 11 , in which the interlocking elements are spaced apart along the side walls, so as to define gaps therebetween, such that when the lock body is moved towards the planar support surface, such that the interlocking elements of the lock body align with the gaps, and the lock body is subsequently moved downwardly, the interlocking elements of the lock body are positioned behind the inwardly extending lateral projections of the locking device mount, and the lock body is retained within the locking device mount.

14. The lock mount as claimed in claim 11 , in which the corresponding elements of the lock body engage the interlocking elements of the mounting body such that the locking device is held securely therein when sliding the locking device downward into the mounting body.

15. The lock mount as claimed in claim 1 , in which mounting body includes a locking element.

16. The lock mount as claimed in claim 15, in which the locking element is in the form of a lockable member or a retainer on the locking device mounting face, for engaging a complementary locking element on the lock body when the lock body is positioned within the lock mount.

17. The lock mount as claimed in claim 16, in which the locking element is in the form of a retainer shaped to receive the complementary locking element on the locking device body for retaining the complementary locking element to prevent longitudinal movement of the locking device relative to the mounting body.

18. The lock mount as claimed in claim 17, in which the retainer is in the form of any one of: a detent seat, locking recess, and catch plate.

19. The lock mount as claimed in claim 18, in which the retainer is in the form of a catch having a bar with a recessed engagement surface, shaped to receive and retain the corresponding locking element in position.

20. A locking device, which includes a lock body, shaped and dimensioned to be received and secured in a lock mount; and an elongate locking member, operable for locking the lock body onto an object.21 . The locking device as claimed in claim 20, in which the elongate locking member includes one end fixed to the lock body and a free end configured to be inserted and selectively retained in a locking aperture of the lock body.

22. The locking device as claimed in claim 20, in which the elongate locking member is in the form of any one of: a wire rope, cable, or shackle.

23. The locking device as claimed in claim 22, in which the lock body includes guiding features operable to engage complementary features on the lock mount.

24. The locking device as claimed in claim 23, in which the guiding features are in the form of interlocking elements shaped to engage complementary features on the lock mount.

25. The locking device as claimed in claim 24, in which the interlocking elements are in the form of outwardly extending lateral projections on opposing sides of the lock body.

26. The locking device as claimed in claim 25, in which the lateral projections are positioned such that they overlap with the complementary features of the lock mount after sliding the locking device into the lock mount, such that the locking device is held securely in the lock mount.

27. The locking device as claimed in claim 22, in which the lock body includes a mount locking element in the form of a lockable member or retainer.

28. The locking device as claimed in claim 27, in which the locking element is operable to engage with a locking element of the lock mount, such that the locking device is prevented from moving out of the lock mount.

29. The locking device as claimed in claim 28, in which the locking element is in the form of a lockable member.

30. The locking device as claimed in claim 29, in which the lockable member is positioned on the lock body such that the lockable member aligns with a retainer of the lock mount when the locking device is positioned therein.31 . The locking device as claimed in claim 30, in which the lockable member is spring-loaded and in the form of any one of: a ball, a projection, a detent pin and a hook.

32. The locking device as claimed in claim 30, in which the lockable member is displaceable such that the lockable member is displaced between a locked position and an unlocked position.

33. The locking device as claimed in claim 32, in which the lockable member is urged away from the lock body in the locked position thereby engaging with the retainer on the lock mount, and is retracted toward the lock body in the unlocked position to disengage the retainer from the lock mount.

34. The locking device as claimed in claim 33, in which the locking device includes an actuation arrangement.

35. The locking device as claimed in claim 34, in which the actuation arrangement is controllable electronically, remotely and wirelessly.

36. The locking device as claimed in claim 35, in which the actuation arrangement controls the locking and unlocking of the lockable member and / or the locking and unlocking of the elongate locking member.

37. The locking device as claimed in claim 36, in which the actuation arrangement includes a lever which actuates the lockable member.

38. The locking device as claimed in claim 37, in which the actuation arrangement includes a motor connected to the lever.

39. The locking device as claimed in claim 38, in which the motor is in the form of a servo motor capable of receiving commands via wireless communication.

40. The locking device as claimed in claim 39, in which the motor displaces the lever which in turn engages the lockable member thereby urging the lockable member outwardly into engagement with a retainer.41 . The locking device as claimed in claim 40, in which the lockable member is positioned within a guide groove.

42. The locking device as claimed in claim 41 , in which the guide groove is operable to slide over the retainer of the mounting body such that the lockable member moves into a recess of the retainer when the locking device is inserted into the lock mount.

43. The locking device as claimed in claim 42, in which the lever urges the lockable member into the recess such that the locking device is locked within the lock mount.

44. The locking device as claimed in claim 43, in which the elongate locking member includes one or more apertures, in the form of through-apertures extending transversely through the elongate locking member.

45. The locking device as claimed in claim 44, in which the lock body includes one or more seal-receiving formations.

46. The locking device as claimed in claim 45, in which the seal-receiving formation is in the form of any one of: a ring, eyelet, boss, and loop.

47. The locking device as claimed in claim 46, which includes one or more a tamper-evident elements looped through one of the apertures of the elongate locking member and through the seal-receiving formation of the lock body thereby securing the lock body to the elongate locking member.

48. The locking device as claimed in claim 47, in which the tamper-evident element is broken upon release of the elongate locking member.

49. The locking device as claimed in claim 48, in which the tamper-evident element is in the form of any one of: a break-away seal, security strip, or zip-tie.

50. The locking device as claimed in claim 21 , in which the locking device includes a transmitter within the lock body which receives an input signals to any one or more of: lock the elongate locking element into the locking aperture, releasing the elongate locking element form the locking apertures, locking the locking device in the lock mount, and releasing the locking device from the lock mount.51 . The locking device as claimed in claim 20, in which the locking device is in the form of an electronic smart lock with wireless connectivity.

52. A lock kit, which includes a lock mount as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 20; and a locking device, having a lock body, and an elongated locking member, such as a wire rope, cable, or shackle, in which the lock body is shaped and dimensioned to engage or disengage the lock mount.

53. The lock kit as claimed in claim 52, in which the locking device is in the form of a locking device as claimed in any one of claims 21 - 49.

54. A lock mount as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as herein described and illustrated.

55. A locking device as claimed in claim 20, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

56. A lock kit as claimed in claim 52, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

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