Background

Bicycle locks have been around for over a century with style and functional changes made to enhance the product for the bicyclists wants and needs. Bike locks have traditionally, acted as more of a deterrent for thieves looking for an easy target, but any good thief can pick or cut through a lock. Recently, smart locks have entered the market but have had a slow adoption rate due to a number of factors such as a high price point, lack of proper long range communication features and the need to recharge a battery. The trade-off that persists for bicycle owners is between ease of transport vs. theft deterrent features. For example, hard to break into locks are expensive and heavy while lightweight locks are both less expensive and easier to breach. This trade-off can now become a non-existent tribulation by incorporating our proactive & smart system into existing lock products

Technology Overview

Inventors are working to optimize the prototype. The lock system is designed around breach detection and alert. Two versions of this technology exist to address various end-user desires. The first version detects when an object or system is cut, punctured or compromised in any way, which then triggers the sound of an alarm. The second version adds to this capability by incorporating communication alerts via cellular or radio and tracking features such as GPS and/or a photo capturing system that sends content directly to the owner’s phone.

This technology keeps the electronic circuit powered off until the object or system is breached. The alarm, communication and tracking features are all activated simultaneously and zero energy is used until a breach, which allows the technology to sit without maintenance for up to ten years thus eliminating the need to recharge the battery.

Figure 1: Plan view of a passive continuity monitoring lock.

Figure 2: Schematic view of a bearing lock that can optionally be used with the lock of Figure 1.

Stage of Development

Proof of concept.

Benefits

Enhances current product by increasing the physical and noise deterrents for thieves.
The bike lock owner can be alerted via text or radio and can use the photo capture or GPS to identify the assailant.
Cellular communication from lock to cell phone is capable of a range extending nationwide.
Radio communication from lock to cell phone is capable of a range between 15 and 80 miles.
This bicycle lock can remain functional and can sit without maintenance for up to ten years.

Opportunity

Patent issued. Available for exclusive or nonexclusive licensing.

Ref # CU4365B

A Proactive & Smart Bike Lock Add-on for Manufacturers

Patents

IP Status

Seeking