US4870843A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security system for cycles and the like
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-11-04
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Granted: 1989-10-03
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Expires: 2008-11-04
Abstract
Abstract A self-retracting and self-retaining combined tether/lock security system for cycles and the like that employs the hollow of the cycle handlebar for storage.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert J. Lundberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:30
CPC Classifications
E; E05; E05B; E05B73/00; E05B73/0005; E05B73/0011; B; B62; B62H; B62H5/00; B62H5/003; B62K; B62K21/00; B62K21/12; E05B37/00; E05B37/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/40; Y10T70/402; Y10T70/409; Y10T70/50; Y10T70/5872; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/20; Y10T74/20576; Y10T74/20732; Y10T74/2078; Y10T74/20822
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A self-retracting security tether assembly for cycles and the like comprising: a rigid, hollow tube having first and second open ends; first and second tether sections mounted in the tube, each section including a flexible chain or cable having a washer fixed at one end and a locking means fixed at the other end for locking engagement with each other; first and second plugs each slideably mounted on one of the chains or cable and each being fixed to said tube at a different one of said open ends with said locking means extending therefrom; and first and second helical coil springs, each mounted about one of said chains or cable and extending between said corresponding washer and plug so that said springs, when in an expanded state, forces said chains into said tube and are compressed between the plug and washer when said chains or cable are pulled from said tube through said plugs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A self-retracting security tether assembly for cycles and the like comprising: a rigid, hollow tube having first and second open ends; first and second tether sections mounted in the tube, each section including a flexible chain or cable having a washer fixed at one end and a locking means fixed at the other end for locking engagement with each other; first and second plugs each slideably mounted on one of the chains or cable and each being fixed to said tube at a different one of said open ends with said locking means extending therefrom; and first and second helical coil springs, each mounted about one of said chains or cable and extending between said corresponding washer and plug so that said springs, when in an expanded state, forces said chains into said tube and are compressed between the plug and washer when said chains or cable are pulled from said tube through said plugs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tube has a length greater than the combined lengths of said first and second tether sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The assembly of claim 2 wherein said tube constitutes the handlebars of a cycle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the self-retracting tether is a cable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The self-retracting security tether of claim 1 wherein the tether is of one single length or section, exiting and entering through one tube opening only.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The self-retracting security tether of claim 1 wherein extension coil springs are employed for retraction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The self-retracting security tether of claim 1 wherein a length of meterial having rubber-like properties is employed as the means of retraction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
121 words
A self-retracting security tether assembly for cycles and the like comprising: a rigid hollow tube having first and second open ends; a single tether mounted in the tube, comprising a flexible chain having a washer fixed at one end and a locking means fixed at the other end for locking engagement with opposite mateable locking means perminently affixed to other opening in said tube; a plug slideably mounted on said flexible chain and fixed to one of said openings in said tube, with said locking means extending therefrom; and a helical coil spring mounted about said flexible chain and extending between said corresponding washer and plug so that said springs, when in an expanded state, forces said chain into said tube.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
121 words
A self-retracting security tether assembly for cycles and the like comprising: a rigid hollow tube having first and second open ends; a single tether mounted in the tube, comprising a flexible chain having a washer fixed at one end and a locking means fixed at the other end for locking engagement with opposite mateable locking means perminently affixed to other opening in said tube; a plug slideably mounted on said flexible chain and fixed to one of said openings in said tube, with said locking means extending therefrom; and a helical coil spring mounted about said flexible chain and extending between said corresponding washer and plug so that said springs, when in an expanded state, forces said chain into said tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The self-retracting security tether of claim 8 wherein extension coil springs are employed for retraction.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The self-retracting security tether of claim 8 wherein a length of material having rubber-like properties is employed as the means of retraction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-10-02 | 1993-04-03 | 1993-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-02 | 1997-04-03 | 1997-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-02 | 2001-04-03 | 2001-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |