pbsc urban solutions v. motivate int'l - complaint

8/20/2019 PBSC Urban Solutions v. Motivate Int'l - Complaint

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docks, and electronic locking systems are used in public bicycle sharing systems for cities and

municipalities in Canada, the United States (including this District), and abroad.

5. Defendant, Motivate International Inc. (“Motivate”), formerly known as Alta

Bicycle Share, Inc., is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business located at 5202

3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11232. Motivate delivers, installs and operates public bicycle

sharing systems in municipalities in the United States and abroad.

6. Defendant, NYC Bike Share LLC (“NYC Bike Share”), is a New York limited

liability company with its principal place of business located at 5202 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn,

New York 11232. NYC Bike Share is a subsidiary of Motivate. NYC Bike Share operates Citi

Bike, New York City’s public bicycle sharing system.

The Patents in Suit

7. On June 23, 2009, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”)

duly and legally issued U.S. Design Patent No. D594,787 (the “’787 Patent”), entitled “Bicyle.”

Plaintiff is the owner, by assignment, of all right, title, and interest to the ’787 Patent. A copy of

the ’787 Patent is attached as Exhibit A to this Complaint.

8. On July 7, 2009, the PTO duly and legally issued U.S. Design Patent No.

D595,618 (the “’618 Patent”), entitled “Bicyle Rack.” Plaintiff is the owner, by assignment, of

all right, title, and interest to the ’618 Patent. A copy of the ’618 Patent is attached as Exhibit B

to this Complaint.

9. On November 22, 2011, the PTO duly and legally issued U.S. Patent No.

8,061,499 (the “’499 Patent”), entitled “Method and Apparatus for Securing a Movable Item to a

Structure.” Plaintiff is the owner, by assignment, of all right, title, and interest to the ’499

Patent. A copy of the ’499 Patent is attached as Exhibit C to this Complaint.

Case 1:15-cv-06398 Document 1 Filed 11/06/15 Page 2 of 10 PageID #: 2


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10. On September 25, 2012, the PTO duly and legally issued U.S. Patent No.

8,272,491 (the “’491 Patent”), entitled “Method and Apparatus for Securing a Movable Item to a

Structure.” Plaintiff is the owner, by assignment, of all right, title, and interest to the ’491

Patent. A copy of the ’491 Patent is attached as Exhibit D to this Complaint.

Background Facts

11. Plaintiff developed the source code and software (the “Software”) used to operate

the payment kiosks and bicycle docks for public bicycle sharing systems. The Software is

proprietary and confidential to Plaintiff. The Software allows Plaintiff to control the kiosks and

bicycle docks remotely.

12. In 2014, Plaintiff supplied equipment and services, including Software and spare

parts for bike-sharing bicycles, modular bicycle docks, and payment kiosks to Alta Bicycle

Share, Inc. for the public bicycle sharing system in New York City.

13. In or around October 2014, REQX Ventures, LLC (REQX) approached Plaintiff

regarding a potential business relationship, requesting information concerning Plaintiff’s

capabilities and services, including Plaintiff’s bike-sharing bicycles, modular bicycle docks,

payment kiosks, and Software.

14. Pursuant to a non-disclosure agreement with REQX, Plaintiff disclosed

information concerning its products and Software to REQX.

15. In or around October 2014, REQX acquired Alta Bicycle Share, which

subsequently changed its name to Motivate.

16. In or around April 1, 2015, Motivate ceased using Plaintiff’s Software, and

Plaintiff lost remote control over the kiosks and bicycle docks in the public bicycle share system

in New York City.



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COUNT I – INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,061,499

17. Plaintiff re-alleges each and every allegation set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 16,

and incorporates them herein by reference.

18. Motivate and NYC Bike Share have been and are still infringing the ’499 Patent

by making, using, selling, importing, exporting or offering to sell in the United States, bike share

bicycles and bike share bicycle racks, which embody, incorporate or otherwise practice the

claimed inventions.

19. To the extent that Motivate and NYC Bike Share have continued and still

continue their infringing activities after receiving notice of the ’499 Patent, such infringement is

willful, entitling Plaintiff to the recovery of treble damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284. In

addition, this is an exceptional case, justifying an award of attorneys’ fees and costs to Plaintiff

pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285.

20. As a direct and proximate result of Motivate’s and NYC Bike Share’s

infringement of the ’499 Patent, Plaintiff has been and continues to be damaged in its business

and property, including the loss of revenues in an amount to be determined at trial.

21. Motivate and NYC Bike Share have caused damage by their acts of infringement

of the ’499 Patent, and Motivate and NYC Bike Share will cause additional damages and

irreparable harm unless the Court enjoins Motivate and NYC Bike Share from continuing such

infringing acts and initiating such acts in the future.

COUNT II – INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. PATENT NO. 8,272,491





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by making, using, selling, importing, exporting or offering to sell in the United States, bike share

bicycles and bike share bicycle racks, which embody, incorporate or otherwise practice the

claimed inventions.










of the ’491 Patent, and Motivate and NYC Bike Share will cause additional damages and



COUNT III – INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. DESIGN PATENT NO. D594,787



28. Without Plaintiff’s authorization, Motivate and NYC Bike Share have

manufactured, have had manufactured on their behalf, have offered for sale, and/or have sold in

the United States a bicycle (the “Infringing Bicycle”) with a design that is covered by the ’787

Patent. Figure 4 of the ’787 Patent is shown below next to a photograph of the Infringing

Bicycle.



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The ’787 Patent The Infringing Bicycle


within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 271.

30. Motivate and NYC Bike Share are, and have been, aware of the ’787 Patent.

31. Motivate and NYC Bike Share are, and have been, aware of Plaintiff’s contention

that Motivate’s and NYC Bike Share’s aforementioned activities involving the Infringing

Bicycle infringe the ’787 Patent.










of the ’787 Patent, and Motivate and NYC Bike share will cause additional damages and



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COUNT IV – INFRINGEMENT OF U.S. DESIGN PATENT NO. D595,618

35.

Plaintiff re-alleges each and every allegation set forth in Paragraphs 1 through 34,


36. Without Plaintiff’s authorization, Motivate and NYC Bike Share have

manufactured, have had manufactured on their behalf, have offered for sale, and/or have sold in

the United States a bicycle rack (the “Infringing Bicycle Rack”) with a design that is covered by

the ’618 Patent. Figures 1 and 2 of the ’618 Patent are shown below next to photographs of the

Infringing Bicycle Rack.

The ’618 Patent The Infringing Bicycle Rack



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The ’618 Patent The Infringing Bicycle Rack

37.

Motivate and NYC Bike Share have infringed and continue to infringe the ’618

Patent within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. § 271.

38. Motivate and NYC Bike Share are, and have been, aware of the ’618 Patent.

39. Motivate and NYC Bike Share are, and have been, aware of Plaintiff’s contention

that Motivate’s and NYC Bike Share’s aforementioned activities involving the Infringing

Bicycle Rack infringe the ’618 Patent.






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of the ’618 Patent, and Motivate and NYC Bike share will cause additional damages and



Prayer for Relief

WHEREFORE, by reason of the foregoing, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court

enter judgment against Defendants Motivate International Inc. and NYC Bike Share, LLC that:

A. Defendants have infringed the ’499 Patent, ’491 Patent,’787 Patent and ’618

Patent;

B. Defendants, their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and those

persons in active concert or participation with them, be preliminarily and/or permanently

enjoined from infringing the ’499 Patent, ’491 Patent, ’787 Patent and ’618 Patent, pursuant to

35 U.S.C. § 283;

C. Defendants pay damages adequate to compensate for the infringement of the ’499

Patent and ’491 Patent, including interest and costs, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284;

D. Defendants pay damages adequate to compensate for the infringement of the the

’787 Patent and ’618 Patent or an award of Defendants’ profits from its infringement pursuant to

35 U.S.C. § 289, whichever is greater, including interests and costs;

E. trebling of damages for willful infringement pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284;



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F. a finding by the Court that this case is exceptional under 35 U.S.C. § 285; and

G. Plaintiff is granted such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and

proper.

JURY DEMAND

Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 38(b), Plaintiff, PBSC Urban Solutions

hereby demand a trial by jury on all issues triable of right by jury.

Dated: November 6, 2015 Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Danielle Anne Phillip

Danielle Anne Phillip (DP-2295)BRINKS GILSON & LIONE

NBC Tower - Suite 3600

455 North Cityfront Plaza DriveChicago, Illinois 60611

Phone: (312) 321-4200

Fax: (312) 321-4299E-mail: [email protected]

James R. Sobieraj (of counsel)

BRINKS GILSON & LIONE NBC Tower - Suite 3600455 North Cityfront Plaza Drive

Chicago, Illinois 60611

Phone: (312) 321-4200

Fax: (312) 321-4299E-mail: [email protected]

Attorneys for Plaintiff PBSC Urban Solutions



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S 44 (Rev. 1/2013) CIVIL COVER SHEETThe JS 44 civil cover sheet and the information contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings or other papers as required by law, excep

rovided by local rules of court. This form, approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in September 1974, is required for the use of the Clerk of Court for theurpose of initiating the civil docket sheet. (SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)

. (a) PLAINTIFFS DEFENDANTS

(b) County of Residence of First Listed Plaintiff County of Residence of First Listed Defendant

(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)

NOTE: IN LAND CONDEMNATION CASES, USE THE LOCATION OFTHE TRACT OF LAND INVOLVED.

(c) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) Attorneys (If Known)

I. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an “X” in One Box Only) III. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES (Place an “X” in One Box for(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant

’ 1 U.S. Government ’ 3 Federal Question PTF DEF PTF

Plaintiff (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen of This State ’ 1 ’ 1 Incorporated or Principal Place ’ 4

of Business In This State

’ 2 U.S. Government ’ 4 Diversity Citizen of Another State ’ 2 ’ 2 Incorporated and Principal Place ’ 5

Defendant (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) of Business In Another State

Citizen or Subject of a ’ 3 ’ 3 Foreign Nation ’ 6

Foreign Country

V. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an “X” in One Box Only)CONTRACT TORTS FORFEITURE/PENALTY BANKRUPTCY OTHER STATUTES

’ 110 Insurance PERSONAL INJURY PERSONAL INJURY ’ 625 Drug Related Seizure ’ 422 Appeal 28 USC 158 ’ 375 False Claims Act

’ 120 Marine ’ 310 Airplane ’ 365 Personal Injury - of Property 21 USC 881 ’ 423 Withdrawal ’ 400 State Reapportionm

’ 130 Miller Act ’ 315 Airplane Product Product Liability ’ 690 Other 28 USC 157 ’ 410 Antitrust

’ 140 Negotiable Instrument Liability ’ 367 Health Care/ ’ 430 Banks and Banking

’ 150 Recovery of Overpayment ’ 320 Assault, Libel & Pharmaceutical PROPERTY RIGHTS ’ 450 Commerce & Enforcement of Judgment Slander Personal Injury ’ 820 Copyrights ’ 460 Deportation

’ 151 Medicare Act ’ 330 Federal Employers’ Product Liabi lity ’ 830 Patent ’ 470 Racketeer Influence

’ 152 Recovery of Defaulted Liability ’ 368 Asbestos Personal ’ 840 Trademark Corrupt Organizatio

Student Loans ’ 340 Marine Injury Product ’ 480 Consumer Credit

(Excludes Veterans) ’ 345 Marine Product Liability LABOR SOCIAL SECURITY ’ 490 Cable/Sat TV’ 153 Recovery of Overpayment Liability PERSONAL PROPERTY ’ 710 Fair Labor Standards ’ 861 HIA (1395ff) ’ 850 Securities/Commod

of Veteran’s Benefits ’ 350 Motor Vehicle ’ 370 Other Fraud Act ’ 862 Black Lung (923) Exchange

’ 160 Stockholders’ Suits ’ 355 Motor Vehicle ’ 371 Truth in Lending ’ 720 Labor/Management ’ 863 DIWC/DIWW (405(g)) ’ 890 Other Statutory Act

’ 190 Other Contract Product Liability ’ 380 Other Personal Relations ’ 864 SSID Title XVI ’ 891 Agricultural Acts

’ 195 Contract Product Liability ’ 360 Other Personal Property Damage ’ 740 Railway Labor Act ’ 865 RSI (405(g)) ’ 893 Environmental Matt

’ 196 Franchise Injury ’ 385 Property Damage ’ 751 Family and Medical ’ 895 Freedom of Informa

’ 362 Personal Injury - Product Liability Leave Act Act Medical Malpractice ’ 790 Other Labor Litigation ’ 896 Arbitration

REAL PROPERTY CIVIL RIGHTS PRISONER PETITIONS ’ 791 Employee Retirement FEDERAL TAX SUITS ’ 899 Administrative Proc

’ 210 Land Condemnation ’ 440 Other Civil Rights Habeas Corpus: Income Security Act ’ 870 Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff Act/Review or Appe

’ 220 Foreclosure ’ 441 Voting ’ 463 Alien Detainee or Defendant) Agency Decision

’ 230 Rent Lease & Ejectment ’ 442 Employment ’ 510 Motions to Vacate ’ 871 IRS—Third Party ’ 950 Constitutionality of

’ 240 Torts to Land ’ 443 Housing/ Sentence 26 USC 7609 State Statutes

’ 245 Tort Product Liability Accommodations ’ 530 General

’ 290 All Other Real Property ’ 445 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 535 Death Penalty IMMIGRATION

Employment Other: ’ 462 Naturalization Application’ 446 Amer. w/Disabilities - ’ 540 Mandamus & Other ’ 465 Other Immigration

Other ’ 550 Civil Rights Actions

’ 448 Education ’ 555 Prison Condition

’ 560 Civil Detainee -

Conditions of

Confinement

V. ORIGIN (Place an “X” in One Box Only)

’ 1 OriginalProceeding

’ 2 Removed fromState Court

’ 3 Remanded fromAppellate Court

’ 4 Reinstated or Reopened

’ 5 Transferred fromAnother District(specify)

’ 6 MultidistrictLitigation

VI. CAUSE OF ACTION

Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing (Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity):

Brief description of cause:

VII. REQUESTED INCOMPLAINT:

’ CHECK IF THIS IS A CLASS ACTIONUNDER RULE 23, F.R.Cv.P.

DEMAND $ CHECK YES only if demanded in complaint

JURY DEMAND: ’ Yes ’ No

VIII. RELATED CASE(S)IF ANY

(See instructions):JUDGE DOCKET NUMBER

DATE SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY OF RECORD

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

RECEIPT # AMOUNT APPLYING IFP JUDGE MAG. JUDGE

Case 1:15-cv-06398 Document 1-1 Filed 11/06/15 Page 1 of 2 PageID #: 11

PBSC Urban Solutions

Outside U.S.

Brinks Gilson & Lione, NBC Tower - Suite 3600, 455 North CityfrontPlaza Drive, Chicago, IL 60611Tel.: (312) 321-4200

Motivate International Inc. and NYC Bike Share, LLC

Kings

35 USC 1 et seq.

Infringement of utility and design patents

1/06/2015 /s/ Danielle Anne Phillip


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Local Arbitration Rule 83.10 provides that with certain exceptions, actions seeking money damages only in an amount not in excess of $150,000,

exclusive of interest and costs, are eligible for compulsory arbitration. The amount of damages is presumed to be below the threshold amount unless

certification to the contrary is filed.

I, ______________________, counsel for __________________, do hereby certify that the above captioned civil action isineligible for compulsory arbitration for the following reason(s):

monetary damages sought are in excess of $150,000, exclusive of interest and costs,

the complaint seeks injunctive relief,

the matter is otherwise ineligible for the following reason

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT - FEDERAL RULES CIVIL PROCEDURE 7.1

Identify any parent corporation and any publicly held corporation that owns 10% or more or its stocks:

RELATED CASE STATEMENT (Section VIII on the Front of this Form)

Please list all cases that are arguably related pursuant to Division of Business Rule 50.3.1 in Section VIII on the front of this form. Rule 50.3.1 (a)

provides that “A civil case is “related” to another civil case for purposes of this guideline when, because of the similarity of facts and legal issues or because the cases arise from the same transactions or events, a substantial saving of judicial resources is likely to result from assigning both cases to

same judge and magistrate judge.” Rule 50.3.1 (b) provides that “ A civil case shall not be deemed “related” to another civil case merely because the

case: (A) involves identical legal issues, or (B) involves the same parties.” Rule 50.3.1 (c) further provides that “Presumptively, and subject to the po

of a judge to determine otherwise pursuant to paragraph (d), civil cases shall not be deemed to be “related” unless both cases are still pending before

court.”

NY-E DIVISION OF BUSINESS RULE 50.1(d)(2)

1.) Is the civil action being filed in the Eastern District removed from a New York State Court located in Nassau or Suffolk County:_________________________

2.) If you answered “no” above:a) Did the events or omissions giving rise to the claim or claims, or a substantial part thereof, occur in Nassau or Suffolk County?_________________________

b) Did the events or omissions giving rise to the claim or claims, or a substantial part thereof, occur in the EasternDistrict?_________________________

If your answer to question 2 (b) is “No,” does the defendant (or a majority of the defendants, if there is more than one) reside in NassauSuffolk County, or, in an interpleader action, does the claimant (or a majority of the claimants, if there is more than one) reside in Nassor Suffolk County?______________________

(Note: A corporation shall be considered a resident of the County in which it has the most significant contacts).

BAR ADMISSION

I am currently admitted in the Eastern District of New York and currently a member in good standing of the bar of this court.Yes No

Are you currently the subject of any disciplinary action (s) in this or any other state or federal court?Yes (If yes, please explain) No

I certify the accuracy of all information provided above.

Signature:____________________________________________

CERTIFICATION OF ARBITRATION ELIGIBILITY


Danielle Anne Phillip PBSC Urban Solutions

PBSC Urban Solutions, hereby certifies that it is not a publicly-held company, that no parent companyis a publicly-held company, and that no publicly-held company owns 10% or more of its stock .

No

No

Yes

No

/s/ Danielle Anne Phillip


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AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action

U NITED STATES DISTRICT COURTfor the

__________ District of __________

)

)))))))))))

Plaintiff(s)

v. Civil Action No.

Defendant(s)

SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION

To: (Defendant’s name and address)

A lawsuit has been filed against you.

Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) — or 60 days if you

are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ.P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) — you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney,whose name and address are:

If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.You also must file your answer or motion with the court.

CLERK OF COURT

Date:Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk

DOUGLAS C. PALMER


Eastern District of New York

PBSC Urban Solutions,

1:15-cv-6398

Motivate International Inc. and NYC Bike Share, LLC,

Motivate International Inc.5202 3rd AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11232

James R. SobierajDanielle Anne PhillipBrinks Gilson & LioneNBC Tower - Suite 3600455 North Cityfront Plaza DriveChicago, IL 60611


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AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action (Page 2)

Civil Action No.

PROOF OF SERVICE

(This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l))

This summons for (name of individual and title, if any)

was received by me on (date) .

’ I personally served the summons on the individual at (place)

on (date) ; or

’ I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name)

, a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there,

on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or

’ I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is

designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization)

on (date) ; or

’ I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or

’ Other (specify):

.

My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ .

I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true.

Date:Server’s signature

Printed name and title

Server’s address

Additional information regarding attempted service, etc:


1:15-cv-6398

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15/109

AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action

U NITED STATES DISTRICT COURTfor the

__________ District of __________

)

)))))))))))

Plaintiff(s)

v. Civil Action No.

Defendant(s)

SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION

To: (Defendant’s name and address)

A lawsuit has been filed against you.

Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) — or 60 days if you

are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ.P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) — you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney,whose name and address are:

If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.You also must file your answer or motion with the court.

CLERK OF COURT

Date:Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk

DOUGLAS C. PALMER


Eastern District of New York

PBSC Urban Solutions,

1:15-cv-6398

Motivate International Inc. and NYC Bike Share, LLC,

NYC Bike Share, LLC5202 3rd AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11232

James R. SobierajDanielle Anne PhillipBrinks Gilson & LioneNBC Tower - Suite 3600455 North Cityfront Plaza DriveChicago, IL 60611


16/109

AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action (Page 2)

Civil Action No.

PROOF OF SERVICE

(This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l))

This summons for (name of individual and title, if any)

was received by me on (date) .

’ I personally served the summons on the individual at (place)

on (date) ; or

’ I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name)

, a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there,

on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or

’ I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is

designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization)

on (date) ; or

’ I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or

’ Other (specify):

.

My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ .

I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true.

Date:Server’s signature

Printed name and title

Server’s address

Additional information regarding attempted service, etc:


1:15-cv-6398

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EXHIBIT A



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I lll lllllll Ill

lllll llllll llll

lllll lllll lllll

lllll llll

lllllll llH

c12)

United States Design Patent

Dallaire

(54)

BICYCLE

(75) Inventor:

Michel Dallaire,

Montreal (CA)

(73) Assignee: Societe En Commandite

Stationnement

De

Montreal, Montreal,

Quebec (CA)

c••)

Term: 14 Years

(21) Appl. No.: 29/319,352

(22) Filed:

Jun.6,2008

(51)

LOC

(9)

CI. . ................................................

12-11

(52) U.S.

CI ..................................................... Dl2/ll l

(58) Field of Classification Search ................ Dl2/l ll ,

Dl2/117,

110, 119; 280/274-280, 283-288,

280/281.1, 288.1-288.4, 202, 214, 215, 223;

180/219, 220, 205-207, 65.1--65.6

See application file for complete search history.

(56)

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

D253,102

s ..

D291 ,292 s ..

D386,723 s ..

5,841,351 A

7,114,738 Bl

D574,756

s •

D578,440 s

7,471,

191

B2

2004/0188976 Al

2006/0116132

Al

2006/0145446 Al

2007/0158949

Al

2007/0220933 Al

2007/0239465 Al

2008/0018440 Al

2008/0027794 Al

2008/0297108 Al

10/ 1979 Hahn .......... .. ............ D 12/111

8/1987 Smith et al. .... ..... ...... . D 12/111

11/1997 Fujieda .... .................. Dl2/110

11/1998 Rey

10/2006 Chen

8/2008 Masui et al ............... Dl2/111

1012008 Giugiaro

1212008 Le Gars

9/2004 Schmider

6/2006 Le Gars

7 2006 Schmider

7/2007 Le Gars

et

al.

9/2007 Gagosz et al.

10/2007 Le Gars et al.

112008

Aulbers et al.

1/2008 Le Gars et al.

1212008 Le Gars

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

EP

EP

0985596

1902934

312000

312008

USOOD594787S

(10)

Patent No.: US

D594,787 S

**

Jun.23,2009

45)

Date

o

Patent:

FR 2837460 9/2003

WO 1997030884 8/1997

WO

199809254 3/1998

WO 2005001781

112005

WO

2006021650 3/2006

WO 2006024738

3/2006

WO

2006095092 912006

WO

2006120328 11/2006

OfHER PUBLICATIONS

LaPointe, Automatic Bicycle Service (Bicycle), University Design

Project, DELIA 2008 Exposition For Industrial Design Graduates,

May 2008, Universite de Montreal.

Vezina, Automatic Bicycle Service (Rental Station), University

Design Porject, DELIA 2008 Exposition For Industrial Design

Graduates, May 2008, Univerisite de Montreal.

(Continued)

Primary

Examiner Robin

V Webster

Assistant Examiner Linda Brooks

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Nixon Peabody LLP;

Alexandre Abecassis

(57)

CLAIM

The ornamental design for a bicycle, as shown and described.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bicycle showing

my

new design;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view thereof; and,

FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view thereof.

The portions shown

in

broken lines do not form part of

the

claimed design.

1 Claim, 7 Drawing Sheets



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US

D594,787 S

Page2

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Khairallah, Method and Apparatus for Securing a MovableItem to a

Structure, Unpublished U.S. Appl. No. 61/041, 162, Filing date; Apr.

23, 2008.

Mercat, Session 12: Implementing Sustainable Transport - Public

Bike Services, Presentation, Eur opean Conference on Mobility Man

agement, London, Jun. 5, 2008.

Altermodal, Les systemes de velos en libre-service, Presentation,

Lille (France), Jan. 10, 2007.

Benedict, Building an Automated Community Bike Program Project

Sumamry, Hampshire College Division i l l Project, http://redjar.org/

jared/projects/communitybike/summary/,May 5, 2002.

Bicincitta, Solutions For Sustainable Mobility, Publicity Brochure,

Jun. 4, 2008.

Effia, Velo'+ (Bike-sharing program), http://www.agglo-veloplus.fr/,

Orleans, France, Oct. 2007.

Jcdecaux, Cyclocity (Bike sharing program), Janus

De

l'Industrie

2006 (Award), http://www.institutfrancaisdudesign.com/Popups/

Diaporama/art246.htm, I n s t i t u t F r a n ~ a i s du Design, Paris, France,

2006.

B:SM, bicing (Bike-sharing program), http://www.bsmsa.es/

mobilitat/en/index.php? option=com_content&task=view&id"'6

&Itemid=7, Barcelona, Spain,

Mar.

2007.

*

cited

by

examiner



20/109

U.S.

Patent Jun.23,2009

Sheet 1

of7

US

D594,787 S

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•

-

.



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28/109

EXHIBIT B



29/109

1 2 ) United

States

Design Patent 1 0 )

P a t e n t N 0 . :

D a l l a i r e

USO0D595618S

US

D 5 9 5 , 6 1 8

S

( 5 4 )

BICYCLE RACK

( 7 5 )

I n v e n t o r :

M i c h e l D a l l a i r e , M o n t r e a l ( C A )

( 7 3 )

A s s i g n e e : S o c i é t é

en

commandite S t a t i o n n e m e n t

d e

M o n t r é a l ,

M o n t r é a l ( C A )

( * * )

T e r m :

1 4 Years

( 2 1 )

A p p l . N o . :

2 9 / 3 1 9 , 3 6 4

( 2 2 )

F i l e d : J u n .

6 ,

2 0 0 8

51) LOC 9 ) Cl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-11

52 )

US l .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

D12/115

58)

Field of Classi?cation Sea rch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

D12/115,

D 1 2 / 1 2 0 , 4 0 1 , 4 0 0 ; 2 1 1 / 5 ,1 7 * 2 2 ; 3 1 2 / 1 0 0 ,

3 1 2 / 2 3 7 , 2 1 5 , 2 2 3 . 1 ; 5 2 / 3 6 1 , 3 6 . 2 ,

3 8 ;

D 2 5 / 1 ,

D 2 5 / 1 6 ,

3 3 ;

D 6 / 3 9 9 , 4 4 9 ;

1 8 0 / 2 . 2 , 6 5 . 1 ,

1 8 0 / 6 5 2 ;

3 6 2 / 1 3 3 ,

1 4 5 ,

2 5 3 ;

D 2 6 / 5 1 ; D 1 3 / 1 0 1 ,

D 1 3 / 1 0 2 , 1 8 4 , 1 9 9

S e e a p p l i c a t i o n ? l e f o r c o m p l e t e s e a r c h h i s t o r y .

( 5 6 ) R e f e r e n c e s C i t e d

U . S . PATENT

DOCUMENTS

3,827,773

A 8/1974 Aiello . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312/100

3,949,528

A 4/1976 HaItger

e t a l .

. . . .

. . 52/79.1

D266 557 S *

10/1982

Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

Dl2/ll5

5 , 3 2 3 , 9 1 5

A 6 / 1 9 9 4 F o r t u n e e t a 1 .

D361 539

S * 8/1995

M a t l a g a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .

D12/115

D361 742 S * 8/1995

M a t l a g a

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D12/115

5 , 8 4 1 , 3 5 1 A 1 1 / 1 9 9 8

Rey

5 , 9 1 7 , 4 0 7

A 6 / 1 9 9 9 S q u i r e e t

a 1 .

6 , 2 5 7 , 4 1 9 B1 7 / 2 0 0 1 K a m y s i a k

6,718,697 B2

4/2004

Voorhees

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

52/79.4

7 , 4 7 1 , 1 9 1 B2

1 2 / 2 0 0 8

Le

G a r s

2007/0158949 A1 7/2007 Le Gars t

a l .

2007/0220933

A1

9 / 2 0 0 7

GagosZ t a l .

2007/0239465 A1

10/2007

Le Gars t a l .

2008/0027794

A1

1 / 2 0 0 8 Le

Gars

t a l .

2008/0297108 A1 1 2 / 2 0 0 8 Le Gars

CA

CA

FOREIGN

PATENT DOCUMENTS

2091726

2226325

9 / 1 9 9 4

1 / 1 9 9 7

( 4 5 )

Date

o f

P a t e n t : * 9 : J u l . 7 , 2009

EP

1902934

3/2008

FR

2837460

9 / 2 0 0 3

WO 199809254 3/1998

WO

199730884

8 / 1 9 9 8

WO

200154080

7 / 2 0 0 1

WO 2005001781 l / 2 0 0 5

WO

2005049417

6 / 2 0 0 5

WO 2006021650 3/2006

WO

2006024738

3/2006

WO 2006095092 9/2006

WO 2006120328 l l / 2 0 0 6

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

V e Z i n a ,

A u t o m a t i c

B i c y c l e S e r v i c e ( R e n t a l S t a t i o n ) , DELIA 2 0 0 8

E x p o s i t i o n F o r I n d u s t r i a l D e s i g n G r a d u a t e s , May 0 0 8 , U n i v e r s i t e

d e

M o n t r e a l .

( C o n t i n u e d )

P r i m a r y ExamineriRobin

V e b s t e r

A s s i s t a n t ExamineriLinda Brooks

( 7 4 ) A t t o r n e y , A g e n t , o r F i r m i A l e x a n d r e A b e c a s s i s ;

F a s k e n

M a r t i n e a u DuMoulin LLP

( 5 7 )

CLAIM

The o r n a m e n t a l d e s i g n f o r

a

b i c y c l e r a c k , a s shoWn and

d e s c r i b e d .

DESCRIPTION

F I G .

1 i s

a

f r o n t p e r s p e c t i v e vieW o f

a

b i c y c l e

r a c k

showing

my

eW

d e s i g n i n v e n t i o n ;

F I G .

2

i s a r e a r p e r s p e c t i v e vieW t h e r e o f ;

F I G . 3 i s a f r o n t e l e v a t i o n

vieW

t h e r e o f ;

FIG. 4

i s a r e a r e l e v a t i o n

vieW

t h e r e o f ;

F I G .

5

i s

a

r i g h t s i d e

e l e v a t i o n

v i e W t h e r e o f ;

F I G . 6 i s a l e f t s i d e e l e v a t i o n vieW t h e r e o f ;

F I G. 7 i s a t o p p l a n v i e W

t h e r e o f ;

a n d ,

F I G . 8 i s a bottom l a n vieW t h e r e o f .

1 C l a i m , 7

Drawing

S h e e t s



30/109

US D 5 9 5 , 6 1 8

S

P a g e

2

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

K h a i r a l l a h , Method

and p p a r a t u s f o r S e c u r i n g

a

Movable I t e m t o

a

S t r u c t u r e , U n p u b l i s h e d U . S . A p p l .

N o .

6 1 / 0 4 7 , 1 6 2 , F i l i n g

d a t e : A p r .

2 3 ,

2 0 0 8 .

M e r c a t , S e s s i o n 1 2 :

Implementing

S u s t a i n a b le T r a n s p o r t - P u b l i c

B i k e

S e r v i c e s ,

E u r o p e a n

C o n f e r e n c e

o n

M o b i l i t y

M a n a g e m e n t , Lon

d o n ,

J u n .

5 ,

2 0 0 8 .

A l t e r m o d a l ,

L e s s y s t e m e s d e v e l o s e n l i b r e - s e r v i c e ,

P r e s e n t a t i o n ,

L i l l e

( F r a n c e ) ,

J a n .

1 0 ,

2 0 0 7 .

B e n e d i c t , B u i l d i n g a n A u t o m a t e d

Community

i k e

P r o g r a m P r o j e c t

S u m m a r y , H a m p s h i r e C o l l e g e D i v i s i o n I I I P r o j e c t , h t t p : / / r e d j a r o r g /

j a r e d / p r o j e c t s / c o m m u n i t y b i k e / s u m m a r y / , May , 2 0 0 2 .

B i c i n c i t t a , S o l u t i o n s F o r S u s t a i n a b l e

M o b i l i t y , P u b l i c i t y

B r o c h u r e ,

J u n . 4 , 2 0 0 8 .

B z S M , B i c i n g ( B i k e - s h a r i n g p r o g r a m ) ,

h t t p : / / W W W b s m s a e s /

m o b i l i t a t / e n / i n d e X . p h p ? o p t i o n : c o m i c o n t e n t t a s k q l i e w i d : 6

I t e m i d : 7 , B a r c e l o n a ,

S p a i n ,

M a r .

2 0 0 7 .

E f ? a , V é l o ’ + ( B i k e - s h a r i n g p r o g r a m ) , h t t p s : / / W W W . a g g l o - v e l o p l u s .

f r / ,

O r l é a n s , F r a n c e , O c t .

2 0 0 7 .

J c d e c a u x ,

C y c l o c i t y ( B i k e s h a r i n g P r o g r a m ) , J a n u s De

l ’ I n d u s t r i e

2 0 0 6

( A w a r d ) ,

h t t p : / / W W W . i n s t i t u t f r a n c a i s d u d e s i g n . c o m / P o p u p s /

D i a p o r a m a / a r t 2 4 6 . h t m , I n s t i t u t F r a n c a i s d u D e s i g n , P a r i s ,

F r a n c e ,

2 0 0 6 .

*

c i t e d by

examiner



31/109

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37/109


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38/109

EXHIBIT C



39/109

02)

United States

Patent

Khairallah et al.

(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS

FOR

SECURING

A MOVABLE ITEM TO A STRUCTURE

(75) Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Montreal

(CA); Michel Dallaire, Montreal (CA)

(73) Assignee: Societe

de

Velo En Libre-Service,

Lachine (CA)

(

*)

Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of his

patent is extended

or

adjusted under 35

U.S.C. 154(b) by 189 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 12/417,108

(22) Filed:

(65)

Apr. 2,2009

Prior

Publication Data

US 2009/0266673 Al

Oct. 29, 2009

Related U.S. Application

Data

(60) Provisional application No. 61/047,162, filedonApr.

23, 2008.

(51) Int. CI.

G07F 7100

(2006.01)

(52) U.S.

Cl ..........

.... 194/211; 70/233; 70/234; 70/262;

340/432; 211/5; 211117; 248/551

(58) Field

of

Classification Search ............ ...... 194/205,

(56)

194/210--213, 904; 340/5.6, 432; 211/5,

211/13.1, 17-22; 248/551-553; 70/233-236,

70/262-265

See application file for complete search history.

References

Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

5,323,915 A

5,611,638 A •

5,841,351 A •

5,917,407 A

6,384,717

Bl

7,434,674

Bl

7,748,511 Bl •

611994 Fortune, Sr. et al.

3/1997

Dorr et al ......................

403/327

11/1998 Rey ............. .................. 340/432

6/1999 Squire

et al.

5/2002 DeVolpi

10/2008 Bain

7/2010 Maher ........................... 194/205

2005/0044908 Al *

3/2005

Min

................................ 70/276

106

;

524

510

106_/

506

1000

540

542

1004

1002

I llll llllllll

Ill

lllll lllll llll lllll llll

US008061499B2

(10) Patent No.: US 8,061,499 B2

Nov. 22, 201145) Date of Patent:

2006/0283219

Al

•

2007/0220933 Al

2008/0018440

Al

200810297108

Al

2009/0201127 Al

2009/0240575

Al

2010/0228405 Al•

12/2006 Bendz et al .... ................. 701431

9/2007 Gagosz

et

al.

1/2008 Aulbers et al.

12/2008

Le

Gars

8/2009 Stobbe et al.

9/2009 Bettez et al.

9/2010 Morga

et

al ..................... 70112


EP

0985596 3/2000

(Continued)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Benedict, Building

an

Automated Communit y Bike Program Project

Summary, Hampshi re College Division Ill Project, http://redjar.o:rg/

jared/projects/communitybike/summary/,

May

5 2002, pp. 13-15.

Primary Examiner -

Jeffrey Shapiro

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Pearl Cohen Zedek Latz.er,

LLP

(57)

ABSTRACT

An

electronic lock for removably securing a movable item to

a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second

complementary cooperating connecting members, each

beingfixedlymountedtoarespectiveoneofthemovableitem

and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable

position; and a securing assembly for securing the first and

second connecting members together when engaged in

the

lockable position, the securing assembly comprising a mov

able locking member operatively associated to the first con

necting member, a locking aperture defined in the second

connecting member, the locking aperture being adapted for

receiving the movable locking memb er when the connecting

members are engaged together in the lockable position; an

actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member

for actuating the movable locking member between an

unlocked position enabling disengagement

of

the first and

second connecting members and a locked position wherein

the movable locking member engages the locking aperture,

and electronic control means for controlling selective actua

tion

of

the movable locking member.

37

Claims,

21

Drawing

Sheets



40/109

EP

FR

GB

JP

JP

KR

WO


2093718

2837460

2327069

2008137640

2008191922

20090091841

9809254

8/2009

9/2003

111999

6/2008

8/2008

8/2009

3/1998

US

8,061,499 B2

Page2

WO 0154080

WO 2005001781

WO 2006021650

WO 2006120328

WO 200815744 3

WO 2009080566

' cited by examiner

7/2001

1/2005

3/2006

ll/2006

12/2008

7/2009



41/109

U.S. Patent

100

~ 1 2 8

Nov. 22, 2011

126

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Patent Nov. 22, 2011 Sheet 20 of 21

Providing an electronic lock for securing a

movable item to a structure

Engaging the first and second connecting

members together in

the lockable position

US 8,061,499 B2

1500

1502

Actuating the locking member to the locked 1504

position

FIG.15



61/109

U.S.

Patent

Nov. 22, 2011

Sheet 21 of

21

Providing an electronic lock for securing a

bicycle to a bicycle rack

Guiding the male connector towards the

lockable position

Engaging the first and second connecting

members together in the lockable position

Holding the first and second connecting

members engaged together in the lockable

position

Monitoring a positioning of the first and

second connecting members

in

the

lockable position

Identifying the bicycle to provide an

identification thereof

Actuating the locking membei to the locked

position

FIG.16

US

8,061,499 B2

1600

1602

1604

1606

1608

1610

1612



62/109

US 8,061,499 B2

1

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING

A MOVABLE ITEM

TO

A

STRUCTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED

APPLICATION

The present application cJaims priority from U.S. provi

sional patent application Ser. No. 61/047,162 filed Apr. 23,

2008, the specification of which is herein incorporated by

reference.

FIELD

OF

THE INVENTION

The

invention relates

to

Jocking systems. More precisely,

the invention pertains to

an

electronic lock for securing a

movable item to a structure and an associated method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Securing a moveable item

to a structure is of great interest

for various applications. For instance, it may be desirable to

secure a vehicle to a fixed structure. This may be particularly

advantageous

in

applications where

the

vehicle is to

be

rented

for a given amount oftime.

More specifically, there has been inrecent years a rise in the

popularity

of

automated rental systems for vehicles such as

bicycles for example. Such a system generally comprises

an

automated rental station from whi ch a user may rent a bicycle

for a given amount of time.

In such a system, a bicycle to be rented is generally remov

ably secured to a bicycle rack

by

means of a Jocking mecha

nism. A user may selectively unsecure a nd secure again the

bicycle from the bicycle rack in certain circumstances, for

instance after paying a given fee and/or providing a personal

identification code.

Such rental systems generaJly comprise a plurality ofrental

stations located in different public locations, making them

likely targets

of

acts of vandalism from malevolent individu

als. Their robustness is thus an important element

of

a suc

cessful rental system.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,407, granted to Squire,

discJoses

an

automated bicycJe renting station wherein the

bicycle rackcomprises a locking mechanis m having a hookor

latch member. This

hook or

latch member is designed

to

selectively pivot around

an

axle to engage a rod

or

a keeper

mounted

on

the bicycJe to

be

secured, thereby effectively

securing the bicycle to·the renting station.

2

There is therefore a need for a method and an apparatus that

will overcome

at

least oneof he above mention ed drawbacks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

There is provided

an

electronic

lock

for removably secur

ing a movable item to a structure, the electronic Jock com

prising first and second complementary cooperating connect

ing members, each being fixedly mounte d to a respective one

lO

of

the movable item and the structure and being engageable

together in a lockable position, and a securing assembly for

securing the first

and

second connecting members together

when engaged in he lockable position, the securing assembly

15

comprising a movable Jocking member operatively associ

ated to the first connecting member, a locking aperture

defined in the second connecting member, the locking aper

ture being adapted for receiving the movable Jocking member

when the connecting members are engaged together in the

20

lockable position, an actuator operatively c oupled to the mov

able Jocking member for actuating the movabl e Jockingmem

ber between an unlocked position enabling disengagement

of

the first and second connecting members and a locke d posi

tion wherein the movable Jocking member engages the lock-

25 ing aperture andelectronic control me ans operatively coupled

to the actuator for controlling selective actuation of he mov

able Jocking member from the unlocked position to the locked

positionand from the Jocked position to the unlocked position


30 lockable position.

In

one embodiment, the first connecting member com

prises a female connector mounted to the structure and the

second connecting member comprises a corresponding

complementary male connector mounted to the movable

35

item.

In another embodiment, the second connecting member

comprises a male connector having a front tapered portion,

the tapered portion comprising two opposed side surfaces

converging towards each other

and

a bottom surface, the first

40 connecting member comprising a female connector having a

recess adapted for receiving the front tapered portion therein,

the recess comprising a corresponding tapered portion having

two opposed inner side walls converging towards each other

and two opposed sitting members projecting inwards the

45 recess and adapted for slidably receiving thereon the tapered

portion of he male connector.

Such a station may be subject to vandalism. Indeed, a

malicious pers on may tug at the bicycJe engaged in the rent

ing station, using the latch as a lever and the axle as a pivot

point to bend the latch out of shape

or

damage the keeper

and

50

free

the

bicycle from the renting station without paying the

given fee.

In

a further embodiment, each of the two opposed side

surfaces and the bottom surface of he front tapered portionof

the male connector comprises a planar surface.

In

another embodiment, the two opposed side surfaces of

the front tapered portion

of

the male connector define a

V-shape an d the corresponding inner side walls

of

he tapered

portion

of

he recess

of

he female connector define a comple

mentary V-shape adapted to snuggly receive the front tapered

Other locking systems for bicycles have also been pro

posed in the

art.

However, such systems are stiJI prone

to

property damage and theft

of

bicycles and

may

thus cause

great financial harm to operators

of

such bicycle renting sys

tems.

55 portion

of

the male connector.

Moreover, in some bicycle rental systems, unsecuring a

bicycle from a bicycle rental station involves lifting the

bicycle

or

otherwise manipulating the bicycJe such that a 60

great physical effort is required from a user

of

the bicycle

rental system. This activity is inconvenient for the user and

may lead to injuries.

Furthermore,

in

some bicycle rental systems, the task of

guiding the bicycle towards thebicycJerack for ti).epurposeof 65

securing the bicycle to the bicycle rack may be arduous and

inconvenient for a user.

In yet another embodiment, each of he two opposed side

surfaces of the front tapered portion of

the

male connector

comprises a substantially vertical planar surface and eac h of

the two opposed inner side waJls of he tapered portion of

he

recess of he female connector comprises a substantially ver

tical plana r surface.

In yet another embodiment,

the

second connecting mem

ber comprises a locking finger extending downwardly from

the

front tapered portion, the locking aperture being provided

on

the

locking finger.

In a further embodiment, the recess

of he

female connector

further comprises two opposed lower inner side walls con-



63/109

US 8,06 1,499 B2

3

verging towards each other and defining a finger channel

adapted for receiving the Jocking finger therein.

In one embodiment, the male connector further comprises

a back portion and a hinge extending between the front

tapered portion

and

the back portion for enabling a jointed

coupling therebetween.

In

one embodiment, the electronic lock further comprises

holding means adapted for cooperating with each

of

he con

necting members for temporarily holding the connecting

members together in the lockable position once engaged

10

therein.

In a further embodiment, the holding means comprise a

pair of wo opposed biased elements mounted to a respective

one of he first and second connecting members, each of he

biased elements having a resting position wherein the ele-

15

ment is urged outwardly and protrudes from the correspond

ing connecting member, the holding means further compris

ing a pair of corresponding cooperating opposed receiving

recesses mounted to the remaining connecting member, each

of

the receiving recesses being adapted to receive therein a

20

corresponding biased element when the first and second con

necting members are engaged in the lockable position,

thereby holding the connecting members together in the lock

able position.

Inanother further embodiment, each

of

he biased elements 25

comprises a ball and a ball spring mounted in a ball housing,

each

of

the receiving recesses comprising a corresponding

spherical portion.

In yet another further embodiment, each

of

the biased

elements is mounted on the connecting member mounted to

30

the structure and eachof he receiving recesses is mounted

on

the connecting member mounted to the movable item.

In yet a further embodiment, the connecting member

mounted to the structure comprises a female connector and

the connecting member mounted to the movable item com- 35

prises a male connector.

4

and second connecting members in the lockable positionand

identification

of

the associated movable item.

In yet a further embodiment, the identification tag com

prises an RFID tag and the identification reader comprises

an

RFID reader mounted to the structure.

In one embodiment, the electronic control means comprise

unsecuring means for enabling an actuating

of

the movable

Jocking member from the locked position to the unlocked

position, the unsecuring means being selected from a group

consisting of a card reader adapted for receiving a corre

sponding user card, a keypad adapted for receiving a user

code and a bar code reader adapted for reading a correspond

ing bar code.

In another embodiment, the movable locking member

comprises an elongated member axially translatable between

the unlocked position and the locked position, the locking

member being engaged at both ends in the

first

connecting

member through the Jocking aperture when in the locked

position.

In a further embodiment, the actuator comprises a motor

and a shaft driven by the motor, the shaft being attached

to

the

movable locking member for driving the movable locking

member between the unlocked position and the locked posi

tion.

In yet a further embodiment, the securing assembly further

comprises shaft position detecting means for monitoring a

position of

the shaft to thereby monitor a position

of

the

movable locking member.

In yet a further embodiment, the shaft position detecting

means comprise an optical detector and a mechanical detec

tor, each

of

the detectors being adapted for detecting the

position

of

he shaft and an associated positionof he movable

locking member in the locked position.

In one embodiment, the movable item comprises a bicycle

and the structure comprises a bicycle rack.

In a further embodiment, the bicycle rack is a part of a

bicycle rental station.none embodiment, the securing assembly comprises posi

tion detecting means mounted to one of the first and second

connecting members for detecting a positioning

of

the first

and second connecting members i n the lockable position.

In another further embodiment, the connecting member

mounted on the bicycle comprises attaching means for fixedly

40

attaching the connecting member to a fork of the bicycle.

In another embodiment, the securing assembly comprises

position detecting means mounted to the female connector for

detecting a positioning of the first

and

second connecting

members

in

the lockable position, the position detecting

means being adapted for detecting a positioning of he Jock-

45

ing finger in the finger channel.

In one embodiment, the securing assembly further com

prises position detecting means mounted to one of the first

and second connecting members for detec ting a positioning

In yet a further embodiment, the attaching means comprise

a pair of cylindrical holes extending through the connecting

member mounted on the bicycle, the pair of cylindrical holes

being adapted to fixedly receive the fork

of

the bicycle

therein.

In

one embodiment, the movable item comprises a vehicle

selected from a group consisting

of

a stroller, a wheelchair,

an

all-terrain vehicle, a scooter and a boat.

According to one embodiment, there is provided an elec

tronic Jock for removably securing a movable item to a struc

ture, the electronic lock comprising an elongated male con

nector fixedly mounted to the movable item and comprising a

Jocking aperture, a female connector fixedly mounted to the

structure and adapted for removably receiving therein the

of

the first and second connecting member in the lockable 50

position, the electronic control means being adapted for

selectively actuating the actuator to move the movable lock

ing member from the unlocked position to the locked position

upon detection of the positioning of the first and second

connecting member in the lockable position.

In another embodiment, the securing assembly further

comprises position detecting means mounted to one

of

the

first and second connecting members for detecting a position

ing

of

he first and second connecting member in the lockable

position, an identification tag associated with the movable

60

item and an identification reader for identifying the identifi

cation tag and the associated movable item when the first and

second connectors are engaged in the lockable position.

55

elongated male connector and a securing assembly associated

to the female connector, the securing assembly comprising a

movable locking member displaceable between an unlocked

position for allowing the female connector to receive therein

In a further embodiment, the electronic control means are

adapted for selectively actuating the actuator to move the

65

movable locking member from the unlocked position to the

Jocked position upon detection

of

the positioning of the first

the elongated male connector and a locked position, an actua

tor for causing displacement of he locking member between

the unlocked position and the Jocked position and electronic

control means coupled to the actuator for controlling dis

placementof he locking member between the unlocked posi

tion and the locked position, wherein when the elongated

male connector is received in the female connector, the elec

tronic control means controls the actuator for causing the

locking member to displace towards the locked position and



64/109

US 8,061,499 B2

5

to engage the locking aperture, thereby securing the elon

gated male connector in the female connector.

According to another aspect, there i s provided a method for

removably securing a movable item to a structure.

6

Accordingly, the method comprises providing an elec

tronic lock for removably securing the movable item to the

structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second

complementary cooperating connecting members, each

being fixedly mounted to a respective one

of

he movable item

and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable

position, and a securing assembly for securing the first and

second connecting members together when engaged in the


able locking member operatively associated to the first con

necting member, a locking aperture defined in the second


receiving the movable locking member when the connecting

members are engaged together in the lockable position, an

actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member

for actuating the movable locking member between an

unlocked position enabling disengagement of the first and


the movable locking member engages the locking aperture

and electronic control means operatively coupled to the 25

actuator for controlling selective actuation

of

the movable

locking member from the unlocked position to the locked

position and from the locked position to the unlocked position


lockable position; engaging the first and second connecting

30

members together in the lockable position and actuating the

locking member to the locked position so that the locking

member engages the locking aperture, thereby securing the

movable item to the structure.

Accordingly, the kit comprises first and second comple

mentary cooperating connecting members, each being fix

edly mountable to a respective one of he movable item and

the structure and being engageable together

in

a lockable

position, and a securing assembly for securing the first and

second connecting members together

when

engaged in the


able locking member operatively associatable to the first con

necting member, a locking aperture defined

in

the second

10


receiving the movable locking member when the connecting

members are engaged together in the lockable position, an

actuator operatively couplable to the movable locking mem-

In one embodiment, the method further comprises moni

toring a positioning of the first and second connecting mem

bers in the lockable position before actuating the locking

member.

15 ber for actuating the movable locking member between an

unlocked position enabling disengagement

of

the first and


the movable locking member engages the locking aperture

and electronic control means operatively couplable to the

20

actuator for controlling selective actuation of the movable

locking member from the unlocked position to the locked

position and from the locked position to the unlocked position


lockable position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood,

embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of

example in the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1 is a rear perspective view ofa bicycle rack having an

electronic lock mounted thereon in accordance with one

embodiment, with a bicycle removed from the bicycle rack.

FIG. 2 is another rear perspective view of he bicycle rack

35

shown in FIG.1.

FIG.3 is a front perspective view

of

he bicycle rack shown

in FIG.1.

In another embodiment, the method further comprises

identifying the movable item before actuating the locking 40

member.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view

of

he bicycle secured to

the bicycle rack using the electronic lock shown in FIG.

1.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged view

of

he electronic lock shown in

FIG.4.

In yet another embodiment, engaging the first and second

connecting members together

in

the lockable position com

prises guiding the connecting member mounted to the mov

able item towards the lockable position.

FIG. SA is a front perspective view ofan electronic lock for

removably securing a movable item to a structure, in accor-

45

dance with one embodiment.

In yet another embodiment, engaging the first and second

connecting members together in the lockable position com

prises holding the first and second connecting members

engaged in the lockable position.

In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises, 50

before actuating the locking member, detecting a positioning

of the first and second connecting members i n the lockable

position and identifying the movable item to providean

iden

tification thereof, wherein, inthe actuating, the locking mem

ber is actuated to the locked position upon detection

of

the

55

positioning

of

he first and second connecting members in the

lockable position and the identification

of

the movable item.

In a further embodiment, identifying comprises a radio

frequency identification.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises request- 60

ing a user identification and actuating the locking member to

the unlocked position for unsecuring the movable item upon

reception

of

the user identification.

FIG. SB is a right perspective view of the electronic lock

shown in FIG. SA.

FIG. SC is a right perspective view of another electronic

lock for removably securing a movable item to a structure.

FIG. 6 is a right perspective view

of

the electronic lock

shownin FIG. SB wherein the male connectoris engaged with

the female connector.

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of he electronic lock

shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. BA is a left side elevation view

of

the electronic lock

shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the electronic lock shown in

FIG.6.

FIG. 8C is a right side elevation view of he electronic lock

shown in FIG.

6.

FIG. 8D is a front elevation view of the electronic lock

shown in FIG.

6.

In another embodiment, the movable item comprises a

bicycle and the structure comprises a bicycle rack.

FIG. 9 is a 3Dperspectiveview, cross-sectioned along lines

65 AA-AA of FIG. 6,

of

the electronic lock shown

in

FIG.

6.

According to another aspect, there is provided a kit for

removably securing a movable item to a structure.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view

of

the electronic lock

shown in FIG. 6.



65/109

US 8,061 ,499 B2

7

8

FIG. l lA is a front elevation view, cross-sectioned along member comprises a corresponding complementary male

lines

AA-AA

of FIG. 6, of the electroni c Jock

shown in

FIG. connector 108 mounted to the bicycle 104, as bet ter shown

in

6, wherein the

male

connector is unsecured from the female FIG. 2.

connector. As it will be more clearly detailed thereinafter, the male

FIG. l lB is another front elevation view, cross-sectioned connector 108 and the female connector 106 are engageable

along lines

AA-AA of

FIG. 6,

of he

electronic Jock shown in together

in

a lockable position.

FIG. 6 wherein

the

male

connector

has

been

secured in

the In he

embodiment

shown

in FIGS. 1to3, the bicycl

pbsc urban solutions v. motivate int'l - complaint

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