WO1994025330A1

WO1994025330A1 - Improvements in or relating to saddle posts and locks

Info

Publication number: WO1994025330A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/000718
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Edward Rhodes
Original assignee: Lockit Technologies Nottingham Uk Limited
Priority date: 1993-04-24
Filing date: 1994-04-05
Publication date: 1994-11-10
Also published as: AU6383994A; GB9308547D0; EP0687234A1

Abstract

A saddle post (10) for a bicycle. The saddle post comprises a tube (12) which can be inserted into a bicycle frame. The tube (12) defines an internal space (22) and further defines an aperture (24) providing communication between the internal space (22) and the region exterior of the saddle post (10). A cable (26) of a lock (27) can be received through the aperture (24) into the internal space (22). The saddle post (10) further includes holding means (30) provided at the aperture (24) to hold the cable (26) in the internal space (22).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO SADDLE POSTS AND LOCKS

This invention relates to saddle posts and locks, Particularly, this invention relates to saddle posts and locks for bicycles.

Theft of bicycles is becoming widespread. Many thefts are opportunist in nature and occur merely because the bicycle has not been locked. There are a number of locks on the market for use with bicycles but they are difficult to carry and look untidy when attached to the bicycle. Also, there is a danger that such locks can scratch the bicycle's paint when the bicycle is being ridden.

It is an object of this invention to obviate and/or mitigate the above disadvantage.

According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a saddle post for a bicycle, said saddle post comprising a tube which can be inserted into a bicycle frame, the tube defining an internal space and further defining an aperture providing communication between said internal space and the region exterior of the saddle post, whereby a cable of a lock can be received through the aperture into the internal space, and said saddle post further including holding means provided at the aperture to hold the cable in the internal space. i Preferably, the saddle post comprises securing means at the top region thereof for securing a saddle to the saddle post, wherein the aperture is defined directly below said securing means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tube includes a cable entry member defining said aperture and providing communication between said aperture and said internal space whereby said cable can be received through said cable entry member prior to receipt in said internal space.

Preferably, the cable entry member comprises a wall defining a bore extending between said aperture and said internal space. The wall may be thicker at said aperture than at said internal space, at least at the region which is, in use, lowermost of said cable entry member. Preferably, the wall at said lowermost region is curved downwardly, in use, from said aperture to said internal space. Alternatively, the bore may be angled downwardly, in use, from the aperture to the internal space.

The entry member may be formed integrally with the tube, for example, by casting. Alternatively, the entry member may be formed separately from said tube and thereafter the tube and the entry member can be attached t o get h e r .

The holding means may comprise a sealing member adapted to engage sealingly around the cable of the lock to hold the cable in the tube. Preferably, the holding t means is in the form of an elastomeric 0-ring or grommet . A suitable recess may be provided in the tube into which said sealing member can be fitted, thereby holding the sealing member in place.

In one embodiment, the securing means for securing a saddle to the saddle post comprises a clip having clamping means to clamp the rails of the saddle and gripping means for gripping said clamping means and holding the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails. Preferably, the gripping means comprises an annular member substantially surrounding the clamping means, and first and second binding members arranged in a region above said clamping means to apply a force to the annular member to hold the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails.

Preferably, the annular member is in the form of a split ring and the binding members may be provided on opposite sides of the split in the ring. The gripping means may further include a bolt adapted to be threadably received in one of said binding members and to engage the other of said binding members, whereby the bolt can be tightened to force the binding members towards each other thereby causing the gripping means to grip the clamping means.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cable entry member for use with a saddle post as described in paragraphs 4 to 11 above, said cable entry member defining a bore extending therethrough providing communication through the cable entry member from one side thereof to the other, wherein the wall is thicker at one of said sides than at the other of said sides at least at the bottom of the bore when the cable entry member is in use.

Preferably, the wall of the bore at the bottom thereof is curved downwardly, in use, from said one side to the otherside thereof. Alternatively, the bore may be angled downwardly, in use.

The cable entry member may include holding means for holding the cable in the tube of the saddle post. Preferably, the holding means comprises a sealing member adapted to engage sealingly around a cable of a lock to hold the cable in the tube. The holding means may be in the form of an elastomeric 0-ring or grommet. Preferably the 0-ring or grommet is formed of rubber or other suitable material.

In another embodiment, the securing means comprises first and second clamping members and a securing bolt extending through a central region thereof, and an upper region of said tube. An opening may be defined in said tube on said upper regions to allow access to the bolt via said tube.

In a further embodiment, the clamping means is such that the securing bolt can be received in the tube substantially coaxially with said upper region of the tube. In this embodiment, the bolt is provided with a bore to receive the cable of the lock therethrough when the bolt is secured to the head. The holding means may be mounted in the bore of the bolt.

In a further embodiment, the aperture for receiving the cable of the lock is defined in the top of the saddle post. A stop member may be provided on said lock to prevent the lock being inserted too far into the saddle post.

The holding means may be in the form of a spring clip adapted to be mounted on the lock to engage the saddle post when said lock is received therein to prevent the lock from being dislodged from the saddle p os t

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a saddle post for a bicycle comprising a tube adapted to be inserted into a bicycle frame, said tube defining an internal space, and securing m_^eans for securing a saddle thereto, the securing means comprising clamping means to clamp the rails of the saddle and gripping means for gripping said clamping means, the gripping means comprising an annular member substantially surrounding the clamping means and first and second binding members arranged in a region above the annular member to apply a force to the annular member to hold the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails of the saddle.

According to a further aspect of this invention, I there is provided a saddle post comprising a tube defining an internal space and securing means for securing the saddle thereto, the securing means comprising a first portion provided on the tube, and a clip adapted to engage the first portion, whereby the clip comprises first and second clamping members adapted to clamp the rails of the saddle, and first and second threaded extending through the first portion and the first and second clamping members on either side of the tube, and first and second bolts adapted to pass through the each of the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the apertures in the first portion are substantially elongate to allow the position of the clip to be varied, thereby allowing the angle of the saddle to be varied.

In the preferred embodiment, the bolts are in the form of alien bolts, and the apertures in at least one of the uppermost clamping members are threaded.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a saddle comprising a seating portion, support rails to support the seating portion, and hinge means whereby the seating portion can be hinged between a seating position and a non-seating position relative to the support rails. A saddle as defined above has the advantage that it provides access to the top of the seat post, for example to remove a lock.

Preferably, the support means comprises at least one rail to which the seating portion is attached via a hinge means. The hinge means may be in the form of a cranked hinge. Preferably, the hinge means is arranged at one end region of the seating portion. A suitable arrangement of nuts and bolts may be provided to attach the seating portion and the hinge means to the support means .

At the other end region of the seating portion, the seating portion may be attached to the support means by releasable securing means. Conveniently, the releasable securing means comprises a lock member adapted to receive and lock a post therein. Where the saddle is to be used with a saddle post having a lock stored therein, the lock member may be adapted to release the post with the same key as that used with the lock .

Conveniently, the lock member is mounted on the seating portion and the post is mounted on the support means . The releasable securing means may be provided at the front end portion of the saddle and the hinge means may be provided at the rear end portion of the saddle.

The underside of the seating portion may be provided with a pocket, to which access can bθ gained when the seating portion is in the non-seating position. The pocket may be used to store tools, a puncture repair kit or other suitable items.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided a lock comprising a lock mechanism having an aperture therein for receiving a key for an end of the lock, and a cover for said mechanism, the cover surrounding the mechanism and having an aperture adapted to correspond with the aperture in the lock mechanism, whereby the cover can be moved relative to the lock mechanism between a first position in which the aperture in the lock and the aperture in the cover are aligned and the second position in which the apertures are not aligned.

Detent means may be provided to hold the cover in said first or second positions.

The detent means may comprise a recess provided on one of the lock or the cover, and a corresponding raised i portion provided on the other of the lock or the cover.

Preferably, the recess is provided on the lock mechanism and the raised portion is provided on the cover. The raised portion and the recess may be chamfered.

The recess may be in the form of an elongate groove and a raised portion which may also be elongate.

Preferably the detent comprises first and second grooves, and corresponding first and second raised portions. The grooves may be arranged substantially parallel to each other about the lock mechanism.

Alternatively, the recess and the raised portion may be substantially circular in configuration and when the cover is in the second position, the raised portion may be received in an aperture of the lock mechanism.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment ;

Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of a second embodiment ; I

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a bolt for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional side view of a third embodiment ;

I

Figs. 5A and 5B are respectively a sectional side view of a cable entry member for use with the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, and a view along the lines V-V in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6 is a sectional side view of a fourth embodiment ;

Fig. 7 is a view along the lines VII-VII in Fig. 6

Figs. 8A, 8B are respectively side and top plan views of a fifth embodiment;

Figs. 9A, 9B and 9C are respectively top plan, front and side views of a lower part of a clamp for use with the embodiment shown in Figs. 8A and 8B;

Fig. 10 is a front view of an upper part of a clamp for use with the embodiment shown in Figs. 8A and 8B; Fig. 11 is a sectional side view of a fifth embodiment, showing a saddle in sectional view;

Fig. 12 is a side view of a lock;

Fig. 13 is a view along the lines XII-XI>I of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a side view of the lock shown in Fig. 12 with the shroud in another orientation.

Fig. 15 is a view along the lines XV-XV of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a side view of a modified lock.

Fig. 17 is a view along the lines XVII-XVII in Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a side view of the lock shown in Fig. 16 with the shroud in another orientation; and

Fig. 19 is a view along the lines XIX-XIX in Fig. 18.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Fig. 1 a saddle post 10 which comprises a tube 12 which, in turn, including a head 14. The tube 12 defines an internal space 22. The head 14 is provided with a concavity 18 adapted to receive clamping means such that a saddle can be clamped thereto by a suitable alien bolt adapted to be received in a threaded aperture in the clamping means, as would be appreciated by the^* person skilled in the art .

The internal space 22 extends from the head 14. The head 14 is provided with an aperture 24 to allow a cable 26 of a lock 27 to be received into the inner space 22. The lock 27 can be any suitable bicycle lock having an elongate cable 26. The lock 27 comprises a locking mechanism 28 which engages the head 14.

A resilient member in the form of a rubber 'O'-ring or grommet 30 is provided in the internal space 22 near the aperture 24. The grommet 30 is of substantially annular configuration and is provided with formations 32,34. The formations 32 are provided on the outside of the grommet 30 and are adapted to engage into corresponding recesses in the head 14. The formations 34 are adapted to co-operate with a corresponding formation 36 on the lock 26 to hold the lock in position and prevent it sliding out of the saddle post 10. In addition, the grommet 30 is so configured that any moisture on the cable 26 will be wiped off when the cable 26 is inserted into the saddle post 10.

A further aperture 38 is provided in the underside of the head 14. The aperture 38 is directly below the threaded aperture 20 to allow access to the alien bolt used to secure the saddle to the saddle post 10. Access is gained to the bolt by first removing the lock 27 and then inserting an alien key through the aperture 38 to the bolt securing the saddle in place.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, there is shown another embodiment. This embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and the same features have been given the same reference numeral. With the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the saddle is clamped to the saddle post 10 via a substantially annular securing means 116. The securing means comprises first and second clamping members 172,174 which operate in the same manner as described below with regard to the securing means 170 in Fig. 4. A bolt 117 is used to clamp the clamping member 116 to secure the saddle in place.

In this embodiment, the internal space 22 extends through the head 14. The head 14 includes a threaded bore 15 for receiving the bolt 117. I

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, the bolt 117 is provided with a bore 118 such that the lock 26 can be received into the conduit 22 via the bore 118 in the bolt 117. A resilient member in the form of a rubber grommet 130, is provided in the head of the bolt 117.

I

The rubber grommet 130 is adapted to hold the lock in place and to prevent water from entering into the conduit 22. It will be appreciated that the lock mechanism 28 of the lock 27 engages the bolt 117.

Referring to Fig. 4, there is shown a third embodiment of the saddle post 10. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments shown in Fig. 2 and the same features have been given the same reference numeral.

The saddle post 10 shown in Fig. 4, comprises a cable entry member 150 provided on the tube 12. The cable entry member 150 comprises a wall 152 defining a bore 154. The bore 154 extends through the cable entry member 150 to allow communication between the internal space 22 and the region exterior of the saddle post 10. An aperture 156 is defined by the wall 152 of the cable entry member 150 via which the bore 154 communicates with the region exterior of the saddle post 10.

The cable 26 of the lock 27 is inserted into the saddle post 10 via the aperture 156. The grommet 30 engages the cable 26 and wipes off any moisture thereon. When the cable 26 has been inserted fully into the internal space 22 (as shown in Fig. 4) the locking mechanism 28 engages the cable entry member 150. The grommet 30 acts to hold the lock 27 in place. Thus, when it is decided to use the lock 27, it can Simply be removed from the tube 12 by pulling the lock mechanism 28 thereby removing the cable 26 from the saddle post 10.

Referring now to Figs. 5A and 5B, there is shown the cable entry member 150. As can be seen, the wall 152 is thicker at the upper most region 158 as shown in Fig. 5A and thinner at the lowermost region 160. The wall 152 is divided into two regions, 162 and 164. in the region 162, the upper and lower regions on 158, 160 of the wall 152 are substantially parallel to each other. In view of the fact that the wall 152 extends all the way around the cable entry member, it will be appreciated that in this region, the bore is substantially cylindrical in configuration.

In the region 164, the upper and lower regions 158,160 diverge away from each other. Thus, in the lower region 160 of the wall 152, the wall becomes progressively thinner from the aperture 156 to the inner space 22. The reasons for the divergence of the wall 152 is to allow easy removal of the cable 26 from the inner space 22.

Referring again to Fig. 4, there is shown a securing means 170 for a saddle. A securing means 170

I

comprises first and second clamping members 172,174 which engage and clamp the rails of a saddle to be secured to the saddle post 10.

Gripping means 176 are provided to apply a force to the clamping members 172,174 so that the clamping members 172,174 clampingly engage the rails of the saddle.

The gripping means 176 comprises an annular member 178 extending around the clamping members 172,174. A split 180 is provided between opposite ends of the annular member 170 and binding members 182,184 are provided on opposite sides of the split 180.

The binding member 182 is provided with threads and can threadably engage a binding bolt 186 which is provided with corresponding threads. A shoulder 188 in the binding member 184 engages the head 190 of the bolt 186 whereby upon tightening of the bolt 186, the binding members 182,184 will be pulled together thereby pulling the angular member 178 against the clamping members 172,174 which causes the clamping members 172,174 to clampingly engage the rails of the saddle.

Referring now to Fig. 6, there is shown a further embodiment of the invention which comprises a s'addle post 110 adapted to receive therein a lock (not shown) similar to the lock 27 shown in Figs. 1 to 5. The saddle post 110 comprises a tube 112 having a stepped region 114 leading to a top portion 116 of a diameter which is less than the diameter of the tube 112. The top portion 116 is adapted to receive a clip for a saddle, as would be known in the art. The tube 112 defines an internal space 117.

A cable entry member 120 is provided on the tube 112 and defines an aperture 118 as shown in Fig. 6. The cable entry member 120 can be formed separately from the saddle post 110 and welded thereon. Alternatively, the cable entry member 120 can be formed with the saddle post 110, for example by casting.

The cable entry member 120 comprises a wall 122 defining a bore 124 extending therethrough for communication between the internal space 117 and the region exterior of the saddle post 110 via the aperture 118. As can be seen from Fig. 6, the wall 122 is ι divided into two regions, 126,128. In the region 126, the upper and lower portions of the wall 122,126 are substantially parallel to each other. Whereby the bore

124 is substantially cylindrical. In the region 128, the lower portion of the wall is tapered outwardly, as shown, thereby reducing the thickness of the'wall in the lower region to enable the cable of the lock to be inserted and removed easily.

A grommet 130 is provided in an appropriate recess 132 in the wall 122 adjacent the aperture 118. The grommet 130 engages sealingly with the cable of a lock in a similar manner as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 to wipe off any moisture which may be on the cable, and also to hold the cable securely in the internal space 117.

In the case where the cable entry member 120 is formed separately from the tube 112, the cable entry member 120 is provided with an exterior flange 134 by means of which the cable entry member 120 can be attached to the tube 122, for example, by welding.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 10 there is shown a further embodiment of the invention. A seat post 210 is shown which comprises a tube 212 defining an internal space 214. The tube 212 also defines an aperture 216 at the top end thereof. As can be seen from Fig. 8A, the tube 212 is curved in the top region 218 towards a head 220 for receiving a clip for a saddle. The aperture 216 allows communication between the space 214 and the region exterior seat post 210. The head 220 is provided with a plurality of elongate serrations 222 to allow micro adjustment of the clip to be received thereon.

Adjacent the aperture 216 is provided an annular groove 224 for receiving a grommet 226. The aperture 216 is adapted to receive a cable (not shown) of a lock (not shown) similar to the lock 27 shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The grommet 226 operates in the same way as the grommet 30 as described above. Thus, the cable of the lock can be received in the internal space 214 and held therein by the grommet 226. In a similar way as described previously.

The head 220 is provided with a pair of elongate slots 230,232. The slots 230,232 are adapted to receive alien bolts for securing a clip for a saddle thereto as will be explained below.

Figs. 9 to 10 show first and second parts of a suitable clip to be received in the cradle 220. The first part shown in Figs. 9A,9B and 9C is generally designated 240 and is intended to be the lower part of t the clip. The lower part 240 is provided with a convexly curved lower surface 242 provided with a plurality of serrations 224. The serrations 224 are intended to engage the serrations 220 to allow micro adjustment of the clip. The lower part 240 is provided with a pair of grooves 246,248 adapted to receive the rails of a saddle to be secured thereto. The lower part

240 also comprises a pair of bores 250,252 extending therethrough for receiving an alien bolt therein.

Referring to Fig. 10, there is shown the top part 260 of the clip. The top part 260 comprises a pair of grooves 262,264 and a pair of threaded bores 266,268.

In use, the lower part 240 is initially arranged in the head 220 as shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. A saddle is then arranged on the lower part 240 such that the rails of the saddle are received in the groove 246,248. The upper part 260 is then arranged over the lower part 240 such that the upper part 260 is supported by the rails of the saddle which are received in the grooves 262,264. It will be appreciated that when the lower part 240, the saddle and the upper part 260 are so arranged, the slot 230, and the bores 252,266 will be aligned, as will be the slot 232 and the bores 254,268. Thus, appropriate alien bolts 270,272 can be inserted through the slots 230,232 to be threadably received in the bores 266,268 via the bores 252,254 and upon tightening the alien bolts in the bores 266,268, the upper part 260 will be forced downwardly of the saddle thereby clamping the rails of the saddle between the lower and upper parts 240,260. A suitable saddle for use with this, or any other embodiment of the 'saddle is shown in Fig. 11, but it will be appreciated that any suitable type of bicycle saddle will suffice.

Referring to Fig. 11, there is shown a fifth embodiment, which comprises a saddle post 310 adapted to receive therein a lock 327. The saddle post 310 is of the type which comprises a tube 312 but is not provided with an integral head. In this type of saddle post, the saddle is secured thereto by means of a clip 314.

In this embodiment, the tube 312 defines an internal space 22 and has an open top 320. The cable 326 of the lock 327 can be inserted into the tube 112 via the open top 320.

The lock 327 has a locking mechanism 328. A stop member 329 is attached to the mechanism 328 to prevent the lock from sliding down the tube 312. The stop member 329 is of substantially cylindrical configuration and is of substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the top 320 of the tube 312. Resilient means in the form of a spring clip 331 is attached to the lock 327. The spring clip 331 is adapted to engage the sides of the tube 312, thereby preventing the lock 327 bouncing out of the seat post 310 when the bicycle is being ridden.

In order to gain access to the top of the saddle post, so that the lock 327 can be removed and inserted, as desired, there is provided a saddle 400 as shown in Fig. 11. The saddle 400 comprises a seating portion 402 upon which the rider sits and support members in the form of a pair of rails 404 which are secured to the clip 314. In the saddle shown in Fig. 11, a spring 406 is provided to give added comfort to the rider.

A cranked hinge 408 is secured to the spring 406 and to the seating portion 402. An appropriate arrangement of nuts and bolts 410 is provided to secure the seating portion 402 to the spring 406. As can be seen from the drawings, the spring 406 and the cranked hinge 408 are provided towards the rear region of the saddle 400. Towards the front portion of the saddle 400, there is provided a locking member 412 adapted to releasably secure the seating portion 402 to the front of the rails 404. A post 414 is attached to the rails 404, as shown in Fig. 10 and the post 414 can be received in the locking member 412 to be locked therein. A key 416 can be used to release the locking mechanism 412 from the post 414 thereby allowing the seating portion 402 to be hinged about the cranked hinge 408 to a position where the seating portion is substantially vertical so that access can be gained to the top end 320 of the saddle post 310, thereby enabling the lock 327 to be removed therefrom. Conveniently, the locking member 412 can be released by the same key 416 as used for the lock 326.

The seating portion 402 is provided with a pocket 418, which can be formed when the seating portion 402 is formed, e.g. by injection moulding. The pocket 418 can be used to carry, for example, tools or a puncture repair kit. Access to the pocket 418 is gained when the seating portion 402 has been pivoted about the hinge 208 to the substantially vertical position.

A disadvantage associated with cycling, and particularly with the present day trend for mountain bikes is which often do not have mudguards, is that mud is often thrown all over the bike. With the present invention, the mud would cover the lock held in the saddle post. An aspect of the invention which is shown in Figs. 12 to 19 and described below overcomes this disadvantage. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, there is shown a further embodiment of a lock 510. The lock 510 comprises a lock mechanism 512 which is surrounded by a shroud 514 (shown in dotted lines). Connected to the lock mechanism 512 is a cable 516.

«

The lock mechanism 512 is provided with first and second apertures 516,518. The aperture 518 is shown in dotted lines because it is to the rear of the lock mechanism 512 as shown in Fig. 12. The aperture 516 is adapted to recieve an appropriate key for releasing the lock mechanism and the aperture 518 is adapted to receive the end 520 of the cable 516.

The lock mechanism 512 is provided with a pair of

elongate grooves 522,524. The shroud 514 is provided with corresponding elongate raised portions 526,528. The grooves 522,524 and the raised positions 526,528 are chamfered at their sides (as shown) to allow easily movement of the raised portions into and out of the grooves .

When the shroud 514 is in the position shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the raised portion 526 is received in the groove 522 and the raised portion 528 is received in the groove 524. The shroud 514 is provided with I apertures 530,532 which correspond to the apertures 516,518. When the shroud 514 is in the position shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the apertures 530,532 are aligned with the apertures 516,518 thereby allowing the key to be inserted in the key hole and the end 520 to be inserted in the aperture 518. '

When the lock 510 is not in use, the shroud 514 can be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow A to the position shown in Figs. 14 and 15, whereby the apertures 516,518 are covered by the shroud. In this position, the raised portion 528 is received in the groove 522 to hold the shroud in this position. Thus, when the shroud is in the position shown in Figs. 14 and 15, mud and dirt cannot enter the apertures 516,518.

Referring to Figs. 16 to 19, there is shown a lock 510 which is similar to the lock 510 shown in Figs. 12 to 15, and the same features have been given the same reference numerals. A lock 510 shown in Figs. 16 to 19 differs from the lock 510 shown in Figs. 12 to 15 in that the grooves 522,524 and the elongate raised portions 526,528 have been replaced by a substantially circular recess 540 and a corresponding substantially circular raised portion 542.

When the shroud 514 is in the position shown in I

Figs. 16 and 17, the apertures 530,532 on the shroud 514 are aligned with the apertures 516,518. In this position, the raised portion 542 is received in the recess 540. By rotating the shroud 514 in the direction indicated by the arrow B in Fig. 17, the shroud 514 can be moved to the position shown in Fig. 19, in which the apertures 516,518 are covered by the shroud. In this position, the raised portion 542 is received in the aperture 516 to hold the shroud in the position shown in Figs. 18 and 19.

Various further modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

I C l a i ms : -

1. A saddle post for a bicycle, said saddle post comprising a tube which can be inserted into a bicycle frame, the tube defining an internal space and, further defining an aperture providing communication between said internal space and the region exterior of the saddle post, whereby a cable of a lock can be received through the aperture into the internal space, and said saddle post further including holding means provided at the aperture to hold the cable in the internal space.

2. A saddle post according to Claim 1 further comprising securing means at the top region thereof for securing a saddle to the saddle post, wherein the aperture is defined directly below said securing means.

3. A saddle post according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the tube includes a cable entry member defining said aperture and providing communication between said aperture and said internal space whereby said cable can be received through said cable entry member prior to receipt in said internal space.

4. A saddle post according to Claim 3 wherein the cable entry member comprises a wall defining a bore extending between said aperture and said internal space, the wall being thicker at said aperture than at said internal space, at least at the region which is, in use, lowermost of said cable entry member.

5. A saddle post according to Claim 4 wherein the wall at said lowermost region is curved downwardly, in use, from said aperture to said internal space.

6. A saddle post according to Claim 4 wherein the bore is angled downwardly, in use, from the aperture to the internal space.

7. A saddle post according to any of Claims 3 to 6 wherein the entry member is formed integrally with the tube.

8. A saddle post according to any of Claims 3 to 6 wherein the entry member is formed separately from said tube and thereafter the tube and the entry member are attached together.

9. A saddle post according to any preceding Claim wherein the holding means comprises a sealing member adapted to engage sealingly around the cable of the lock I to hold the cable in the tube.

10. A saddle post according to Claim 9 wherein the holding means is in the form of an elastomeric 0-ring or grommet, a suitable recess being provided in the tube

I into which said sealing member can be fitted, thereby holding the sealing member in place.

11. A saddle post according to Claim 2 wherein the securing means for securing a saddle to the saddle post comprises a clip having clamping means to clamp the rails of the saddle and gripping means for gripping said clamping means and holding the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails, the gripping means comprising an annular member substantially surrounding the clamping means, and first and second binding members arranged in a region above said clamping means to apply a force to the annular member to hold the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails.

12. A saddle post according to Claim 11 wherein the annular member is in the form of a split ring and the binding members are provided on opposite sides of the split in the ring, the gripping means further including a bolt adapted to be threadably received in one of said binding members and to engage the other of said binding members, whereby the bolt can be tightened to force the binding members towards each other thereby causing the gripping means to grip the clamping means.

13. A saddle post according to Claim 2 wherein the securing means comprises first and second clamping members and a securing bolt extending through a central region thereof, and an upper region of said tube, an opening being defined in said tube on said upper regions to allow access to the bolt via said tube.

14. A saddle post according to Claim 2 wherein the clamping means is such that the securing bolt can be received in the tube substantially coaxially with said upper region of the tube. In this embodiment, the bolt is provided with a bore to receive the cable of the lock therethrough when the bolt is secured to the head. The holding means may be mounted in the bore of the bolt.

15. A saddle post according to Claim 1 wherein the aperture for receiving the cable of the lock is defined in the top of the saddle post, a stop member being provided on said lock to prevent the lock being inserted too far into the saddle post.

16. A saddle post according to Claim 15 wherein the I holding means is in the form of a spring clip adapted to be mounted on the lock to engage the saddle post when said lock is received therein to prevent the lock from being dislodged from the handlebars.

17. A cable entry member for use with a saddle post as claimed in Claims 1 to 16, said cable entry member defining a bore extending therethrough providing communication through the cable entry member from one side thereof to the other, wherein the wall is thicker at one of said sides than at the other of said sides at least at the bottom of the bore when the cable entry member is in use.

18. A cable entry member according to Claim 17 wherein the wall of the bore at the bottom thereof is curved downwardly, in use, from said one side to the other side thereof.

19. A cable entry member according to Claim 18 wherein the bore is angled downwwardly, in use.

20. A cable entry member according to any of Claims 17,18 or 19 wherein the cable entry member includes holding means for holding the cable in the tube of the saddle post.

21. A cable entry member according to Claim 20 wherein the holding means comprises a sealing member adapted to engage sealingly around a cable of a lock to hold the cable in the tube.

22. A cable entry member according to Claims 20 or 21 wherein the holding means may be in the form of an elastomeric 0-ring or grommet.

23. A saddle post for a bicycle comprising a tube adapted to be inserted into a bicycle frame, said tube defining an internal space and securing means for securing a saddle thereto, the securing means comprising clamping means to clamp the rails of the saddle and gripping means for gripping said clamping means, the gripping means comprising an annular member substantially surrounding the clamping means and first and second binding members arranged in a region above the annular member to apply a force to the annular member to hold the clamping means in clamping engagement with the rails of the saddle .

24. A saddle post according to Claim 23 wherein the annular member is in the form of a split ring and the binding members are provided on opposite sides of the split in the ring. I

25. A saddle post according to Claim 24 wherein the gripping means further including a bolt adapted to be threadably received in one of said binding members and to engage the other of said binding members, whereby the bolt can be tightened to force the binding members

I towards each other thereby causing the gripping means to grip the clamping means.

26. A saddle post comprising a tube defining an internal space and securing means for securing the saddle thereto, the securing means comprising a first portion provided on the tube, and a clip adapted to engage the first portion, whereby the clip comprises first and second clamping members adapted to clamp the rails of the saddle, and first and second threaded extending through the first portion and the first and second clamping members on either side of the tube, and first and second fastening means adapted to pass through the each of the first and second apertures.

27. A saddle post according to Claim 26 wherein the apertures in the first portion are substantially elongate to allow the position of the clip to be varied, thereby allowing the angle of the saddle to be varied.

28. A saddle post according to Claim 26 or 27 wherein I the fastening means are in the form of alien bolts, and the apertures in at least one of the uppermost clamping members are threaded.

29. A saddle comprising a seating portion, support

I rails to support the seating portion, and hinge means whereby the seating portion can be hinged between a seating position and a non-seating position relative to the support rails.

30. A saddle according to Claim 29 wherein the support means comprises at least one rail to which the seating portion is attached via a hinge means.

31. A saddle according to Claims 29 or 30 wherein the hinge means is in the form of a cranked hinge, arranged at one end region of the seating portion.

32. A saddle according to Claim 31 comprising releasable securing means at the other end region of the seating portion to attach the seating portion to the support rails.

33. A saddle according to Claim 32 wherein the releasable securing means comprises a lock member adapted to receive and lock a post therein.

34. A saddle according to Claim 33 wherein the lock member is mounted on the seating portion and the post is mounted on the support means.

35. A saddle according to any of Claims 32 to 34 f wherein the releasable securing means is provided at the front end portion of the saddle and the hinge means may be provided at the rear end portion of the saddle.

36. A saddle according to any of Claims 29 to 35 wherein the underside of the seating portion may be provided with a pocket, to which access can be gained when the seating portion is in the non-seating position.

37. A lock comprising a lock mechanism having an aperture therein for receiving a key for an end of the lock, and a cover for said mechanism, the cover surrounding the mechanism and having an aperture adapted to correspond with the aperture in the lock mechanism, whereby the cover can be moved relative to the lock mechanism between a first position in which the aperture in the lock and the aperture in the cover are aligned and the second position in which the apertures are not aligned .

38. A lock according to Claim 37 wherein detent means are provided to hold the cover in said first or second positions .

39. A lock according to Claim 38 wherein the detent means comprises a recess provided on one of the lock or the cover, and a corresponding raised portion provided on the other of the lock or the cover.

40. A lock according to Claim 39 wherein the recess is in the form of an elongate groove and the raised portion is also elongate.

41. A lock according to Claim 40 comprising first and second grooves, and corresponding first and second raised portions, wherein the grooves are arranged substantially parallel to each other about the lock mechanism.

42. A lock according to Claim 38 wherein the recess and the raised portion are substantially circular in plan and, when the cover is in the second position, the raised portion is received in an aperture of the lock mechanism.

43. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.