FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to locks that use linking elements, such as chains or cables, and particularly to a combination chain and cable lock, which may be used for bicycles and other items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of utility locks and/or locking devices used for securing objects such as bicycles, to poles, stands and the like. Known devices include U-shaped locks, cable, chain, padlock and folding link member lock devices. Other known locking devices which use various other encircling components as means for securing objects such as a bicycle and aimed at theft prevention, include cuff locks, as well as hinged locks that are circular, oval, and square relatives to the U-lock.

In all of the known prior art bicycle locks, some lock element, such as one of the links of a chain lock, or one of the folding link members of a folding lock or the shackle of a U-lock or padlock, etc., is inserted into a receptacle of the bicycle lock. This lock element must be held by the user until the lock is brought into locking engagement with the lock element; otherwise, if not held by the user, the lock element can fall out of the receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved locking device, which may be used for bicycles and other items, such as but not limited to, strollers, carriages and the like, as is described in detail further hereinbelow. The term “bicycle lock” is used to encompass a lock for bicycles and these other items.

In the present invention, unlike the prior art, the element does not have to be held by the user until the lock is brought into locking engagement with the lock element; instead, a magnet holds the lock element in place and the lock element cannot fall out of the receptacle in the unlocked configuration. The magnet is strong enough to hold the lock element in place against the force of gravity, yet the magnet is weak enough to permit the user to grasp the lock element and pull the lock element out of the receptacle.

Thus, the present invention eliminates any aggravating situation in which the user has to struggle keeping the lock element in place with one hand and lock the device with the other hand.

There is thus provided in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention a lock assembly including a lock element, a lock housing including a receptacle for receiving therein the lock element, the lock housing including a lock device that in a locked configuration is in locking engagement with the lock element and in an unlocked configuration is not in locking engagement with the lock element, and a magnetic member that magnetically holds the lock element in the receptacle against a force of gravity in the unlocked configuration.

