EP2861810A1

EP2861810A1 - Anti-theft device having a flexible coupling

Info

Publication number: EP2861810A1
Application number: EP13737320.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clément LEBEAUME; Kwasi TABURY; Jean-Sébastien TRONCHON
Original assignee: Decathlon SE
Current assignee: Decathlon SE
Priority date: 2012-06-14
Filing date: 2013-06-14
Publication date: 2015-04-22
Also published as: US20150082841A1; FR2991964B1; WO2013186505A1; FR2991964A1; CN104379859A

Abstract

The invention relates to a collar-type anti-theft device including a flexible coupling (12) consisting of reinforcements (26, 28) embedded in a body of elastomer material (24), said reinforcements (26, 28) being arranged within the elastomer material (24), in order to provide said flexible coupling (12) with flexibility and overall resistance to severing. The invention is characterised in that at least some of said reinforcements (26, 28) are separated from one another such as to be entirely surrounded by the elastomer material (24).

Description

FLEXIBLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Background of the invention

The present invention relates to an antitheft device for a vehicle provided with at least two wheels. In particular, it finds an application for slowing down or preventing the theft of a bicycle.

There are known collar type locks, consisting of a wire rope strand that can be covered with a plastic sheath, each end of which is provided with a closure element; the closure elements cooperate with each other to form the lock of the lock. Locking of the lock is then performed by means of a key or any other locking system. By securing one of the wheels of the vehicle with an element of its frame and / or with a fixed support, the closed lock thus makes it possible to hinder the movement of the vehicle.

The problem with this type of lock is that improving its overall resistance to cutting causes a reduction in its flexibility; indeed, to make the antitheft more resistant, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the strand. As a result, its flexibility is reduced, and therefore its use, storage and transportation can be made difficult.

An alternative solution to the use of a single strand is proposed in document EP 0 102 933, which describes a flexible fastening strip consisting of an elastomeric material in which several twisted metal cables are embedded around each other and which extend longitudinally. This device is for example used to secure objects securely on the roof of a vehicle. This solution however does not solve the problem previously mentioned: it favors the flexibility of the band, necessary to effectively fix the objects having various shapes, compared to its overall resistance to cutting, conditioned by the individual diameter of the cables that constitute it.

Object and summary of the invention

The present invention aims to jointly improve the overall resistance to cutting and the flexibility of the lock.

This object is achieved by the fact that the invention relates to a collar-type antitheft device comprising a flexible link composed of reinforcements embedded in a thickness of elastomeric material, in which the reinforcements are arranged, in order to confer on the link a satisfactory compromise between the flexibility and the overall resistance to cutting, at least some of the armatures being spaced from each other, so that they are completely surrounded by the elastomeric material.

Preferably, the armatures are completely surrounded, over substantially their entire length.

Preferably, the armatures are surrounded by elastomeric material for at least 75% of their length.

By cutting, it is understood any action to break the continuity of the lock by means of, for example and without limitation, a clamp, a saw, a torch or any other device compromising the integrity of the link of the lock.

Thus, this antitheft device has great flexibility due to the use of the elastomer, without it being made vulnerable. In addition, the use of the elastomer to bind the intrinsic elements to the structure of the lock allows it not to be injurious for the vehicle, nor for the user, nor for the support on which the vehicle will be secured.

It is therefore understood that at least some of the armatures are separated from each other by the elastomeric material; in other words, the various reinforcements are distributed in the flexible link so that the elastomeric material binds them together, that is to say that at least some of the reinforcements are not in contact with each other, except possibly at the ends of the flexible link, the elastomeric material constituting the element binding the reinforcements together.

At least some of the frames are thus isolated from each other, so as to have the reinforcements in the flexible link to increase the strength without compromising flexibility.

Preferably and in a nonlimiting manner, the armatures embedded in the elastomer are cables. The reinforcements may also consist of spiral springs, metal mesh, a textile strap, a chain consisting of a plurality of links or any other element that may be embedded in a thickness of elastomeric material and having the resistance to sectioning, which makes it a deterrent to potential thieves, and Flexibility features, which allow the anti-theft device to be used, stored and transported without difficulty.

The diversity of the reinforcement embedded in the elastomer makes it possible to combine, within the same anti-theft device, reinforcements having, among other things, various properties of resistance to cutting and flexibility. In addition, this diversity multiplies the number of tools to be implemented to cut the antitheft device, thereby improving its resistance to cutting attempts.

The invention is described below in a series of alternative embodiments, which may be considered alone or in combination with one or more of the previous ones.

Preferably, at least some of the reinforcements extend longitudinally in the flexible link, substantially parallel to each other.

By this arrangement, the armatures are arranged in a homogeneous manner whatever the section of the flexible link considered, so as to have homogeneous properties of strength and flexibility.

Advantageously, the reinforcements have various selected characteristics of resistance to cutting.

The different properties of the reinforcements constituting the antitheft device allow to distribute them within the elastomeric material so as to provide flexibility and resistance to cutting the assembly.

In addition, the different properties of the frames allow them to oppose the action of different devices that could be used to compromise their integrity. For example and without limitation, some reinforcements may have properties particularly suitable for resisting the action of a saw while other reinforcements may have properties particularly suitable for resisting the action of a clamp. Thus, the diversity of reinforcement embedded in the elastomer allows the antitheft device to withstand the action of a wide range of cutting means.

Advantageously, at least some upper sectional strength members are disposed at the periphery of the flexible link. This arrangement makes it possible to present to the cutting tools the frames that can be severed with the least difficulty and thus to slow down, if not prevent, the theft of the vehicle immobilized by the lock.

Preferably, at least some of the armatures disposed at the periphery of said flexible link are made of a material different from the other reinforcements.

The composition of the reinforcements disposed at the periphery of the flexible link thus makes it possible to present to the cutting tools reinforcements whose section is not necessarily larger than that of the reinforcements placed at the heart of the link, in order not to reduce the overall flexibility of the link.

Advantageously, at least some of the plates disposed at the periphery of the flexible link have larger sections than at least some of the frames arranged at the heart of the flexible link.

This distribution of the reinforcements makes it possible to have at the heart of the flexible link frames having the greatest flexibility, thereby facilitating the use, transport and storage of the antitheft device.

Advantageously, the armatures disposed at the heart of said flexible link surround at least one frame of larger section.

The presence of a frame of larger section at the heart of the link thus reinforces the overall strength of the antitheft device; it is, for example, very difficult to fold the antitheft device to cut it in the middle.

Preferably, said at least one frame of larger section is a flat strip.

The shape of the reinforcement of larger section makes it possible to make the possible attempts of sectioning complex, by the specificity of the tools which they require.

Advantageously, said at least one frame of larger section has a helical shape.

The shape of the frame of larger section allows the lock to retain its flexibility properties.

Advantageously, the armatures disposed at the heart of said flexible link surround at least two frames of larger section arranged side by side. By arranging two larger armatures at the heart of the link, the anti-theft device extends the zone of greater resistance to sectioning.

Preferably, the section of the link is substantially rectangular. This form, where the width of the lock is greater than its thickness, increases the difficulty of cutting by means of the usual tools. Thus, the sharpened part of a clamp can hardly cover the entire width; the thief will have to proceed to several successive sections to cut the link.

The thickness of the lock must also reduce the grip that can have the usual cutting tools, the sharpened part of the tool used by the thief can thus hardly cover the entire thickness. At the same time, the thickness of the lock must be such that the lock can be passed between the spokes of a wheel and can retain sufficient flexibility to allow it to be used, stored and transported without difficulty. Preferably and non-exclusively, the thickness of the antitheft device corresponds to the diameter of the maximum opening of a conventional cutting tool, such as a clamp.

Advantageously, the link has longitudinal edges, at least one of which is beveled.

Preferably, the upper sectional strength members are disposed near the longitudinal edges.

This configuration also makes it more difficult to cut the operation, by increasing the contact area between the cutting tool and the flexible link.

Preferably, the armatures embedded in the elastomeric material are metallic.

The selected material also makes it possible to increase the difficulty of the sectioning, by offering an advantageous resistance / section ratio.

Advantageously, each end of the flexible link is provided with a closure element.

Advantageously, the closure elements are provided with openings in which the armatures are engaged, the armatures being secured to the closure elements.

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the reinforcements are secured to the closure elements by pressing the elements of closing. One could equally well design an antitheft device whose reinforcements are secured to the closure elements by other means, such as for example a hook formed on the closure elements which passes through a portion of the frame, without departing from the scope of the invention. the present invention.

This assembly of reinforcements and closure elements makes it possible to avoid the presence of connection means between the reinforcements and the closure elements, which would weaken the antitheft device.

Preferably, one of said closure elements is of the male type, the other is of the female type, the closure elements cooperating with one another to form a lock.

Thus the antitheft device can close to form a continuous link, allowing it to perform its function. The closure of the lock allows the user to secure the bicycle wheel with its frame, to hinder the movement of the vehicle. Alternatively, the user can secure a part of the bike (its frame or one of its wheels, for example) to a fixed support (an urban device provided for this purpose, a panel amount or a tree, for example) .

Advantageously, the lock constituted by the combination of the closure elements is lockable.

Thus, once the closing elements associated with each other, the user proceeds to lock the lock. The locking can be achieved by means of a key, or a system of wheels to form a code.

Advantageously, the invention also relates to an antitheft device comprising an antitheft device according to the invention and two attachment elements adapted to be fixed on a vehicle to be secured.

To facilitate the transport of the antitheft, fastening elements are fixed on the bicycle and cooperate with the closure elements of the antitheft. Thus, during the movement of the vehicle or, more generally, when the lock is open, it can be hung on the frame of the bike, not risking, for example, to accidentally hinder its movement.

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the fastening elements may consist of self-gripping elements which cooperate with the anti-theft device, or straps to maintain the antitheft device when it is hooked on the frame of the bike.

Preferably, the invention finally relates to an antitheft device comprising an antitheft device according to the invention and two additional closure elements of the male and female type, able to be fixed on a vehicle to be secured.

For the same purpose of facilitating the transport of the antitheft, closure elements similar to those arranged at the ends of the flexible link are fixed on the bicycle and can cooperate with the closing elements of the antitheft. Thus the open lock can be locked on the frame of the bike. The closure elements of the antitheft cooperate with the closure elements arranged on the bicycle in the same way that they cooperate with each other at the time of closure of the antitheft, in order to prevent the lock from coming off. unintentionally, or be stolen when not closed.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly and completely on reading the following description of several preferred embodiments given by way of nonlimiting examples and with reference to the following appended drawings in which: :

- Figure 1 shows schematically an example of antitheft device according to the invention, before closing and locking the lock;

FIGS. 2A to 2H schematically represent a section of several embodiments of the flexible link according to the invention;

- Figures 3A and 3B show schematically an assembly of the reinforcements and one of the closure elements of the antitheft device according to the invention;

- Figure 4 shows schematically an example of antitheft device according to the invention, after closing and locking the lock, the bicycle being secured to a fixed support; and - Figure 5 schematically shows an example of anti-theft device according to the invention, open and in the transport position, after locking the lock on the closure elements attached to the frame of the bicycle.

Detailed description of the invention

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the antitheft device 10 according to the invention has a first part consisting of a flexible link 12, designed to secure one or more elements of the vehicle to one another or to one or more elements surrounding the vehicle. vehicle, and a second portion 14 for closing and locking the flexible link 12.

The second part 14 of the antitheft device comprises a male element 16 and a female element 18, intended to cooperate with each other to constitute the lock 20 of the antitheft device and to close the device. In the example shown, the locking of the lock 20 of the lock is constituted by a system of wheels 22 for forming a code, disposed on the female member 18 of the second portion 14 of the lock.

Figure 2A shows a cross section of an example of link 12 according to the invention.

In the example shown, the section is of substantially rectangular shape, that is to say such that its width, noted I, is greater than its thickness, denoted e; in the example shown, the longitudinal edges 25 of the flexible link 12 are bevelled.

As shown in this figure, the device comprises reinforcements 26, 28 of several different sections which are embedded in elastomeric material 24. According to the nonlimiting example shown, only two different reinforcement sections are provided, namely a first series of frames 26 of the largest section, and a second series of frames 28 of the smallest section. The largest section armatures 26 are disposed at the periphery of the link; in the example of the section of substantially rectangular shaped link shown in Figure 2A, the frames 26 of the largest section are located near the longitudinal edges 25 of the flexible link 12.

The frames 26 of the largest section are disjoined from each other and delimit a space in the heart of the link; in this space the reinforcements 28 of smallest section, also embedded in the elastomeric material 24, are arranged and preferably separated from the frames 26 of the largest section.

In this example of the link 12 according to the present invention, the frames 26 and 28 are metallic and extend longitudinally in the link, substantially parallel to each other.

The frames 26 of the largest section are, for example, steel cables of diameter 3 mm, consisting of seven strands of seven son; the frames 28 of smallest section are, for example, drawn steel cables with a diameter of 1 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the frames 26, 28 are cables; it is conceivable, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention, reinforcements that would consist of spiral springs, metal mesh, a textile strap, or any other element that can be embedded in a thickness of elastomeric material 24 and having both sectioning resistance characteristics, which make it deterrent to potential thieves, and flexibility characteristics, which allow the antitheft device 10 to be used, stored and transported without difficulty.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the resistance to sectioning of the armature is proportional to its section or to its diameter, whereas the flexibility of the armature is inversely proportional to its section. As will be more clearly apparent from the description of FIGS. 2B to 2H, a distribution within the elastomer thickness 24 of reinforcements of identical section but with properties of resistance to sectioning and flexibility could be conceived. different, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus the arrangement of the reinforcements in the elastomer thickness 24 is intended, among other things, to confer on the antitheft device a satisfactory compromise between flexibility and overall resistance to cutting.

FIGS. 2B to 2H show other embodiments of the link 12 according to the present invention.

In the example shown in FIG. 2B, the device comprises reinforcements 26 of greater sectioning resistance disposed at the periphery of the link 12, near each of the bevelled edges 25, the armatures 26, disjoined from one another, extending longitudinally in the flexible link 12, substantially parallel to each other

In the space delimited by these frames 26 of the most important sectioning resistance, the most important reinforcing plates 28 are arranged extending longitudinally in the flexible link 12, preferably substantially parallel to one another, and being, preferably, separated from the frames 26 of greatest resistance to cutting by the elastomeric material 24.

Finally, a frame 26 of the most important sectioning resistance is disposed at the heart of the link 12, surrounded, in a disjoint manner, reinforcement 28 of greatest flexibility.

By this arrangement of the frames 26, 28, the device 10 has both a resistance to the usual cutting tools that seek to attack the link 12 by one of its lateral edges 25, and a flexibility facilitating its use , its storage and transport.

Finally, the presence of a larger sectioning resistance frame 26 disposed at the heart of the link 12 reinforces the overall strength of the antitheft device 10; it is, for example, very difficult to fold the antitheft device to cut it in the middle.

Note that, as shown in Figure 2B, the various frames 26 of the most important sectioning resistance do not necessarily have the same section; Reinforcements made of different materials and having different sections, but which have similar sectioning resistance properties, can be designed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, we can design reinforcements made of different materials and having different sections, but which have similar flexibility properties, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In the example represented by FIG. 2C, the device comprises reinforcements 26 with the largest sectioning resistance located at the periphery of the link, disjoint from one another, extending longitudinally in the flexible link 12, in a substantially parallel manner. to each other, and frames 28 of greatest flexibility, also extending substantially parallel to each other. to each other, located in the space delimited by the frames 26 of the most important sectioning resistance, being separated from the frames 26 of the most important sectioning resistance by the elastomeric material 24. Note that, as shown in this Figure, the frames 26 and 28 may have identical sections, but properties of resistance to sectioning and flexibility different.

As shown in Figures 2D and 2E, the reinforcements are not necessarily cables.

Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 2D, the most important sectioning resistance armature 26 disposed at the heart of the link 12 consists of a textile strap, the section of which may be rectangular, as represented in this example. , or any other form allowing it to be embedded in an elastomeric material 24.

In the example shown in FIG. 2E, the most important sectioning resistance armature 26 arranged at the heart of the link 12 consists of a spiral spring.

It would also be conceivable, within the scope of the present invention, frames 28 of greatest flexibility would consist of textile straps, coil springs, metal meshes, or any other element meeting the flexibility requirements of the the present invention and capable of being embedded in the elastomeric material 24.

In the example shown in FIG. 2F, two reinforcements 26 with the greatest sectioning resistance are arranged at the heart of the link 12, disjoint from each other, and extending longitudinally in the flexible link 12, in such a way that substantially parallel to each other.

In the example represented by FIGS. 2G and 2H, three reinforcements 26 of the greatest sectioning resistance are disposed at the heart of the link 12. A chain consisting of a plurality of links is arranged substantially at the center of the link 12; the chain is surrounded by two cables arranged on either side of the chain, near the edges 25 of the link 12, the three frames 26 of the largest sectioning resistance being separated from each other by the elastomeric material 24. The presence of a chain at the heart of the link 12 provides the anti-theft device 10 flexibility facilitating its transport, storage and use. As shown in the various embodiments described with reference to Figures 2A to 2H, the frames 26, 28 extend longitudinally in the flexible link 12, substantially parallel to each other. They define, for example and without limitation, rows, which also extend substantially parallel to each other. The embodiments represented by FIGS. 2A to 2F thus have, for example and without limitation, two series of rows, which extend substantially parallel in the longitudinal direction of the flexible link 12, the rows of the first series being transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the rows of the second series.

It can thus be considered that the reinforcements 26, 28 arranged next to each other in the flexible link 12, remotely, being separated by the elastomeric material 24, define webs; As shown in particular in FIGS. 2A to 2F, the sheets thus defined extend along surfaces perpendicular to the deflection of the flexible link 12, when it is bent, for example to be locked. The surface defined by the plies is thus substantially perpendicular to the thickness e of the flexible link 12. Furthermore, the plies defined by the plates 26, 28 extend along substantially parallel surfaces to one another, and contribute to increasing the resistance of the antitheft device 10, without compromising flexibility.

For example and in a nonlimiting manner, the mesh defined by the reinforcements 26, 28 distributed in the elastomeric material 24 has a greater concentration of reinforcements 26, 28 arranged according to the width I of the flexible link 12, than according to its thickness e.

Furthermore, as mentioned above with reference to the various figures, at least some of the armatures 26, 28 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the elastomer material 24, so that the armatures 26, 28 are isolated from each other. other, being completely surrounded by the elastomeric material 24.

The embodiments of the link 12 represented by FIGS. 2A to 2H are not limiting; any combination or variation of the examples described above is also covered by the present invention. FIG. 3A schematically represents the assembly of the flexible link 12 and the closure element 16.

The armatures 26, 28 embedded in the elastomeric material 24 are shown in dashed lines. In the example shown, the closure member 16 cooperates with the flexible link 12 of rectangular section and itself comprises a portion 17 of rectangular shape on which are formed orifices 21 which can be arranged, as shown in this example, on each of the lengths of the rectangular portion 17 of the closure member 16.

Figure 3B shows a section along plane B of Figure 3A.

As shown in Figure 3B, the portion 17 of the closure member 16 has an opening 19 in which the plates 26, 28 engage. The reinforcements 26, 28, which extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to each other, are then secured to the portion 17 of the closure member 16 at the time of manufacture of the antitheft device 10, by a pressing operation .

As shown in FIG. 3B, the pressing of the reinforcements 26, 28 in the portion 17 of the closure member 16 is effected by the action of a press through the orifices 21. Thus, the material constituting the portion 17 of the closing element 16 is pushed towards the opening 19 of the portion 17 of the closing element 16; the armatures 26, 28 engaged in the opening 19 are gripped by the material arranged around the opening 19.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the pressing is carried out by means of the orifices 21 formed on the portion 17, on either side of the opening 19; one could nevertheless design a pressing operation implemented by a series of orifices 21 formed on one side of the portion 17 of the closure member 16, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Once the reinforcements 26, 28 secured to the closure element

16 by pressing, the assembly is placed in a vulcanization mold, which allows the elastomeric material 24 to coat the plates 26, 28 and fill the space of the opening 19 remaining after the pressing operation. No means of connecting the flexible link 12 to the closure element 16 is therefore necessary, such a connection being able to constitute a zone of weakness of the antitheft device 10. The flexible link 12 thus consists of a plurality of frames 26, 28 extending in the longitudinal direction of the flexible link 12, substantially parallel to each other.

For example and without limitation, the frames 26, 28 are arranged in the flexible link 12, disjointly relative to each other; in other words, the armatures 26, 28 are separated from each other by the elastomeric material 24. The elastomeric material 24 thus constitutes a matrix in which the plates 26, 28 can be arranged in different ways, as previously described in FIG. reference to FIGS. 2A to 2H.

It is therefore understood that the elastomeric material 24 makes it possible, on the one hand, to distribute, on the one hand, the desired properties of flexibility and of resistance to sectioning, and, on the other hand, of the characteristics of the various reinforcements 26, 28, the reinforcements 26 , 28 in the flexible link 12.

The assembly of the flexible link 12 to the second closure element 18 is performed according to the same principle.

FIG. 4 represents the antitheft device 10 according to the invention, after closing and locking the antitheft device; in this figure, the lock 20 formed by the combination of the elements 16 and 18 has been locked by means of the system of wheels 22. The wheel and the frame of the bicycle are thus secured to a fixed support 38.

FIG. 5 represents a mode of locking the antitheft device 10 according to the invention on the vehicle when the antitheft device 10 is not used to secure the vehicle; the figure shows the step following the locking of the antitheft device 10 on the vehicle.

Closure members 30 and 32, similar to closure members 18 and 16 disposed at the ends of the antitheft device 10, are provided for attachment to the vehicle; for example, in the context of an application of the antitheft device 10 to secure a bicycle, the closure elements 30 and 32 are arranged on the frame 36 of the bicycle.

The closure element 30 is of the female type; it cooperates with the male closure element 16 and is provided with a locking system 34 similar to the locking system 22 present on the female closure element 18 of the second part of the lock 14; similarly, the closing element 32 is of the male type and cooperates with the female closure element 18.

When the antitheft device 10 is not used in its function of securing the bike, it can be locked to the frame of the bike; the female closure element 30 associated with the locking system 34 locks the male closure element 16 and the male closure element 32 locks the female closure element 18, in collaboration with the locking system lock 22.

Moreover, as appears in particular from the observation of FIGS. 2A to 2H previously described, the flexible link 12 comprises a longitudinal notch, formed between two longitudinal edges 25 bevelled, this longitudinal notch being configured to match the shape of the tubes of the frame of the bike, so as to promote the stability of the anti-theft device 10 locked to the frame of the bike.

The closure elements 30 and 32 associated with the antitheft device

10 constitute an anti-theft equipment 40.

The whole of the description above is given by way of example, and is therefore not limitative of the invention.

In particular, the invention, although particularly adapted to the field of locks for equipping a bicycle, extends to other means of travel, such as a motorcycle or a scooter, and, more generally, to any domain that may require the use of a lock.

Claims

1. Antitheft device (10) of the collar type comprising a flexible link (12) composed of reinforcements (26, 28) embedded in a thickness of elastomeric material (24), said armatures (26, 28) being arranged within the material elastomer (24), in order to give said flexible link (12) flexibility and overall resistance to cutting, characterized in that at least some of said frames (26, 28) are distant from each other so that they are completely surrounded by the elastomeric material (24).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the armatures (26, 28) extend longitudinally in the flexible link (12), substantially parallel to each other.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said armatures (26, 28) have different selected characteristics of resistance to cutting.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least some reinforcements (26) of the upper sectioning resistance are disposed at the periphery of said flexible link (12).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that at least some of said armatures (26) disposed at the periphery of said flexible link (12) consist of a material different from the other armatures (26, 28).

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that at least some of said armatures (26) disposed at the periphery of said flexible link (12) have larger sections than at least some of the armatures (28) disposed at heart of said flexible link (12).

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that reinforcements (28) disposed at the heart of said flexible link (12) surround at least one frame (26) of larger section.

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one frame (26) of larger section is a flat strip.

9. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one armature (26) of larger section has a helical shape.

10. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said armatures (28) disposed at the heart of said flexible link (12) surround at least two armatures (26) of larger section arranged side by side.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the section of said flexible link (12) is substantially rectangular.

12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the flexible link (12) has longitudinal edges (25) and in that at least one of said longitudinal edges (25) is bevelled.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that at least some reinforcements (26, 28) of resistance to the upper sectioning are disposed near said longitudinal edges (25).

14. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least some of said frames (26, 28) are metallic.

15. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that each end of said flexible link (12) is provided with a closure member (16, 18).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that said closure elements (16, 18) are provided with openings (19) in which the armatures (26, 28) are engaged, the armatures (26, 28) being joined together to the closing elements

(16, 18).

17. Device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that said closure elements (16, 18) cooperate with each other to form a lock (20), one of said closure elements (16) being of male type, another (18) being of the female type.

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that said lock (20) constituted by the combination of said closure elements (16, 18) is lockable.

19. Antitheft equipment (40), characterized in that it comprises an anti-theft device according to any one of claims 15 to 18 and two attachment elements adapted to be fixed on a vehicle to be secured.

20. Antitheft equipment (40), characterized in that it comprises an antitheft device according to any one of claims 15 to 18 and two additional closure elements (30, 32) of the male and female type adapted to be fixed on a vehicle to secure.