AU2011101343B4

AU2011101343B4 - Bike wall

Info

Publication number: AU2011101343B4
Application number: AU2011101343A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graeme Roth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-19
Filing date: 2011-10-19
Publication date: 2012-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-19
Also published as: AU2011101343A4

Abstract

Bike Wall is a modular bicycle parking system comprised of a frame and bicycle storage racks. The frame consists of steel pipe and standard fencing fittings and can be tailored to suit the specific space and needs of the client. Posts are cut to match the floor to ceiling height and horizontal rails attached at specific heights using clamps.

Description

BIKE WALL Background [0001] In urban and city areas vehicular traffic congestion can be a significant problem. As a result, many commuters are turning to bicycling as an alternative. Bicycles can generally avoid congestion, thereby achieving comparable or reduced commute times despite being only user powered. In addition, bicycles are significantly cheaper to acquire, run and maintain. They promote an active healthy lifestyle and have minimal impact on the environment. [0002] Many local governments and councils have also realised the benefit of removing larger vehicles from roads by encouraging cycling. Cycle facilities are not only significantly cheaper than roads and car parking stations, they also take up less physical space. However using bicycles as transport does mean that some bicycle parking facilities are required. Summary of the Invention [0003] Accordingly the invention provides a modular bicycle parking and storage system including: a support structure having a generally horizontal upper support rail and a complementary, generally parallel lower support rail spaced from the upper support rail; and a laterally extending array of generally parallel alternating upper and lower bicycle support racks extending from a common side of the support structure, each rack extending from respective upper and lower attachment points spaced on the upper and lower support rails; wherein each bicycle support rack includes at least one bicycle engaging support formation for providing hanging engagement with a bicycle and wherein the bicycle support formations are located: on each upper bicycle support rack, at a first vertical distance from the lower support rail and on each lower bicycle support rack at a second vertical distance from the lower support rail; and wherein the first vertical distance is larger than the second vertical distance such that a bicycle hung on the upper rack is positioned above a like bicycle hung on a lower rack. [0004] Preferably the upper and lower attachment points are spaced on the respective upper and lower rails on about 600mm centres.

-2 [0005] Preferably the support structure includes at least one vertical support post for supporting the upper and lower support rails. [0006] Preferably the system includes a pair of support posts on approximately 2400mm centres and defining a bicycle parking and storage module. [0007] Preferably the bicycle engaging support formation includes a pair of hook extensions for engaging a inner peripheral rim of a bicycle wheel and wherein each rack includes a offset so that the fork of each bicycle does not contact the respective bicycle rack. [0008] Preferably the system includes a pair of arrays of bicycle support racks, each array extending laterally from opposite sides of the module. [0009] Preferably the support posts, rails and racks are formed of steel pipe and joined with standard pipe clams. Description [0010] The Bike Wall is a modular bicycle parking system comprised of a frame and bicycle storage racks. The frame consists of steel pipe and standard fencing fittings [Elgate, Masterklamp, Interclamp style products] and can be tailored to suit the specific space and needs of the client. Posts are cut to match the floor to ceiling height and horizontal rails attached at specific heights using clamps. These posts and rails when working in a modular system are spaced at 2400mm centres as this fits many of the parameters such as security mesh widths, appropriate spans that can accommodate the weight of the bicycles and the Australian Standard 2890.3 [which states wall mounted bicycles should be spaced at 600mm centres ie. 4 bicycles per 2400mm length]. The wall mounting bicycle rack are then attached to these rails using the same clamping systems. There are two types of rack both similar in principle but with opposing bends at each end to offset the height of every second bicycle and make the facility more functional and space efficient. The design can be as simple as two poles and three rails to support one rack through to an infinite continuous design of the 2400mm modules. [0011] The 'Bike Wall' system hangs bikes in a height offset manner by having alternating height racks as opposed to alternating height post and rail systems that racks are then fixed to [which require far more material, fabrication and installation time]. This increases functionality -3 and product flexibility with less material and a cost saving in fabrication, shipping and installation time. [0012] The modular nature of the 'Bike Wall' system increases the chance that the rack will be installed to Australian Standards AS2690.3 for wall mounted racks [600 mm centres]. By having the post and rails spaced at 2400mm centres and 4 racks per module then the installation will be more likely to be installed as a compliant structure. (something which is NOT regularly done due to a lack of education around the standards and what makes good bicycle parking]. [0013] The modular nature of the system allows it to be relocated with relative ease if the designated spaces in building changes or needs to be reconfigured. The system can simply be broken down and moved to its new location. The only component that may need to be altered or replaced would be the height of the posts. For example if the system was moved from an area where the ceiling height was 2400 mm to an area where the ceiling height was 2300 mm then the posts would need to be altered. The rest of the system would still work with no alterations or changes. This is an attractive feature as spaces are always changing and this flexibility potentially saves the client money and increases the lifecycle of the product by reducing its obsolescence. [0014] Uses of off the shelf pipe clamp [such as Masterklamp, Elgate] and standard nominal bore [NB] steel pipe allows the system flexibility and the ability to be designed into most situations. For example if the ceiling height increases from 2400 mm to 3600 mm a larger diameter pipe and corresponding fittings can easily be applied without compromising the integrity of the rest of the system. [0015] The post and rail system allows racks to be mounted on both sides of the frame with the use of double sided clamps again increasing efficiency in time, materials and economics. This ability to use both sides of the frame increases the flexibility of the space that the system is being designed for. It gives the designer another option when trying to maximise the area whilst still meeting the standards for spacing criteria such as isle widths and setbacks. [0016] Reduces production time and cost are a significant innovation within the design and obviously make the rack more appealing to clients and installers. The design removes the need for base plates to be fabricated and welded to the rack frame. This lack of base plates means the racks can be more easily packaged and shipped than other similar products.

-4 [0017] The rack supports the bicycle with two hooks by the rim and has a distinct offset in the tubular frame so that the fork of the bicycle does not contact the bicycle rack in any other location other than the rim. The shape of the bicycle rack allows that bicycle frame and wheels to be locked to it [one of the criteria outlined in the Australian Standards 2890.3]. [0018] The system has been designed to fit seamlessly with 2400mm wide sheets of security mesh [securemax, corromesh, etc ... ] which can be attached to the post and rails to form a security cage around a designated area: The innovation being the duel use of the racking system as both the frame for the security cage and the supporting structure for the bicycle racks. Similarly the frame and rack system can be used in a shelter design utilising the shelter structure as the posts; again with materials and labour savings. The frame structure can also act as the support structure for less expensive fencing such as chainmesh. . These fencing materials fit well with the post and rail system as they have inherently been designed to work together in other security fencing situations.

Claims

1. A modular bicycle parking and storage system including: a support structure having a generally horizontal upper support rail and a complementary, generally parallel lower support rail spaced from said upper support rail; and a lateral array of generally parallel alternating upper and lower bicycle support racks extending from a common side of said support structure, each rack attached to said upper and lower support rails at respective upper and lower attachment points; wherein each bicycle support rack includes at least one bicycle engaging support formation for providing hanging engagement with a bicycle and wherein said bicycle support formations are located: on each upper bicycle support rack, at a first vertical distance from said lower support rail and on each lower bicycle support rack at a second vertical distance from said lower support rail; and wherein said first vertical distance is larger than said second vertical distance such that a bicycle hung on said upper rack is positioned above a like bicycle hung on a lower rack.

2. A modular bicycle parking and storage system according to claim 1 wherein said upper and lower attachment points are spaced on the respective upper and lower rails on about 600mm centres.

3. A modular bicycle parking and storage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said support structure includes at least one vertical support post for supporting said upper and lower support rails.

4. A modular bicycle parking and storage system according to claim 3 including a pair of support posts on approximately 2400mm centres and defining a bicycle parking and storage module.

5. A modular bicycle parking and storage system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the bicycle engaging support formation includes a pair of hook extensions for engaging an inner peripheral rim of a bicycle wheel and wherein each rack includes an offset so that the fork of each bicycle does not contact the respective bicycle rack.