AU2011265311A1 - Useful packaging for bicycles and human powered vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

Improved packaging for standard bicycles, recumbent bicycles and recumbent tricycles is disclosed. This packaging provides patterns and/or materials to allow the cycle owner to build useful cycle components or accessories such as panniers, fairings, tailboxes and velomobile shells. FIG 1: STANDARD BICYCLE AND BIKE BOX FIG 2: RECUMBENT BICYCLE IN BIKE BOX FIG 5: BIKE WITH RACK TO MOUNT PANNIERS FIG 6: ASSEMBLED BIKE WITH PANNIERS MADE FROM BOX

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT USEFUL PACKAGING FOR BICYCLES AND HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES. The following is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

USEFUL PACKAGING FOR BICYCLES AND HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The field of the invention is bicycles and human powered vehicles. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to bicycle and human powered vehicle packaging and uses for the packaging once the cycle has reached the purchaser. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND DIAGRAMS [0003] Twin-wall plastic board has long been used as a material for enthusiasts to make bicycle and recumbent cycle accessories such as panniers, fairings, tailboxes and aerodynamic shells. The same material (twin wall plastic board) is used for packaging and can be a durable and waterproof alternative to cardboard. [0004] This invention (useful cycle packaging) combines standard, cycle-shipping boxes (bike boxes) with a pattern and material allowing the bicycle buyer to make panniers, fairings, tailboxes, aerodynamic shells or other cycle accessories from the box. This gives the buyer the opportunity to customize and add value to their cycle by bringing to the cyclist materials and patterns for accessories at negligible cost to the cycle supplier. [0005] The invention requires the cycle maker to integrate the packaging and cycle design. For example, if the bike box includes a template and material to make a useable fairing, the bike inside must include mounting points for the fairing. As well, the designer must consider preserving and removing stress from areas of the cycle packaging which are later to be used as cycle accessories. [0006] Fig. I shows a standard bicycle and its bike box. The bike shop selling the bike or the end-user routinely discards or recycles the box after buying the cycle. Fig. 2 shows the equivalent for a recumbent bicycle and Fig. 3 the equivalent for a recumbent tricycle. [0007] An example of useful bicycle packaging and integrated cycle/packaging design is shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. The bike box includes cutout guides for the cycle purchaser to create useful (load carrying) accessories. The bike box can be held together by cable ties or other fasteners used later to assemble or mount the accessories. (Fig.4) 2 [0008] The cycle includes mounting points for these accessories. (Fig. 5) [0009] The result is an assembled bike which has considerable value added. (Fig. 6) [0010] The template for the bike accessories can include advertising or decoration which could be chosen or even designed by the purchaser. This decoration would further customize the cycle. [0011] Figs. 7 & 8 show useful, integrated cycle packaging design for a recumbent bicycle. The accessory shown in this illustration is a tailbox (ie a box mounted behind the rider for the purposes of load carrying, visibility and aerodynamics.) [0012] Fig. 7 shows the packaging for a recumbent cycle. Fig. 8 shows the completed recumbent cycle with tailbox. [0013] Figs. 9 and 10 show the results of useful packaging designed to upgrade a recumbent tricycle to become a velomobile. Velomobiles (recumbent tricycles with a full body shell designed for aerodymamics and weather protection) are notoriously expensive and hard to ship. Allowing the purchaser of a (basic, uncladded) trike to build an aerodynamic/weather protecting shell from materials which have a function in shipping, makes considerable economic sense. Although the final detailing of the end product may not be as good as that of a fully manufactured velomobile, the buyer gets a velomobile for a considerably reduced and more affordable price. [0014] Fig. 9 shows a recumbent tricycle. Fig. 10 shows an enclosed trike or velomobile, the shell of which can come from the original packaging of the velomobile as shown in previous examples.