AU2021202776A1

AU2021202776A1 - An apparatus for storage

Info

Publication number: AU2021202776A1
Application number: AU2021202776A
Authority: AU
Inventors: James Doughty
Original assignee: Hawk Nz Ltd
Current assignee: Hawk Nz Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-04
Filing date: 2021-05-04
Publication date: 2021-11-18
Also published as: GB2596402B; GB202106302D0; GB2596402A

Abstract

: An apparatus for storage (e.g. for a bicycle, skis, golf clubs etc) having: a housing adapted to receive a two wheeled vehicle and having a door connected to it at one end which is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and 5 at least one wheel securing means wherein the wheel securing means is located against a back inner wall of the housing and is removable with respect to the housing; the apparatus adapted such that when in use a user is able to open the door and push a two wheeled vehicle into the housing and the wheel securing means engages and secures part of a wheel or wheels with the result that the vehicle is securely held vertically during 10 storage in the housing. 1/25 Figure 1 2 5

Description

1/25

Figure 1

TITLE An apparatus for storage.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to an apparatus for storage. More particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to an apparatus with removable parts which enables a number of different items such as bicycles, skis and golf clubs to be stored within it.

BACKGROUND Items such as bicycles, skis and golf clubs are at risk of being stolen or damaged when they are stored outside. These items can be stored in storage lockers however typically these lockers are specialised in that they are designed to only store a single type of item e.g. skis at a ski field.

It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing one or both of the above problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

The term "comprising" and derivatives thereof, e.g. "comprises", if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement "comprises" certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts.

It is intended that any reference to any range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for 10 example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for storage having:

* a housing adapted to receive a two wheeled vehicle and having a door connected to it at one end which is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and * at least one wheel securing means wherein the wheel securing means is located against a back inner wall of the housing and is removable with respect to the housing; the apparatus adapted such that when in use a user is able to open the door and push a two wheeled vehicle into the housing and the wheel securing means engages and secures part of a wheel or wheels with the result that the vehicle is securely held vertically during storage in the housing.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one base support for a two wheeled vehicle and wherein the base support is removable with respect to the housing and wherein when a two wheeled vehicle is pushed into the housing the base support receives, guides and engages parts of a rear wheel of the vehicle.

Preferably the removable base support has a wheel engaging channel and it secures the rear wheel when in use.

Preferably the wheel securing means is a two part wheel wedge.

Preferably the wheel securing means secures both of the wheels of a bicycle when in use.

Preferably the wheel securing means only secures the front wheel of a bicycle when in use.

Preferably the removable wheel securing means and the removable base support and the housing have magnets which enables the wheel securing means and the base support to be correctly positioned when in use.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one attachment adapted to support skis or a snowboard inside the housing such that in use a user is able to hang the skis or snowboard and the store skis or snowboard inside the housing and wherein the attachment is also adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one storage hook inside the housing and wherein the hook is adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one shelf inside the housing and wherein the shelf is adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one battery inside the housing and wherein the battery is adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

Preferably the apparatus is adapted to receive mains power.

Preferably the apparatus has locking means adapted to lock the door to the housing.

Preferably the locking means: • comprises a mechanical lock; • is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with an RFID card; 0 is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with mobile phone application; • is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with a key fob; or * comprises a lock and latch and a keypad.

Preferably the apparatus has at least one light inside the housing.

Preferably the apparatus has an electric bicycle battery charger.

Preferably the apparatus has a microcontroller which powers and controls electronic components within the apparatus.

Preferably the apparatus has a mobile application associated with it.

Preferably the apparatus has a web application associated with it.

Preferably the housing consists of a top panel, side wall panels, a floor panel and an end wall panel and wherein the panels and the door both have a structural core with sandwich type construction and wherein the core is covered on both sides with a protective skin.

Preferably the structural core is made substantially from polypropylene honeycomb.

Preferably the skin is made substantially from E-glass, UV stabilized epoxy, gelcoat and/or clear carbon.

Preferably the skin is made substantially from polypropylene.

Preferably the apparatus can store more than one two wheeled vehicle.

Preferably the apparatus can store more than one pair of skis.

Preferably the apparatus can store at least one pair of skis and a bicycle.

Preferably the housing is adapted such that it can be stacked vertically within another housing.

Preferably the apparatus has a dehumidifier inside the housing.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for storage comprising: a housing having a door connected to it at one end which is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and the apparatus also having at least two of the following attachments: • at least one removable wheel securing means for a two wheeled vehicle which when in use engages with the back inner wall of the housing and secures part of a wheel or wheels with the result that the vehicle is securely held vertically during storage in the housing;

* at least one removable attachment for supporting skis or a snowboard which when in use enables a user to hang a pair of skis or a snowboard off the attachment and store the skis or snowboard in the housing; * at least one removable hook which engages with the inside of the housing; and/or * at least one removable shelf which engages with the inside of the housing; the apparatus adapted such that when in use a user is able to change the attachments such that different items can be stored within the housing using the attachments.

These and otherfeatures, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for storage; FIG. 2 is an enhanced view of a mechanical locking assembly for the apparatus for storage; FIG. 3 is a view of an RDIF locking assembly for the apparatus for storage; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus for storage with the door in an opened configuration; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a removable storage hook for an apparatus for storage; FIG. 6 is a front internal view of an apparatus for storage with a bicycle stored vertically inside of it; FIG. 7 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 6; FIG. 8 is font internal view of an apparatus for storage with skis stored within it. FIG. 9 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 7; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a removable attachment for supporting skis for an apparatus for storage; FIG. 11 is a front internal view of an apparatus for storage with removable shelves; FIG. 12 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 11; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for storage with a removable battery; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for storage;

FIG. 15 is a front internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 14 with two bicycles stored vertically within it; FIG. 16 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 15; FIG. 17 is a front internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 14 with a bicycle and skis stored within it; FIG. 18 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 17; FIG. 19 is a front internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 14 with removable shelves; FIG. 20 is a side internal view of the apparatus shown in figure 19; FIG. 21 is a perspective exploded view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for storage; FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bottom bicycle insert for an apparatus for storage; FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a rear bicycle insert for an apparatus for storage; FIG. 24 is a perspective cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for storage with a bicycle being stored vertically inside it by a vertical bicycle rack; and FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a vertical bicycle rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided an apparatus for storage. The apparatus can be used for storing two wheeled vehicles such as bicycles vertically and for skis and/or other items.

Figure 1 shows an apparatus for storage 1. As can be seen the apparatus 1 has a housing 2 most preferably rectangular in shape about 832mm in width (800mm inside the housing), 1332mm (1300mm inside the housing) in length and about 2032mm in height (2000mm inside the housing). However, it will be appreciated that the housing 2 may come in different, shapes, sizes and configurations for example some may come in smaller units which are adapted to be stackable such that 2 or 3 etc may be stacked vertically to house foldable bikes.

The housing 2 is preferably made up of two side panels, a top panel and an end panel and frame. The housing 2 also has four feet 3 (only two are visible) attached to it. In some embodiments instead of feet 3 the apparatus 1 can have ground attachment holes. At the front end of the housing 2 is a hinged door 4. The door 4 has a locking assembly 5 which locks the door 4 to the housing 2. Figure 2 shows a mechanical lock 6 (i.e. lock and key) and figure 3 shows a locking assembly 5 which can be opened via RFID card 7. In some embodiments the locking assembly 5 can be opened by a mobile application or key fob etc. In an alternative embodiment the locking assembly 5 can have a keypad. The locking assembly 5 is preferably positioned halfway up the door 4 although those skilled in the art will appreciate that the assembly 5 can be located at a different location. The advantage of having the locking assembly 5 at least halfway up the door4 is that it minimises the chance of potential water/flood damage. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention the lock assembly 5 is waterproof or water resistant.

Figure 4 shows the inside of the apparatus 1 with the door 4 in an open configuration. As shown the apparatus 1 has a pair of removable hooks 8 and a removable side shelf 9. Figure 5 shows a storage hook 8 in more detail. Both the hooks 8 and shelf 9 can be fixed to a side wall of the apparatus 1 via fastening means such as screws or can be attached by other means (e.g. magnetic connection or male female connection etc). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and location of the hooks 8 and shelves 9 can vary.

Figures 6 and 7 show a bicycle 10 being stored vertically within the apparatus 1. As can be seen the apparatus 1 has a removable base support/tray 11 and a removable rear insert 12. Both the base 10 and rear insert 11 are preferably VAC formed and both are adapted (e.g. have a track or channel) to receive a wheel or wheels or part thereof to help keep the bicycle 10 securely stored vertically in the apparatus 1 when in use. Both of these parts 11, 12 can come in different shapes and sized depending on the size of the bicycle wheel 10 and can be made from a number of different materials. In the embodiment shown the base support/tray 11 securely receives and supports the rear wheel of the bicycle and the rear insert 12 secures parts of both wheels. In some embodiments both the parts 11, 12 can have magnets as can the housing 2 to help correctly position them when they are removed from the housing 2 and are being placed back inside. In alternative embodiments the parts 11, 12 can be a one piece part.

Figures 8 and 9 show the interior of the apparatus 1 with removable storage hooks 8, a removable side shelf 9 and a pair of skis 13 which are supported by removable attachment for supporting skis 14. The hooks 8 can be used to hang such items as golf club bags off. The removable attachment for supporting skis 14 is shown in more detail in figure 10. As can be seen the attachment 14 has a pair of prongs which the tips of the skis hang off. The attachment 14 can be fixed to a the roof of the apparatus 1 via fastening means such as screws or can attached by other means (e.g. magnetic connection or male female connection etc). In some embodiments instead of skis 13 a snowboard or snowboards can be supported by the attachment 14. In some embodiments (not shown) the apparatus 1 can may attachments for golf clubs.

Figures 11 and 12 shows the interior of the apparatus 1 with a three removable hooks 8, a pair of removable side shelves 9 and a removable storage shelf 15.

As can be seen in figure 13 the apparatus 1 has a removable side shelf 9, a pair of removable storage hooks 8 and a removable battery 16. The battery 16 can be used to power the locking assembly 5 in embodiments when power is required. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 can have lights (e.g. lengthwise LED strip lights etc) inside and/or outside the housing 2 which the battery 16 can also power. In use the lights make it easier for a user to load and unload a bicycle, skis or other items. In embodiments where the battery 16 is solar powered the apparatus 1 can have attached solar panels. The apparatus 1 can also have a battery or power indicator on the outside of the housing 2. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 can have an electric bike battery charger such that an electric bicycle can be charged whilst it is stored within the housing 2 and the apparatus 1 can be adapted to receive power from a mains electricity supply to charge the electric bike battery charger or provide power to lights and locking assembly etc. In an alternative embodiment the apparatus 1 can have an alarm system and/or a smoke alarm. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 can have a dehumidifier. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 can have an electric bike battery charger or scooter such that an electric bicycle or e-scooter can be charged whilst they are stored within the housing 2 and the apparatus 1 can be adapted to receive power from a mains electricity supply to charge the electric bike battery charger or provide power to lights and locking assembly etc. In an alternative embodiment the apparatus 1 can have an alarm system and/or a smoke alarm. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 can also have a dehumidifier and/or a camera. The apparatus 1 may also have smart technology with a technology stack/code to control the apparatus 1 e.g. Google Cloud Platform, loT Core. Parts of the apparatus 1 can be controlled via a microprocessor. The microprocessor which can receive power via a battery or mains electricity can power and control electronic components within the pod such as the opening of the door, alarm, light, dehumidifier, usb charging, e charging, etc. The smart technology will enable the apparatus 1 to be able to integrate with local community apps, such as Habitap, to offer one place to control access to the apparatus 1 and reserve/payment to use the apparatus 1. The smart technology also allows basic functionality with an associated mobile app (user sign-up, find pod, book session, take payment, open lock) and an associated web application for admins, causal users and building managers. In these embodiments there is also a backend and API in Google Cloud Platform.

Figure 14 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for storage 101. The apparatus 101 is similar to the apparatus 1 shown in figures 1-13 however it is double the size. As can be seen the apparatus 101 has a housing 102 which can come in different shapes and sizes but is preferably rectangular in shape. The housing 102 is also preferably made up of two side panels, a top panel and an end panel. The housing 102 also has four feet 103 (only two are visible) attached to it. In some embodiments instead of feet 103 it can have ground attachment holes. At the front end of the housing 102 is two hinged doors 104. The doors 104 have a locking assembly 105 which locks the doors 104 to the housing 2. The locking assemblies 105 which can be used are the same as that shown in figures 2 and 3 or described previously.

Figures 15 and 16 show the inside of the apparats 101. The apparatus 101 has a pair of removable storage hooks 106 and a pair of removable side shelves 107. Both the hooks 106 and shelves 107 can be fixed to a side wall of the apparatus 101 via fastening means such as screws or can attach by other means (e.g. magnetic connection or male female connection etc). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and location of the hooks 106 and shelves 107 can vary. Also shown in these figures are two bicycles 108 being stored vertically within the apparatus 101. As can be seen the apparatus 101 also has a pair of removable base support/tray insert

109 and a pair of removable rear inserts 110. Both of these inserts 109, 110 are preferably VAC formed and both are adapted (e.g. have a track or channel) to receive a wheel or wheels or part thereof help keep the bicycle securely stored vertically in the apparatus 101 when in use. Both of these inserts 109, 110 can come in different shapes and sized depending on the size of the bicycle wheel 108 and can be made from a number of different materials. In some embodiments both the inserts 109, 110 can have magnets as can the housing 102 to help correctly position them when they are removed from the housing 102 and are being placed back inside. In alternative embodiments the inserts 109, 110 can be a one piece part. In some embodiments there is a dividing wall in the middle of the apparatus 101 and in some embodiments there is not.

Figures 17 and 18 show the interior of the apparatus 101 with removable storage hooks 106, a removable side shelf 107, a bicycle 108 supported vertically by a removable base support/tray 109 and a removable rear insert 110. The apparatus 101 also has a pair of skis 11 supported by a pair of removable attachments for supporting skis 112.

Figures 19 and 20 shows the interior of the apparatus 101 with three storage hooks 106, a pair of side shelves 107 and a removable storage shelf 113.

Figure 21 shows another embodiment of an apparatus for storage 201. As can be seen the apparatus 201 has an extrusion frame 202, a top panel 203, two side panels 204, 205, an end panel 206. The apparatus 201 also has a door which is made up from a frame 207, a door panel 208, a locking assembly 210 and a locking cover panel 210. The apparatus 101 also has a pair of removable storage hooks 211 and a removable side shelf 212. As shown the apparatus 201 also has a base panel 213, a removable base support/tray 214 and a removable rear insert 215. Figures 22 and 23 show the removable base support/tray 214 and removable rear insert 215 in more detail. Both the base support/tray 214 and removable rear insert 215 are adapted to receive (e.g. has a track or channel) a wheel or wheels or part thereof of a bicycle to help keep the bicycle securely vertically upright when in use and stored within the housing. The base support/tray 214 securely receives a rear wheel of a bicycle when in use. The rear insert 215 securely receives and holds the front wheel of a bicycle when in use.

Figure 24 shows an alternative embodiment of an apparatus for storage 301. A can be seen a bicycle 302 is held securely vertically by a removable vertical bicycle rack 303 which secures just the front wheel of the bicycle 302. Figure 25 shows the removable vertical bicycle rack 303 in more detail.

The housing 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206, 213 (and doors 4, 104, 208) are most preferably made substantially from composite materials having a structural core (e.g. thermoplastic foam etc) preferably in a sandwich type construction (e.g. panels of foam and/or other suitable materials) designed to increase stiffness and reduce the weight of the structure. The core which is also preferably compatible with black surfaces under the sun is covered on both sides with a skin such as E-glass/UV stabilized epoxy/protective coat (e.g. gelcoat or clear carbon) and the components are bonded using a UV stabilized epoxy resin. The protective coat enhances durability of the apparatus 1, 101, 201 in outdoor environments. It will also be appreciated that housing 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206 (and doors 4, 104, 208) can be made in a number of different ways e.g. infusion, RTM light, press moulding etc. Below are some examples of the materials that can used to construct the 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206 (and door 4, 104, 208 and laminates used on the housing 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206 (and door 4, 104, 208).

FIBRE MATERIAL PROPERTIES STYLE DESCRIPTION FIBRE CONSTRUCTION METHOD RESIN FIBER FIBRE CURED STIFFNESS FAILURE STRAIN DIRECTION (%) TYPE WEIGHT VOLUME PLY WARP TEN COMP (WARP} FRACTION FRACTION THICKNESS (GPA) WARP WARP (%) (%) (mm) (%) %) XE400 40 maEiSS Z45 50(50 INF LTE 65% 46% 0.33 93 151 1.51 625g/m2E-GLASS 0/i45 25/25 WET LT-EPO 6 0.57 15.2 150 M5 S ltchedquadraxia 1900 25/25 VACMFV XY 42%

RE200 2 2EGLASS Balanced woven 09 50/50 VETMFVLTEPO VAC 60% 41% 0.19 18.6 1.50 1.15 XY I______

RC200 CARBON 200m2HIGHSTRENGTH Balanced woven0/90 0190° 5 0 T LTEPO 51% 41% 0.27 49.1 0.96 0.64 VAC MFV XY ___ _ 1__

UC300 300g/m2 HIGH STRENGTH 00 INF LT-EPO 65% 55% 0.30 125.5 1.02 0.66 I CARBONUnidirectonal 1 USED XY P I

COREMATERAL PROPERTIES STYLE DESCRIPTION THICKNESS SHEAR COMPRESSIVE SHEAR STRENGTH MODULUS MODULUS 0° 90° 0° 900 0° 90° (mm) (MPg) (MP8) (MP) (MPa) (MPa) (MPa) GET-110 114gm3CROSS-UNKED VARIES 5 0.8 77 77 27 27 80 6 LINm3UEAR VARIES O. 0.6 31 31 20 20

BIKE BOX LAMINATE 0

LAYER MATERIAL FIBRE RESIN FIBRE L CURED CURED No. DIRECTION TYPE WEIGHT THICKNESS WEIGHT FRACTION o 4 (mm) (kg/m2) 1 1 x RE200 0/90° LT-EPOXY 60% 0.18 0.2 2 1 x QE600 0/+45/-45/90° LT-EPOXY 61% 0.57 1.0 3 ADDITIONALLAMINATE - - - -

4 250g/m2 CORE PRIMING - - - - 0.3 5 M60-10mm - - - 10.00 0.7 6 250g/m2 CORE PRIMING - - - - 0.3

7 ADDITIONALLAMINATE - - -- 8 1 x QE600 0/+45/-45/90° LT-EPOXY 61% 0,57 1.0 ESTIMATED/STHICKNESS(mm) 0.8 0.8 ESTIMATED I/S THICKNESS (mm) 0.6 0.61 ESTIMATED TOTAL THICKNESS (mm) 11.3 1.21 ESTIMATED TOTAL CURED WEIGHT (kgm2) 3.5 2.41

In three particularly preferred embodiments of the invention the panels 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206, 213 (and doors 4, 104, 208) are either grey polypropylene honeycomb with grey polypropylene skin and are 12 mm thick, white polypropylene honeycomb with white or black polypropylene skin and are 10 mm thick, or black polypropylene honeycomb with woodstock skin and are 12 mm thick.

In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the housing 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206 (and door 4, 104, 208) are constructed from a number of panels (e.g. side panels, top panel, end panel and door panel) and these can be shipped flat and assembled by an approved contractor on site. In some embodiments the panels are attached to an extrusion frame like shown in figure 21. The panels are designed to be manufactured flat and can be bonded together with the help of flange details and a structural adhesive. The panels can use a structural adhesive 200 such as SP340 to bond them together. Those skilled in the art will appreciated that the panels 2, 102 and housing panels 203, 204, 205, 206 can be attached together by a number of ways for example with standard fittings and structural alignment fittings and the door panels door 4, 104, 208 can be attached to the rest of the housing with hinges (e.g. quick release assembly hinge), seals locks and latches etc.

The panels can have additional laminate in way of single skin bonding flanges additional to housing (or body) and door laminate on the panels. In some embodiments the panels may be lined internally with a wood finish insert or felt etc. In another embodiment users are able to customize their apparatus 1, 101, 201 by choosing the colours and/or textures of the panels to match the storage surroundings of the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301.

In use once the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 is assembled a user is able to open the door 4, 104 if it is unlocked. If the door is locked the user will need to unlock the door 4, 104, 209 first via the locking assembly 5, 105. If a base support /tray 11, 109, 214 and rear insert 12, 110, 215 are installed in the apparatus 1, 101, 201 a user can push a bicycle 10, 108 vertically into the housing 2, 102 so that the rear wheel is received, guided and engaged by the base support/tray 11, 109, 214. The user can then push the bicycle 10, 108 all the way into the housing 2, 102 until at least part of one wheel is received and secured by the rear insert 12, 110, 215 such that the bicycle 10, 108 is held securely in the upright position. The user can then shut the door 4, 104 and optionally engage the lock 5, 105, 209 with the result that the bicycle 10, 108 is secured vertically stored within the apparatus 1, 101, 201. The user can optionally take out the base support /tray 11, 109, 214 and rear insert 12, 110, 215 and insert attachments for skis 14, 112 and store skis 13, 111 within the apparatus 1, 101, 201 and vice versa. A user can also insert storage hooks 8, 106, 211 and shelves 9, 15, 107, 113, 212 depending on what needs to be stored within the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301.

The apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 has a number of benefits and advantages over known storage apparatus. The apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 improves storage space of normal storage lockers for example it can be used at ski fields to store skis in the winter and then bicycles in the summer. Additionally when in use with a bicycle as this is stored vertically this takes up less room than a bicycle being stored horizontally. Also due to the materials used to construct the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 it is light enough to be carried by two people and is still strong enough to withstand damage when knocked over, accidentally bumped etc. The outer coat on the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 apart from providing protection makes the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 much more aesthetically pleasing than known storage apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 is weather proof and/or water proof so can withstand environmental damage and the position of the locking assembly provides for flood resistance. The apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 can be shipped flat and assembled on site which reduces shipping costs. Furthermore, the apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 can be customised by a user. The apparatus 1, 101, 201, 301 also improves the safety of a two wheeled vehicle during transportation as any two wheeled vehicles stored within the housing are kept securely vertically.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of apparatus 1, 101, 201 may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus for controlling diseases and/pests and feeding bees in a hive it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for storage having: • a housing adapted to receive a two wheeled vehicle and having a door connected to it at one end which is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and * at least one wheel securing means wherein the wheel securing means is located against a back inner wall of the housing and is removable with respect to the housing; the apparatus adapted such that when in use a user is able to open the door and push a two wheeled vehicle into the housing and the wheel securing means engages and secures part of a wheel or wheels with the result that the vehicle is securely held vertically during storage in the housing.

2. An apparatus for storage according to claim 1, having at least one base support for a two wheeled vehicle and wherein the base support is removable with respect to the housing and wherein when a two wheeled vehicle is pushed into the housing the base support receives, guides and engages parts of a rear wheel of the vehicle.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the removable base support has a wheel engaging channel and it secures the rear wheel when in use.

4. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the wheel securing means is a two part wheel wedge.

5. An apparatus for storage according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the securing means secures both of the wheels of a bicycle when in use.

6. An apparatus for storage according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the wheel securing means only secures the front wheel of a bicycle when in use.

7. An apparatus for storage according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein the removable wheel securing means and the removable base support and the housing have magnets which enables the wheel securing means and the base support to be correctly positioned when in use.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having at least one attachment adapted to support skis or a snowboard inside the housing such that in use a user is able to hang the skis or snowboard on the attachment and the store skis or snowboard inside the housing and wherein the attachment is also adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

9. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having at least one storage hook inside the housing and wherein the hook is adapted such that it is it is removable with respect to the housing.

10. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having at least one shelf inside the housing and wherein the shelf is adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

11. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having at least one battery inside the housing and wherein the battery is adapted such that it is removable with respect to the housing.

12. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive mains power.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having a locking means adapted to lock the door to the housing, wherein the locking means: • comprises a mechanical lock; • is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with an RFID card; • is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with mobile phone application; • is adapted such that is able to be locked and unlocked with a key fob; or • comprises a lock and latch and a keypad.

14. An apparatus according any one of the proceeding claims, having at least one light inside the housing.

15. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, having an electric bicycle battery charger.

16. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims, wherein the housing consists of a top panel, side wall panels, a floor panel and an end wall panel and wherein the panels and the door both have a structural core with sandwich type construction and wherein the core is covered on both sides with a protective skin.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the structural core is made substantially from polypropylene honeycomb.

18. An apparatus according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the skin is made substantially from E-glass, UV stabilized epoxy, polypropylene, gelcoat and/or clear carbon.

19. An apparatus according to any one of the proceeding claims wherein the apparatus has a microprocessor which powers and controls any electronic components within the apparatus.

20. An apparatus for storage comprising: a housing having a door connected to it at one end which is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and the apparatus also having at least two of the following attachments: • at least one removable wheel securing means for a two wheeled vehicle which when in use engages with the back inner wall of the housing and secures part of a wheel or wheels with the result that the vehicle is securely held vertically during storage in the housing; * at least one removable attachment for supporting skis or a snowboard which when in use enables a user to hang a pair of skis or a snowboard off the attachment and store the skis or snowboard in the housing; • at least one removable hook which engages with the inside of the housing; and/or * at least one removable shelf which engages with the inside of the housing; the apparatus adapted such that when in use a user is able to change the attachments such that different items can be stored within the housing using the attachments.

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