DK201700496A1

DK201700496A1 - Pedal Trap Bicycle Stand

Info

Publication number: DK201700496A1
Application number: DKPA201700496A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Farver Sørensen Jesper
Original assignee: Farver Sørensen Jesper
Priority date: 2017-09-12
Filing date: 2017-09-12
Publication date: 2019-03-20
Also published as: DK179684B1

Abstract

Present invention relates to a bicycle parking stand. Objectives, to lower number of bicycles stolen anddamaged in prior art stands. FIG. 4 illustrates stand (1) in open mode. Gate (B) turned 90° relative to pole (A), whereby crankarm slot (E) is accessible. Figure shows crankarm fender (H) above bottom section (10) of said pole (A), which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground. Figure further shows hinge(s) (D) which journals said gate (B) and, in the top, lock plate (C) with holes (K) for a padlock (G). Parking and locking of bicycle is 3 step process; 1. push left crankarm into crankarm slot (E), 2. close gate (B) whereby front wall (40) and pedal protector plate (N) blocks crankarm slot (E) and access to dismantle pedal, 3. insert padlock (G) in lock plate (C) enclosed by lock protector plate (F). Locked bicycle shown in FIG. 7.

Description

Field of the invention

Present invention relates to a bicycle stand.

Background of the invention

Prior art bicycle stands has 2 major disadvantages; bicycle theft and potential damage of the bicycle, especially damage of the front wheel and scratches of the frame.

Damage of the front wheel is related to the far dominant prior art stand, which supports the bicycle by it's front wheel. FIG. 1 shows 3 embodiments of this type and the damage happens if the bicycle is pushed over by the wind or a fellow cyclist. Bicycle is in these types of stands either locked to the stand by an external lock e.g. a chain, wire or U-lock brought by the cyclist, or stand is only used as leaning support and bicycle individually locked by the integrated lock or an external lock.

FIG. 2 illustrates 2 embodiments of leaning stands where bicycle is leaned against the stand. Most embodiments aren't fitted with a integrated locking device, why bicycle is locked either to the stand by an external lock, or bicycle is individually locked by the integrated lock or an external lock. Embodiments with a integrated locking device, is most often a metal wire which are wrapped around the bicycle and locked with the integrated lock of the bicycle or an external lock. These locking methods are subject to theft with a bolt cutter, and there is as well a high risk that the bicycle is scratched since most embodiments are plain metal.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a bicycle stand that entraps the bicycle. Global population of this type of stand is low and present innovation represents a new embodiment of this type.

The far majority of prior art bicycle stands are the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the common problems for these are bicycle theft and the inconvenience of the cyclist having to bring a chain, wire or U-lock in order to lock the bicycle to the stand. Majority of the locks sold can't withstand a bolt cutter, and those that can, are rather expensive, voluminous and heavy.

This is the reason why millions of bicycles are stolen from bicycle stands every year and it is a well established fact that bicycle theft is a key reason why a lot of people refrain from using their bicycle for daily transportation. Seen in a wider perspective bicycle theft is thereby negatively affecting the environment, the general health of the public and adds to the increasing problems of traffic jams in the cities.

For these reasons, cyclists, and society in general, will benefit from a bicycle stand offering leaning support that doesn't damage the bicycle, and from which the bicycle can only be stolen by a severe, noisy and time consuming metal cuffing process. Present invention presented in FIG. 4 through FIG. 11 offers these advantages and is furthermore easy and intuitive to use.

The prior art stands coming closest to present invention is described in EP0147384 and US2015096335. The stand described in EP0147384 offers leaning support, but it doesn't offer the same level of theft protection and user convenience. Locking system of EP0147384 is based on an external lock (chain, wire or U-lock) with the related risk of theft and secondly the inconvenience of having to bring such a locking device.

DK 2017 00496 A1

-2Background of the invention - continued

Locking process of EP0147384 is as well rather inconvenient because of the low position lock is to be inserted in the stand. In a direct comparison with EP0147384, present invention offers a much more convenient and theft proof parking of the bicycle through the high position of the locking interface, and the bolt cutter proof design.

Another disadvantage of EP0147384 is the fact that the bicycle must be rolled onto a front wheel guide leaning forward in order to keep the bicycle in the crankarm slot.

Stand described in US2015096335 (FIG.3) is a leaning type stand with a rotational metal bar that entraps the bicycle frame and front wheel. US2015096335 furthermore features an advanced electronic locking system, that can be operated by e.g. a smartphone. US2015096335 has 2 immediate disadvantages. First one being that bicycle is leaned against the metal pole of the stand, whereby there is a risk that the bicycle gets scratched. Second disadvantage is the fact that the locking metal bar must come through the front wheel, why the cyclist in many cases has to turn the front wheel to avoid the metal bar hitting a spoke. And some bicycles even has support of the mudguard in the area where the metal bar comes through the wheel, why they cant be locked to the stand without bending the support.

Brief description of the invention

Present invention relates to a bicycle parking stand. It is the primary objective to deliver a bicycle stand where professional power cutting tools, and not only a bolt cutter, is needed to steal the bicycle from the stand. It is another key objective to deliver a bicycle stand where the cyclist only has to bring a padlock and not a chain, wire or U-lock. It is a third objective to deliver a bicycle stand with leaning support of the bicycle that doesn't damage the bicycle in any way.

It is a fourth objective to deliver a bicycle stand that is easy and intuitive to use enabling the cyclist to park the bicycle fast and conveniently. Finally it is another objective to provide a low cost and minimalist design with minimum installation cost.

All these objectives achieved through a simple design, where the bicycle is pushed forward into the stand and locking the bicycle requires the cyclist to only close a gate (B) and insert a padlock (G).

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 shows 3 different front wheel support stands according to the prior art. This is the far most common type of bicycle stand.

FIG. 2 shows 2 different leaning stands according to the prior art. This is the second most common type of bicycle stand.

FIG. 3 shows the stand described in US2015096335. This stand entraps the bicycle with a metal bar.

FIG. 4 Is a isometric view of the present invention in open mode ready for the cyclist to park the bicycle.

FIG. 5 is a isometric of the present invention supporting the parked bicycle before closing and locking the stand gate.

DK 2017 00496 A1

-3Brief description of the drawings—continued

FIG. 6 Is a isometric view of the present invention in closed and locked mode without a bicycle.

FIG. 7 is a isometric view of the present invention in closed and locked mode with a parked bicycle.

FIG. 8 shows 2 side views of the stand with and without the lock protector plate, to illustrate the position of the padlock and the locking interface being angled towards the cyclist.

FIG. 9 is a bottom-view of the present invention in closed and locked mode with a bicycle inserted.

FIG. 10 shows 2 isometric views of a simplified embodiment of the stand without a bicycle.

FIG. 11 is a isometric view of a simplified embodiment of the stand with a parked bicycle.

Detailed description of the invention

FIG. 4 through FIG. 11 illustrates present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates present invention in open mode ready for a bicycle to be parked. Gate (B) is through hinge(s) (D) turned 90 degrees relative to the stand pole (A), allowing access to the crankarm slot (E) being a U-shaped rubber part fixed to the stand (A). Figure also shows the bottom section (10) of pole (A), which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground or pavement. Figure further shows the crankarm fender (H), and lock plate (C) fixed to said pole (A). Holes (K) in said lock plate (C) intended for locking said gate (B) with a padlock (G). Said gate (B) having a front wall (40), a pedal cutout (I) and a pedal protector plate (N) in the bottom.

FIG. 5 is same view as FIG. 4 but with a parked bicycle. Parking the bicycle requires left crankarm to be around its lowest vertical position, which can easily and conveniently be done with cyclist's foot. Keeping foot on the pedal when pushing the crankarm into the crankarm slot (E), makes this an easy and convenient operation. Said crankarm slot (E) having spring effect from deflection of its rubber material and deflection of said pole (A) . This spring effect ensures that crankarm slot (E) clamps the crankarm and keeps the bicycle upright without any additional leaning support, and it as well enables that bicycle can stand on flat ground and doesn't need to be on a leaning surface to remain in the crankarm slot (E). Figure further shows the crankarm fender (H) on wall (70) of pole (A). Fender (H) sits at the lowest end of the bicycle crankarm, whereby it ensures that bicycle cannot tilt towards the stand (1) and get scratched.

FIG. 6 Is a isometric view of the present invention in closed and locked mode without a bicycle, but with gate (B) locked by padlock (G) installed in holes (K) of lock plate (C). Figure shows how the locking interface comprising the lock plate (C) and lock protector plate (F) is positioned at the top of the stand and angled towards the cyclist, which makes it more convenient for the cyclist to lock the stand. Figure further shows how the lock protector plate (F) encloses lock plate (C) and padlock (G). Front opening of lock protector plate (F) allows cyclist to operate the padlock, but it does not leave access for a bolt cutter to cut the shackle of the padlock (G). Protector plate (F) has therefore to be cut by power cuffing tools to access padlock (G).

DK 2017 00496 A1

-4Detailed description of the invention - continued

FIG. 7 is same view as FIG. 6 but with a parked bicycle. Parking and locking of bicycle is a 3 step process. Step 1: Push left crankarm into crankarm slot (E). Step 2: Close gate (B) whereby front wall (40) blocks crankarm slot (E), and sidewall (50) with pedal protector plate (N) blocks access to dismantle pedal. Step 3: Insert padlock (G) in lock plate (C) through front opening of lock protector plate (F)

FIG. 8 shows 2 side views of the stand with and without the lock protector plate (F). Figure shows how backend of lock plate hole (J) in said gate (B) have minimum required tolerance clearance to lock plate (C) of said pole (A), whereby shackle of the padlock (G) overlaps gate (B) and prevents that gate can be opened when padlock is inserted. Figure further shows how lock plate (C) and lock protector plate (F) is at an angle α towards the cyclist, to ease the operation of locking and unlocking the stand.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the present invention in closed and locked mode with a bicycle inserted. Figure illustrates how front wall (40) of gate (B) blocks the crankarm slot (E) when gate (B) is closed and locked. Figure further illustrates how side wall (50) of gate (B) and pedal protector plate (N) covers the part of the pedal closest to the crankarm, whereby the pedal axle (L) cannot be accessed with a wrench and pedal dismantled.

FIG. 10. shows a simplified embodiment of the stand intended for short term parking. This solution comprises a pole (A) with a bottom section (10) which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground or pavement. Spring effect of crankarm slot (E) clamps the crankarm and keeps the bicycle standing without additional leaning support. Holes (M) in said pole (A) on top of the crankarm slot (E), enables that the bicycle can be locked to the stand by an external lock e.g. a chain, wire or U-lock.

FIG. 11 same embodiment as FIG. 11 but with a bicycle parked in the stand. Locking of bicycle through holes (M) not illustrated.

Claims

Claims

1. A bicycle parking stand (1) comprising:

a vertical pole (A) with a bottom section (10) which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground, a crankarm fender (H) and crankarm slot (E) made of rubber or similar type material, a lock plate (C) with holes (K) for a padlock, hinge(s) (D) being head structure journaled for a stand gate (B), said gate (B) having hinge(s) (D), a side wall (50), a front wall (40), a cutout (I) for the pedal, a pedal protector plate (N), a lock plate hole (J), a lock protector plate (F), characterized in crankarm slot (E) having spring effect from compression of rubber and elastic deflection of pole (A), crankarm fender (H) situated between crankarm slot (E) and bottom section (10) of wall (70) of pole (A), front wall (40) blocking crankarm slot (E) when gate (B) is closed, wall (50) of gate (B) and pedal protector plate (N) limits access to pedal axle (L), lock plate (C) situated above crankarm slot (E), lock plate (C) and lock protector plate (F) angled upwards towards cyclist, padlock (G) inserted in lock plate (C) exceeds outline of lock plate hole (J) of said gate (B), lock protector plate (F) and wall (50) of said gate (B) enclose lock plate (C) with inserted padlock (G) except for open front side.
2. A bicycle stand of claim 1 having lock plate (C) and lock protector plate (F) more than 400 mm above ground.
3. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 and 2 where closing of said gate (B) positions vertical center plane of front wall (40) maximum 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, in front of said crankarm slot (E).
4. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 through 3 where closing of said gate (B) positions side wall (50) at a minimum distance of 50 mm from the vertical center plane of said crankarm slot (E).
5. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 through 4 with lock plate (C) and lock protector plate (F) at an angle α of at least 10° relative to vertical-horizontal.
6. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 through 5 where horizontal center plane of crankarm fender (H) is less than 140 mm above ground level on wall (70) of pole (A).
7. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 through 6 where said gate (B) is journaled to said pole (A) by sliding.
8. A bicycle stand according to claim 1 through 7 without pedal protector plate (N).
9. A bicycle stand to any of claims 1 through 8 where bicycle stand (1) has an integrated lock.
10. A bicycle stand of claim 9 where integrated lock is electronic, mechanical or other type.