GB2532127A

GB2532127A - Apparatus for holding a bicycle

Info

Publication number: GB2532127A
Application number: GB1517526.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cai Roberts Robin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-10-05
Filing date: 2015-10-05
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-05
Also published as: GB2532127B; GB201517526D0

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle and which can also be used as a cycle trainer. The apparatus comprises: a clamp 114 for clamping a bicycle to the apparatus; a resistance unit (122, figure 1) arranged to engage with a driving wheel of the bicycle; and a means for attaching 130, 132 the apparatus to a vehicle. The apparatus may comprise a generally C-shaped frame having two substantially parallel sides which may fold about a pivot point for storage (figure 3). Wheel receiving elements (124) may be provided, which may receive a driving wheel of the bicycle when used as a cycle trainer, and one or both wheels when the bicycle is being carried on a vehicle. The clamp may be pivotally mounted by means of movable member 126, and the attachment means may comprise a plurality of hooks and straps.

Description

Apparatus for holding a bicycle

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns cycle trainers and vehicle bicycle racks. More parLicularly, buL noL exclusively, this invention concerns an apparatus which functions both as a cycle trainer and as a vehicle bicycle rack.

Background of the Invention

A cycle trainer is an apparatus which allows a bicycle to be ridden whilst stationary. Cycle trainers (also known as turbo trainers) typically comprise an A-frame structure into which a bicycle is clamped. When clamped, the rear wheel (the driven wheel) of the bike is elevated off the ground and held in contact with a resistance unit. The resistance unit typically comprises a roller which engages with the tyre of the rear wheel. The resistance unit provides resistance against the rotation of the rear wheel to simulate resistance and drag a cyclist would experience when moving.

Cycle trainers provide a means by which competitive cyclists may warm up prior to athletic events. As a result cycle trainers are often transported to events by such cyclists. A problem with transporting cycle trainers is that they may take up a lot of space in a vehicle and are of an awkward shape.

Vehicle bicycle racks are apparatus which are mounted to the exterior of a vehicle and in turn a bicycle is mounted to. The skilled person will appreciate that vehicles hereby refers to motorised vehicles such as -2 -cars, vans, and the like. Vehicle bicycle racks come in a number of designs and mount to vehicles in a number of ways. Invariably however they also take up a lot of space and are of an awkward shape to store in a vehicle, for example when a bicycle has been transported and a user wishes be safely store Lhe vehicle bicycle rack in Lheir vehicle.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, an apparatus for holding a bicycle, comprising: a clamp for clamping a bicycle to the apparatus; a resistance unit for using the apparatus as a cycle trainer, wherein the clamp is arranged to hold a driving wheel of the bicycle in contact with the resistance unit; and a vehicle attachment means for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle.

The apparatus may thereby function both as a cycle trainer and a bicycle rack. The apparatus may be a combined cycle trainer and vehicle bicycle rack. An advantage of providing such an apparatus is that it removes the need for a cyclist to own, transport and store both a cycle trainer and a vehicle bicycle rack. This saves a user both space and weight when the apparatus is transported, as compared to transporting both a cycle trainer and bicycle rack separately.

The apparatus may be arranged to stand on the ground where it may be used as a cycle trainer. When stood on the ground for use as a cycle trainer, the clamp may hold the bicycle to the apparatus such that the driving wheel -3 -of the bicycle is held in contact with the resistance unit. The clamp may hold the bicycle securely and firmly in contact with the resistance unit.

The apparatus may be arranged to mount to a vehicle.

The apparatus may be arranged to mount to a rear door of a vehicle. IL will be undersLood LhaL Lhe rear door refers the door at the rear of the vehicle which typically provides access to the vehicle's boot. The apparatus may be arranged to mount to the roof of a vehicle, for example via roof bars. When mounted to the vehicle for use as a vehicle bike rack, the clamp may hold the bicycle to the apparatus. For use as a vehicle bike rack, the clamp need not hold the bicycle such that the driving wheel of the bicycle is in contact with the resistance unit.

The clamp may fasten to the frame of the bicycle. The clamp may fasten to the spindle of one of the wheels of the bicycle. The clamp may comprise a screw clamp. The clamp may comprise a replacement spindle engagable through an axle of one of the wheels of the bicycle. When used as a cycle trainer the replacement spindle may engage through the axle of the driving wheel of the bicycle. The replacement spindle may replace the existing spindle of the bicycle wheel. The skilled person knows of various alternative clamping means which may be employed.

The apparatus may have a first end. The first end may have a first vehicle attachment means. The apparatus may have a second end. The second end may have a second vehicle attachment means. An advantage of having vehicle attachment means at two ends of the apparatus is that both ends may be firmly held to the vehicle.

The vehicle attachment means may comprise a strap and a hook for hooking around a rear door of a vehicle. -4 -

At least two straps may extend from the first end and at least two straps may extend from the second end. The apparatus may therefore be mounted to a vehicle in such a manner as to resist both lateral and vertical movement in relation to the vehicle.

The first end and/or Lhe second end may be provided with feet for abutting against the vehicle. The feet may be made of sufficiently soft material, for example rubber or foam, to prevent the vehicle being scratched in use as a vehicle bicycle rack and floor being scratched when used a cycle trainer.

The apparatus may comprise a frame. The frame may be generally C-shaped. The C-shape may enable the apparatus to fit vehicles with a convex rear door. The frame may comprise two substantially parallel sides. The sides may be separated by at least two cross members.

The apparatus may be configured to mount a bicycle to a vehicle, wherein the bicycle is in a substantially vertical orientation (i.e. so the front wheel of the bicycle is substantially vertically above the rear wheel of the bicycle or vice versa). Having the bicycle in the upright position does away with the need for any vehicle auxiliary lighting, as the vehicle's rear lights remain un-obscured.

The apparatus may comprise a first portion and a second portion. The frame may comprise the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and second portion may comprise the first end and second end respectively. The first portion may be pivotally mounted to the second portion. The first portion and second portion may thereby enable the apparatus to be folded in a clam-like manner. The apparatus may therefore have an open configuration for use and a closed configuration for -5 -storage. The ability to fold the apparatus reduces the area taken up by the apparatus and enables the apparatus to be more easily stored.

The first portion may have the clamps and resistance 5 unit mounted thereto. The first and second portions may be separable, for example so LhaL Lhe firsL portion may be used as a cycle trainer independently of the presence of the second portion, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the apparatus when used as a cycle trainer.

The apparatus may comprise a wheel receiving element. The wheel receiving element may be arranged to receive one or both wheels of a bicycle. When the apparatus is used as a vehicle bicycle rack, the wheel receiving element may prevent one or both the wheels touching the vehicle. The wheel receiving element may comprise hoops or recesses. The wheel receiving element may extend between the sides. A first wheel receiving element may be located proximate the first end to receive one wheel of the bike. A second wheel receiving element may be located proximate the second end to receive the other wheel of the bike.

When the apparatus is used as a vehicle bicycle rack, the wheel receiving element may prevent one of the wheels touching the vehicle and the clamp may hold the bicycle such that the other wheel is prevented from touching the vehicle.

The clamp may be mounted on a movable member. The movable member may be pivotally mounted. The clamp may be movable to a first position in which the driving wheel of the bicycle is held in abutment with the resistance unit (for use as a cycle trainer). The clamp may be movable to a second position in which one or both wheels of a bicycle are held in abutment with the wheel receiving -6 -element (for when the apparatus is used as a vehicle bicycle rack).

The movable member may be adjustable to accommodate various wheel widths and diameters. Two movable members 5 may be provided. The length and/or separation of the movable members may be adjustable.

The apparatus may additionally comprise those features standard on a cycle trainer, for example, a means by which the resistance may be varied.

The clamp, the resistance unit and the vehicle attachment means may be mounted on the frame. The movable member may be mounted to the frame.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a method of transporting a bicycle, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus according the first aspect of the invention; mounting the apparatusto a rear door of a vehicle using the vehicle attachment means; and mounting a bicycle to the apparatus by clamping the bicycle to it.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: -7 -Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention arranged for use as a cycle trainer; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention arranged for use as a bicycle rack; and Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention folded up for storage.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows an apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows the apparatus 100 stood on the ground for use as a cycle trainer.

The apparatus 100 comprises a frame comprising two parallel C-shaped sides 102 separated by cross members 104. The cross members are located at either end of the sides 102 and at the centre of the sides 102. A resistance unit 122 is mounted to the central cross member 104.

Each side 102 comprises a first portion 106 and a second portion 108. The first portion 106 is pivotally mounted to the second portion 108 by a pivot 110. This enables the apparatus to be folded up as shown in Figure 3.

A wheel receiving element in the form of wheel receiving hoops 124 extends between the two sides 102. A first set of two wheel receiving hoops 124 is provided between the first portions 106, and a second set of one wheel receiving hoop 124 is provided between the second portions 108. The sets of wheel receiving hoops 124 are -8 -separated by approximately the distance between wheels on an average adult bicycle.

At either end of the apparatus are feet 112 on which the apparatus stands. The feet 112 comprise an outer foam 5 sleeve to prevent the floor being marked.

A movable member 126 is pivotally mounted on each side 102. The movable members 126 are located approximately midway along the first portions 106. A screw clamp 114 is mounted at one end of each movable member 126. The clamps 114 are arranged to engage with a spindle of a bicycle wheel. The movable members 126 are adjustable in angle and length so that various wheel widths and diameters may be held by the clamps 114.

In use as a cycle trainer, as shown in Figure 1, the rear (driving) wheel 116 of a bicycle 118 is received between the movable members 126 and engaged with the clamps 114. The lengths and angles of the movable members 126 are adjusted such that the outer edge of the wheel 116 is in turn held in contact with the resistance unit 122. In this configuration the wheel 116 is elevated off the ground and out of contact with wheel receiving hoops 124.

Figure 2 shows the apparatus 100 mounted on the rear door of a car 128 for use as a vehicle bicycle rack. The apparatus is oriented such that the sides 102 extend parallel to a vertical plane and the first portions 106 are disposed substantially above the second portions 108. Feet 112 are the only point of contact on car 128. The foam sleeve prevents the bodywork being scratched or marked.

Vehicle attachment means are provided on either end of each side 102, proximate feet 112. The vehicle attachment means comprise length adjustable fabric straps -9 -which terminate with a hook 132. In use the hooks 132 are hooked around the edge of the rear door of the car 128 and the straps are pulled taught by reducing their length.

As shown in Figure 2, it is possible and preferable Lo hook Lhe straps 130 of Lhe first section 106 Lo Lhe top of the rear door to prevent the apparatus 100 falling downwards, and to hook the straps 130 of the second section 108 to the sides of the rear door to prevent the apparatus 100 moving laterally. In alternative embodiments more straps, or a different arrangement of straps, may be provided as a vehicle attachment means.

In use as a vehicle bike rack, as shown in Figure 2, the front wheel 134 of the bicycle 118 is received between the movable members 126 and engaged with the clamps 114. The lengths and angles of the movable members 126 are adjusted such that the outer edge of the front wheel 134 is held against the first set of wheel receiving hoops 124. The front wheel 134 is thereby securely and firmly held by the apparatus 100.

The rear wheel 116 is received by the second set of wheel receiving hoops 124. The rear wheel 116 may be restrained in abutment with the receiving hoops 124 to prevent the bicycle 118 moving in relation to the apparatus 100.

In an alternative arrangement, the front wheel 134 is not engaged with the first set of wheel receiving hoops 124 and is held solely by the clamps 114. In another alternative arrangement the rear wheel 116 is held by the clamps 114 and the front wheel 134 is received by the second set of wheel receiving hoops 124.

Figure 3 shows the apparatus 100 in a folded configuration. The first portions 106 and the second -10 -portions 108 of sides 102 pivot with respect to each other at pivot 110. The movable members 126 are foldable substantially flush with the sides 102 to further reduce the volume take up by the folded apparatus 100.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated w2Lh reference Lo parLicular embodiments, IL will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or

elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for holding a bicycle, comprising: a clamp for clamping a bicycle to the apparatus; a resistance unit for using the apparatus as a cycle Lrainer, wherein Lhe clamp is arranged Lo hold a driving wheel of the bicycle in contact with the resistance unit; and a vehicle attachment means for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle.
2. An apparatus according claim 1, wherein the apparatus has a frame which is generally C-shaped.
3. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising two substantially parallel sides separated by at least two cross members.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus has a first end and a second end, the first end having a first vehicle attachment means and the second end having a second vehicle attachment means.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, 25 comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is pivotally mounted to the second portion.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the 30 apparatus has an open configuration for use and a closed configuration for storage.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a wheel receiving element, wherein the -12 -wheel receiving element is arranged to receive one or both wheels of a bicycle when the apparatus is used as a vehicle bicycle rack.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein Lhe clamp is movable Lo a Li rs L position in which the driving wheel of the bicycle is held in abutment with the resistance unit for use as a cycle trainer.
9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the clamp is movable to a second position in which one or both wheels of a bicycle are held in abutment with the wheel receiving element for when the apparatus is used as a vehicle bicycle rack.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the clamp is mounted to a pivotally mounted member.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle attachment means comprise a strap and a hook for hooking around a rear door of a vehicle.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, 25 wherein the clamp, the resistance unit and the vehicle attachment means are mounted on a frame.
13. A method of transporting a bicycle, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12; mounting the apparatus to a rear door of a vehicle using the vehicle attachment means; -13 -and mounting a bicycle to the apparatus by clamping the bicycle to it.
14. An apparatus substantially as herein described with 5 reference to any of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A method of transporting a bicycle substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figs. 1, 2 and 10 3 of the accompanying drawings.