GB2562904A

GB2562904A - Bicycle support apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2562904A
Application number: GB1807358.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elderton Bob
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-22
Filing date: 2018-05-04
Publication date: 2018-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-04
Also published as: GB201807358D0; GB2562904B; GB201708147D0

Abstract

A bicycle support apparatus includes at least one bicycle support means 6. The at least one bicycle support means 6 includes a surface mounting portion 4 for mounting the bicycle support means 6 to a surface, such as a wall, in use and at least one bicycle supporting portion 16 for supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to the same in use. Engagement means 28 arc provided on or associated with the bicycle support 6 means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use. The supporting portion 16 may be mounted to the surface mounting portion 4 at an angle such that it is inclined from horizontal when mounted on a vertical surface in use. The supporting portion 16 may be adjustable in length, for instance by being telescopic, such that differing numbers of bicycles may be supported thereon.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Bob Elderton

C/o Access Building Products Ltd, Unit 86, Marston Moor Business Park, Tockwith, YORK, Yorkshire, YO26 7QF, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Bob Elderton (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Bailey Walsh & Co LLP

York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR, United Kingdom

(51) INT CL: B62H3/12 (2006.01)	B62H5/00 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited: GB 2505073 A GB 2273915 A US 5887461 A	GB 2398770 A DE 009204396 U US 20110068140 A1

(58) Field of Search:

INT CL B25H, B60R, B62H Other: EPODOC, WPI (54) Title of the Invention: Bicycle support apparatus and method of use thereof Abstract Title: Bicycle support apparatus (57) A bicycle support apparatus includes at least one bicycle support means 6. The at least one bicycle support means 6 includes a surface mounting portion 4 for mounting the bicycle support means 6 to a surface, such as a wall, in use and at least one bicycle supporting portion 16 for supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to the same in use. Engagement means 28 arc provided on or associated with the bicycle support 6 means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use. The supporting portion 16 may be mounted to the surface mounting portion 4 at an angle such that it is inclined from horizontal when mounted on a vertical surface in use. The supporting portion 16 may be adjustable in length, for instance by being telescopic, such that differing numbers of bicycles may be supported thereon.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Bicycle Support Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

The present invention relates to bicycle support apparatus and to a method of use thereof.

It is known to provide bicycle support apparatus in the form of a bike rack to support one or more bicycles when the bicycles are not in use. Conventional bike racks are typically floor mounted or floor supported bike racks, or wall mounted or wall supported bike tacks.

An example of a floor mounted or floor supported bike tack includes a base portion that is either free standing or engaged to a floor surface in use, and a wheel support portion that is upstanding with respect to the base portion for engaging a front or tear wheel of a bicycle in use.

An example of a wall mounted or wall supported bike rack includes a wall mounting portion for mounting the rack to a wall surface in use, and one or more bicycle support members that protrude outwardly from the wall mounting portion for supporting a part of the bicycle in use, and preferably for supporting a part of a frame of the bicycle in use.

Problems associated with conventional bike racks is that they either have no means of locking a part of the bicycle to the same in use, or only a part of the frame and/or single wheel can be locked to the bike rack in use. This is particularly the case for bike racks designed for indoor use, such as wall mounted bike racks. Although such bike racks have a degree of security in that they are often located in a lockable room or building, such as a garage, if an intruder breaks into the locked room or building, the bicycle and/or parts of the bicycle are then relatively easy to steal. In addition, it is often the case that the wheels of the bicycle and/or the frame of the bicycle are of significant financial value. As such, even if it is possible to lock the bicycle frame or a single wheel of the bicycle to part of a bike rack in use, this does not provide security for the remaining wheel, wheels and/or frame of the bicycle that cannot be locked to the bike rack.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide bicycle support apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using bicycle support apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a bike rack and method of use thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided bicycle support apparatus, said bicycle support apparatus including at least one bicycle support means, said at least one bicycle support means including a surface mounting portion for mounting the bicycle support means to a surface in use, and at least one bicycle supporting portion for supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to the same in use, and wherein engagement means are provided on or associated with the bicycle support means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

In one embodiment the bicycle support apparatus includes at least two bicycle support means or a pair of bicycle support means. Preferably each bicycle support means includes engagement means to allow at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

Preferably the at least two bicycle support means ate arranged so as to allow a part of the same bicycle to be locked to each of said support means in use.

Preferably the engagement means are arranged on the bicycle support means such that each bicycle support means allows at least one wheel and/or part of a bicycle frame of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

Preferably the engagement means are arranged on the bicycle support means such that each bicycle support means allows at least one wheel and a part of a bicycle frame to be locked to the same in use.

In one embodiment the pair or at least two bicycle support means are provided, or ate arranged to be provided, a spaced distance apart from each other when mounted to a surface in use.

Preferably the spacing between the at least two bicycle support means can be adjusted to allow for different sized bikes to be supported by he bicycle support means in use.

Preferably the pair or at least two bicycle support means are arranged to be mounted to the same surface in use.

In one embodiment each of the at least two bicycle support means is independent to or separate to one or more other of said bicycle support means forming said bicycle support apparatus.

In one embodiment the at least two bicycle support means are physically linked or connected to each other.

In one embodiment the engagement means includes any or any combination of an aperture, channel, lock member, chain, padlock and/or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the engagement means includes an aperture or channel through which a bike lock member or bike chain is inserted and locked in place in use.

Preferably the bike lock member, bike chain, padlock and/or the like is movable between a locked position, wherein opening of the bike lock member, bike chain, padlock is prevented, and an unlocked position, wherein the bike lock member, bike chain, padlock can be opened.

Preferably with the bike lock member, bike chain, padlock in a locked position, a part of a bicycle locked to the same is prevented from removal in use. Preferably with the bike lock member, bike chain, padlock in an unlocked position, a part of a bicycle locked to the same can be removed in use.

In one embodiment the surface mounting portion includes a base or wall member.

Preferably the base member, wall member and/or surface mounting portion is a plate or plate like member.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion is provided on or associated with the surface mounting portion or plate member.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion is arranged so as to protrude outwardly with respect to the surface mounting portion or plate member.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion is arranged in a cantilever arrangement with respect to the surface mounting portion or plate member.

In one embodiment the bicycle supporting portion includes at least one supporting member or arm member.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion or at least one supporting member is of such length to allow at least a portion of a bicycle to be located on or over the same in use.

Preferably the length of the bicycle supporting portion or at least one supporting member can be adjusted and/or can be different dependent on the number of bicycles that are to be supported on the at least one supporting member in use.

For example, in one embodiment the at least one support member is telescopic to allow the length of the same to be adjusted.

In one embodiment the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is elongate or substantially elongate in form.

In one embodiment the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is linear, straight, substantially linear or substantially straight in form.

In one embodiment the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member includes a hook or angled portion. The hook or angled portion can be provided to prevent a portion of bicycle from accidentally sliding off the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member in use. For example, the hook or angled portion can be provided on or associated with a free end of the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one support member.

In one embodiment the hook or angled portion could be provided at a point between the free end and the join with the bicycle supporting portion and the surface mounting portion.

In one embodiment the bicycle supporting portion or at least one supporting member is provided at an acute angle with respect to a part of the surface mounting portion or plate member.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is arranged with respect to the surface mounting portion or plate member such that with the surface mounting portion or plate member mounted on a wall in use, the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is inclined in an upwardly direction, or away from a floor or ground surface so as to prevent one or more parts of a bicycle from accidentally sliding off the same in use.

In one embodiment the acute angle is between 75-89 degrees, preferably between 79-85 degrees, further preferably between 81-83 degrees, and yet further preferably is 82 degrees.

Preferably an acute angle is defined between an upper surface of the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member and the surface mounting portion or plate member. Preferably the upper surface of the bicycle support portion or the at least one supporting member is the surface arranged to be furthest from a floor surface above which the apparatus is mounted in use.

Preferably an obtuse angle is defined between a lower surface of the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member and the surface mounting portion. Preferably the lower surface of the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is arranged to be closest to the floor surface above which the apparatus is mounted in use.

In one embodiment the obtuse angle is between 91-105 degrees, preferably between 95-101 degrees, further preferably between 97-99 degrees, and yet further preferably is 98 degrees.

Preferably the bicycle supporting portion or the at least one supporting member is attached to the surface mounting portion or plate like member via attachment means or integrally formed with the surface mounting portion or plate member.

Preferably the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more nuts and bolts, screws, inter-engaging members, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

In one embodiment cushioning means are provided on or associated with the bicycle supporting portion or a free end of the bicycle supporting portion. The cushioning means helps to prevent one or more parts of the bicycle located with the bicycle supporting portion in use from being damaged and/or scratched.

Preferably the cushioning means includes a foam, plastic or rubber section, or a plastic or rubber bung, covering, end piece and/or the like.

In one embodiment the engagement means includes or are defined in an engagement member located between the surface mounting portion or plate member and the bicycle supporting portion or at least one supporting member.

In one embodiment the engagement means and/or engagement member is provided at the location of where the bicycle supporting portion or plate like member joins or is integral with the surface mounting portion or at least one support member.

Preferably the engagement means and/or engagement member is provided at a location below the join or integration of the surface mounting portion with the bicycle support portion or at the location where the bicycle supporting portion is arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to the surface mounting portion.

Preferably the engagement member is a plate or plate like member with engagement means defined in the same.

Preferably a central axis of the engagement means aperture or channel is located perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle supporting portion or at least one supporting member.

In one embodiment securing means are provided on or associated with the surface mounting portion for allowing the surface mounting portion to be secured to a surface in use.

Preferably the securing means includes any or any combination of one or more apertures, screws, nuts and bolts, hooks, clips, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

In one embodiment the surface mounting portion is a wall surface mounting portion. This allows a bicycle to be supported with respect to a wall surface in use.

In one embodiment the surface mounting is a floor surface mounting portion. This allows the bicycle to be supported with respect to a floor surface in use.

In one example, the bicycle supporting portion and/or at the at least one support member has a length of approximately 700-800mm, and preferably approximately 750 mm +/- 5mm.

In another example, the bicycle supporting portion and/or the at least one support member has a length of approximately 450mm-550mm, and preferably approximately 500mm +/- 5mm.

In one example the bicycle supporting portion and/or the at least one support member has a width or diameter of 30-37mm, and preferably approximately 3334mm.

The bicycle support apparatus can be made from any or any combination of metal, plastic, rubber, wood, carbon fibre and/or the like.

In one example, the bicycle support apparatus is made from or includes steel or mild steel.

Preferably the bicycle support apparatus is for supporting one or more pedal bicycles.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using bicycle support apparatus, said bicycle support apparatus including at least one bicycle support means, said method including the steps of mounting a surface mounting portion of the at least one bicycle support means to a surface in use, supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to at least one bicycle supporting portion of the bicycle support means, and wherein engagement means are provided on or associated with the bicycle support means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

According to yet further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided a bike tack; and a method of using a bike rack.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

Figure la-ld show a perspective view, a top plane view, a side view and an end view of bicycle support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively;

Figure 2-4 shows the bicycle support apparatus of figures la-ld mounted to a wall in use with a bike attached to the same from a view of the front part of the apparatus, a view of the rear part of the apparatus, and a perspective view respectively.

Referring to figures la-ld, there is illustrated bicycle support apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Apparatus 2 comprises bicycle support means including a surface mounting portion 4 and a bicycle supporting portion 6. In the illustrated example, the bicycle support apparatus is typically arranged for indoor use, such as in a garage, but could be used outside or at any suitable location.

The surface mounting portion 4 is designed for attachment to a wall in use and includes a plate member 8 having securing means in the form of a plurality of apertures 10 defined through said member 8. The apertures 10 are located a spaced distance apart on plate member 8 at or adjacent the corners of the same. The plate member 8 has a rear surface 12 for mounting in abutting relationship with a wall surface in use, and a front surface 14 facing away from the wall surface. The tear surface 12 is flat or planar to allow the surface mounting portion 4 to sit flat against a wall to which it is to be attached to in use.

The bicycle supporting portion 6 comprises a support member 16 having a first end 18 attached to or integrally formed with the front surface 14 of the surface mounting portion 4, and a second free end 20 located a spaced distance apart from surface mounting portion 4.

Support member 16 protrudes outwardly from front surface 14 of the surface mounting portion 4. In addition, support member 16 is inclined in an upwardly direction with respect to the vertical when fitted in use, such that an upper surface 22 of support member 16 is at an acute angle ^CA°’ with respect to the plate member 8, and a lower surface 24 of support member 16 is at an obtuse angle ‘B°’ with respect to the plate member 8. In the illustrated example, the acute angle is 82 degrees and the obtuse angle is 98 degrees. The upward inclination of support member 16 with respect to the plate member 8 prevents a bicycle from accidentally slipping off the support member 16 in use as a result of gravity.

The support member 16 is of such a length to allow at least part of one bicycle to be located on or with the same in use. It will be appreciated that the support member 16 can be of such length to allow more than one bicycle to be located on or with the same in use.

Engagement means in the form of an engagement plate 26 is provided between the lower surface 24 of support member 16 and the front surface 14 of the plate member 8. The engagement plate 26 provides increased strength and rigidity to the support member 16. In addition, an engagement aperture 28 is defined through the engagement plate 26 to allow a portion of a bike to be locked to the engagement plate in use. Λ central virtual axis passing through the aperture 28 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support member 16.

The engagement plate 26 protrudes outwardly from the front surface 14 of plate member 6 and preferably protrudes perpendicularly with respect to front surface

14.

The engagement plate 26 can be joined to the support member 16 and/or plate member 8 via welding or can be integrally formed in one example.

In the illustrated embodiment, the free end 20 of support member 16 and a substantial part of the outer surface of support member 16 is provided with a plastic cover 30 thereon to prevent a bicycle located with the same in use from being scratched and/or damaged.

In use, as illustrated in figures 2-4, the bicycle support apparatus 2 is typically mounted to a wall surface 32 in use and two bicycle support means are provided a spaced distance apart on the wall. Screws 34 are located through the apertures 10 of the plate member 8 to secure the member 8 to the wall surface 32. The support member 16 of each bicycle support means protrudes outwardly from the member 8 and wall surface 32 such that the bicycle frame 36 can be hooked over the free ends 20 of the two spaced apart support member 16 and supported by the support members 16 in use.

It can be seen that both the front and rear wheels 38, 40 of the bicycle are adjacent one of the two spaced apart bicycle support means, thereby allowing part of the bicycle frame 36 and a wheel 38, 40 to be locked to the engagement aperture 28 using a suitable bike lock. Part of the bike lock is inserted through the engagement aperture 28 in a conventional manner. This provides extra security for the bicycle from theft as both potentially expensive wheels and the bicycle frame are securely locked to the bicycle support apparatus.

The bicycle support apparatus or bike rack of the present invention can support weights of up to 1 OOKg.

In one example, the support members 16 could be provided in two different lengths, such as for example 500mm in length to allow supporting of at least one bicycle, and 750mm in length to allow supporting of two or more bicycles.

Claims

1. Bicycle support apparatus, said bicycle support apparatus including at least one bicycle support means, said at least one bicycle support means including a surface mounting portion for mounting the bicycle support means to a surface in use, and at least one bicycle supporting portion for supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to the same in use, and wherein engagement means are provided on or associated with the bicycle support means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

2. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a pair or at least two bicycle support means are provided.

3. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pair or at least two bicycle support means are arranged so as to be a spaced distance apart from each other when mounted to a wall surface in use.

4. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the engagement means includes any or any combination of an aperture, channel, lock member, chain and/or padlock.

5. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the engagement means includes an aperture or channel through which a bike lock member or bike chain is insertable in use.

6. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the surface mounting portion includes a base member, wall member or plate member.

7. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is arranged so as to protrude outwardly with respect to the surface mounting portion.

8. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the bicycle supporting portion is provided in a cantilever arrangement with respect to the surface mounting portion.

9. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is adjustable in length to allow different numbers of bicycles to be supported by the same in use.

10. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is elongate or substantially elongate in form and/or is linear or substantially linear in form.

11. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion includes a hook or angled portion.

12. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the hook or angled portion is provided at a free end of the bicycle supporting portion, or at a point between the free end and the join with the surface mounting portion.

13. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is provided at an acute angle with respect to the surface mounting portion.

14. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is arranged with respect to the surface mounting portion such that with the surface mounting portion mounted on a wall in use, the bicycle supporting portion is inclined in an upwardly direction , or away from a floor or ground surface.

15. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the acute angle is between 75-89 degrees, between 79-85 degrees, between 81-83 degrees or is 82 degrees.

16. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion is attached to the surface mounting portion via attachment means or is integrally formed therewith.

17. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the attachment means includes any or any combination of one or more nuts and bolts, screws, inter-engaging members, welding or adhesive.

18. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein cushioning means are provided on or associated with the bicycle supporting portion or a free end of the bicycle supporting portion.

19. Bicycle support apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the cushioning means includes a foam, plastic or rubber section, or a plastic or rubber bung, end piece or covering.

20. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the engagement means are defined in an engagement member provided between the surface mounting portion and the bicycle supporting portion.

21. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein a central axis of the engagement means is arranged to be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bicycle supporting portion.

22. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein securing means are provided on or associated with the surface mounting portion for allowing the surface mounting portion to be secured to a surface in use.

23. Bicycle support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the bicycle supporting portion as a length of approximately 700-800mm or approximately 450-550mm, and a width or diameter of 30-37mm.

24. A method of using bicycle support apparatus, said bicycle support apparatus including at least one bicycle support means, said method including the steps of mounting a surface mounting portion of the at least one bicycle support means to a surface in use, supporting at least part of a bicycle with respect to at least one bicycle supporting portion of the bicycle support means, and wherein engagement means are provided on or associated with the bicycle support means for allowing at least part of a bicycle to be locked to the same in use.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1807358.5 Examiner: Mr Philip Osman