US20180044103A1

US20180044103A1 - Bicycle Support and Packaging Structure and a Bicycle Packaging Method

Info

Publication number: US20180044103A1
Application number: US15/558,099
Authority: US
Inventors: Ingemar Gustavsson
Original assignee: PEDALXPLORER AB
Current assignee: PEDALXPLORER AB
Priority date: 2015-03-13
Filing date: 2016-03-10
Publication date: 2018-02-15
Also published as: WO2016148624A1; EP3267832A1; EP3267832A4

Abstract

A bicycle support and packaging structure includes a support or carrier structure adapted to carry roller wheels, a handlebar adapter arrangement fixedly or demountably connectable to the support or carrier structure and adapted to be releasably connectable to a fork tube of a bicycle front fork. Also included is a saddle holder fixedly or demountably connectable to the support or carrier structure and adapted to securably and releasably receive a saddle of a bicycle in an upside down position. Also included are mounting elements enabling the handlebar adapter arrangement and the saddle holder to be adjustably connectable or connected to the support or carrier structure such that the distance between the saddle holder and the handlebar adapter arrangement is adjustable to allow for mounting of bicycles or bicycle frames of different sizes or dimensions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a bicycle support and packaging structure having the features of the first part of claim 1, and to a method for packaging a bicycle for transportation purposes having the features of the first part of claim 18.

BACKGROUND

Bicycling is an activity that is becoming more and more popular. Bicycles are also becoming increasingly specialized for different activities, e.g. conventional bicycles, city bikes, mountain bikes, downhill bicycles and racing bicycles. Many bicycles are even customized, i.e. individually adapted for a specific individual. The bicycles are hence often technically elaborate and expensive. Bicycles therefore need to be stored in a safe manner, in some instances without demanding too much space and without risking to be damaged in times of no use and it has become common that individuals transport their bicycles, e.g. for performing a bicycling activity, to bring the bicycle, or to have it transported separately. Therefore there is an increasing demand for a means and a method allowing storing and transportation of bicycles in a safe manner, assuring that the bicycle is well protected during storing and transportation, and also allowing packaging and transportation of the bicycle in an easy manner.
Several different kinds of bicycle bags or cases have been proposed. WO 2008/109986 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,715 show bicycle travel/storage bags or cases. Bicycle bags with hard covers are known. They, however, often suffer from the disadvantage of being bulky and heavy.
Bags and cases are also known which comprise a reinforcing shell and a frame structure for protecting the bicycle and to keep it safe in a given position. However, all these known devices suffer from various drawbacks. Either they are heavy and bulky, or they are lightweight devices with none or only a very poor protective capability. Many of these devices are also complex, and it requires a lot of time and skill to demount and arrange the bicycle in the transportation structure. In some cases the bike has to be demounted to a great extent, requiring even more time and skill for demounting, and, subsequently, after transportation, mounting it again. It should be noted that known bags or cases, which have a comparatively good protective capability, are large, heavy and bulky, which is impractical not only for transportation and handling purposes but also when it comes to storing the bag or case when not in use.
In WO 2014/003629 a bicycle transportation support and packaging structure is proposed which has the advantage of being a lightweight device which also provides for a good protection of the bicycle. Furthermore it is not space demanding or bulky during storing. A disadvantage with this known structure is, however, that it is too complex for allowing a satisfactory fast and easy arrangement of the bicycle in the structure, and for removing and mounting the bicycle after transportation. Further, stability and protective capability still need to be increased.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved bicycle support and packaging structure as initially referred to through which one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks are overcome. It is also an object of the invention to provide an improved method for packaging a bicycle for storing or transportation purposes as initially referred to through which one or more of the above mentioned problems are solved.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a bicycle support and packaging structure which is easier to handle than hitherto known structures, and which provides for a good protection of the bicycle. It is particularly an object to provide a transportation support and packaging structure which is a lightweight structure. It is a particular object to provide a support and packaging structure which is demountable, and which can be easily mounted for transportation of a bicycle, and which further, at completed transport of the bike, easily can be demounted, and which in a demounted state is not bulky.
It is a particular object of the invention to provide a bicycle support and packaging structure which is flexible and easily adaptable for different bicycles/bicycle sizes.
It is another particular object to provide a support and packaging structure which is easy and cheap to fabricate. Still further it is an object to provide a support and packaging structure which can be used for bicycles of different types and having different sizes and dimensions.
Most particularly it is an object to provide a bicycle support and packaging structure which is easy to use in that it does not require any extensive demounting of the bicycle for safe transportation.
Moreover it is a particular object to provide a bicycle support and packaging structure which is capable of keeping a packaged bicycle in place, and which also is easy to transport, and even to move manually shorter distances in a mounted state with a bicycle therein.
Therefore a bicycle support and packaging structure as initially referred to is provided, which further has the characterizing features of claim 1.
Therefore also a method having the initially features which further has the characterizing features of claim 18.
Advantageous embodiments are given by the appended dependent claims.
It is a particular advantage of the invention that a bicycle transportation support and packaging structure is provided which, at the same time as providing for excellent protection of a bicycle arranged therein, has a low weight, allows for particularly fast and easy arranging the bicycle in the structure for transportation, and which can be demounted for storing in intermediate time periods without demanding much space, i.e. when it is not used for transportation purposes, but also for storing, shipping and delivery purposes of bicycles e.g. after fabrication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will in the following be further described, in a non-limiting manner, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective from above of a bicycle support and packaging structure with a partly demounted bicycle according to one embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in perspective from above of the support frame arrangement of the bicycle support and packaging structure in FIG. 1,

FIG. 2A is a schematic view in perspective from above of an alternative support frame arrangement,

FIG. 2B is an enlarged schematic view from above of the handlebar adapter distance element of FIG. 2B,

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention provided on a single crown fork of a bicycle,

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement shown in FIG. 3A,

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an alternative handlebar adapter connecting arrangement provided on a dual crown fork of a bicycle,

FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement shown in FIG. 3C,

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cover frame structure for a bicycle support and packaging structure in a mounted state according to an exemplary embodiment,

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a cover frame element of the cover frame structure of the bicycle support and packaging structure in FIG. 4 in a demounted state for mounting to another cover frame element,

FIG. 5B schematically illustrates the cover frame element with of the cover frame structure in FIG. 5A with cover frame connector elements in a non-assembly state, e.g. a storing state,

FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of detail A in FIG. 5B,

FIG. 5D is an enlarged view of detail B in FIG. 5B,

FIG. 6 is a schematic view in perspective from above of an exemplary inner protective arrangement comprising a foam bag for a support and packaging structure e.g. as in FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in perspective from below of a support and packaging structure with a covering arrangement according to one embodiment, and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a bicycle support and packaging structure with a covering arrangement schematically illustrating a pocket for holding a bicycle wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a bicycle support and packaging structure 100 without any covering arrangement, inner protective arrangement, wheel holding means etc. and illustrates how a partly demounted bicycle is arranged in a bicycle support and packaging structure 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 a cover frame structure 50 is illustrated, although the present invention also covers embodiments without any cover frame structure, or with other cover frame structures.
It should be clear that the bicycle (transportation) support and packaging structure 100 advantageously, but not necessarily, also comprises a covering arrangement, a shell, or a casing, (see FIG. 7) and preferably also an inner protective arrangement (see FIG. 6), not shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity. Different kinds of covering arrangements or casings, as well as optional protective arrangements, can be used, having different properties, as will be further described and exemplified below. The properties may be different for example depending on requirements, needs and preferences, and e.g. depending on the most relevant transportation mode, e.g. transportation by car, by bus, by airline, train or boat, costs etc. In some cases there are no covering arrangements and/or protective arrangements.
For mounting of the bicycle support and packaging structure onto a partly demounted bicycle, the wheels, the handlebar and the handlebar stem are removed to allow for arranging a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 of a handlebar adapter arrangement 20 in place of a handlebar and a handlebar stem. The wheels (not shown in FIG. 1) are kept separately, as well as other parts, e.g. chain, pedals etc.
The packaging and support structure 100 also comprises a saddle holder 10 for receiving the saddle mounted on a bicycle. The saddle holder 10 and the handlebar adapter arrangement 20 are connectable to, or form part of, a support or carrier structure 30. The saddle holder 10 comprises a saddle receiving member 11 used for reception of a saddle 65 of a bicycle disposed upside down, e.g. a cushioning or concave member, and a fastening means 13. The fastening means 13 may e.g. comprise a strap or similar for securing the saddle 65 in place on the saddle receiving member 11.
In the shown embodiment, the support or carrier structure 30 comprises a support frame structure 30. The saddle holder 10 is connected to a saddle holder connector distance element 12, which is detachably securable to the longitudinal support frame elements 31,32 of the support frame structure 30 by means of screws or bolts (not shown). Each longitudinal support frame element 31,32 comprises a number of through holes 311,321 for taking up said screws for securing the saddle holder connector distance element 12 through screw holes (not shown) provided in the outer ends of the saddle holder connector distance element 12. The screw holes in the saddle holder connector distance element 12 are particularly provided in end elements 115,115 (see FIG. 2) provided at the outer ends of the saddle holder connector distance element 12.
Depending on bicycle frame dimension the appropriate holes 311,321 in the longitudinal support frame element 31,32 can be selected with respect to corresponding appropriate holes 311,321 selected for a corresponding handlebar adapter connector distance element 22. The strap 13 is connected to a bicycle saddle 65 disposed on the saddle receiving member 11. The saddle receiving member 11 may in different embodiments be detachably or fixedly connected to the saddle holder connector distance element 12.
In a similar manner the handlebar adapter arrangement 20 comprises, or is fixedly or detachably connected to, a handlebar adapter distance element 22, the outer ends of which are provided with end elements 225,225 with screw holes for reception of screws for introduction into selected holes 311,321 in the longitudinal support frame elements 31,32. Thus the distance between the saddle holder 10 and the handlebar adapter arrangement 20 can be selected through selection of appropriate holes in the longitudinal support frame elements 31,32 for fastening of the respective connector distance elements 12, 22.
The handlebar adapter arrangement 20 further comprises a handlebar adapter holder element 23 comprising a block, plate or similar 23, e.g. an integral block with a central recess or opening for reception of a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25. By means of a screw 27 (see FIG. 2) the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 can be fixed in the opening of the handlebar adapter holder element 23 when said handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 has been fastened to a fork tube of a bicycle front fork, such that the fork tube is fixedly and steadily clamped in the handlebar adapter holder element 23. In an alternative embodiment the handlebar adapter holder element 23 comprises no slot but securing takes place by means of one or more straps or similar.
Preferably the saddle holder 10 and the handlebar adapter arrangement 20, particularly the handlebar adapter holder element 23, are disposed symmetrically with respect to outer ends of the saddle holder connector distance element 12 and the handlebar adapter distance element 22 respectively. In an alternative embodiment the saddle holder 10 and the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the outer ends of the saddle holder connector distance element 12 and the handlebar adapter distance element 22 respectively, e.g. if both bicycle wheels are to be kept on one and the same side of a packaging structure with a covering arrangement, and/or in case further parts of the demounted bicycle or other items are to be transported along with the bicycle, e.g. in pockets in a covering arrangement.
The saddle holder connector distance element 12 and the handlebar adapter distance element 22 are for example made of aluminium, plastic, steel, carbon steel or any other appropriate material, and are advantageously adapted to be releasably connectable to the support frame structure 30, and may have the same dimensions, e.g. being identical.
The bicycle support and packaging structure 100 further advantageously comprises a cover frame structure 50 comprising a plurality of tubular elements 60 which are interconnected to form a first and a second cover frame section 51,52 adapted to laterally, upwards, rearwards and frontwards surround a bicycle frame mounted in the support and packaging structure 100 in an upside down position, when mounted onto the saddle holder 10 and the handlebar connecting arrangement 20 and act as respective, parallel side cover frame sections 51,52. The cover frame sections 51,52 in the shown embodiment each comprises a number of straight first tubular elements 60 having a circular cross-section with a first diameter D1, and a number of straight second tubular elements 60 having a circular cross-section of a second diameter D2, said first diameter D1 in the shown embodiment being the same as said second diameter D2, and the interconnection between straight tubular elements e.g. being enabled through the use of sleeve elements 66 as will be further explained with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D below; and the position of a first tubular element with respect to a second tubular elements, or vice versa, is then secured by means of slidably mounted sleeves 66 which in turn can be secured by means of a spring biased element with protruding pins or similar that can be actuated through openings in the tubular elements 60 or in any other appropriate manner (see also FIG. 4 below). In the optional cover frame structure 50 shown in FIG. 1, the straight first and second tubular elements have the same dimensions.
In alternative embodiments said first diameter D1 somewhat exceeds said second diameter D2 and no sleeves 66 are needed. Still further the diameters may be the same for all tubular elements, and they may be interconnected through any other appropriate elements.
A plurality of interconnecting elements 53, e.g. connection bars, are hingedly connected via first and second hinged connector elements 531,532 to the tubular elements 60 via as will be further discussed below, are provided for interconnection of the two side cover frame sections 51,52.
The bicycle support and packaging structure 100 still further comprises lower profile elements 41,42 serving the purposes of interconnecting the free outer, front and rear, ends of longitudinal support frame elements 31,32 of the support frame structure 30, and in this embodiment providing a support for front and rear free outer ends of lower tubular elements 61,61,61,61 of the cover frame structure 50 and providing a protection against external shocks and friction of the entire support and packaging structure 100 during transportation. The latter is enabled through mounting said lower profile elements 41,42 outside the covering arrangement as will be more thoroughly discussed below, such that they will be exposed externally instead of the covering arrangement. Preferably said lower profile elements 41,42 are made of a resistant material, e.g. metal, for example Al-profiles, steel profiles or similar, or of plastic or carbon fiber.
At least one of the lower profile elements, here the rear lower profile element, is adapted for reception of roller wheels 69,69 that can be fastened thereto by means of screws or bolts 411,411; said screws or bolts in an advantageous embodiment also serving the purpose of fastening the rear lower profile element 41 to the support frame structure 30. The front lower profile element 42 is also connected to the support frame structure 30 by means of screws or bolts 421,421. The front lower profile element 42 is in the shown embodiment provided with studs or supports 422,422. The wheels may be fixedly or removably connected at the outer end portions of the lower profile element 41 in any appropriate manner. In alternative embodiments there are no roller wheels connected to the rear lower profile element 41, but instead to the front lower profile element 42, or to both. The roller wheels 69,69 serve the purpose of allowing the packaging structure with a bicycle in a partly demounted state to be rolled, pulled or pushed. In an alternative implementation the/a pair of roller wheels might be replaced by supports, e.g. allowing sliding of the packaging structure on a surface, e.g. balls of, or covered with, a low friction material (not shown).
The support and packaging structure 100 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises a bottom support plate 45 comprising substantially perpendicularly disposed inner flanges 453 and outer flanges 452 (see FIG. 2) releasably and adjustably connectable to the longitudinal support frame element 31,32 of the support frame structure 30 by means of pins and/or screws or bolts 451 (FIG. 2). The bottom support plate 45 also serves the purposes of acting as a support for free lower ends of tubular elements 60, stabilizing the frame structure, and, since it in an advantageous embodiment is mounted outside a covering arrangement also as an external protection against shocks and wear during transportation. It preferably also is made of a wear and shock resistant material, e.g. metal, particularly it comprises a steel or Al-profile or plate, or is made of plastic or carbon fiber.
FIG. 2 shows the support frame structure 30 more in detail. Like elements bear the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1, some of which will not be further discussed with reference to FIG. 2 since they have already been discussed with reference to FIG. 1.
The handlebar adapter holder element 23 may comprise a block or similar and is adapted for reception of a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 in a central opening or recess 24 in the block or similar. The block 23 comprises a slot 26 through a wall thereof into the opening 24. A through opening crosses the wall of handlebar adapter holder element 23 with the slot 26 and also the slot 26 for reception of a screw, bolt and nut or similar 27 serving the purpose of fixing/tightening a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 disposed in the opening 24 of the block 23 when said handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 has been connected to a head tube of a handlebar fork such that it will be fixedly and steadily clamped in the handlebar adapter holder element 23.
The outer ends of the handlebar adapter distance element 22 are provided with end elements 225,225 with screw holes for reception of screws into selected holes 311,321 in the longitudinal support frame elements 31,32.
The longitudinal support frame elements 31,32 in the shown embodiment each comprises three interconnected elements 3 ₁, 3 ₂, 3 ₃, which merely relates to an advantageous embodiment; they may alternatively comprise but two elements or even one, or more. The main reason for using e.g. three elements, is to reduce the length of the elements allowing a demounting into shorter elements for packing and storing purposes. With such an implementation it is even possible to store the entire bicycle transportation support and packaging structure 100 in a bag with the dimensions of e.g. 30 cm×30 cm×40 cm.
The saddle receiving member 11 detachably or fixedly connected to the saddle holder connector distance element 12 can be of many different shapes, have different dimensions and be of different appropriate materials for receiving a saddle, and e.g. comprise a somewhat resilient damping material and/or adapted to a saddle shape etc.
The handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 preferably comprises a cylindrical connector element 25 ₁with a diameter slightly exceeding that of a head tube of a handlebar fork and having a height exceeding the height thereof, e.g. 5 cm or similar, which exceeds the height of most bicycle stems. When a handlebar and a handlebar stem are removed from a bicycle, and replaced by the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25, in one end thereof comprising a washer 28 with an opening for a screw, e.g. with an M6 threading as standardized for most bicycles, when screwing in the screw, the fork of the bicycle will be forced upwards, into the cylindrical connector element 25 ₁and secured in place.
Such an embodiment will be more thoroughly explained with reference to FIG. 3A. An alternative handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25′ comprising also a washer in the opposite end of the cylindrical connector element, and intended for another type of bicycle fork, e.g. for a so called downhill bicycle, is shown in FIG. 3B below (for illustrative purposes illustrated also in FIG. 2, where a dashed leading line indicates that it is not necessary in an embodiment as in FIG. 3A, and a cylindrical connector element 25 ₁as in FIG. 2).
The bottom support plate 45 comprises substantially perpendicularly disposed inner flanges 453 and outer flanges 452 releasably and adjustably connectable to the longitudinal support frame element 31,32 of the support frame structure 30 by means of at least one screw or bolt 451 and pins into element 3 ₃screws or bolts.
FIG. 2 also shows the lower profile elements 41,42 somewhat more in detail, and in the present embodiment an external transverse wall 401,401 has a length corresponding to and somewhat, for mounting purposes, exceeds the distance between outer sides of the longitudinal support frame elements 31,32 when assembled to form the support frame structure 30, a bottom wall 402,402 orthogonal to said external transverse wall 401,401, and edge walls 403,403,403,403 for reception of said screws, bolts or similar 411,421 and interconnecting the outer edges of said external transverse walls 410 and said bottom walls 402.
FIG. 2A shows an alternative embodiment of a support frame structure 30A. Like elements bear the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2, or are not referenced, and will not be further discussed with reference to FIG. 2A since the functioning is the same.
A saddle holder or receiving element 10A and a handlebar adapter arrangement comprising a handlebar adapter receiving element 20A are connectable to, or form part of, the support frame structure 30A. The saddle holder 10A comprises a saddle receiving member 11A fixedly or releasable connected to, or integrated with or received in, the saddle holder (connector) distance element 12A for reception of a saddle 65 of a bicycle disposed upside down, and e.g. comprises a cushioning or concave member, and a fastening means (not shown). The fastening means may e.g. comprise a strap or similar for securing the saddle 65 in place on the saddle receiving member 11A or the saddle holder distance element 12A.
In this embodiment no element corresponding to the handlebar adapter holder element 23 of FIG. 2 is needed, but instead the handlebar adapter distance element 22A is adapted for reception of a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25A (substantially similar to any one of the handlebar connecting arrangements described in FIGS. 2, 3A-3D) by means of a through, elongate slot 24A provided in the handlebar adapter distance element 22A and which comprises a central circular hole or opening portion 24A′ in an upper plate of the handlebar adapter distance element 22A and adapted to receive a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25A such that the edge of the, here, circular central hole or opening 24A′ can enter a circumferential groove or notch 25B in the block or similar (the groove 25B in FIG. 2A). The groove in which the edge is received edge is not visible, but in the shown embodiment it is similar to a further groove 25B, which grooves 25B,25B are located at a distance from each other on the cylindrical outer surface of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25A. At an opposite, in a mounted state, lower, plate of the distance element 22A the through slot 24A centrally comprises or is extended into a circular opening or recess 24A″ of a smaller diameter than the upper central hole or opening 24A′, and it is adapted to receive a screw head of a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25A, e.g. as described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, reference numerals 280,280′. Through holes cross side walls of handlebar adapter distance element 22A interconnecting the upper and lower plates of the distance element 22A, across the slot 24A. The holes are for reception of screws, bolts and nuts or similar 27A,27A serving the purpose of fixing or tightening the handlebar adapter distance element 22A slot 24A, and the edges of the circular hole or opening, around the handlebar connecting arrangement 25A. Thus, the edge of the circular central slot portion 24A′ enter the groove 25B of the handlebar connecting arrangement 25A and hence clamps it in position. Hence the fork or fork tube of the bicycle will be fixedly and steadily clamped in the handlebar adapter distance element 22A via the handlebar connecting arrangement 25A.
The outer ends of the handlebar adapter distance element 22A are provided with end elements 225,225 with screw holes for reception of screws into selected holes 311,321 in the longitudinal support frame elements 31A,32A such that the location of the distance element can be appropriately selected with respect to the bicycle frame. The handlebar adapter distance element 22A is preferably made of a tubular profile element of a rectangular, square-shaped or any other appropriate cross-sectional shape, or alternatively it may be massive.
The longitudinal support frame elements 31A,32A in the shown embodiment each comprises three interconnected frame sections 3A,3B,3C; they may alternatively comprise but two frame sections or even one, or more. The main reason for using e.g. three sections is to reduce the length of the elements allowing them to be demounted into shorter elements for packing and storing purposes. Each outer frame section 3A,3A,3B,3B comprises two interconnected L-beams, which are connected in such a manner that a leg of one L-beam is disposed on a leg of the other L-beam to form a bottom section, and the other legs or walls of the respective L-beams each form a wall section, an inner and an outer wall section extending in parallel so that an U-shaped beam is formed, upwards open and adapted to receive lower leg sections 61 of a cover frame structure; see e.g. FIG. 4. Two outer frame sections 3A,3A;3B,3B respectively are interconnected by means of a respective intermediate frame section 3C,3C comprising an U-beam or two interconnected L-beams preferably with legs of the same length and dimensions as the legs of the outer frame sections, or slightly larger legs than the legs of the outer frame section beams, and are mounted e.g. by means of screws, nuts and bolts or similar, such as to surround said legs of the outer frame sections in an overlapping region at respective inner, one another facing, ends of the first and second sections, and releasably connected thereto by means of screws, or bolts and nuts or similar in order to make the length of the frame structure 30A, i.e. the lengths of the longitudinal support frame elements 31A,32A, adjustable. Preferably the legs of the U-beams, or of the L-beams, forming the outer frame sections 3A,3A,3B,3B and the intermediate frame sections 3C,3C which face corresponding legs of an opposite longitudinal support frame element 31A,32A, or the bicycle frame in a mounted state of the structure, are adapted to be arranged at an inner side of a protective arrangement 80 (see e.g. FIG. 6), whereas the legs of the U-beams, or of the L-beams, forming the outer frame sections 3A,3A,3B,3B and the intermediate frame sections 3C,3C which face away from the bicycle frame in a mounted state of the structure, are adapted to be arranged at an outer side of the protective arrangement 80.
The intermediate frame sections 3C,3C are preferably mounted to the outer frame sections 3A,3A,3B,3B by means of screws or bolts and nuts through the bottom of the U-shaped beams, or through the legs forming the bottom of the U-shaped beams, at appropriate, preferably selectable locations.
FIG. 2A also shows alternative embodiments of lower profile elements 41A,42A of which in the present embodiment at least one also forms a handle. At least one of the lower profile elements 41A,42A is connected to an outer L-beam of the first and/or second frame sections forming an outer L-beam of the U-shaped element by means of screw, bolts an nut or similar and is arranged to form a handle. In such an embodiment the outer L-beam is displaced with respect to an inner L-beam to which it is connected to provide the U-shaped section, such as to protrude and leave room for the attachment of the outer end of the lower profile element 41A,42A, and also to provide a distance between said lower profile element 41A,42A and the packaging structure to allow for gripping the handle. In some embodiments both, in other embodiments only one of, the lower profile elements 41A,42A is/are adapted to form a handle, and e.g. is provided with an external surface shaped or in any appropriate way adapted to function as a comfortable handle, preferably of a circular or similar cross-section, and optionally provided with additional gripping features, or gripping adapted shaped element or material. Either or both of the of the lower profile elements 41A,42A may be provided with wheels, independently of also acting as a handle or not.
In this embodiment there is no bottom support plate as in FIG. 2, particularly due to the intermediate reinforcing and supporting and protecting section 3C, which also provides an external protection to wear, shocks, friction etc.
The handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25A may be of any type substantially as described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, however, it is provided with e.g. circumferential grooves 25B.
FIG. 2B schematic view from above of the handlebar adapter distance element 22A of FIG. 2A showing the slot 24A with the upper central hole or opening 24A′ in the upper plate (referring to a mounted state) of the distance element, the smaller, lower central hole or opening 24A″ in the lower plate of the distance element, and the heads of the adjustment screws 27A,27A for tightening the openings/the slot and clamping the handlebar connecting arrangement 25A as discussed with reference to FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A schematically illustrates a single crown fork 250 from which the handlebar and the handlebar stem have been removed and replaced by a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 comprising a cylindrical connector element 25 ₁, a washer 28 and a screw 28 for fastening the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 to the fork tube of the single crown fork 250. When the screw 280 is tightened, the single crown fork tube will be drawn up due to the internal threading in the fork tube, and be secured. The handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 connected to the fork tube of the single crown fork 250 can then easily, when the bicycle frame is turned upside down, be introduced into the handlebar adapter holder element 23.
FIG. 3B is an enlarged view more clearly showing the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 comprising the cylindrical connector element 25 ₁, the washer 28 and the screw 28.
FIG. 3C schematically illustrates a dual crown fork 250′ from which the handlebar and the handlebar stem have been removed and replaced by a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25′ comprising a cylindrical connector element 25 ₁′, a washer 28′, a lower end washer 29′ and a screw 28′ for fastening the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25′ to the fork tube of the dual crown fork 250′. The lower end washer 29′ is provided to serve the purpose of a distance element, while, since the fork is a dual crown fork, the fork tube need not be drawn up and kept in place as for a single crown fork, and when the screw 280′ is tightened, the fork tube is simply connected to the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25′ for, when turned upside down, being introduced into the handlebar adapter holder element 23.
FIG. 3D is an enlarged view more clearly showing the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25′ comprising the cylindrical connector element 25 ₁′, the washer 28′, the lower end washer 29′ and the screw 28′.
It is an important advantage of preferred embodiments of the invention that handlebar adapter connecting arrangement is adapted to be connected to the fork head tube since the dimensions, i.e. the size of the diameter of the fork tube, generally is standardized for most bicycles, as opposed to the diameter of e.g.
the handlebar stem.
It is an advantage of the invention that the handlebar adapter ensures that the fork remains in place. The handlebar adapter connecting arrangement should be mounted before the bicycle is turned upside-down for connection to saddle holder 10 and the handlebar holder element 23. The handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 25 maintains the position of the fork with respect to guide bearings of the frame, which otherwise might fall apart (for a single crown fork).
FIG. 4 is a more detailed illustration of a cover frame structure in an assembled state according to one embodiment of the invention. The first and second cover frame sections 51,52 are identical except for the first and second hinged connector elements 531,532 being arranged thereon, which are so arranged that a first connector element 531 on one of the frame sections is arranged to cooperate with a second connector element 532 disposed at a corresponding location on the other frame section. FIG. 4 thus schematically illustrates the cover frame structure 50 comprising a plurality of tubular elements 60 which are interconnected to form the first and a second frame sections 51,52 adapted to laterally, upwards, rearwards and frontwards surround a bicycle frame in an upside down position, when mounted onto the saddle holder 10 and the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement 20 (see FIGS. 1, 2). The frame sections 51,52 in the shown embodiment each comprises a number of first tubular elements 60 having a circular cross-section with a first diameter D1, and a number of second tubular elements 60 having a circular cross-section of a second diameter D2, said first diameter D1 in the shown embodiment being similar to the second diameter, and tubular elements 60 being similar, in other embodiments the first diameter D1 somewhat exceeds said second diameter D2 for alternatingly disposed tubular elements.
In some embodiments the first and second tubular elements have a similar diameter. Then, in one embodiment the position of a first tubular element 60 with respect to a second tubular elements 60 in, or vice versa, is secured by means of slidably mounted sleeves 66 which in turn can be secured by means of a spring biased element 68 (see FIGS. 5A-5D) with protruding pins 67 (see FIG. 5D) or similar that can be actuated through openings in the tubular elements 60 or in any other appropriate manner. Thus, for mounting of a frame section 51,52 tubular elements 60,60 of a same diameter, e.g. D2, are introduced into slidably mounted sleeves 66 of a somewhat larger diameter, e.g. D1, which in turn can be secured by means of the spring biased element 68. Alternatively any other kind of tubular element connecting means are used, comprising a respective receiving portion for each of two tubular element ends, or in some embodiments, also or alternatively, or for but two tubular elements intended to be interconnected such as to form an angle, e.g. 90°, with each other, such as e.g. a tubular element 60 and an interconnecting element 53 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
In FIG. 4 a plurality of interconnecting elements 53 are hingedly connected via first and second hinge connector element 531,532 to the tubular elements for interconnection of the two side cover frame sections 51,52.
The side cover frame sections 51,52 also comprise bent tubular elements 62,63 which comprise first and second corner elements, in advantageous embodiments made of metal, e.g. Al, carbon fiber, plastic or any other appropriate resistant material. In alternative embodiments all tubular elements may be made of such resistant material; in still other embodiments all tubular elements, including the corner elements are made of plastic. The bent tubular elements 62,63 are bent so as to form a smooth bending angle, and here have a cross-section with a smaller diameter, e.g. D2, and being adapted to, at each outer end, be connected to a first tubular element 60 of a larger diameter through introduction into such elements 60. Alternatively the have the same diameter as the straight tubular elements. The bent tubular elements 62,63 may in alternative embodiment be similar and also comprise a same bending angle.
The side cover frame sections 51,52 are thus formed through assembly of tubular elements 60,62,63 so as to form an upper portion 71, a first side portion 73, a second side portion 74, a front portion 75 and a rear portion 76 of the cover frame structure 50.
The first and second side cover portions 73,74 are formed by the planes formed by a plurality of assembled straight tubular elements 60 (61) and bent, interconnecting, corner tubular elements 62,63. Each side cover portion 73,74 here comprises an upper section 711 comprising a number of tubular elements 60, front and rear legs 731,734 and intermediate legs 732,733, each leg here comprising assembled tubular elements 60.
The lower tubular elements 60 of the respective first and second side cover portions 73,74 ( legs 731,732,733,734) have free sections 61 arranged to end at, or adjacent, the bottom support plate 45 and the lower profile elements 41,42 (FIGS. 1, 2).
Alternatively the lower tubular elements 60 are connectable or securable, fixedly or detachably, e.g. securably, to the longitudinal elements 31,32 (FIG. 2) of the support frame structure 30 and/or to the bottom support plate 45 and the lower profile elements 41,42. The connection or securing, if any, may e.g. take place using insex screws, or in any other appropriate manner.
The upper tubular elements of the respective first and second side portions 73,74 are releasably connectable to each a bent tubular element 62,63 comprising a corner element, preferably of Al, but alternatively of plastic, steel, any other metal or plastic, and are e.g. secured by means of the first and second hinge connector elements 531,532, or as discussed above, through any other tubular element connecting means, forming a separate element or an element fixedly, e.g. pivotally, or releasably, connectable to one or more tubular elements and/or interconnecting elements.
The first and second side cover frame sections 51,52 are releasably connectable via the connection bars 53 which in the embodiment shown FIG. 4 are pivotally connected via a first hinge connector element 531 to some of the straight tubular elements 60. The connection bars 53 are adapted to be releasably connectable to cooperating receiving hinge connector elements 532 which are fixedly or releasably, in some embodiments also pivotally, connected to other straight tubular elements 60. The receiving hinge connector elements 532 may in some embodiments comprise sleeves having a cross-section adapted to the cross-section of the connection bars, but somewhat larger, such that the connection bars 53 can be introduced therein and e.g. retained by means of a tight coupling, or friction.
Hence, for mounting of the frame structure, the connection bars 53 are here pivoted so as to form an angle of substantially 90° with the tubular elements on which they are arranged and introduced into the cooperating sleeve 532, or in some other appropriate way connected to the cooperating receiving element. Thus a frame structure 50 is formed by two parallel side cover frame sections 51,52 enclosing a demounted bicycle frame in an upside-down position.
In one embodiment of a first connector element 531 comprises a strap 541 fixedly or detachably connected to a first tubular element 60 and partly surrounding the first tubular element 60. Two outer end portions of the strap 541 extend in parallel and are connected to a short tubular sleeve element 540 by means of a screw or similar such that a hinged connection is provided. The short tubular sleeve element 54 can thus be pivoted or folded down to extend in parallel with the first tubular element 60 during storage when the frame structure is not in use.
The second connector element 532 may comprise a strap 542 with two free outer end portions partly surrounding a first tubular element 60, and being fixed thereto by means of a screw, a bolt or shaft (not shown) crossing the first tubular element 60, and e.g. a nut, or any other appropriate fastening means in any manner known per se, two free outer end portions thereof extending in parallel and being connected to the connection bar 53 by means of a screw (not shown), a shaft or similar such that a hinged connection is provided, such that the connection bar 53 can be pivoted around the axis formed by the screw and bolt, shaft or other appropriate connection means. The connection bar 53 can thus be pivoted or folded down to extend in parallel with the tubular element 60 for being stored when the frame structure is not in use, i.e. in a demounted state, and folded out to be substantially perpendicularly to the tubular element 60 at mounting.
For mounting of a frame section 51,52, in an alternative, not shown embodiment, tubular elements of a smaller diameter D2 are introduced a slight distance into tubular elements 60 with a slightly larger diameter, and are blocked from being introduced therein more than a predetermined distance by means of first and second hinge connector elements 531,532.
In advantageous embodiments a covering arrangement is connected to or associated with a cover frame structure 50 as referred to above, and the bicycle wheels 69,69 are held in openable pouches or pockets provided on the inner sides of said covering arrangement (see below).
It is an advantage that the frame structure can be extremely easily mounted/demounted, and fabricated, and that it is not space demanding in a demounted state. It comprises but two, three or four different types and /or dimensions and shapes of tubular elements 60,62,63, and connection bars 53 which are connected or connectable to the tubular elements, along which they can be folded down, or which can be removed from tubular element connecting means for connection on two opposite sides. In alternative embodiments both first and the second connector elements 531,532 may comprise sleeve elements able to releasably receive a connection bar 53 there between.
FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a leg 734, according to one embodiment comprising straight tubular elements 60,60, a bent tubular element 62, a sleeve 66, a first hinge connector element 531 and a second connector element 532 according one embodiment at an interconnection 555 between two straight tubular elements 60,60, and an interconnection 554 between a straight tubular element 60 and a bent tubular element 62 at a first hinge connector element 531.
FIG. 5B is a view similar to that of FIG. 5A in cross-section. The position of a first tubular element 60 with respect to a second tubular elements 60, here having the same cross-sectional dimensions, e.g. the same diameter, is in the shown embodiment secured by means of a slidably mounted sleeve 66 of a larger diameter than the tubular elements 60,60. The position of the sleeve 66 can in turn can be secured by means of spring biased element 68 comprising a metal band spring with oppositely directed protruding pins 67 at the outer ends of the bent metal band or similar that can be actuated through openings 660, in one of the tubular elements 60 (due to a blocking functionality provided by means of the second connector element 532), or in both tubular elements 60,60, as also discussed above. Thus, if a force is applied on the pins 67, the metal spring 68 will be compressed, the pins 67 introduced into the holes 660 in the tubular elements 60 and the sleeve 66 can be moved. At the other end, the movement of the sleeve 66 is, as referred to above, restricted by the second connector element 532 for a connecting bar 53 (not shown). Alternatively no sleeves are used but instead separate tubular element connecting means.
FIG. 5C is an enlarged view of the area indicated A in FIG. 5B view showing the interconnection 554 more clearly, position blocking being provided by means of a blocking pin 535 or similar of the first hinge connector element 531.
FIG. 5D is an enlarged view of the area indicated B in FIG. 5B showing the interconnection 555 formed by the sleeve 66, the spring biased element 68, pins 67 etc. as discussed above at one end, and the hinge connector element 532 e.g. with a blocking pin 536 or similar at the other end.
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a protective arrangement 80 adapted in shape to the frame of a partly demounted bicycle frame, and comprising a downwards open flexible shell or similar forming a protective bag that simply can be pulled over the partly demounted bicycle frame when disposed upside down and connected to the saddle holder and the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement and before, or after, placing it in an optional covering arrangement 90, see FIG. 7. It should be clear that although lower profile elements 41,42 and bottom support plate 45 are illustrated in FIG. 6, they may alternatively be connected after arranging in a covering arrangement (see FIG. 7). Still further, these elements are not necessarily mounted externally, but may also be connected to the support frame structure or form parts thereof. The protective bag 80 is preferably made of foamed polypropylene or polyethylene or another foamed material, felt, fabric or non-woven fabric. It serves the purpose of protecting the bicycle frame. It also serves the purpose of protecting the covering arrangement (see FIG. 7) against dirt on the bicycle frame. It has the advantage that it is cheap and easy to fabricate and mount. It is also easily replaceable.
FIG. 7 is a view in perspective of a bicycle transportation support and packaging structure with an exemplary covering arrangement 90. The covering arrangement 90 preferably is made of a fabric, e.g. of coated polyester, which in the shown embodiment is not padded or reinforced, since a protection of the bicycle frame (and wheels) is provided by means of the protective bag 80 discussed above, and wheel protecting elements (see FIG. 8). In alternative embodiments the covering arrangement 90 may be partly or entirely padded or reinforced. It may for example comprise a laminated fabric with foam. It comprises a front portion 91 and a rear portion (not shown), an edge portion 92 extending to surround the first and second cover frame sections, around the corner elements, and to the location where the lower profile elements 41,42 are to be connected by means of screws 411,421 or similar in a mounted state of the structure 100, and a bottom portion 95. As can be seen also the bottom support plate 45 is connected externally of the covering arrangement 90 by means of screws, bolts 451 or similar.
The covering arrangement 90 is thus shaped to, in a mounted state, be arranged so as to surround the cover frame structure 50, and is preferably provided with channels, straps or similar into which the tubular elements 60,62,63, separately or partly mounted e.g. to form legs 731,732,733,734 (see FIG. 4), are to be introduced before, or upon, mounting of the cover frame structure 50. The respective channels have such lengths that the tubular elements easily can be introduced before being interconnected. In one embodiment there is at least a separate channel which is curved for each corner element 62,63. There are also at least one separate straight channel for each upper portion, and at least one separate straight channel for each of the side portions. The corner channels are adapted to the shape of the corner elements 62,63 (see e.g. FIG. 1). The channels may be formed by the fabric along its outer edges being folded back and sewn onto itself such that a number of channels of a desired width and at a desired distance from each other are formed, allowing the tubular elements to be easily inserted/removed, or as an alternative to channels, straps, bands or similar may be used. If only bands or straps or similar are used, there is no need for an adaptation to the shape of the tubular elements.
The edge portion 92 is, preferably in the middle, provided with a zip fastener 96 extending from one end to the other, i.e. at opposite ends adjacent to the bottom portion 95, or preferably into the bottom portion, in a mounted state.
The inner sides of the front and rear side cover portions are not shown, but are preferably provided with closable pouches or pockets 97 (See FIG. 8) adapted for reception of the bicycle wheels 89. The pockets 97 are preferably closable by means of a respective zip fastener 98. Flat, circular protecting elements (not shown) e.g. made of foamed polypropylene or similar, cf. the materials discussed with reference to the protective arrangement 80, of a diameter similar to that of a wheel are preferably introduced between the wheels 89 and the side cover portions.
Adjacent to the upper edges of the front and rear cover portions, handle attachment means 77 for releasably receiving a handle 78 (see also FIG. 8) are provided.
FIG. 8 is a view showing the bicycle support and packaging structure 100 in a mounted, closed state, also with part of the front cover portion 94 removed in order to illustrate a pocket or pouch 97 for a bicycle wheel 89 provided at the inner side of said front cover portion 94. Similar elements bear the same reference numbers as in FIG. 7. The pocket 97 is provided with a zip fastener 98 to allow easy insertion and removal of a bicycle wheel 89, and securing the wheel 89 in place during transportation. In an advantageous embodiment protecting elements may be inserted outside the wheel, in the pockets 97. Alternatively a reinforcing section may be provided in the side cover portion 94, or the wheels 89 may be inserted into protective bags before insertion into the pockets 97, or the covering arrangement is protective in itself, e.g. padded or stiff. Many variations are possible. The rear cover portion is similar to the front cover portion 94 provided with a pocket.
One or more handles 78, which are removably attached to handle attachment means 77, and connected to the front and rear cover portions 94 may be provided. A handle may alternatively be fixedly attached to one of the side cover portions, or even to the edge portion allowing pulling/pushing the transportation support and packaging structure 100 on the wheels 69,69, and allowing the zip fastener to be fully opened.
As discussed above, e.g. with reference to FIG. 2A, alternatively, or additionally, on or both of the lower profile elements 41A,42A are adapted to also provide the functionality of a handle. Of course additional handles may be provided on the outer side cover portions of the structure. It should be clear that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments, but that it can be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the appended claims. Particularly it is not limited to any particular numbers, sizes and shapes of tubular elements or elements forming the cover frame structure. It is also not limited to the use of any particular covering arrangement, or protective bag. Still further the support or carrier structure may comprise a bottom plate or a tray, or a fixed frame structure, with handlebar connecting arrangement and a saddle holder disposed adjustably with respect to one another to allow for transportation of frames of different sizes and dimensions.
In an alternative embodiment the saddle holder connector distance element may e.g. comprise or be provided by means of a saddle adapter comprises a saddle post connecting means e.g. comprising two clamping rods or bars disposed in parallel and adapted for being introduced into saddle post guide rails (normally used for reception of a saddle) which often are standardized such that the saddle adapter can be used for a large number of bicycles without requiring replacement of e.g. the rods. If the saddle comprises an I-beam, saddle post connecting means would have to be adapted accordingly, such saddle post connecting means e.g. being connected to a connector element which comprises two through holes through which two parallel saddle adapter distance element connecting means can be adjustably disposed, and which in some cases may be detachable. The saddle adapter thus comprises the distance element which is either fixedly or releasably connected to corresponding outer ends of respective saddle adapter distance element connecting means. The distance element then extend substantially perpendicularly to, and protrude on both sides of, the longitudinal extension of saddle adapter distance element connecting means.
It should also be clear that the tubular elements of the cover frame structure alternatively e.g. may comprise telescopic elements or any other type of elements, of any number, from one to more depending on transportation and storing requirements, securable in certain positions in any appropriate manner.
The longitudinal elements of the support frame structure may comprise telescopic elements securable in certain positions with respect to one another, or one, or two or more demountable tubular elements of any cross-sectional shape.
The invention is also not limited to the use of any particular materials of a covering arrangement. Further, it is also intended to cover structures wherein the covering arrangement does not comprise any pockets, but wherein the wheels are transported or kept separately, or pockets may be disposed at the outer sides of the covering arrangement.
In advantageous embodiments the tubular elements of the cover frame structure are made of a plastic material, or in some embodiments of carbon fiber, steel or aluminium.
In advantageous embodiments the longitudinal elements of the support frame structure are made of steel or aluminium or of carbon fiber, or in some embodiments even of plastic.
The saddle holder and handlebar connecting arrangement, or at least the connector distance elements, are preferably made of aluminium, or any metal or metal alloy or an appropriate plastic material having similar properties, but may alternatively be made of carbon fiber or steel. Aluminium has the advantage of having a low weight, providing a particularly light-weight structure, which also is cheap.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the bicycle (transportation) support and packaging structure 100 also comprises a flexible bag, e.g. having the dimensions of approximately, but not limitedly, 30 cm×30 cm×40 cm, for transportation of all the other elements forming part of the bicycle transportation support and packaging structure 100 as described above in a demounted state, which is extremely advantageous from a storing and transportation point of view.
Still another advantage is that the structure is easy and cheap to fabricate, and that for example only a few dimensions/shapes of tubular elements are needed for the frame structure, and that it can be used for different bicycle frames without substantial modification, particularly facilitated through connection of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement to the head tube of the front fork tube normally is standardized, and through the saddle holder which removes the need of removing the saddle which is extremely advantageous.

Claims

1.-18. (canceled)

19. A transportation support and packaging structure, comprising:

a support or carrier structure adapted to carry roller wheels;

a handlebar adapter arrangement (20;20A) fixedly or demountably connected to the support or carrier structure, the handlebar adapter arrangement being adapted to be connected to a bicycle in place of a handlebar and to be releasably connected to a fork tube of a bicycle front fork;

a saddle holder fixedly or demountably connected to the support or carrier structure, the saddle holder being adapted to securably and releasably receive a saddle of the bicycle in an upside down position; and

mounting elements enabling the handlebar adapter arrangement and the saddle holder to be adjustably connected to the support or carrier structure such that the distance between the saddle holder and the handlebar adapter arrangement is adjustable for mounting bicycles or bicycle frames of different sizes.

20. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 19, wherein the support or carrier structure comprises a support frame structure comprising two longitudinal support frame elements adapted to be arranged in parallel, and the mounting elements are fixedly or demountably connected to the longitudinal support frame elements and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal support frame elements.

21. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 20, wherein the mounting elements comprise a saddle holder connector distance element to which the saddle holder is fixedly or demountably connected, and a handlebar adapter distance element, comprising a handlebar adapter arrangement, or to which a handlebar adapter arrangement is fixedly or demountably connected, and the saddle holder connector and handlebar adapter distance element comprise profile elements made of aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, or plastic.

22. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 19, wherein the saddle holder comprises a saddle receiving member for reception of a saddle on a bicycle frame and a fastener for securing the saddle to the saddle receiving member.

23. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 21, wherein the handlebar adapter arrangement comprises a handlebar adapter holder element or a handlebar adapter receiving element and a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement; the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement is adapted to connect to the fork tube of the bicycle front fork; the handlebar adapter holder element or the handlebar adapter receiving element comprises an opening or a recess for receiving the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement when connected to the fork tube of the bicycle front fork.

24. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 23, wherein the handlebar adapter holder element comprises a slot through a wall thereof into the opening or recess, and a through-hole that crosses the slot.

25. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 24, wherein the handlebar adapter distance element forms the handlebar adapter receiving element formed by an upper plate and a lower plate that includes the slot, the slot being elongate and extending lengthwise in the handlebar distance element; the upper plate comprises a hole or an opening adapted to receive the handlebar adapter connecting the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement; the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement comprises a circumferential groove; a number of through holes cross side walls of the handlebar adapter distance element for fasteners for tightening the slot and the hole or opening around the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement; and a peripheral edge of the hole or opening enters a circumferential groove in an outer surface of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement, thereby clamping the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement.

26. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 23, wherein the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement comprises a cylindrical connector element having a diameter slightly exceeding that of the fork tube of the bicycle front fork and a height exceeding the height of the fork tube and a washer that receives a screw screwed onto the cylindrical connector element and engaged with a corresponding thread in the fork tube of the bicycle front fork.

27. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 26, wherein the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement further comprises a lower end washer disposed at an end of the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement opposite to an end where the washer is disposed for connection to a fork tube of a dual crown fork.

28. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 20, wherein each longitudinal support frame element comprises at least one interconnected longitudinal element or frame section, and a plurality of through holes for connection of the saddle holder connector distance element and the handlebar adapter distance element such that a distance between the saddle holder connector distance element and the handlebar adapter distance element is selected.

29. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 28, wherein the longitudinal support frame element comprises a number of interconnected frame sections, two outer frame sections comprising two interconnected L-beams connected in such that a leg of one L-beam is disposed on a leg of the other L-beam to form a bottom section, and other legs or walls of the respective L-beams form a wall section, an inner and an outer wall section extending in parallel so that a U-shaped beam is formed, and an intermediate section comprising a U-beam or two interconnected L-beams with legs of a similar or longer length as the legs of the L-beams of the outer frame sections or legs which is mounted such as to surround the outer frame sections in an overlapping region at respective inner ends of the outer frame sections that face each other; and outer walls of the U-shaped beam sections, or the legs of the L-beams, form outer walls facing away from the mounting elements or the bicycle frame in a mounted state of the structure and are disposed on the outside of a protective arrangement adapted to surround the bicycle frame in the mounted state of the structure; and inner walls of the U-shaped beam sections or the legs of the L-beams form inner walls facing the mounting elements or the bicycle frame in the mounted state of the structure and are disposed on the inside of the protective arrangement.

30. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 20, further comprising a demountable cover frame structure, comprising a number of releasably interconnectable tubular elements adapted to form, in a mounted state, first and second frame sections that are disposed in parallel, a number of interconnecting elements for releasable interconnection of the first and second frame sections, and a covering arrangement adapted to surround, in the mounted state, the frame structure; wherein the tubular elements comprise straight tubular elements and bent tubular elements forming first and second corner elements; and to form each of the first and second frame sections, a number of straight tubular elements, a first bent tubular element, and a second bent tubular element are interconnected.

31. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 30, wherein some of the tubular elements are connected to interconnecting elements by first connector elements and are adapted for reception of an interconnecting element and pivotally connected to a tubular element; and some other tubular elements are connected to interconnecting elements by second connector elements and are adapted for reception of a pivotally connected interconnecting element such that in the mounted state of the frame structure, the interconnecting elements are releasably connected between corresponding tubular elements of the first and second frame sections; and the tubular elements of the cover frame structure are made of aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or steel.

32. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 31, further comprising lower profile elements; wherein straight tubular elements of the first and second cover frame section form a number of legs arranged substantially vertically in the mounted state of the transportation support and packaging structure, lower ends of the legs being free and adapted to rest on or adjacent the longitudinal support frame elements or the lower profile elements and be supported at least partly thereby.

33. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 30, further comprising a protective arrangement, comprising a bag adapted in size and dimension to a demounted bicycle frame and with an opening that enables the bag to be pulled over the bicycle frame, the protective arrangement being made of foamed polypropylene or polyethylene, felt fabric, or non-woven fabric.

34. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 19, further comprising a portable bag having dimensions of about 20-40 centimeters by 30-40 centimeters by 35-50 centimeters and adapted for carrying all elements of the transportation support and packaging structure in a demounted state.

35. The transportation support and packaging structure of claim 19, further comprising a cover that is shaped to surround the frame structure in a mounted state and that includes a front cover portion, a rear cover portion, an edge portion extending between first and second frame sections, a bottom portion, and at least one zip fastener for closing and opening the cover, the at least one zip fastener extending substantially all along an edge; wherein inner sides of the front cover portion and of the rear cover portion have pockets or pouches adapted for reception of a bicycle wheel; the pockets or pouches have zip fasteners or hook-and-loop straps; and the cover also includes at least one pull handle, and a plurality of channels or straps adapted for reception of the tubular elements for mounting the cover to the frame structure.

36. A method of packaging a bicycle for transportation, comprising the steps of:

demounting a handlebar and a handlebar stem from a frame of a bicycle, and the bicycle's wheels and pedals; and

connecting the frame to a transportation support and packaging structure that has a support or carrier structure adapted to carry roller wheels and a handlebar adapter arrangement fixedly or demountably connected to the support or carrier structure, and a saddle holder by:

connecting a handlebar adapter connecting arrangement of the handlebar adapter arrangement to a fork tube of a bicycle front fork;

securing the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement to the fork tube of the front fork with a screw that cooperates with an internal thread of the fork tube of the front fork; and

turning the bicycle frame upside down and placing the bicycle's saddle on the saddle holder and connecting the handlebar adapter connecting arrangement to the handlebar adapter arrangement while adjusting a distance between the saddle receiving member and the handlebar adapter arrangement to the bicycle frame size with mounting elements that enable the handlebar adapter arrangement and the saddle holder to adjustably connect to the support or carrier structure.