WO2011146996A1

WO2011146996A1 - Bicycle rack

Info

Publication number: WO2011146996A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000640
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Lee Steadman
Original assignee: David Lee Steadman
Priority date: 2010-05-26
Filing date: 2011-05-26
Publication date: 2011-12-01

Abstract

The present invention provides a bicycle rack (10) intended in use to be supported from a support, such as a wall. The rack comprises a base (12) adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member (14) pivotally connected to the base to enable the support member to move about a first axis between a position adjacent the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a first position, and a position at which the support member extends outwardly from the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a second position. The support member provides a first space (22) configured to receive a portion of the wheel (18) whereby the first space narrows in width when the wheel is received therein.

Description

Bicycle Rack

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a bicycle rack for receiving and supporting a bicycle from an upstanding support. Background

The storage of bicycles can present a problem in regard to their storage in a manner which is convenient and space saving. With an increase in medium and high density living, good use of space is a strong focus. One area which wastes a considerable amount of space, particularly in store rooms, is in the storage of bicycles.

A significant difficulty with prior art bicycle storage solutions is that they are generally both cumbersome and difficult to use and generally do not provide a stable support platform once a bicycle is positioned thereon.

The present invention is a development on an earlier form of bicycle rack which is disclosed in the applicant's application WO 2005/090148. A difficulty with bicycle racks of the earlier form is that the rack did not readily accommodate bicycles where the wheel was associated with a mudguard or a like attachment.

Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in any country.

Disclosure of the Invention

Accordingly, the invention resides in a bicycle rack intended in use to be supported from a support, such as a wall, the rack comprising: a base adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member pivotally connected to the base to enable the support member to move about a first axis between a position adjacent the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a first position, and a position at which the support member extends outwardly from the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a second position, wherein the support member provides a first space configured to receive a portion of the wheel, the first space being adapted to narrow in width when the wheel is received therein. ,

In contrast to the prior art, the current invention provides a bicycle rack which is able to accommodate wheels of varying width in addition to those wheels which have a mudguard associated therewith. As the first space in which the wheel is received narrows when the wheel is received therein, it provides greater support and stability to the front wheel ensuring the bicycle is held firmly in place relative to the rack. In those prior art racks^' where the front wheel is not firmly held in position the wheel is not held in the vertical plane and therefore becomes susceptible to being dislodged from the rack. Furthermore, the ability of the first space to narrow ensures any mudguard or other like apparatus does not interfere with the positioning of the wheel in the rack. The narrowing of the first space may also have a clamping affect on the wheel.

Preferably the support member provides an outer and an inner edge.

Preferably the support member comprises a first pair of elongate arms which extend in a spaced relationship from at least the inner edge. The arms may generally be parallel along an outer portion of the support members. The arms may converge together at an end adapted to be connected to the base.

Preferably the first space is in the form of a slot and is defined between the inner edge, the outer edge and an end section of each arm which extends between the inner edge and the outer edge. The end sections may move transversely with respect to each other to narrow the width of the first space when the wheel is received therein.

Preferably the outer edge is defined by a first flexible member extending between the first pair of arms. The outer edge may extend between the outer end of each arm. The outer edge may provide a guide and support surface for the wheel on its movement into and out of the first space. The outer edge may provide a leverage point to assist in moving the bicycle into and out of engagement with the first space. With this configuration once the wheel engages the outer edge, the bicycle^' is elevated off the ground as it is pushed into the rack with the weight of the bicycle being borne by the outer edge until such time that the wheel is received in the first space. As a result, the operator is not required to lift entire weight of the bicycle off the ground as the outer edge provides leverage. Preferably the first flexible member is fixed between the free ends of the end sections.

Preferably, the inner edge of the first space is defined by a transverse surface. Preferably, the transverse surface is provided by a cross member extending across between the first pair of arms. The cross member may extend between each arm at a position intermediate the outer edge and the pivotal connection of the base and support member. The cross member may be defined by a second flexible member to further enable the first pair of arms to move transversely with respect to each other to narrow the width of the first space when the wheel is received therein. According to an embodiment of the invention the transverse surface has one end connected to an arm with the other end connected to the other arm.

The transverse surface may be located such that when the rack supports a bicycle the bicycle is positioned a distance from the base such that the support member may rotate about the base. As the bicycle is spaced from the support upon which the base is fixed, the bicycle can be pivoted about the base without the bicycle impeding the pivoting action.

Preferably the first and/or second flexible member is resiliently flexible.

Preferably the first and/or second flexible member comprises a flexible strip. Preferably the first and/or second flexible member comprises a cord. Preferably the first and/or second flexible member comprises a length of chain. Preferably the first and/or second flexible member comprises a set of elements interconnected in an end to end relationship to provide for relative movement between the elements.

The support member may be pivotable about the base about a generally upright axis. This allows the support member to be positioned closer to the support upon which the base is fixed whilst still supporting the bicycle. Similarly it also allows the bicycle to be removed, therefrom even when the support member is at an angle to the base. This is particularly advantageous when an object such as a vehicle is blocking or is adjacent the rack.

In one aspect of the invention the end sections are formed by flat bar such that a transverse axis of the flat bar lies in the vertical plane. Preferably each arm is made from flat bar. The support member may be formed by flat bar, the support member having an inwardly converging portion extending from the pair of arms remote from the outer edge so as to provide a portion which connects to the base. The support member may be clipped to the base. The flat bar may be made from any suitable material such as metal, carbon fibre or plastic. . In a further aspect of the invention the end sections may comprise substantially elongate extensions of the arms, the outer portions being rotatably received on the arms whereby with rotation of the end sections the spacing between the free ends at least of the end sections can be varied. Preferably the outer portions are contoured such that the rotation of the outer portions will cause the variation of the spacing between the free ends of the end sections. Preferably the end sections each comprise a pair of elongate portions which are connected in an end to end relationship by an intermediate portion whereby the elongate portions are not collinear. Preferably the central axes of the elongate portions are substantially parallel. Preferably the end sections are arranged and configured to enable the free ends to be resiliently movable towards and away from each other but are able to accommodate a load which is transverse to the plane defined by the arms and which is to be exerted by a bicycle supported from the rack. When a load is placed thereon by the wheel, the end sections move towards each other such that the wheel is grippingly engaged by the between the end sections.

Preferably, the rack further comprises a brace member, the brace member being pivotally supported from the base for pivotable movement about a second axis, the first and second axes being parallel and spaced from each other, the brace member being moveable with the support member such that, when the support member is in its second position, the brace member provides support to the support member. According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the support member and brace member are interengaged outward of their pivotable mountings such that movement of the support member causes the pivotable movement of the brace member. Preferably, the brace member provides a second space which cooperates with the first space defined by the support member to provide a combined space which is configured to receive the wheel, wherein the second space provides an upper portion of the combined space while the first^" space provides a lateral portion of the combined space. The brace member comprises a second pair of spaced elongate arms, between which is defined the second space. The second pair of elongate arms may extend in a generally parallel relationship. The transverse surface may extend between the outer ends of the second pair of arms. As a result when the bicycle rack is in the second position the inner edge is provided by the transverse surface which is connected to the outer ends of the second pair of arms, as opposed to the first pair of arms.

The second pair of spaced arms may be formed by flat bar such that a transverse axis of the flat bar lies in the vertical plane. The brace member may be formed by flat bar, the brace member having an inwardly diverging portion extending from the pair of arms remote from the transverse surface so as to provide a portion which connects to the base. The brace member may be clipped to the base. The brace member may be clipped to the first pair of arms so as to be in sliding engagement therewith.

The second space may converge at an upper end of its lateral extent, such that in use the second space narrows and the wheel is grippingly engaged by the brace member between the second pair of arms.

The support member may comprise a limit means to limit the movement of the brace member towards the base when the support member is in the second position. The limit means ensures the support member is maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation when the bicycle rack is in the second position. According to one embodiment, the rack further includes a storage shelf, the storage shelf being supported from a side of the support member to extend transversely outward from the support member. The present invention further provides a bicycle rack intended in use to be supported from a vertical or inclined support, the rack comprising: a base adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member having an outer and an inner edge, the inner edge of the support member being connected to the base such that the support member is pivotable about a first axis which in use is to be generally level, and a second axis which in use is parallel to the support, the support member is moveable between a first position, at which it is adjacent to the support and a second position at which it extends laterally from the support, a brace member, wherein the brace member provides support to the support member when the support member is in its second position the support member and brace member being adapted to receive and support a portion of the wheel of a bicycle when the support member is in its second position, the support member and brace member clamping engage the wheel portion when received therein. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following description of several specific embodiments.

The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a bicycle rack according to a first embodiment when in its extended second position;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the bicycle rack shown in figure 1 with a ' bicycle wheel supported therein;

Figure 3 is an isometric partially exploded view of the bicycle rack shown in figure 1 ; Figure 4 is an isometric view of a bicycle rack according to a second embodiment in its extended second position;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the bicycle rack shown in figure 4 with a bicycle wheel supported therein; Figure 6 is an isometric partially exploded view of the bicycle rack shown in figure 4;

Figure 7 is a side view of figure 4 in the extended second position (solid lines) and collapsed first position (shadowed lines); the figure also shows an exploded view of a portion of the rack where the brace member is connected to the base; and

Figure 8a-d provides a step by step representation of the workings of the bicycle rack.

Detailed Description of the Specific Embodiments

A . first embodiment of the invention comprises a rack 10 for receiving and supporting a bicycle. In use the rack 10 is supported from an upstanding support such as a wall. When the rack is not in use, the rack can be collapsed so as to minimise obstruction. In addition, in locating a bicycle into and out of engagement with the rack according to each of the embodiments the user is not required to lift the bicycle bodily into and out of position, if the rack has been located at the correct height from the ground. ^■ ,

In the case of the first embodiment (as shown at Figures 1 to 3), the rack 10 comprises a base 12 which is adapted to be mounted, by conventional means, to a wall. However if desired, the rack 10 could be supported from a post, pillar or like element having an upstanding surface. The rack 10 of the first embodiment further comprises a support member 14 which is pivotally supported at one end from the base 12 through a first pivot pin 16 to be pivotable about a generally level axis, between a position at which it is adjacent to the wall (not shown), whereby the rack 10 is in a first position, and a position at which it extends laterally from the wall (as shown), whereby the rack 10 is in a second position in which the rack may receive and support a bicycle wheel 18 (as shown at Figure 2). The support member 14 is formed from a first pair of elongate arms 20 which are spaced from each other and which converge together at an end section which is adapted to be connected to the base 12. The arms 20 are pivotally mounted to the first pivot 16. The other ends of the arms support end sections 24. The end sections 24 are supported from the other ends by tubular extensions 26 in order that the end sections are rotatable on the arms about the central axes of the respective arms. The support between the arms and the end sections is such as to resist axial movement of the end sections from the respective arms.

The free ends of the end sections 24 are interconnected by a first flexible member in the form of a flexible web 28 which defines an outer edge of the support member. The flexible web 28 receives the tyre of the wheel of the bicycle and serves as a guide for the wheel of a bicycle which is to be supported by the rack 10.

Each end section 24 comprises an inner elongate portion 24a and an outer elongate portion 24b which are interconnected by an intermediate portion 24c such that the central axes of the elongate portions are substantially parallel. Each inner elongate portion 24a includes the respective tubular extension 26

The first pair of arms 20, end sections 24, flexible web 28 and the convergent one end of the arms jointly define a first space 22 having the configuration of a slot which is dimensioned to receive a portion of the wheel 18 of the bicycle.

The rack 10 further comprises a brace member 30 which provides support for the support member 14 when the rack is in its second position. The brace member 30 is also pivotally supported from the base 12 through a second pivot 32 which is parallel to and located above the first pivot pin 16. The brace member is formed from a single length of rod material bent at its mid-point to provide a second pair of arms 34 where the free ends of the arms 34 are pivotally supported from the base 12 by the second pivot 32. The other ends of the arms 34 are interconnected by a bridging portion 36 (i.e. the bent section).

The brace member 30 is located in the first space 22 and the outer ends of the arms 34 each support a laterally outwardly directed first stop member 38 which is intended to receive and support the under surface of first pair of arms 20 of the support member 14 when the support member is at its extended position. In addition the inner face of each arm 20 supports a second stop member 40 which is intended to receive and support the inner face of the second pair of arms 34 of the brace member 30 when the support member 14 is at its second extended position. The second pair of arms 34 of the brace member 30 define between themselves a second space 42 which combines with the first space 22 of the support member to provide a combined space which receives the wheel 18 of the bicycle.

The interengagement between the support member 14 and brace member 30 is such that movement of the support member 14 from its first retracted position to its second extended position effects corresponding movement of the brace member 30.

In use, and as shown at Figure 2, the front wheel of a bicycle is receivable in the first and second spaces 22 and 42 of the support member and the brace member respectively while the remainder of the bicycle is suspended from the front wheel. To mount a bicycle to the rack 10, the support member 14 is pivoted to its laterally extended position whereby the rack 10 is in its second position. The front wheel of the bicycle is then raised from the ground while the rear wheel remains in contact with the ground such that the front wheel is generally located above the rear wheel. When in this position the front wheel is engaged with the flexible web 28 of the support member 14. In this regard, the rack 10 is to be mounted at a height such that the front wheel will engage the flexible web 28 when the front wheel has been raised from the ground but while the rear wheel of the bicycle remains in contact with the ground. With a force being applied to the bicycle to push it towards the base 12, the flexible web 28 engages the front wheel of the bicycle and the wheel rolls over the flexible web 28 to lift the bicycle and move it into the first space 22, defined by the support member 14, and the second space 42, defined by the brace member 30. Because of the leverage function of the front wheel 18 when engaged with the flexible web 28 the user is not required to lift the full weight of the bicycle when moving it into and out of engagement with the first and second spaces since most of the weight of the bicycle is borne by the support member through the flexible web 28.

Furthermore because of the flexible nature of the flexible web 28 and the fact that the end sections are rotatable on the arms as the wheel moves into engagement with the wheel the outer portions 24b of the end sections will move towards each other to lie in a abutting relationship with the wheel 18 as shown in Figure 2. In the event that the bicycle has a mudguard 44 associated with it, the inward movement of the outer end portions 24 will ensure that the mudguard does not prohibit the full engagement of the wheel on the rack.

In addition the support member 14 and brace member 30 are also are pivotable about a generally upright axis. The pivoting facility enables the support member 14 and brace member 8, and the bicycle supported thereby, to be jointly moved between a position to either side of the base 2 close to the wall and a position extending outwardly from the wall. This reduces the extent to which the stored bicycle extends from the wall to provide a space-saving advantage.

A second embodiment of the invention is in the form of a rack 110 and is illustrated in figures 4 to 8. For convenience features of rack 1 10 of the second embodiment that are similar or correspond to features of the rack 10 of the first embodiment have been referenced with the same reference numerals.

The main differences between the first and second embodiments result from the cross sectional shape of the material used to manufacture the support member 114 and brace member 130. The support member 114 and brace member 130 of the second embodiment are still in the form of elongate arms but rather than being made from a circular rod or tube the arms are made from flat bar. When the rack 110 is fitted to a support, the rack 110 is configured such that the transverse axis of the flat bars of the support member 114 and brace member 130 are in a vertical plane. This ensures the support member 1 4 and brace member 130 are of sufficient strength to support the bicycle whilst still allowing each arm of the brace member and support member to move toward and away from its respective otherarm. This enables the width of the first space 22 and second space 42 to vary according to the width of the wheel 18 as well as allowing the rack 1 10 to accommodate bicycles having a mudguard 44 as the spaces narrow to be received between the wheel and the mudguard 44. Each arm 20 of the support member 114 is made from flat bar. The support member incorporates a converging portion 129 extending from an end of the first pair of arms 20 which is remote from the arms outer end so as to provide a portion which connects to the base. Similar to the first embodiment the arms 20 provide an outer edge in the form of the flexible web 28 which is releasably secured to the outer ends of the arms 20.

Each arm 34 of the brace member 130 is made from flat bar. The brace member 130 incorporates a converging portion 135 extending from an end of the second pair of arms 34 which is remote from the arms outer ends so as to provide a portion which connects to the base. The outer ends of the arms 34 support a second flexible web 136 located at the ends of the arms 20 remote from the converging portion 135.

In this embodiment the second flexible web 136 provides the transverse surface which defines the inner edge of the first space 22 when the rack 110 is in the second position. The flexibility of the first flexible web 28 and second flexible web 136 ensure the pair of arms 20, 34 move inwardly when the weight of the bicycle is exerted thereon.

The outer ends of the arms 34 of the brace member 130 also provide a hook 137 which is adapted to slidingly receive and support respective arms 20 of the support member 114.

The support member 114 also has a first stop member 138 which depends from and projects outwardly of an inner face of the arms 20. Each first stop member 138 is adapted to prevent the arms 34 of the brace member 130 from sliding along the support member .114 beyond the position whereby the support member 1 4 falls below a substantially horizontal orientation.

In this embodiment, to further enable the pivotal motion of the brace member 130 and support member 114 relative to the base 12 about a vertical axis, the brace member 130 is secured to the base 12 using a swivel connection 46, as best shown in figure 7.

The use of the rack 1 10 is illustrated in figures 8 (a) to (d). Figure 8(a) shows the rack 1 10 in its first position. Prior to a bicycle being placed in the rack 110 the rack 1 0 must be moved to its second position, as shown in figure 8(b) whereby the support member 114 is supported in a substantially horizontal position. An operator (not shown) may then wheel the bicycle on its back wheel towards the rack 110 (figure 8 (c)). When the front wheel 18 engages the first flexible web 28 further forward force will result in the wheel being leveraged upwards as a result of the flexible web 28. The back wheel will then be momentarily lifted off the ground as the flexible web 28 bears the majority of the weight of the bicycle. Continued forward motion will result in the wheel 18 being received and supported in the combined space defined by the first space 22 and the second space 42 as shown in figure 8(d).

Whilst not necessary to have, figure 8d also provides a secondary support 139 in which the back wheel may be placed to aid positioning of the bicycle.

According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) the rack can include a removable shelf supported from one of the arms of the support member. The shelf is generally coplanar with the arms so that, when the support member is in its first retracted position, the shelf lies adjacent to the wall and does not appreciably protrude therefrom. The shelf may be utilised for storage of additional items, (e.g. helmets and/or other cycling gear) when the support member is in its second extended position. According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) the end sections are resiliently flexible to be movable towards and away from each other but are able to accommodate the vertical load that would be exerted by a bicycle. In this regard the end sections are at least formed in part of a resiliently flexible strip material wherein the major faces are substantially upright. In a further embodiment (not shown), the brace member extends upwardly from the base to the support member, to support the support member in its second position. Owing to the generally planar nature of the support member, brace member and base of each embodiment, the rack in its collapsed condition (i.e. when the bracing and support members are in their first positions) does not protrude laterally to an appreciable extent, thereby offering a space-saving advantage.

The ratios between the position of the first flexible web, second flexible web and the base are critical in ensuring the bicycle is supported in the rack. Also it is critical that the height of the installed rack above the ground relates to the length of the bicycle such that when the bicycle is stored in the rack the back wheel either just engages the ground (preferable) or is located above the ground. it should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention need not be limited to the particular scope of the embodiments described above. In particular the invention is not restricted in its scope to the storage of bicycles but can have application to the storage of other articles such as surfboards, canoes and the like. In addition the support can comprise any structure which enables the rack to be mounted such that it can receive an item and in the case of a rack intended to support a bicycle can include a support adapted to be mounted to a vehicle to facilitate the transport of the bicycle.

The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, materials and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any othe.r integer or group of integers.

Claims

Claim " The claim defining the invention is as follows:

1. A bicycle rack intended in use to be supported from a support, such as a wall, the rack comprising: a base adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member pivotally connected to the base to enable the support member to move about a first axis between a position adjacent the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a first position, and a position at which the support member extends outwardly from the support, wherein the bicycle rack is in a second position, wherein the support member provides a first space configured to receive a portion of the wheel, the first space being adapted to narrow in width when the wheel is received therein.

2. The bicycle rack according to claim 1 wherein the support member provides an outer edge and an inner edge.

3. The bicycle rack according to claim 2 wherein the support member comprises a first pair of elongate arms which extend in a spaced relationship from at least the inner edge.

4. The bicycle rack according to claim 3 wherein the arms are parallel along an outer portion of the support members.

5. The bicycle rack according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the arms converge together at an end adapted to be connected to the base.

6. The bicycle rack according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the first space is in the form of a slot and is defined between the inner edge, the outer edge and an end section of each arm which extends between the inner edge and the outer edge.

7. The bicycle rack according to claim 6 wherein the end sections move transversely with respect to each other to narrow the width of the first space when the wheel is received therein.

8. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the outer edge is defined by a first flexible member extending between the first pair of arms.

9. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the outer edge provides a guide and support surface for the wheel on its movement into and out of the first space. ^'

10. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the outer edge provides a leverage point to assist in moving the bicycle into and out of engagement with the first space.

11. The bicycle rack according to claim 8, 9 or 10 wherein the first flexible member is fixed between the free ends of the end sections.

12. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein the inner edge of the first space is defined by a transverse surface.

13. The bicycle rack according to claim 12 wherein the transverse surface is provided by a cross member extending between the first pair of arms, the cross member extending between each arm at a position intermediate the outer edge and the pivotal connection of the base and support member.

14. The bicycle rack according to claim 13 wherein the cross member is defined by a second flexible member to further enable the first pair of arms to move transversely with respect to each other to narrow the width of the first space when the wheel is received therein.

15. The bicycle rack according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support member is pivotable about the base about a generally upright axis.

16. The bicycle rack according to claim 15 wherein the transverse surface is located such that when the rack supports a bicycle the bicycle is positioned a distance from the base such that the support member may rotate about the base.

17. The bicycle rack according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the first and/or second flexible member is resiliency flexible, comprises a flexible strip, comprises a cord, comprises a length of chain or comprises a set of elements interconnected in an end to end relationship to provide for relative movement between the elements.

18. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 6 to 17 wherein the end sections are formed from flat bar such that a transverse axis of the flat bar lies in the vertical plane.

19. The bicycle rack according to claim 18 wherein each arm is made from flat bar.

20. The bicycle rack according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the support member is formed by flat bar, the support member having an inwardly converging portion extending from the pair of arms remote from the outer edge so as to provide a portion which connects to the base.

21. The bicycle rack according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support member is clipped to the base.

22. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 6 to 17 wherein the end sections comprise substantially elongate extensions of the arms, the outer portions being rotatably received on the arms whereby with rotation of the end sections the spacing between the free ends at least of the end sections can be varied.

23. The bicycle rack according to claim 22 wherein the outer portions are contoured such that the rotation of the outer portions will cause the variation of the spacing between the free ends of the end sections.

24. The bicycle rack according to claim 22 or 23 wherein the end sections each comprise a pair of elongate portions which are connected in an end to end relationship by an intermediate portion whereby the elongate portions are not collinear.

25. The bicycle rack according to claim 22, 23 or 24 wherein the central axes of the elongate portions are substantially parallel.

26. The bicycle rack according to claim 22, 23, 24 or 25 wherein the end sections are arranged and configured to enable the free ends to be resiliency movable towards and away from each other but are able to accommodate a load which is transverse to the plane defined by the arms and which is to be exerted by a bicycle supported from the rack.

27. The bicycle rack according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rack further comprises a brace member, the brace member being pivotally supported from the base for pivotable movement about a second axis, the first ahd second axes being parallel and spaced from each other, the brace member being moveable with the support member such that, when the support member is in its second position, the brace member provides support to the support member.

28. The bicycle rack according to claim 27 wherein the support member and brace member are inter-engaged outward of their pivotable mountings such that movement of the support member causes the pivotable movement of the brace member.

29. The bicycle rack according to claim 27 or 28 wherein the brace member provides a second space which cooperates with the first space defined by the support member to provide a combined space which is configured to receive the wheel, wherein the second space provides an upper portion of the combined space while the first space provides a lateral portion of the combined space.

30. The bicycle rack according to claim 29 wherein the brace member comprises a second pair of spaced elongate arms, between which is defined the second space.

31. The bicycle rack according to claim 30 wherein the second pair of elongate arms extend in a parallel relationship.

32. The bicycle rack according to claim 30 or 31 wherein the transverse surface extends between the outer ends of the second pair of arms.

33. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 30 to 32 wherein the second pair of spaced arms is formed by flat bar such that a transverse axis of the flat bar lies in the vertical plane.

34. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 27 to 33 wherein the brace member is formed by flat bar, the brace member having an inwardly diverging portion extending from the pair of arms remote from the transverse surface so as to provide a portion which connects to the base.

35. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 27 to 34 wherein the brace member is clipped to the base.

36. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 27 to 35 wherein the brace member is clipped to the first pair of arms so as to be in sliding engagement therewith.

37. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 30 to 36 wherein the second space converge at an upper end of its lateral extent, such that in use the ' second space narrows and the wheel is grippingly engaged by the brace member between the second pair of arms.

38. The bicycle rack according to any one of claims 27 to 37 wherein the support member comprise a limit means to limit the movement of the brace member towards the base when the support member is in the second position.

39. A bicycle rack intended in use to be supported from a vertical or inclined support, the rack comprising: a base adapted to be fixed to the support, a support member having an outer and an inner edge, the inner edge of the support member being connected to the base such that the support member is pivotable about a first axis which in use is to be generally level, and a second axis which in use is parallel to the support, the support member is moveable between a first position, at which it is adjacent to the support and a second position at which it extends laterally from the support, a brace member, wherein the brace member provides support to the support member when the support member is in its second position the support member and brace member being adapted to receive and support a portion of the wheel of a bicycle when the support member is in its second position, the support member and brace member clamping engage the wheel portion when received therein.

40. A bicycle rack as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.