DK179684B1 - Pedal Trap Bicycle Stand - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Field of the invention.

The present invention relates to a bicycle parking stand comprising: a vertical pole with a bottom section which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground, the fixed pole is head structure journaled to a stand gate relative to said fixed pole with hinge(s), when the stand gate is closed, said stand gate comprising a side wall, a front wall, a cutout for the pedal and a lock plate hole, and the closing of said stand gate moves the front wall in a position where it blocks the crank arm slot, a lock plate with holes for a padlock, said lock plate is situated above the crankarm slot.

Background of the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prior art stand coming closest to present invention is described in US5244101A. The stand described in US5244101A also comprises a pole and gate which entraps the bicycle crankarm. Major difference to present invention is that crankarm in US5244101A must be lowered into the stand from above and that the crankarm slot doesn't have spring effect and rubber fenders ensuring the bicycle doesn't get scratched. Another advantage of present invention in comparison to US5244101A is the high and user friendly position of the locking interface.

Background of the invention - continued.

Other prior art stands worth mentioning is described in EP0147384 and US2015096335. The stand described in EP0147384 offers leaning support but doesn't have spring effect of the crankarm slot whereby the stability of the bicycle isn't as good as present invention. Secondly, it doesn't offer the same level of theft protection and user convenience. Locking system of EP0147384 is based on an external lock (chain, wire or U-lock) with the related risk of theft and secondly the inconvenience of having to bring such a locking device.

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

Stand described in US2015096335 (FIG.3) is a leaning type stand with a rotational metal bar that entraps the bicycle frame and front wheel. US2015096335 furthermore features an advanced electronic locking system, that can be operated by e.g. a smartphone. US2015096335 has 2 immediate disadvantages. First one being that bicycle is leaned against the metal pole of the stand, whereby there is a risk that the bicycle gets scratched. Second disadvantage is the fact that the locking metal bar must come through the front wheel, why the cyclist in many cases has to turn the front wheel to avoid the metal bar hitting a spoke. And some bicycles even has support of the mudguard in the area where the metal bar comes through the wheel, which is why they can't be locked to the stand without bending the support.

Brief description of the invention.

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

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

All these objectives achieved through a simple design, where the bicycle is pushed forward into the stand and locking the bicycle requires the cyclist to only close a gate (B) and lock it with a padlock (G) or use the integrated lock of the stand if it is fitted with such one.

Further, these objectives are achieved, as per the introductory part of this specification, and wherein the pole comprising a crankarm fender and the crankarm slot is made of rubber or similar type material, said stand gate having a pedal protector plate, a lock protector plate, and the side wall of gate and the pedal protector plate limit access to a pedal axle, the crankarm slot having spring effect from compression of rubber and elastic deflection of pole, the crankarm fender is situated between the crankarm slot and a bottom section of a wall of pole, the lock plate and the lock protector plate are angled upwards towards cyclist, the lock protector plate and the wall of said gate enclose lock plate with inserted padlock except for an open front side, a backend of the lock plate hole in said gate has a minimum required tolerance clearance to the lock plate of said pole, whereby shackle of the padlocks overlaps the gate and prevents that the gate can be opened, when the padlock is inserted

According to one embodiment, the lock plate comprises one side at an angle α of at least 10 ° relative to vertical, and the lock protector plate comprises one side at an angled at least 10° relative to horizontal.

According to one embodiment, the bicycle stand further has an integrated lock.

Brief description of the drawings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detailed description of the invention.

FIG. 4 through FIG. 11 illustrates present invention.

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

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

Detailed description of the invention - continued.

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 11 same embodiment as FIG. 10 but with a bicycle parked in the stand. Locking of bicycle through holes (M) not illustrated.

Claims (3)

1. Et cykelstativ bestående af:A bicycle rack consisting of: En vertikal søjle (A) med en bund sektion (10) der enten direkte eller ved fastgørelse til en base er fastgjort til jorden, en låge (B) er monteret til søjlen (A) med hængsler og kan dreje relativt til den fikserede søjle (A), føromtalte låge (B) består af en sidevæg (50), en frontvæg (40), en udskæring (I) for cyklens pedal samt en låseplade (J), lukning af lågen (B) flytter frontvæggen (40) til en position hvor den blokerer for pedalarms klemmen (E),A vertical column (A) with a bottom section (10) which is attached either directly or by attachment to a base to the ground, a door (B) is mounted to the column (A) with hinges and can rotate relative to the fixed column ( A), the aforementioned door (B) consists of a side wall (50), a front wall (40), a cut-out (I) for the bicycle pedal and a locking plate (J), closing the door (B) moves the front wall (40) to a position where it blocks the pedal arm clamp (E), Søjlen (A) består yderligere af en låseplade (C) med huller (K) for en hængelås, låsepladen (C) er positioneret over pedalarmsklemmen (E),The column (A) further consists of a locking plate (C) with holes (K) for a padlock, the locking plate (C) being positioned above the pedal arm clamp (E), Karakteriseret vedCharacterized by Søjlen (A) indeholder en pedalarms støtte (H) og en pedalarms klemme (E) der er lavet af gummi eller lignende materiale, føromtalte låge (B) har en pedal beskytter plade (N), en låse beskytter plade (F), lågens væg (50) begrænser sammen med pedal beskytter pladen (N) adgangen til pedalakslen (L),The column (A) contains a pedal arm support (H) and a pedal arm clamp (E) made of rubber or similar material, the aforementioned door (B) has a pedal protective plate (N), a locking protective plate (F), the door wall (50) together with pedal protects the plate (N) protects the access to the pedal shaft (L), Pedalarmsklemmen (E) har fjeder egenskab fra kompression af gummiet og elastisk deformation af søjlen (A),The pedal arm clamp (E) has spring property from compression of the rubber and elastic deformation of the column (A), Pedalarmsstøtten (H) er positioneret mellem pedalarmsklemmen (E) og bundsektion (10) af væg (70) af søjlen (A),The pedal arm support (H) is positioned between the pedal arm clamp (E) and the bottom section (10) of the wall (70) of the column (A), Låsepladen (C) og låse beskytter pladen (F) er vinklet mod cyklisten, låse beskytter pladen (F) og væg (50) på føromtalte låge (B) indeslutter låsepladen (C) med den indsatte hængelås (G) bortset fra en åbning på forsiden, bagsiden af låseplade hullet (J) i låge (B) har minimal nødvendig afstand til låsepladen (C) på føromtalte søjle (A), hvorved bøjlen af hængelåsen (G) overlapper lågen (B) og forebygger at denne kan åbnes når hængelåsen er indsat,The locking plate (C) and locks protect the plate (F) are angled towards the cyclist, locks protect the plate (F) and wall (50) of the aforementioned door (B) enclose the locking plate (C) with the inserted padlock (G) except for an opening on the front, the back of the locking plate hole (J) in door (B) has the minimum necessary distance to the locking plate (C) on the aforementioned column (A), whereby the bracket of the padlock (G) overlaps the door (B) and prevents it from being opened when the padlock is inserted, 2. et cykelstativ i henhold til krav 1 karakteriseret ved at låsepladen (C) har en side med en vinkel på mindst 10 grader i forhold til lodret og låse beskytter pladen (F) har en side med en vinkel på mindst 10 grader i forhold til vandret.A bicycle rack according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking plate (C) has a side with an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to the vertical and the locking guard plate (F) has a side with an angle of at least 10 degrees relative to horizontal. 3. et cykelstativ i henhold til krav 1 og 2 karakteriseret ved at cykelstativet (1) yderligere har en integreret lås.A bicycle rack according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the bicycle rack (1) further has an integrated lock.