GB2547065A - Bicycle locker - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle storage locker comprises an access door supported in a frame, a locking mechanism for securing the door when closed and comprising a back plate 42 which is moveable between an engaged position and a released position, wherein in the engaged position the back plate engages the frame and prevents levering of the frame away from the door. The back plate may have reinforcing flanges and may be mounted on a sliding bolt 31 and have a return (e.g. a lip) 50 which engages a hole 52 in the frame. In use the sliding bolt is pushed inwards and then rotated allowing the back plate to rotate and pass the frame, the sliding bolt is then pulled outwards engaging the return in the frame. It may be locked in place using a lock, e.g. a padlock. Inside the locker may be a bicycle storage mechanism for supporting a bicycle in an elevated position (Fig. 3) including a loop for receiving a wheel and a ramp. Also claimed is a bank of two or more lockers.

Description

BICYCLE LOCKER

The present invention relates generally to the storage of bicycles and particularly to a locker for the storage of bicycles, that is pedal cycles, in a secure and space-saving manner.

There is a general need for securing bicycles from theft and vandalism in open or public places such as business and work areas, shopping areas, blocks of flats, school premises etc.

In order for such lockers to function effectively it is important they cannot easily be accessed other than by the user. Usually the locker will be provided with some form of lock. However, many existing locks, such as shutter pins, can be easily overcome with the use of simple tools such as crowbars.

The present invention seeks to address the problems with known bicycle lockers.

The present invention provides a bicycle storage locker comprising an access door supported in a frame, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a back plate which is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, in the engaged position the back plate engages the frame and prevents levering of the frame away from the door.

The locking mechanism therefore prevents the frame from being moved away from the door to overcome the mechanism.

The back plate may comprise a return for grabbing the frame in the engaged position.

The locker may include opposing side walls (or panels) which provide at least part of the door frame.

In some embodiments the locker comprises opposing side walls, opposing top and bottom walls and a rear walls which is opposite the door (which could be considered to comprise or be included as part of a front wall). In some embodiments the walls/panels are fabricated from metal, such as aluminium or steel.

The locking mechanism may be provided adjacent one of the side walls and the back plate engages a section of frame provided by that side wall.

The back plate may comprise one or more strengthening flanges which can be used to prevent bending of the plate during an attempt to open the locker.

The back plate may be carried on or by a sliding bolt. A lock is provided to prevent movement of the sliding bolt, such as a padlock. In some embodiments a plate is provided for protecting the padlock shackle.

The bolt may pass through the door. In some embodiments the bolt must be rotated to release the locking mechanism and in which the back plate prevents rotation of the bolt in the engaged position.

In some embodiments the bolt must be pushed inwards to release the back plate from the frame and then subsequently rotated to allow the back plate to pass the frame when the door is opened.

The locker may have an overall vertical dimension greater than a horizontal dimension. In such embodiments the bicycle will usually be stored in a generally upright position, with its front wheel in an elevated position.

The locker may comprise means for retaining the front wheel of a bicycle in an elevated position.

The locker may comprise means for supporting the rear wheel of a bicycle generally below the front wheel. The rear wheel support means may comprises a support surface spaced from the bottom wall and ramp wheel access means to the support surface.

In some embodiments a bicycle retention system generally of the type described in the Applicant’s PCT International Patent Application Number PCT/GB00/004280 may be provided.

The present invention also provides a bank of two or more lockers as described herein.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention.

Figure I shows a bicycle storage locker generally indicated 10.

The locker 10 is compartment with a generally cuboid shape, in this embodiment having a vertical (in use) dimension greater than its horizontal dimension. The locker 10 comprises a pair of opposed side panels 12, 14, a top panel or roof 16 and an opposed base or floor 18, and a rear panel 20. Opposite the rear panel 20 a frame 22 is provided; and in this embodiment the frame comprises four frame sections 22a-22d respectively provided by the side panels 12, 14, top panel 16 and base 18. Within the frame and opposite the rear panel an access door 24 is provided. The door 24 is hinged to the frame section 22b so as to be movable from the closed position shown in Figure I to the open position shown in Figure 2.

Inside the locker 10 a bicycle retention system is provided, as represented in Figure 3. A securing loop 26 forming part of this system is shown in Figure 4.

The locker 10 is provided with a locking mechanism 28 for locking the door. The operation of the locking mechanism is described in detail below, first with reference to the outside of the locker and second with reference to inside the locker.

Figure 5 shows the locker door 24 magnified in the region of the mechanism 28. A push bolt member 30 is provided and shown in a withdrawn, locked position. The end of the member 30 includes a front plate 32 which is attached (welded in this embodiment) to a bolt 3 I. The bolt member 30 cannot be pushed inwards because a padlock 34 is provided and fits around the bolt behind the plate 32. In this embodiment a generally disc-shape padlock is used. The plate 32 provides enhanced protection for the padlock shackle 36. A metal cowling plate 38 is bolted onto the door; the bolt member extends through the plate 38.

To open the door 24 the padlock 34 must be removed. In this embodiment the padlock is operated by a key 40; other embodiments may use different systems such as combination locks or the like. The padlock 34 is shown removed in Figure 6.

Now that the padlock 34 is removed the bolt member can be pushed inwards by pressing on the plate 32 (Figures 7 and 8).

When the bolt member 30 is pushed fully inwards it can then be rotated (in this embodiment anti-clockwise) as shown in Figure 9.

Figures 10 and 11 show the inside view of the locker when the bolt member 30 is fully withdrawn. At the opposite end of the bolt member to the front plate 32 a back plate 42 is provided.

The back plate 42 is also shown in Figures 12 to 17 with the door in an open position for clarity and for purposes of explanation.

The back plate 42 comprises a rectangular main plate 44 which extends generally parallel to the door. The bolt 31 is bolted to the plate 44. A pair of strengthening flanges 46, 48 extend along each of the longer sides of the main plate 44.

At one side of the plate 44 a return 50 is provided. The return 50 is generally orthogonal to the plate 44.

Figure 18 shows the inside of the frame section 22b. The section 22b has a rectangular hole 52 adjacent the side panel 12. The hole 52 is positioned to receive the return 50, as shown in Figures 10 and I I.

It will be noted that engagement of the return 50 in the hole 52 prevents the plate 44 from turning. In addition, the return 50 prevents the door and frame section from being levered apart.

To release the return the bolt 3 I must first be pushed in, as shown in Figure 19; then the bolt 31 can be rotated so that the main plate is clear of the frame section 22b as shown in Figure 20. The door can now be opened. To lock the door again the above process is reversed.

Figures 21 and 22 show the inside face of the door on the opposite side to the locking mechanism. On this side an L-section strengthening flange 54 is provided which helps to prevent levering of the door on the hinging side.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A bicycle storage locker comprising an access door supported in a frame, a locking mechanism is provided for securing the door in a closed position and for preventing movement to an open position, the locking mechanism comprises a back plate which is moveable between an engaged position which secures the door in the closed position and a released position in which the door can be opened, in the engaged position the back plate engages the frame and prevents levering of the frame away from the door.

2. A locker as claimed in claim I, in which the back plate comprises a return for grabbing the frame in the engaged position.

3. A locker as claimed in claim I or claim 2, in which the locker includes opposing side walls which provide at least part of the door frame.

4. A locker as claimed in claim 3, in which the locking mechanism is provided adjacent one of the side walls and the back plate engages a section of frame provided by that side wall.

5. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the back plate comprises one or more strengthening flanges

6. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the back plate is carried on or by a sliding bolt.

7. A locker as claimed in claim 6, in which a lock is provided to prevent movement of the sliding bolt.

8. A locker as claimed in claim 7, in which the lock is a padlock.

9. A locker as claimed in claim 8, in which a plate is provided for protecting the padlock shackle.

10. A locker as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, in which the bolt passes through the door.

11. A locker as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, in which the bolt must be rotated to release the locking mechanism and in which the back plate prevents rotation of the bolt in the engaged position.

12. A locker as claimed in any of claims 6 to I I, in which the bolt must be pushed inwards to release the back plate from the frame and then subsequently rotated to allow the back plate to pass the frame when the door is opened.

13. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locker has an overall vertical dimension greater than a horizontal dimension.

14. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locker comprises means for retaining the front wheel of a bicycle in an elevated position

15. A locker as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the locker comprises means for supporting the rear wheel of a bicycle generally below the front wheel.

16. A locker as claimed in claim 15, in which the rear wheel support means comprises a support surface spaced from the bottom wall and ramp wheel access means to the support surface.

17. A locker substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

18. A bank of two or more lockers as claimed in any preceding claim.