US20080315054A1

US20080315054A1 - Bracket for vertically suspending scooters

Info

Publication number: US20080315054A1
Application number: US12/228,600
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael K. Barron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-17
Filing date: 2008-08-14
Publication date: 2008-12-25
Also published as: US20070040087A1

Abstract

A bracket useful for suspending terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters, from a vertical support contains a vertical flange, a horizontal flange, and a support arm. The vertical flange is connected to the horizontal flange, which in turn is connected to the support arm, each preferably perpendicular to the other. The vertical flange of the bracket is connected to the vertical support. One or more scooter supports are located on the support arm. The scooter supports include one or more notches. The necks of suspended scooters nest in the notches of the scooter supports. Scooters are suspended from the bracket by draping the scooters over the support arm, with the deck and steering unit on opposite sides of the support arm. The bracket may be covered with a soft, preferably polymeric, coating to prevent scratches to the terrestrial transportation devices supported by the bracket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to brackets for attachment to vertical supports, such as walls, or studs, that are adapted for suspension of one or more terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters, commonly found in households or garages. The invention, in particular, pertains to a relatively inexpensive solution for suspending scooters above floors and walkways, where they are commonly found and often become impediments to walking or driving. The invention conveniently, space efficiently, and economically suspends scooters from a wall, stud, or other vertical support, where the scooters will be less of an impediment. The unique and economical design of the single-piece bracket of the preferred embodiment of this invention is such that the scooters nest within one or more notches in the bracket, in such a manner as to suspend securely various different models of scooters off of the floor. The bracket of the invention does so in a manner wherein the suspended scooters protrude minimally from the wall so as not to impede walking or driving adjacent to the bracket. On the other hand, the bracket offsets the scooter or scooters from the wall sufficiently so that the scooters will not to cause damage to or mar the wall on which it is mounted.
2. Brief Description of the Related Art
In recent years, many homes have experienced a proliferation of terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters. The use of such devices has grown for purposes of entertainment and exercise, as well as for environmentally friendly and inexpensive personal transportation. Conveniently storing such devices in homes and, often, garages, has become a particular problem.
This is especially true of scooters which, because of their rather large and unwieldy shape, occupy a relatively large amount of space. The deck and steering unit for a scooter are both relatively lengthy, and are oriented perpendicularly to each other (when not folded), making them somewhat ungainly. The deck and steering unit both tend to occupy a relatively large amount of space, and can serve to trip walkers when the scooter is left on the ground, and the steering arms (which protrude perpendicularly from the steering unit) can impede walking adjacent to the scooter even when the scooter is stowed is an upright position. In a garage environment, one or more scooters also can become a hazard for vehicles—collisions between the vehicles and scooters that are left on the garage floor or otherwise improperly stowed can damage both the vehicle and the scooters.
While many scooters have foldable steering units which pivot adjacent the scooters' decks, they still represent challenges for easy, adequate, and inexpensive storage. This becomes a particular problem in homes where, for example, there are multiple children owning multiple scooters. Scooters can be a storage problem because they often are stowed in a “wheels down” position wherein they have a propensity to tip, to roll, and, when stepped upon, to roll further, which could lead to injury. There is a further propensity in the “wheels down” position for improperly stowed scooters to roll under other objects such as cars, trucks, or other motor vehicles (collectively “cars”), where they can be damaged by the cars, or cause damage to the cars. In addition, the clutter in the home or garage resulting from inadequately or improperly stowed scooters and the like is simply undesirable for many people, and a cost-efficient solution has not yet been developed for adequately and properly storing such devices.
Ordinary shelving units commonly used in homes and garages, while capable of suspending scooters above the floor where they will not be tripped over by people or crushed by cars as readily, are undesirable for several reasons. Scooters, when laid flat on a shelving unit, take up a disproportionate amount of horizontal shelf space. When attempts are made to stack more than one scooter on an individual shelf to economize on space, the scooters (the bottom scooters especially) become buried in a maze of scooter components, making it difficult, if not impossible, for a person to locate and remove a single scooter (especially a scooter that is underneath other scooters) without first removing and disentangling one or more of the other scooters. It is especially difficult for younger children to do so. Furthermore, purchasing and erecting an entire shelving unit to store one or more scooters is neither cost effective, space efficient, nor easy.
Another problem with shelf storage is that scooter components, including steering units and steering arms, tend to protrude off of the shelf. Depending on the height of the shelf and the traffic pattern in the garage or home, a labyrinth of protruding scooter components can make walking close to the shelf difficult or dangerous, and make removal of items (including scooters) from adjacent shelves problematic. Parking next to such scooter storage can result in scratches or other damage to the car. Such an arrangement, moreover, can be offensive to the sensibilities (messy).
Another common storage technique is simply parking the scooter adjacent a wall in the “wheels down” position, and leaning the scooter against the wall for support. This technique often results in the scooters rolling out of their stowed position, tipping, or being knocked over, and thereby obstructing walkways. This method of storage takes up an inordinate amount of horizontal wall space, is unstable, is likely to mar the wall, and is messy.
A further storage method has using pegboard and hooks to suspend the scooters. While this does possess the advantage of removing the scooters from the floor, hooks become easily dislodged from pegboard when scooters are removed from the hooks, and are seldom replaced in the same place where they belong. It is problematic, especially for younger children, to negotiate the removal or replacement of scooters or the like from hooks in pegboard without dislodging the hooks and disrupting the system. The result, often, is that the children (and even adults) simply give up on the system, and the scooters are disposed of on the floor once again. Pegboard hooks, moreover, are not specifically designed for suspension of scooters, and can bend, splay, or break under the weight of a suspended scooter. They also tend to suspend scooters in awkward and less than optimal positions, and the hooks often extend well beyond the stored scooters and into adjacent walkways. Furthermore, many people disfavor pegboard, especially in the home, because of its relatively unattractive appearance.
One device that has been used in conjunction with transportation devices, including scooters, is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,978 B2, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. There, a theft protection device is disclosed that may be used to clamp onto scooters in order to prevent them from being stolen. The device is constructed of multiple parts, including moving parts, so as to securely clamp and prevent easy removal and theft of, among other devices, scooters. The theft-protection device requires a relatively complicated process and a relatively long time to mount, suspend, clamp, and lock the suspended scooter or other device. Because of the multiple components, including moving parts, it is relatively expensive to manufacture.
The anti-theft construction is also, by necessity, relatively heavy, requiring extensive metal parts. While the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,978 B2 is said to be suitable for use by institutions, such as schools, for theft prevention, it would be less than desirable for the home and garage environment where its relative expense and more complicated use would render it relatively unattractive for simple home storage. Put simply, the more complicated or time-consuming the device is to use, the less likely it is that a scooter owner (especially children) would use it consistently. Furthermore, while a relatively expensive theft prevention device might be appropriate in an institutional environment, such as a school, it is unlikely to be purchased by a home owner for simple home or garage storage of a scooter (where the home or garage can be locked to prevent access to the scooters), especially as the cost of theft prevention device approaches the cost of the scooter. The device, moreover, is heavier than many home or garage walls (especially the drywall/stud construction or plaster/lath construction commonly utilized) would accommodate without utilizing extraordinary attachment techniques. While such extraordinary attachment techniques may be appropriate for an anti-theft device in an institutional environment, they would be generally viewed as undesirable for home or garage use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the described embodiments of the invention described herein to provide a lightweight bracket for suspending scooters from vertical support structures, such as walls, studs, or the like, in such a manner as to overcome the disadvantages of prior art systems. It is, for example, an object of the specifically described embodiments of the invention to suspend scooters without taking up an undue or disproportionate amount of horizontal wall space, leaving room for other items to be stored.
It is further object of the described embodiments of the invention to provide a bracket to store multiple scooters in such a way as to avoid components of the scooters from interfering with each other and becoming entangled, and permitting quick and easy removal or replacement of individual scooters without the need to disturb or remove other scooters.
It is another object of the invention to provide a bracket to store scooters a sufficient distance from the wall or vertical support structure to avoid damage to the wall or vertical support structure, while simultaneously storing scooters in a manner such that they do not protrude into walkways or traffic patterns.
It is yet another object of the described embodiments of the invention to provide a bracket that can support multiple scooters, and multiple makes or models or scooters, using the same bracket.
It is another object of the described embodiments of the invention to have a bracket that is fixedly attached to a wall or vertical support (using screws, nuts and bolts, screws and mollies, rivets, nails, adhesive, or other common uncomplicated and inexpensive fastener systems) so as not to become dislodged from the wall when removing scooters from the bracket or replacing scooters on to the bracket.
It is further object of the described embodiments of the invention to provide an inexpensive and cost-effective scooter suspension bracket, having an elegant and relatively lightweight one-piece construction and no moving parts, suitable for household purchase and installation, and further suitable for use by even small children.
The disclosed embodiments of the present invention achieve the aforementioned objects and others because they include features not found in prior art storage systems for scooters. In the described embodiments of the present invention, a scooter storage system includes a bracket for suspending one or more scooters. The bracket is lightweight, durable, compact, versatile, strong, and importantly, inexpensive. It is capable of organizing and suspending one or more scooters in a manner whereby they are above the floor, disentangled, and no longer an impediment to walking or driving. It is also aesthetically pleasing, being neat and sleek in appearance when in use. The bracket's lightweight unitary design makes it suitable for easy use and easy mounting (encouraging continued use) in a home or garage environment. In preferred embodiments, its unitary construction is simple to use and strong as compared to storage systems having multiple parts and, perhaps, moving parts.
The bracket is attached to a wall, stud, or other vertical support. The bracket preferably utilizes a relatively horizontal support arm for suspending one or more scooters, preferably in a folded position. The support arm includes one or more scooter supports spaced apart sufficiently such that, when stored, the scooters do not interfere with each other. The scooter supports include one or more notches. When stored, the neck of the scooter fits snugly within the notches and is suspended therefrom. In the stored position, the neck of the scooter remains suspended from the scooter support on the support arm. The deck and steering unit of the scooter are draped over the opposite sides of the support arm. Storage and removal of scooters from the bracket, as described herein, is extremely straightforward, quick, and easy, encouraging continued use even by children. The scooter is simply draped over the support arm for storage (the neck of the scooter will virtually automatically nest in the most appropriate notch in the scooter support), and lifted off of the support arm for removal.
The support arm is attached to a horizontal flange which both upholds the support arm and provides sufficient clearance between the support arm and the wall or vertical support so that the scooter or scooters, when stored on the bracket, can be draped over (and removed from) the support arm as described above without the scooter damaging or marking the vertical support. The horizontal flange is connected to a vertical flange, which, in turn, is attached to the wall or other vertical support. Attachment holes are provided in the vertical support so that screws, screws and mollies, rivets, nails, or the like may be used to attach the bracket, using the vertical flange, to a wall or other vertical support. Adhesives may also be used to attach the vertical flange to a wall or support.
The invention is preferably constructed of metal, and more preferably A36 mild steel. Moreover, the invention is preferably formed of single piece of metal. This preferred unitary construction of the bracket makes the invention more economical, and adds to the strength of the bracket as compared to multi-part constructions.
The bracket, or a portion thereof (for example, the scooter supports), may be covered with an elastomer, preferably in the form of an elastomer paint, to provide a softer surface and prevent scratching of the scooters by the bracket when the scooters are stored on and removed from the bracket. Other common coatings, such as primers and paints, may be used to prevent corrosion or rusting of the bracket, and to make the bracket more aesthetically pleasing.
Although the invention is particularly useful for storing folding scooters, it is also useful for storing other personal terrestrial transportation devices, such as non-folding scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the bracket of the invention for storage of two scooters, further illustrating the scooters in phantom in the stored position.

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bracket of the invention for storage of a single scooter, further illustrating the scooter in phantom in the stored position.

FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of a support arm of the bracket of FIG. 1, showing the scooter supports, and illustrating how the neck of the scooters illustrated in phantom are upheld by the scooter supports when the scooters are in the stored position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to a first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1-4, bracket 2 includes vertical flange 4 attached to horizontal flange 18, preferably at the bottom of vertical flange 4 and the innermost end of horizontal flange 18, so as to form a generally L-shape (see, in particular, FIG. 4), with horizontal flange 18 extending generally horizontally from and generally perpendicular to vertical flange 4. Horizontal flange 18, in turn, is attached to support arm 20, also in an L-shaped manner (see, again, FIG. 4). While the vertical portions of the L-shapes for either or both of the attachments to the horizontal flange 18 described above may extend either upwardly or downwardly, it has been found for purposes of ease of manufacture, installation, and use that having the vertical flange 4 extend upwardly in an L-shape from the horizontal flange 18, and having the support arm 20 extend downwardly in an L-shape from horizontal flange 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, is advantageous.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, vertical flange 4 preferably includes one, and more preferably a plurality, of attachment holes 6 of suitable diameter to accommodate screws, screws and mollies, bolts, nails, rivets, or other attachment devices (not illustrated) commonly known and utilized in the art. For example, two attachment holes 6 oriented generally vertically, having a diameter of 13/64 inches, and centered ⅝ inch apart so as to accommodate two 12-2 sheet metal screws (not illustrated), have been found to be sufficient for mounting the bracket 2 to a vertical support, such as a wall (not illustrated). Adhesives known in the art may also be utilized to attach vertical flange 4 to a vertical support.
As shown in particular in FIG. 2, support arm 20 extends generally horizontally from, and generally perpendicular to, its junction with the outermost end of horizontal flange 18. Support arm 20 includes one or more (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, two) scooter supports, namely, a first scooter support 8 and a second scooter support 10, located generally horizontally outwardly of the junction of support arm 20 and the horizontal flange 18. Both first scooter support 8 and second scooter support 10 include one or more (in the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3, three) notches to accommodate and suspend scooters, namely, a first notch 12, a second notch 14, and third notch 16. The first, second, and third notches 12, 14, and 16 preferably are different in size and shape from each other, so as to accommodate a variety of makes and models of scooters.
As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, first notches 12 in first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 are preferably formed in the general shape of a downwardly-oriented semi-circular cutout. More preferably, the semi-circular cutouts of first notches 12 have an approximate radius of 7/16 inches. The first notches 12 having the dimensions disclosed herein are especially adapted and useful for suspending folding scooters 52, such as those commonly sold by Sharper Image™ retail stores, because the necks 64 of such folding scooters 52 fit relatively snugly and securely within the first notches 12 having those dimensions when stowed in the manner described more fully below.
Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, second notches 14 are located in first scooter support 8 and second scooter support 10, and are preferably formed as two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures located horizontally outwardly and vertically above the semi-circular cutout structures of first notches 12. The generally horizontal portions of the L-shapes of second notches 14 each preferably extend horizontally outwardly from the upper edges of the semi-circular cutouts of first notches 12 until reaching approximately 29/32 inches outwardly from the vertical centerline of the semi-circular cutout structures of first notches 12. The generally vertical portions of the L-shapes of second notches 14 preferably extend approximately ¼ inch above the top of first notches 12. Second notches 14 having the dimensions disclosed herein are especially adapted and useful for suspending folding scooters 52 such as those commonly sold under the Razor™ brand, wherein the necks 64 of such folding scooters 52 fit relatively snugly and securely within the second notches 14 when stored as described more fully below. (See FIGS. 1 and 9).
Referring once again to FIGS. 2 and 3, third notches 16 are located in first and second scooter supports 8 and 10. The third notches 16 are also preferably formed as oppositely disposed L-shaped cutouts, in this instance located horizontally outwardly and vertically above second notches 14. The generally horizontal portions of the L-shapes of third notches 16 preferably extend outwardly from the vertical edges of second notches 14 until reaching approximately 1 1/16 inches outwardly from the vertical centerline of the semi-circular cutout structures of first notches 12. The generally vertical portions of the L-shapes of second notches 16 preferably extend approximately ¼ inch above the top of second notches 14. Third notches 16 having the dimensions disclosed herein are adapted and useful for suspending many older model folding scooters 52, as well as scooters other than the more common brand name scooters referenced in connection with first and second notches 12 and 14. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number, shape, and dimensions of the notches utilized in connection with the first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 may be varied to accommodate scooters and the like of varying makes, models, shapes, and sizes without departing from this invention.
While the bracket 2 may have various dimensions and may be made with various materials and still be within the scope of this invention, it has been found that 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36 mild steel is a sufficiently strong and economical material for carrying out the invention.
Referring once again to FIGS. 2-4, consistent with this invention, vertical flange 4 of bracket 2 preferably is approximately 1½ inches high and 1½ inches wide so as to provide adequate support for mounting the vertical flange 4 to a wall, stud, or other vertical support (not shown). Attachment holes 6 are located sufficiently inwardly of the outer edges of vertical flange 4 so as to avoid the propagation of cracks migrating to the outer dimensions of vertical flange 4, as can be caused by loading stresses. Using two attachment holes 6 with the dimensions set forth above and horizontally centered in vertical flange 4, with centers disposed ⅝ inches apart, and with the topmost attachment hole 6 located inwardly ½ inch from the top of vertical flange 4, has been found to provide adequate support when used with two 12-2 sheet metal screws.
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, while the length and width of horizontal flange 18 may vary, it has been found that a horizontal flange 18 having approximately a length of 3½ inches and width of 1½ inches provides adequate support and clearance from a wall or other vertical support for suspending two folding scooters 52. A horizontal flange 18 having approximately those dimensions results in the folding scooters 52 being suspended a sufficient distance from the wall or vertical support surface (not illustrated) so that the suspended folding scooters 52 do not damage or mar the wall or vertical support surface when storing the folding scooters 52 on, and removing them from, the bracket 2. At the same time, such dimensions do not cause the scooters to be suspended an unduly large distance from the wall or vertical support so as to waste space or extend the suspended folding scooters 52 into adjacent walkways, driveways, or traffic patterns. No part of the bracket 2, moreover, extends perpendicularly from the wall beyond the stored folding scooters 52 into adjacent walkways, driveways, or traffic patterns so as to become an impediment.
While dimensions may vary, it has been found that a support arm 20 having a horizontal dimension of approximately 9 inches or more and a vertical dimension of approximately 1¼ inches is both sufficiently strong to support two folding scooters 52, and can provide sufficient separation between the folding scooters 52, so that components of the adjacent folding scooters 52, such as steering units 54 or the decks 58, do not significantly interfere with each other or become intertwined. In such embodiments, preferably the outermost vertical edges of third notches 16 of first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 are located inwardly ⅜ inches from the outermost vertical edges of support arm 20. Preferably, the bottoms of first notches 12 of first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 are located inwardly approximately ¼ inch from the bottom of support arm 20.
The bracket 2 described above can be relatively easily and inexpensively manufactured by stamping the bracket having dimensions as described herein in flattened form (not illustrated) out of a sheet of 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) metal, especially A36 mild steel, as is known in the art, and then bending (as is known in the art) the previously flat stamped bracket (not illustrated) at the juncture of the vertical flange 4 and horizontal flange 18, and at the juncture of the horizontal flange 18 and support arm 20, to form a unitary construction as described above and illustrated herein. Forming the bracket 2 using a unitary construction also has the added benefit of providing additional strength to the bracket 2 as compared with similar structures made of multiple components which would need to be attached to each other.
In order to avoid scratches to the folding scooters 52, and to improve aesthetics, a soft, preferably polymer covering, such as thin polymer coating or paint, may be applied to some of bracket 2 (especially to the support arm 20 adjacent to the first and second scooter supports 8 and 10) or to the entire bracket 2. Rust or corrosion inhibiting coatings, such as primers and paints known in the art, may also be applied in lieu of or in addition to the elastomeric paint.
Referring to FIGS. 5-8, an additional embodiment of the invention is disclosed that would support a single folding scooter 52. Bracket 102 includes vertical flange 104, which is attached to horizontal flange 118, preferably at the bottom side edge of vertical flange 104 and the innermost end of horizontal flange 118, so as to form a generally L-shape (see, in particular, FIGS. 6 and 8), with horizontal flange 118 extending generally horizontally from and generally perpendicular to vertical flange 104. Horizontal flange 118 of bracket 102 is oriented somewhat differently than horizontal flange 18 of bracket 2, in that horizontal flange 118 is attached to the side of vertical flange 104, and has a greater thickness in the vertical direction (and a narrower thickness in the horizontal direction) than horizontal flange 18 of bracket 2 in the first described embodiment of the invention.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, vertical flange 104 of bracket 102 preferably includes one or more attachment holes 106 for accommodating attachment devices such as screws, bolts, rivets, screws and mollies, nails, and the like commonly known and utilized in the art (not illustrated). Such attachment holes 106 may be of the same size and location as attachment holes 6 described above for bracket 2, and attachment of the vertical flange 104 to a wall or vertical support occurs in the same manner.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, support arm 120 extends generally horizontally from, and generally perpendicular to, its junction with the outermost end of horizontal flange 118, but unlike support arm 20 for bracket 2, support arm 120 extends outwardly only in one direction from horizontal flange 118. Support arm 120 includes one scooter support 108 having first, second, and third notches 112, 114, and 116 that are dimensioned in the same manner as first, second, and third notches 12, 14, and 16 for bracket 2.
While the bracket 102 may have dimensions that vary, and may be made with a variety of materials while still being within the contemplation of this invention, 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36 mild steel once again has been found to be a strong and economical material for bracket 102.
Referring to FIGS. 6-8, vertical flange 104 is preferably approximately 2¾ inches high and 1¼ inches wide so as to provide adequate mounting support to a wall or vertical support (not illustrated). Attachment holes 106 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 are preferably located on the vertical centerline of vertical flange 104, with centers ⅝ inch apart, and the topmost attachment hole 106 located inwardly ½ inch from the top of vertical flange 104.
Horizontal flange 118 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 may have a variety of dimensions, but preferably has a length of approximately 3½ inches and width of approximately 1¼ inches for adequate support and clearance as previously described. Support arm 120 likewise could have various dimensions, but it has been found that a horizontal dimension of approximately 3¾ inches and a vertical dimension of approximately 1¼ inches is sufficiently strong to support a folding scooter 52. Preferably the outermost vertical edge of a third notch 116 of scooter support 108 is located no less than ⅜ inches from the outer vertical edge of support arm 120.
Like bracket 2, bracket 102 can be made relatively easily and inexpensively by stamping the bracket having dimensions as described herein in flattened form (not illustrated) out of a sheet of material, such as metal, and preferably out of a sheet of 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36 mild steel, as is known in the art. The stamped material is then bent at the juncture of the vertical flange 104 and the horizontal flange 118, and bent again at the juncture of the horizontal flange 118 and support arm 120, to form a unitary construction for strength and economic benefits. Coatings, primers, and paints may be applied to bracket 102 in the same manner described for bracket 2.
In use, bracket 2 or bracket 102 are attached to a wall, stud, or other vertical support as previously described. Folding scooters 52 are stored on either bracket 2 or bracket 102 in the same manner; therefore, storage of folding scooters 52 on the first scooter support 8 of bracket 2 will be discussed with the understanding that the same storage procedure would be used for bracket 102, with the exception that part numbers for bracket 102 would be different in that part numbers for bracket 102 would be obtained by adding one hundred to the part numbers for similarly-named corresponding parts for bracket 2.
Referring to FIG. 1 (and similarly to FIG. 5), folding scooters 52 are stored on bracket 2 by placing folding scooter 52 with steering unit 54, neck 64, and front wheel assembly 56 oriented upwardly. Deck 58 of folding scooter 52 is preferably inserted between vertical flange 4 and support arm 20. Neck 64 of folding scooter 52 is supported by either first or second scooters support 8 and 10 on support arm 20 in the same manner, and will hereafter be discussed with reference only to first scooter support 8. The size and shape of neck 64 for folding scooter 52 depends on the make and model of folding scooter 52. Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, and 9, depending on the size and shape of neck 64, the neck 64 of folding scooter 52 nests in either first notch 12, second notch 14, or third notch 16 of first scooter support 8, suspending the folding scooter 52 from the bracket 2. As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 9, the neck 64 of the folding scooter 52 illustrated therein is nesting in second notch 14 of first scooter support 8, suspending this particular folding scooter 52 from the bracket 2, but it would be understood by skilled artisans that other makes and models of folding scooter 52 might have a neck 64 of a different size and shape that would more appropriately nest in either the first notch 12 or the third notch 16.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, while the deck 58 of the folding scooter 52 is inserted between the vertical flange 4 (attached to the wall, stud, or other vertical support) and the support arm 20, the steering unit 54 for the stored folding scooter 52 is located on the opposite side of the support arm 20 from deck 58. Steering unit 54 is preferably stored on bracket 2 with the steering unit 54 folded so as to be substantially parallel to deck 58, and thus more compact. Folding of steering unit 54 occurs around steering unit pivot 62 for folding scooter 52. Folding preferably occurs before mounting the folding scooter 52 on the bracket 2, but can occur afterward.
Folding scooter 52 may alternatively be stored on bracket 2 by having steering unit 54 placed between the combination of the vertical flange 4 and wall or vertical support, on the one hand, and the support arm 20 on the other hand (in other words, inside the support arm 20), with the deck 58 being placed on the opposite side of the support arm 20 (in other words, outside the support arm 20), with the neck 64 being supported by the first notch 12, second notch 14, or third notch 16 of first or second scooter supports 8 or 10. In sum, in the stored position, the folding scooter 52 is draped over the support arm 20, with the neck 64 of folding scooter 52 being supported by the first scooter support 8, and the deck 64 and steering unit 54 being located on opposite sides of support arm 20. Removal of folding scooter 52 from bracket 2 occurs by reversing the process, namely, by lifting the folding scooter 52 off of the bracket 2 until the neck 64 disengages from the first scooter support 8, and the deck 58 and steering unit 54 clear the support arm 20, thus releasing the folding scooter 52.
While the above dimensions and materials have been found to be useful and preferable in certain applications utilizing the invention in connection with folding scooters, skilled practitioners will recognize that other combinations of dimensions and materials can be utilized without departing from the invention. Furthermore, while this invention has been found to be particularly useful for storing folding scooters 52, skilled practitioners will recognize that other items, particularly terrestrial transportation devices such as non-folding scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades may be stored with little or no modification to the preferred dimensions of the bracket 2 or bracket 102, and while still utilizing the invention disclosed and taught herein. Skilled artisans will also understand that, while embodiments for storing one or two scooters are specifically described herein, embodiments for storing other numbers of scooter (3, 4, or more) are contemplated as being within the scope of this invention.
Moreover, although certain embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only, it will be understood by skilled practitioners that modification may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A bracket for suspending one or more folding scooters from a vertical support, wherein each one of said one or more scooters includes a steering unit, a deck, a neck interposed between said steering unit and said deck, and said neck including a pivot interposed between said steering unit and said deck, and where each one of said one or more scooters has an unfolded position, and each one of said one or more scooters has a folded position wherein said steering unit and said deck fold about said pivot, and wherein said bracket suspends each one of said one or more scooters by the neck of said one or more scooters, said bracket comprising:

a vertical flange for attachment to said vertical support;

a horizontal flange attached to, extending substantially perpendicularly from, and extending substantially in a first horizontal direction from said vertical flange, with the result that said horizontal flange extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from said vertical support when said vertical flange is attached to said vertical support, said horizontal flange having a first end and a second end, with said first end of said horizontal flange being the portion of said horizontal flange attached to said vertical flange;

a support arm attached to said second end of said horizontal flange, said support arm extending substantially in a second horizontal direction from said horizontal flange, wherein said second horizontal direction of said support arm is different from and substantially perpendicular to said first horizontal direction of said horizontal flange, with the result that said support arm extends substantially perpendicularly to said horizontal flange, said support arm having an upper surface and a lower surface, and said support arm having a vertical direction extending substantially perpendicular to said second horizontal direction of said support arm;

said upper surface of said support arm including at least a first scooter support, with said first scooter support including a first notch and a second notch on the upper surface of said support arm;

wherein said first notch of said scooter support has a first width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a first depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said second notch of said first scooter support has a second width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a second depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support is greater than said first width of said first notch of said first scooter support;

wherein said first notch of said first scooter support is located more proximate to said bottom surface of said support arm than said second notch of said first scooter support;

wherein said first notch of said first scooter support is located entirely below said second notch of said first scooter support in said vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said bracket is a one-piece construction; and

wherein said first scooter support is capable of suspending one of said one or more scooters by said neck with said deck and said steering unit of said one of said one or more of said scooters being located on opposite sides of said support arm when said one of said one or more of said scooters is suspended in said folded position.

22. The bracket of claim 21 further comprising:

said upper surface of said support arm including at least a second scooter support, with said second scooter support including a first notch and a second notch on the upper surface of said support arm;

wherein said first notch of said second scooter support has a third width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a third depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said second notch of said second scooter support has a fourth width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a fourth depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said fourth width of said second notch of said second scooter support is greater than said third width of said first notch of said second scooter support;

wherein said first notch of said second scooter support is located more proximate to said bottom surface of said support arm than said second notch of said second scooter support;

wherein said first notch of said second scooter support is located entirely below said second notch of said second scooter support in said vertical direction of said support arm; and

wherein said second scooter support is capable of suspending one of said one or more scooters by said neck with said deck and said steering unit of said one of said one or more of said scooters being located on opposite sides of said support arm when said one of said one or more of said scooters is suspended in said folded position.

23. The bracket of claim 21 further comprising:

said first scooter support further comprises a third notch on the upper surface of said support arm;

wherein said third notch of said first scooter support has a fifth width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a fifth depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said fifth width of said third notch of said first scooter support is greater than said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support;

wherein said second notch of said first scooter support is located more proximate to the bottom surface of said support arm than said third notch of said first scooter support; and

wherein said second notch of said first scooter support is located entirely below said third notch of said first scooter support in said vertical direction of said support arm.

24. The bracket of claim 22 further comprising:

wherein said second notch of said first scooter support is located more proximate to the bottom surface of said support arm than said third notch of said first scooter support;

wherein said second notch of said first scooter support is located entirely below said third notch of said first scooter support in said vertical direction of said support arm;

said second scooter support further comprises a third notch on the upper surface of said support arm;

wherein said third notch of said second scooter support has a sixth width measured substantially in the second horizontal direction of said support arm, and a sixth depth measured substantially in the vertical direction of said support arm;

wherein said sixth width of said third notch of said second scooter support is greater than said fourth width of said second notch of said second scooter support;

wherein said second notch of said second scooter support is located more proximate to the bottom surface of said support arm than said third notch of said second scooter support; and

wherein said second notch of said second scooter support is located entirely below said third notch of said second scooter support in said vertical direction of said support arm.

25. The bracket of claim 21 further comprising:

said first width of said first notch of said first scooter support is approximately ⅞ inches; and

said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support is approximately 1 13/16 inches.

26. The bracket of claim 22 further comprising:

said first width of said first notch of said first scooter support and said third width of said first notch of said second scooter support both are approximately ⅞ inches; and

said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support and said fourth width of said second notch of said second scooter support both are approximately 1 13/16 inches.

27. The bracket of claim 23 further comprising:

said first width of said first notch of said first scooter support is approximately ⅞ inches;

said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support is approximately 1 13/16 inches; and

said fifth width of said third notch of said first scooter support is approximately 2⅛ inches.

28. The bracket of claim 24 further comprising:

said first width of said first notch of said first scooter support and said third width of said first notch of said second scooter support both are approximately ⅞ inches;

said second width of said second notch of said first scooter support and said fourth width of said second notch of said second scooter support both are approximately 1 13/16 inches; and

said fifth width of said third notch of said first scooter support and said sixth width of said third notch of said second scooter support both are approximately 2⅛ inches.

29. The bracket of claim 25 further comprising:

said first notch of said first scooter support is formed having substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of said semi-circle oriented downwardly toward the lower surface of said support arm; and

said second notch of said first scooter support is formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures.

30. The bracket of claim 26 further comprising:

said first notch of said first scooter support and said first notch of said second scooter support both are formed having substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of said semi-circle oriented downwardly toward the lower surface of said support arm; and

said second notch of said first scooter support and said second notch of said second scooter support both are formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures.

31. The bracket of claim 27 further comprising:

said first notch of said first scooter support is formed having substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of said semi-circle oriented downwardly toward the lower surface of said support arm;

said second notch of said first scooter support is formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures; and

said third notch of said first scooter support is formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures.

32. The bracket of claim 28 further comprising:

said first notch of said first scooter support and said first notch of said second scooter support both are formed having substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of said semi-circle oriented downwardly toward the lower surface of said support arm;

said second notch of said first scooter support and said second notch of said second scooter support both are formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures; and

said third notch of said first scooter support and said third notch of said second scooter support both are formed having substantially the shape of two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures.

33. The bracket of claim 21 wherein said first scooter support is covered with an elastomer.

34. The bracket of claim 22 wherein said first scooter support and said second scooter support both are covered with an elastomer.

35. The bracket of claim 21 further comprising one or more attachment holes for accommodating attachment devices for attachment of said vertical flange to said vertical support.

36. The bracket of claim 22 further comprising one or more attachment holes for accommodating attachment devices for attachment of said vertical flange to said vertical support.