A BICYCLE PARKING STAND FOR LOCKING A BICYCLE TO THE STAND COMPRISING AN ELECTRONIC LOCK

Abstract

Present invention relates to a bicycle parking stand (1) for locking a bicycle to the stand (1). It comprises a bottom section (A) with a top section (B) fixed on top, a gate (E) hinged to bottom section (A) and top section (B) and an electronic unit (G) fixed inside top section (B). Electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H) with a latch (P) and a printed circuitry board (I) with an antenna placed underneath window (J) enabling operation of stand (1) by an electronic device. Stand (1) further comprises clamping means for releasable clamping a crankarm (V) to the clamping means.

Gate (E) adapted to move from an open to a closed position where striker-plate (F) fixed to gate (E) engages latch (P) of the electronic lock (H) thereby preventing gate (E) from opening and the bicycle pulled out of the clamping means.

Claims

1. A bicycle parking stand (1) for locking a bicycle to the stand (1) comprising: a bottom section (A) directly or through a base affixed to the ground or pavement, said bottom section (A) comprises a right vertical side wall (10), an opposite placed vertical left side wall (20) and a back-wall (30), characterized in the bicycle parking stand (1) further comprising a top section (B) fixed on top of said bottom section (A), said top section (B) comprising the vertical left side wall (20), the back wall (30), a right vertical wall (80) and a front wall (70), the stand (1) further comprises a gate (E) hinged to the joined top section (A) and bottom section (B) by hinges (D), and an electronic unit (G) fixed inside the top section (B), said electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H) with a latch (P) and a printed circuitry board (I) containing electronics, the stand (1) further comprises clamping means for releasable clamping a crankarm (V) of the bicycle to said clamping means, and the gate (E) is adapted to move from an open position to a closed position and a striker plate (F) placed on the gate (E) engages the latch (P) of the electronic lock (H) thereby preventing that said gate (E) can be opened and the bicycle pulled out of the clamping means when the electronic lock (H) is activated.

2. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 1 wherein the top section (B) further comprises a window (J), and that the locking/unlocking of the bicycle is adapted to take place by placing an electronic device above the window (J) whereby the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board (I) whereby the locking/unlocking takes place.

3. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the clamping means comprises a fender (M) placed on/integrated with a wall section (40) attached to the top section (B) or to the bottom section (A) and being horizontally flexible, said fender (M) forms together with a second fender (L) placed at the inside of one side wall (10, 20) situated across of it the clamping means being a flexible crankarm-slot (C), and the bicycle crankarm (V) is adapted to be pushed into said crankarm-slot (C) causing a clamping force upon crankarm (V) keeping the bicycle in upright position.

4. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the printed circuitry board (I) is positioned just below a window (J) allowing users electronic device to communicate with wireless communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (BT) modules, of said circuitry board (I).

5. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 3 or 4 wherein it further comprises a lever (R) attached to the flexible wall section (40) said lever is adapted to activate a switch (S) in the electronic unit (G) when a bicycle is inserted.

6. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the electronic unit further comprises a signal device such as LED(s) (Q) or an acoustic device adapted to indicate locking status of the stand (1) to a user.

7. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the printed circuitry board (I) further comprises a microphone, speaker and SW solution adapted to detect vandalism and set off an acoustic alarm and/or send an alarm to facility management.

8. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein a power unit is integrated in the lock.

9. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein a user registration with his or her electronic device takes place at a reader (U) situated on a remote pole (T) away from the individual stand (1).

10. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the striker plate (F) of the gate (E) is adapted to push the latch (P) during locking of the bicycle to the stand (1) whereby the latch (P) is adapted to rotate.

11. A bicycle stand (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the bottom section (A) further comprises a fender (M) fixed to a wall below the fender (M) thereby sitting at the lower end of the bicycle crankarm (V) and limiting how much the bicycle can be tilted towards the stand (1) and thereby be scratched.

12. A bicycle stand according to any of the preceding claims wherein the stand (1) is connected to the internet, either wireless or by wire.

13. A bicycle stand (1) according to any of the claims 3-12 wherein the fenders (M) comprise protrusions acting as end stop for the insertion of the bicycle crankarm (V).

14. A bicycle stand (1) according to any of the preceding claims wherein it further comprises electronics and SW for central and remote administration of stand by a facility manager.

15. A bicycle stand (1) according to any preceding claims wherein the crankarm-slot (C) is open at both front and backside of bottom section (A) with a gate solution blocking both openings.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] FIG. 1 shows 3 different front wheel support stands according to the prior art. This is the far most common type of bicycle stand.

[0076] FIG. 2 shows 2 different leaning stands according to the prior art. This is the second most common type of bicycle stand.

[0077] FIG. 3 shows the bicycle parking stand “Bikeep” by company DesignBoom described in US2015096335. This stand entraps the bicycle with a metal bar around bicycle frame and through the front wheel

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of present invention in open mode ready for the cyclist to park the bicycle.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 in open mode with electronic unit (G) pulled out of the top section (B).

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in open mode with front wall of top section (B) and guard-plate (N) removed to show electronic unit (G) inside said top section (B)

[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6 supporting the parked bicycle before closing stand gate (E).

[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 in closed mode and more specific how gate (E) in closed mode blocks crankarm-slot (C)

[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 in closed and locked mode and more specific how stand (1) encloses the crankarm (V) preventing it can be dismounted.

[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 9 in closed and locked mode and more specific how stand (1) prevent pedal (X) can be accessed and dismounted.

[0085] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of present invention in open mode ready for the cyclist to park the bicycle.

[0086] FIG. 12 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 in open mode with electronic unit (G) pulled out of the top section (B).

[0087] FIG. 13 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 in open mode with front wall of top section (B) removed to show electronic unit (G) inside said top section (B)

[0088] FIG. 14 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 supporting the parked bicycle before closing stand gate (E).

[0089] FIG. 15 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 14 in closed mode and more specific how gate (E) in closed mode blocks crankarm-slot (C)

[0090] FIG. 16 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 15 in closed and locked mode and more specific how stand (1) encloses the crankarm (V) preventing it can be dismounted.

[0091] FIG. 17 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 16 in closed and locked mode and more specific how stand (1) prevent pedal (X) can be accessed and dismounted.

[0092] FIG. 18 illustrates 7 pcs. of present invention arranged on a concrete beam to form a parking lot.

[0093] FIG. 19 illustrates present innovation arranged in a carousel parking lot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0094] FIG. 4 through FIG. 19 illustrates present invention. FIG. 4 through FIG. 10 presents one embodiment and FIG. 11 through FIG. 17 presents another embodiment. FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 illustrates present innovation utilized in parking lot solutions.

[0095] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of present invention in open mode ready for a bicycle to be parked. Open mode achieved by gate (E) and comprised striker-plate (F) turned through hinges (D) to a position where gate (E) is parallel to side wall (20) of said bottom section (A). Figure shows vertical side walls (10) and (20) and back wall (30) of bottom section (A) which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground or pavement. Figure also shows fender (L) fixed to the top front corner of side wall (10) and fender (K) also fixed to said side wall (10) but below fender (L).

[0096] Figure further shows top section (B) and comprised fender (M) fixed to the flexible section (40) of said top section (B). Flexibility of section (40) and fenders (M) and (L) forms a crankarm-slot (C) for the crankarm (V) to be inserted into. Protrusions (60) on said fenders (L) and (K) forms an end stop for how long crankarm (V) can be inserted. Finally, figure illustrates wire guard (O) protecting the supply cable and guard-plate (N), fixed to and extending over cutout (50) in said top section (B) to protect electronic lock (H) against rain and snow entering through said cutout (50).

[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 in open mode with the electronic unit (G) and window (J) pulled out of top section (B). Electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H), a printed circuitry board (I) and LED(s) (Q) situated underneath a window (J) which protects said electronic unit (G) against vandalism and the weather but allows the electronic device to communicate and operate stand (1) through the Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (BT) or alternative communication standard. Said printed circuitry board (I) contains all electronics for connecting the stand to the internet and to operate the stand including the Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (BT) modules communicating with user's electronic device. To operate Stand (1) user must place his or her electronic device above said window (J). Distance which the electronic device can be held above the window (J) depends on the antenna performance of the electronic device. Said LED(s) (Q) indicates through different colors if Stand (1) is locked or open.

[0098] Figure further illustrates how electronic lock (H) is fixed in the center area of the electronic unit (G) with the latch slot (P) facing towards the front of the top section so when electronic unit (G) is lowered into the top section (B) said latch (P) is aligned with cutout (50) of top section (B) for striker-plate (F) to come through said opening (50) of front wall (70) and engage with said latch (P) of electronic lock (H). Vertical position of electronic lock (H) is a compromise between strike-plate (F) sitting in a protected position behind gate (E) not immediately accessible with an angle grinder and sitting as close to guard-plate (N) so it offers protection against rain and snow hitting the electronic lock (H) through cutout (50). Horizontal position of electronic lock is so that cutout (50) in top section (B) for striker-plate (F) only extends on the frontside of said top section (B) whereby cutout (50) is fully covered by gate (E) in closed position.

[0099] Power for stand (1) is provided externally through a wire. To minimize the need for external power a solar power system can be integrated in the stand (1). A wire-guard (O) welded in the inside corner of wall (20) and (30) of bottom section (A) provides a protected channel from the ground to the electronic unit (G) fixed inside top section (B) for external wires led to the stand (1)

[0100] To further strengthen theft protection electronic unit (G) and printed circuitry board (I) can comprise a microphone, a speaker and SW to detect noise from vandalism to the stand (1) and set off an acoustic alarm and send an alarm to facility management if stand (1) is connected to the internet.

[0101] FIG. 6 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in open mode with front wall of top section (B) and guard-plate (N) removed to show electronic unit (G) inside said top section (B). Figure shows how lever (R) attached to flexible section (40) of top section (B) will activate switch (S) when section (40) flexes. Figure further shows how printed circuitry board (I) is situated just below window (J).

[0102] FIG. 7 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6 with a parked bicycle before closing stand gate (E). Parking the bicycle requires left crankarm (V) to be around its lowest vertical position, which can easily and conveniently be done with cyclist's foot. Keeping a foot on the pedal (X) when pushing the crankarm (V) into the crankarm-slot (C), makes this an easy and convenient operation. Crankarm (V) is squeezed between fenders (L) and (M) through the flexibility of section (40) keeping the bicycle in an upright position 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 forward leaning surface to remain in the crankarm-slot (C).

[0103] Figure further shows the fender (K) sitting at the lowest end of the bicycle crankarm (V) on wall (10) of bottom section (A), whereby it ensures that the bicycle cannot tilt towards the stand (1) and get scratched.

[0104] FIG. 8 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 7 with stand gate (E) closed and locked whereby it blocks crankarm-slot (C) preventing that the bicycle can be pulled out of the stand.

[0105] FIG. 9 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 and it more specifically illustrates how top section (B), guard-plate (N) and gate (E) in closed mode encloses the top of the bicycle crankarm (V) and prevents access to the screws fixing it to the crank. On the upscaled figure only crankarm (V) is shown to illustrate how gate (E) encloses the far side of the crankarm (V). Figure further illustrates how crankarm-slot (C) comprised of fender (L), fender (M) and flexibility of wall section (40) clamps the bicycle crankarm (V) thereby keeping the bicycle upright without scratching or damaging the bicycle.

[0106] FIG. 10 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 4 through FIG. 9 and it has 3 views illustrating how stand (1) in locked mode encloses the bicycle crankarm (V) and pedal (X) thereby preventing that bicycle can be pulled out of stand or bicycle pedal (X) and crankarm (V) immediately accessed with e.g. a wrench or power tool. View a) is a front view illustrating how gate (E) blocks crankarm-slot (C). View b) is a back view illustrating that bicycle crankarm (V) and pedal (X) can't be accessed from this side. View c) is a sideview illustrating limited access to the bolt attaching pedal (X) to the crankarm and further how guard-plate (N) ensures that striker-plate (F) can't be directly accessed with an angle grinder in the vertical plane between top section (B) and gate (E).

[0107] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of present invention in open mode ready for a bicycle to be parked. Compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 through FIG. 10 this embodiment is characterized by 4 major differences. First major difference being that crankarm-slot (C) is angled 45 degrees relative to front wall (70). Second major difference is the fact that top section (B) is lower but instead wider compared to the embodiment illustrated through FIG. 4 to FIG. 10. These first 2 differences leaves in combination more height and width for the foot of the cyclist when he or she pushes the crankarm into crankarm-slot (C) with their foot on the pedal. Third major difference is that the flexible section (40) of crankarm-slot (C) is a separate part fixed to bottom section (A). Fourth and final major difference is that front wall (70) extends to the ground and is fixation for the hinges (D).

[0108] Open mode as illustrated is achieved by gate (E) and comprised striker-plate (F) turned through hinges (D) to a position where gate (E) doesn't block crankarm-slot (C). Figure shows vertical side walls (10) and back wall (30) of bottom section (A) which directly or through a base is affixed to the ground or pavement. Figure also shows fender (L) fixed to the top front corner of side wall (10) and fender (K) also fixed to said side wall (10) but below fender (L). Figure further shows top section (B) and comprised fender (M) fixed to the flexible section (40) which itself is fixed to bottom section (A). Flexibility of section (40) and fenders (M) and (L) forms a crankarm-slot (C) for the crankarm (V) to be inserted into. Protrusion (60) on flexible section (40) forms an end stop for how long crankarm (V) can be inserted. Figure further illustrates wire guard (O) which in combination with side wall (20) not visible on this figure, creates an enclosure protecting the supply cable. Finally, figure illustrates guard-plate (N), fixed to and extending over cutout (50) in said top section (B) to protect electronic lock (H) against rain and snow entering through said cutout (50).

[0109] FIG. 12 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 in open mode with the electronic unit (G) with comprised window (J) pulled out of top section (B).

[0110] Electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H), a printed circuitry board (I) situated underneath said window (J) which protects said electronic unit (G) against vandalism and the weather but allows the electronic device to communicate and operate stand (1) through the Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (BT) or alternative communication standard. Said printed circuitry board (I) contains all electronics for connecting the stand to the internet and to operate the stand including the Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (BT) modules communicating with user's electronic device. To operate Stand (1) user must place his or her electronic device above said window (J). Distance which the electronic device can be held above the window (J) depends on the antenna performance of the electronic device.

[0111] To further strengthen theft protection electronic unit (G) and printed circuitry board (I) can comprise a microphone, a speaker and SW to detect noise from vandalism to the stand (1) and set off an acoustic alarm and send an alarm to facility management if stand (1) is connected to the internet.

[0112] Figure further illustrates how electronic lock (H) with comprised latch (P) is fixed to the electronic unit (G) with the latch (P) accessible through cutout (90) in the frontside of the electronic unit (G). Electronic lock (H) aligned so that striker-plate (F) of gate (E) engage with said latch (P) of electronic lock (H) when said electronic unit (G) is lowered into position in top section (B) and gate (E) is closed.

[0113] FIG. 13 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 in open mode with front wall of top section (B) and electronic unit (G) removed to show said electronic unit (G) positioned inside said top section (B). Figure shows how lever (R) attached to flexible section (40) of top section (B) will activate switch (S) when section (40) flexes. Figure further shows how printed circuitry board (I) is situated just below window (J).

[0114] FIG. 14 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 13 with a parked bicycle before closing stand gate (E). Parking the bicycle requires left crankarm (V) to be around its lowest vertical position, which can easily and conveniently be done with cyclist's foot. Keeping a foot on the pedal (X) when pushing the crankarm (V) into the crankarm-slot (C), makes this an easy and convenient operation. Crankarm (V) is squeezed between fenders (L) and (M) through the flexibility of section (40) keeping the bicycle in an upright position 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 forward leaning surface to remain in the crankarm-slot (C).

[0115] Figure further shows the fender (K) sitting at the lowest end of the bicycle crankarm (V) on wall (10) of bottom section (A), whereby it ensures that the bicycle cannot tilt towards the stand (1) and get scratched.

[0116] FIG. 15 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 14 with stand gate (E) closed and locked whereby it blocks crankarm-slot (C) preventing that the bicycle can be pulled out of the stand.

[0117] FIG. 16 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 15 and it more specifically illustrates how flexible section (40) with comprised protrusion (60) and gate (E) in closed mode encloses the top of the bicycle crankarm (V) and prevents access to the screws fixing it to the crank. On the upscaled figure only crankarm (V) is shown to illustrate how gate (E) encloses the far side of the crankarm (V). Figure further illustrates how crankarm-slot (C) comprised of fender (L), fender (M) and flexibility of wall section (40) clamps the bicycle crankarm (V) thereby keeping the bicycle upright without scratching or damaging the bicycle.

[0118] FIG. 17 illustrates same embodiment as in FIG. 11 through FIG. 16 and it has 3 views illustrating how stand (1) in locked mode encloses the bicycle crankarm (V) and pedal (X) thereby preventing that bicycle can be pulled out of stand or bicycle pedal (X) and crankarm (V) immediately accessed with e.g. a wrench or power tool. View a) is a front view illustrating how gate (E) blocks crankarm-slot (C). View b) is a back view illustrating that bicycle crankarm (V) and pedal (X) can't be accessed from this side. View c) is a sideview illustrating no access to the bolt attaching pedal (X) to crankarm (V).

[0119] FIG. 18 illustrates 7 pcs. of present invention arranged on a concrete beam to form a parking lot. Figure further illustrates a pole (T) with a comprised electronic box (U) comprising a window and printed circuitry board and intertied antenna for user to register his or her electronic device at the pole and not at the individual stand. By having one remote pole (T) at which all stands must be operated, electronics and thereby cost of the overall parking station can be cut compared to having printed circuitry boards with intertied antennas for communicating with user electronic device in each stand.

[0120] FIG. 19 illustrates present invention arranged in a circular parking lot. Stands are in this embodiment arranged in a lower and upper circle separated by a fixed deck (100) with a cutout (110). Stands in the lower circle are fixed to the ground whereas stands in the upper circle can rotate unlimited around the center pole (Y) as a carousel. The 2 stand positions in the lower circle below said cutout (110) in deck (100) is left empty, and the resulting open area is instead used for the stands from the upper carousel that is lowered and lifted by a lift system in the center pole (Y). In order to lift and lower the bicycles each stand does in this embodiment contain a wheel track (Z) extending the full length of the bike.

[0121] Users must register at the electronic box (U) fixed on the pole (T). Said electronic box (U) comprising a window and a printed circuitry board with an intertied antenna for communication with user electronic device.

[0122] A user who wishes to park their bicycle in the upper circle must as the first action register their electronic device at the electronic box (U). If there is an available stand on the upper circle the upper circle will rotate the available stand to the position above the open space in the lower circle and lower the stand to the ground. User then inserts the bicycle and upon closing the gate stand with inserted bicycle is lifted back to the upper circle.

[0123] A user who must collect a bicycle from a stand in the upper circle must register their electronic device at the electronic box (U) and this initiates a 3-step process. First step is that the upper circle rotates to bring the required stand with inserted cycle in the position above said cutout (110) of deck (100) and the open space in the lower circle. Second step is that stand with bicycle is lowered to the ground. Third and final action is that the gate of the stand opens whereby user can remove the bicycle from the stand.

[0124] Stands in the lower circle can either be prepared for user registration at the individual stand or at the electronic box (U) on pole (T) as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18.