A MODULAR CYCLE STORAGE APPARATUS

Abstract

A modular cycle storage apparatus including at least one at least partially arcuate fixed trunk assembly extending upwardly from the mounting surface, at least one arcuate movable arm assembly mounted relative to the at least one fixed trunk assembly and movable relative thereto between an extended, lower position and a retracted, elevated position, and at least one lower arm assembly mounted relative to a lower portion of the at least one fixed trunk assembly and beneath the at least one arcuate movable arm assembly, each of the at least one arcuate movable arm assembly and the at least one lower arm assembly adapted to mount a cycle for at least temporary storage.

Claims

1. A modular cycle storage apparatus including at least one at least partially arcuate fixed trunk assembly extending upwardly from the mounting surface, at least one arcuate movable arm assembly mounted relative to the at least one fixed trunk assembly and movable relative thereto between an extended, lower position and a retracted, elevated position, and at least one lower arm assembly mounted relative to a lower portion of the at least one fixed trunk assembly and beneath the at least one arcuate movable arm assembly, each of the at least one arcuate movable arm assembly and the at least one lower arm assembly adapted to mount a cycle for at least temporary storage.

2. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fixed trunk assembly has a pair of spaced apart sidewalls having a substantially upright portion in order to space the arcuate portion from the mounting surface.

3. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the fixed trunk assembly has a pair of transversely extending infill sections located between the pair of spaced sidewalls to space the sidewalls apart and to define a substantially rectangular volume within the fixed trunk assembly in order to receive the movement of at least a portion of the movable arm assembly.

4. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein an outer or free end of the trunk assembly has a least one roller provided to allow weight of the movable arm assembly to be spread more evenly to reduce load.

5. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein one or more stop mechanisms are preferably provided in relation to the trunk assembly in order that the preferred bearings provided on the movable arm assembly abut one or more of the stop mechanisms in order to stop movement of the movable arm assembly at one or more design positions.

6. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the arc of the movable arm assembly corresponds to that of the arcuate portion of the fixed trunk assembly.

7. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the movable arm assembly is formed about an arcuate spine assembly which is box or rectangular shaped.

8. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein one or more bearing carriages are fixed to the spine assembly to engage with the trunk assembly to limit any lateral movement of the spine assembly.

9. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein a pair of arcuate sidewalls are provided relative to the arcuate spine assembly standing proud of the spine assembly above the level of the spine assembly, on both sides of the spine assembly in order to define a channel which operates as a wheel guide or track.

10. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the movable arm assembly has an annodated or sigmoid shape

11. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a portion of the movable arm assembly located furthest away from the trunk assembly is upwardly extending to form an outer wheel catcher.

12. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 11 further including an inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly pivotally mounted to the movable arm assembly closest to the trunk assembly about a lower pivot point, the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly is biased towards the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly wherein the bias of the inner wheel catcher forces a cycle, once loaded, into the outer wheel catcher thereby clamping the cycle between the respective wheel catchers to hold the cycle.

13. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner wheel catcher is formed from a pair of spaced apart members, upstanding from the spine assembly.

14. A modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including a pivoting arm provided relative to the movable arm assembly movable relative thereto between a storage condition and a use condition, the pivoting arm having at least one opening therethrough allowing a lock to be attached through the opening and about a portion of the cycle.

15. A modular cycle storage system including a plurality of modular cycle storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1 with some of the modular cycle storage apparatus being provided with a fixed trunk assembly of a first type and some of the apparatus provided with a fixed trunk assembly of a second type which is taller than the first type resulting in the arcuate fixed trunk portions of the respective trunk assemblies being at different heights.

16. A modular cycle storage system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the fixed trunk assemblies of the first type alternate with fixed trunk assemblies of the second type in order to compact the system.

17. A modular cycle storage system as claimed in claim 15 wherein the fixed trunk assembly is available in two heights and particularly, the height of the end of the arcuate portion will normally be available in two different heights from the mounting surface adjusted by providing a substantially upright portion below the arcuate portion of the fixed arm assembly and the height of the upright portion altered to alter the height of the arcuate portion from the mounting surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0050] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a modular cycle storage system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a modular cycle storage apparatus according to a first preferred configuration.

[0052] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a modular cycle storage apparatus according to a second preferred configuration.

[0053] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 with the upper storage assembly in the loading and unloading position.

[0054] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 with the upper storage assembly in the loading and unloading position.

[0055] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a fixed arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the fixed arm assembly illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the portion identified as Detail A in FIG. 7.

[0058] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a movable arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the movable arm assembly illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0060] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the portion identified as Detail B in FIG. 9.

[0061] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a lower arm assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the lower arm assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0063] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the movable arm.

[0064] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of an alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0065] FIG. 16 an end elevation view of the alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0066] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the portion of the alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 identified as Detail C.

[0067] FIG. 18 is a detailed view of the portion of the alternative preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 identified as Detail D.

[0068] FIG. 19 is a detailed view of the end portion of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0069] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a fixed arm assembly according to an alternative preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0070] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a modular cycle storage apparatus is provided.

[0071] The modular cycle storage apparatus of the preferred embodiments include an at least partially arcuate fixed trunk assembly 10 extending upwardly from a mounting surface, an arcuate movable arm assembly 11 mounted relative to the fixed trunk assembly 10 and movable relative thereto between an extended, lower position as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 and a retracted, elevated position as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. A lower arm assembly 12 is also provided mounted relative to a lower portion of the fixed trunk assembly 10 and beneath the movable arm assembly 11, each of the movable arm assembly 11 and the lower arm assembly 12 adapted to mount a bicycle 70 for at least temporary storage as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0072] The modular cycle storage apparatus of the present invention is particularly directed towards a two tier bicycle storage rack as illustrated in FIG. 1. Normally, a number of apparatus are provided in an area allowing multiple bicycles 70 to be stored in a small area.

[0073] Typically, more than one modular cycle storage apparatus will be used together as illustrated in FIG. 1. Typically, each is mounted relative to a surface adjacent to one or more other apparatus. Normally, adjacent apparatus are spaced apart. It is particularly preferred that where multiple apparatus are used together, the apparatus be provided at different heights. In particular, it is preferred that the storage apparatus of the present invention be available with the fixed trunk 10 being of different heights. Preferably, even though different height fixed trunks 10 may be provided, the preferred radius of the arcuate portion will be the same.

[0074] According to a particular the preferred embodiment, the fixed trunk may be available in two heights and particularly, the height of the end of the arcuate portion will normally be available in two heights from the mounting surface. The two different heights are illustrated in FIG. 2 (short trunk) and FIG. 3 (tall trunk). The height of the arcuate portion is preferably adjusted by providing a substantially upright portion below the arcuate portion and the height of this upright portion can be adjusted to adjust the height of the arcuate portion from the mounting surface. The provision of different height fixed trunks will preferably allow a number of apparatus to be used in a group with the different height fixed trunks being alternated in order to offset the height of the movable arm of one apparatus to that of the movable arm of an adjacent apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 1. This has a further result that the lateral separation between adjacent apparatus of the present invention can be reduced as the handlebars and pedals of the bicycles 70 in adjacent storage apparatus are not at the same height.

[0075] It can also be seen that the distance between the end of the movable arm assembly 11 of the short trunk configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, is basically the same as that for the tall trunk version illustrated in FIG. 5 due to the stop 13 on the trunk 10 being moved to increase the travel of the movable arm assembly in the tall trunk version.

[0076] The fixed trunk assembly 10 of the preferred embodiment is normally fixed, typically permanently, to a mounting surface. Normally, the mounting surface will normally be a concrete slab or similar with a substantially flat or planar upper surface. The fixed trunk assembly 10 is normally fixed to the mounting surface at a lower end, normally through the provision of one or more laterally extending flanges 14 through which an appropriate fixture such as an expanding bolt can be provided.

[0077] A preferred fixed trunk assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 in detail. These Figures show a short trunk but a tall trunk has basically the same set of features with an increased height and a larger footprint (illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5) to provide a stable mounting.

[0078] The illustrated fixed trunk 10 is formed having a pair of sidewalls 15. Each side wall 15 is substantially planar and substantially parallel to one another. The sidewalls 15 are at least partially arcuate shaped.

[0079] The fixed trunk assembly 10 also has a pair of transversely extending infill sections 16 located between the pair of sidewalls 15 to space the sidewalls 15 apart. Both infill sections 16 are substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from above although they are arcuate when viewed from the side. Typically, the infill sections are attached to the sidewalls, normally by welding or similar.

[0080] Where provided in the preferred configuration, the infill sections 16 and the pair of sidewalls 15 combine to define a substantially rectangular volume within the fixed trunk assembly 10 in order to receive and guide the movement of at least a portion of the movable arm assembly 11.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 7 in particular, the lower infill section is substantially continuous. Normally, the lower infill section is substantially the same length as the sidewalls provided in the trunk assembly although a cover member 17 is provided at a lower front side of the trunk 10. A rear cover member 27 is also provided.

[0082] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper infill section has a solid lower or rearward portion and is divided toward the forward end of the upper infill section 16. A longitudinally extending slot opening 18 is provided from the outer or forward end of the upper infill section 16 extending rearwardly, partially along the length of the upper infill section 16. This forms a pair of strip portions 19 on either side of the slot opening 18. The strip portions 19 are attached to the sidewalls 15 of the trunk assembly 10 and provide an abutment surface for rollers provided on the movable arm assembly 11 whilst the slot opening 18 allows the wheel clamping portions, particularly the upper wheel clamping portion to be received therein. This configuration is explained further below.

[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer or free end of the trunk assembly 10 has a roller guide assembly 20 (FIG. 8) provided on a lower side of the outer end. The provision of the roller guide assembly allows the weight of the movable arm assembly 11 to be spread more evenly so as to reduce the amount of force a user must apply to move the movable arm assembly 11. As illustrated, the roller guide assembly includes a pair of rollers 21. Each of the pair of rollers 21 is stepped having a taller outer portion and a lower inner portion in order to receive an underside of the spine of the movable arm assembly 11 in the inner portion and the taller outer portion abuts the sides of the spine of the movable arm in order to guide extension and retraction, and limit lateral movement of the movable arm assembly 11. It is preferred that the rollers are provided of low friction material and a material such as nylon or similar is preferred for strength and also friction advantages. The rollers 21 are mounted on a central carrier 22 and a bearing 23 is provided for each roller 21 to allow rotation of the rollers 21. The roller assembly is mounted using a bolt 24 with nuts 25 on either end. A spacer 26 is provided on either end to maintain the rollers 21 centrally.

[0084] As mentioned above, stop mechanisms 13 are provided in relation to the trunk assembly 10 in order that the preferred bearings provided on the movable arm assembly 11 abut the stop mechanisms 13 in order to stop movement of the movable arm assembly 11 at one or more positions. Typically, a stop mechanism is provided to stop movement of the movable arm 11 in a retracted position. This stop mechanism can simply be the end of the slot opening 18 abutting a portion of the moveable arm assembly 11. The stop mechanism 13 provided to stop movement of the movable arm 11 in the extended position is preferably movable in order to allow an operator to assemble the apparatus and position to stop mechanisms 13 as required, particularly depending upon whether the trunk assembly is a “short” trunk (FIG. 4) or a “tall” trunk (FIG. 5).

[0085] The configuration of the movable arm assembly 11 is preferably the same for both possible configurations of the fixed trunk assembly 10. In this way, a single movable arm assembly 11 can be manufactured and be fitted to either a “short” trunk (FIG. 4) or a “tall” trunk (FIG. 5).

[0086] It is particularly preferred that the movable arm assembly 11 be arcuate in that the arc of the movable arm assembly 11 correspond to that of the arcuate portion of the fixed trunk assembly 10.

[0087] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, the movable arm assembly 11 is preferably formed about an arcuate spine member 28 which is substantially unitary. It is particularly preferred that the arcuate spine member 28 is dimensioned in order to be received within the substantially rectangular box volume provided within the trunk assembly 10. The arcuate spine member is the main load-bearing member of the movable arm assembly 11. As illustrated, the spine member 28 is box or rectangular shaped.

[0088] A pair of bearing carriages 29 are fixed to the spine member 28 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, with a bearing carriage 29 provided at a lower end of the arcuate spine member 28 and a second bearing carriage 29 provided spaced from the first bearing carriage 29, typically approximately 500 mm from the first bearing carriage 29.

[0089] As illustrated in detail in FIG. 11, each bearing carriage 29 has a pair of bearings 30 on each lateral side of the bearing carriage 29. Typically, one bearing 30 is located above an upper side of the spine member 28 and one bearing 29 is located below the lower side of the spine member 28. The bearings 30 are provided in pairs, one bearing 30 of each pair on either lateral side of each bearing set. Normally, the bearings 30 will abut the upper and lower infill sections 16 provided on the trunk assembly 10, in order to guide the movement of the movable arm assembly 11 relative thereto.

[0090] The bearings 30 are mounted directly to the spine member 28, using a pair of brackets 31, a carrier 33 to mount the bearings 30, a spacer 32 between the bracket 31 and the bearing 30 and an elongate fastener 34 with nuts 35 to clamp the bearing sets to the spine member 28.

[0091] A pair of arcuate sidewalls 36 are provided relative to the arcuate spine member 28. Each of the arcuate sidewalls 36 is fixed to the spine member 28. The arcuate sidewalls 36 stand proud of the spine member 28 above the level of the spine member 28, on both sides of the spine member 28 in order to define a channel 37 which operates as a wheel guide or track.

[0092] The sidewalls 36 also preferably form an outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38 and provide mounting points for mounting the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 relative to the spine member 28.

[0093] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the arcuate sidewalls has an annodated or sigmoid shape (shaped like an upper case S). Preferably, the portion of each arcuate sidewall 36 located furthest away from the trunk assembly is preferably upwardly extending. This portion preferably forms the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38.

[0094] A handle 40 is typically attached to the movable arm at an outer end thereof. As illustrated, the handle 40 is substantially U-shaped. The handle 40 also mounts a guide roller 41 in order to receive a wheel of a bicycle 70 thereon and guide the wheel into the channel 37 defined between the arcuate sidewalls 36. The guide roller 41 will normally also assist with maintaining the arcuate sidewalls 36 in a spaced apart configuration, as well as being an abutment member to abut the cycle wheel when in the stored condition.

[0095] The handle 40 is arcuate, but oriented such that the arc of the handle is in an opposite direction to the arc of the sidewalls 36. The bolts or fasteners 42 used to attach the handle 40 to the movable arm 11 also preferably mount the guide roller 41 and appropriate spacers to maintain the arcuate sidewalls 36 spaced apart. Together, the ends of the arcuate sidewalls 36, the guide roller 41 and the spacers will define an outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38 which is fixed in position and orientation.

[0096] The inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 is provided at or towards an opposite end of the movable arm assembly 11 to the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38. The inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 is mounted relative to the movable arm 11 in order to allow cycles of different lengths or dimensions to be accommodated between the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 30 and the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38. Typically, the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 will pivot away from the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38 about a lower pivot point 43.

[0097] The inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 of the illustrated embodiment is biased towards the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38 using a pair of gas struts 44, one located on either lateral side of the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39. The provision of the preferred gas struts 44, and the biased nature of the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 will preferably force the bicycle 70, once loaded, into the outer wheel catcher or clamp assembly 38 thereby clamping the bicycle 70 between the respective wheel catchers or clamp assemblies to hold the cycle.

[0098] As illustrated, the inner wheel catcher or clamp assembly 39 is formed from a pair of spaced apart members 45, upstanding from the spine member 28. The spaced apart members 45 are attached to the spine member 28, preferably between the arcuate sidewalls 36 and the spine member 28 about the pivot 43.

[0099] An upper end of the pair of spaced apart members 45 is provided with a roller stop or guide 46. Normally the roller stop or guide 46 is U-shaped in cross-section. The roller stop or guide 46 is mounted such that for most bicycles which are placed in the storage apparatus of the present invention, the roller stop or guide 46 is located above the midline of the wheel of the bike thereby preventing the bike from leaving the channel 37 in the spine member 28 unless forced to. Preferably, the roller stop or guide 46 is formed from a robust material and as with the other bearings and guides provided, a nylon material is preferred.

[0100] A pivoting arm 47, used mainly for locking the bicycle 70 relative to the storage apparatus is provided relative to the movable arm assembly 11. Normally, a lower end of the pivoting arm 47 is attached directly to one of the sidewalls 36 and/or the spine member 28 and is movable relative thereto between a storage condition and a use condition. Preferably, the pivoting arm 47 will have an opening therethrough allowing a cycle lock to be attached through the opening and about a portion of the cycle. Preferably, the pivoting arm 47 is deployed and positioned as required and then the cycle lock is placed through the opening. In the storage condition, the pivoting arm 47 is normally lowered against the spine member 28.

[0101] The configuration of the lower arm assembly 12 is substantially the same for each of the trunk configurations, whether “short” or “tall”.

[0102] The lower arm assembly 12 illustrated includes a main rail 48 with a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the main rail 48 defines a channel 49 which receives and guides the wheel during loading and unloading.

[0103] A pair of upright portions 50 are attached to the main rail 48, one to either side of one end of the main rail 48 and upstanding therefrom. The upright portions 50 of the lower arm assembly 12 are typically fixed to the upstanding sidewalls of the U channel of the main rail 48 and to the trunk assembly 11. The upright portions 50 are spaced apart in order to receive a wheel of the cycle therebetween. A roller stop or guide 51 is provided at an upper end of the upright portions 50 and between them.

[0104] A ramp member 52 is located in the channel 49 of the main rail 48 and the wheel of the cycle is forced over the ramp member 52 during loading and unloading. The ramp member 52 has a pair of portions which are angled toward one another to form a peak. This will allow the ramp 52 to operate in both directions to allow the wheel to pass if forced but to prevent accidental dislodgement. Typically, the ramp 52 member is spaced from the upright portions 50. As with the movable arm assembly 11, the lower arm assembly 12 is preferably provided with a pivoting arm 47 to be used as a locking member.

[0105] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the main rail of the lower arm assembly 12 can be located spaced from the mounting surface and substantially parallel thereto when the lower arm assembly 12 is provided for the “tall” trunk assembly. In this case, an entry ramp 53 is normally provided at an outer end of the main rail 48. The entry ramp 53 illustrated has a pair of side members and one or more cross members linking the side members in order to provide a ladder like configuration to the entry ramp 53. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the entry ramp 53 is normally angled outwardly from the end of the main rail 48 and functions to support the outer end of the main rail 48 above the ground surface.

[0106] As mentioned above, the movable arm assembly 11 preferably has the same radius has the fixed trunk assembly 10. The outer end of the movable arm assembly 12 can be drawn outwardly, and due to the radius and using the handle 40, will also swing downwardly until an outer end is adjacent to the ground allowing the cycle to be loaded and unloaded. The provision of the bearing carriages 29 on the arcuate spine member 28 of the movable arm assembly 12 allows a user to move the movable arm assembly 12 more easily and smoothly than prior art devices. This reduces the force required in order to move the movable arm assembly 12 between the extended and retracted conditions and also reduces the amount of force that must be applied to lift the movable arm assembly 12 into the elevated storage condition.

[0107] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 20. Whilst many of the components illustrated in this alternative embodiment of the same as the component illustrated in the previous embodiments, the alternative embodiment is more advanced and in particular, includes a ramp assembly in the movable arm illustrated in FIG. 15 in particular. The ramp assembly includes three ramp portions 54, 55, 56.

[0108] The other main difference is the slight alteration in the configuration of the handle as illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 in particular. In the alternative embodiment, the handle includes a pair of laterally extending handles mounted coaxially with the roller of 41 rather than the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0109] It is also to be noted from FIG. 20 that the fixed arm assembly is assembled in a particular manner. In particular, the side panels are removably located relative to the core of the fixed arm assembly using a plurality of clips or bayonet fittings.

[0110] A wheel receiving guide 57 is also provided which in this configuration acts as the at least one lower arm assembly.

[0111] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0112] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.