BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bicycle storage unit, which is adapted to be coupled with other units to provide a building structure having multiple bicycle storage enclosures.

In cities bicycles are increasingly becoming a popular mode of transport both for recreation and for commuting purposes. Associated with the increased use of bicycles there is an increased demand for the protection of bicycles both from theft/ and from the elements, when not in use, for example at the user's destination. Traditionally bicycles were merely locked to a bicycle stand, signpost, fencepost, tree, or the like. Whilst this level of protection was usually suitable to prevent theft of the bicycle itself, however, it does not provide any protection from the elements, from malicious damage, or for any items left attached to the bicycle. This led to the proposal for individual bicycle storage enclosures for rental or lease in urban areas in general, and at commuter bus and rail stations in particular. The provision of adequate storage enclosures to meet the demands of cyclists, and also of urban planners responsible for the placement of these storage structures, has required the resolution of such problems as the provision of strong secure storage enclosures which not only protect the bicycles from the effects of weather, but also from theft and vandalism. Furthermore, they must maximize their use of available land area by minimizing the storage space required for each bicycle.

Galen, in US 3,734,272, discloses a protective enclosure for a bicycle, which consists of a container having a door at one end. The bottom wall of the container includes a channel for guiding the wheels of the bicycle as it is rolled into and out of the container. The sidewall of the container includes

a retaining device to prevent vertical movement of the bicycle by engaging one of the frame members of the bicycle. This enclosure, however, is primarily directed to use as a shipping container or storage device rather than a weather resistant and vandal proof structure to be used in an urban area.

Hartger et al, in US 3,949,528, disclose a modular storage device for bicycles constructed from moulded plastics. Each module of the enclosure is individually accessible from the front of the enclosure having a lifting door. The bicycles are wheeled in and out of the enclosure. The enclosure of this invention may provide protection of bicycles from the elements and also vandalism, however, it does not maximize available land usage for the storage of multiple bicycles. It is also difficult to place bicycles into the device, as the handlebars may turn and jam the front wheel against the wall, especially so when an adjacent unit is in use at the same time.

Huey, in US 3,996,704, discloses a storage enclosure divide by partitions dividing into compartments. Each compartment has a series of spaced parallel rails to accommodate the wheels of the bicycle which is then either locked to the rail or to the wall of the enclosure. This structure does not provide for optimum use storage space since the bicycles must be placed next to one another with sufficient room to move them in and out of the enclosure.

Hartger et al, in US 4,016,686, disclose a bicycle storage device for bicycles comprising a plurality of units which may be joined together. Each unit provides a pair of generally wedge shaped spaces separated by a diagonal dividing panel; each wedge shaped space is accessed by a hinged door provided on opposing faces of the unit. Whilst this arrangement maximizes storage space, wheeling and manipulating the bicycle backwards into and out of each wedge shaped compartment is

difficult. It is difficult to place a bicycle into a unit when an adjacent unit is in use at the same time.

In all of these prior art bicycle storage enclosures the bicycle is stored standing on its wheels. Manipulating a bicycle in such a confined space is difficult, especially when adjacent storage lockers are in use. When a bicycle is used for commuting purposes, it may be necessary for the bicyclist to change to attire appropriate for the work place. Therefore, it would be advantageous for the bicycle storage locker to provide a small change area for the bicyclist which in addition to allowing space to change would provide a secure storage space for other equipment such as shoes, clothing, and bicycle accessories.

The present invention seeks to provide a storage structure which uses a minimum of space, is formed from a series of standardized parts which make it inexpensive to manufacture and yet easy to assemble, and can be sufficiently strongly constructed to be resistant to both vandalism and the elements. By locating the bicycle in a vertical position storage space is optimized and at the same time provides space within the enclosure for a modest change area and a storage area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As a broad concept, this invention provides a storage unit in which a bicycle is stored essentially vertically, which can provide adequate security for the bicycle, and which can provide at least some space for changing attire, and for storing clothes, accessories, and the like. The major parts of the storage unit are a support surface which also provides a door, a front wall which includes a suitable door, a side wall attached at a right angle to one end of the front wall, a third angled wall joining together the other ends of the front and side wall, and a top surface. In plan, therefore.

each unit is substantially wedge shaped, and when two units are placed together the two wedge shapes form a substantially rectangular structure. The same structure is obtained by fabricating the two units as one integral structure, in which case a common support structure and top surface will be used spanning the four exterior walls, and one internal angled wall provides two wedge shaped storage units. Each wedge shaped unit is also provided with means to support a bicycle in an essentially vertical position, in the angle at the apex of the wedge shape.

Accordingly, in a first embodiment this invention provides a substantially wedge shaped storage unit for bicycles, adapted to be mated with a similar shaped unit, comprising: (i) a support surface;

(ii) a substantially vertical front wall having a top edge, lateral side edges, and a bottom edge attached to the support surface';

(iii) a substantially vertical side wall attached to the support surface having a top edge, lateral side edges, one of which is attached to one lateral edge of the front wall, and a bottom edge attached to the support surface; (iv) an angled substantially vertical wall having a top edge, lateral side edges, one of which is attached to the side wall and the other to the front wall, and a bottom edge attached to the support surface; (v) a top surface attached to the top edges of the walls; and

(vi) a mounting means in the angle subtended by the side wall and the angled wall constructed and arranged to support a bicycle in a vertical position; wherein :

(a) the front wall includes an opening provided with door means;

(b) the front wall and the side wall are attached together substantially at a right angle.

Preferably, each wedge shaped unit includes a seat means attached to either the side wall or to the angled wall. More preferably, the seat is attached to the angled wall.

Preferably each wedge shaped compartment is constructed and arranged to provide sufficient space to store a bicycle, to provide a small change area, and to provide some storage space.

Preferably, the mounting means to support the bicycle is chosen from the group consisting of a hook provided in the top surface, and a flexible restraint attached to anchors located in the angled wall and in the side wall.

Preferably, the support surface is of substantially the same shape and dimensions as the wedge shaped unit.

In a second embodiment, this invention provides a storage structure for bicycles which includes at least one pair of storage units comprising:

(i) a support surface;

(ii) four substantially vertical walls attached to the support surface comprising a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls joining the front and rear walls together to provide a substantially rectangular space;

(iii) a top surface attached to and supported by the four walls;

(iv) an internal angled substantially vertical wall attached to the support surface and to the top surface dividing the internal space within the four walls into a two substantially wedge shaped units; and

(v) a mounting means in the angle subtended by the side wall and the angled wall constructed and arranged to support a bicycle in a vertical position; wherein the front and rear walls include openings each provided with door means.

In the wedge shaped storage units of this invention the angled wall determines the shape of the wedge shaped internal space, for both single units, and units constructed in pairs. There are several different forms of angled wall that can be used, each of provides wedge with a different plan shape. These are easiest discussed in the context of a single unit; the same shapes can also be used in units made as a pair.

The simplest choice is a substantially straight wall, joining the edges of the front wall and the far end of the side wall. The wedge is then triangular in plan.

However, in practice although a simple triangular wedge is the easiest to fabricate, it results in some "dead" or unusable space in the angle of the wedge, between the bicycle and the wedge apex. This space can be utilised by using an angled wall having a short length of wall perpendicular to the side walls a little beyond the point the bicycle will reach in the wedge angle. The angled wall then comprises three parts with a "z" shape plan, and a fourth short straight wall joining the end of the "z" to the front wall. The wedge in plan then has six faces, four of which are defined by the angled wall.

Alternatively, the dead space can be avoided by truncating the end of the wedge by providing a short wall substantially parallel to the front wall. The wedge is then trapezoidal in plan, with right angles at two corners.

Preferably each unit, or pair of units, is fabricated as a single structure, for example by using fibre reinforced plastic techniques.

Preferably, when a plurality of storage structures are combined into one assembly, a substructure or plinth to support the units, and a common roof to protect the units, are both provided. Conveniently, such an overall roof can also include

a projection, providing some protection from the weather over the doors to the storage compartments. If desired, the roof can be supported by a frame, which also serves to hold the storage compartments together into one structure.

When stored in the unit the bicycle is positioned substantially vertically, and retained by a mounting means. There are several choices for the mounting means. The simplest is to use a hook dependant from the top surface. Preferably the height of the hook should be adjustable, to suit different sizes of bicycles. Suitable reinforcement of the top surface is also required to support the weight of the bicycle. Some people might find lifting the bicycle, and engaging the front wheel rim onto a hook a difficult task. As an alternative to the hook, a flexible constraint attached to the side walls of the angle of the wedge can be used. A simple suitable form of constraint is a bungee cord, or cords, between anchors provided in the walls in the angle of the wedge. A second suitable form of constraint is a single or two part strap means, again attached to anchors in the two walls.

The top surface serves to close the storage space within the unit. Any suitable construction can be used for it, such as a continuous surface, a ventilated surface, or a metal wire mesh, in whole or in part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of storage structure including six units;

Fig. 2 is a front view of the storage structure of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional plan view of the storage structure of the storage structure taken along line X-X of Figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view of alternative unit wedge shapes;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the various components of the storage structure similar to that of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.

Referring first to Figs 1 and 5 a structure 10 is shown which includes six storage units 12, which are secured together to form the structure 10. Each storage structure 12 has a front sidewall 14 including a door 16, a plain sidewall 18, and an internal angled wall 20. These walls are carried by the support surface 22, and support the top surface 24. When the door 16 is closed, an essentially sealed compartment is obtained.

As can be seen in Fig. 5, each unit 12 is generally wedge shaped. If the units are fabricated singly, generally each unit will incorporate its own wall 20. Where the units are constructed in pairs a single common wall, as shown in Fig. 5, can be used.

Within the unit shown open i Fig. 1 a hook 26 is mounted in the top surface 22, to support the bicycle 28. If desired, a rear wheel securing means 30, attached to the angled wall can also be provided. A seat 32, which can be either rigidly mounted, or be of tip-up construction, is fastened to angled wall. If desired, one wall in each unit is furnished with a shelf for gear, as at 34 (see Fig. 2) for storage.

Each unit 12 is secured by a door 16, provided with a locking means 36. For safety reasons, it is preferable that, in addition to key access from the outside, the door is openable from within the unit.

When several units 12 are attached together, a unitary roof 38 supported by a post and rail frame, shown generally at 40, which is closed by end panels 42, may be added to the structure. Conveniently, a plinth 44 is also provided beneath the support surfaces 22 of the units, to support both the units and the frame.

If desired, both the units and the doors are manufactured in the form of prefabricated fibreglass components. They can thus be easily assembled. However, other types of panels and construction methods can be used. For example, as seen in Figure 5 a post and beam construction can be used in which aluminum extrusions are utilised to fabricate a supporting structure 40 for the overall roof 38. The ends of the post and beam frame, which also serves to secure the units 12 together, is closed by the panels 42.

The storage unit of the present invention may be combined with one or more units to provide a structure depending upon the requirements and the space available for location of the structure.

In the unit in Fig. 1 bicycle 28 is lifted by the user and hung by the front wheel of the bicycle on hook 26. The bicycle then will hang vertically from the hook 26 such that the rear wheel of the bicycle engages the securing means 30 to hold the bicycle in place.

Alternatively, the bicycle is upended by the user on its rear wheel, and then held vertically by a restraint, as shown at 46 in Fig. 3. The ends of the restraint are attached to the anchors 48. To accommodate several sizes of bicycle, two rows

of anchors, one of which can be seen at 50 in Fig. 2, can be provided. Any suitable form of flexible restraint can be used, such as a strap with fictionally adjustable buckle means, or either one or two bungee cords.

After mounting the bicycle, the unit is then be locked until access to the bicycle is required again. If the bicyclist wishes to change in the unit, the bench 30 and the shelf provide suitable storage; if desired, a clothes hook can also be provided.

The door 16 used to close the unit can be chosen from several options. In Figs. 1 and 5 a single full width door 16 is shown. A second possibility is a two part door, as shown at 50 in Fig. 3. A third possibility is indicated in Fig. 1 , which is to use an up-and-over door, as at 52. Such a door would be conveniently supported by springs or air struts. A fourth possibility is to use a lifting roller door, as at 54 in Fig. 2.

The configuration adopted for the angled wall determines the final shape of the internal space in the unit. One option is shown in Figs. 1 and 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the angled wall is duplicated, the units having been made separately. Other options are shown schematically in plan Fig. 4. In these diagrams only the walls layout is shown; the other internal fittings are omitted for clarity. As shown at 56 the two units of Fig. 3 can be made as one piece, with a common angled wall 58. In that case, the angled wall 58 is connected to the lateral edges at the ends of the side walls as at 57, with a short length of the angled wall 59 parallel to each of the opposing sidewalls. As shown at 60 the angled wall 62 can be offset, which then requires a short wall portion 64 beside the door aperture 66 so that the angled wall is attached to the front wall adjacent the angle with the side wall when the units are fabricated as a pair. When they are fabricated separately

the angled wall will include a short portion substantially parallel to the front wall. The structure shown in Fig. 5 shows one of a pair of units of this type; as shown in Fig. 4 a common wall 62 can be used. As shown at 68, the angled wall can be a simple straight wall, joining the corners of the units or units. The angled wall 70 again can be a common wall, or two abutting walls as shown. Of these possibilities, that shown in Fig. 3 is preferred, whilst that shown at 68 in Fig. 4 is the simplest to construct.