CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Application No. 63/415,226 entitled “Bicycle Rack” filed October 11, 2022, the technical disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to bicycles, and, more particularly, to an adaptive bicycle rack for holding a bicycle.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] There is a continuing interest in bicycling, even branching into off-road or mountain biking. It is commonplace to see bicycle enthusiasts transporting their bicycles on motor vehicles. Bicycle owners also have a need to store their bicycles. Some people who live in single-family dwellings store their bicycles in a garage, carport, or basement. Apartment dwellers and college students often keep their bicycles in their apartments or dorm rooms. Regardless of their home type, bicycle owners generally need several feet of uninterrupted horizontal storage space to accommodate their bicycle. Bicycle storage presents further challenges if multiple bicycles are to be stored.

[0004] In many instances, rather than simply leaning the bike on its kickstand, a bike owner would prefer to store his bicycle on wall-mounted hooks or a stand to prevent the bicycle from leaving mud or dirt on the floor and to prevent the handlebars from scuffing the walls.

Traditional bicycle stands support the bicycle in a riding position — that is, in a generally horizontal orientation — that requires storage space at least the length of the bicycle.

[0005] What is needed in the art is an efficient bicycle storage system that easily engages with, and disengages from, the bicycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a bicycle rack system that engages a wheel of the bicycle.

[0007] The invention in one form is directed to a bicycle rack comprising a mounting plate, a swing arm pivotably mounted to a fulcrum at the mounting plate, a first cradle connected to the mounting plate, a second cradle connected to an end of the swing arm opposite the mounting plate, and a locking mechanism on the swing arm. The locking mechanism comprises a lock support member and a lock actuator. The lock support member is pivotably mounted at a first pivot point on a lock actuation member and a second pivot point at the mounting plate. The lock actuation member is slidably engaged with the swing arm such that the lock actuation member can slide towards or away from the second cradle. The lock actuator on the lock actuation member is selectively engageable with the swing arm to selectively prevent or allow the lock actuation member to slide along the swing arm.

[0008] The lock actuator can be selectively engageable with a series of notches along the swing arm to selectively allow or prevent the lock actuation member to slide along the swing arm. The lock actuator can be a threaded screw actuator or a ratchet actuator. The swing arm can pivot from an open position extended away from the mounting plate to receive a bike wheel to a collapsed position wherein the swing arm is approximately parallel with the mounting plate when not in use.

[0009] The bicycle rack may further comprise a third cradle connected to the mounting plate, wherein the third cradle is oriented at an angle of less than 180 degrees relative to the first cradle. [0010] The second cradle can be pivotably connected to the end of the swing arm opposite the mounting plate.

[0011] The bicycle rack may further comprise an intermediate support mechanism integral to the swing arm, wherein the intermediate support is a tab rotationally supported within a recess of the swing arm. The intermediate support mechanism can hold the swing arm in an open position extended away from the mounting plate to receive a bike wheel. The bicycle rack may be configured such that the tab pivots from a first position completely contained within the recess to a second position extending outside the recess. The lock actuation member may slide towards the mounting plate over the intermediate support mechanism when the tab is in the first position, such that the lock actuation member is prevented from sliding towards the second cradle over the lock actuation member when the tab is in the second position.

[0012] The invention in another form is directed to a method of holding a bicycle in a bicycle rack system including the steps of: moving a wheel of the bicycle against a first wheel cradle of a swing arm, the moving of the wheel causing the swing arm to traverse in a pivotal direction relative to a structural member; and engaging a portion of the wheel in a second wheel cradle while the first wheel cradle and the swing arm traverse opposite to the pivotal direction to thereby engage the wheel in the first and second wheel cradles.

[0013] An advantage of the bicycle rack of the present invention is that the rack engages a wheel of the bicycle in an over-center manner.

[0014] Another advantage of the bicycle rack of the present invention is that the bicycle is engaged and disengaged with the rack system without the use of straps, fasteners or any engaging items that have to be separately applied to the bicycle.

[0015] Yet another advantage is that once the rack is engaged, the bicycle is securely mounted without the rack contacting any portions of the bike frame.

[0016] Yet another advantage is that the bicycle rack can secure a bicycle in a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation, hanging from a structure, or on a floor/surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of a bicycle rack system of the present invention installed on a wall;

[0019] Fig. 2 is another side perspective view of the bicycle rack of Fig. 1 with a front wheel of a bicycle being positioned in the bicycle rack;

[0020] Fig. 3 is yet another side perspective view of the bicycle rack of Figs. 1 and 2 with the front wheel secured by the bicycle rack;

[0021] Fig. 4 is still yet another side perspective view of the bicycle rack of Figs 1-3 with a rear wheel of the bicycle of Figs 2 and 3 having been secured by the bicycle rack;

[0022] Fig. 5 is a side view of the bicycle rack of Figs. 1-4 showing details of the bicycle rack;

[0023] Fig. 6A is a top view of the bicycle rack of Figs. 1-5 illustrating the capture of a wheel of the bicycle using one embodiment of a swing arm of the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 6B is a top view of the bicycle rack of Figs. 1-5 illustrating the capture of a wheel of the bicycle using another embodiment of a swing arm of the present invention; [0025] Fig. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of a bicycle rack system of the present invention in the form of a bicycle rack work stand, with a bicycle positioned therein;

[0026] Fig. 8 is a side view of the bicycle rack work stand of Fig. 7 without the bicycle therein;

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a support bracket used with the bicycle rack work stand of Figs. 7 and 8;

[0028] Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the support bracket of Fig. 9, with the bicycle being supported thereby;

[0029] Fig. 11 is yet another perspective view of the support bracket of Figs. 9 and 10;

[0030] Fig. 12 is a view from the front of the bicycle looking into the support bracket of Figs

9-11, illustrating the asymmetrical form of the bracket that interacts with the rails of the bicycle frame;

[0031] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the bike rack of the present invention having a locking mechanism and intermediate support mechanism; and [0032] Fig. 14 is a side view of the bike rack of Fig. 13.

[0033] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1-6B, there is shown a self-articulating bicycle rack 10 for mounting or otherwise holding a bicycle 12. The bicycle rack 10 may be used to mount any desired bicycle and may be considered a bicycle rack system 10. The bicycle rack 10 can be mounted on a wall so that the bicycle 12 is attached vertically, suspended by one of its wheels, either from the rear wheel, with the bike pointed downward (Fig. 4), or from the front wheel, with the bike pointed upward (Fig. 3). The bicycle rack 10 can also be oriented horizontally to serve as a rooftop or hitch mounted bike carrier. For instance, the bicycle rack 10 can be connected to a wall or other exterior or interior member of a vehicle.

[0035] The bicycle rack 10 generally includes a mounting plate 14, a swing arm 16, and at least two cradles for holding onto the exterior of the wheel of the bicycle 12. For example, the bicycle rack 10 may include at least three cradles 18, 20, 22. The bicycle rack 10 is self- articulating such that as the bicycle 12 is positioned within the bicycle rack 10, the wheel of the bicycle 12 automatically moves the swing arm 16. Thereby, the bicycle 12 may be lifted upwardly, which allows the exterior of the wheel to upwardly move the swing arm 16, so that the wheel is located within the bicycle rack 10 and the exterior of the wheel engages with each cradle 18, 20, 22. Thereafter, the bicycle 12 may be moved downwardly which allows the swing arm 16 to automatically move downwardly and lock or otherwise secure the wheel within the cradles 18, 20, 22.

[0036] The mounting plate 14 is affixable to a surface, e g. a surface of a wall or member of a vehicle mounting bracket, with mounting plate 14 also referred to herein as a structural member 14. The mounting plate 14 may comprise a first portion for attaching the first cradle 18 and a second portion for attaching the second cradle 20. The second portion may extend outwardly and away from the first portion. Thereby, the mounting plate 14 may orient the first and second cradles 18, 20 at respective first and second angles. For example, the mounting plate 14 may orient the first cradle 18 at 90 degrees or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 14. Additionally, for example, the mounting plate 14 may orient the second cradle 20 at approximately 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the mounting plate 14.

[0037] The swing arm 16 can be pivotably mounted to the mounting plate 14 and/or the surface to which the mounting plate 14 is affixed. For example, the swing arm 16 may include its own respective set of swing-arm mounting plates (unnumbered) that pivotally mount the swing arm 16 to the wall. Additionally, for example, the swing arm 16 may be pivotally connected to respective receiving members of the mounting plate 14. The swing arm 16 may attach the third cradle 22. The swing arm 16 may pivot relative to the mounting plate 14, for example from 30 to 200 degrees, and may have a single member positioned to the side of the wheel of bicycle 12, as depicted in Fig. 6B. The swing arm 16 may have a first, open position for receiving the wheel and a second, closed position for locking the wheel within the bicycle rack 10, and a third collapsed position, where swing arm 16 is dropped to be generally parallel to mounting plate 14, for efficient storage when not in use. The swing arm 16 may comprise one or more components. For example, the swing arm 16 may comprise a pair of rods which are pivotally mounted at one end and joined to one another at their other end. From a top view, the members of the swing arm 16 form a triangle, with the two hinged points at the wall to the cradle 22 which contacts the outer edge of the wheel. Hence, the swing arm 16 may have a triangular shape, with a portion on each side of the wheel. However, the swing arm 16 may have any desired shape. Additionally, for example, the swing arm 16 may comprise a single member which articulates relative to the mounting plate 14. The swing arm 16 may comprise any desired material. It should be appreciated that the swing arm 16 may include a retaining member which retains or otherwise limits and/or biases the movement of swing arm 16.

[0038] Each cradle or holder 18, 20, 22 may be fixedly or movably attached to a surface, the mounting plate 14, and/or the swing arm 16. The cradles 18, 20, 22 may each have a retaining portion and a receiving portion which is wider than the retaining portion. Each cradle 18, 20, 22 may have any desired shape. For instance, each cradle 18, 20, 22 may have a straight or curved shape. The cradles 18, 20, 22 may have identical or unique shapes. One or more of the cradles 18, 20, 22 may have an approximately “U”-shape that is open at its end for receiving the wheel. The cradle 22 which is affixed to the swing arm 16 may be longer than the other cradles 18, 20. It should be appreciated that the bicycle rack 10 may also include another optional lower cradle 26 for holding the opposing bicycle wheel, which is not retained by the other cradles 18, 20, 22 (Fig. 5). Each cradle 18, 20, 22, 26 may comprise any desired material.

[0039] In more detail, the three cradles 18, 20, 22 may be located at three distinct points in order to form a triangle. The first and second cradles 18, 20 may be fixedly mounted, one at the wall and one that is approximately 45 degrees lower along the circumference of the wheel. The third cradle 22 can be mounted at the end of the swing arm 16, which rotates from a fulcrum at the wall. In the down, closed position of the swing arm 16, the third cradle 22 may contact the outer circumference of the wheel. Thus, the wheel is firmly held against the other two opposing fixed cradles 18, 20 via the third cradle 22 on the swing arm 16. As can be appreciated, the weight of the swing arm 16 may securely hold the wheel within the cradles 18, 20, 22 so that the bicycle 12 does not undesirably move within or out of the bicycle rack 10. Each wheel cradle 18, 20, 22 have a shape that accommodates the outer shape of the wheel of bicycle 12, with wheel cradle 22 being secured to a distal end of swing arm 16. Wheel cradles 18 and 20 are coupled to structural member 14, and more specifically cradle 20 is connected to a protrusion of structural member 14. It is also contemplated that for mobile applications of rack 10, a locking mechanism would be used to secure swing arm 16 in a secured position.

[0040] Wheel cradles 18, 20, 22 are arranged and are positioned from each other along an arc A of the wheel of bicycle 12. The arc A between cradle 18 and cradle 20 is less than half of the outer circumference of the wheel and may be less than a quarter of the outer circumference of the wheel. This arrangement, along with friction of the tire with the cradles 18, 20, 22, is what secures bicycle 12 to rack 10, such that the weight of bicycle 12 exerts a downward force that causes swing arm 16 to pull further downward toward bicycle 12 preventing the distance of arc A from opening outward, until someone lifts bicycle 12 thereby disrupting the securing features of rack 10. The arc is located toward a frame of bicycle 12. While the positioning of rack 10 is shown in Figs. 1-6 is such that swing arm 16 is biased toward bicycle 12 by gravity, a spring bias can also be used when rack 10 is used in different orientations.

[0041] Swing arm 16 is configured to swing upward as bicycle 12 is inserted into rack system 10 as the wheel contacts wheel cradle 22 causing swing arm 16 to swing upward. As the wheel settles into wheel cradle 20, wheel cradle 22 swings downward with swing arm 16 along the outer surface of the wheel so that the wheel additionally settles into wheel cradle 18. Swing arm 16 will swing upward as bicycle 12 is lifted thereby disengaging the wheel from wheel cradles 18, 20 and 22, and then swing arm 16 will swing down as the wheel is removed outward from rack system 10. Swing arm 16 is symmetrically shaped with wheel cradle 18 affixed to an inner potion of the distal end of swing arm 16. Swing arm 16 can be a single arm as illustrated in Fig. 6B.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present invention, multiple bicycle racks 10 may be jointly assembled on a cart assembly. The cart assembly can facilitate handling, movement or storage of several bikes as a single unit, at one time. The cart assembly would be made up of a wheeled horizontal frame with caster wheels at each corner and vertical frame to which several racks 10 would be mounted. The racks 10 may be mounted adjacent to one another in a side-by- side fashion. Additionally or alternatively, the racks 10 may be mounted staggered to one another. The bikes could then be attached to each rack 10 so that they could then be wheeled as a single unit to be stored in a building or onto or off a truck for efficient loading or onloading of the truck. Once on a truck, the cart assembly would be secured to one of the interior walls of the truck, or a wall mounted rail, for transport to the desired destination or sorting facility, wherein the bikes may be transferred to a different truck for subsequent transport to a final destination. [0043] Now, additionally referring to Figs. 7-12, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention in which bicycle rack 10 is part of a bicycle rack work stand 110 for mounting or otherwise holding bicycle 12, so that maintenance can be performed on bicycle 12. Bicycle rack work stand 110 may be used to mount/hold any desired bicycle and may also be considered a bicycle rack system 110. Bicycle work stand 110 is supported on the floor so that the bicycle 12 is elevated and is attached vertically, supported by its front wheel and a support bracket 114. A framework 116 is coupled with bracket 114 and with rack 10 having front wheel cradle 18. [0044] Support bracket 114 has bolt holes along a horizontal floor so that fasteners may be used to connect support bracket 114 to framework 116. Support bracket 114 has two side rails 118 and 120 and a stabilizing tab 122. Side rails 118 and 120 have a curved inclined shape upon which a frame of bicycle 12 can rest. The inclined shape of rails 118 and 120 cause the frame of bicycle 12 to move toward stabilizing tab 122 so that the frame portion of bicycle 12, which is in the area of the crank of bicycle 12 comes to rest on rails 118 and 120, and against stabilizing tab 122. The accommodating shape of the top portion of support bracket 114 serves to hold and stabilize bicycle 12 in a manner that allows access to the elements of bicycle 12, so that maintenance can be performed without a need to shift elements of the supporting system to access bicycle 12.

[0045] Support bracket 114 may be formed from a single piece of flat metal that is shaped and then bent and welded to form the three-dimensional shape illustrated herein. It is contemplated that support bracket 114 can also be made from a plastic material. A certain amount of asymmetrical shape is used to accommodate the frame of bicycle 12 and the shape is such that it accommodates bicycles of various brands and configurations. Further, the position of bracket 114 is adjustable along frame 116 to be adaptable to various bike sizes/wheel bases. [0046] In Fig. 7, it can be seen that bicycle 12 is positioned in work stand 110 allowing access to all portions of bicycle 12. In Fig. 8 there is shown a first embodiment of bracket 114 coupled to frame 116. Fig. 9 illustrates bracket 114 fastened to a portion of frame 116. The curved and inclined top surfaces of rails 118 and 120 are easily seen as they would settle bicycle 12 against stabilizing tab 122.

[0047] In Fig. 10 bracket 114 is engaged with bicycle 12 as you look forward to the front wheel of bicycle 12. Bracket 114 is shaped to accommodate the crank housing of bicycle 12. Another view of bracket 114 is shown in Fig. 11, looking aft with the rear wheel of bicycle 12 shown and it can be seen how the inclined surfaces of rails 118 and 120 encourage the crank housing to slide toward stabilizing tab 122 (hidden in Fig. 5 by the crank housing). Fig. 12 is a view of bracket 114 looking directly aft and generally in line with a longitudinal axis of bicycle 12.

[0048] Support bracket 114 is positioned to support the frame of bicycle 12 proximate to a crank of bicycle 12. Support bracket 114 is asymmetrically shaped to accommodate an asymmetry of the frame of bicycle 12. Support bracket 114 has an extending portion 122 in the form of stabilizing tab 122 against which a portion of the bicycle frame that contains a portion of the crank of bicycle 12 rests.

[0049] In either embodiment of the present invention of bicycle rack system 10, 110 a method of holding or supporting bicycle 12 is accomplished by moving a wheel of bicycle 12 against wheel cradle 22 of swing arm 16. The moving of the wheel causes swing arm 16 to traverse in a pivotal direction relative to structural memberl4. System 10, 110 engages a portion of the wheel in wheel cradle 20 while wheel cradle 22 and swing arm 16 traverse opposite to the pivotal direction in which swing arm 16 was initially moved, to thereby engage the wheel in wheel cradles 18, 20, 22. In other words, when engaged with the wheel, the wheel cradles 18, 20, 22 form a triangle such that the axle of the wheel is inside the triangle. The distance between any two cradles is less than the diameter of the wheel, allowing the wheel to be removed without opening on of the sides of the system.

[0050] Now, additionally referring to Figs. 13 and 14 there is shown a bike rack 200 having a locking mechanism 202, and intermediate support mechanism 222. Locking mechanism 202 helps secure swing arm 16 of rack 200 in a fixed position to secure or lock swing arm 16 from swinging upward or outward, so that the bicycle wheel that is being held is secured and cannot accidentally be displaced or fall out of rack 200. While the positioning of the bicycle wheel within swinging arm 16 holds the bicycle securely, any movement during transport of the bicycle can cause the bicycle to move upward which can cause the wheel to disengage from rack 10. In rack 200, locking mechanism 202 keeps such upward movement 224 of arm 16 from happening during transport.

[0051] While swing arm 16 does not cross the axle of the wheel, cradles 20 and 22 provide the over-center holding of the wheel, by being positioned as shown in the figures. In other words, cradles 20 and 18 are on diametrically opposite ends of the bicycle wheel from cradle 22 when the bike rack 200 is in use to store or hold a bicycle. One or more of the cradles 18, 20, 22 can be configured to be pivotably mounted to the rack 200. For example, as seen in the illustrative embodiment, cradle 22 is pivotably mounted to the distal end of the swing arm 16, which provides the advantage of easily engaging (or disengaging) the bike tire from rack 200. Locking mechanism 202 includes lock support member 204 that pivots at first pivot point 210 and second pivot point 212. Lock actuation member 206 slides along arm 16 and lock actuator 208 interacts with arm 16 to selectively engage arm 16 to secure or release arm 16.

[0052] With rack 200 in the vertical position, so that the bicycle hangs from one of its wheels, the lock support member 204 is attached to the vertical back plate 14 of the rack 200 from a fixed point to the side of the back plate 14 and approximately even with the midpoint of the vertical wheel cradle 18 that is mounted on back plate 14. The other end of lock support member 204 is attached to lock actuation member 206 that is mounted on one of swing arms 16, so that lock actuation member 206 can slide up and down along the arm 16 as the arm 16 swings up and down to hold a bicycle wheel. The lock actuation member 206 can be secured to a fixed point along arm 16 with a screw or ratcheting lock actuator 208. Figures 13 and 14 also depict notches 218 along arm 16 that can be used with a ratcheting lock actuator. Alternatively, lock actuator 206 can apply pressure to the arm 16 by way of a threaded connection inside lock actuation member 206. When screw or ratchet actuator 208 is engaged, arm 16 is kept from swinging up, thus locking the wheel securely in rack 200.

[0053] Figures 13 and 14 also depict an intermediate support mechanism 222 on arm 16. Generally, when arm 16 moves in the downward direction 226, the distal end of the arm 16 having cradle 22 swings toward the plane of back plate 14. At the same time, lock actuation member 206 slides towards the distal end of arm 16 having cradle 22. When the arm 16 is folded as far as it can in the downward direction 226, the rack 200 is in a collapsed configuration for efficient storage when not in use. In order to convert the rack 200 from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration to store a bicycle, the swing arm 16 is moved in the upward and outward direction 224. In one embodiment, an intermediate support mechanism 222 is integral to the swing arm 16. In the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, the intermediate support mechanism is a tab 222 rotationally supported within a recess 220 of arm 16. The rotationally supported tab 222 can pivot from a first position that is completely contained within the recess 220 to a second position that allows one end of the tab to extend outside the recess 220. When the rack 200 is mounted on a vertical surface, moving the arm 16 upward 224 will cause the tab 222 to extend out from the recess 220 under the influence of gravity. The function of this structure is to allow a user to move the arm upward to prepare it for attaching a bicycle, and let the partially opened arm remain open and extended without requiring constant support from the user. Instead, the lock actuation member 206 will rest against the tab 222, holding the arm 16 in an open, extended, partially open, or partially extended position. Thereafter, a user can insert the bike wheel between the cradle 22, and cradles 20 and 18, and then lock the lock actuator 208 to secure the bike in place.

[0054] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.