Bicycle storage rack

The invention relates to a bicycle storage rack and a method of storing a bicycle using a bicycle storage rack. The bicycle storage rack comprises a plurality of horizontal support members, a plurality of vertical support members, and one or more gripping members secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members. The method of storing a bicycle using a bicycle storage rack comprises placing a bicycle into a horizontal position on a bicycle storage rack where a rotational axis of a wheel of the bicycle is divergent to each of a plurality of horizontal support members. In some examples, the bicycle storage rack is located within a bed of a truck, and the method further comprises covering the bicycle storage rack and the bicycle with a tonneau cover associated with the truck.

BACKGROUND

Examples described herein relate generally to structures and methods. More particularly, this invention is directed to a bicycle storage rack and a method of storing a bicycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

A cyclist may not always have easy access to trails or other routes on which it is ideal or safe to ride his or her bicycle. In order to access an ideal route, a cyclist may be forced to choose between riding his or her bicycle to the start of the route, which could cause fatigue before the workout even begins, or transporting the bicycle to the route in a larger vehicle such as an automobile. However, due to the configuration of the frame, wheels, handlebars, and pedals, transporting a bicycle within a vehicle is not an easy task. The bicycle typically rests in a vertical position with the tires of the bicycle resting upon the floor of the vehicle in a manner similar to which a cyclist may ride the bicycle or in a haphazard configuration which may cause the frame, wheels, derailleurs, brakes, or pedals to become bent or damaged over time. Further complications arise if the bicycle is unable to fit inside of the vehicle and must be transported outside of the vehicle, such as in the bed of a pickup truck, which exposes the bike to the elements, such as rain, before the cyclist arrives at the destination to begin his or her workout in addition to risking the possibility of theft if the cyclist leaves the truck unattended. Still further difficulties arise in attempting to store bicycles in the bed of a truck that utilizes a tonneau cover. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved bicycle storage rack to better protect the bicycle from damage during transport while simultaneously allowing a user to store the bicycle with greater ease and security during transport.

SUMMARY

Particular examples of the invention comprise a bicycle storage rack. Certain examples of the bicycle storage rack comprise a plurality of horizontal support members, where the plurality of horizontal support members define a perimeter of the bicycle storage rack.

The bicycle storage rack further comprises a plurality of vertical support members, where a first end of each of the plurality of vertical support members contacts one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members. Each of the plurality of vertical support members is at least partially divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members.

The bicycle storage rack further comprises one or more gripping members secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members.

Certain examples of the bicycle storage rack comprise a plurality of horizontal support members, the plurality of horizontal support members defining a perimeter of the bicycle storage rack. The plurality of horizontal support members comprise a first pair of horizontal support members comprising a first horizontal support member and a second horizontal support member and a second pair of horizontal members comprising a third horizontal support member and a fourth horizontal support member. The first horizontal support member is parallel to the second horizontal support member, and the third horizontal support member is parallel to the fourth horizontal support member. A first end of the first horizontal support member intersects a first end of the third horizontal support member at a first vertex, a second end of the first horizontal support member intersects a first end of the fourth horizontal support member at a second vertex, a second end of the second horizontal support member intersects a second end of the fourth horizontal support member at a third vertex, and a first end of the second horizontal support member intersects a second end of the third horizontal support member at a fourth vertex.

The bicycle storage rack further comprises a plurality of vertical support members, where each of the plurality of vertical support members is at least partially divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members. A first vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members intersects the first vertex, a second vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members intersects the second vertex, a third vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members intersects the third vertex, and a fourth vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members intersects the fourth vertex.

The bicycle storage rack further comprises one or more gripping members secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members, where each of the one or more gripping members is comprised of a non-abrasive rubber material. The bicycle storage rack is free of any components within the perimeter of the bicycle storage rack.

Particular examples of the invention comprise a method of storing a bicycle. Certain examples of the method comprise placing a bicycle into a horizontal position on a bicycle storage rack. The bicycle storage rack comprises a plurality of horizontal support members, where the plurality of horizontal support members define a perimeter of the bicycle storage rack. The bicycle storage rack further comprises a plurality of vertical support members, where a first end of each of the plurality of vertical support members contacts one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members. Each of the plurality of vertical support members is at least partially divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members. The bicycle storage rack further comprises one or more gripping members secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members. When placing the bicycle on the bicycle storage rack, a rotational axis of a wheel of the bicycle is divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members.

The foregoing and other examples, objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular examples of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in the figures, examples of the invention comprise a bicycle storage rack10. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, the bicycle storage rack10comprises a plurality of horizontal support members12. The plurality of horizontal support members12define a perimeter P10of the bicycle storage rack10. In some examples, the bicycle storage rack10is free of any components within the perimeter P10of the bicycle storage rack10. As used herein, “perimeter” means “the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure.” The plurality of horizontal support members12may be made of a variety of materials having sufficient strength to support the weight of a bicycle. In some examples, the plurality of horizontal support members12are comprised of carbon fiber, metal, or a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”). In some examples, each of the plurality of horizontal support members12is comprised of the same material, but, in other examples, one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members12may be comprised of a different material than another of the plurality of horizontal support members12. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the plurality of horizontal support members12are tubular, but, in other examples, the plurality of horizontal support members are prismatic. Each of the plurality of horizontal support members may be the same shape or a different shape than any of the other horizontal support members of the plurality of horizontal support members. The bicycle storage rack10further comprises a plurality of vertical support members14. A first end FE14of each of the plurality of vertical support members14contacts one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members12. Each of the plurality of vertical support members14is at least partially divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members12. As used herein, “divergent” means “not parallel” meaning that each of the plurality of vertical support members14is at least partially not parallel to each of the plurality of horizontal support members12. Similar to the horizontal support members12, in some examples, the plurality of vertical support members14are comprised of carbon fiber, metal, or a polymeric material such as PVC. In some examples, each of the plurality of vertical support members14is comprised of the same material, but, in other examples, one or more of the plurality of vertical support members14may be comprised of a different material than another of the plurality of vertical support members14. Additionally, in some examples, the plurality of horizontal support members12are comprised of the same material as the plurality of vertical support members14, but, in other examples, the plurality of horizontal support members12are comprised of a different material than the plurality of vertical support members14. In some examples, the plurality of vertical support members14are tubular, but, in other examples, the plurality of vertical support members are prismatic. Each of the plurality of vertical support members may be the same shape or a different shape than any of the other vertical support members of the plurality of vertical support members. In some examples, one or more of the vertical support members14may include a stabilizing structure comprised of non-abrasive material, such as rubber, foam, or a spray-on material. The stabilizing structure is located at an end of the vertical support member14such that the stabilizing structure contacts a bed of a pickup truck when the bicycle storage rack is placed within the bed. The non-abrasive material of the stabilizing structure minimizes movement of the bicycle storage rack within the bed of the pickup truck while simultaneously protecting the bed of the pickup truck from damage associated with contact with the bicycle storage rack. In some examples, the stabilizing structure may be a rubber end cap, which is either releasably secured or permanently attached to the vertical support member14. The bicycle storage rack10further comprises one or more gripping members16secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12. The one or more gripping members16are configured to resist the movement of an associated bicycle that is resting on the bicycle rack10during transportation. In some examples, only one gripping member16may be secured to each horizontal support member12. In other examples, more than one gripping member16may be secured to the same horizontal support member12. Additionally, in some examples, only one of the plurality of horizontal support members12may have a gripping member16secured thereto. In other examples, more than one of the plurality of horizontal support members12may have a gripping member16secured thereto such that two or more of the plurality of horizontal support members12or, in some examples, each of the horizontal support members12, may have a gripping member16secured thereto.

As shown inFIG. 1, each of the plurality of horizontal support members12of the bicycle storage rack10has a length L12, which is measured from a first outer most lengthwise extent of horizontal support member12to a second outer most lengthwise extent opposite the first outer most lengthwise extent of horizontal support member12. Either of the outer most lengthwise extents of horizontal support member12may extend into elbow joint J in examples in which the components of bicycle storage rack10are not fixedly joined. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, each of the plurality of horizontal support members12has a fixed length L12such that the length L12is not variable. However, in some examples, as shown inFIG. 3, at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12of the bicycle storage rack10comprises two or more horizontal support telescoping pieces12T1,12T2, which allows the bicycle storage rack10to accommodate bicycles of varying sizes (e.g., children's or adults' bicycles) and types (e.g., mountain bicycle, triathlon bicycle, etc.) so that the bicycle storage rack10contacts the bicycle in the appropriate locations discussed herein. A width of at least one of the two or more horizontal support telescoping pieces12T1,12T2is smaller than a width of at least one other of the two or more horizontal support telescoping pieces12T1,12T2. As shown inFIG. 3, the width W12T2of the horizontal support telescoping piece12T2is smaller than the width W12T1of the other horizontal support telescoping piece12T1. In this way, the horizontal support telescoping piece12T2telescopes into the horizontal support telescoping piece12T1, which results in the horizontal support member12having a variable length L12. In some examples, whether the length L12is fixed or variable, the length L12of the horizontal support members12is not greater than five (5) feet and, preferably, between four (4) and five (5) feet. Additionally or alternatively, whether the length L12is fixed or variable, the length L12of the horizontal support members12is greater than five (5) feet but less than seven (7) feet. Additionally or alternatively, whether the length L12is fixed or variable, the length L12of the horizontal support members12is greater than three (3) feet but less than five (5) feet. Additionally or alternatively, whether the length is fixed or variable, the length L12of the horizontal support members12is greater than two (2) feet but less than three (3) feet. In some examples, the length L12of each of the horizontal support members12is the same, but, in other examples, the length L12of each of the horizontal support members12is different. Additionally or alternatively, the length L12of horizontal support members that are parallel to each other 12 is the same. For example, in some embodiments in which the bicycle storage rack10is located within a bed of a pickup truck, the length Lnof the horizontal support members12extending along a length of the bed of the pickup truck is greater than the length L12of the horizontal support members extending along a width of the bed of the pickup truck.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 4, the bicycle storage rack10further comprises one or more securing members18. Each of the one or more securing members18has a first end FE18and a second end SE18. The second end SE18of the securing member18is releasably secured to the first end FE18of the of the securing member18. In some examples, the second end SE18is releasably secured to the first end FE18through use of a buckle with male and female ends. In other examples, the second end SE18is releasably secured to the first end FEmthrough use of an adhesive material, a hook and loop material, a clasp, a clamp, or other structure suitable for releasable security. In cooperation with the one or more gripping members16, or in some versions without the assistance of the gripping members16, the securing members18help to further secure a bicycle on top of the bicycle storage rack10by securing one or more of the frame, wheel(s), pedal(s), and/or handlebar(s) of the bicycle, which helps to better maintain the position of the bicycle on the bicycle storage rack when travelling over uneven terrain or at variable speeds. In some examples, at least one of the one or more securing members18is integral with at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the one or more securing members18is releasably secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12such that at least one of the one or more securing members18is not permanently attached to the at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12. As used herein, and shown inFIG. 4, “integral to” means “belonging as a part of the whole” meaning that the one or more securing members18belong to the at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12as a part of the at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12(i.e., permanently attached to the at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12).

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 2, the plurality of horizontal support members12comprises a first pair of horizontal support members12comprising a first horizontal support member12Aand a second horizontal support member12B. The plurality of horizontal support members12further comprises a second pair of horizontal support members12comprising a third horizontal support member12Cand a fourth horizontal support member12D. The first horizontal support member12Ais parallel to the second horizontal support member12B, and the third horizontal support member12Cis parallel to the fourth horizontal support member12D. In other examples, none of the first horizontal support member, second horizontal support member, third horizontal support member, and fourth horizontal support member are parallel to any of the other horizontal support members of the plurality of horizontal support members. In some examples, a first end FE12Aof the first horizontal support member12Aintersects a first end FE12Cof the third horizontal support member12Cat a first vertex VAC, a second end SE12Aof the first horizontal support member12Aintersects a first end FE12Dof the fourth horizontal support member12Dat a second vertex VAD, a second end SE12Bof the second horizontal support member12Bintersects a second end SE12Dof the fourth horizontal support member12Dat a third vertex VBD, and a first end FE12Bof the second horizontal support member12Bintersects a second end SE12Cof the third horizontal support member12Cat a fourth vertex VBC. Additionally or alternatively, the horizontal support members12may be joined with a separate junction component (such as an elbow joint J), or the horizontal support members may be fixedly-joined to each other without the use of a separate component in a pre-assembled manner. In examples in which the horizontal support members12are joined with an elbow joint J, the elbow joint J provides additional supporting strength to the bicycle storage rack10and, in particular, the horizontal support members12. The elbow joint J may be comprised of carbon fiber, metal, or a polymeric material such as PVC. With the inclusion of the elbow joint J, the bicycle storage rack10may be disassembled when not in use, which reduces the space needed to store the bicycle storage rack10, by removing the horizontal support members12and vertical support members14from the elbow joint J and then re-assembled when needed. In examples in which the horizontal support members are fixedly-joined to each other and to the vertical support members in a pre-assembled manner, the horizontal support members and vertical support members may be pre-assembled with the use of glue, melting, extrusion, adhesive, or another material appropriate for such permanent attachment.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 5, at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12may comprise an internal reinforcement member20within the horizontal support member12. The internal reinforcement member may be comprised of a variety of materials having sufficient strength to support the weight of a bicycle. In some examples, the internal reinforcement member20is comprised of carbon fiber, metal, or a polymeric material such as PVC. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 5, the internal reinforcement member20is tubular, but, in other examples, the internal reinforcement member may be prismatic. The internal reinforcement member may be either permanently located within the horizontal support member or releasably secured within the horizontal support member.

As shown inFIG. 1, each of the plurality of vertical support members14of the bicycle storage rack10has a length L14, which is measured from a bottom most point of vertical support member14to a top most point of vertical support member14. The top most point of vertical support member14may extend into elbow joint J in examples in which the components of bicycle storage rack10are not fixedly joined. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, each of the plurality of vertical support members14has a fixed length L14such that the length L14is not variable. However, in some examples, as shown inFIG. 3, at least one of the plurality of vertical support members14of the bicycle storage rack10comprises two or more vertical support telescoping pieces14T1,14T2, which allows the bicycle storage rack10to accommodate bicycles with handlebars, cranks, and/or pedals of varying sizes (e.g., children's or adults' bicycles) and types (e.g., mountain bicycle, triathlon bicycle, etc.) so that the bicycle storage rack10contacts the bicycle in the appropriate locations discussed herein and so that the bicycle storage rack10may properly store a bicycle without damage. In this embodiment, a width of at least one of the two or more vertical support telescoping pieces14T1,14T2is smaller than a width of at least one other of the two or more vertical support telescoping pieces14T1,14T2. As shown inFIG. 3, the width W14T2of the vertical support telescoping piece14T2is smaller than the width W14T1of the other vertical support telescoping piece14T1. In this way, the vertical support telescoping piece14T2telescopes into the vertical support telescoping piece12T2, which results in the vertical support member14having a variable length L14. In some examples, whether the length L14is fixed or variable, the length L14of the vertical support members14is not greater than ten (10) inches and, preferably, between six (6) and ten (10) inches. In other examples, whether the length L14is fixed or variable, the length L14of the vertical support members14is greater than ten (10) inches but less than twelve (12) inches. In further examples, whether the length L14is fixed or variable, the length L14of the vertical support members14is greater than four (4) inches but less than six (6) inches.

As shown inFIG. 1, in some examples, each of the vertical support members14of the plurality of vertical support members14is parallel to all other vertical support members14of the plurality of vertical support members14. However, in other examples, none of the vertical support members14are parallel to any other vertical support members14of the plurality of vertical support members14. In still further examples, at least one of the vertical support members14of the plurality of vertical support members14is parallel to at least one other vertical support member14of the plurality of vertical support members14.

In some examples, as shown inFIG. 2, a first vertical support member14Aof the plurality of vertical support members14intersects one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members at a first vertex VACcomprised of elbow joint J, a second vertical support member14Bof the plurality of vertical support members14intersects one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members at a second vertex VADcomprised of elbow joint J, a third vertical support member14Cof the plurality of vertical support members14intersects one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members at a third vertex VBDcomprised of elbow joint J, and a fourth vertical support member14Dof the plurality of vertical support members14intersects one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members at a fourth vertex VBCcomprised of elbow joint J. Additionally or alternatively, one or more vertical support members may intersect one or more of the plurality of horizontal support members at a location other than at a vertex.

As shown inFIG. 1, one or more gripping members16are secured to at least one of the plurality of horizontal support members12. In some examples, each of the one or more gripping members is comprised of a non-abrasive rubber material. In other examples, each of the one or more gripping members is comprised of a non-abrasive material, such as foam, that provides an increased degree of friction when storing a bicycle upon the bicycle storage rack while simultaneously not damaging a portion of the bicycle. Additionally or alternatively, each of the one or more gripping members is comprised of a non-abrasive spray-on material capable of providing an increased degree of friction when storing a bicycle upon the bicycle storage rack. Additionally or alternatively, the gripping members16are located on an upper surface of the horizontal supporting member12. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 1, the gripping members16surround the outer surface area of the horizontal supporting member12.

As illustrated in the figures, examples of the invention comprise a method of storing a bicycle. In some examples, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the method of storing a bicycle comprises placing a bicycle22into a horizontal position on a bicycle storage rack10such as is described and disclosed herein. An example of such a bicycle storage rack10has been previously described herein and disclosed inFIGS. 1-5. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the bicycle22is placed on the bicycle storage rack10in such a manner such that a rotational axis R24of a wheel24of the bicycle22is divergent to each of the plurality of horizontal support members12of the bicycle storage rack10.

In some examples, the bicycle storage rack10is located within the interior of a vehicle, such as in the trunk of a vehicle or in the area behind the front seat of the vehicle (such as in the cargo hold of an SUV whose seats are stored so as to provide a relatively flat cargo storage area). In other examples, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the bicycle storage rack10is located within a bed30of a truck28. In such examples, as shown inFIG. 7, the method comprises covering the bicycle storage rack10and the bicycle22placed thereon with a tonneau cover32of the truck28. In this way, the bicycle22on the bicycle storage rack10is able to fit within the bed30of the truck28while also fitting underneath the tonneau cover32of the truck28such that the bicycle22is not exposed to the elements outside of the bed30of the truck28.

In some examples, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, at least one wheel24of the bicycle22and a portion of a frame26of the bicycle22are placed upon at least one of the horizontal support members12in the method of storing the bicycle22. Additionally, both wheels24of the bicycle22may be placed upon one or more of the horizontal support members12in the method of storing the bicycle22. In the step of placing the bicycle22on the bicycle storage rack10, the handlebars and pedals of the bicycle22are able to be configured in a way such that neither the handlebars nor the pedals of the bicycle22contact the bed30of the truck28or the tonneau cover32of the truck28or otherwise prevent the tonneau cover32from closing in its usual fashion. In some examples, at least one of the pedals of the bicycle22is located within a perimeter of the bicycle storage rack10and at least one of the handlebars of the bicycle22is located outside of the perimeter of the bicycle storage rack10. Additionally or alternatively, two or more portions of the frame26of the bicycle22are placed upon one or more of the horizontal support members12in the method of storing the bicycle22.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular form of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The terms “at least one” and “one or more” are used interchangeably. The term “single” shall be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” are used when a specific number of things are intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition, or step being referred to is an optional (i.e., not required) feature of the embodiments.

While this invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed embodiments. Accordingly, the scope and content of the embodiments are to be defined only by the terms of the following claims. Furthermore, it is understood that the features of any embodiment discussed herein may be combined with one or more features of any one or more embodiments otherwise discussed or contemplated herein unless otherwise stated.