Mounted storage device

A mounted storage device includes a mount for mounting the device on a vertical surface. A load arm is supported on the mount and structured to support an object thereon. The load arm is movable between a load position for loading the object on the load arm and a store position for storing the supported object. The storage device also includes a force device connected between the mount and the load arm that urges the load arm in a direction from the load position to the store position. The storage device further includes a resistance damper connected between the mount and the load arm that resists movement of the load arm in both directions between the load position and the store position. The resistance damper includes a plurality of damper members that creates the resistance by at least one of friction and compression tension between the damper members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to storage devices, and in particular to a mounted storage device for lifting and storing an object such as a bicycle.

Bicycles and other objects are often stored in confined areas, such as garages or patios. The available storage space in these areas is usually limited. Consequently, it may be difficult to find enough space for storing the objects. Another problem is that storing additional objects in the area may interfere with the use of objects currently located in the area. For example, storing a bicycle near a workbench in a garage may interfere with the use of the workbench. Unused space is often available on the upper portions of walls in the area. However, gaining access to this unused space for storage can be difficult.

A person can sometimes store an object on the upper portion of a wall by lifting the object and mounting it on the wall. However, lifting a relatively heavy object to an elevated storage position can cause stress and strain on the human body. Some people may be unable to lift a relatively heavy object to an elevated position. Even if someone is capable of lifting an object to store it on the wall, someone else less capable may be the next one who wants to remove it from the wall. The use of a ladder to reach the elevated position presents safety issues, because it is awkward to lift a relatively heavy object while positioned on the ladder. It is also difficult for a person to hold the object in the elevated position while simultaneously mounting the object on the wall.

Some devices, such as a block and tackle, are known for lifting objects. Unfortunately, currently available devices are not totally satisfactory for lifting an object such as a bicycle to an elevated storage position. The current devices suffer from drawbacks in the areas of ease of installation and use, controllability, reliability, cost or other areas. Some devices require an external power source. There is no widely accepted alternative to human-powered lifting available in the marketplace today.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,082,552, 6,269,958 B1 and 6,648,148 B1 issued to Pollock et al. describe improved wall-mounted storage devices. Nevertheless, it would still be advantageous to provide additional improvements in a storage device having excellent performance which is relatively simple in design and can be manufactured at a relatively low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a mounted storage device. The storage device includes a mount for mounting the device on a vertical surface such as a wall. A load arm is supported on the mount and structured to support an object thereon. The load arm is movable between a load position for loading the object on the load arm and a store position for storing the supported object. The storage device also includes a force device connected between the mount and the load arm. The force device creates a force urging the load arm in a direction from the load position to the store position. The storage device further includes a resistance damper connected between the mount and the load arm. The resistance damper resists movement of the load arm in both directions between the load position and the store position. The resistance damper includes a plurality of damper members. The resistance damper creates the resistance by at least one of friction and compression tension between the damper members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated inFIG. 1a mounted storage device10according to the invention. The storage device10can be used for lifting and storing any object requiring storage, particularly in a confined area such as a garage or patio. In one embodiment, the storage device10is used for lifting and storing a bicycle12.

The storage device10includes a mount14for mounting the device on any vertical surface, such as a wall16, a post, a pillar, a stud or a beam. Any type of mount can be used that provides a connection to the vertical surface having suitable strength and stability for supporting the device and the stored object. The mount can provide a rigid connection or a movable connection between the storage device and the vertical surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the mount14comprises a hinged mounting assembly that allows the storage device10to be pivoted from side to side on the wall16. The primary benefit of a hinged mounting assembly is that if someone or something bumps into the storage device, it will pivot away and thereby minimize injury to the person, damage to the object striking the storage device, damage to the storage device itself, and/or damage to the wall anchors at the mount.

As shown inFIGS. 1–3, the mounting assembly includes a channel18. The channel18includes a channel body20and flat mounting pads22at the top and bottom of the channel body. The mounting pads22have mounting holes24therethrough for the insertion of any suitable fasteners, such as wall anchors26, to attach the channel18to the wall16. The center28of the channel body20of the channel18is raised along its length to create a generally U-shaped cross-section, which increases the strength of the channel. The channel18also includes upper and lower ears30and32that extend perpendicularly outward from the channel body20. The ears30and32have pivot holes34and36therethrough for mounting the other parts of the storage device to the channel, as described below. The upper ear30is located near the center of the channel18, and the lower ear32is located near the bottom of the channel. The channel18includes an upwardly extending portion38which extends up the wall16from the ears30and32when the channel is mounted on the wall. The upwardly extending portion38of the channel18increases the holding force of the wall anchors26, which allows the mount14to be conveniently mounted on drywall instead of on a wall stud. Optionally, the channel18can include tabs (not shown) extending transversely from the channel body20to increase the lateral stability of the storage device10.

As shown in FIGS.1and4–9, the mounting assembly also includes first and second side plates40and42. The side plates40and42are hingedly mounted on the channel18. As shown inFIGS. 4–6, the first side plate40includes a plate portion44, a relatively short upper flange46extending transversely from the upper end of the plate portion44, and a relatively long lower flange48extending transversely from the lower end of the plate portion44. InFIG. 4, the upper and lower flanges46and48extend toward the viewer (out of the paper). The upper and lower flanges46and48have pivot holes50and52therethrough near the proximal end of each flange. The first side plate40has a pivot hole54through its upper distal corner. The first side plate40includes an extension56in its lower distal corner, and a pivot hole58through the extension.

As shown inFIGS. 7–9, the second side plate42includes a plate portion60, a relatively short upper flange62extending transversely from the upper end of the plate portion60, and a relatively long lower flange64extending transversely from the lower end of the plate portion60. InFIG. 7, the upper and lower flanges62and64extend away from the viewer (into the paper). The upper and lower flanges62and64have pivot holes66and68therethrough near the proximal end of each flange. The second side plate42has a pivot hole70through its upper distal corner. The second side plate42includes an extension72in its lower distal corner, and a pivot hole74through the extension.

As best shown inFIG. 19, the second side plate42is slightly larger than the first side plate40, so that the upper and lower flanges62and64of the second side plate42are positioned just above and below the upper and lower flanges46and48of the first side plate40when the side plates are brought together at their proximal ends for mounting on the channel18. In this position, the pivot hole66in the upper flange62of the second side plate42is aligned with the pivot hole50in the upper flange46of the first side plate40, and both pivot holes are aligned with the pivot hole34in the upper ear30of the channel18. Similarly, the pivot hole68in the lower flange64of the second side plate42is aligned with the pivot hole52in the lower flange48of the first side plate40, and both pivot holes are aligned with the pivot hole36in the lower ear32of the channel18. Upper and lower hinge pins76and78are inserted through the aligned holes to pivotably connect the first and second side plates40and42to the channel18. Alternatively, rivets or similar fasteners could be used instead of the hinge pins; this would allow the storage device10to be shipped to the customer with the side plates40and42already assembled on the channel18.

FIGS. 10–12illustrate an alternate embodiment of first and second side plates80and82having a hinge structure which is different from that described above. The first side plate80includes upper and lower curved portions84and86extending from the proximal side of the plate. The curved portions84and86form hinge knuckles having pivot openings88and90therethrough. The second side plate82includes upper, middle and lower curved portions92,94and96extending from the proximal side of the plate. The curved portions92,94and96form hinge knuckles having pivot openings98,100and102therethrough. When the first and second side plates80and82are brought together at their proximal ends for mounting on the channel18, the upper and lower curved portions92and96of the second side plate82are positioned just above and below the upper and lower curved portions84and86of the first side plate80. The pivot openings94,96and98of the second side plate82are aligned with the pivot openings88and90of the first side plate80, and the pivot openings are aligned with the pivot holes34and36in the upper and lower ears30and32of the channel18. A hinge pin (not shown) is inserted through the holes and the openings to create a hinged connection between the first and second side plates80and82and the channel18.

As shown inFIGS. 1,13and20, the mounting assembly also includes a pivot axle104which is mounted between the extensions56and72of the first and second side plates40and42. The pivot axle104is generally cylindrical in shape, including a central portion106and reduced diameter end portions108. A threaded hole110is formed through the middle of the central portion106. A groove112is formed around each of the end portions108a short distance from the central portion106. When the pivot axle104is mounted between the extensions56and72of the first and second side plates40and42, the end portions108of the pivot axle104extend through the pivot holes58and74(FIGS. 4 and 6) in the extensions. The end portions108have a diameter which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pivot holes58and74, so that the pivot axle104can pivot in the pivot holes. The grooves112in the end portions108are positioned just outside the pivot holes58and74. E-rings114, one of which is shown inFIG. 20, are inserted into the grooves112to hold the pivot axle104in place.

In an alternate embodiment (not shown), holes are formed through the upper and lower flanges of the first and second side plates. The hole in each flange is located at the end of the flange opposite the pivot hole. The first and second side plates are assembled together with the pivot axle, and then fasteners (e.g., plastic dart rivets) are inserted in the aligned upper flange holes and the aligned lower flange holes. This method holds the assembly together and thereby eliminates the need for the E-rings and the grooves. This is less expensive overall and it also makes it easier to handle the assembly when installing the hinge pins.

The channel18, first and second side plates40and42, and pivot axle104can be made from any material(s) having a suitable strength for supporting the storage device10and the stored object. For example, they can be made from a high strength metal or a reinforced plastic material. In one embodiment, the channels, side plates, and pivot axle are made from carbon steel.

As shown in FIGS.1and14–16, the storage device10also includes a load arm116which is movably supported on the mount14. The load arm116, in turn, supports the object to be stored (e.g., the bicycle12) on the storage device10. The load arm116is movable between a load position (shown inFIG. 1) for loading the object on the load arm, and a store position (shown inFIG. 16) for storing the supported object up against the wall16. In the illustrated embodiment, the load position of the load arm116is approximately horizontal, and it is almost fully down. (As described below, the load arm can be pushed down slightly from the load position to an unlock position.) In the store position, the load arm116is raised over the top and then back a short distance against the wall16so that the stored object remains in place against the wall.

The load arm116can be a single member that is structured to support the object to be stored, or it can be part of a load arm assembly that includes a separate support structure attached to the load arm. The term “load arm”, as used herein, refers to both structures. Any type of load arm suitable for being supported on the mount and for supporting the object to be stored can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, a load arm assembly includes the load arm116which is pivotably mounted on the mount14. The illustrated load arm116is an extended piece of tubing having a bend118a short distance from its distal end120. The load arm116has a pair of holes122through opposing sides of the tubing at the distal end120of the arm. The load arm116has another pair of holes124through opposing sides of the tubing in the distal portion126of the tubing. The load arm116has a slot128through the bottom of the tubing at the same location.

The load arm116has a pair of pivot holes130through opposing sides of the tubing at its proximal end132. The load arm116is mounted on the mount14by positioning the proximal end132between the upper distal corners of the first and second side plates40and42, and inserting a suitable fastener134, such as a bolt, through the aligned pivot holes130,54and70of the load arm and the side plates. The load arm116can pivot up and down on the fastener134.

The illustrated load arm assembly also includes a support structure attached to the load arm116and structured to support the object to be stored. Any suitable type of support structure can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure includes a support rod136. The support rod136slides through the holes122in the distal end120of the load arm116and extends transversely to the load arm. After the object, such as the bicycle12shown inFIG. 1, is mounted on the support rod136, the rod can be slid back and forth to find the balance point of the object (the point at which the weight of the object is centered relative to the load arm). The support rod136is then locked in place using any suitable locking structure. For example, it can be locked in place with an eyebolt137that is screwed through a threaded hole in the end of the load arm and into engagement with the support rod136to lock it in place.FIG. 17shows an example of a suitable eyebolt137. Alternatively, a hand knob or a hand screw can be used for locking the support rod in place.

The illustrated support structure also includes a pair of handlebar hooks138and139. The handlebar hooks138and139are hooked onto the handlebars of the bicycle, and then used to lift the front part of the bicycle so that the hooks can be attached to the support rod136. This is easier than attaching the hooks138and139to the support rod136and then lifting the bicycle onto the hooks, although it could also be done in that manner.

The illustrated support structure also includes a seat hook140.FIG. 18shows an example of a suitable seat hook140. The seat hook140includes a relatively small upper hook portion141and a relatively large lower hook portion143. The seat hook140is attached to the support rod136, with the support rod extending through the upper hook portion141. The seat hook140can be slid back and forth on the support rod136in order to position it correctly under the seat of the bicycle.FIG. 19illustrates a bicycle seat145supported on the lower hook portion143of the seat hook140. The upper hook portion141of the seat hook140is tipped at an angle away from the lower hook portion143so that the weight of the bicycle causes the upper hook portion to bind on the support rod136. This helps to stabilize the bicycle on the support rod136.

The support rod136can be provided with lips142on its ends, for example by attaching oversize washers to the ends of the rod, to prevent the hooks from accidentally sliding off the rod.

The load arm116and the support rod136can be made from any material(s) having a suitable strength for supporting the storage device10and the stored object. For example, they can be made from a high strength metal or a reinforced plastic material. In one embodiment, the load arm116is made from steel tubing, and the support rod136is a solid steel rod.

FIGS. 20 and 21show an embodiment of the storage device144which includes a brace146connectable between the mount148and the support structure150to lock the support structure in a desired position. For example, the support structure can be locked at a height (e.g., about 6 feet) suitable for use as a work stand for a bicycle, so that a person can work on the bicycle without having to bend over or kneel. Any suitable brace(s) can be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of braces146are attached between the mount148and the support structure150on opposing sides of the load arm152. The braces146can be attached by any suitable means, for example, by the use of bolts or other fasteners. The braces146on opposing sides of the load arm152provide a symmetrical, stable attachment of the support structure150to the wall154. The braces could optionally include a bend (not shown) to increase the width of the attachment to the wall, in order to provide even more stability.

As shown inFIGS. 1,22and23, the storage device10also includes a force device156which is connected between the mount14and the load arm116. The force device156creates a force urging the load arm116in a direction from the load position to the store position (an upward direction in the illustrated embodiment). Any suitable type of force device can be used for this purpose. For example, the force device can be a spring device, including any of a variety of devices operated by mechanical or pneumatic spring action. In the illustrated embodiment, the force device is a gas spring156which includes a cylinder158containing pressurized gas, and a piston160telescopically disposed within the cylinder. Any suitable gas spring can be used in the device. In one embodiment, the type of gas spring used is a self-contained, hermetically sealed hydropneumatic linear actuator containing pressurized nitrogen gas which provides an output force.

In the illustrated embodiment, the piston160of the gas spring156is pivotably connected to the mount14. The piston160has a threaded end portion162which is screwed into the threaded hole110in the middle of the pivot axle104of the mount14. The cylinder158of the gas spring156is disposed inside another member of the storage device10, as described below. The pressurized gas inside the cylinder158urges the piston160to extend out of the cylinder. The extension of the piston160urges the load arm116in the upward direction. The piston160and the pivot axle104pivot together as one unit as the piston urges the load arm116upward. A downward force can be applied to the load arm116to push the piston160back into the cylinder158.

As shown in FIGS.1and24–26, the storage device also includes a resistance damper164connected between the mount14and the load arm116. The resistance damper164resists movement of the load arm in both directions between the load position and the store position (in both upward and downward directions in the illustrated embodiment). The resistance damper164provides resistance for raising and lowering of the empty load arm116, so that the load arm moves smoothly when lifted upward, and the load arm does not free fall downward when lowered.

The resistance damper164includes a plurality of damper members. The resistance damper creates the resistance by friction and/or compression tension between the damper members. Any suitable damper members can be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the damper members are inner and outer tubes166and168that are telescopically disposed relative to one another, and a resistance material170between the tubes that creates resistance between them when they are extended or retracted relative to one another. Any suitable material can be used for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance material170is a piece of hook and loop type fastening material (e.g., VELCRO®) attached to one of the tubes. For example, the material can be a strip of ½″ or 1″ wide VELCRO having a self-adhesive backing which is adhered to the outer surface of the inner tube. The VELCRO170creates both friction and compression tension between the inner and outer tubes166and168when they are extended or retracted relative to one another. The use such a material in the resistance damper164provides a side benefit of quieting the movement of the damper when the storage device is used.

The inner and outer tubes166and168can have any suitable structure. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 26, the outer tube168is a straight, hollow tube having an open proximal end172. The distal end174of the outer tube168tapers into a flat portion176having a hole178therethrough. The distal end174of the outer tube168is connected to the distal portion126of the load arm116by inserting the flat portion176through the slot128in the bottom of the load arm116, aligning the hole178in the flat portion176of the outer tube168with the holes124through the distal portion126of the load arm116, and inserting a suitable fastener180, such as a bolt, through the aligned holes.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 25, the inner tube166is a straight, hollow tube having an open distal end182. The inner tube166has an open proximal end184with a small lip186formed around the rim. In one embodiment of the storage device, the force device is at least partially disposed inside the inner tube. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder158of the gas spring156is disposed inside the proximal portion188of the inner tube166, and the piston160extends out through the proximal end184of the tube. The inner tube166includes a stop190on which the cylinder158of the gas spring156bottoms out when the piston160is extended from the cylinder. Any suitable structure can be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop consists of two tabs190that are punched into the sidewall of the inner tube166at 180 degrees relative to each other. The tabs190extend inside the inner tube166to provide a stop for the gas spring cylinder158. Alternatively, the inner tube could be swaged, staked, or grooved to form the stop by reducing the inner diameter of the tube.

The inner and outer tubes166and168can be made from any material(s) suitable for constructing the resistance damper. For example, they can be made from a high strength metal or a reinforced plastic material. In one embodiment, the tubes are made from steel tubing.

As shown inFIGS. 1,22–24and27–29, the storage device10also includes a latch block192which is assembled on the proximal end184of the inner tube166.

The latch block192is shaped as a rectangular block, having a large central bore194therethrough from front to back. A pair of side bores196are formed through the sides of the latch block192. The latch block192can be made from any suitable material, preferably a reinforced plastic material. The proximal end184of the inner tube166is inserted into the central bore194of the latch block192. The latch block192is usually slip fitted onto the proximal end184of the inner tube166, but alternatively it could be fixed to the end of the tube by any suitable method. The lip186around the proximal end184of the inner tube166insures that the latch block192does not slide off the end of the tube.

A pair of hinge pins198are fastened in the side bores196of the latch block192. Preferably, the hinge pins198are welded in place by ultrasonic welding. The hinge pins198can have a knurled inner end (not shown) to insure that the pins do not become unfastened from the latch block192during use of the storage device10.

The illustrated storage device also includes a latch200which, when in a locked position, prevents the gas spring156from moving the load arm116away from the load position. The latch200includes a central portion202that extends over the latch block192. An ear204having a hole206therethrough extends upward from the central portion202. A pair of hinge legs208extend downward from the central portion202on opposing sides of the latch block192. The hinge legs208have openings210through which the hinge pins198on the latch block192extend, thereby hingedly connecting the latch200to the latch block192. A pair of hook arms212having hooks214on their ends extend rearward from the central portion202of the latch200on opposing sides of the latch block192. As shown inFIG. 23, when the latch200is in a locked position, the hooks214latch onto the end portions108of the pivot axle104on the mount14. The hooks214are locked in place by the force of the gas spring156pushing the inner tube166and the attached latch block192in the outward direction. The locked latch200prevents the gas spring156from raising the load arm116from the load position. The symmetrical design of the latch200maintains a balanced, centerline based holding force on the retracted gas spring156. The latch200can be made from any suitable material, for example, a high strength metal such as steel.

As shown inFIGS. 1,22,23,30and31, the storage device also includes a release mechanism216connected to the latch200. The release mechanism216is operable to move the latch200from the locked position to an unlocked position. Any suitable type of release mechanism216can be used for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanism is a release rod216mounted on top of the outer tube168. The release rod216has an upward curved portion at its distal end that serves as a trigger218. The trigger218is protected by its location between the outer tube168and the load arm116, yet it is easy to reach and operate by either a left-handed or a right-handed user. The release rod216has a proximal end220including a first upward bend222, a second upward bend224, and a shoulder226between the two bends. The release rod216is slidably mounted on top of the outer tube168with the use of two rod clips228that are attached to the tube. The rod clips228each have a channel230. The release rod216snaps into the channels230and is slidable within the channels. The shoulder226on the proximal end220of the release rod216extends through the hole206in the ear204of the latch200. The bends222and224on the proximal end220of the release rod216are positioned on opposing sides of the latch ear204to connect the release rod216to the latch200. The release rod216can be lightweight since the forces locking the load arm116in the load position are borne by the latch200. The release rod216can be made from any suitable material, for example, from a metal wire such as steel wire.

As shown inFIGS. 1,23,32and33, the storage device10also includes a safety locking feature that prevents unlocking of the latch200when the load arm116is in the load position. This prevents accidental release of the gas spring156when the load arm116is empty. When the load arm116is in the load position shown inFIGS. 1 and 23, the latch200cannot be unlocked because the hooks214of the latch200extend around the end portions108of the pivot axle104on the mount14to an extent that they prevent the hook arms212from moving upward away from the pivot axle104. In order to unlock the latch200, the user pulls the load arm116down a short distance from the load position to an unlock position. As shown inFIG. 32, the latch mechanism is designed with extra travel such that pulling down on the load arm causes the hooks214of the latch200to move inward a short distance away from the end portions108of the pivot axle104. As shown inFIG. 33, the latch200can then be unlocked by the user pulling outward on the trigger of the release rod216, which causes the attached latch200to pivot and the hook arms212of the latch200to move upward away from the end portions108of the pivot axle104. However, the force of the gas spring156pushing upward on the load arm116makes it difficult for the user to pull down on an empty load arm. On the other hand, when an object such as a bicycle12is supported on the load arm116, the weight of the object on the load arm makes it relatively easy to pull down on the load arm by pulling down on the bicycle (because the bicycle blocks the load arm), in order to unlock the latch200. A gas spring156is selected to provide a force that is slightly less than the weight of the object plus a force applied by the user to pull down on the bicycle supported on the load arm116. In a typical bicycle storage device, the gas spring pushes with about 135 to 185 pounds of force (the force is greatest when the gas spring is fully retracted), but the geometry of the system enables it to lift only a 32-pound bicycle.

As shown inFIG. 24, when the latch200is locked, the inner tube166of the resistance damper164is prevented from moving away from the mount14because of its attachment to the latch block192. However, the outer tube168is extendable and retractable relative to the inner tube166to allow the user to raise and lower the empty load arm116. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 23, when the load arm116is in the load position, the proximal end172of the outer tube168abuts the latch block192. As shown inFIG. 24, when the empty load arm116is raised by the user, the outer tube168is extended from the inner tube166such that the proximal end172of the outer tube168is spaced a distance away from the latch block192. Optionally, the storage device can include a spacer (not shown) that limits the retraction of the outer tube168relative to the inner tube166. Any suitable type of spacer structure can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the spacer is a partial ring that snaps onto the exterior of the inner tube166adjacent to the latch block192. The partial ring can be made from any relatively flexible and strong material, such as a relatively flexible metal or plastic. When the outer tube168is retracted relative to the inner tube166, the proximal end172of the outer tube168abuts the spacer instead of the latch block192. This adjusts upward the position of the load arm when it is in the load position. The user of the storage device may desire a higher load position depending on the particular user and the particular type of bicycle or other object stored. The use of a spacer allows all storage devices to be installed at a uniform height from the floor, while allowing individual users the flexibility of adjusting the load height of the arm after installation.

In operation, the storage device10is initially in the load position (shown inFIG. 1) with the latch200locked. The user of the storage device10loads the bicycle12on the load arm116of the device. Then the user pulls down on the bicycle in order to pull the load arm116down a short distance to the unlock position, and pulls the trigger218on the release rod216that unlocks the latch200. This releases the gas spring156, which assists the user in pushing the load arm116and the supported bicycle12up to the store position (shown inFIG. 19) against the wall16. When the user wishes to remove the bicycle12from storage, the user pulls down on the bicycle supported on the load arm116. The upward force of the gas spring156ensures that the load arm116comes down smoothly. When the load arm116reaches the load position, the latch200becomes locked, and the user can safely remove the bicycle12from the load arm. The extendable inner and outer tubes166and168of the resistance damper164allow the user to push the empty load arm back up against the wall, out of the way. The empty load arm can be pulled down to the load position for loading the bicycle again. The resistance damper164ensures smooth upward and downward movements of the empty load arm.