Abstract:
A modular bicycle storage system designed primarily for use in urban environments includes a plurality of enclosures formed from a weatherproof fiberglass or plastic sheeting. The enclosure is accessed by a door that can be secured with a lock further includes lighting for nighttime use. A plurality of enclosures can be fastened and arranged in a modular fashion, both vertically and horizontally. The arrangement forms a pattern which is both space efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The enclosures also provide features which enable tethering to a ground surface if desired.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/548,392 filed Oct. 18, 2011, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a storage container for a bicycle where the bicycle is secured to a track assembly affixed to an enclosure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention described herein pertains to a bicycle storage container and more particularly a plurality of modular storage units. Traditional bike racks provide a single static structure for securing a plurality of bicycles through the use of chains and/or locks. With advancements in bicycle construction such as quick-release tires, the use of a traditional bike rack often fails to provide adequate protection. It is difficult to lock both tires and a frame to a traditional rack through the use of a single chain or bike lock. When a bicyclist fails to lock their bike and tires to a rack, they all too often return to a stolen frame or wheels. Additionally, a traditional bike rack fails to provide any protection from the elements. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,786 to Alvin E. Buchanan et al. discloses a bicycle container having a substantially rectangular frame with an interior space for receiving a bicycle. The container has a track for guiding and securing a bicycles wheels during use. While the container provides additional security and protection from the elements as compared to a traditional bike rack, the open front and rear faces allow access to the bike from both thieves and the elements. 
     Another attempt at providing increased bicycle protection is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,505,637 to Stephen C. Voorhees. This patent describes a bicycle housing pivotally attached to a support frame. The housing is lowered over top of a bicycle and locked to the frame opposite the pivot point. This prevents the housing from being lifted and protects the bike from un-authorized access. The construction of this device does not allow for modular storage or an aesthetically pleasing arrangement of housings. 
     Although the various devices observed may fulfill their individual, particular objectives, each device suffers from one (1) or more disadvantage or deficiency related to design or function. Whether taken singly, or in combination, none of the observed devices disclose the specific arrangement and construction of the instant invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the deficiencies in the art pertaining to bicycle storage containers Furthermore, the inventor has observed that there is a need for secure public bicycle storage providing housing for a plurality of bicycle arranged in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner. 
     The inventor has addressed at least one (1) of the problems observed in the art by developing novel bicycle housing. It is a feature and aspect of the present invention to provide a bicycle storage container having a shell, first side panel, second side panel, rear panel and door. The door is affixed to a side panel through the use of hinges, and is secured in a closed position through use of a lock assembly and padlock. The rear panel is fastened to the side panels through use of first fasteners. 
     It is another aspect of the invention to provide a weather-resistant, translucent and elliptical-shaped rear panel and door. Additionally provided are weather-resistant, translucent arcuate-shaped side panels. When not in use the rear panel and door are removed and the side panels are pushed together, creating a flattened state for storage and transport. Furthermore, the side panels have reinforced frame portions providing increased rigidity and secure attachment points for the rear panel and door. The door and rear panel have corresponding flanged edge portions for mating with the reinforced frame of the side panels. Additionally, attached to an exterior portion of the side panels is a tether anchor for securing a first container to a second container. 
     It is yet another aspect of the invention to provide a track assembly for securing a bicycle in a vertical orientation. The track assembly includes a movable track, a pull handle, a stationary track, a first tire stop, a second tire stop and a plurality of rollers. Both the stationary track and the movable track have a “V”-shape, with the stationary track having a plurality of rollers mounted to an upper surface. The movable track is laterally attached to the stationary track through use of a retaining channel, and slides in a forward or rearward direction on the rollers. The first tire stop is affixed to the movable track and the second tire stop is affixed to the stationary track, with each receiving a rear and front bicycle tire respectively therein. The pull handle is affixed to the movable track and used as a grip for sliding the movable track. 
     It is a further aspect of the invention to provide at least one (1) light attached to an interior surface of each side panel. In a preferred embodiment, the lights are LED lamp units having an integral solar cell which charges an internal battery. An on/off switch is provided for user control when attempting to place or remove a bicycle during low light conditions. 
     It is still yet another aspect of the invention to provide a method for forming a modular arrangement of bicycle storage containers. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawing and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a cutaway environmental view of a bicycle storage container  10  depicting an in-use state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a plurality of bicycle storage containers  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a bike track assembly portion  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of a bike track assembly portion  30  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 3 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  bicycle storage container 
                 20  shell 
                 20   a  first side panel 
                 20   b  second side panel 
                 20   c  rear panel 
                 21  door 
                 22  lock assembly 
                 23  hinge 
                 24  tether anchor 
                 25  padlock 
                 27  light 
                 28  flanged edge 
                 29  frame 
                 29   a  first fastener 
                 30  bike track assembly 
                 31  movable track 
                 31   a  retaining channel 
                 32  pull handle 
                 33  stationary track 
                 33   a  first tire stop 
                 33   b  second tire stop 
                 34   a  roller 
                 34   b  roller axle 
                 34   c  second fastener 
                 100  bicycle 
                 101  tire 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a bicycle storage container (herein referred to as an “apparatus”)  10  being offered to solve one (1) or more of the aforementioned problems and fulfill one (1) or more of the aforementioned needs. The apparatus  10  provides secure storage and protection for a bicycle  100 . The apparatus  10  is particularly adapted for modular use in an urban environment. The apparatus  10  is designed to accommodate a range of bicycle sizes. The apparatus  10  can be collapsed, transported, and a plurality of the apparatuses  10  may be attached to form an attractive structure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a cutaway environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting an in-use state, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  provides a durable, aesthetic and space-saving enclosure having a pointed elliptical cross sectional shape (i.e. vesica piscis), and being sized to receive a full range of bicycle  100  models and sizes. The apparatus  10  includes a shell  20  made using a lightweight semi-rigid translucent material such as fiberglass sheet, plastic sheet, or the like, being weather resistant and suitable for use in various locations. The shell  20  is to be preferably made using recycled materials. The shell  20  provides a four-part assembly comprising a first side panel  20   a , a second side panel  20   b , a rear panel  20   c  at a distal end, and a hinged door  21  at a proximal end, thereby forming a hollow container. When in use, the pointed elliptical-shape of the rear panel  20   c  and hinged door  21  portions support the arcuate shape of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  enabling the shell  20  to hold its shape. The rear panel  20   c  and door  21  each comprise similarly-shaped elliptical panels that contain the open area between the side panels  20   a    20   b.    
     When in an empty state, one (1) or more shells  20  may be collapsed and stacked in a flattened state for purposes of storage and transport, if desired, by removing the first fasteners  29   a , door  21 , and rear panel  20   c  portions of each shell  20  and pressing the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  together upon a flat surface. 
     The side panels  20   a ,  20   b  further comprise reinforced frame portions  29  along perimeter edges envisioned to be folded-over doubly-thick portions which provide increased rigidity along top, bottom, rear, and front edges. Said reinforced frame portions  29  enable secure attachment of the door  21  and rear panel  20   c  portions. However, it is understood that the reinforced frame  29  may also utilize metal strips being fastened along said edge portions of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  for increased strength with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . The reinforced frame  29  provides strength and rigidity to maintain the curved shape of the shell  20 . 
     In a corresponding manner, the door  21  and rear panel  20   c  portions comprise flanged edge portions  28  formed at right angles so as to provide mating surfaces being orientated in a parallel manner to the aforementioned frame portions  29 . One (1) flanged edge portion  28  of the door  21  is connected to a proximal frame portion  29  of the first side panel  20   a  via a vertical axial-type hinge  23  being fastened thereto using a plurality of first fasteners  29   a  such as rivets. The hinge  23  enables the door  21  to be swung open in order to access the inside of the shell  20 . The door  21  also includes a lock assembly  22  being located opposite the hinge  23  which enables a user to lock the door portion  21  of the apparatus  10  such that a bicycle  100  inside the shell  20  cannot be accessed by unauthorized users. The lock assembly  20  preferably comprises a hasp device designed to utilize a removably attached padlock  25 ; however, it is understood that other locking means such as those incorporating an integral padlock, a deadbolt mechanism, or an electronic locking mechanism may be used with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The flanged edge portions  28  of the rear panel  20   c  are fastened to respective frame portions  29  of both side panels  20   a ,  20   b  using a plurality of first fasteners  29   a  to seal the rear opening of the shell  20 . 
     Each side panel  20   a ,  20   b  preferably includes at least one (1) light  27  being affixed to an interior surface. The lights  27  provide illumination to a user when attempting to place or remove a bicycle  100  from the apparatus  10  during low light conditions. The lights  27  are envisioned to comprise adhesively-attached self-contained LED lamp units which preferably comprise an integral solar cell which charges an internal battery, and an on/off switch. 
     A lower interior portion of the shell  20  includes an adjustable bike track assembly  30  that provides a means to secure a bicycle  100  in a vertical orientation within the apparatus  10  and to easily and quickly load or remove the bicycle  100  from the apparatus  10  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a plurality of apparatuses  10 , is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is designed to be modular in installation and arrangement such that a plurality of the apparatus  100  may be attached and situated compactly together in a single location forming a row as well being stacked vertically. Each shell  20  includes one (1) or more tether anchors  24  being preferably adhesively bonded to exterior surfaces of the shell  20 . Each tether anchor  24  may be removably attached to a tether anchor portion  24  of an adjacent apparatus  10  or other fastening appendage on a nearby object. Each tether anchor  24  preferably comprises a ring or hook-shaped fastening bracket; however other designs may be utilized such as metal plates with threaded holes that enable direct hardware fastening to an adjacent tether anchor  24 . In a preferred embodiment, each shell  20  has a tether anchor  24  located at a central position on both side panels  20   a ,  20   b . It is further envisioned that additional tether anchors  24  may be installed along a bottom edge of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  to provide a means for anchoring the apparatus  10  to a ground surface, or along a top edge to anchor the apparatus  10  to other apparatuses  10  being stacked above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , side and section views of a bike track assembly portion  30  of the apparatus  10 , are disclosed. The bike track assembly  30  includes a movable track  31 , a pull handle  32 , a stationary track  33 , a first tire stop  33   a  affixed to the movable track  31 , a second tire stop  33   b  affixed to the stationary track  33 , and a plurality of rollers  34   a . The bike track assembly  30  is to be made using lightweight materials such as aluminum where possible to help minimize the weight of the apparatus  10 . The stationary track  33  comprises a piece of “V”-shaped aluminum angle being fastened to a lower interior edge of each side panel  20   a ,  20   b  using a plurality of second fasteners  34   c  such as rivets, screws, or the like. The stationary track  33  is oriented such that the open top of the “V”-shape faces upwardly. The movable track  31  comprises a “V”-shaped structure having integral retaining channel portions  31   a  along each outer edge enabling the movable track  31  to slide along the top surface of the stationary track  33 . Smooth motioning of the movable track  31  upon the stationary track  33  is facilitated by a plurality of rollers  34   a  being stationarily-mounted to upper surfaces of the stationary track  33  along opposing outer edges which contact an inner surface of the retaining channels  31   a . Said retaining channel portions  31   a  wrap around and captivate outer edge portions of the stationary track  33 , thereby acting to laterally attach the movable track  31  to the stationary track  33 . Thus, the rollers  34   a  provide low-friction motioning of the movable track  31  in forward or rearward directions along the stationary track  33 . The rollers  34   a  preferably comprise low-profile neoprene wheels being rotatingly mounted to the stationary track  33  via perpendicular linear roller axle portions  34   b.    
     The first tire stop  33   a  and second tire stop  33   b  each comprise mirror-image rigid “U”-shaped structures being particularly sized so as to receive respective rear and front bicycle tires  101  within. The first tire stop  33   a  and second tire stop  33   b  are permanently affixed at relative diverging angles to respective movable  31  and stationary  33  track portions via welding or equivalent means. While the bicycle  100  is situated atop the bike track assembly  30 , said tire stops  33   a ,  33   b  captivate the tire portions  101  of the bicycle  100  as the movable track  31  slides inwardly, thereby holding the bicycle  100  in a stable upright position. 
     The pull handle  32  comprises an ergonomic gripping means integrated upon a front end of the movable track  31 . The pull handle  32  provides a simple means for a user to motion the movable track  31  inwardly or outwardly from the shell  20  when the door  21  is opened. The movable track  31  can be pulled completely out from the shell  20  such that the user can easily place a front tire portion  101  of the bicycle  100  against the second tire stop portion  33   b  of the stationary track  33 . The user would then use the pull handle  32  to push the movable track  31  onto the stationary track  33  until the first tire stop  33   a  abuts against the rear tire portion  101  of the bicycle  100  prior to closing the door  21  and securing it using the lock assembly  22 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of assembling and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring the apparatus  10  in a disassembled and collapsed state; transporting the apparatus  10  to a desired area; attaching the flanged edges  28  and frame portions  29  of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  and rear panel  20   c  together using first fasteners  29   a  to form the shell  20 ; attaching the hinge  23  to a proximal edge of the frame portion  29  of the first side panel  20   a  using the first fasteners  29   a ; attaching the bike track assembly  30  to lower inner surfaces of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  using the second fasteners  34   c ; and, adhesively attaching the lights  27  to inner surfaces of the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  at desired locations, if not previously installed. The apparatus  10  is now ready to receive a bicycle  100 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  to contain a bicycle  100  may be achieved by performing the following steps: turning on the lights  27  if installing the bicycle  100  during low-light conditions; gripping the pull handle  32  and pulling the movable track  31  outwardly from the shell  20 ; placing a bicycle  100  onto the stationary track  33  such that either tire portion  110  contacts the second tire stop  33   b ; using the pull handle  32  to push the retaining channel portions  31   a  of the movable track  31  inwardly onto the roller portions  34   a  of the stationary track  33  until the first tire stop  33   a  contacts the opposing tire  101  of the bicycle  100 ; turning the light  27  off; closing the door  21 ; and, installing and locking the padlock portion  25  of the locking assembly  22  such that the bicycle  100  will be secure and protected within the shell  20  until such time the user is ready to obtain the bicycle  100  from the apparatus  10  for subsequent use. 
     The apparatus  10  may be fastened to adjacent apparatuses  10 , ground surfaces, or any other desired object by utilizing common tethering hardware and fasteners to fasten the tether anchors  24  to those objects. 
     The apparatus  10  is intended to provide various benefits to a user over other methods of bicycle parking methods in an urban environment. The apparatus  10  can be readily transported to a desired location and assembled with minimal effort. 
     A plurality of the apparatus  100  may be attached and situated compactly together in a single location forming a row as well being stacked vertically. The shape of each shell  20  is designed to accommodate slight variations in grade between adjacent apparatuses  10  while enabling multi-level vertical arrangements and gently curving horizontal arrangements. 
     The apparatus  10  facilitates ease of loading and security for a bicycle  100 . The apparatus  10  provides a valuable aesthetic presence when installed. The construction of the apparatus  10  promotes minimal energy and material waste both during manufacture and during use by comprising recycled materials and low operating energy requirements, and by providing a durable, reusable, reconfigurable, transportable construction. 
     When in an empty state, one (1) or more apparatuses  10  may be disassembled, collapsed, and stacked in a flattened state for purposes of compact storage and economical transportation by removing the first fasteners  29   a  holding the door  21  and rear panel  20   c  portions to the side panels  20   a ,  20   b , and pressing the side panels  20   a ,  20   b  together upon a flat surface. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.