Patent Publication Number: US-2007108357-A1

Title: Support bracket for bicycles

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a support bracket generally, and more specifically to a mountable support bracket for bicycles and the like.  
      In recent years, the popularity of bicycling for sport, recreation, and transportation has increased. As such, bicycle carriers and holders of various sizes, shapes, and configurations have heretofore been developed. These holders typically provide a relatively easy and convenient approach for storing a bicycle between uses.  
      With the increased popularity of bicycling as a sport and recreational activity, bicycling equipment has drastically increased in performance, and accordingly, in price. With bicycles now routinely costing thousands of dollars, today&#39;s bicyclists do not simply store there bicycles on a garage floor where it can be knocked over and damaged. As such, storing bicycles using wall mounted carriers or ceiling hooks is advantageous in that it allows bicycles to be safely stored in an out-of-the-way location, conserves floor space, and decreases congestion in crowded or cluttered areas.  
      In general, these wall-mounted carriers have carrying arms that extend outwardly from the wall to suspend the bicycle therefrom. However, these carriers have heretofore taken the form of large brackets that are complicated, fabricated from numerous parts, and therefore, expensive to manufacture. In addition, because these carriers are typically fabricated from numerous parts, the strength of the carrier is decreased, and as such, may provide inadequate support. Moreover, many bicycling enthusiasts find it desirable to prominently display their bicycles. As such, these enthusiasts require, but have heretofore been unable to purchase, a carrier which is aesthetically pleasing.  
      Accordingly, a need exists for an improved bicycle-supporting bracket which has, among other advantages, increased strength, while simultaneously being aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a bicycle-supporting bracket that solves the aforementioned disadvantages and having the aforementioned advantages is desired.  
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
      The aforementioned drawbacks and disadvantages of these bicycle supporting brackets have been identified and a solution is set forth herein by the inventive bicycle supporting bracket which includes, a mount for supporting a bicycle thereon comprising, a first support including a first end, wherein the first support is adapted to be suspended from a generally flat surface. The first support also includes a first strengthening member disposed thereon. A second support, having a second and a third end, is also included. The second support includes a pair of angularity disposed exterior lateral edges, wherein the exterior lateral edges converge at the second end, and diverge therefrom to the third end. The third end includes at least one upturned projection, and the second support further includes a second strengthening member disposed thereon. Further, the first end of the first support is angularity disposed on the second end of the second support, and the first and second strengthening members are joined to one another forming a single continuous strengthening flange.  
      Another aspect of the present invention includes a unitary mount for supporting a wheeled vehicle thereon comprising, a one-piece mount including a first support and a second support. The first support is adapted to suspend the mount from a generally flat surface, and the first support includes a first end. The second support comprises two angularity disposed arms, wherein the arms converge at a second end of the second support, and diverge therefrom to a third end of the second support. Each arm has an upturned projection disposed on the third end of the second support, and the arms define an opening therebetween. Further, the first end of the first support is integrally disposed on the second end of the second support at an angle. The one-piece mount also includes a first and a second exterior lateral edge. A continuous flange is disposed along each first and second exterior lateral edge of the mount and extends from at least a portion of the first support to at least a portion of the second support.  
      In another aspect of the present invention, a unitary mount for supporting a bicycle thereon comprises a one-piece mount including a first support and a second support. The first support is adapted to suspend the mount from a generally vertical wall surface and the first support includes a first end. The second support comprises two angularly disposed arms, the arms converging at a second end of the second support and diverging therefrom to a third end of the second support. Each arm has an upturned projection disposed on the third end of the second support and the arms define an opening therebetween. Further, the first end of the first support is integrally disposed on the second end of the second support at an angle of between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees. The one-piece mount also includes a first and a second exterior lateral edge. A continuous flange is disposed along each first and second lateral edge of the mount and extends from at least a portion of the first support to at least a portion of the second support. Additionally, at least one aperture is disposed along at least one of the continuous flanges.  
      And still in another aspect of the present invention, a unitary mount for supporting a bicycle thereon comprises a one-piece mount including a first support and a second support. The first support is adapted to suspend the mount from a generally horizontal ceiling surface, and the first support includes a first end. The second support comprises two angularly disposed arms, the arms converging at a second end of the second support and diverging therefrom to a third end of the second support. Each arm having an upturned projection disposed on the third end of the second support, whereby the arms define an opening therebetween. The first end of the first support is integrally disposed on the second end of the second support at an angle of between about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. The one-piece mount also includes a first and a second exterior lateral edge and a continuous flange is disposed along each first and second lateral edge of the mount and extends from at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member. Additionally, at least one aperture is disposed along at least one of the continuous flanges.  
      Other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosures that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims.  
      In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The bicycle support bracket of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the claims.  
      As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
      Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essences of the technical disclosure of the application.  
      Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.  
      These and other objects, along with the various features, and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the bicycle support bracket of the present disclosure, its advantageous and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.  
      While embodiments of the bicycle support bracket are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications maybe made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position;  
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the bicycle support bracket of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is a left side view of the bicycle support bracket of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the bicycle support bracket of  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a left side view of another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position;  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the bicycle support bracket of  FIG. 6 ;  
       FIG. 8  is a left side view of yet another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position;  
       FIG. 9  is a front view of the bicycle support bracket of  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of still another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position;  
       FIG. 11  is a front view of yet still another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position;  
       FIG. 12  is a left side view of another embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, in a support position; and  
       FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, suspended from a wall surface and supporting a bicycle thereon. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
      The best mode for caring out the invention is presented in terms of the preferred embodiment, wherein similar referenced characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.  
      For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “rear”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
      Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, these same referenced numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The dimensions illustrated in the drawings (if provided) are included for purposes of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.  
      Additionally, particular details in the drawings which are illustrated in hidden or dashed lines are to be considered as forming no part of the present invention.  
      The disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art are overcome through the bicycle support bracket of the present invention, wherein one preferred embodiment is disclosed in  FIGS. 1-4 . Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown in perspective view a bicycle support bracket, rack or mount  2  of the present invention. Support bracket  2  includes a first support  10  which is adapted to be suspended from a generally flat surface such as a wall surface. The first support includes a first end  22 , and at least one strengthening member  20  disposed thereon. A second support  50  includes a pair of angularly disposed exterior lateral edges  54  and  56 . Edges  54  and  56  converge at a second end  62  and diverge therefrom to a third end  66 . The third end  66  of second support  50  also includes at least one upturned projection  70 . Second support  50  further includes at least one second strengthening member  80  disposed thereon. In one preferred orientation, first support  10  and second support  50  are oriented such that first end  22  of support  10  is disposed on second end  62  of second support  50 , whereby the first and second supports  10  and  50 , respectively, are angularly disposed. Further, first and second strengthening members  20  and  80 , respectively, are joined to one another as at, for example only,  30 , forming a single continuous strengthening flange  100  disposed along exterior lateral mount edge  98 .  
      With respect to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the bicycle rack of  FIG. 1  is illustrated. As shown, this embodiment is adapted to be suspended from a wall surface and is illustrated in a support position, ready to suspend a bicycle therefrom. In this embodiment, first support  10  is shown as having a generally rectangular shape, including a generally planar mounting surface  14  and generally parallel exterior lateral edges  32  and  34 . Of course, other shapes and configurations may be used for first support  10 . Mounting surface  14  is adapted for attachment to, and suspension from, a generally vertical surface, such as a wall. In the illustrated figure, surface  14  includes one or more apertures  16  for receiving a fastener (not shown) therethrough. In this manner, first support  10  can be suspended from the wall, wherein one or more fasteners (not shown) may be disposed through the one or more apertures  16  thereby rigidly securing first support  10  to the wall surface. Of course, this is in no way meant to be limiting, and first support  10  may be affixed or otherwise suspended from a wall surface by numerous other techniques as are well known in the art. At least one of the exterior lateral edges  32  and  34  includes a strengthening member  20 . In one preferred embodiment, two such strengthening members are utilized and are illustrated in  FIG. 2  as flanges  20  and  20 ′ disposed along exterior lateral edges  32 , and  34 , respectively. In this preferred embodiment, flanges  20  and  20 ′ are integrally fabricated from mounting surface  14  by bending or otherwise forming flanges  20  and  20 ′ from mounting surface  14  along exterior lateral edges  32  and  34 , respectively.  
      The specific configurations and features of first support  10  may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, first support  10  is generally rectangular in shape and is fabricated in a one-piece configuration from ⅛ th  inch steel, wherein flanges  20  and  20 ′ are formed from first support  10  by bending or otherwise. However, the shape of mounting surface  14  may vary according to specific requirements, and need not be rectangular in configuration. Further, although one preferred embodiment of first support  10  is fabricated from steel utilizing bending techniques, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques maybe used. For example, first support  10  may be molded from a plastic material. In addition, although this particular embodiment of first support  10  and flanges  20  and  20 ′ is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces can be utilized, and assembled by various means such as fasteners, welding, and other techniques well known in the art.  
      Returning focus to  FIG. 1 , second support  50  includes a pair of angularly disposed exterior lateral edges  54  and  56  which converge toward a second end  62  and diverge toward a third end  66 , thereby defining an opening  64  therebetween, and forming angularly disposed arms  68  and  68 ′. In this embodiment, opening  64  is U-shaped and arms  68  and  68 ′ are utilized to support a bicycle thereon. In this embodiment, the bicycle is supported by its frame at the third end  66  of each arm  68  and  68 ′ (see  FIG. 13 ).  
      With respect to one another, the angle of arms  68  and  68 ′ may vary according to specific requirements. In one preferred embodiment the angle ranges from about 25 degrees to about 55 degrees, more preferably from about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees, and most preferably from about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , the angle is about 39 degrees. Disposed on arms  68  and  68 ′ at third end  66  are upturned projections  70  and  70 ′, respectively, which may be formed by upwardly bending end  66  of arms  68  and  68 ′. Upturned projections  70  and  70 ′ are typically angled at an angle theta (Θ) which ranges from about 45 degrees to about 170 degrees, more preferably from about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, and most preferably from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , theta is about 80 degrees. Projections  70  and  70 ′ are utilized to restrict the movement of a bicycle frame which may be supported on arms  68  and  68 ′, thereby keeping the bicycle frame from slipping off end  66  of arms  68  and  68 ′ when supported thereon. Also disposed at third end  66  of second support  50 , on arms  68  and  68 ′, are stabilization or support pads  74  and  74 ′ which extend from arms  68  and  68 ′, respectively. Although support pads  74  and  74 ′ may extend inwardly, toward opening  64 , in one preferred embodiment support pads  74  and  74 ′ extend outwardly, away from lateral edges  54  and  56 . Support pads  74  and  74 ′ are utilized to increase the pad or surface area of arms  68  and  68 ′, at third end  66 , in order to provide increased surface area for supporting a bicycle frame thereon.  
      Additionally, disposed at least partially along at least one of the exterior lateral edges  54 , and  56  is a second strengthening member  80 . In a preferred embodiment, two such strengthening members are utilized, are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  as flanges  80  and  80 ′, and are disposed along exterior lateral edges  54  and  56 , respectively. In this embodiment, flanges  80  and  80 ′ are integrally fabricated from second support surface  50  by bending or otherwise forming flanges  80  and  80 ′ along exterior lateral edges  54  and  56 , respectively. In addition to strengthening support  2 , flanges  80  and  80 ′ may include one or more hanging features, devices or supports which are capable of hanging or suspending articles, for example bicycle equipment, therefrom. Such a feature is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  as apertures  76 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment of an effective hanger is created by utilizing hooks through apertures  76 . As illustrated, S-hooks  90  are used in this preferred embodiment to suspend or hang articles thereon.  
      The specific configuration and features of second support  50  may vary according to specific requirements. In the preferred embodiment, second support  50  is generally V-shaped and is fabricated into a one-piece configuration from ⅛ th  inch steel, wherein flanges  80  and  80 ′ are integrally formed from second support  50  along exterior lateral edges  54  and  56 . However, the shape of second support  50  may vary according to specific requirements and need not be V-shaped in configuration. Further, although one preferred embodiment of second support  50  is fabricated from steel by utilizing bending techniques, other ridged materials and fabrication techniques maybe used. For example, second support  50  may be molded from a plastic material. In addition, although one embodiment of second support  50  includes flanges  80  and  80 ′ and is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, multiple pieces may be utilized and assembled by various means such as fasteners, welding, as well as any other technique well known in the art.  
      Overall, mount  2  is fabricated from first support  10  and second support  50  by positioning first end  22  of first support  10  on second end  62  of second support  50  in an angularly disposed relationship. First support  10  is angled with respect to second support  50  at an angle alpha (α) which is between from about zero degrees to about 90 degrees, more preferably between from about 70 degrees to about 90 degrees, and most preferably from about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees. In one preferred embodiment, mount  2  is fabricated into a one-piece configuration, wherein first support  10  and second support  50  are integrally connected by welding or otherwise, and are affixed at an angle alpha of about 80 degrees. The fabrication of mount  2  into a one-piece configuration can be done by using one or more pieces of material. When more than one piece is used, for example only, a welding operation may be used. Of course, mount  2  can be fabricated utilizing a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material, and numerous fabricating and fastening techniques can be used. In the illustrated embodiments, mount  2  is fabricated by welding first end  22  of first support  10  to second end  62  of second support  50  yielding a one-piece configuration.  
      In order to maximize the strength of mount  2 , flanges  20 ,  80  and  20 ′,  80 ′ are associated, connected to or otherwise formed into a pair of single continuous flanges  100  and  100 ′, respectively, and disposed along exterior lateral mount edges  98  and  98 ′, respectively. The resultant pair of continuous flanges  100  and  100 ′, act to transfer the stresses, associated with the suspension of the bicycle on second support  50 , to first support  10 , thereby increasing the strength of mount  2 . In a preferred embodiment, flanges  20 ,  80  and  20 ′,  80 ′ are formed into continuous support members or flanges  100  and  100 ′, respectively, by welding.  
      While one preferred embodiment has been described, the specific characteristics of support bracket  2  may vary according to the specific requirements of the end user. Although the preferred embodiment utilizes a one piece construction, support bracket  2  may be fabricated from numerous parts. In addition, support bracket  2  may be fabricated by numerous other methods such as machining or molding, and may also be fabricated from numerous materials other then sheet metal, the prime characteristic being the material&#39;s ability to rigidly support a bicycle thereon.  
      By fabricating support bracket  2  from sheet steel utilizing stamping, folding and welding operations, a very economical bicycle rack has been developed which is simple in configuration and appearance, elegant, and yet very strong. In addition, support bracket  2  may be further enhanced by utilizing a powder coat finish to provide a durable yet protective finish, and yet further, a rubberized coating may be disposed on stabilization pads  74  and  74 ′, the ends of arms  68  and  68 ′ nearest end  66 , and upturned projections  70  and  70 ′, to protect the bicycle frame from being scratched when disposed on second support  50  of support bracket  2 .  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment wherein second strengthening flanges  80  and/or  80 ′ include one or more apertures  76  disposed therethrough for fastening or hanging miscellaneous articles thereon. In this embodiment, apertures  76  are adapted for receiving hooks therethrough. As illustrated, S-hooks  90  may be utilized, for example, to suspend articles thereon such as bicycle helmets, gloves or other objects for convenience. Of course, other style hooks may be utilized and further yet, features other than holes may be used to suspend the articles. For example, apertures of any geometry may be used. Additionally, other features such as projections, hooks, fingers and the like may be formed or attached anywhere along support flanges  100  and  100 ′ to support the various articles during storage.  
      With respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an alternative embodiment  2 A is illustrated. Support bracket  2 A is adapted to be suspended from a generally planar surface such as a ceiling. This embodiment is similar to mount  2  in construction and appearance. As such, the embodiments may have similar components which are described using numbers common to all embodiments. The differing embodiments, and the similar elements thereof, are distinguished by adding the letter A to the associated number. Mount  2 A includes first support  10 A which is L-shaped and preferably integrally connected to V-shaped second support  50 A, whereby a bicycle may be supported via upturned projections  70 A and  70 A′. Mount  2 A includes flanges  20 A and  80 A, preferable continuously disposed along lateral exterior edges  32 A and  54 A, respectively, forming a continuous flange  100 A. Oppositely located are corresponding flanges  20 A′ and  80 A′ disposed along lateral exterior edges  34 A and  56 A, respectively, forming a continuous flange  10 A′ (not shown). Upturned projections  70 A and  70 A′ are utilized to retain the bicycle thereon.  
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate yet another embodiment capable of being suspended from a generally planar surface such as a ceiling. This embodiment is similar to mount  2 A in construction and appearance. As such, the embodiments may have similar components which are described using numbers common to all embodiments. The differing embodiments, and the similar elements thereof, are distinguished by adding the letter B to the associated number. Mount  2 B includes a T-shaped first support member  10 B, V-shaped second support member  50 B, first and second flanges  20 B,  80 B and  20 B′,  80 B′ (not shown) disposed along lateral exterior edges  32 B,  54 B, and  34 B,  56 B, respectively, forming continuous flanges  100 B and  100 B′ (not shown). Upturned projections  70 B and  70 B′ are again utilized to retain the bicycle thereon.  
      In yet another embodiment, mount  2 C is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . This embodiment is similar to mount  2  in construction and appearance. As such, the embodiments may have similar components which are described using numbers common to all embodiments. The differing embodiments, and the similar elements thereof, are distinguished by adding the letter C to the associated number. First support  10 C is is adapted to be suspended from a generally planar surface such as a wall. Second support  50 C is V-shaped and includes angularly disposed exterior lateral edges  54 C and  56 C which converge towards second end  62 C and diverge as they approach third end  66 C. A pair of continuous flanges  100 C and  100 C′ are disposed along the lateral exterior edges  98 C and  98 C′ of mount  2 C. Disposed along third end  66 C is a single upturned edge  70 C and a single stabilization pad  74 C for supporting a bicycle thereon.  
      Yet another two embodiments  2 D and  2 E are illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  and include variations of first and second strengthening members  20  and  80 . Namely,  20 D,  80 D and  20 E,  80 E, respectively. Strengthening members  20 D,  80 D and  20 E,  80 E, are illustrated as struts or angled brackets and are utilized to strengthen mount  2  either in place of, or in addition to, a continuous flange. As described previously, strengthening members  20 D,  80 D and  20 E,  80 E act to transfer the stresses on second support  50 D and  50 E, respectively, associated with supporting a bicycle, to first support  10 D and  10 E, respectively, thereby increasing the overall strength of mounts  2 D and  2 E. In the illustrated example, strengthening members  20 D,  80 D and  20 E,  80 E, are used in conjunction with a continuous strengthening flange.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates mount  2  in use. As illustrated, one or more fasteners, for example screws, are inserted through apertures  16  in first support  10 , and into the associated wall structure, thereby securely supporting mount  2  to the wall structure. The bicycle is supported on mount  2  by positioning the bicycle frame on arms  68  and  68 ′ at end  66  of second support  50 , on pads  74  and  74 ′. The bicycle is securely retained or captured thereon and kept from slipping off of arms  68  and  68 ′ by upturned projections  70  and/or  70 ′. Further, accessories such as helmets, gloves, or the like may be stored or hung next to the bicycle via apertures  76  and/or S hooks  90 .  
      Advantageously, the bicycle support rack of the present invention is efficiently fabricated and elegantly designed while being engineered to support heavy loads. Consequently, the embodiments of the preferred invention disclosed herein reveal a bicycle supporting rack which has been reduced in cost, is more robust than existing designs, and can therefore carry or support higher loads than existing bicycle mounts. Additionally, the bicycle support rack of the present invention is more aesthetically appealing than prior art support brackets.  
      The solutions offered by the invention herein have thus been attained in an economical, practical, and facile manner. To whit, a novel bicycle support bracket which is cost effective, easily installed, strong, and aesthetically pleasing has been invented. While preferred embodiments and example configurations of the inventions have been herein illustrated, shown, and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurements disclosed herein are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and it is to appreciated that various changes, rearrangements, and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.