Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/785,658 filed Mar. 14, 2013, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This disclosure is directed to bicycle storage systems and, in particular, to shared-use bicycle systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Bicycle sharing enterprises typically allow a user to rent one of a fleet of bicycles for a specified amount of time and/or for a specified fee. Such bicycles are often stored in locking stations or racks, to which the bicycles are securely fixed when not in use. Although the locking mechanisms of such bicycle racks can secure the bicycles, they have very limited, if any, means for storing additional accessories, such as helmets. However, many bicyclists prefer to use helmets for safety reasons and, in some areas helmets are required to be worn when riding bicycles. Accordingly, these and other deficiencies of conventional bicycle racks render them inadequate for many riders and improvements to the locking mechanisms of bicycle racks for bicycle sharing enterprises are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Several embodiments herein are directed to a shared-use bicycle system, comprising a bicycle having a locking device and an accessory-receiving area. The locking device can extend horizontally from the bicycle, and the accessory-receiving area being positioned below the locking device. The shared-use bicycle system also comprises a bicycle rack having a horizontally-extending rigid member with at least one opening thereon to receive the locking device of the bicycle in a secured manner. When the bicycle is received in the at least one opening of the bicycle rack in the secured manner, access to the accessory-receiving area of the bicycle is restricted by the horizontally-extending rigid member. 
     In another representative embodiment, a method of operating a shared-use bicycle system comprises providing a plurality of bicycles having locking devices and accessory-receiving areas. The locking devices can extend horizontally from the bicycles and the accessory-receiving areas can be positioned below the locking devices. The bicycles can be secured to a bicycle rack such that the accessory-receiving areas are inaccessible to a user. The method further comprises receiving a request from a user to rent a bicycle, and releasing a bicycle from the bicycle rack in response to the request such that the user is provided access to the accessory-receiving area. 
     In another representative embodiment, a bicycle security device comprises an elongated tubular member configured to be mounted on a front portion of a bicycle, a first projection extending laterally from the elongated tubular member, and a helmet-receiving member. The helmet-receiving member can extend laterally from the elongated tubular member, and be substantially coplanar with, and spaced apart from, the first projection along a longitudinal axis of the elongated tubular member. At least one of the first projection and helmet-receiving member can be configured to be received by, and retained in, an opening in a parking rack, so as to secure the bicycle to the parking rack and restrict access to a helmet received by the helmet-receiving member. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shared bicycle system. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a bicycle security device. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a bicycle with the bicycle security device of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the bicycle of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a helmet. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shared bicycle system. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the stanchion of the embodiment of  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a horizontal member of a shared bicycle system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , there is shown a shared-use bicycle system  10  for securing a bicycle  12 . In addition to the bicycle  12 , the bicycle system  10  can comprise a bicycle parking rack  13 , and a user interface or kiosk  16  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). As used herein, the terms “rack”, “parking rack”, and “bicycle rack” refer to any structure that is capable of receiving one or more bicycles in a secured manner. As used herein, the terms “user interface” and “kiosk” refer to any mechanism for controlling the securing and releasing of bicycles to and from bicycle racks, whether by mechanical, electrical, and/or computer-controlled means. 
     The bicycle system  10  can be configured such that a user can rent a bicycle for a specified period of time and or/for a specified fee. In some embodiments, a plurality of shared-use bicycle systems  10  can be located throughout, for example, a metropolitan area, such that a user can rent a bicycle from substantially any location in the metropolitan area. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the bicycle  12  can comprise a bicycle security device  14  mounted to a front portion of the bicycle  12 . The systems and methods described herein provide a locking device (e.g., a bicycle security device as discussed below) and an accessory-receiving area (e.g., a container or other helmet-receiving area as discussed below). The locking device and accessory-receiving area are positioned so that, when the locking device is secured to a bicycle rack, the accessory-receiving area is also secured so that an item stored or held in that area (e.g., a helmet) cannot be removed from the bicycle or the bicycle rack. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the bicycle security device  14  can comprise an elongated tube  18  and a first projection  20 . The first projection  20  can extend from the elongated tube  18  perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular member  18  such that the projection  20  is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the bicycle  12  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 3-4 ). The first projection  20  can have a mechanism for securing the bicycle  12  to a parking rack  13 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first projection  20  comprises an opening  28  for receiving a locking mechanism associated with the parking rack  13 . The locking mechanism can be any suitable locking mechanism, such as a deadbolt, that can move into the opening  28  and secure the bicycle  12  to the parking rack  13 . Alternatively, the locking mechanism can also be a magnetic or electromagnetic lock, wherein the bicycle is secured to the rack by, for example, magnetic attraction between an electromagnet located on the bicycle rack and an armature located on the bicycle, or vice versa. 
     An accessory-receiving area can be positioned below the first projection  20  for storing various accessories. In one embodiment, the accessory-receiving area can comprises a second projection  22  that also extends from the elongated tube  18  in the same general direction as first projection  20 . As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, a third projection  24  can extend from the second projection  22  to facilitate holding an accessory (e.g., a helmet) in place on the second projection  22 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , third projection  24  can extend in a substantially perpendicular manner from second projection  22 . 
     The security device  14  can be integrally formed with a bicycle so the tubular member  18  is the head tube of the bicycle  12 . Alternatively, the security device  14  can be fitted around and/or over the head tube of a bicycle. In this manner, any bicycle can be retrofitted with the security device. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the security device  14  can be secured to and/or formed on any other suitable part of the bicycle  12 . For example, instead of extending from a front portion of the bicycle, the security device can extend from a rear portion of the bicycle, such as from the seat post or other structural member on the rear of the bicycle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 3-4 , the accessory-receiving area of the security device  14  can include a container  30 , either in addition to the second projection  22  or as an alternative. In some embodiments, the container  30  can be a basket, a rigid box or tote, a pannier, etc., and can be fixedly or releasably attached to the bicycle. In this manner, the user can also place personal items in the container  30  when using the shared bicycle. 
     The container  30  can be mounted to the front portion of the bicycle such that it extends substantially over and/or around the front wheel  32 . As described in more detail below, when used in combination with the security device  14  and a parking rack  13  that has a generally horizontal member  36 , the container  30  can extend beneath the horizontal member  36  when the bicycle is secured to the parking rack  13 . By extending beneath the horizontal member  36 , access to the container  30  can be restricted when the bicycle  12  is secured to the parking rack  13  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). To restrict access to the container  30  when secured to the parking rack  13 , the clearance between a lower surface of the horizontal member  36  and an upper surface of the container  30  can be such that a helmet cannot be removed from the container. In some embodiments, the clearance can be such that a person&#39;s fingers cannot pass between the lower surface of the horizontal member and the upper surface of the container. In some embodiments, the clearance can be about six inches or less. In alternative embodiments, the clearance can be about two inches or less. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , if desired, the second projection  22  of the security device  14  can be provided along with the container  30 . For example, the second projection  22  can extend through the container  30 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the second projection  22  can further facilitate securing one or more bicycle accessories in the container  30 , such as a helmet, bicycle lock, detachable bicycle lights, etc. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the parking rack  13  can comprise one or more rigid vertical members  34  overlaid by a rigid horizontal member  36 . The horizontal member  36  can comprise one or more openings  38  for receiving the first projection  20  of the bicycle security device  14 . In some embodiments, when the first projection  20  is inserted into the opening  38 , a sensor (not shown) can detect the presence of the projection. The sensor can communicate with a user interface and/or kiosk so that the user interface and/or kiosk can secure and release the bicycle  12  based on information received from the sensor and/or the user. The user interface and/or sensor can cause a deadbolt to be inserted through the opening  28 , thereby securing the bicycle to the parking rack  13 . 
     As discussed above, a parking rack  13  can secure just one bicycle or it can secure a plurality of bicycles  12 . If the parking rack  13  is configured to secure a plurality of bicycles  12 , it can comprise a plurality of openings  38 . These openings, for example, can extend along a length of the horizontal member  36  (on one or both sides of the horizontal member  36 ) to secure a plurality of bicycles in the manner discussed above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the height relationship between the security device  14  of the bicycle and the horizontal member  36  of the parking rack  13  can be such that the first projection  20  can be received into an opening  38  with the container  30  disposed immediately below the horizontal member  36 . In this manner, the first projection  20  of the security device  14  can secure the bicycle to the parking rack, and the horizontal member  36  of the parking rack can prevent access to the contents of the container. This can allow the bicycle  12  to be stored in the parking rack  13  in combination with accessories, such as a helmet  26  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 4-5 ), thereby eliminating the need to provide a separate vending apparatus to supply the accessories. This arrangement can also allow the user to access both the bicycle and the helmet  26  in the container with the single step of removing the bicycle from the parking rack. In some embodiments, the horizontal member  36  can be configured to protect the contents of the container  30  from rain or other ambient conditions by, for example, overhanging or extending beyond the edge of the container. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the helmet  26  can be configured to receive the third projection  24  of the bicycle security device. In some embodiments, the helmet can comprise an opening or slot  40  into which the third projection can extend when the helmet is placed in the container  30 . In some embodiments, the third projection can interface with a separate security mechanism of the horizontal member  36  (i.e., a locking mechanism, deadbolt, etc.) such that the helmet can be secured to the parking rack while located inside the container  30 . In this manner, the helmet  26  can be physically secured to the parking rack in addition to being located under the horizontal member  36  when the bicycle is secured to the parking rack. However, in alternative embodiments, the third projection  24 , in combination with a locking mechanism of the parking rack, can separately secure the helmet such that the horizontal member  36  need not block access to the container  30  to secure the helmet. It should be recognized that this concept is generally applicable to any accessory or item which might be placed in the container  30  and included with a rental of the bicycle. 
     An alternative embodiment of a parking rack  113  is shown in  FIGS. 6A-B . Instead of a horizontal beam, this embodiment includes one or more horizontally-projecting members. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , parking rack  113  has a single vertical member  126  with a horizontally-projecting member  128 . The horizontally-projecting member  128  can have one or more openings  130  for receiving the first projection  20  of the security device  14  of the bicycle  12 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . As with other embodiments described herein, when the first projection  20  is inserted into an opening  130 , a deadbolt or other locking mechanism can extend through the opening  28  of the first projection, thereby securing the bicycle to the parking rack  113 . The horizontally-projecting member  128  can be configured such that when the bicycle is secured to the parking rack, the horizontally-projecting member restricts access to the container  30  in a manner similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . In this manner, accessories, such as the helmet  26 , can be included with the bicycle rental and stored together with the bicycle when not in use. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , the horizontally-projecting member  128  can include a plurality of openings  130  to provide flexibility when securing the bicycle to the parking rack in the event of space constraints caused by, for example, walls, curbs, etc. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6B , the user can secure the bicycle  12  using any of the three available openings  130 . Thus, for example, if the parking rack  113  is positioned adjacent a wall of a building, the opening closest to the wall may not be fully accessible to the user and, in this case, the user may choose to use the opening furthest from the wall. Alternatively, a temporary structure or object (e.g., a car) may have been placed in a position that restricts access to one, but not all, of the openings. In this manner, even if access to one opening is blocked or restricted, a user may still be able to utilize the parking rack  113  to secure the bicycle  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the parking rack  113  can be incorporated into an existing fixture or piece of infrastructure, such as a parking meter, light fixture, etc., that can be retrofitted with the horizontally-projecting member  128  and associated electronics. In some embodiments, the parking rack  113  can include a plurality of horizontally-projecting member  128 , such as one on each side, for securing multiple bicycles. In alternative embodiments, the horizontally-projecting member  128  can comprise a single opening  130 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the user interface or kiosk  16  can be configured to allow a user to rent a bicycle from the shared bicycle system  10 . The kiosk  16  can be in communication with the parking rack  13 , and can be configured to perform functionality such as displaying pricing and availability of bicycles to a user, receiving cash or credit card information from the user, and causing the parking rack  13  to unsecure a bicycle for use by the user. In some embodiments, the kiosk  16  can be integrated into the structure of the parking rack  13 , or can be freestanding. In some embodiments, the functionality of the kiosk can be accessible remotely, such as over the internet or from a mobile electronic device such as a smart phone or tablet. In some embodiments, the functionality of the kiosk  16  can be incorporated into existing infrastructure, such as a parking meter, such that the existing infrastructure can be retrofitted with a parking rack such as the parking rack  113 . 
     As discussed above, the horizontally extending member  36  preferably provides shelter for the helmet-receiving area to protect it from the elements. Alternatively, other structures can be provided that restrict access but do not substantially cover the helmet-receiving area. For example, alternative embodiments of the horizontal member  36  can comprise square enclosures  33 , semi-annular enclosures  35 , and horizontal projections  37 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . When the bicycle is secured to the parking rack, each of these structures extends over the helmet-receiving area to prevent removal of the helmet from that area. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Technology Category: 7