Bicycle Receptacle

Abstract

A bicycle transport container including a wall element which is divided into two parts. The wall element has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part can be opened along a bending edge. Connected to the upper part are two side tabs which, when the upper part is closed, rest against inner sides of the side walls of the bicycle transport container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 20 2020 105 241.1 filed Sep. 11, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates to a bicycle receptacles, in particular a bicycle cardboard box.

Description of Related Art

Bicycle receptacles such as bicycle cardboard boxes are used for shipping bicycles. The bicycles are arranged inside the corresponding bicycle receptacles in a partially disassembled or entirely assembled state. In particular, it is known to partially disassemble the bicycle such that the front wheel is not mounted, but the real wheel is mounted. Optionally, other components such as saddle or handlebar may also be disassembled. The transport with mounted rear wheel has on the one hand the advantage that it does not have to be mounted by the customer and on the other hand that thereby a good protection for the chainstay and also the bottom bracket can be realized in a simple way.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In known bicycle transport containers, in particular bicycle transport cardboard boxes, the object is to reduce the risk of damage during transport and/or to simplify packaging and/or to simplify removal of the bicycle elements from the transport container.

According to the disclosure, at least individual ones of these objectives are solved by a bicycle receptacle according to claim 1 and/or according to claim 11 or 10.

A first disclosure relates to a bicycle transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, which is configured such that the removal of bicycle elements is simplified. Such a bicycle transport container, which in particular has a cuboid outer contour, comprises a bottom element. The bottom element has a rectangular cross-section, in particular. Two opposite side elements are connected with the bottom element. In particular, these are the two narrow side elements which, in a particularly preferred embodiment, are integrally formed with the bottom element so that a bending edge is formed between the bottom element and the side elements. In addition, two opposite wall elements are connected with the bottom element. The two wall elements can also be integrally formed with the bottom element so that a bending edge is again formed between the wall element and the bottom element. In addition, the two wall elements can be connected, at least partially, to the side elements. An integral design is again preferred here, so that there is again a bending edge between the side elements and the wall elements. It is particularly preferred that one of the two wall elements is connected, in particular integrally formed with both side elements over the entire height or over the entire length of the edge.

One of the two wall elements is formed in at least two parts, so that it has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part is connected with the lower part in a foldable manner. It is preferred that the upper part and the lower part are integrally formed so that they are connected with each other via a bending edge. Here, it is preferred that the lower part is connected, in particular integrally formed with both side elements over the entire height of the lower parts. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the upper part can be unfolded outwards from a closed state in which it forms substantially one plane with the lower part. In particular, this allows a customer to easily remove the bicycle or individual bicycle elements from the bicycle transport container. Also, the transported bike is immediately visible to a customer in a simple way.

The upper part comprises at least one side tab. When the upper part is closed, the side tab is arranged such that it is covered by a side element, in particular completely. The side tab is in turn preferably connected with the upper part via a bending edge and is particularly preferably integrally formed with the upper part. By providing at least one side tab, the stability of the bicycle transport container and in particular of the openable upper part of the wall element can be improved. Furthermore, it is ensured in the closed state that there is no slot or opening between the upper part and the corresponding side element of the bicycle transport container. It is particularly preferred that two side tabs are provided so that no such slot or opening can occur on both sides of the upper part. Such a slot would be disadvantageous for transport since an unintentional tearing open of the bicycle transport container can occur. In addition, the form stability of the transport container is significantly improved by providing at least one side tab.

Furthermore, the bicycle transport container according to the disclosure preferably comprises a cover element. Said cover element is preferably connected with at least one of the two wall elements and serves for entirely closing the bicycle transport container.

Preferably, the upper part has two side tabs, which, in particular, are each arranged on the side edges of the upper part which run substantially parallel to the side edges of the side elements when the upper part is closed, i. e. run substantially vertically when the bicycle transport container is standing on the bottom element. In the closed state it is preferred that in particular both side tabs are covered by the respective corresponding side element. It is particularly preferred that both side tabs in particular rest against the inner side of the side element when the upper part is closed. When closing the upper part, the at least one side tab is thus guided along the inner side of the side element, in particular in a sliding manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper part itself is formed without the provided side tabs such that it has a rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the lower part is also formed such that it has a rectangular cross-section. The upper part and the lower part together have a size that forms the entire wall element in a preferred embodiment, in this respect extending over the entire length and height of the bicycle transport container. It is preferred that the upper part has at least one dimension in vertical direction which is at least 25% of the total height of the bicycle transport container. Preferably, the vertical height of the upper part is at least 50% of the total height of the bicycle transport container.

In a preferred further embodiment of the disclosure, the lower part is in particular firmly connected with the respective side element at both side edges. It is particularly preferred that the lower part is integrally formed with both side parts, and that respectively one bending edge is provided.

In addition, it is preferred that at least one of the side tabs has a bevel. Such a bevel or beveled outer edge has the advantage that the upper part can be closed more easily, i. e. folded into the closed position. In particular, that edge of the side tab is beveled which, when the upper part is closed, points in the direction of the interior of the bicycle transport container. Preferably, both side tabs are formed in this way.

Preferably, the upper part and the lower part, which in particular each have a rectangular cross-section, are integrally formed with one another. The connection is particularly formed as a bending edge. With the aid of this bending edge, it is possible to fold the upper part forward or outward, respectively, in order to open the bicycle transport container. In particular, the upper part can be unfolded by approximately 180° so that it rests against an outer side of the lower part in the unfolded state.

The cover element of the bicycle transport container can be formed as a separate element. It is preferred that the cover element has a cover part which is connected with the upper part. It is particularly preferred that the cover part is integrally formed with the upper part, wherein it is also preferred that the connection is made via a bending edge. In the closed state, said bending edge corresponds to one of the outer edges of the, in particular, cuboid bicycle transport container, said bending edge particularly extending in longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container and horizontally.

Preferably, the cover element has a further cover part. In a preferred embodiment, said further cover part is connected with the further wall element. The further wall element is opposite to the wall element comprising an upper part and a lower part. Preferably, said cover part is integrally connected with the wall element, wherein a bending edge is also formed in a preferred embodiment. Said bending edge is preferably parallel to the bending edge between the cover part connected with the lower part. It is preferred that, when the bicycle transport container is closed, the two cover parts lie flat against each other and, in particular, form the upper outer side of the bicycle transport container.

For the arrangement of a mounted or partially assembled bicycle or bicycle elements inside the bicycle transport container, receiving, holding and/or protective elements or the like may be arranged therein.

A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may be combined with the above-described disclosure, in particular with the described individual preferred further embodiments.

The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure comprises an outer container. Said outer container can be formed in particular corresponding to the above-described bicycle transport container and in this respect have a wall element with an openable upper part. Regardless thereof, the bicycle transport container has receiving elements for a bicycle element which are arranged inside the outer container. For example, such receiving elements serve for receiving a chainstay, a rear wheel, a bicycle fork, a handlebar, a saddle, running wheels, further additional components and the like.

According to the disclosure, a length compensation element is arranged between one of the receiving elements and an inner side of the outer container. This makes it possible to ensure that the receiving elements do not shift during transport, particularly in the longitudinal direction. For example, a rear wheel receiving element and a fork receiving element can be provided in a partially assembled bicycle. If the receiving elements are firmly connected to the rear wheel or fork, the position of the two receiving elements relative to each other is fixed. By providing a length compensation element according to the disclosure, for example between the fork element and the inner side of the outer container, or the rear wheel receiving element and the inner side of the outer container, slippage of the entire partially assembled bicycle arranged between the fork receiving element and the rear wheel receiving element can be avoided.

A particular advantage of providing such a length compensation element according to the disclosure is that an outer container with the same external dimensions can be used for different bicycle sizes or bicycle types. For example, an outer container with the same external dimensions can be used for different bicycles with various frame sizes. Depending on the frame size, the fork receiving element and the rear wheel receiving element have a different distance to each other in the above example. Since the internal dimension of the outer container is the same, the difference can be compensated by the length compensation element. It is therefore not required to provide different outer containers for different bicycles sizes or bicycle types.

In particular, the length compensation element is arranged in longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container. The longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle or bicycle frame arranged inside the bicycle transport container. Thus, the length compensation element particularly avoids slippage in longitudinal direction during transport.

Optionally, two length compensation elements may be provided, each arranged opposite the other on an inner side of the preferably narrow side elements of the outer container. In this way, on the one hand, greater length compensation can be realized in a simple manner and, on the other hand, the two length compensation elements can also serve as damping elements in order to avoid the risk of damaging the bicycle or the corresponding bicycle elements arranged in the bicycle transport container.

In a preferred embodiment, the length compensation element is configured to be variable in length. Alternatively, depending of the frame size or the like, different length compensation elements may be provided which are optionally not variable in length.

It is preferred that the length compensation element being variable in length has opposite contact elements whose distance to one another can be varied. Preferably, one of the two contact elements is located at the inside of the outer container, in particular on the inner side of a side element of the outer container. The other contact element rests against the receiving element, which is in particular the fork receiving element or the rear wheel receiving element.

It is particularly preferred that the length compensation element is made from a flat starting material, in particular a flat cardboard element. In a simple embodiment, the length compensation element could be, i. e., for example, have several layers of cardboard lying on top of each other. Depending of the number of layers, the length of the length compensation element can be varied in a simple manner. The individual layers of cardboard can be joined together, in particular via bending edges.

Preferably, the length compensation element has three bending edges, wherein it is particularly preferred that individual parts of the length compensation element are not parallel to each other. In a preferred embodiment of the length compensation element, the latter has an upper contact part and a lower contact part which are connected to each other via a connecting element. Preferably, one, or in particular both of the contact parts form one of the contact elements. It is particularly preferred that one, or in particular both contact parts rest against the inner side of the outer container. Here, a flat contact is particularly preferred.

The connecting element is preferably configured such that, starting from the upper and/or lower contact part, it extends in side view, in particular wedge-shaped, into the interior of the bicycle transport container, i. e. points in the direction of the receiving element. The connecting element preferably forms one of the two contact elements. Preferably, the connecting element forms a contact edge or contact surface facing in the direction of the receiving element, which forms the contact element.

It is particularly preferred that the connecting element has two connecting parts which are connected, in particular integrally formed with each other and. The two connecting parts are preferably connected with each other via a bending edge. Here, it is particularly preferred that said bending edge is spaced apart from the two contact parts, wherein the bending edge can then form the corresponding contact element that rests against the receiving element.

It is further preferred that the connecting element, in particular the two connecting parts and the two contact parts, are integrally formed and, in particular, are connected with each other via bending edges.

It is particularly preferred that individual and, in particular, all above-described components are made of cardboard.

A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may be combined with one or both of the above-described disclosures, in particular with the described individual preferred further embodiments.

The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure comprises an outer container which may be formed according to the bicycle transport container described above according to the first disclosure. Regardless thereof, the bicycle transport container has receiving elements for a bicycle element inside the outer container. Here, a fork receiving element is configured according to the disclosure. The fork receiving element according to the disclosure has a receiving element for receiving a bicycle fork, the receiving element being arranged between dropouts of the bicycle fork, i. e. between the fork legs, in a packaged state. With the aid of the receiving element, a connection with the bicycle fork is thus possible when the front wheel is mounted.

The connection between the receiving element and the bicycle fork can be made by separate holding elements, straps, Velcro fasteners or the like. Is is preferred that the front wheel axle, which is particularly formed as a quick-release axle, is used as the fixing element for connecting the receiving element to the bicycle fork. For this purpose, an opening can be provided in the receiving element, in which opening the quick-release axle is arranged. For example, the opening can be formed as an upwardly open slot so that the front wheel fork can be inserted into the slot from above together with the mounted quick-release axle. It is preferred that the opening is a passage opening, in particular of substantially circular cross-section. The fixing element, which is particularly formed as a front wheel axle, can thus be inserted through the opening and fixed to the dropouts of the fork in a manner corresponding to the fixing of a front wheel.

Regardless of the connection of the bicycle fork to the receiving element, the receiving element of the fork receiving element is arranged in the outer container in a packaged state substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container. In the packaged state, the bicycle element or, in particular, the fork-receiving element is arranged inside the outer container. By arranging the outer element transversely to the longitudinal direction, the bicycle fork fixed to the receiving element is also arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container. In relation to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle, the handlebar is thus rotated 90° with respect to the direction of travel.

It is particularly preferred that the receiving element of the fork receiving element has several cardboard layers arranged parallel to one another. This can be individual layers of cardboard or a folded cardboard so that at least some of the cardboard layers are connected to each other by folded edges.

In a particularly preferred further embodiment of the disclosure, referring to the fork receiving element, the fork receiving element has an adjustment element. The adjustment element defines the arrangement of the fork receiving element in the outer container so that an exact position in the outer container is defined such that the fork and also components connected to the fork are at a distance from the inner side of the outer container. Thus, the risk of damages is reduced. The adjustment element is preferably connected, in particular integrally formed with the receiving element. It is further preferred that the adjustment element is arranged in front of the bicycle fork and thus in front of the receiving element in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle frame arranged inside the outer container. In this respect, the adjustment element also serves as a spacer to a narrow side wall of the outer container.

Preferably, the adjustment element has a base element resting against an inner side of the bottom element of the outer container. Here, the base element particularly has a width which substantially corresponds to the internal dimension of the outer container in width. At least the base element prevents the fork receiving element from slipping transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container. In particular, the base element can have a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the adjustment element can have a stabilizing element which is in particular connected, preferably integrally formed with the base element. The stabilizing element can be formed as a cardboard layer which is arranged obliquely upwards in relation to the base element. Thus, the stabilizing element has an angle of preferably 30-60° with respect to the base element and is arranged in front of the receiving element with respect to the frame longitudinal direction. In this way, the stability of the fork receiving element can be improved.

A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may also be combined with one or several of the above-described disclosures, in particular with the described individual preferred further embodiments.

The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure comprises an outer container which may be formed according to the first disclosure. A handlebar receiving element for a handlebar is arranged inside the outer container. The handlebar is arranged inside the outer container with the aid of the handlebar receiving element according to the disclosure such that the handle-bar is arranged in longitudinal direction of the outer container. In relation to a direction of travel of the bicycle, the handlebar is thus rotated by 90°. Although the disclosure relating to the handlebar receiving element is an independent disclosure, it is particularly preferred to combine said disclosure with the above-described disclosure relating to the fork receiving element. Since the fork and handlebar are preferably at least partially mounted and packaged together, the fork and handlebar have the same orientation in the outer container when the two disclosures are combined.

The handlebar receiving element according to the disclosure has a contact element. In a packaged state, the contact element is arranged such that is rests against an upper side of the top tube of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, the contact element is arranged such that it is arranged on a lower side of a handlebar center part. The handlebar center part is the center part of the handlebar which is connected to or integrally formed with the stem and is positioned transverse to the direction of travel when riding straight ahead. The two handlebar ends are connected with the handlebar center part. The handle-bar ends can be designed differently depending on the type of handlebar. It is particularly possible that the handlebar ends are formed as separate components and can be separated from the handlebar center part. This is particularly advantageous for the transport of a partially assembled bicycle, since it is then possible to mount the handlebar center part. This is particularly advantageous if the handlebar center part is integrally formed with the stem or a cockpit, respectively. In particular, this has the advantage that the steering head bearings can be pre-assembled, as they have to be precisely mounted due to the pre-load to be set.

In particular, different handlebar receiving elements can be designed so that different bicycle handlebars, such as a racing bicycle handlebar, a mountain bike handlebar or a triathlon handlebar, can be arranged inside the bicycle transport container, wherein the same bicycle transport container can be used.

In a preferred further embodiment of the disclosure, the contact element is connected, in particular integrally formed with a protective element. In a packaged state, the protective element is arranged at a front side of the handlebar center part. The protective element is thus located between the handlebar center part and an inner side of the outer container, in particular a wall element of the outer container. Thus, in particular the center park of the handlebar is protected from damages during transport.

Preferably, the receiving element has a packaging element. The packaging element serves for receiving both handlebar ends separated from the handlebar center part. Here, it is preferred that the packaging element has at least one receiving pocket or at least one packaging space, respectively, in which the handlebar ends are at least partially arranged in a packaged state. The packaging element also protects the handlebar ends from damages during transport.

In a packaged state, it is particularly preferred that the packaging element is arranged laterally next to the top tube and next to the down tube of the bicycle frame. The packaging element is thus arranged between the bicycle frame and on the inner side of the outer container, in particular on an inside of a wall element of the outer container. Preferably, the packaging element is arranged opposite the protective element.

A further independent disclosure relates to a saddle receiving element. This is a packaging for a saddle, in particular together with a seatpost connected with the saddle. A corresponding saddle receiving element can be arranged inside a bicycle transport container or in the outer container, respectively. The bicycle receiving element according to the disclosure is configured such that a saddle can be arranged together with the seatpost in two different positions. It is thus possible to arrange a saddle in different position inside the bicycle transport container with the same packaging element. This has the advantage that with different bicycles arranged in the bicycle transport container, the bicycle saddle must be arranged differently due to the small storage space inside the bicycle transport container.

The saddle receiving element according to the disclosure comprises a saddle receptacle which has a passage opening on the one hand and a slot on the other hand. The seat post can be inserted into the passage opening. A front end of the saddle, the saddle nose, can be inserted into the slot so that the seatpost lies on an upper side of the saddle receptacle.

Preferably, the saddle receptacle is connected, in particularly integrally formed with one or several protective elements. The protective elements are arranged such that they protect both the saddle and the saddle tube from damage, in particular in both positions in which they can be arranged in the saddle receiving element. Furthermore, the protective elements ensure protection of elements arranged next to the saddle or the saddle tube, such as a bicycle frame.

In accordance with the elements described above, the saddle receiving element is also made of cardboard in a preferred embodiment.

For further protection of a bicycle transported, in particular partially assembled, in the bicycle transport container or in the outer container, a spacer may be provided, which is an independent disclosure. The spacer is used to bridge a distance between the bicycle frame, in particular the top tube of the bicycle frame, and an inner side of the cover. The spacer prevents the bicycle or bicycle frame from moving in a vertical direction during transport. The spacer is preferably made of a cardboard element. Preferably, the spacer has three flat elements, in particular cardboard layers, connected via bending edges. These are joined together to form a triangle in side view. A first flat element has several slots into which a tab connected to the third flat member can be inserted in different positions. It is thus possible to vary the size of the triangular spacer.

To protect the frame, it is possible to provide a frame protector made of paper or thin cardboard, independently of the disclosures described above. The frame protection is configured such that in the unpacked state it is a flat planar element that has an adhesive strip. The frame protection can thus be placed, for example, around a top tube or other frame components and connected by the adhesive surface. Preferably, the frame protection has a perforation preferably parallel to an adhesive strip so that the frame protection can be removed easily.

The bicycle transport container can be closed for transport by using separate closing elements. This can be plastic elements which are inserted into corresponding recesses and are fixed by twisting, for example. The cardboard box can also be safely closed by an adhesive tape or the like. Before shipping, the cardboard box may need to be opened again. This is done, for example, for final inspection or to pack additional products ordered by a customer, such as bicycle accessories or the like, into the bicycle transport container.

According to an independent disclosure, it is thus preferred that for closing the transport container, tabs are provided on cover elements or the like, which are inserted into slots. According to the disclosure, the slots are designed such that they have at least partially a smaller width than the thickness of the tab. Due to the occurring friction, the tab is held in the slot in a clamped manner.

All of the above-described parts of the packaging for a bicycle, in particular a partially assembled bicycle, are made of cardboard in a preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following the individual disclosures described above are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective greatly simplified view of a bicycle transport container,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view along line II-II in FIG. 1, wherein the bicycle transport container is closed,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the bicycle cardboard box, wherein the front wall element is not shown in order to illustrate the elements disposed inside the bicycle transport container,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the length compensation element,

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fork receiving element and a handlebar receiving element,

FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view of the handlebar receiving element,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a saddle receiving element,

FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a spacer, and

FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view of a holding slot for a closing tab.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a bicycle transport container being cuboid in a closed state, which is in particular a bicycle transport box made of cardboard. The bicycle transport container has a bottom element 10 having a rectangular cross-section. Two opposite side elements 12 are connected with the bottom element 10. Since the side elements 12 are preferably integrally formed with the bottom element 10, the edges 14 are formed as bending edges. In addition, two wall elements 16, 18, which are also opposite each other, are connected with the bottom element 10. The rear wall element 16 shown in FIG. 1 also has a rectangular cross-section and extends over the entire rear side of the bicycle transport container. In this respect, the rear wall element 16 is connected at the edges 20 with one of the two side elements 12, the edges 20 preferably also being bending edges.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the front wall element 18 is formed in two parts and has a lower part 22 and an upper part 24. The lower part 22 and the upper part 24 each have a rectangular cross-section. In particular, the two parts 22, 24 are integrally formed and connected with each other via a bending edge 26. The bending edge 26 allows the upper part 24 to be moved ore opened into the position shown in FIG. 1. The upper part 24 can also be folded upward into the closed position (FIG. 2) about the bending edge 26.

The lower part 22 is firmly connected to the respective side part 12 at edges 28 which may also be formed as bending edges. The upper part 24 is not connected with the side part 12. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the upper part is rather connected with two side tabs 30. The two side tabs 30 are connected, in particular integrally formed with the upper part 24 via bending edges 32.

In addition, the bicycle transport container comprises a cover element consisting of two cover parts 34, 36 in the illustrated exemplary embodiments. In relation to a longitudinal direction 38, the cover part 34 is connected at a longitudinal edge 40 with the upper part 24, the longitudinal edge 40 preferably also being a bending edge. The cover part 26 of the cover element is connected with the wall element 16 by the longitudinal edge 42 which preferably also is a bending edge.

In an opened state, i. e. when the upper part 24 is folded forward, the interior of the bicycle transport container is easily accessible and easily visible. In this respect, individual bicycle elements or even the entire bicycle can be removed more easily from the bicycle transport container.

The bicycle transport container is closed by folding the two side tabs 30 inwards or upwards so that the side tabs 30 form an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the inner side of the upper part 24, which faces inwards in the closed state. The upper part 24 is then moved upwards to the position shown in FIG. 2 so that the upper part 24 is arranged in one plane with the lower part 22. In this case, the two side parts 30 each rest against inner sides 44 of the two side elements 12.

Thus, the bicycle transport container is closed in the open area 46 of the edge 28, i. e. in the area in which the upper part 24 is not connected with the side parts 12. The edges are closed by the tabs 30.

In order to allow the side flaps 30 to be closed as easily as possible and to prevent them from canting or clamping, the side flaps 30 each have a bevel 48. The bevel 48 extends such that the distance between the bending edge 32 and the bevel 48 decreases, starting from an area located in the direction of the bending edge 40, an area located in the direction of the edge 26. The width of the tab thus decreases at least partially starting from the upper side or starting from the cover part 34 downwards or in the direction of the lower part 22.

To further close the bicycle transport container, after folding up the upper part 24, the cover part 36 connected to the rear wall element 16 is folded forward in the direction of the upper part 24 into the position shown in FIG. 2. Subsequently, the second cover part 34 is folded inwards around the edge 40, also into the position shown in FIG. 2, so that the cover parts 34, 36 overlap or rest against each other.

Tabs can additionally be connected to upper edges 50 of the two side elements 12, which are folded inwards to close the bicycle transport container and are then also aligned parallel to the two cover parts 34, 36. The corresponding tabs, which are particularly connected via bending edges with the side elements 12, are not illustrated in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity.

The bicycle transport container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be an outer container in which receiving elements and the like for a bicycle, bicycle elements etc. are arranged.

FIG. 3 shows a side plan view or front view of a bicycle transport container in which the front side wall 18 has been cut away so that elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container are visible. In addition to the illustrated elements, further bicycle elements, transport container, supplementary elements etc. can be arranged in the bicycle cardboard box. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bicycle cardboard box illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown, wherein in principle, another bicycle cardboard box or another bicycle transport container can also be used to realize the disclosure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

A partially disassembled bicycle is arranged inside the bicycle transport container. It has a bicycle frame 52 on whose chainstay 54 a rear wheel 56 is mounted. Furthermore, a bicycle fork 58 is connected with the bicycle frame 52. The rear wheel 56 is arranged in a rear wheel receiving element 60. The rear wheel receiving element 60, which is also produced in particular by correspondingly folded and bent cardboard, fixes the rear wheel 56, for example, in a slot-like recess, so that the rear wheel 56 is firmly connected to the rear wheel receiving element 60 in the longitudinal direction 38, and also in particular transversely to the longitudinal direction 38.

The bicycle fork 58 is fixed in a cable receiving element 62. For this purpose, the fork receiving element, which is also made of cardboard, can have opening through which the quick release for the front wheel can be inserted, for example. Thus, the dropouts of the bicycle fork 58 can be fixed to the fork receiving element 62.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a relatively small bicycle frame is arranged in the bicycle frame cardboard box. This results in a distance 66 between the fork receiving element 62 and an inner side 64 of the side wall 12. A length compensation element 68 is arranged in this area to bridge the distance 66. A corresponding length compensation element can also be arranged additionally or instead of the illustrated length compensation element between the rear wheel receiving element 60 and the inner side of the opposite inner wall 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the length compensation element 68, which is preferably also made of cardboard, has an upper contact part 70 and a lower contact part 72. The two contact parts 70, 72 are connected with each other via a connecting element which has two connecting parts 74, 76 is the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The length compensation element 68 is made of one part, in particular of cardboard. In this respect, the upper contact part 70 is connected to the connecting part 74 via a bending edge 78, the two connecting parts 74, 76 are connected via a bending edge 80, and the connecting part 76 is connected to the lower contact part 72 via a bending edge 82.

If the length compensation element 68 is arranged in the bicycle transport container, side surfaces 84 of the upper contact part 70 and of the lower contact part 72 rest against the inner side 74 of the side element 12. Thus, a first contact element is formed. A second contact element is formed by the bending edge 80 located between the two connecting parts 74, 76. This contact element, which is formed as an edge 80 and is opposite the first contact element 84, rests against an outer side 86 of the fork receiving element 62.

Optionally, a cardboard extending, for example, over the entire height of the bicycle transport container or a further receiving or fixing element can be arranged on the outer side 86. This can be used, for example, to receive or fix a handlebar. Accordingly, the contact element 80 would then rests against a corresponding outer side of this intermediate element.

To prevent the entire bicycle from shifting in the longitudinal direction 38 of the bicycle transport container, the length compensation element 68 is inserted into the bicycle transport container from above in the direction of an arrow 88. Due to the flexibility provided via bending edges 78, 80, 82, the length compensation element 68 can be inserted into the transport container until the bicycle is fixed in the longitudinal direction. The upper contact part 70 can then be cut to length. For this purpose, several perforation lines can be provided 90 It is thus possible to provide a length compensation element for compensating different length differences. The length compensation element 68 can thus be used to easily compensate for different distances 66 so that it is possible to arrange, for example, different bicycle types, bicycle frames of different sizes and the like inside the bicycle transport container. It is thus possible to use a bicycle transport container of identical size for different bicycles etc.

A further length compensation element 68 is provided on the opposite side, which is between the rear wheel receiving element 60 and the side wall 12. The function is identical to the above-described function of the length compensation element 68 arranged between the fork receiving element 62 and the left side wall 12 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a fork receiving element 92 and a handlebar receiving element 90 in a packaged state. Compared to the fork receiving element 62 shown in FIG. 3, the fork receiving element 92 is configured such that the fork 58 is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 38 in the bicycle transport container. For this purpose, the fork receiving element 92 has a receiving element 94 which is made of several cardboard layers, in particular. The receiving element 94 is arranged between the two dropouts 96 of the bicycle fork 58. The receiving element 94 has a passage opening or a bore so that the quick-release axle can be inserted therethrough and connected with the dropouts 96 of the fork 58.

Transversely to the longitudinal direction, it is preferred that the receiving element 94 has a width corresponding to the inner width of the receiving container, so that the fork 58 cannot be shifted transversely to the longitudinal direction 38 inside the receiving container, but is arranged in a defined position. In longitudinal direction 38, which corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the frame, in front of the receiving element 94, an adjustment element 98 is connected thereto, the adjustment element 98 also being made of cardboard and being integrally formed with the receiving element 94. The adjustment element 98 has a base element 100. The base element 100 is formed as a cardboard layer having a rectangular cross-section. The width of the base element 100 also corresponds to the width inside the bicycle transport container or the width of the receiving element 94, respectively. A stabilizing element 102 is connected with the base element 100 via a bending edge. It extends upwards at an angle of about 30° from the illustrated exemplary embodiment to the base member 100. The stabilizing element 102 is thus arranged in longitudinal direction 38 in front of the receiving element 94.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the handlebar receiving element 90 is used to receive a multi-piece handlebar. The handlebar has a handlebar center part 104 which is integrally formed with a handlebar stem 106 or a handlebar cockpit in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The handlebar stem 106 is mounted with the fork steerer. The handlebar further has two handlebar ends 108 that can be removably connected to the handlebar center part 104 by inserting the handlebar ends 108 into the side openings of the handlebar center part 104. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the handlebar end 108 are formed a racing bicycle handlebars, wherein the shift and brake levers are already connected to the handlebar ends 108.

The handlebar receiving element 90 has a flat contact element 110 preferably also made of cardboard. The contact element is arranged such that, on the one hand, it rests against an upper side 112 of a top tube 114 of the frame and, on the other hand, it is arranged below the handlebar center part 104. A protective element 116 is connected with the contact element 110. The protective element 116 can be arranged over a bending edge 118 such that the protective element 116 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the contact element 110. With the bicycle disposed in the bicycle transport container, the protective member 116 rests against an inner side of one of the wall members 16 or 18 (FIG. 1).

Opposite the protective element 116, the handlebar receptacle 90 includes a packaging element 120 for receiving the two handlebar ends 108, the ends being at least partially arranged in a packaging space 122 formed by the packaging element.

The packaging element 120 rests laterally against the top tube 114 and optionally against the down tube. An outer surface 124 (FIG. 5) rests against the inner side of one of the two wall members 16 or 18 when the bicycle is disposed inside the bicycle transport container.

A saddle receiving element 126 (FIG. 7) has a saddle receptacle 128. The saddle receptacle 128 has a round opening 130 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The saddle tube can be inserted therethrough so that the saddle itself rests against an upper side 123 of the saddle receiving element 128 and the saddle tube protrudes downwards. The saddle receiving element 128 also has a slot-shaped opening 134. The saddle tip can be inserted into said slot so that the saddle tube is arranged in the direction of the opening 130, starting from the slot 134, and is arranged on the upper side 132 of the saddle receptacle 128. Thus, a saddle can be arranged together with the saddle tube in two different position inside the saddle receiving element.

In order to protect the saddle as well as the saddle tube and to protect other components arranged inside the bicycle receptacle, in particular the bicycle frame, two protective elements 136, 138 are connected to the saddle receptacle 128 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. In particular, both the protective elements 136, 138 and the saddle receptacle 128 are made of cardboard and are integrally formed.

Inside the bicycle transport container, the receiving element can be arranged in particular such that an upper side 140 of the protective element 136 rests against an inner side of a wall element 16 or 18 (FIG. 1).

Optionally, further protective elements can be provided so that below the opening 130 a receiving space is formed in which the saddle tube can be arranged in a protected manner.

A spacer 142 (FIG. 8) may be positioned above a top tube or another frame member to compensate for size. In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 142 is integrally formed of cardboard. Three flat cardboard elements 144, 146, 148 are formed by folding the cardboard appropriately. A spacer 142 having a triangular cross-section in side view can be formed by a tab or lug 150 provided on the cardboard element 148 by inserting the tab 150 into one of the slots 152. Depending on which of the slots 152 the lug 150 is inserted into, the spacer has different dimensions to a different height and can thus be adapted to the corresponding bicycle element arranged in the bicycle transport container, in particular in the partially mounted bicycle frame. This ensures that the bicycle frame cannot move inside the cardboard box, as the spacer 142 is disposed between an upper side of the bicycle frame and the cover element of the bicycle transport container and fills the corresponding space.

In order to be able to close the bicycle cardboard box easily and to open it more easily, for example, for final inspection or for packing further parts, corresponding closing tabs, which are provided for example on the cover parts 34, 36 (FIG. 1), have tabs which are inserted into slots. The slots can be formed such that they are formed at least in a partial area, corresponding to the slot 154 shown in FIG. 9, which at least in the central area has a width B that is less than the thickness of the tab. This holds the tab clamped in the slot 154. To prevent tearing or fraying of the slot 154, the end portions 156 are rounded.

Further Aspects are:

Aspect 1. A bicycle transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, comprising

• • a bottom element (10),
  • two opposite side elements (12) connected with the bottom element (10),
  • two opposite wall elements (16, 18) connected with the bottom element (10) and at least partially with the two side elements (12), and
  • a cover element (34, 36) preferably connected to at least one of the two wall elements (16, 18),
  • wherein one of the two wall elements (18) has an upper part (24) foldably connected to a lower part (22),
  • characterized in that
  • the upper part (24) has at least one side tab (30) being covered by a side element (12) when the upper part (24) is closed.

Aspect 2. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 1, characterized in that the upper part (24) has two side tabs (30), each being covered by one of the two side elements (12) when the upper part (24) is closed.

Aspect 3. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to one of aspects 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one side tab (30) rests against one of the side elements (12), in particular an inner side (44) of the side elements (12), when the upper part (24) is closed.

Aspect 4. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper part (22) is connected with the two side elements (12), in particular is integrally formed therewith.

Aspect 5. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the side tabs (30) has a bevel (48).

Aspect 6. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper part (24) and the lower part (22) are integrally formed, wherein a bending edge (26) is formed between the upper part (24) and the lower part (22).

Aspect 7. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover element has a cover part (34) which is connected to the upper part (24) and is integrally formed, in particular.

Aspect 8. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover element has a cover part (36) which is connected to the further wall element (16) and is integrally formed, in particular.

Aspect 9. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 7 or 8, characterized in that the two cover parts (34, 36) lie flat against each another when the bicycle transport container is closed.

Aspect 10. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that receiving, holding and/or protective elements (60, 62) for a bicycle frame (52) and bicycle elements are arranged inside the bicycle transport container.

Aspect 11. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box, comprising

• • an outer container, in particular of cuboid shape, and
  • receiving elements (60, 62) for a bicycle element (52) which are arranged inside the outer container,
  • characterized by
  • a length compensation element (68) arranged between a receiving element (62) and an inner side (64) of the receptacle.

Aspect 12. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 11, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is arranged in longitudinal direction (38) of the bicycle transport container between one of the receiving elements (62) and the inner side (64) of the outer container.

Aspect 13. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 11 or 12, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is arranged between one of the receiving elements (62) and the inner wall (64) of a side element (12) forming a narrow side of the bicycle transport container.

Aspect 14. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 11 to 13, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is variable in length in longitudinal direction (38) of the bicycle transport container.

Aspect 15. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 14, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) has two mutually opposite contact elements (84, 80) whose distance to one another is variable.

Aspect 16. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 11 to 15, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is made from a flat starting material, in particular a flat cardboard element.

Aspect 17. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 11 to 16, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) in particular has three bending edge (78, 80, 82).

Aspect 18. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 11 to 17, characterized in that the length compensation element (68) has an upper contact part (70) which is connected with a lower contact part (72) via a connecting element (74, 76).

Aspect 19. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 18, characterized in that the two contact parts (70, 72) form one of the two contact elements (84) and preferably rest against the inner side (64) of the bicycle transport container.

Aspect 20. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to one of aspects 18 or 19, characterized in that the connecting element forms one of the two contact elements (80) and preferably rests against one of the receiving elements (62).

Aspect 21. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 20, characterized in that the connecting element has two interconnected, in particular integrally formed connecting parts (74, 76) which are preferably connected to each another via a bending edge (80).

Aspect 22. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 21, characterized in that the bending edge (80) forms one of the contact elements.

Aspect 23. The bicycle transport container, in particular the bicycle transport cardboard box according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the two connecting parts (74, 76) and the two contact parts (70, 72) are integrally formed and connected to each other via bending edges (78, 80, 82).

Claims

1. The bicycle transport container, comprising

an outer container,

a fork receiving element arranged inside the outer container,

the fork receiving element having a receiving element adapted to be arranged between dropouts of a bicycle fork in order to receive the bicycle fork,

wherein

the receiving element is substantially arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container so that the bicycle fork mounted to the receiving element is also arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer container in a packaged state.

2. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element has a recess for receiving a fixing element connectable to the bicycle fork.

3. The bicycle transport container according to claim 2, wherein the recess is formed as a passage opening through which the fixing element is insertable.

4. The bicycle transport container according to claim 2, wherein a front axle, which is designed as a quick-release axle, is used as the fixing element.

5. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element has several cardboard layers which are arranged parallel to each other.

6. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the fork receiving element has an adjustment element for a defined arrangement of the fork receiving element in the outer container.

7. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment element is connected with the receiving element.

8. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment element has a base element resting against an inner side of a bottom element of the outer container, whereby the base element has a width which substantially corresponds to the width of the internal dimension of the outer container.

9. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the fork receiving element has a stabilizing element connected.

10. The bicycle transport container, comprising

an outer container,

a handlebar receiving element arranged inside the outer container for a handlebar arranged in the outer container in the longitudinal direction thereof,

the handlebar receiving element having a contact element which, in the packaged state, rests against an upper side of a top tube of the bicycle frame or is arranged on a lower side of a handlebar center part.

11. The bicycle transport container according to claim 10, wherein the contact element is connected with a protective element which is arranged on a front side of the handlebar center part in the packaged state.

12. The bicycle transport container according claim 10, wherein the handlebar receiving element has a packaging element for handlebar ends separated from the handlebar center part, whereby the packaging element is connected with the contact element.

13. The bicycle transport container according to claim 12, wherein the packaging element is arranged laterally adjacent to the top tube and a down tube of the bicycle frame in a packaged state.

14. The bicycle transport container according to claim 12, wherein the packaging element has at least one packaging space in which the handlebar ends are arranged in the packaged state.

15. The bicycle transport container according to claim 11, wherein the packaging element is opposite the protective element.

16. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the outer container is of cuboid shape.

17. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element has several cardboard layers which are connected to each other via bending edges.

18. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment element is integrally formed with the receiving element.

19. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein the fork receiving element has a stabilizing element connected with the base element.

20. The bicycle transport container according to claim 10, wherein the packaging element is connected and integrally formed with the contact element.