Velocipede Type Patents (Class 211/5)
  • Patent number: 11972653
    Abstract: A lock, a vehicle parking system, and a vehicle parking method are provided. The lock includes a main body, a lock switch, a lock controller, a lock communication circuit, and a battery. The battery is connected to the lock switch, the lock controller, and the lock communication circuit, and configured to supply electrical energy to the lock switch, the lock controller, and the lock communication circuit. The lock communication circuit is connected to the lock controller, and transmits a locking instruction or an unlocking instruction to the lock controller when receiving the locking instruction or the unlocking instruction from a second device located outside the lock. The lock controller is connected to the lock switch connected to the main body, and the lock controller controls, when receiving the locking instruction or the unlocking instruction, the main body to perform a locking operation or an unlocking operation through the lock switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shengwei Yang, Qi Zhang, Dong Wang, Jinlong Zheng, Lihong Yang, Sa Li, Xingjun Shu, Yajun Guo, Yafeng Wang, Jianye Tang, Gaowei Chen, Yanchao Zhang, Desheng Xiang, Xi Chen
  • Patent number: 11945532
    Abstract: A bicycle storage unit is disclosed. The unit includes a rotatable bicycle storage carousel that is structured to rotate about a central axis to provide for a dense storage of bicycles, which are stored on the rotatable bicycle storage carousel in a generally vertical orientation. The unit further includes an enclosure surrounding the carousel. The rotatable bicycle storage carousel comprises an elongated central core oriented in a first direction that is orthogonal relative to a plane defined by a base structure of the rotatable bicycle storage carousel. The elongated central core is rotatable relative to the base structure. The carousel further includes multiple bicycle storage assemblies on which bicycles can be hung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Eric L. Rayl, Gavin Brink, Paul De La Port, Jeffrey Mark Abramson, April Johnson
  • Patent number: 11889918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gun rack structure that ensures the secure fixation of rifles and long-barreled weapons. More specifically the gun rack is applicable to weapons that are ready to be used at any time, and ensures that they are kept securely by fixing it to a certain place indoors or inside a vehicle. Thanks to the adjustable structure of the gun rack, it can be adapted to different fore-end and barrel structures, after the weapon is placed, it is activated with one move that provides to fix the fore-end or barrel and likewise it is inactivated with one move that provides to disengage the fore-end or barrel. The disclosed gun rack and gun holder assembly give military personnel the practicality they need.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventors: Yilmaz Erbil, Serdar Guzel
  • Patent number: 11851124
    Abstract: A bicycle rack having two frame support prongs for supporting a tube of a bicycle frame. The frame support prongs are connected to a U-shaped tube at opposing parallel arms of the U-shaped support tube. The U-shaped support tube has a swivel support tube that is configured for swiveling engagement with a base support tube. The base support tube is connected to a base plate that is mountable on a substrate, such as a wall, vehicle, post, or other substrate. The frame support prongs are preferably removably attached to the U-Shaped support tube to allow for altering the orientation of the individual frame support prongs. The base support tube is preferably retained in the bracket by two pins positioned through the base support tube. Removal of a rearward pin allows the support frame to rotate downward into a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Isaac Ricketts
  • Patent number: 11091213
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bike storage system that allows bicycles to be stored in a stacked manner that takes up the least space possible, while still allowing access to any bicycle in a rack without removing another bicycle. The bike storage system can also be used for transportation of the bicycles from one location to another location. When attached to a hitch mount, this rack would allow space efficient transportation of the bicycles with a vehicle. The bike storage system facilitates dual axes of rotation that allow for dense storage of bicycles while enabling ready access to any given storage slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Brian N Flynn
  • Patent number: 10980342
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of modified and specifically adapted e-track storage components to facilitate the security and stabilizing of tires in an existing mounted tire rack. The tire rack could be one mounted on a wall within a storage facility or garage or one mounted in a mobile environment such as the interior or exterior of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Glenn Ehrgott
  • Patent number: 10967805
    Abstract: A positioning member of a bicycle carry rack includes a base with a rear wheel support assembly and a front wheel support assembly. The rear wheel support assembly includes a rear wheel restricting unit which extends through the bicycle rear wheel and connected to the rear wheel adjustment unit to position the bicycle rear wheel. The front wheel support assembly includes a first restricting unit and a second restricting unit to secure the bicycle front wheel. The front wheel support assembly further includes a positioning member with a recess, and the bicycle front wheel is engaged with the recess so that the degree of freedom of the bicycle front wheel is controlled during transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: KING RACK INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chiu Kuei Wang
  • Patent number: 10967804
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier allows a bicycle to be mounted to the carrier in a ride-ready fashion, without the need to remove one of the bicycle wheels, and permits the reversible securement of both wheels simultaneously by a simple single pivotal movement of a tire retention loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 10800342
    Abstract: A system including a first support having a leg member, a bracket operably coupled to the leg member, a first pad coupled to the leg member, and a support member coupled to at least one of the leg member or the first pad. A second support has an arm member rotatably coupled to the support member, an extendable strut coupled to the arm member, a brace coupled to the extendable strut, and a second pad coupled to the brace. A knock-over-center clamp operably couples to the first support and the second support and moves the second support between a clamped state and an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Erben Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Salisbury
  • Patent number: 10641014
    Abstract: An advanced automatic system for securing movable goods is disclosed. In particular a parking station for bicycles is disclosed comprising at least one interactive workstation and a plurality of parking kiosks, in which parking stations are installed in a plurality of sites within a city or a limited geographical area and are electronically tied together through an interactive networked computing system. The station features countermeasures to prevent vandalism of the bicycle locked therewithin. The computing system provides the ability for users to reserve spaces and directs users to their reserved space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Inventors: Chad Tepper, Robert George Gingher, Kevin Tyler Egan, Miklos Bergou
  • Patent number: 10472010
    Abstract: A security system for use with bicycles. The security system includes a tube having two tube halves attached to the down tube of a bicycle and includes two movable arms adapted to releasably hold onto an existing structure. An electromagnet is also attached to the tube for releasably attaching to metallic structures. The two arms and electromagnet can be controlled using a remote control fob or cell phone. A surface detection sensor attached to the handlebars of the bicycle is also employed to locate the bicycle in the event of theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Inventor: Cadet Gilomme
  • Patent number: 10384735
    Abstract: A bike hanger system includes a bike hanger assembly having a track-frame, at least one roller, and a bike-hook coupled to the at least one roller. The bike-hook is useful for receiving a wheel of a bicycle such that the bicycle is able to be vertically held for storage. Further, the bike hanger assembly includes a way to prevent theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Deryk Clark
  • Patent number: 10239465
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted bicycle carrier allows a bicycle to be mounted to the carrier in a ride-ready fashion, without the need to remove one of the bicycle wheels, and permits the reversible securement of both wheels simultaneously by a simple single pivotal movement of a tire retention loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph E. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 9989971
    Abstract: A vehicle management system for managing vehicles used by users has a usage managing unit configured to accept a user's request for using to use one of the vehicles, and manage the vehicles and parking spaces in which the vehicles are parked, an acquisition unit configured to acquire energy information from the vehicles, the energy information indicating a remaining amount of energy used for traveling of the vehicle, a determination unit configured to compare the remaining amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a remaining amount threshold that represents a shortage of energy, determine that the vehicle needs supply of energy when the remaining amount is lower than the remaining amount threshold, and specify a recovery vehicle that has been determined as needing supply of energy as a recovery vehicle, and a command outputting unit configured to output a recovery command for recovering the recovery vehicle from the parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Chinomi, Kayoko Hara
  • Patent number: 9840293
    Abstract: A rack for supporting a bicycle in a generally upright position, the rack comprising a frame comprising a curb bar; and the curb bar comprising a mounting surface for exerting a counterbalancing force on a crank assembly of the bicycle to frictionally hold the bicycle in the generally upright position. When the bicycle is supported by the curb bar, the bicycle is positioned relative to the rack for securing the bicycle to the rack. The curb bar exerts a counterbalancing force on the pedal axle or the pedal of the bicycle. The counterbalancing force may be a frictional force or a torque. Bicycles can be supported on either side of the rack, the bicycles facing in either a forward or reverse direction. The bicycle may be secured to the rack at multiple points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis Charles Little
  • Patent number: 9758203
    Abstract: A bicycle containment system is disclosed. The system can include one or more vertical supports, one or more cantilevered crossbars pivotally connected to one or more vertical supports, one or more wheel locking mechanisms, and a control system. Each cantilevered crossbar can include two substantially parallel extending arms and a frame locking mechanism. The frame locking mechanism can be made up of one or more frame locking bars and one or more frame locking actuators. Each wheel locking mechanism can include a wheel locking bar and a wheel locking actuator. The locking mechanism control system can be configured to actuate the frame locking actuators and the wheel locking actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Thad V. Oviatt
  • Patent number: 9567025
    Abstract: A system and method for bicycle sharing and rental with a rack and one or more bicycles. The rack has a base with one or more locking arm(s), wherein each locking arm has a first end secured to the base and a second end, further wherein the second end has a fixture attached. The rack does not have any closed loops, preventing unauthorized bicycles from being secured to it. The bicycles have a controllable portion of a locking mechanism and a control device, wherein the control device is configured to enable the fixture to be secured to the controllable portion of the locking mechanism and further secure the bicycle device(s) to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Porter & Strother, LLC
    Inventors: Ansgar Varick Strother, Keith Ballew Porter
  • Patent number: 9499223
    Abstract: A bicycle containment system is disclosed. The system can include one or more vertical supports, one or more cantilevered crossbars pivotally connected to one or more vertical supports, one or more wheel locking mechanisms, and a control system. Each cantilevered crossbar can include two substantially parallel extending arms and a frame locking mechanism. The frame locking mechanism can be made up of one or more frame locking bars and one or more frame locking actuators. Each wheel locking mechanism can include a wheel locking bar and a wheel locking actuator. The locking mechanism control system can be configured to actuate the frame locking actuators and the wheel locking actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Thad V. Oviatt
  • Patent number: 9371101
    Abstract: The parking rack is formed of a length of rope wire curved generally into a majority of a circle. The rope wire extends between a first end and a second end. The rope wire is formed of bundles of individual strands of wire with a coating on an outside thereof. The coating is preferably somewhat resilient and at least partially transparent. The ends of the rope wire are fixed to an anchor through a first interface and a second interface. These interfaces are offset laterally so that the rope wire follows somewhat of a helical path to maintain stability while still exhibiting flexibility. Bicycles can thus be parked adjacent to the parking rack and secured thereto with the flexibility characteristics of the parking rack minimizing damage and maximizing convenience in attaching the bicycle to the parking rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Park A Bike, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg A. Bauer, Donn Van Dusen
  • Patent number: 9102280
    Abstract: These systems allow transporting a bicycle on a vehicle. The bicycle may have two wheels, a front wheel and a rear wheel, each wheel having spokes or other passage between the wheel's tire and the wheel's axle, and a hinge to allow steering between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The system includes a front and rear wheel-suspender to suspend the front and rear wheel by passing through the spokes to allow the front wheel to hang on the front wheel-suspender. The system includes a support to support the front wheel-suspender and the rear wheel-suspender separated by a span sufficient to allow suspension of the bicycle while the front wheel and rear wheel remain operably attached to the bicycle. The system includes a mount to mount the support to the vehicle. Also disclosed is a system for hitching together frames to expand the number of bicycles that may be transported by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: John Crawford
  • Patent number: 9033160
    Abstract: A bicycle stand has a base, an upright support structure extending upwardly from the base to a top end, and a spindle engaging post that extends outwardly from the top end of the upright support structure, for engaging a spindle of a bicycle so that the bicycle stand supports the bicycle in an upright position on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Scorpion Bike Stands, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Diorio
  • Publication number: 20150122749
    Abstract: A bicycle stand has a base, an upright support structure extending upwardly from the base to a top end, and a spindle engaging post that extends outwardly from the top end of the upright support structure, for engaging a spindle of a bicycle so that the bicycle stand supports the bicycle in the upright position on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Scorpion Bike Stands, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Diorio
  • Patent number: 8950592
    Abstract: An articulatable bicycle rack includes a rack arm that is coupled to a support structure in an elevated position. The rack further includes a bicycle support tray that is coupled to a shuttle that is movably engaged along a length of the rack arm. The bicycle support tray is articulatable about a pivot member that is coupled to the rack arm so as to selectively position the support tray between the storage position and a loading/unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Everlast Climbing Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Greenblatt, Hans Steege
  • Publication number: 20140311996
    Abstract: A bicycle containment system is disclosed. The system can include one or more vertical supports, one or more cantilevered crossbars pivotally connected to one or more vertical supports, one or more wheel locking mechanisms, and a control system. Each cantilevered crossbar can include two substantially parallel extending arms and a frame locking mechanism. The frame locking mechanism can be made up of one or more frame locking bars and one or more frame locking actuators. Each wheel locking mechanism can include a wheel locking bar and a wheel locking actuator. The locking mechanism control system can be configured to actuate the frame locking actuators and the wheel locking actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Thad V. Oviatt
  • Publication number: 20140277706
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to bicycle storage systems and, in particular, to shared-use bicycle systems. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Simon Minnis
  • Patent number: 8794454
    Abstract: A bicycle storage system has an apparatus with a collar within which a core member is rotatably engaged and a height adjustment rail system. A pair of locking arms is pivotally attached to the core member such that each of the locking arms has an open position designed to permit insertion or withdrawal of a bicycle wheel and a closed position designed to block withdrawal of the wheel. Rotation of the core member locks the locking arms in the closed position. Bicycles of various sizes can be stored in the apparatus mounted on the height adjustment rail system by inserting the front wheel into engagement with the locking arms, rotating the front wheel from a substantially vertical plane to lock the locking arms in the closed position, and elevating the front wheel above the rear wheel by moving the apparatus along the rails of the height adjustment rail system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Craig S. Bleazard
  • Patent number: 8763817
    Abstract: A stand for securing a parked motorcycle or a motorized scooter. The stand includes a housing within which a shaft is rotationally disposed. The shaft is capable of vertical translation along its longitudinal axis within the housing. A securing arm extends from the shaft. The securing arm transitions between an unlocked and locked positions by rotating about a center axis of the shaft and lowering vertically until an arch within the securing arm surmounts the parked vehicle. A locking mechanism is housed within the housing. The locking mechanism engages the shaft to retain the securing arm in its locked position. The locking mechanism disengages the shaft upon receipt of a correct authentication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Austin Taylor Farmer
  • Patent number: 8684244
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Fabio Pedrini
  • Patent number: 8678205
    Abstract: Cycle storage and locking system for locking plural cycles in at least one storage station. The system includes plural locking and storage points each structured and arranged to lock one of the cycles at the at least one storage station. Each of the plural locking and storage points comprises two arms and a space arranged therebetween sized and configured to receive therein a front wheel of one of the cycles. A locking arrangement is structured and arranged to lock one of the cycles to one of the plural locking and storage points. The locking arrangement includes two laterally movable lateral locking projections arranged on the one of the cycles and two locking recesses arranged on the one of the plural locking and storage points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Smoove
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Laurent Mercat, Denis Mercat
  • Patent number: 8536993
    Abstract: A modular system for providing bicycles at a given location according to a desired configuration, the system comprising at least one bicycle rack for storing a bicycle, each bicycle rack comprising an electronic lock for removably securing a corresponding bicycle thereto, each bicycle rack further comprising a corresponding attaching means having an electrical connector operatively coupled to the electronic lock, an energy providing means for providing energy to each electronic lock, the energy providing means comprising a corresponding attaching means having a connector operatively coupled thereto and a structure to be installed at the given location, the structure comprising an elongated base, a plurality of spaced-apart receiving means located on the base, each of the spaced-apart receiving means being adapted for receiving a selected attaching means from the at least one bicycle rack and the energy providing means according to the desired configuration and an electric network interconnecting each of the s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventors: Alain Ayotte, Michel Dallaire, Charles Ibrahim Khairallah
  • Publication number: 20130228535
    Abstract: A bicycle parking system that includes a compartment for storing items. The compartment for storing items may have an opening for receiving the items. The compartment may be secured, and the items enclosed therein, by parking and securing a bicycle into a bicycle receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: ERIK DAVID WOOD, PAUL RAYMOND GRAHAM
  • Patent number: 8517162
    Abstract: An electronic lock is provided for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating member, each mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting member together when engaged in the lockable position, wherein the securing assembly comprises inter alia a position detecting means, an electronic control means, an actuator, a locking aperture and a movable locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Publication number: 20130193091
    Abstract: A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Kritzer, Alex Bogusky
  • Patent number: 8429941
    Abstract: A latching system 1 has a housing 3 provided with a recess 5 in which a part of the bicycle can be inserted, preferably a frame tube sloping upwards. In the housing 3 a latching element 7 is located which can be moved between a release position in which the latching element opens the recess and a latching position in which the latching element closes the recess. The latching system 1 further comprises a key 19 that is positioned in an opening 21 in the housing 3 and is pushed out of the housing when the latching element is moved from the latching position to the release position. To this end the latching element 7 is equipped with an arm 23 which is fitted to the U-shaped part of the housing. When the latching element 7 turns to the release position, one end 25 of the arm 23 pushes against the key 19 causing it it be pushed out of the opening 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Call-Lock, BV
    Inventor: Antonius Gerardus Petrus Johannes Kooijmans
  • Publication number: 20130015145
    Abstract: A storage device includes a support assembly that partially rotates relative to a base assembly from a closed, storage position to an open, loading position, and vice versa. When the storage device is in the open, loading position, an object, such as a bicycle, can be inserted therein by way of an access opening. Rotation of the support assembly positions the object in at least an inclined position which inhibits theft of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED LOCKER SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy A. Koepke
  • Patent number: 8353488
    Abstract: A bicycle parking structure that is adapted to be mounted on and affixed to a vertical post wherein the mechanism for affixing the parking structure to the post includes a security rod that is hidden and inaccessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Palmer Group LLC
    Inventor: Geoff Palmer
  • Patent number: 8281625
    Abstract: A skewer assembly for a rack mount having a cam disposed against a cam follower actuable from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the skewer assembly further having a lock assembly integrated with the cam follower and a locking member located within a radial contact surface perimeter of the cam. The skewer further having a tightening assembly with a ratcheting nut which is incapable of being loosened when the skewer is placed in tension. Moreover, the skewer assembly covers the access holes to the internal hardware of the rack mount when inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Thule Sweden AB
    Inventor: Keith L. Prescott
  • Patent number: 8272491
    Abstract: An electronic lock is provided for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating member, each mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting member together when engaged in the lockable position, wherein the securing assembly comprises inter alia a position detecting means, an electronic control means, an actuator, a locking aperture and a movable locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Societe de Velo en Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Publication number: 20120234777
    Abstract: A bicycle security apparatus includes a housing standing on a supporting plane (ground), at least one drive device disposed in the housing, at least one latch connected to the drive device and a control unit mounted onto the housing. The latch is reciprocally rotated by the drive device to achieve the locked condition and the unlocked condition. The control unit can recognize the identity of the operator such that a man with fraudulent intentions can not steal a bicycle from the bicycle security apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: HUNG-JU CHEN
  • Patent number: 8061499
    Abstract: An electronic lock for removably securing a movable item to a structure, the electronic lock comprising first and second complementary cooperating connecting members, each being fixedly mounted to a respective one of the movable item and the structure and being engageable together in a lockable position; and a securing assembly for securing the first and second connecting members together when engaged in the lockable position, the securing assembly comprising a movable locking member operatively associated to the first connecting member, a locking aperture defined in the second connecting member, the locking aperture being adapted for receiving the movable locking member when the connecting members are engaged together in the lockable position; an actuator operatively coupled to the movable locking member for actuating the movable locking member between an unlocked position enabling disengagement of the first and second connecting members and a locked position wherein the movable locking member engages the lo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Societe de Velo En Libre-Service
    Inventors: Charles Ibrahim Khairallah, Michel Dallaire
  • Publication number: 20110226708
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cycle storage and locking system, which includes a plurality of cycles (1) and at least one storage station including a plurality of storage and locking points, while the system includes means for locking each one of the cycles to one of the storage and locking points, each one of the storage points being made up of two arms, forming between them a space in which the front wheel of the cycle is intended to be inserted when positioning the cycle, while the means for locking each one at the cycles are made up of two laterally mobile side projections (6a, 6b) engaging with two locking recesses (7a, 7b), characterised in that the cycle includes the two mobile locking projections and the storage point includes the two concave locking recesses (7a, 7b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: SMOOVE
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Laurent Mercat, Denis Mercat
  • Patent number: 7789247
    Abstract: An skateboard security rack having a pair of support members defining a slot therebetween for receiving the deck of a skateboard. At least one of the support members has a width smaller than the wheelbase of the skateboard received in the slot. Locking structure between the support members and across the top of the slot retains the skateboard within the slot. The locking structure may be separate elements coupled to each of the support members and a lock therebetween. Alternatively, the locking structure may be a lock such as a conventional U-shape lock. If separate elements coupled to each of the support members are used, they may be fixed in place, or movable such as longitudinally slideable along the support members. The support members may be elongated hollow or solid members, or formed in panels. The support members are desirably hollow tubes bent into inverted U-shapes. Bases of the support members may be mounted to a variety of base surfaces such as flat or curvilinear, horizontal or vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Curt Loch
  • Patent number: 7784622
    Abstract: A bicycle storage rack has at least one bicycle tire receiving channel member which is an elongated channel having a width and a depth, and a channel mounting frame adapted to accommodate a plurality of channel members. A holding arrangement is provided for holding a wheel of a bicycle to a channel at any of a plurality of positions along the length of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Walter Bernard
  • Patent number: 7770419
    Abstract: An improved bicycle rack for public and private use having a hanger housing frame (10), having a hinged door extending from the upper portion of the housing, connected with a hinge assembly (13). Extending from the lower frame end is a seats section, (26), (27), (28), (29), allowing the placing a bicycle frame and one or two bicycle tires. A flange (18) protrudes through a flange cutout (20) when the door (17) is closed. The flange (18) has a primary shackle cutout (19) providing for the locking of the chamber opening (16), no longer requiring the use of u-shape, tether locks, (although they may be used) a simple key or combination lock is all that is required to lock the frame and released tires within an approximately 9?×9? chamber (25). The hanger housing mounting surface (24) is intended to be welded or otherwise affixed to parking meters, stationary objects, and other similar structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: George Ward Stone
  • Patent number: 7726160
    Abstract: An automatic cycle storage system comprising a plurality of cycles, each of which carries a locking member designed to be received in a keeper of a locking station. Each cycle includes an anti-theft cycle lock which, when it is in the position in which it immobilizes the cycle, prevents the cycle from being locked to a locking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: JCDecaux SA
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gagosz, Emmanuel Zeferino
  • Publication number: 20090301976
    Abstract: A modular system for providing bicycles at a given location according to a desired configuration, the system comprising at least one bicycle rack for storing a bicycle, each bicycle rack comprising an electronic lock for removably securing a corresponding bicycle thereto, each bicycle rack further comprising a corresponding attaching means having an electrical connector operatively coupled to the electronic lock, an energy providing means for providing energy to each electronic lock, the energy providing means comprising a corresponding attaching means having a connector operatively coupled thereto and a structure to be installed at the given location, the structure comprising an elongated base, a plurality of spaced-apart receiving means located on the base, each of the spaced-apart receiving means being adapted for receiving a selected attaching means from the at least one bicycle rack and the energy providing means according to the desired configuration and an electric network interconnecting each of the s
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Societe en commandite Stationnement de Montreal
    Inventors: Alain AYOTTE, Michel Dallaire, Charles Ibrahim Khairallah
  • Publication number: 20090266773
    Abstract: A portable bike carrying device for transportation of bikes inside a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a scalloped platform, a metal casted skewer mount containing a quick release bolt, nuts and washers and Velcro hook to insure grip to vehicle carpet. The bike carrier is equipped on the back of the vehicle by folding down the seat. The bike is mounted on the platform in an upright position and the front fork of the bicycle is attached to the skewer mount and tightened down for securing the bike during travel. The paddle design includes a handle for easily and quickly removing and storing the carrier. The platform may have various shapes and sizes such as paddle, disc or other shapes and is manufactured of wood and/or plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: JEREMY JANECZKO
  • Patent number: 7571628
    Abstract: An electronic vehicle locking system includes a stanchion affixed to a solid surface, a housing affixed to the stanchion and one or more elongated securing members operable to wrap around a portion of a vehicle. The elongated securing members include a first locking element which is operable to engage a second locking element disposed along the length of the stanchion, thereby securing a vehicle to the stanchion. The housing includes a user input device operable to receive user input to engage or disengage the first and second locking elements, an electronic control device operable in response to the user input to send a signal to engage or disengage the first and second locking elements and a display device operable to display at least an indication of whether the first and second locking elements are engaged or disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Marissa S. D'Anieri
  • Publication number: 20080173596
    Abstract: An skateboard security rack having a pair of support members defining a slot therebetween for receiving the deck of a skateboard. At least one of the support members has a width smaller than the wheelbase of the skateboard received in the slot. Locking structure between the support members and across the top of the slot retains the skateboard within the slot. The locking structure may be separate elements coupled to each of the support members and a lock therebetween. Alternatively, the locking structure may be a lock such as a conventional U-shape lock. If separate elements coupled to each of the support members are used, they may be fixed in place, or movable such as longitudinally slideable along the support members. The support members may be elongated hollow or solid members, or formed in panels. The support members are desirably hollow tubes bent into inverted U-shapes. Bases of the support members may be mounted to a variety of base surfaces such as flat or curvilinear, horizontal or vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Curt Loch
  • Patent number: 7318530
    Abstract: An skateboard security rack having a pair of support members defining a slot therebetween for receiving the deck of a skateboard. At least one of the support members has a width smaller than the wheelbase of the skateboard received in the slot. Locking structure between the support members and across the top of the slot retains the skateboard within the slot. The locking structure may be separate elements coupled to each of the support members and a lock therebetween. Alternatively, the locking structure may be a lock such as a conventional U-shape lock. If separate elements coupled to each of the support members are used, they may be fixed in place, or movable such as longitudinally slideable along the support members. The support members may be elongated hollow or solid members, or formed in panels. The support members are desirably hollow tubes bent into inverted U-shapes. Bases of the support members may be mounted to a variety of base surfaces such as flat or curvilinear, horizontal or vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Curt Loch