Velocipede Type Patents (Class 211/5)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7281399
    Abstract: A cycle provided with a frame and an anti-theft device comprising a cable having a first end permanently fixed to the frame and a mobile second end capable of cooperating with a bolt mounted on the frame, this bolt being movable between a locking position in which it locks the second end of the cable with respect to the frame, and an unlocking position in which it releases this second end with respect to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: JCDecaux SA
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Gagosz
  • Patent number: 7093724
    Abstract: A bicycle advertising rack which is selectively attached to an existing parking meter, and which may be suitably used for locking up a bicycle in areas such as business areas having few or no bicycle racks or other objects to which the bicycle may be effectively secured. The bicycle advertising rack comprises a U-shaped tube having an upper arm and a lower arm; each having an end having a cylindrical collar affixed thereunto. The post of the parking meter extends concentrically through each of the collars, and forms a closed loop therewith, through which a chain or a U-shaped lock may be extended while “locking” a bicycle to the parking meter. The bicycle advertising rack has two flat plates for selectively displaying an advertisement thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Brad Kessler
  • Patent number: 7021461
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rack for supporting a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, during shipping. In one embodiment, the rack includes selectively actuated support assemblies, each having a rotatably mounted wheel. In the actuated position, the wheels facilitate movement of the rack and vehicle together. In this and possibly another embodiment, the rack includes a protective assembly having an upstanding guard mounted on opposed sides of a base in the form of a generally rectangular frame. Each protective assembly with the upstanding guard may move between a first, retracted position adjacent to the corresponding side of the frame and a second, extended position farther away from that side of the frame. The guard is also collapsible, including when the protective assembly is in the retracted position, to provide the rack with a low profile when not in use. Related methods are also disclosed, including a method of retrofitting an existing shipping rack to include the disclosed protective and support assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Keyboard Carriage
    Inventor: Dennis P. Robey
  • Patent number: 6978902
    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: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Curt Robert Loch
  • Patent number: 6938782
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6913304
    Abstract: A dual-compartment storage apparatus is a toolbox system for pickup trucks with a recessed receiving zone in the middle, wherein a wheel of a motorcycle to fit into the receiving zone and allows the entire motorcycle to fit in into the truck bed. Additionally, the tool box provides tie-down points to secure the motorcycle during transport and prevent it from moving about. Finally, a storage compartment across the back of the box holds a collapsible ramp to allow the motorcycle to roll into and out of the bed with a minimum of effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Neil R. Sweet
  • Patent number: 6877613
    Abstract: A bicycle storage apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus may have a collar within which a core member is rotatably engaged. 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. A bicycle can be stored in the apparatus by elevating the front wheel above the rear wheel, inserting the front wheel into engagement with the locking arms, and rotating the front wheel from a substantially vertical plane to lock the locking arms in the closed position. The collar and the core member may be designed such that they can be formed by blow molding with a simple, two-plate mold system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Craig S. Bleazard
  • Publication number: 20040222172
    Abstract: A bicycle storage apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus may have a collar within which a core member is rotatably engaged. 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. A bicycle can be stored in the apparatus by elevating the front wheel above the rear wheel, inserting the front wheel into engagement with the locking arms, and rotating the front wheel from a substantially vertical plane to lock the locking arms in the closed position. The collar and the core member may be designed such that they can be formed by blow molding with a simple, two-plate mold system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Craig S. Bleazard
  • Publication number: 20040182797
    Abstract: An improved 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: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Curt Robert Loch
  • Patent number: 6679537
    Abstract: A motorcycle windshield storage wall bracket for holding a removable motorcycle windshield is provided. The storage wall bracket has two elongated main frames, each elongated main frame having opposing ends that are extended perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal main frame and which can accept the side pieces. The side pieces are attached to the ends utilizing nut and bolt assemblies. Between the side pieces and the ends of the main frames are rubber grommets. The removable motorcycle windshield is clipped onto the rubber grommets of the storage wall bracket and thereby is stored in a secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Putnam, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030106862
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a base, a first support member position on the base, a second support member positioned on the base and spaced apart from the first support member and a movable locking bar that extends between the first and second support member. The base, locking bar and support member cooperating to releaseably secure one or more devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: William McMurray, Matthew C. Mullen
  • Patent number: 6575310
    Abstract: A lift for raising a motorcycle positioned on a surface of the lift includes a frame defining a wheel-way and a surface along a longitudinal path on the lift. A front end lift assembly includes a drive and is mounted to the frame for lifting the front portion of the motorcycle from the surface. A rear end lift assembly is mounted to the frame and includes a drive, independent of the front end drive, for lifting the rear portion of the motorcycle from the surface. The front and rear end lift assemblies are operable independently of one another so that the front portion of the motorcycle can be raised from the surface while the rear portion is on the surface, the rear portion of the motorcycle can be raised from the surface while the front portion is on the surface, and either the front or rear portion can be raised from the surface, independently of the other, and when the other portion of the motorcycle is raised from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: TC Development and Design
    Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
  • Publication number: 20030102273
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a base having a first and a second end. A first support member is positioned on the first end of the base and a second support member is positioned on the second end of the base. A locking bar is pivotably secured at one end to the second support member and has at an opposite end a lock. The lock engages and is securable to the first support member. Finally, a post is moveably secured to the base. The post engages a switch of a device (e.g., firearm, tool or like device) to prevent activation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: William McMurray
  • Patent number: 6539759
    Abstract: Retractable hitching post for bicycles having a casing which is mounted in the ground, a post which is telescopically mounted in the casing for movement between a retracted position in which the post is below ground level and an extended position in which a substantial portion of the post is above ground level. The post can be secured in the extended position, and a bicycle can be locked to the post. In some disclosed embodiments, the post is cushioned by air damping as it returns to its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Terrence W. Pershall
  • Patent number: 6484888
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension mount has a fastener for attaching the mount to a preexisting structure and at least one extension defining a bicycle support extension. The bicycle support extension, moreover, threads through the spokes of a tire and provides for mounting of the bicycle that obviates need for having to precisely align part of the bicycle within or over the device for proper placement upon the suspension mount. A lock-loop is preferably provided on some embodiments of the suspension mount for locking the frame of the bicycle to the suspension mount for securely storing it in place following placement upon the suspension mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jay R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6484544
    Abstract: A lock secured to a surface for releasably retaining a motorcycle thereon. The lock includes a pair of outer tubular members secured to the surface. The outer members each enclose a height adjustment bar secured to the lower end of the outer member. The height adjustment bars each include a number of laterally extending pins spaced along the length of the bar. A pair of inner tubular members including a keyway secured to a lower end of the inner member are slidably insertable into the outer members. The keyways pass around the pins on the height adjustment bar until the inner members are rotated to engage the keyways with a selected pin on the respective bars. Each inner member also includes a pair of opposed openings adjacent the upper end of the inner member that are aligned when the inner members are placed in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Leroy Albert Wing
  • Patent number: 6460708
    Abstract: A rack for carrying a bicycle on a vehicle. The rack includes forward and rear crossbars extending across a top surface of the vehicle and a pair of tower bodies associated with each crossbar to secure the crossbars to the vehicle. A wheel mount is attached to a first one of the crossbars. The wheel mount is adapted to support a wheel of the bicycle with a lowest point on the wheel positioned over a range of positions relative to the crossbar including with the lowest point positioned off the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dean, Scott R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6446816
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for securely storing a bicycle is provided. The apparatus has an elongate suspended mount having a distal end portion forming an open curved loop to receive a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame, a medial portion forming or connected to a closed loop to receive a locking device, and a proximal end portion connected to a fastener for suspending the mount from a ceiling or wall portion of a pre-existing structure. The closed loop preferably is positioned to be nearly or more than a quarter of, but substantially one half or less than, the length of the elongate suspended mount. The method aspects of the invention include suspending a bicycle from a pre-existing structure and securing the bicycle in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Jay R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6394283
    Abstract: A motorcycle locking stand for providing a stand to which a motorcycle can be securely locked to prevent theft. The stand includes an elongated horizontal base member anchorable to an underlying surface, a U-shaped lock bar attached to and extending horizontally along both sides of the base member, and a restraining member securable at both ends to the U-shaped lock bar. As such, the wheels of a motorcycle are positionable within the base member and the restraining member is securable in association with the motorcycle such that the motorcycle is immobilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Edward D. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6223907
    Abstract: A bicycle rack has a bent outer pipe with a nonaligned, smaller diameter, inner pipe received within the outer pipe. Both ends of the outer pipe are connected to bases which are affixed to the ground or pavement. A slack metal chain extends within the inner pipe. The walls of the two pipes are offset from one another making compromising of the rack with a pipe cutter difficult. The slack chain conflicts with the reciprocating blade of a power tool making severing of the rack at any point difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Trilary, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas L. Graber
  • Patent number: 6167735
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier fastening bracket has a main body, a base, and a leg extending from the base to support a tube defining a hole for receiving a threaded rod having threaded end engaged with a fast releasing nut. The threaded rod also has a head end and associated head end washer, the head end being engaged with a handle capable of eccentric motion. The tube has a slot for receiving an arresting washer, and there is a round hole in the leg. The handle has a grip with a locking hole corresponding in diameter to the round hole. The eccentric body fastening the handle regulates a distance between each of the threaded rod head end washer and the nut and its respective opposite end of the main body. The distance can be shortened to clamp a bicycle front fork when the handle is rotated to rest the grip against the leg, with the locking hole of the grip rested against the leg, so as to facilitate installation of a lock and confine displacement of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Cycle Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Tyler Brown
  • Patent number: 6164459
    Abstract: A bicycle locking rack for suspending a plurality of bicycles above the ground to save space and prevent theft. The bicycle locking rack includes an elongated pole having a lower end secured within a ground surface. A plurality of pulley systems are disposed within the elongated pole. Each of the pulley systems include an upper pulley and a lower pulley. The upper pulley and the lower pulley have a cable extending therearound. A plurality of bicycle braces are secured to the cables of the plurality of pulley systems. The bicycle braces support bicycles in a vertical orientation. A coin operated control panel is secured to the elongated pole. A motor is disposed in the elongated pole. The motor is in communication with the plurality of pulley systems for selectively raising or lowering the bicycle braces with respect to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Ken Liem
  • Patent number: 6157315
    Abstract: After confirmation that a user is an authorized user by bringing a user certification into proximity to a user discrimination device, following the guidance of a touch panel display device, a desired two wheeled electric vehicle is selected. A key is retrieved from a key supply device, and a battery is retrieved from a battery supply device. Thereafter, the battery is installed in the two wheeled vehicle in a parking apparatus, and using the key, the two wheeled electric vehicle is unlocked and used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaishi
    Inventors: Mamoru Kokubo, Tomohide Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6062450
    Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support. The mechanism includes a bicycle fork anchor having a fork pinching assembly that has two bicycle fork prong receiving portions. A handle is operably coupled to, or associated with the fork pinching assembly for configuring the fork pinching assembly between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Also, the handle is located between the fork prong receiving portions. Supplementarily, an adjustable mounting may be included for permitting the bicycle fork anchor to be canted to a side within a substantially horizontal plane thereby turning the handle bars of a bicycle that is secured upon the bicycle fork anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: James R. Noel, Thomas A. Chimenti, Frederick G. Murray, Jan Erik Johansson
  • Patent number: 6053336
    Abstract: A wheel retention device includes a base adapted for mounting to a vehicle transport rack and a retention ring secured to the base. The base includes an open cavity having a central axis, the open cavity is sized to receive a portion of a wheel of the wheeled vehicle therein. The retention ring is securely mounted on the base and is adapted to discretely rotate generally around the central axis of the base so as to enclose the cavity and secure the wheel therein thereby securing the wheeled vehicle to the rack. The retention ring is discretely rotatable about the base through the engagement of an outer generally polygonal surface of the base and inner generally polygonal surface of the retention ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sportworks Northwest, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6000255
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for all-terrain vehicles comprising a hollow frame upon which the front or rear wheels of a vehicle rest, said frame being secured to a stable surface, locking structure substantially embedded within the frame, two slidable members engaged with the locking structure, and two wheel engaging end members affixed to the exposed end of said slidable members, which wheel engaging end members press against the wheel hubs of a vehicle thereby prohibiting removal of the vehicle from the stable surface when the locking structure is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Terry Lee Lester
  • Patent number: 5984111
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bicycle rack, which is capable of securely locking bicycles to the rack. The rack comprises a channel member for holding the wheels of the bicycle, the channel member being provided with holes in the region where the bicycle wheels are to be located. The bicycle rack further is provided with a slideable locking member, the slideable locking member having a generally extended U shape and having a central bar region joining two end bars which are insertable through the holes in the channel member. The slideable locking member is movable between a first unlocked position where the end bars are free of the interior of the channel member to allow the bicycle wheels to be located within the channel member and a second locked position where the end bars extend across the interior of the channel and hold the bicycle wheels within the channel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Joe Pennella
  • Patent number: 5947357
    Abstract: The bicycle rack mounts equipment to the back end of a vehicle. The rack has a base and at least one receiver mounted on the base. The receiver has upright walls extending upright from the base to a top spaced from the base. The upright walls forming a receiving space. One upright wall has a channel extending from the top of the upright wall. The channel has spaced-apart side edges. The receiving space receives a bicycle crank arm. A platform extends outward from an upright wall. The crank hub of a bicycle rest on the platform when the crank arm is in the receiver. A slot, which accepts the axle of the bicycle crank extend through the upright wall toward the platform. A securing member is positioned in the channel. It has a pair of flanges that extend beyond the side edges of the channel. A crank clamp on the securing member moves into and out of the receiving space for pushing against bicycle crank arm in the receiving space to secure the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Uri Surkin
  • Patent number: 5944198
    Abstract: A bicycle stand including a swivelling axis in the transverse direction of the bicycle tire, around which axis the bicycle tire (9) pivots when it is placed in the bicycle stand (1). When pivoting around the swivelling axis, the bicycle tire (9) has an effect on elements that are arranged to render the catch (7) into a locking position when the bicycle tire (9) is in the bicycle stand (1). The catch (7) opens only when the bicycle tire (9) is pivoted around the swivelling axis when the tire is removed from the bicycle stand (1). By locking the bicycle tire (9) with a bicycle lock, the pivoting of the tire (9) around the swivelling axis is prevented, whereby the catch (7) will stay in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Kalevi Ihalainen
  • Patent number: 5917407
    Abstract: An unattended, automated bicycle rental system utilizes a bicycle rental station having a locking bicycle rack and a control tower. The bicycle rack has an inventory of rental bicycles of non standard size as inventory and the bicycles are locked in place on the rack in distinct bicycle-receiving bays. The control tower incudes a credit card reader that unlocks a specific bicycle from its bay upon insertion of a bank or credit card and begins timing the period of time in which the bicycle is away from the rental station. When the bicycle is returned, it is placed into the bay and in contact with the rack so that an identification sensor can determine if it is a system bicycle and lock it in place in the rack and bill the credit card for the rental charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Joshua H. M. Squire, Yuval Degani, David Blakeman
  • Patent number: 5887461
    Abstract: A bicycle locking device is disclosed having a base that is securely mountable to a surface, such as a wall, a post, or a ceiling and a support arm connected at one end to the base and having a jaw-like fastener at its other end which cooperates with a jaw-like locking arm connected to the support arm for lockable attachment to a bicycle. The bicycle locking device is retractable for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: George A. Heffley
  • Patent number: 5875947
    Abstract: A mechanism for releasably fixing a bicycle's fork upon a support such as a vehicular load carrier or a storage mount. The mechanism includes a pair of skewers (123) that are at least partially received within a bicycle fork anchor (100) and the skewers (123) are movable one skewer (125) relative to the other skewer (130). The pair of skewers (123) are configured for fixing a bicycle's fork to the anchor (100). Each skewer (125,130) of the pair (123) is operable between a bicycle fork pre-pinched position and a bicycle fork pinch-secured position. Each skewer (125) of the skewer pair (123) is longitudinally aligned with the other skewer pair (130) and the skewers (125,130) are spaced apart from one another in at least one of the two positions. At least one handle (110) is coupled to the bicycle fork anchor (100) for operating at least one skewer (125,130) of the skewer pair (123) between the bicycle fork pre-pinched position and the bicycle fork pinch-secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Industri AB Thule
    Inventors: James R. Noel, Thomas A. Chimenti, Frederick G. Murray, Jan Erik Johansson
  • Patent number: 5813259
    Abstract: A locking stand for preventing theft of portable objects, such as boats, ATVs and bicycles. The stand comprises two hollow parts which are reinforced with free-wheeling solid metal bars to deter sawing. A first part has a base and a vertically extending auger-portion which is secured into the ground to an appropriate depth such that the base is securely mounted. The second part is U-shaped and is designed to fit around a part of a piece of portable equipment prior to being slid over the base and locked thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Randal Martin
  • Patent number: 5802889
    Abstract: An improved bicycle locking mechanism, mounted on a bicycle, which minimizes manual manipulation and operation time. Mechanism consists of two main sections, a tubular connector(38) and a crescent-shaped housing(50). Mechanism is activated by a plunger(26), the vertical motion of which is translated to circular motion of a shackle(22) by a series of gears. The gear series rotates the shackle(22) into a locked position. A key frees the shackle(22) and a spring(28) resets the locking system. Mechanism stores safely within the frame of a bicycle. A spring hinge allows lock to be positioned for rapid activation and rapid storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: L. Taylor Arnold
  • Patent number: 5743411
    Abstract: Upstanding, vertical side rails welded to oppositely facing horizontal top and bottom plates at respective corners thereof form a unitary, rigid, parallelepiped open frame structure including an open front slot to receive a bicycle wheel rim and tire. Deflectable resilient members mounted to side rails extend towards each other and snap behind an inserted bicycle wheel rim. Horizontal side rails or plates and rear plates are fixed to respective pairs of side rails to render the structure rigid. Apertures in the bottom and top plates permit fixedly mounting of the module or a plurality of upright modules to form a multi-module bicycle rack. A transverse common coupling member may be a bench, a planar seat, a table top or a planter. A steel security arm having a U-shaped steel loop welded at one end may be rotatably mounted to the open frame structure at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Bike Track, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Gerry Hawkes
  • Patent number: 5735410
    Abstract: A stand for locking the front wheel of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, in a stable position. The stand has front and rear support mechanisms which, in a preferred embodiment, are actuated by a ramp so that the weight of the front wheel of the motorcycle as it is rolled onto the ramp will actuate the front and rear supports to engage the tire at locations forward and rearward of the wheel axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Ervin C. Kallstrom
  • Patent number: 5699684
    Abstract: A bicycle security mount which includes a base and a pair of spaced supporting arms extending outwardly from the base. Each supporting arm has a threaded aperture for receiving a bolt. A shield is mounted on each bolt. Each shield has a bore and a counterbore. The shank of the bolt extends freely through the bore and lies entirely within the counterbore of the shield. The tines of the front fork of a bicycle are positioned on the security mounts so that the tines straddle the supporting arms. Each tine is positioned between a supporting am and a shield. The bolt lies within the downwardly facing open ended slot of the tine so that the tine is clamped between the shield and the supporting arm. The clearance between the bolt and the inner surface of the counterbore is too small to receive a conventional socket wrench but large enough to receive a socket wrench which is specifically designed for the bicycle security mount. More specifically, the bicycle security mount includes a cap for each shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: John R. Sulin
  • Patent number: 5690234
    Abstract: A storage unit for storing a bicycle or the like has an overall vertical dimension greater than an overall horizontal dimension, such that the storage unit provides an enclosed area for storing the bicycle in a substantially inclined position. Specifically, the storage unit stands upright or "on end" for storing the bicycle in the inclined position. As such, ground surface area usage is minimized. The storage unit includes an inclined ramp within the enclosed area for providing lift to a wheel of the bicycle as the bicycle is moved into the enclosed area and into the substantially inclined position. A tire-stop cross member is disposed within a lower portion of the enclosed area for providing support to a wheel of the bicycle for retaining the bicycle in the substantially inclined position. The storage unit comprises a plurality of modular panels and may be combined with other storage units such that a common wall is shared between any two adjacently joining storage units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Bike Gard, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Rhead, Randall D. Rhead, D. Kent Rhead
  • Patent number: 5662256
    Abstract: A bicycle rack (10) may be supported by a base (40) on a tow bar of a vehicle. The bicycle rack (10) includes an upright post (11) having at its upper end a pivotally supported arm (12), which is adapted by way of grooves (20) to support a number of bicycles by engagement with the bicycle top tubes. To retain the bicycles in place, a retaining plate (13) is held against the pivot arm (12) by wing nuts applied to threaded fasteners (19) and a padlock which may pass through a hole (22) and a corresponding hole in the pivot arm (12). A gas strut (18) extends between the post (11) and the pivot arm (12) to aid in its pivoting. A number plate support (23) is pivotally attached to the remote end of the pivot arm (12) and connected to the post (11) by a parallelogram linkage to maintain the number plate in a generally vertical plane regardless of the orientation of the pivot arm (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Ken John Bryan
  • Patent number: 5653890
    Abstract: A storage mount for a bicycle includes a generally U-shaped raceway to receive the hasp of a conventional U-shaped lock. The raceway includes a mounting flange which is attached to a support surface prior to receiving a lock hasp. The lock hasp is inserted into the raceway and rotated ninety degrees at which point it is prevented from further rotation allowing a bicycle to be supported thereon and a lock to be fastened to the hasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Arato Design Associates Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Arato, F. William Coffman
  • Patent number: 5607064
    Abstract: A fixing device for cycle racks of the so-called "upright" type is in two parts. The first part comprises a removable support. It is attached to the bottom tube of the frame of the cycle by adjustable tension clips and includes a hook. A cover hides the means for adjusting the clips. The second part is attached to the fork which is mobile in rotation on the cycle rack. It includes a spring catch in a box in which the hook is engaged. A ring releases the spring catch. The spring catch can be locked by a key-operated anti-theft device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Pascal Fourel
  • Patent number: 5553715
    Abstract: A bicycle stand for supporting a bicycle above the ground having a casing embedded in the ground to which an articulative member is pivotally attached at its first end and a bicycle frame engagement member is disposed at the second end of the articulative member, the bicycle stand in its first mode being pivoted downward to rest within the casing and in its second mode of use being pivoted upwards from the casing with the bicycle frame engagement member engaged to a portion of the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory R. Brotz
  • Patent number: 5476203
    Abstract: Bicycle carrier apparatus includes an H-shaped support frame bearing a pair of opposed threaded clamping members for rigidly gripping the bicycle pedal crank arm mounting bolts on opposite ends of the central crank arm shaft. A further support for the front wheel is provided in which the front wheel tire is frictionally engaged in a secure clamping device. A pair of individual bicycle carriers are affixed to a longitudinal support member which attaches to the receiver portion of a standard vehicle-mounted trailer hitch. An additional pair of bicycle carriers in a similar configuration may be connected to the first carrier apparatus by means of a simple connector assembly. A cartop rack is also disclosed as well as a variant which also mounts to a trailer hitch receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: James D. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5447241
    Abstract: A supporting structure for supporting a bicycle by grasping onto a bar such as the handlebar of the bicycle or its cross bar so as to apply minimal stress to the spokes of the wheel. The structure comprises a base adapted to be secured to a wall surface, a sleeve pivotally connected to said base, a shaft slidably engaged in the sleeve and adapted to translate between a retracted position and an extracted position while also being able to rotate about its longitudinal axis, a gripping means fixed to a free end of the shaft means for gripping onto the bicycle and supporting the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Guy Bureau
  • Patent number: 5323915
    Abstract: A bicycle stand including a stationary upright member anchored to the ground and horizontally oriented enclosure of rectangular cross section attached to its top with an opening in one side thereof to receive a bicycle securing arm. A pivotable second member carrying three arms is adapted to engage a bicycle. One of the arms is aligned with and adapted to pass through the opening, an aperture to receive a leg of a shackle lock placed within the enclosure to lock the bicycle in the stand. A storage compartment can serve as one of the upright members and is secured by the same lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Graber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Fortune, Sr., Burton Greenberg
  • Patent number: 5301817
    Abstract: A stand which is to be placed on a supportive surface which is to engage in a supporting manner with the front wheel of a motorcycle. The stand is to support the motorcycle in its normal upright position. The stand includes a backbone member within which the front wheel of the motorcycle is to be cradled in a closely conforming manner. Associated with the backbone member is a right side support and a left side support which are located in a facing relationship with the backbone member located there between. Both the right side support and the left side support are adjustably mounted on the backbone member so as to vary the spacing between the supports so as to accommodate different sizes of tires of motorcycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Scott G. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5294006
    Abstract: An elongate track member includes a spring biased slide block, with the slide block arranged for inter-engaging and locking relative to the track structure. The slide block includes a U-shaped clamp bar having spaced legs, with each leg including a clamp jaw to secure a bicycle frame therewithin. The spring structure within the track member permits ease of lowering and raising of the organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Robert M. Deschino
  • Patent number: RE38162
    Abstract: A bicycle carrier fastening bracket has a main body, a base, and a leg extending from the base to support a tube defining a hole for receiving a threaded rod having threaded end engaged with a fast releasing nut. The threaded rod also has a head end and associated head end washer, the head end being engaged with a handle capable of eccentric motion. The tube has a slot for receiving an arresting washer, and there is a round hole in the leg. The handle has a grip with a locking hole corresponding in diameter to the round hole. The eccentric body fastening the handle regulates a distance between each of the threaded rod head end washer and the nut and its respective opposite end of the main body. The distance can be shortened to clamp a bicycle front fork when the handle is rotated to rest the grip against the leg, with the locking hole of the grip rested against the leg, so as to facilitate installation of a lock and confine displacement of the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Cycle Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Tyler Brown