Supports: racks – Special article – Velocipede type
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-19
2001-07-10
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Velocipede type
C221S020000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257419
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to parking system. More particularly it relates to bicycle parking systems such as kickstands or bike racks. Even more particularly it relates to an improved bicycle stand which can be used in a garage or a show room to free up additional space while at the same time increasing the aesthetics and useability of the remaining space.
THE PROBLEM
The problem with prior art is that no matter how large a car garage consumers build, it always turns up being short on space. Subsequently, the walkway is blocked when bicycles are in the garage with cars. Conventional bicycle kickstands leave a bicycle laying at such an angle as to take up valuable walk space, especially when more than one bicycle exists. Dings and dents in car doors is the result. People trip over a mess of bikes as we walk through the garage.
SUMMARY
The Versatile Bicycle Stand of this invention which may be thought of as a “Bicycle Organizing & Parking System” or even as “Garage Expander For Bicycles” comprises a metal stand that enables homeowners to store bicycles in a neat, orderly and space saving way. It is for any family that owns more than one bicycle and a garage. It's also handy for winter storage. Its also ideal for bicycle sale show rooms with limited space. The versatile bicycle stand of this invention holds bicycles erect and staggered such that the second bike encroaches the space of the first one, closer to the wall.
An embodiment of the system of this invention comprises a U shaped base member having a pair of front wheel receptacles each in turn comprising a pair of uprights. Two such U shaped members may be interconnected in opposite orientation to form a rectangle such that 4 bikes can be staggered. A foot pad is included for easy ingress and egress. Support brackets are included to increase the strength and the durability of the versatile bicycle stand of this invention. Holes are provided in the base member to snugly receive uprights. The handlebars of the second bike easily fit over the frame of the first bike due to the inherent design of conventional bicycles. The result is a very neat package and walkway space is maximized. Car door dings and nicks are reduced or eliminated and the garage's appearance is one of neatest and organized.
PRIOR ART
A preliminary limited prior art search was conducted and furthermore the inventor is intimately familiar with the prior art. Following are typical examples of the prior art known to the inventor or his attorney arranged in the reverse chronological order for ready reference of the examiner and the reader.
a) U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,459 bestowed upon Donald Zach on Jul. 5, 1977 for “Modular Bicycle Rack”
b) U.S. Pat. No. 488,395 granted to W. M. Justice on Dec. 20, 1892 for “Cycle Stand”
c) Bicycle Stand as depicted and offered for sale in Front Gate mail order catalog.
d) A variety of bicycle stands as offered for sale in Graber Catalog, 5253 Verona Road, Madison, Wis. 53711 USA, http://www.graber-products.com PH:1-608-274-6550, or 1-800-783-7257, FAX: 1-608-274-1702
The best known closes prior to the applicant's invention is U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,459 which is also not close enough because it mandates bicycles be put in opposite directions as evidenced by how close the consecutive slots are together. This indicates two bicycles would take up for almost twice the lineal feet of garage wall for easy ingress and egress.
Four bicycles for which that stand is designed for, would not be suitable for a residential garage because the width which is the distance from the wall to farthest point away from the wall, is far too great which in turn encroaches on walkway space. Furthermore U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,459 traps the bicycle tire from the sides and one end the Garage Expander supports the axle of the wheel after elevation.
Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination provide all of the features and objectives established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.
OBJECTIVES
1. It is an objective of this invention to provide method, devices and system for organizing and storing bicycles in staggered erect manner for use in garages, sales showrooms and the like places conveniently, quickly and affordably.
2. Another objective of this invention is to provide a means for standing a plurality of bikes in the same orientation.
3. Another objective of this invention is that it be easy to load and unload or ingress and egress.
4. Another objective of this invention is that it is easy to use by people of small or weak stature.
5. Another objective of this invention is that its use be intuitive that requires little additional training or energy.
6. Another objective of this invention is that it be environmentally friendly and physically safe in normal environment as well as accidental situations.
7. Another objective of this invention is that the bicycles not tip over easily or accidentally.
8. Another objective of this invention is that it obviate any welding.
9. Another objective of this invention is that it meet all federal, state, local and other private standards, guidelines and recommendations with respect to safety, environment, quality and energy consumption.
10. Another objective of this invention is that it be made of modular units easily interface-able to each other.
11. Another objective of this invention is that the invention when used in a garage creates the reality of an organized and the illusion of an expanded garage.
12. Another objective of this invention is that when used in a bicycles sales show room it facilitates close and easy inspection of each of the plurality of bikes.
13. Another objective of this device that its suitable for all types of uses anywhere.
14. Another objective of this invention is that it fit all sizes of bike wheels too, from children's bikes to 26″ Mountain bikes.
15. Another objective of this invention is that it be easy to install, de-install, transport and store.
16. Another objective of this invention is that it require no maintenance, or periodic adjustment.
17. Another objective of this invention is that the stand not come in contact with the spokes of the wheel during support or otherwise damage the bike in any manner.
18. Another objective of this invention is that it be light weight and yet hold even one bike securely.
19. Another objective of this invention is that it make provisions for efficient boxing handling and shipping.
20. Another objective of this invention is that it prevent or at least not cause in scratches, nicks and dents on the bicycles stored therein during ingress and egress in particular.
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patent: 5544763 (1996-08-01), McClain
patent: 227676 (1960-02-01), None
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patent: 6422 (1897-03-01), None
Fontgate Catalog.
Graber Catalog.
Orupal ® Asija
Stodola Daniel P.
Tran Khoa
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