Bicycle parking stand for locking bicycles to a stand equipped with an electronic lock

Abstract

To provide a bicycle parking stand for locking a bicycle to a stand (1).SOLUTION: A bicycle parking stand comprises: a lower section (A) having an upper section (B) fixed to an upper section; a gate (E) hinged to the lower section (A) and the upper section (B); and an electronic unit fixed to the inside of the upper section (B). The electronic unit comprises: an electronic lock (H) with a latch (P); and a printed circuit board with an antenna arranged below a window (J) that enables operation of the stand by an electronic device. The stand further comprises clamping means for releasably clamping a crank arm to the clamping means. The gate (E) is adapted so that a striker plate (F) fixed to the gate (E) moves from an open position in which it engages the latch (P) of the electronic lock (H) to a closed position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A bicycle parking stand for locking a bicycle to the stand, a lower section attached to the ground or pavement directly or via a base; The lower section includes a right vertical sidewall, an oppositely disposed left vertical sidewall, and a rear wall. [Background technology]

[0002] Prior art bicycle stands have three major drawbacks. The first is bicycle theft due to chains, wires, and U-locks that cannot withstand bolt cutters. The second drawback is the inconvenience of having to carry heavy and expensive chains, wires, or U-locks. The third major drawback is potential damage to the bicycle, especially to the front wheel and scratches to the frame.

[0003] Front wheel damage is associated with the far more dominant prior art stands, which support the bicycle by its front wheel. Figure 1 shows three embodiments of this type, where damage occurs if the bicycle is pushed over by the wind or a fellow cyclist. In these types of stands, the bicycle is either locked to the stand by an external lock, such as a chain, wire, or U-lock, carried by the cyclist, or the stand is used solely as a tilt support, and the bicycle is locked separately by an integrated or external lock.

[0004] Figure 2 shows two tilt stand embodiments in which the bicycle is tilted relative to the stand. Most embodiments do not have an integrated locking device, so the bicycle is either locked to the stand by an external lock, or the bicycle is locked separately by an integrated or external lock. Those embodiments with an integrated locking device are most often metal wire that is wrapped around the bicycle and locked by the bicycle's integrated or external lock. These locking methods are susceptible to theft with bolt cutters, and most embodiments are made of flat metal, which increases the risk of scratching the bicycle.

[0005] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a bicycle stand that captures a bicycle. The world population of such stands is small, and this invention represents a new embodiment of this type.

[0006] The majority of prior art bicycle stands are the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a common problem with these is bicycle theft and the inconvenience of requiring cyclists to carry a chain, wire, or U-lock to lock their bike to the stand. Most locks available cannot withstand bolt cutters and are expensive, large, and heavy.

[0007] This is why millions of bicycles are stolen from bike stands every year, and it is an established fact that bicycle theft is a significant reason why many people refrain from using bicycles as a daily means of transportation, thereby having a broader negative impact on the environment, public health, and adding to the growing problem of traffic congestion in cities.

[0008] For these reasons, cyclists, and society in general, would benefit from a bicycle stand where bicycles can be parked without the need to carry an external lock.

[0009] It further provides an inclined support that will not damage the bicycle, a stand from which the bicycle can only be stolen by a laborious, noisy, and time-consuming metal-cutting process. The present invention, presented in Figures 4 through 19, provides these advantages and is also easy and intuitive to use.

[0010] The closest prior art stand to the present invention is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,244,101. The stand described in U.S. Patent No. 5,244,101 also includes a pole and gate for capturing the bicycle crank arm. The main difference with the present invention is that the crank arm in U.S. Patent No. 5,244,101 must be lowered into the stand from above, and the crank arm slot does not have a spring effect, ensuring that the rubber fender does not scratch the bicycle. Another advantage of the present invention compared to U.S. Patent No. 5,244,101 is a more user-friendly electronic lock interface.

[0011] Other prior art stands worth mentioning are described in EP 0147384 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335. While the stand described in EP 0147384 provides tilt support, it lacks the spring effect of the crank arm slots, thereby resulting in less stable bicycles than the present invention. Second, it does not offer the same level of theft protection and user convenience. The locking system in EP 0147384 is based on an external lock (chain, wire, or U-lock) with its associated risk of theft. Second, it requires the user to carry such a locking device, which is costly and inconvenient.

[0012] The locking process of EP 0147384 is also quite inconvenient due to the complexity of the locking process and the low position. In direct comparison with EP 0147384, the present invention provides much more convenient anti-theft bicycle parking through simple registration of electronic devices and a bolt cutter resistant design.

[0013] Figure 3 shows U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335, a tilting stand with a rotating metal bar that captures the bicycle frame and front wheel. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335 features an advanced electronic locking system, like the present invention, that can be operated, for example, by a smartphone. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335 has two immediate drawbacks. The first is that the bicycle risks being scratched when tilted against the stand's metal pole or bar. The second drawback is the fact that the locking metal bar must pass through the front wheel, so cyclists often have to rotate the front wheel to avoid the metal bar hitting the spokes. Some bicycles even have mudguard supports in the area where the metal bar passes through the wheel, which is why they cannot be locked to the stand without bending the support. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,244,101 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 0147384 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335 Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention relates to an electronic bicycle parking stand. Its primary objective is to provide a bicycle stand that eliminates the need for cyclists to use external locks such as chains, wires, or U-locks. Another important objective is to provide a bicycle stand that requires specialized power cutting tools, not just bolt cutters, to steal a bicycle from the stand. A third objective is to provide a bicycle stand with tilting support that will never damage the bicycle.

[0016] A fourth object is to provide an easy-to-use and intuitive bicycle stand that allows cyclists to quickly and conveniently park their bicycles. Finally, another object is to provide a low-cost, minimalist design that minimizes installation costs.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided a bicycle parking stand according to the introductory part of this description, comprising: an upper section secured to an upper portion of the lower section; the upper section comprising a left vertical sidewall, a rear wall, a right vertical wall, and a front wall; the stand further comprising an upper section and a gate hinged to the lower section joined by a hinge, and an electronic unit secured to the inside of the upper section; the electronic unit comprises an electronic lock having a latch and a printed circuit board containing electronics; the stand further comprising clamping means for releasably clamping a crank arm of the bicycle to said clamping means; A bicycle parking stand is provided in which a gate is adapted to move from an open position to a closed position, and a striker plate arranged on the gate engages with a latch of an electronic lock, so that when the electronic lock is activated, the gate can be opened and the bicycle is prevented from being pulled out of the clamping means.

[0018] The upper section can be a tube or plate designed and placed on top of the lower section. The two parts can be two separate parts joined by welding, for example, or they can be constructed as one piece.

[0019] Releasing the bike after parking is the reverse of the locking process: the user re-registers their electronic device, which opens the electronic lock and allows the gate to disengage from blocking the crank arm slot, allowing the bike to be pulled out of the stand.

[0020] The complete locking and unlocking process is easy and convenient and can be performed without the user having to take their hands off the cycle handlebars and personal electronic device. The only stand action required is to open and close the gate, which can be done by simply pushing with the foot. Also, by developing and providing an application for the user's electronic device, the locking and unlocking process can be made easy and intuitive.

[0021] Internet-connected stands allow for central and remote control of the stands by facility management. This offers two important advantages to facility management. First, it allows for easy removal of discarded bicycles, which represents a major challenge in prior art stands where bicycles are locked with the user's personal lock. Second, it allows facility management to offer a "reserve, park and pay" service, where users can reserve a stand and pay for this service. In this way, the present invention offers a new business model compared to prior art bicycle stands.

[0022] With the gate in the closed mode, the stand encloses the crank arms and pedals, thereby preventing the bolting of the crank arms to the bicycle and the bolting of the bicycle pedals to the bicycle crank arms from being accessed.

[0023] A user registers as the rightful owner of the bicycle by placing their electronic device above the window, whereupon the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board using its coupled antenna.

[0024] The electronic unit may be an integral part of the device and may be externally powered by a wire or a battery.The lower section may include wire guards fixed to the inside corners of the left and rear walls.

[0025] According to one embodiment, The upper section further comprises a window, and is adapted to lock / unlock the bicycle by placing an electronic device above the window, whereby the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board and its associated antenna, thereby locking / unlocking.

[0026] The window is preferably located at the top of the upper section, but may also be located on the side of the upper section. All that matters is that it can communicate with the electronic device. The window preferably comprises a transparent yet impact-resistant material, such as safety glass or acrylic glass. Transparency is preferred because of the possibility of using an LED to indicate the locking status of the stand to the user.

[0027] According to one embodiment, The clamping means comprises a horizontally flexible fender disposed on / integrated with the wall section attached to the lower section, said fender being formed with a second fender disposed inside one of the side walls located across the fender, and the clamping means is a flexible crank arm slot, into which a bicycle crank arm is adapted to be pressed and to generate a clamping force on the crank arm to keep the bicycle in an upright position.

[0028] The wall section is positioned opposite the second fender.

[0029] The forward rolling direction of the bicycle with the bicycle crank arm is at its lowest vertical position. The flexible wall section with the fender and the second fender on the opposite wall flexes when the bicycle crank arm is inserted, creating a clamping force on the bicycle crank arm that keeps the bicycle in an upright position without additional angled support and without damaging or scratching the bicycle. The fender on the wall opposite the flexible wall is located at the top of the wall, and the height of the wall is such that the bicycle crank can pass over it.

[0030] According to one embodiment, The printed circuit board with its associated antenna is placed directly under the window allowing a user electronic device to communicate with a wireless communication portion of the circuit board, such as a near field communication and Bluetooth module.

[0031] A printed circuit board is preferably located on top of the electronic unit.

[0032] According to one embodiment, It further comprises a lever attached to the flexible wall section, said lever adapted to activate a switch in the electronic unit when a bicycle is inserted, which ensures that the stand cannot be locked and held without a bicycle being inserted.

[0033] According to one embodiment, The electronic unit further comprises a signaling device, such as an LED or an acoustic device, adapted to indicate to a user the locked status of the stand.

[0034] According to one embodiment, The printed circuit board further comprises a microphone, a speaker and a SW solution adapted to detect the vandalism and to issue an acoustic alarm and / or transmit an alarm to facility management.

[0035] According to one embodiment, A power unit is integrated into the lock, which may be a battery or may further include a solar panel to minimize the need for an external power source.

[0036] According to one embodiment, User registration with their electronic device is performed at a reader located on a remote pole away from the individual stands.

[0037] According to one embodiment, The striker plate of the gate is adapted to compress the latch during locking of the bicycle to the stand, thereby causing the latch to rotate.

[0038] The latch rotates around its axis, which is fixed to the electronic lock, by being pushed in. This rotation of the latch has two consequences. The first is that the latch catches the striker plate, which means the gate cannot be opened and the bicycle cannot be pulled out of the clamping means. The second is that the latch is locked in its rotated position by a locking mechanism inside the electronic lock. This locking mechanism of the latch can only be controlled by the user's electronic device or facility management. Therefore, once the user registers their electronic device after locking the latch by closing the gate, it is guaranteed that only this device or facility management can open the lock.

[0039] Releasing the bicycle after parking is the reverse of the locking process: the user re-registers their electronic device, which releases the latch on the electronic lock, opening the gate and allowing the bicycle to be extracted from the clamping means.

[0040] According to one embodiment, The lower section further comprises a fender that is secured to a lower wall of the fender, thereby seating the lower ends of the bicycle crank arms and limiting the amount of damage that can occur when the bicycle is tilted towards the stand.

[0041] According to one embodiment, The stand is connected to the internet either wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0042] According to one embodiment, All fenders are made from a soft material that will not scratch the bicycle crank arms.

[0043] According to one embodiment, The fender includes a protrusion that acts as an end stop for insertion of the bicycle crank arm.

[0044] According to one embodiment, It further comprises electronics and SW for central and remote management of the stand by the facility manager.

[0045] According to one embodiment, It further comprises an application on the user electronic device for operating the stand.

[0046] According to one embodiment, It further comprises a SW solution for users to reserve a stand and pay parking fees to the facility manager based on parking time.

[0047] According to one embodiment, The stand height is less than 45cm from the ground, allowing a bicycle on the left adjacent stand to pass to the right with the pedals above the stand at the top.

[0048] According to one embodiment, The crank arm slots are open on both the front and rear of the lower section, and a gate solution closes both openings. This design allows the bike to enter and exit the stand from both the front and rear.

[0049] According to one embodiment, The crank arm slots are oriented at an angle relative to the direction of rotation of the bicycle.

[0050] According to one embodiment, A number of stands are fixed onto a carousel that can be used for fully automated bicycle parking. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1]1 shows three different front wheel support stands according to the prior art. This is the most common type of bicycle stand. [Figure 2] 1 shows two different tilt stands according to the prior art. This is the second most common type of bike stand. [Figure 3] The figure shows the "Bikeep" bicycle parking stand by DesignBoom, described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335. The stand captures the bicycle with a metal bar around the bicycle frame via the front wheel. [Figure 4] 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in open mode, ready for the cyclist to park the bike. [Figure 5] Shows the same embodiment as in Figure 4 in open mode with the electronic unit (G) pulled out from the top section (B). [Figure 6] 4 and 5 in the open mode, with the front wall of the upper section (B) and the guard plate (N) removed to reveal the electronic unit (G) inside said upper section (B). [Figure 7] 4 to 6, showing the same embodiment as in FIGS. 4 to 6, supporting parked bicycles before closing the stand gate (E). [Figure 8] 4-7 in the closed mode, and more specifically, how the gate (E) blocks the crank arm slot (C) in the closed mode. [Figure 9] Shows the same embodiment as Figures 4 to 8 in closed and locked mode, and more specifically shows how the stand (1) surrounds the crank arm (V) to prevent it from being removed. [Figure 10] Shows the same embodiment as Figures 4 to 9 in closed and locked mode, and more specifically shows how the stand (1) prevents the pedal (X) from being accessed and removed. [Figure 11]1 shows another embodiment of the present invention in an open mode where the cyclist is ready to park the bicycle. [Figure 12] Shows the same embodiment as in Figure 11 in open mode with the electronic unit (G) pulled out from the top section (B). [Figure 13] 11 and 12 in the open mode, with the front wall of the upper section (B) removed to reveal the electronic unit (G) inside said upper section (B). [Figure 14] 11 to 13, showing the same embodiment as in FIGS. 11 to 13, supporting parked bicycles before closing the stand gate (E). [Figure 15] 11-14 in the closed mode, and more specifically, how the gate (E) blocks the crank arm slot (C) in the closed mode. [Figure 16] 11 to 15 in closed and locked mode, and more specifically how the stand (1) surrounds the crank arm (V) to prevent it from being removed. [Figure 17] Shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 to 16 in closed and locked mode, and more specifically shows how the stand (1) prevents the pedal (X) from being accessed and removed. [Figure 18] Seven of the present inventions are shown placed on concrete beams to form bicycle parking areas. [Figure 19] This artwork is displayed at the carousel bicycle parking area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Figures 4 to 19 show the invention. Figures 4 to 10 show one embodiment, and Figures 11 to 17 show another embodiment. Figures 18 and 19 show the invention used in a bicycle parking solution.

[0053] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the present invention in an open mode, ready to park a bicycle. The open mode is achieved by a gate (E) and an integrated striker plate (F) that is rotated via a hinge (D) to a position where the gate (E) is parallel to the side wall (20) of the lower section (A). The figure shows the vertical side walls (10) and (20) of the lower section (A) and the rear wall (30), which are attached to the ground or pavement either directly or via a base. The figure also shows a fender (L) secured to the upper front corner of the side wall (10) and a fender (K) also secured to the side wall (10) but below the fender (L).

[0054] The figure further shows the upper section (B) and the built-in fender (M) secured to the flexible section (40) of the upper section (B). The flexibility of section (40) and the fenders (M) and (L) form the crank arm slot (C) for the insertion of the crank arm (V). The protrusions (60) of the fenders (L) and (K) form end stops for the length through which the crank arm (V) can be inserted. Finally, the figure shows the wire guard (O) that protects the supply cable and the guard plate (N) that is secured to and extends over the cutout (50) in the upper section (B) to protect the electronic lock (H) from rain and snow that may enter through the cutout (50).

[0055] Figure 5 shows the same embodiment as Figure 4 in the open mode, with the electronic unit (G) and window (J) pulled out from the upper section (B). The electronic unit (G) includes an electronic lock (H), a printed circuit board (I), and an LED (Q) located below the window (J). The window protects the electronic unit (G) from vandals and weather while allowing electronic devices to communicate with and operate the stand (1) via near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth (BT), or alternative communication standards. The printed circuit board (I) contains all the electronics required to operate the stand, including near-field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (BT) modules that connect the stand to the Internet and communicate with the user's electronic device. To operate the stand (1), the user must place their electronic device above the window (J). The distance at which the electronic device can be held above the window (J) depends on the antenna performance of the electronic device. The LED (Q) uses different colors to indicate whether the stand (1) is locked or open.

[0056] The figure further shows how the electronic lock (H) is secured in the central area of the electronic unit (G) with the latch slot (P) facing forward in the upper section (B) so that when the electronic unit (G) is lowered into the upper section (B), the striker plate (F) passes through said opening (50) in the front wall (70) and engages said latch (P) of the electronic lock (H), aligning with the notch (50) in the upper section (B). The vertical position of the electronic lock (H) is a compromise between the strike plate (F) sitting in a protected position behind the gate (E) where it is not immediately accessible by an angle grinder, and a strike plate sitting close to the guard plate (N), thus providing protection against rain and snow hitting the electronic lock (H) through the notch (50). The horizontal position of the electronic lock is such that the cutout (50) in the upper section (B) for the striker plate (F) extends only to the front of said upper section (B), so that the cutout (50) is completely covered by the gate (E) in the closed position.

[0057] Electrical power for the stand (1) is supplied externally via wires. To minimize the need for external power, a solar power system can be integrated into the stand (1). Wire guards (O) welded to the inside corners of the walls (20) and (30) of the lower section (A) provide a protected channel for external wires leading to the stand (1) from the ground to an electronic unit (G) fixed inside the upper section (B).

[0058] To further strengthen the anti-theft electronic unit (G) and printed circuit board (I), a microphone, speaker and SW can be provided to detect noise from vandalism to the stand (1) and to sound an acoustic alarm if the stand (1) is connected to the internet and to send an alarm to facility management.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the same embodiment as Figures 4 and 5 in the open mode, with the front wall and guard plate (N) of the upper section (B) removed to reveal the electronic unit (G) inside said upper section (B). The figure shows how a lever (R) attached to a flexible section (40) of the upper section (B) activates a switch (S) when the section (40) is bent. The figure further shows how a printed circuit board (I) is positioned directly below the window (J).

[0060] Figure 7 shows the same embodiment as Figures 4-6, with the bicycle parked before closing the stand gate (E). Parking the bicycle requires the left crank arm (V) to be near its lowest vertical position, which can be easily and conveniently done with the cyclist's foot. Keeping the foot on the pedal (X) while pushing the crank arm (V) into the crank arm slot (C) makes this an easy and convenient action. The crank arm (V) is compressed between the fenders (L) and (M) by the flexibility of section (40), which keeps the bicycle in an upright position without any additional tilting support, and which also allows the bicycle to stand on flat ground and not have to be on a forward tilting surface to stay in the crank arm slot (C).

[0061] The figure further shows a fender (K) seated on the bottom end of the bicycle crank arm (V) on the wall (10) of the lower section (A), thereby ensuring that the bicycle cannot tilt towards the stand (1) and get scratched.

[0062] Figure 8 shows the same embodiment as Figures 4 to 7 with the stand gate (E) closed and locked, thereby blocking the crank arm slot (C) and preventing the bicycle from being pulled out of the stand.

[0063] Figure 9 shows the same embodiment as Figures 4-8, and more specifically, how the upper section (B), guard plate (N), and gate (E) in the closed mode surround the top of the bicycle crank arm (V), preventing access to the screw that secures the bicycle crank arm to the crank. In the upscaled view, only the crank arm (V) is shown to show how the gate (E) surrounds the other side of the crank arm (V). The figure further shows how the crank arm slot (C), comprised of the fender (L), fender (M), and the flexibility of the wall (40), clamps the bicycle crank arm (V), thereby keeping the bicycle upright without scratching or damaging the bicycle.

[0064] Figure 10 shows the same embodiment as Figures 4 to 9, with three views showing how the stand (1) in locked mode encloses the bicycle crank arms (V) and pedals (X), thereby preventing the bicycle from being pulled out of the stand or the bicycle pedals (X) and the crank arms (V) from being readily accessible, for example, with a wrench or power tool. Figure a) is a front view showing how the gate (E) blocks the crank arm slot (C). Figure b) is a rear view showing that the bicycle crank arms (V) and pedals (X) cannot be accessed from this side. Figure c) is a side view showing the limited access to the pedals (X) bolted to the crank arms and further showing how the guard plate (N) ensures that the striker plate (F) cannot be directly accessed by an angle grinder in the vertical plane between the top section (B) and the gate (E).

[0065] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the invention in an open mode, ready to park the bicycle. Compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 through 10, this embodiment is characterized by four main differences. The first main difference is that the crank arm slot (C) is inclined at a 45-degree angle relative to the front wall (70). The second main difference is the fact that the upper section (B) is lower, but in return wider, compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 4 through 10. These first two differences leave more combined height and width for the cyclist's feet when the cyclist presses the crank arm into the crank arm slot (C) with their feet on the pedals. The third main difference is that the flexible section (40) of the crank arm slot (C) is a separate piece fixed to the lower section (A). The fourth and final main difference is that the front wall (70) extends to the ground and is the fixed part for the hinge (D).

[0066] The open mode, as shown, is achieved by a gate (E) and an integral striker plate (F) that is rotated via a hinge (D) to a position where the gate (E) does not block the crank arm slot (C). The figure shows the vertical side walls (10) and rear wall (30) of the lower section (A), which are attached to the ground or pavement either directly or via a base. The figure also shows a fender (L) secured to the upper front corner of the side wall (10), and a fender (K) also secured to the side wall (10) but below the fender (L).

[0067] The figure further shows the upper section (B) and the built-in fender (M) secured to a flexible section (40), which itself is secured to the lower section (A). The flexibility of section (40) and the fenders (M) and (L) forms a crank arm slot (C) for inserting the crank arm (V). A protrusion (60) on the flexible section (40) forms an end stop for the length through which the crank arm (V) can be inserted. The figure also shows a wire guard (O), which, in combination with the side wall (20), not visible in this view, forms an enclosure to protect the supply cable. Finally, the figure shows a guard plate (N) secured to and extending over a notch (50) in the upper section (B) to protect the electronic lock (H) from rain and snow that may enter through the notch (50).

[0068] Figure 12 shows the same embodiment as Figure 11 in the open mode, with the electronic unit (G) with a window (J) pulled out from the upper section (B). The electronic unit (G) includes an electronic lock (H) located below the window (J) and a printed circuit board (I). The window protects the electronic unit (G) from vandals and weather, but allows an electronic device to communicate with and operate the stand (1) via near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth (BT), or alternative communication standards. The printed circuit board (I) contains all the electronics required to operate the stand, including near-field communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (BT) modules that connect the stand to the Internet and communicate with the user's electronic device. To operate the stand (1), the user must place their electronic device above the window (J). The distance at which the electronic device can be held above the window (J) depends on the antenna performance of the electronic device.

[0069] To further strengthen the anti-theft electronic unit (G) and printed circuit board (I), a microphone, speaker and SW can be provided to detect noise from vandalism to the stand (1) and to sound an acoustic alarm if the stand (1) is connected to the internet and to send an alarm to facility management.

[0070] The figure further shows how an electronic lock (H) with a latch (P) is secured to the electronic unit (G), the latch (P) being accessible through a cutout (90) in the front of the electronic unit (G). The electronic lock (H) is aligned so that when said electronic unit (G) is lowered into position in the upper section (B) and the gate (E) is closed, the striker plate (F) of the gate (E) engages with said latch (P) of the electronic lock (H).

[0071] Figure 13 shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 and 12 in the open mode, with the front wall of the top section (B) and electronic unit (G) removed to show the electronic unit (G) positioned inside the top section (B). The figure shows how a lever (R) attached to a flexible section (40) of the top section (B) activates a switch (S) when the section (40) is bent. The figure further shows how a printed circuit board (I) is positioned directly below the window (J).

[0072] Figure 14 shows the same embodiment as Figures 11-13, with the bicycle parked before closing the stand gate (E). Parking the bicycle requires the left crank arm (V) to be near its lowest vertical position, which can be done easily and conveniently with the cyclist's foot. Keeping the foot on the pedal (X) while pushing the crank arm (V) into the crank arm slot (C) makes this an easy and convenient action. The crank arm (V) is compressed between the fenders (L) and (M) by the flexibility of section (40), which keeps the bicycle in an upright position without any additional tilting support, and which also allows the bicycle to stand on flat ground and not have to be on a forward tilting surface to stay in the crank arm slot (C).

[0073] The figure further shows a fender (K) seated on the bottom end of the bicycle crank arm (V) on the wall (10) of the lower section (A), thereby ensuring that the bicycle cannot tilt towards the stand (1) and get scratched.

[0074] Figure 15 shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 to 14 with the stand gate (E) closed and locked, thereby blocking the crank arm slot (C) and preventing the bicycle from being pulled out of the stand.

[0075] Figure 16 shows the same embodiment as Figures 11-15, and more specifically illustrates how, in the closed mode, the flexible section (40) with the protrusion (60) and gate (E) surrounds the top of the bicycle crank arm (V), preventing access to the screw that secures it to the crank. In the upscaled illustration, only the crank arm (V) is shown to show how the gate (E) surrounds the far side of the crank arm (V). The illustration further illustrates how the crank arm slot (C), comprised of the fender (L), fender (M), and the flexibility of the wall (40), clamps the bicycle crank arm (V), thereby keeping the bicycle upright without scratching or damaging it.

[0076] Figure 17 shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 to 16, with three views showing how the stand (1) in locked mode encloses the bicycle crank arms (V) and pedals (X), thereby preventing the bicycle from being pulled out of the stand or the bicycle pedals (X) and the crank arms (V) from being readily accessible, for example, with a wrench or power tool. View a) is a front view showing how the gate (E) blocks the crank arm slot (C). View b) is a rear view showing that the bicycle crank arms (V) and pedals (X) cannot be accessed from this side. View c) is a side view showing that there is no access to the pedals (X) bolted to the crank arms (V).

[0077] Figure 18 shows seven of the present inventions placed on concrete beams to form bicycle parking areas. The figure also shows a pole (T) with a built-in electronic box (U) that includes a window, a printed circuit board, and a linking antenna for users to register their electronic devices at the pole rather than at each individual stand. By having one remote pole (T) that all stands must operate from, the cost of the electronics and therefore the entire bicycle parking station can be reduced compared to having a printed circuit board with a linking antenna for communicating with user electronic devices in each stand.

[0078] Figure 19 shows the present invention deployed in a circular bicycle parking garage. Stands are arranged in a lower and upper circle, separated in this embodiment by a fixed deck (100) with cutouts (110). Stands in the lower circle are fixed to the ground, while those in the upper circle can rotate freely around the central pole (Y) as a carousel. Two stand positions in the lower circle below the cutouts (110) in the deck (100) remain empty, and the resulting open area is instead used for stands from the upper carousel, which are lowered and raised by a lift system in the central pole (Y). To raise and lower bicycles, each stand includes a wheel track (Z) that, in this embodiment, extends the entire length of the bicycle.

[0079] Users must register at an electronic box (U) fixed to a pole (T), which comprises a window and a printed circuit board with an associated antenna for communicating with the user electronic device.

[0080] A user who wants to park a bicycle in the upper circle must first register their electronic device in the electronic box (U). If there is an available stand in the upper circle, the upper circle rotates the available stand to a position above the open space in the lower circle and lowers the stand to the ground. The user then inserts the bicycle and closes the gate stand, which lifts the inserted bicycle into the upper circle.

[0081] A user who has to retrieve a bicycle from a stand in the upper circle must register their electronic device in the electronic box (U), which starts a three-step process. The first step is that the upper circle rotates to bring the required stand with the bicycle inserted into a position above said cutout (110) in the deck (100) and into the open space in the lower circle. The second step is that the stand together with the bicycle is lowered to the ground. The third and final action is that the gate of the stand opens, allowing the user to remove the bicycle from the stand.

[0082] The stands in the lower circle can be provided for user registration at an electronic box (U) on the individual stand or pole (T), as in the embodiment shown in FIG.

Claims

1. A bicycle parking stand (1) for locking bicycles, A lower section (A) attached to the ground or pavement directly or via a base, the lower section (A) comprises a right vertical side wall (10), an oppositely disposed left vertical side wall (20) and a rear wall (30); The bicycle parking stand (1) further comprises an upper section (B) fixed to the upper part of the lower section (A); said upper section (B) comprising said left vertical side wall (20), said rear wall (30), said right vertical wall (80) and said front wall (70); The bicycle parking stand (1) further comprises a gate (E) hingedly connected to the upper section (B) and the lower section (A) by a hinge (D), and an electronic unit (G) fixed inside the upper section (B); The electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H) having a latch (P) and a printed circuit board (I) containing electronic devices, The gate (E) is adapted to move from an open position to a closed position, and a striker plate (F) disposed on the gate (E) engages with the latch (P) of the electronic lock (H), thereby preventing the gate (E) from being opened and the bicycle from being removed from the bicycle parking stand when the electronic lock (H) is activated; The bicycle parking stand (1) further comprises a lever (R) attached to a wall section (40) attached to the upper section (B) or the lower section (A), the lever being adapted to activate a switch (S) of the electronic unit (G) when a bicycle is inserted. A bicycle parking stand characterized by:

2. the upper section (B) further comprises a window (J); 2. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle is locked / unlocked by placing an electronic device above the window (J) so that the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board (I).

3. 3. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the printed circuit board (I) is placed directly under a window (J) that enables a user's electronic device to communicate with a wireless communication unit, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth (registered trademark) (BT) module, of the printed circuit board (I).

4. 4. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic unit further comprises a signalling device, such as an LED (Q) or an acoustic device, adapted to indicate to a user the locked state of the bicycle parking stand (1).

5. 5. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the printed circuit board (I) further comprises a microphone and a speaker adapted to detect vandalism of the bicycle parking stand (1) and to issue an acoustic alarm and / or transmit an alarm to facility management.

6. 6. A bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein user registration is performed by a user's electronic device in a reader (U) located on a remote pole (T) away from the bicycle parking stand (1).

7. 7. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the striker plate (F) of the gate (E) is adapted to push the latch (P) during locking of the bicycle to the bicycle parking stand (1), thereby causing the latch (P) to rotate.

8. 8. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bicycle parking stand (1) is connected to the Internet either wirelessly or by wire.

9. 9. Bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising electronic equipment for central and remote management of the bicycle parking stand by a facility manager.

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