Event rack/stand

Abstract

A portable and expandable multi-functioning event rack is adapted for use as a bicycle rack, an information displaying apparatus, or as a structure to cordon off an area. The event rack includes support stands with attachment members that removably receive connecting members in a horizontal orientation such that bicycles may be parked on and locked to the connecting members. The connecting members are adapted to connect to adjacent connecting members such that a variously configurable event rack may be created. The support stands are also adapted to receive a mounted member, such as a banner display for the displaying of information or a cover assembly to shelter items from inclement weather.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to a portable and expandable event rack system, and in particular, to an event rack system that may be used to park bicycles, display information, or cordon off an area. [0002] Special events, such as fairs, food festivals, firework celebrations, city festivals, college athletic games, concerts, bicycle tours and competitions, and outdoor fundraisers are popular activities, particularly in summertime. Such events often attract a significant number of people to a particular location for a limited time. Additionally, many communities have destinations such as downtown shopping districts, parks, pools, beachfronts, or other such recreation areas that undergo intermittent time periods of congested use, as on weekends or holidays. Special event planners and municipality officials are faced with many challenges when dealing with such intermittently congested areas. For example, such challenges include the communicating o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] The present invention provides a multi-functioning event rack that may be used to park bicycles, display information, and / or cordon off an area. The event rack includes multiple support stands and connecting members that are interconnectable and variously configurable such that different sized and shaped event racks may be created. The event rack of the present invention further enables multiple methods of displaying information. As the event rack of the present invention is easily assembled and disassembled, light weight relative to typical bicycle structures, and multi-functioning, it is ideal for use at locations that intermittently attract a large number of people by bicycles or otherwise.

Problems solved by technology

Such events often attract a significant number of people to a particular location for a limited time.

Special event planners and municipality officials are faced with many challenges when dealing with such intermittently congested areas.

An additional challenge is the providing of safe parking for bicycles, which is also important to provide in order to further encourage the use of bicycles as a transportation means to such events.

However, it is not desired to place many such standard fixed bicycle racks at locations undergoing intermittent periods of use as the majority of time they are not used, which is particularly troublesome at locations having limited space.

Because they are not used, they may collect debris, rust, or be vandalized.

It is also not desired to bring those heavy standard bicycle racks to such locations on an as needed basis because they are cumbersome, heavy and difficult to transport, and expensive to store.

While this is an inexpensive structure, it is problematic in that snow fencing is visually unsightly and awkward to set up because it does not stay upright on its own and, therefore, requires additional supporting structures.

Furthermore, snow fencing cannot easily support bicycles for parking as, for example, it is difficult to unstack bicycles that are leaned against the fencing.

However, signs with concrete bases are heavy and cumbersome, small posters are not highly visible, and adequate vertical objects are not always readily available and banners strung to such objects are difficult to install.

As noted, there are several difficulties associated with the various bicycle parking, area cordoning structures, and information displaying methods described above.

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