Bicycle Hub Locking Mechanism and Parking System

Abstract

A bicycle and bicycle parking and lock system wherein a hub locking device that is secured to a bicycle cooperates with a parking rack. The bicycle includes an engagement member that is secured to an axle of the bicycle. The engagement member selectively removably cooperates with a recess formed in the parking and lock system. The parking and lock system includes a number of upstanding members that are positioned to generally flank the front wheel of a bicycle to maintain the bicycle in a generally upright orientation. Each or select number of the upstanding members include a lock system that cooperates with the locking engagement member so as to secure the respective bicycle with respect to the parking system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This Non-Provisional Application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 233,648 filed Aug. 13, 2009 and hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to bicycles and, more particularly, to a bicycle hub having an integral locking mechanism that cooperates with a bicycle parking stand or rack.[0003]Automated bicycle rental systems have become increasingly popular. Such rental systems typically include a number of rental stations located across a city or other location. The rental stations typically include one or more bicycle stands for supporting a number of rentable bicycles. The bicycles are secured to the bicycle stands by a locking mechanism such that the bicycles are incapable of being removed until payment or identification for the rental of one of the bicycles is recognized.[0004]The bicycle stands are in electronic communication with a rental kiosk or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Understandably, one or more of the particular features and advantages discussed above may apply one or more of the various embod

Problems solved by technology

Known bicycle rental systems suffer from a number of disadvantages.

For instance, such bicycle rental systems are susceptible to a great deal of wear and tear associated with the public use of the bicycles and bicycle stands of the bicycle rental systems.

In addition, such publically located systems are susceptible to vandalism and theft.

Further, such systems often require the users of the bicycles to lift or otherwise awkwardly manipulate the bicycles of the bicycle rental systems in order to engage or disengage the bicycle with the bicycle stand for storage or removal of the bicycle, respectively.

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