Bicycle parking stand for locking bicycle with 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, comprising: 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 bike stands have three major drawbacks. The first is bike 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 bike, especially damage to the front wheel and scratches to the frame.

[0003] Front wheel damage is associated with the by far most 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, e.g. a chain, wire or U-lock, brought by the cyclist, or the stand is used only as a tilt support and the bicycle is locked separately by an integral or external lock.

[0004] Figure 2 shows two embodiments of a tilt stand where the bicycle is tilted relative to the stand. Most embodiments do not have an integral locking device, so the bicycle is either locked to the stand by an external lock, or the bicycle is locked separately by an integral or external lock. The embodiments with an integral locking device are most often a metal wire that is wrapped around the bicycle and locked by the bicycle's integral or external lock. These locking methods are susceptible to theft with bolt cutters, and most embodiments are made of flat metal, which also 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 this type of stand is small, and this work represents a new embodiment of this type.

[0006] Most of the prior art bike stands are the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a common problem with these is theft of the bike, and the inconvenience of the cyclist having to carry a chain, wire, or U-lock to lock the bike to the stand. Most of the locks on the market 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 mode of transportation, thereby causing wider negative effects 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, and 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 US Patent No. 5,244,101. The stand described in US Patent No. 5,244,101 also includes a pole and a gate to capture the bicycle crank arm. The main difference with the present invention is that the crank arm in US 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 US Patent No. 5,244,101 is the more user-friendly electronic lock interface.

[0011] Other prior art stands to be mentioned are described in EP 0147384 and US 2015096335. The stand described in EP 0147384 provides tilt support but does not have the spring effect of the crank arm slot, whereby the stability of the bicycle is not as good as in the present invention. Secondly, it does not provide the same level of theft protection and user convenience. The locking system of EP 0147384 is based on an external lock (chain, wire or U-lock) with the associated risk of theft, and secondly, the cost and inconvenience of having to carry such a locking device.

[0012] The locking process of EP 0147384 is also rather 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 parking of bicycles through simple registration of electronic devices, and bolt cutter resistant design.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows US2015096335, a tilting stand with a rotating metal bar that captures the bicycle frame and the front wheel. US2015096335 features an advanced electronic locking system that can be operated, for example, by a smartphone, like the present invention. US2015096335 has two immediate drawbacks. The first is that the bicycle is tilted against the metal pole or metal bar of the stand, which risks scratching the bicycle. The second drawback is the fact that the locking metal bar must pass through the front wheel, so the cyclist often has to rotate the front wheel to avoid the metal bar hitting the spokes. Also, some bicycles even have a mudguard support in the area where the metal bar passes through the wheel, which is why they cannot be locked into 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 Publication No. 2015096335 Summary of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to an electronic bicycle parking stand. It is the main objective to provide a bicycle stand that does not require the cyclist to use an external lock such as a chain, wire or U-lock. It is another important objective to provide a bicycle stand where a specialized power cutting tool is required, not just a bolt cutter, to steal the bicycle from the stand. It is the third objective to provide a bicycle stand with a tilting support for the bicycle 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, it is another object to provide a low cost, minimalist design that minimizes installation costs.

[0017] According to the invention, there is provided a bicycle parking stand according to the introductory part of this description, comprising: an upper section secured to a top of the lower section; the top section includes a left vertical sidewall, a rear wall, a right vertical wall, and a front wall; the stand further comprising a gate hinged to the upper and lower sections joined by the hinge, and an electronic unit secured to an 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 a 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 disposed on the gate engages with a latch of an electronic lock, whereby 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 together, for example by welding, 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 their personal electronic device. The only action of the stand 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 electronic device, the locking and unlocking process can be made easy and intuitive.

[0021] An internet-connected stand allows for central and remote control of the stand by the facility management. This offers the facility management two important advantages. The first is the easy removal of discarded bicycles, which represents a major challenge in prior art stands where the bicycles are locked by the user's personal lock. The second allows the facility management to offer a "book, park and pay" service, where the user can book a stand and pay for this service. In this way, the 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 bike by placing their electronic device above the window, whereupon the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board using its coupled antenna.

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

[0025] According to one embodiment, The upper section further comprises a window, and the locking / unlocking of the bicycle is adapted to be performed by placing an electronic device over the window, whereby the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board and its associated antenna, thereby performing the 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 is able to communicate with the electronic device. The window preferably comprises a transparent but still impact resistant material, for example safety glass or acrylic glass. The reason transparency is preferred is 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 / integrated on the wall section attached to the lower section, said fender being formed with a second fender disposed inside one of the side walls across it, and the clamping means is a flexible crank arm slot, into which a bicycle crank arm is adapted to be pressed and exert a clamping force on the crank arm to keep the bicycle in an upright position.

[0028] The wall section is disposed on an opposite side of 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 and creates 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 opposite wall of 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 underneath a window that allows a user electronic device to communicate with a wireless communication portion of the circuit board, such as a near field wireless 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 unless a bicycle is inserted.

[0033] According to one embodiment, The electronic unit further comprises a signalling 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 emit an audible 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 and may further comprise a solar panel to minimize the need for an external power source.

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

[0037] According to one embodiment, A 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 pushing. This rotation of the latch has two consequences. The first one is that the latch captures the striker plate, so that the gate cannot be opened and the bike cannot be pulled out of the clamping means. The second consequence is that the latch is locked in the 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 the facility management. Thus, when the user registers his electronic device after locking the latch by closing the gate, it is guaranteed that only this device or the 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 of 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 which is secured to a lower wall of the fender thereby seating the lower ends of the bicycle crank arms and limiting the amount that the bicycle can be tilted towards the stand and scratched.

[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 damage bicycle crank arms.

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

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

[0045] According to one embodiment, It further comprises an application on a 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 height of the stand is less than 45cm from the ground, allowing a bicycle on the left adjacent stand to pass to the right with its pedals uppermost above the stand.

[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 slot is 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 description 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. [Diagram 2] Shown are two different tilt stands according to the prior art. This is the second most common type of bike stand. [Diagram 3] Illustrates the "Bikeep" bicycle parking stand by DesignBoom, described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015096335. The stand captures the bike with a metal bar around the bike frame through the front wheel. [Figure 4] 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in an open mode where a cyclist is ready to park their bike. [Diagram 5] Shows the same embodiment as in FIG. 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 to 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 in 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 modes, 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 a cyclist is ready to park their bike. [Figure 12] Shows the same embodiment as in FIG. 11 in open mode with the electronic unit (G) pulled out from the top section (B). [Figure 13] 13 shows the same embodiment as in FIGS. 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] Shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 to 15 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 17] Shows the same embodiment as Figures 11 to 16 in closed and locked modes, and more specifically shows how the stand (1) prevents the pedal (X) from being accessed and removed. [Figure 18] 7 shows the present invention placed on a concrete beam to form a bicycle parking area. [Figure 19] This artwork is displayed at the carousel bicycle parking area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[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 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) and the rear wall (30) of the lower section (A) that are attached to the ground or pavement either directly or via a base. The figure also shows a fender (L) fixed to the upper front corner of the side wall (10) and a fender (K) also fixed to the side wall (10) but below the fender (L).

[0054] The figure further shows the top section (B) and the built-in fender (M) fixed to the flexible section (40) of said top section (B). The section (40) and the flexibility of the fenders (M) and (L) form the crank arm slot (C) for the crank arm (V) to be inserted. The protrusions (60) of said fenders (L) and (K) form end stops for the length into 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 fixed to and extends over the cutout (50) of said top section (B) to protect the electronic lock (H) from rain and snow that enters through said cutout (50).

[0055] Figure 5 shows the same embodiment as in figure 4 in open mode with electronic unit (G) and window (J) pulled out from top section (B). Electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H), a printed circuit board (I) and an LED (Q) located under the window (J), which protects said electronic unit (G) from vandalism and weather but allows an electronic device to communicate 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 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 his 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) indicates with different colors whether the stand (1) is locked or open.

[0056] The figure further shows how the electronic lock (H) is fixed in the central area of ​​the electronic unit (G) with the latch slot (P) facing forward of 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 with said latch (P) of the electronic lock (H), and the latch slot (P) is aligned 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) that is not immediately accessible by the 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 surface of said upper section (B), so that the cutout (50) is completely covered by the gate (E) in the closed position.

[0057] 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 the 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 generate an audible 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 in Figures 4 and 5 in an open mode, with the front wall and guard plate (N) of the top section (B) removed to reveal the electronic unit (G) inside said 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 placed directly below the window (J).

[0060] Figure 7 shows the same embodiment as in Figures 4 to 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 by the cyclist's foot. Keeping the foot on the pedal (X) when 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 the section (40) which keeps the bicycle in an upright position without any additional tilting support, 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) that seats 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] FIG. 8 shows the same embodiment as FIGS. 4 to 7 with the stand gate (E) locked closed, thereby blocking the crank arm slot (C) and preventing the bicycle from being able to be pulled out of the stand.

[0063] FIG. 9 shows the same embodiment as FIGS. 4-8, and more specifically, how the top section (B), guard plate (N) and gate (E) in closed mode surround the top of the bicycle crank arm (V) and prevent 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 view further shows how the crank arm slot (C), which is comprised of the fender (L), the 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 in 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) being immediately accessible by, for example, 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 bolt-mounted pedals (X) 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] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the invention in an open mode ready to park the bicycle. Compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 10, this embodiment is characterized by four main differences. The first main difference is that the crank arm slot (C) is inclined at 45 degrees to the front wall (70). The second main difference is the fact that the upper section (B) is lower, but instead wider, compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. These first two differences leave more height and width combined for the cyclist's feet when he pushes the crank arm into the crank arm slot (C) with his 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 last 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) that 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) fixed to a flexible section (40) which is itself fixed to the lower section (A). The flexibility of the section (40) and the fenders (M) and (L) form the crank arm slot (C) for the crank arm (V) to be inserted. The projection (60) of the flexible section (40) forms an end stop for the length through which the crank arm (V) can be inserted. The figure further shows the wire guard (O) which, in combination with the side wall (20) which is not visible in this view, forms an enclosure to protect the supply cable. Finally, the figure shows a guard plate (N) which is fixed to and extends over the cutout (50) of said upper section (B) to protect the electronic lock (H) from rain and snow entering through said cutout (50).

[0068] Figure 12 shows the same embodiment as in figure 11 in open mode with an electronic unit (G) with a window (J) pulled out from the top section (B). The electronic unit (G) comprises an electronic lock (H) located under said window (J) and a printed circuit board (I) that protects said electronic unit (G) from vandalism and weather but allows an electronic device to communicate 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 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 his electronic device above said 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 generate an audible 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 fixed to the electronic unit (G), the latch (P) being accessible through a cut-out (90) in the front of the electronic unit (G). The electronic lock (H) is aligned such 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 in Figures 11 and 12 in the open mode, with the front wall of the top section (B) and the electronic unit (G) removed to show said electronic unit (G) placed inside said 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 section (40) is bent. The figure further shows how a printed circuit board (I) is placed directly under a window (J).

[0072] Figure 14 shows the same embodiment as in Figures 11 to 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 easily and conveniently done by the cyclist's foot. Keeping the foot on the pedal (X) when 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, 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) that seats 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] FIG. 15 shows the same embodiment as FIGS. 11 to 14 with the stand gate (E) locked closed, thereby blocking the crank arm slot (C) and preventing the bicycle from being able to be pulled out of the stand.

[0075] FIG. 16 shows the same embodiment as FIGS. 11-15, and more specifically, how in 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 an 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 view further shows how the crank arm slot (C), which is made up of the fender (L), the 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) being readily accessible, for example, by 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 bolt-mounted pedals (X) to the crank arms (V).

[0077] Figure 18 shows seven of the present inventions placed on concrete beams to form bicycle parking stations. The figure further shows a pole (T) with a built-in electronic box (U) with a window, a printed circuit board, and a linking antenna for users to register their electronic devices at the pole instead of at each individual stand. By having one remote pole (T) where all the stands have to be operated, 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 the user electronic devices in each stand.

[0078] Figure 19 shows the invention deployed in a circular bicycle parking area. The stands are arranged in a lower and upper circle, separated in this embodiment by a fixed deck (100) with a cutout (110). The stands in the lower circle are fixed to the ground, while the stands in the upper circle can rotate indefinitely around the central pole (Y) as a carousel. Two stand positions in the lower circle below said cutout (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 the bicycles, each stand includes a wheel track (Z) that in this embodiment extends the entire length of the bicycle.

[0079] A user must register at an electronic box (U) fixed to a pole (T), said electronic box (U) comprising 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 register his / her electronic device in the electronic box (U) as a first action. If there is an available stand on 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, and the inserted bicycle is lifted up to the upper circle.

[0081] A user who has to retrieve a bicycle from a stand in the upper circle must register his 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 cut-out (110) of 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, thereby allowing the user to remove the bicycle from the stand.

[0082] The stands in the lower circle can be provisioned 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 a bicycle to the stand (1), comprising: A lower section (A) attached to the ground or pavement directly or via a base, said lower section (A) comprising 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 an upper portion of the lower section (A); said upper section (B) comprising said left vertical side wall (20), said rear wall (30), a right vertical wall (80) and a front wall (70); the stand (1) further comprises a gate (E) hinged to an upper section (A) and a lower section (B) joined by a hinge (D), and an electronic unit (G) fixed to the inside of 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, said stand (1) further comprising clamping means for releasably clamping said bicycle crank arm (V) to said clamping means, 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), whereby when the electronic lock (H) is activated, the gate (E) can be opened and prevents the bicycle from being pulled out of the clamping means; A bicycle parking stand characterized by the above.

2. said upper section (B) further comprising a window (J); 2. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking / unlocking of the bicycle is adapted to be performed by placing an electronic device above the window (J), whereby the electronic device communicates with the printed circuit board (I), whereby the locking / unlocking is performed.

3. said clamping means comprising a horizontally flexible fender (M) arranged on / integrated with a wall section (40) attached to said upper section (B) or said lower section (A); The fender (M) is formed with a second fender (L) disposed on the inside of one of the side walls (10, 20) located on the other side thereof, and the clamping means is a flexible crank arm slot (C); 3. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bicycle crank arm (V) is adapted to be pressed into the crank arm slot (C) and exert a clamping force on the crank arm (V) to keep the bicycle in an upright position.

4. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the printed circuit board (I) is positioned 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 (BT) module, of the circuit board (I).

5. 5. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a lever (R) attached to the flexible wall section (40), said lever adapted to activate a switch (S) of the electronic unit (G) when a bicycle is inserted.

6. 6. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 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 status of the stand (1).

7. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printed circuit board (I) further comprises a microphone, a speaker and a SW solution adapted to detect vandalism, to emit an acoustic alarm and / or to transmit an alarm to facility management.

8. 8. Bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a power unit is integrated into the lock.

9. 9. Bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that user registration by means of their own electronic device takes place in a reader (U) located on a remote pole (T) away from the individual stands (1).

10. 10. The bicycle parking stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the striker plate (F) of the gate (E) is adapted to push the latch (P) during locking of the bicycle to the stand (1), thereby causing the latch (P) to rotate.

11. 11. A bicycle stand (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower section (A) further comprises a fender (M) secured to a lower wall thereof, thereby seating the lower ends of the bicycle crank arms (V) and limiting the amount that the bicycle can be tilted towards the stand (1) and thereby damaged.

12. A bicycle stand according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the stand (1) is connected to the Internet either wirelessly or by wire.

13. 13. The bicycle stand (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the fender (M) comprises a protrusion acting as an end stop for the insertion of the bicycle crank arm (V).

14. A bicycle stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising electronics and SW for central and remote management of the stand by a facility manager.

15. 15. The bicycle stand (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the crank arm slots (C) are open on both the front and rear sides of the lower section (A) and the gate solution closes both openings.

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