Station for locking a two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a locking station (50) for bicycles or other vehicles, characterized by its compactness and its resistance to vandalism. It comprises a main body (1) fixed to the ground (10) and a movable arm (20) which oscillates, from the bottom upwards, between locking and release states. The arm (20), which is pivotably connected to the main body (1), ensures locking of the bicycle by coupling at the specific locations.

Description

[0001] TWO-WHEEL VEHICLE LOCKING STATION

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to a locking station for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, a bike, an electric scooter or any other type of two-wheeled vehicle.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] Bicycle lock-up stations have become an essential part of modern urban infrastructure. By providing secure locations for bicycle parking, these stations encourage more people to choose cycling as their daily mode of transport, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly solution for urban travel.

[0006] Typically, a station of this type consists of a main body or frame completed by a movable or removable arm connected to this main body. This arm is designed to move into a locked position, thus immobilizing a part of the bicycle, such as the frame or wheel. This action prevents theft or unauthorized removal of the bicycle.

[0007] An example of stations is described in US 9,381,964. This type of station has a fairly large footprint and also a fairly high risk of damage.

[0008] Another type of station is for example described in documents US3783659 and US5323915 which disclose a locking station of a two-wheeled vehicle, which comprises a main body which extends in a vertical direction and a secondary body which extends in a horizontal direction. More particularly, the main body carries coupling locations, the secondary body carries an arm which comprises a fixed end remote from the main body so that a housing space of a two-wheeled vehicle is accessible.

[0009] Although this type of station has advantages, it turns out that they have a significant footprint that is not adapted to current urban requirements, a significant risk of deterioration, as well as a low adaptability to the multiple and different types of existing two-wheeled vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0010] One of the aims of the present invention is to provide a locking station for a two-wheeled vehicle which has a smaller footprint and which is more resistant to acts of vandalism. To this end, the invention proposes a locking station for a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a bicycle, and comprising: a main body extending from a lower base to an upper portion, a bottom-up direction being defined from the lower base to the upper portion, said main body comprising at the upper portion, a first and a second coupling location of an arm; fixing means for fixing the main body to the ground at its base; an arm having a fixed end and a first and second engagement end, the fixed end being pivotally coupled to the main body about a pivot axis and below the first and second coupling locations;the arm being able to tilt, from bottom to top, from a release position to a locking position, the locking position corresponding to a configuration where the first, respectively second, engagement end is coupled to the main body at the first, respectively second, coupling location.;

[0011] More particularly, the main body of the locking station according to the present invention, comprises a lower base and an upper portion, which extends in a direction (D) from bottom to top, the direction (D) being defined from the lower base to the upper portion, forming the main body.

[0012] By the terms "a main body comprising a lower base and an upper portion, which extends in a direction (D) from bottom to top, the direction (D) being defined from the lower base to the upper portion, forming the main body", it is understood by the present invention that the main body comprises on the one hand a lower base respectively in contact with the ground, and in its extension in the direction (D) from bottom to top, and continuously, an upper portion. This being the opposite of the prior art for which the lower base extends horizontally.

[0013] More particularly, the locking station according to the present invention comprises fixing means for fixing the main body, and more particularly the lower base of the main body, to the ground at its base. Furthermore, the fixed end of the arm of the locking station according to the present invention is pivotally coupled to the main body, and more particularly to the lower base of the main body, about a pivot axis below, preferably directly below in direction (D), the first and second coupling locations.

[0014] It is thus easily understood that the fixed end of the arm of the locking station is in the same vertical plane as the coupling locations, unlike the prior art for which the fixed end of the arm is distant from the main body, coupled to a secondary body which extends in a horizontal direction.

[0015] The station according to the invention is more compact compared to prior art solutions. This is mainly due to the fact that the fixed end of the arm is pivotally coupled to the main body, more specifically to the lower base of the main body, around a pivot axis which is located directly below or below the first and second coupling locations, in the same vertical plane. With such a configuration, it is only necessary to allow the width of the pedal assembly to pass through. This means that a smaller opening can be achieved and therefore a smaller final footprint.

[0016] Having a more compact station is particularly useful in environments where usable space is limited, such as in parks with low ceilings or confined spaces.

[0017] The invention also reduces the risk of breakage. In fact, given the particular configuration of coupling the arm to the main body, more precisely to the lower base of the main body, the maximum possible rotation of the arm is limited by the ground to which the locking station is fixed. This makes it less possible to be able to tear the arm from the main body in the open or release position.

[0018] The station according to the invention has other advantages. In the present invention, the arm is actuated to the locking position from the bottom up, which offers greater freedom of use to people of all ages and physical abilities. For example, for people with physical limitations, a mechanism that does not require lifting or maneuvering heavy objects is a significant advantage. The locking station according to the invention has a certain degree of freedom with respect to which part of the bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle can be attached to the station. Given the geometry of the station, it is possible to attach the frame at one or two points, the front wheel and / or the rear wheel, the frame and the front or rear wheel, the frame and the rear triangle, the frame and the rear triangle and the rear wheel. This makes it possible in particular to attach two-wheeled vehicles having a transport element at the front or at the rear.This increases the flexibility of the proposed locking solution.

[0019] The station according to the invention therefore makes it possible to attach at least one bicycle, for example in a public space such as a street.

[0020] For the purposes of the invention, the release position refers to a configuration in which the arm is not coupled to the main body at the first and second coupling locations of the arm, allowing the insertion or removal of the vehicle to be locked or released. The arm may have several release positions. In contrast, the locking position is one in which the arm is "coupled" to the main body at the first and second coupling locations. In this configuration, the bicycle (or other vehicle) is retained between the arm and the main body of the station. The locking position ensures that the arm remains in position and cannot be moved without a suitable unlocking action.

[0021] The use in this document of the verb "to understand", its variants, and its conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. Similarly, the use in this document of the indefinite article "un", "une", or the definite article "le", "la" or "I'", to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements.

[0022] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used in this document exclusively to differentiate between different elements, without implying any order between these elements.

[0023] In this document, unless otherwise indicated, the term "locking" may preferably be substituted by "suitable for locking".

[0024] The inventors propose various optional features, some of which can be combined with each other.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main body further comprises at the upper portion a third and a fourth coupling location of an arm opposite the first and second coupling locations, the station comprises two arms, each comprising a fixed end and a first and second engaging end, the fixed end of each arm being pivotally coupled and opposite the main body about a pivot axis below the first, second, third and fourth coupling locations, each arm being able to swing, from the bottom to the top, from a release position to a locking position. Preferably, the two arms are symmetrical. With a second arm, the station can secure two bicycles simultaneously, thus doubling its capacity. This is particularly beneficial in areas with high cyclist density, where space for vehicle parking is often limited.The symmetrical design ensures uniformity in the appearance and functionality of both arms. This facilitates use by users and maintains a consistent aesthetic for the station.

[0026] It also halves the amount of electronics, assembly energy and materials needed to create a parking space, which is consistent with an overall sustainability approach pursued by a cyclist.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the arm comprises a U-shaped engagement bar, formed by two opposite lateral portions, extending from the respective engagement ends, and connected by a transverse portion. The U-shape of the arm allows particularly effective locking of the vehicle, by encompassing a significant portion thereof. It also allows the bicycle to be attached in different ways, such as around the frame, the front wheel or the rear wheel. On the other hand, the U-shaped structure is particularly resistant to attempts at bending or forced manipulation, contributing to increased vandalism resistance of the locking station.

[0028] In one embodiment, the engagement bar has a total length of between 0.5 m and 0.9 m, preferably between 0.6 m and 0.8 m. Preferably, the transverse portion of the engagement bar has a length of between 0.3 m and 0.5 m, more preferably between 0.35 m and 0.45 m.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the transverse portion of the engagement bar is inclined relative to the lower base at an angle of between 30° and 45°. The advantage of this inclination is that it makes it possible to optimize the length of the engagement bar when it comes to locking an assembly formed by the frame and a wheel of the vehicle.

[0030] In one embodiment, the arm further comprises a bar extending from the fixed end to the engagement bar. The presence of this additional bar makes it possible to strengthen the structure of the arm. By directly connecting the fixed end to the engagement bar, it contributes to a more balanced distribution of stresses and loads, particularly when the vehicle is locked. Preferably, this bar has a length of between 0.3 m and 0.7 m, preferably between 0.4 m and 0.6 m. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling locations respectively comprise a first and a second orifice, each adapted to receive respectively the first and the second engagement ends of the arm. When the arm is in its locked position, the engagement ends are inserted into these orifices. This makes these ends inaccessible, which effectively prevents forced decoupling of the arm from the main body.By making the engagement ends inaccessible, this minimizes the risk of unauthorized manipulation and contributes to better protection of vehicles locked at the station.

[0031] In one embodiment, the upper portion includes an outer surface where the first and second coupling locations are located, with the pivot axis being substantially parallel to this outer surface. This orientation can also simplify the mechanical design of the arm and its pivot points, potentially reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs. The parallelism of the pivot axis with the outer surface improves the ergonomics of using the station, making the locking process more intuitive and less physically demanding for the user.

[0032] In one embodiment, the station further comprises damping means for restricting the speed of movement of the arm. The addition of damping means ensures that the arm moves in a controlled and safe manner, which is particularly important for preventing accidents or injuries when using the station. The damping means prevents the arm from accelerating under its own weight during its movement, particularly when moving from the locked position to the released position. A damping means, as known to those skilled in the art, may be, for example, a torsion spring, a viscoelastic-based retarder, a magnetic damping device or a gas spring. Other solutions known to those skilled in the art are possible.

[0033] In one embodiment, the fastening means are not visually apparent once the station is secured to the ground at its lower base. Concealed fastenings reduce the risk of sabotage or theft of the station itself. Concealing the fastening means may also provide additional protection, reducing the risk of corrosion or wear due to exposure to water, salt (in coastal regions or areas where salt is used for snow removal), or other environmental factors. Fastening means or anchoring means known to a person skilled in the art may be used, and may consist of, for example, concrete screws, self-tapping screws, embedded anchor bolts, clusters, expansion bolts, base plates. Other examples known to a person skilled in the art may be used. The wording "fastening means" may be replaced by "fasteners".

[0034] In one possible embodiment, the station further comprises at least one of the elements among a photovoltaic panel, an alarm system, a sound signal transmitter, a user identification reader, a link to a station control center, light signals, a storage locker, a charging socket, a screen, a locking system invisible from the outside allowing the station to be opened if necessary without being vulnerable.

[0035] Integrating a photovoltaic panel allows the station to be powered independently, which is particularly useful for installations in remote areas, for temporary installations, to reduce installation time and cost, simplify replacement and maintenance, or to reduce energy consumption. This makes the station more environmentally friendly and can also reduce operating costs. The alarm system is activated in the event of an attempted break-in or unauthorized tampering, for example. This provides an additional layer of security. It can deter thieves and alert the owner, station manager, passersby, and / or authorities in the event of attempted theft or vandalism.

[0036] The audible signal transmitter can be used to warn the user in the event of an anomaly when locking the arm, such as incorrect positioning or a locking fault. This ensures that vehicles are properly secured and reduces the risk of theft. Indeed, this ensures that the bicycle will not be stolen due to incorrect locking, as is often the case with personal or consumer locks, well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0037] An identification reader is, for example, a user recognition system, such as an RFID card reader, a badge reader, a bank card reader, or a biometric scanner. Other examples are nevertheless possible, such as a mobile application via a 4 / 5G connection, Bluetooth, NEC, or any similar technology. The identification reader allows users to identify themselves in order to automatically lock / unlock the station. It allows them to track who is using the station and can limit access to authorized users. The connection to a station control center ensures connectivity with a management center that allows remote monitoring and maintenance of the station. This can include checking the station's status, managing alarms, and collecting data for analysis and service improvement.The connection also allows the user to remotely transmit automatic locking / unlocking instructions to the station. This feature allows the user to send specific commands from their location, without requiring physical interaction with the station. These commands can be transmitted via a mobile app or other connected device.

[0038] According to this preferred embodiment, when a user wishes to, for example, lock or unlock their vehicle, they can simply send a remote command. This command is relayed via the wireless link to the station, which performs the requested action. This process not only provides significant convenience for the user, but also increases security. Indeed, the user does not have to be physically present at the station to secure their vehicle.

[0039] The remote locking feature is particularly useful in situations where a user has forgotten to secure their vehicle or if a change of plans requires remote unlocking. Similarly, for unlocking, this feature allows for quick and efficient vehicle recovery. Furthermore, this remote control capability can be integrated with advanced management systems. For example, in a car-sharing scenario, station operators can remotely manage access, thus optimizing vehicle availability and fleet management.

[0040] In one possible embodiment, the station is capable of performing at least one of the tasks of warning a user, transmitting usage data, and automatically locking / unlocking the vehicle.

[0041] In another possible embodiment, the station further comprises one or more locking / unlocking means, capable of locking and unlocking, preferably automatically, the arm(s) when it is or when they are in the locking position. Preferably, said locking / unlocking means(s) are located at the first and second coupling locations of an arm of the main body. The locking / unlocking means is preferably in an "active" state when the arm is locked. Preferably, the locking / unlocking means is electronically connected to the link to a control unit and / or the identification reader, which allows automatic locking / unlocking using an RFID card, a PIN code, a mobile application, or even biometric recognition.Other examples are nevertheless possible, such as: mobile application via a 4 / 5G connection, Bluetooth, NFC or any apparent technology. The locking / unlocking means, as known to those skilled in the art, is, for example, an electromagnetic strip lock, an electromagnetic suction cup, an electric strike, an electromechanical lock. The wording "locking means" can be replaced by "lock".

[0042] The inventors further provide a park comprising a plurality of stations according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. All possible embodiments of the station, as well as the associated advantages, apply to the park, mutatis mutandis.

[0043] The inventors also propose a method of locking a two-wheeled vehicle to the station of the invention, comprising the following steps: a. presenting said two-wheeled vehicle to the station where an arm is in a release position; b. positioning a part of the vehicle between the arm and the main body; c. tilting the arm, from bottom to top, from the release position to the locking position, where the first, respectively second, engagement end is coupled to the main body at said first, respectively second coupling location, so that the vehicle is coupled to the station via the arm.

[0044] The main body and arm are preferably made of metal. Using metal materials for the arm and main body of the locking station has several advantages, including durability, security, and strength. Examples of materials include stainless steel, aluminum, galvanized steel, titanium, or a coated metal.

[0045] The station according to the invention is not limited to two-wheeled vehicles. It is designed to be versatile and adaptable to different types of vehicles, including those with one, two or three wheels. This feature adds significant flexibility to the use of the station, allowing its use in a variety of contexts and for different types of vehicles, such as bicycles, unicycles, or tricycles. For example, in the case of a tricycle, the station can lock the frame and the front wheel of the vehicle. Thus, equivalently, the various embodiments of the invention that have been described above could be claimed by the words 'station for locking a vehicle', without specifying that said vehicle comprises two wheels.

[0046] Brief description of the figures

[0047] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures, among which:

[0048] - figure 1 illustrates a view of the station according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0049] - Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective view of the station according to one embodiment of the invention, in a release position and in the locking position, respectively;

[0050] - Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the station with a bicycle attached according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The drawings of the figures are not to scale. In particular, the bicycle is generally larger, or even much larger or taller, than the station and / or its main body. Preferably, the main body has a height of between 40 and 80 cm, and more preferably a height of between 50 and 75 cm. Similar elements are generally denoted by similar references in the figures. For the purposes of this document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered as limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.

[0052] Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments of the Invention

[0053] This section presents a detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention. The latter is described with particular embodiments and references to figures but the invention is not limited by them. In particular, the drawings and figures described below are only schematic and are not limiting.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a station 50 for locking a two-wheeled vehicle 8. The station 50 may be intended for use by users wishing to lock their vehicle at the station 50. The station 50 comprises a main body 1 fixed to the ground 10 by fixing means 40 at its lower base 11. The lower base 11 is preferably flat. The fixing means 40 are preferably not visually apparent once the main body 1 is fixed to the ground 10.

[0055] The fixing means 40 preferably comprise anchor bolts and / or concrete plates, ensuring a solid connection with the ground 10.

[0056] The main body 1 is preferably a structure delimiting a closed space. A user does not, in principle, have access to the interior space of the station 50. This space is, however, preferably accessible to a maintenance team at a portion of the main body 1. The main body 1 is preferably made of robust materials such as stainless steel or aluminum.

[0057] The station 50 preferably comprises two pivoting arms (20, 20'). Advantageously, this makes it possible to lock two vehicles 8 at the same time. Preferably, the two arms (20, 20') are symmetrical and are arranged at two opposite sides of the main body 1. An arm 20 is preferably formed from an assembly of metal bars, preferably of round profile. However, other sections can be envisaged, such as for example square, octagonal, oblong. The bars can be solid or hollow. Their external diameter is preferably between 20 mm and 35 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, in combination or independently of the elements described above, the station 50 may comprise one or more of the following elements. The station 50 may comprise a photovoltaic panel 17, advantageously to provide an electrical supply to the electronic components of the station 50. The panel 17 may be fixed to the main body 1 by conventional fixing means. The photovoltaic panel 17, rigid or flexible, is preferably fixed to a portion of the main body 1. This portion preferably matches the shape of the photovoltaic panel 17. The photovoltaic panel 17 may be inclined at an optimal angle for producing solar energy, preferably between 30 and 35 degrees, relative to a horizontal plane.

[0059] The station 50 may also comprise a user identification reader 18, enabling identification in order to automatically lock or unlock the station 50. Different identification means as set out above may be used. The reader 18 is preferably a bank card or badge reader. The reader 18 is preferably fixed to the main body 1 in a position accessible to the user.

[0060] The station 50 may also comprise a link 19 to a control center. This is preferably a wireless link 19 allowing the station 50 to be controlled remotely. The link 19 may allow the transmission of usage data such as the duration and time of use of the station 50. The link 19 also allows the user to remotely transmit instructions for automatic locking / unlocking of the station 50. The link 19 preferably communicates the data with a user via a mobile application. The link 19 also preferably allows the usage data to be transferred to the cloud.

[0061] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a perspective view of a locking station 50 according to a possible embodiment. This preferred variant comprises two arms (20, 20') with one of them 20 being in a release position (Figure 2a) or in the locking position (Figure 2b).

[0062] As illustrated in these figures, the main body 1 comprises an upper portion 12. A direction D, going from bottom to top, is defined from the lower base 11 of the main body 1 to its upper portion 12, thus the main body 1 extends directly in the direction D, from bottom to top. At this upper portion 12, the main body 1 comprises a first 31 and second 32 coupling locations of an arm 20. When the station 50 comprises two arms (20, 20'), it also comprises a third 43 and fourth 44 coupling locations at the upper portion 12.

[0063] Each arm 20 has a fixed end 22, as well as a first 23 and a second 24 engagement end. The fixed end 22 is pivotally coupled to the main body 1, more particularly to the lower base 11 of the main body 1, about a pivot axis 5. The pivot axis 5 is located below the first 31, second 32, third 43 and fourth 44 coupling locations. The pivot axis 5 is preferably parallel to an outer surface of the upper portion 12, comprising the first 31 and second 32 coupling locations, preferably in the same vertical plane. Preferably, the fixed end 22 is housed inside the lower base 11 of the main body 1 through an opening provided for this purpose. This makes it possible to prevent any unauthorized access to this end 22 and thus promote the security of the station 50.

[0064] The arm(s) (20, 20') can swing, from bottom to top, from a release position (Figure 2a) to a locking position (Figure 2b). The locking position of Figure 2b, corresponds to a configuration where the first 23, respectively the second 24, engagement end is coupled to the main body 1 at the first 31, respectively the second 32, coupling location. The same principle applies for the other arm 20' and the third 43 and fourth 44 coupling locations.

[0065] The coupling locations (31, 32, 43, 44) preferably comprise a first, second, third and fourth orifices, for receiving respectively the first 23 and the second 24 engagement ends of each arm (20, 20'). This makes it possible to make the engagement ends (23, 24) inaccessible when the arm(s) (20, 20') are in the locking position (figure 2b). Advantageously, this makes it possible to avoid the forced decoupling of an arm (20, 20') from the main body 1, thus promoting the safety of the station 50.

[0066] The arm(s) (20, 20') preferably comprise a U-shaped engagement bar, formed of two opposite lateral portions 61, 62, extending from the respective engagement ends 23, 24 and connected by a transverse portion 63. In one embodiment, the engagement bar has a total length of between 0.5 m and 0.9 m, preferably between 0.6 m and 0.8 m. Preferably, the transverse portion of the engagement bar has a length of between 0.3 m and 0.5 m, more preferably between 0.35 m and 0.45 m. Preferably, the engagement bar is manufactured in a single piece. It preferably comprises two opposite elbows. In a preferred variant, the transverse portion 63 of the engagement bar is inclined relative to the lower base 11 at an angle of between 30° and 45°.

[0067] The arm(s) (20, 20') preferably comprise a bar 7, extending from the fixed end 22, to the engagement bar. The bar 7 preferably has a length of between 0.3 m and 0.7 m, preferably between 0.4 m and 0.6 m. The bar 7 preferably comprises a portion which becomes parallel to the ground 10 when the arm 20 is in the end-of-travel release position which corresponds to a position where the arm 20 is blocked in its rotational movement by the ground 10 when the station is fixed to the ground 10. This allows for a clear space for easy positioning of the vehicle 8 between the main body 1 and the arm 20. The bar 7 is preferably assembled to the engagement bar at the transverse portion 63, which allows for a balanced distribution of stresses. Preferably, the bar 7 and the engagement bar are assembled by welding, which makes the arm 20 more robust.

[0068] In Figures 2a and 2b, the two arms (20, 20') are shown to be identical. This is not necessary, however, even if it is a preferred version of the station 50 when it comprises two arms (20, 20'). Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the station 50 with a bicycle 8 attached, according to one embodiment of the invention. This view demonstrates how the station 50 is capable of effectively locking a two-wheeled vehicle 8. In general, the station 50 has a height of between 40 and 80 cm, preferably between 50 and 70 cm. In general, the station 50 and its main body 1 therefore have a maximum height smaller than that of the two-wheeled vehicle 8.

[0069] In one variation, the station 50 is designed to accommodate and lock various types of two-wheeled vehicles, thereby providing increased flexibility to users. This versatility is particularly useful in urban areas where various types of two-wheeled vehicles 8 are commonly used for personal mobility.

[0070] Preferably, the vehicle 8 shown can be a conventional bicycle, or an electric bicycle, depending on the user's needs.

[0071] For locking purposes, the vehicle 8 can be positioned in different ways, either from the front or the rear, depending on the type of vehicle 8. This adaptability allows for greater ease of use. The arm 20 of the station 50 must be in a release position to allow the positioning of the vehicle 8. Preferably, the arm 20 is in the end-of-travel release position which corresponds to a position of the arm 20 where it is blocked in its rotational movement by the ground 10 when the station is fixed to the ground 10, thus providing an optimal space for the placement of the vehicle 8.

[0072] Once the vehicle 8 is positioned, a specific part thereof, such as the frame, and / or the front / rear wheel, is preferably placed longitudinally, between the first 31 and the second 32 coupling locations at the main body 1, as well as laterally, between the arm 20 and the main body 1. This configuration ensures that, once the arm 20 is locked, the part of the vehicle 8 is securely retained in a closed space formed between the arm 20 and the main body 1.

[0073] In summary, the invention relates to a locking station 50 for bicycles or other vehicles, characterized by its compactness and resistance to vandalism. It consists of a main body 1 fixed to the ground 10 and a movable arm 20 which oscillates, from bottom to top, between locking and release states. The arm 20 pivotally connected to the main body 1 , in particular to the lower base 1 1 of the main body 1 , ensures the locking of the bicycle by coupling at the specific locations.

[0074] The present invention has been described above in relation to specific embodiments, which are of purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the examples illustrated or described above, and that its scope is more broadly defined by the claims introduced below.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Station (50) for locking a two-wheeled vehicle (8), such as a bicycle, and comprising: a main body (1) extending from a lower base (11) to an upper portion (12), a direction (D) from bottom to top being defined from the lower base (11) to the upper portion (12), said main body (1) comprising at the upper portion (12) a first (31) and a second (32) coupling location for an arm (20); fixing means (40) for fixing said main body (1) to the ground (10) at its base (11); an arm (20) having a fixed end (22) and first (23) and second (24) engaging ends, the fixed end (22) being pivotally coupled to the main body (1) about a pivot axis (5) below the first (31) and second (32) coupling locations;said arm (20) being able to tilt, from bottom to top, from a release position to a locking position, said locking position corresponding to a configuration where the first (23), respectively second (24), engagement end is coupled to the main body (1) at said first (31), respectively second (32), coupling location.; 2. Station (50) according to claim 1, characterized in that the arm (20) comprises a U-shaped engagement bar, formed of two opposite lateral portions (61, 62), extending from said respective engagement ends (23, 24), and connected by a transverse portion (63).

3. Station (50) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the engagement bar has a total length of between 0.5 m and 0.9 m.

4. Station (50) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said transverse portion (63) is inclined relative to the lower base (11) at an angle (A) between 30° and 45°.

5. Station (50) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the arm (20) further comprises a bar (7), extending from the fixed end (22) to the engagement bar.

6. Station (50) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said bar (7) has a length of between 0.3 m and 0.7 m.

7. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (31) and second (32) coupling locations respectively comprise a first and a second orifice, each capable of receiving respectively the first (23) and the second (24) engagement ends.

8. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper portion (12) comprises an outer surface where said coupling locations (31, 32) are located, and in that the pivot axis (5) is essentially parallel to this outer surface.

9. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising damping means for restricting the speed of movement of the arm (20).

10. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing means (40) are not visually apparent once the station (50) is fixed to the ground (10) at its lower base (11). 1 1. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of the elements among a photovoltaic panel (17), an alarm system, a sound signal transmitter, a reader (18) for identifying a user, a link (1) to a control center of the station.

12. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, capable of performing at least one of the tasks among warning a user, transmitting usage data, automatically locking or unlocking the vehicle (8).

13. Station (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, said main body (1) further comprising at the upper portion (12) a third (43) and a fourth (44) coupling locations of an arm (20) opposite the first (31) and second (32) coupling locations, said station (50) comprising two arms (20,20'), each comprising a fixed end (22) and a first (23) and second (24) engagement end, the fixed end (22) of each arm (20,20') being coupled in pivotally and opposite to the main body (1) around a pivot axis (5) below the first (31), second (32), third (43) and fourth (44) coupling locations, each arm (20,20') being able to tilt, from bottom to top, from a release position to a locking position.

14. Station (50) according to the preceding claim, further comprising locking / unlocking means, capable of automatically locking and unlocking said arm(s) (20, 20') when it is or when they are in the locking position.

15. Park comprising a plurality of stations (50) according to any one of the preceding claims.

16. Method for locking a two-wheeled vehicle (8) to a station (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and comprising the following steps: a. presenting said two-wheeled vehicle (8) to the station (50) where an arm (20) is in a release position; b. positioning a part of the vehicle (8) between the arm (20) and the main body (i); c. tilting the arm (20), from bottom to top, from the release position to the locking position, where the first (23), respectively second (24), engagement end is coupled to the main body (1) at said first (31), respectively second (32) coupling location, so that the vehicle (8) is coupled to the station (50) via the arm (20).

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