GB2525978A

GB2525978A - Bicycle storage system

Info

Publication number: GB2525978A
Application number: GB1504931.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Lang
Original assignee: Andrew Lang Product Design Ltd
Current assignee: Andrew Lang Product Design Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-24
Filing date: 2015-03-24
Publication date: 2015-11-11
Also published as: GB201504931D0; GB201405250D0; WO2015145123A1

Abstract

There is provided a wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, the unit including a wall mountable body including an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and wherein, in use, the body is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal such that the bicycle is stored. In an embodiment the pedal is received in the aperture when vertically oriented. The aperture may be adjustable in size. One or two wheel support members may be used in conjunction with the wall mountable unit. Two wall mountable units may be used in conjunction to store a tandem. The wall mountable unit and the wheel support members may be rigidly formed or may comprise mutually hinged components such that they may be folded against the wall when not in use. A lock may be passed through an aperture in the wall mountable unit to secure a bicycle in use. Further hanging features for equipment such as helmets may be provided on the unit.

Description

BICYCLE STORAGE SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates te bicycle storage systems.

2. Technical Background

Bicycles may be stored on a wall, so that ground space, such as floor space, can be used more effectively.

A wide range of bicycle styles exist, some of which can he quite awkward to store on a wall. Examples of bicycles that may he awkward to store on a wall are Dutch style bicycles, children's bicycles, folding bicycles, ndems, full suspension mountain bike (MTB) bicycles, monocoque composite frame bicycles, and step-through bicycles.

3. Discussion of Related Art US7813035B2 discloses a bicycle storage system for storing a bicycle, comprising: (i) a first flange to support a lower surface of a bicycle frame, the frame rotating about this first flange under the weight of the rear of the bicycle; and (ii) a second flange to contact an upper surtace of that frame to prevent further rotation of the frame about the first flange, the flanges being arranged to then securely hold the frame. L1S7815055B2 discloses that the first and the second flanges may be formed into a single, sinuous edge of a hollow cylindrical unit; this unit may be sized to store bicycle accessories.

However, the bicycle storage system disclosed in US7815055B2 may be awkward to apply to. or may be unsuitable for, wall storage of the wide range of bicycle styles described above. There is a need for a wall storage solution for the wide range of bicycle styles described above.

SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, the unit including a wall mountable body including an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and wherein, in use, the body is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal such that the bicycle is stored. An advantage is that the wall mountable unit may be well-suited to store a wide range of bicycle styles, such as Dutch style bicycles, children's bicycles, folding bicycles, tandems, full suspension mountain bike (MTB) bicycles, monocoque composite frame bicycles, and step-through bicycles. An advantage is that the wall mountable unit may use a relatively low volume of materials in its manufacture, which reduces manufacturing cost.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable body is such that the aperture is a through hole, a recess, a rahhet, or is included in a hook. advantage is that these apertures can be easy to use.

the wall mountable unit may he one wherein the aperture is of a shape such that it is configured to, in use, direct a feature of the bicycle, such as a bicycle pedal, under its self-weight, towards and onto a cent-dine of the aperture. An advantage is a stable storage of the bicycle.

The wall naountable unit naay he one wherein the aperture is of a shape such that it is configured to, in use, allow a bicycle pedal to pass into it when the pedal is orientated vertically. An advantage is ease oluse.

Ihe wall mountable unit may be one wherein the aperture is of a size appropriate to accommodate a wide variety of bicycle pedal types, styles and sizes.

l'he wall mountable unit may be one wherein an aperture part including the aperture for receiving the bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a wall mountable part of the wall mountable unit. An advantage is a compact arrangenaent when the unit is not in use.

The wall mountable unit may be one further including a hooking part including a further aperture for hooking a helmet to, wherein the hirther aperture is in hinged attachment to the wall mountable part. An advantage is ready storage of accessories.

The wall mountable unit may bc one wherein a hinge is hollow for accommodating a bicycle lock. An advantage is theft prevention.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustable in size. An advantage is adjustability for bicycles of different sizes.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustible in length.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustable between a first size configuration and a second size configuration. An advantuge is adjustable configurations for bicycles of different sizes.

the wall mountable unit may he one wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustthle by a slidable part which is slidably adjustable with respect to a wall mountable part. An advantage is readily adjustable configurations for bicycles of different sizes.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein an aperture part including the aperture for receiving the bicycle pedal is in a fixed arrangenaent with respect to a wall mountable part of the wall mountable unit. An advantage is moving parts cannot malfunction, because there are no moving parts.

Ihe wall mountthle unit may be one wherein in use, a front face of the wall mountable body is at an included angle of between 30 degrees and 85 degrees to the wall. An advantage is a unit which is easy to use.

l'he wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable unit is such that the body is arranged to support the pedal and wherein, in use, the body supports the pedal such that the bicycle is stored. An advantage is stable storage.

The waii mountable unit may be one. wherein the bicycle is storable off the ground. An advantage is that ground space may be utilized more effectively.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable unit is operable to store a Dutch style bicycle, a child's bicycle, a folding bicycle, a tandem, a full suspension mountain bike (MTB), a monocoque composite frame bicycle, or a step-through bicycle.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable body includes a plurality of holes (eg. screw holes) for use in mounting the wall mountable body on a wall. An advantage is an installer is provided with some guidance about how to mount the unit.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the \vall mountable unit includes a subsidiary component (eg. a plate) for covering the plurality of holes (eg. displaying screw heads) after the wall mountable unit has been mounted on a wall.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable unit has thickness in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm. An advantage is that a low volume of materials are used in manufacture, and the unit is cheaper to rnnsport than a bulkier unit.

The xvall mountable unit may he one vherein the wall mountable unit includes a hole suitable, in use, fbr passing a bicycle lock through, enabling a bicycle mounted on the wall mountable unit to he locked to the wall mounta[)le unit. An advantage is theft prevention.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable unit includes a wall mountable first wheel support, wherein in use the first wheel support is wall-mounted and supports a first wheel of the bicycle. An advantage is enhanced storage stability. An advantage is keeping tyre dirt off walls.

Ihe wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable first wheel support is integml to the wall mountable unit. An advantage is that an installer is provided with a preselected geometrical arrangement bel\veen the body and the first wheel support.

The wall mountable. unit may be. one wherein the waii mountable first wheel support is not integral to the wall mountable unit. An advantage is that an installer has freedom to select a geometrical arrangement between the body and the first wheel support.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable first wheel support includes a wall mountable part and a wheel support part.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wheel support part includes a recess.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wheel support part is in hinged attachment to the wall mountable part.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable first wheel support includes a hole (eg. a screw hole) for use in mounting the wall mountable first wheel support on a wall.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable first wheel support includes a cover for covering the hole (eg. displaying a screw head) after the wall mountable first wheel support has been mounted on a wall.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable unit includes a wall mountable second wheel support, wherein in use the second wheel support is wall-mounted and support; a second wheel of the bicycle. An advantage is enhanced storage stability. An advantage is keeping tvre dirt off walls.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable second wheel support is integral to the wall mountable unit.

Ihe wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable second wheel support is not integral to the wall mountable unit.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wall mountable second wheel support includes a wall mountable part and a wheel support part.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wheel support part of the second wheel support includes a recess.

The wall mountable unit may he one wherein the wheel support part of the second wheel support is in hinged attachment to the vall mountable part of the second wheel support.

The wall mountable unit may be one wherein the wall mountable second wheel support includes a hole (eg. a screw hole) fir use in mounting the wall mountable second wheel support on a wall.

The wall mountable unit may be one \vherein the \vall mountable second wheel support includes a cover for covering the hole (eg. displaying a screw head) after the wall mountable second wheel support has been mounted on a wall.

According to second aspect of the invention, there is provided use of the wall mountable unit of any aspect of the first aspect of the invenhon, to store a bicycle.

the use may he one \vherein the bicycle is a Dutch style bicycle, a child's bicycle, a folding bicycle, a tandem, a full suspension mountain bike (NfL B), a monocoque composite frame bicycle, or a step-through bicycle.

According to third aspect of the invention, there is provided a composite vvall mountahle unit comprising a first wall mountable unit of any of Claims I to 23, 2uad a second \vall mountable unit of any of Claims I to 23, integrally formed An advantage is a \vall mountable unit \vell suited to storing a tandem.

According to fourth aspect of the invenEon, there is provided a kit of pn for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the kit of parts including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, the kit of parts mountable on a wall to provide a unit for storing the bicycle, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal. wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and \vherein. in use, the kit of parts is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal. and the first \vheel support supports a first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support suppor a second whee.l of the. bicycle, such that the bicycle is stored. An advantage is that the kit of par may be well-suited to store a wide range of bicycle styles, such as Dutch style bicycles, children's bicycles, folding bicycles, tanderns, full suspension mountain hike (MTB) bicycles, monocoque composite frame bicycles, and step-through bicydes. An advantage is that the kit of may use a rebttvdy ow vo'ume of materials in its manufacture, which reduces manufacturing cost.

The kit of parts may he one wherein the aperture is a through hok, a recess, a rabbet, ot is induded in a hook. An advantage is that these apertures can be easy to use.

According to fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a wall mountable. unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the wall mountable unit including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, the method comprising the step of mounting the wall mountable body, the wall mountable first wheel support and the wall mountable second wheel support on a wall such that in use the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal, the First wheel support supports the first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support suppor the second wheel of the bicycle such that the bicycle is stored. An advantage is that the method may lie well-suited to providing storage of a wide range of bicycle styles. such as Dutch style bicycles, children's bicycles, folding bicycles. tanderns. full suspension mountain hike (MTB) bicycles, monocoque composite frame bicycles, and step-through hicydes.

The method may be one wherein the aperture is a through ho'e, a recess, a rabbet, or is included in a hook. An advantage is that these. apertures can bc easy to use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects of the invention will now he described, by way of example only, with reference to the follo\ving Figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of a main unit.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a main unit.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a main unit.

Figure 4 shows an underneath view of a main unit.

Figure 5 shows a vertical cross section of a main unit.

Figure 6 shows a back view of a main unit.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a main unit.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a main unit, including two mounting screws and two wall plugs For receiving the two screws, and a plate to cover the screw heads after mounting the main unit eg. to a wall.

Figure 9 shows a front view of a wheel rest.

Figure 10 shows a side view of a wheel rest.

Figure 11 shows a top view ofa wheel rest.

Figure 12 shows an underneath view of a wheel rest.

Figure 13 shows a back view of a wheel rest.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a wheel rest.

Figure 15 shows an exploded view of a wheel rest, including one mounting screw and one wall plug for receiving the one screw, and a cover to cover the screw head after mounting the main unit eg. to a \vall.

Figure 16 shows a side view of a wall mounted main unit and a wall mounted wheel rest in use, in which a pedal of a bicycle (the bicycle is shown in short dashed lines) has been received into the main unit, and a bicycle wheel is resting on the wheel rest, such that the bicycle is stored.

Figure 17 shows a front view of a wall mounted main unit and two wheel rest in use, in which a pedal of a bicycle (the bicycle is shown in short dashed lines) has been received into an aperture of the main unit, and each of two bicycle wheels is resng on a respective wheel rest, such that the bicycle is stored.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a wall mounted main unit and iwo wheel rests, arranged to receive and store a bicycle (not shown).

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed configuration.

Figure 20 shows a perspective view of an adjustable main unit, in a partly open configuration.

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of an adjustable main unit, in a fully open configuration.

Figure 22 shows a front view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed configuration.

Figure 23 shows a side view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed contiguration.

Figure 24 shows a top view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed configuration.

Figure 25 shows an underneath view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed configuration.

Figure 26 shows a vertical cross section of an adjustable main unit, in a closed conhguration.

Figure 27 shows a back view of an adjustable main unit, in a closed configuration.

Figure 28 shows a perspective view of a main unit, in which an aperture part including an aperture for receiving a bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a wall mountable part, in a closed con figuration.

Figure 29 5lO\vs'a perspective view of a main unit, in which an aperture part including an aperture for receiving a bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a wall mountable part, in an open configuration.

Figure 30 shows a perspective view of a main unit, in which a lower, aperture part including an aperture for receiving a bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a wall mountable part, and is shown in a closed configuration, and an upper hooking part including an aperture for hooking a helmet to. which is in hinged attachment to the wall mountable part, is shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 31 shows a perspective view of a main unit, in \vhich a lower, aperture part including an aperture for receiving a bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a \vall mountable part, and is shown in an open configuration, and an upper hooking part including an aperture for hooking a helmet to, which is in hinged attachment to the \vall mountable part, is shown in an open configuration.

Figure 32 shows afront view of a thin main unit.

Figure 33 shovvs a side view of a thin main unit.

Figure 34 shovvs a top view of a thin niain unit.

Figure 35 shows an underneath view of a thin main unit.

Figure 36 shows a vertical cross section of a thin main unit.

Figure 37 shows a back view of a thin main unit.

Figure 38 shows a perspective view of a thin main unit.

Summary of the Figures:

Figures 1 to 8 show examples of a main unit.

Figures 9 to 15 show examples of a wheel rest.

Figures 16 to 18 show examples of a typical configuration of a main unit and a wheel rest in use.

Figures 19 to 27 show examples of an adjustable implementation of a main unit.

Figures 28 to 29 show examples of a hinging implementation of a main unit.

Figures 30 to 31 show examples of a hinging implementation with a helmet hook.

Figures 32 to 38 show examples of a fabricated implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an example, there is provided a wall mountable main unit for storing and displaying a bicycle, the unit comprising at least a wall mountable part and a part with a recess, tabLet, hole, hook or some such feature that can loop around a pedaL crank or part of a bicycle frame. In an example, both parts may form one continuous detnent Or he connected with a hinging type detail.

In an example, the element with the rabbet or hole is inclined at an angle to the mounting surface.

In an example, the rabbet or hole detail is of a shape that directs a feature of the bicycle, such as a bicycle pedal, under its self-weight, towards and onto the centreline of the aperture feature. Tn an example, this enables the bicycle to he securely and accurately located in or on the main support unit.

In an example, the form of the hole may be of a shape that allows a bicycle pedal to pass into it when the pedal is orientated vertically. (During normal cycling activity the plane of the pedals are typically orientated horizontally to accept and u-ansmit the applied force from the cyclist's foot).

In an exanaple. the wall mountable main unit contains multiple fixing holes arranged to enable secure installation onto a stnTcture capable of supporting the weight of a bicycle.

In an example, the fixing holes may he hidden by a subsidiary component.

In an example, in use, when the wall nountable unit is storing a bicycle, the bicycle is inclined at an angle against the wall, with the wheels adjacent to the wall and the cenftal plane of the bicycle frame inclined away from the wall, allowing the width of the handlebars to be accommodated.

In an example, the angle of inclination may he adjustable to acconamnodate different bicycle, bicycle pedal and bicycle handlebar shapes, sizes and styles.

in an example, the elements may be manufactured from various materials and production processes options such as plastic, metd, timber or carbon fibre composite for

example.

Tn an example, the hole or rabbet may be uti]ised as feature for passing a bicycle lock through enabling a bicycle to be locked to the unit.

Tn an example, a subsidiary element may locate on or into the wall mountable main unit to hide the fixings.

in an example, the main support unit with the inclined angle may consist of multiple parts enabling adjustment in the dimensions of the hole.

Tn an example, the main support unit may consist of multiple parts enabling adjustment in the overall length of the unit, to suit different pedal styles, bicycle swles or bicycle handlebar widths. Including bicycles fitted with a device for rotating the handlebars along the central plane of the frame thus reducing the overall width from the wall. In an example, adjustment of the overall length of the unit may also control the angle of the central plane of the bicycle frame relative to the wall.

In an example, the main unit may be used in conjunction with additional elements, wheel rest or batons that prevent one or more than one bicycle wheel from making contact with the surfhce of the wall.

Tn an example, the wheel rests may forn an integral part of the main / central support unit. in the preferred implementation they are separate elements.

in an example, the wheel rests are fixed securely back to a wall or equivalent support structure using conventional means, adhesive, welding or mechanical fixing.

in an example, the wheel rests may include holes for mechanical fixings.

In an example, the wheel rest fixing holes may he hidden by a suhsidiary component.

in the. preferred implementation this subsidiary component is a flush fitting, securely located plate, detailed such that local pressure to part of and edge or surface enables it to release.

Tn an example, the wheel rests are located at an appropriate point on the wall such that the distance between them prevents front and rear bicycle wheels from making contact with the wall when a bicycle or part ofa bicycle is located in the main unit.

Tn an example, the wheel rest component consists of a first surface to protect a wall or other structure from wheel or tyre contact and may also include a second surface orientited relative to the first surface such that when a wheel is placed upon them -for example the front wheel of a bicycle -the interplay betsveen the surfaces and the wheel prevents the handlebars and front wheel of a bicycle from turning to the left or right due to the inclined angle of the bicycle when located in the main support unit. Tn an example, the First surface and the second surface may he formed as one surface.

In an example, during installation of the kit of parts -main moulding and wheel rests -the wheel rests are located and fixed to the wall to prevent rotation of the bicycle around the crank or bottom bracket, ensuring the bicycle remains in the desired orientation, the desired orienuion may be to ensure the bicycle remains horizontal or slightly inclined, when in place.

In an example, the relative location of the various components can he defined during installation to orientate the bicycle horizontally or at an angle on the wall when viewed in elevation.

in an example, the main support unit can be used in isolation without the wheel rests if desired.

in an example, the wall mountable top / central support may be used in multiples, if for example a bicycle with multiple cranks and bottom brackets was to be displayed or stored such asatandem.

in an e.xaniple., the hole or rabbe.t in the main support unit is of an appropriate size. to accommodate a wide variety of bicycle pedal types, styles and sizes.

In an example, the main support unit with the inclined angle may consisi of multiple parts enabling adjustment in its overall length to suit different pedal styles, bicycle styles or bicycle handlebar widths including bicycles fitted with a device for rotating the handlebars along the central plane of the frame thus reducing the overall width from the wall. Adjustment of the overall length of the unit also controls the angle of the central plane of the bicycle frame relative to the wall.

in an example, the components of the main unit and wheel rests may be adapted to suit installation on a portable structure such as'a post or colunan for exhibition, retail and use in rented properties where Fixing back to a wall is not possible or desirable.

in an example, for a given wheel rest, the surfaces of the wheel rest may also rotate relative to each other in a hinging arrangement. This hinging arrangement can provide a stowed' or closed configuration or a deployed' open configuration ready to accept a bicycle wheel. Where the surface and defining edges of the first surface are orientated parallel to the plane of the mounting surface and the surface and defining edges of the second surface are hinged relative to the first surface such that in a stowed configuration the projection of the wheel rest from the mounting surface in minimal in the stowed position and of a width suitable to support the wheel in the deployed or open conhguration.

in an example, the hinge of the main unit may he hollow to accommodate a lock.

in an example, the main support unit may incorporate a feature for storing or hanging bicycle related accessories such as helmets, bags and lights, this feature may route relative to the mounting surface.

Example features of a bicycle storage system -I langing -Self centring / registration -Tjidden fixings -Multiple cranks -Wheel rest -Wheel rest Fixing cap -removable -Prevent steering / handlebar and front wheel rotation -Prevent bike rotation around crank -Multiple bike frame styles unconventional -Suitable for platform and clipless pedals -Suitable for wide range of bike styles that are awkward to store by other means -Dutch style, children's hikes, folding bikes, tandems, full suspension MTB, monocoque composite frames, step-thai -Adjustable length of tnain support -I linging option -wheel rest and main support -Locking feature -Adaptthle to work with portable display structure -post

Further Statements

There is provided a wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, the unit including a wall mountable body including an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, wherein the body is arranged to conct the pedal, and wherein, in use, the body is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal such that the bicycle is stored.

The bicycle may he stored off the ground.

The wall mountable body may he such that the aperture through hole or a recess.

The wall mountable unit may he such that the body is arranged to support the pedal and wherein, in use, the body supports the pedal such that the bicycle is stored.

Ihe wall mountable unit may include a wall mountable first wheel support, wherein in use the first wheel support is wall-mounted and supports a first wheel of the bicycle.

The wall mountable. unit may include a wall mountable second wheel support, wherein in use the second wheel support is wall-mounted and supports a second wheel of the bicycle.

There is provided use of the wall mountable unit to store the bicycle.

There is provided a kit of parts for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the kit of parts including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, the kit of parts mountible on a wall to provide a unit for storing the bicycle, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal. wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and wherein, in use, the kit of parts is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal, the first wheel support supports a first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support supports a second wheel of the bicycle such that the bicycle is stored.

1ie bicycle maybe stored off the ground.

The kit of parts may be such that the aperture is a through hole or a recess.

There is provided a method of mounting a wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the wall mountable unit including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, the method comprising the step of mounring the wall mountable body, the wall mountable first wheel support and the wall mountable second wheel support on a wall such that in use the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal, the first wheel support supports the first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support supports the second wheel of the bicycle such that the bicycle is stored.

The bicycle may be stored off the ground.

The wall mountable body may be such that the aperture is a through hole or a recess. Note

Ft is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presettly deemed to be the most practical and prefcrred example(s) of the invention, it will he apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concep of the invention as set forth herein.

Claims

CLMMS1. A wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, the unit including a wall mountable body including an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and wherein, in use, the body is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal such that the bicycle is stored.
2. Wall mountable unit ot Claim 1, wherein the wall mountable body is such that the aperture is a through hole, a recess, a rabbet, or is included in a hook.
3. Wall mountable. unit of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the aperture is of a shape such that it is configured to, in use, direct a feature of the bicycle, such as a bicycle pedal, under its self-weight, towards and onto a centreline of the aperture.
4. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the aperture is of a shape such that it is configured to, in use, allow a bicycle pedal to pass into it when the pedal is orientated vertically.
5. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the aperture is of a skie appropriate to accomniodate a wide variety of bicycle pedal types, styles and sizes.
6. \Vall mountable unit of 2uiy previous Claim, wherein an aperture part including the aperture for receiving the bicycle pedal is in hinged attachment to a wall mountable part of the wall mountable unit.
7. Wall mountable unit of Claim 6, further including a hooking part including a further aperture for hooking a helmet to, wherein the further aperture is in hinged attachment to the wall mountable part.
8. Wall mountable unit of Claims 6 or 7, wherein a hinge is hollow for accommodating a bicycle lock.
9. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the aperture of the waii mountable unit is adjustable in size.
10. \Vall mountable unit of Claim 9, wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustable in I ength.
11. Wall mountable unit of Claims 9 or 10, wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustable between a first size conhguration and a second size configuration.
12. Wall mountable unit of any of Claims 9 to Ii. wherein the aperture of the wall mountable unit is adjustable by a slidable part which is slidably adjustable with respect to a wall mountable part.
13. \Vall mountable unit of any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein an aperture part including the aperture for receiving the bicycle pedal is in a fixed arrangement with respect to a wall mountable part of the wall mountable unit.
14. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein in use, a front face of the wall mountable body is at an included angle of between 30 degrees and 85 degrees to the wall.
13. \Vall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the wall mountable unit is such that the body is arranged to support the pedal and wherein, in use, the body supports the pedal such that the bicycle is stored.
16. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the bicycle is storable off the ground.
17. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the wall mountable unit is operable to store a Dutch style bicycle, a child's bicycle, a folding bicycle, a tandem, a full suspension mountain bike (MTB), a monocoque composite frame bicycle, or a step-through bicycle.
18. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the wall mountable body includes a plurality of holes (eg. screw holes) for use in mounting the wall mountable body on a wall.
19. Wail mountable unit of Claim 18, wherein the vall mountable unit includes a subsidiary component (eg. a plate) for covering the plurality of holes (eg. displaying screw heads) after the wall mountable unit has been mounted on a wall.
20. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the wall mountable unit has thickness in the range of 3 mm to 10 mm.
21. Wall mountable unit of any of Claims I to 7, wherein the wall mountable unit includes a hole suitable, in use, for passing a bicycle lock through, enabling a bicycle mounted on the wall mountable unit to he locked to the wall mountable unit.
22. Wall mountable unit of any previous Claim, wherein the wall mountable unit includes a wall mountable first wheel support, wherein in use the first wheel support is wall-mounted and supports a first wheel of the bicycle.
23. Wall mountable unit of Claim 22, wherein the wall mountable first wheel support is integr1d to the wall mountable unit.
24. \Vall mountable unit of Claim 22, wherein the wall mountable first wheel support is not integral to the wall mountable unit.
25. \Vall mountable unit of any of Claims 22 to 24, wherein the wall mountable first wheel support includes a wall mountable part and a wheel support part.
26. Wall mountable unit of Claim 25, wherein the wheel support part includes a recess.
27. \Vall mountable unit of any of Claims 25 to 26. wherein the wheel support part is in hinged attachment to the wall mountable part.
28. Wall mountable. unit of any of Claims 22 to 27, wherein the wall mountable. first wheel support include.s a hole (e.g. a screw hole) for use in mounting the wall mountable tirst wheel support on a wall.
29. Wall mountaNe unit of Chuim 28, wherein the wall mountable first wheel support includes a cover for covering the hok (eg. disphying a screw head) after the wafl mountable first whed support has been mounted on a wall.
30. Wall rnountabk unit of any of Cairns 22 to 29, wherein the wall mountabk unit includes a wall mountabk second wheel support, wherein in use the second wheel support is wall-mounted and supports a second whee.1 of the bicycle..
31. \Vall mountable unit oF Claim 30, wherein the wall mountable second wheel support is integral to the wall mountable unit.
32. Wall nountable unit of Claim 30, wherein the wall mountable second \VheCl support is not integral to the wall mountable unit.
33. Wall mountable unit of any of Claims 30 to 32, wherein the wall mountable second wheel support includes a wall nountible part and a wheel support part.
<. \Vall mountable unit of Claim 1fl wherein the wheel support part of the second wheel supporl-includes a recess.
35. Wall mountaNe unit oF any of Cairns 33 to 34. wherein the whed support part of the second whe& support is in hinged attachment to the wall mountab'e part of the second wheel support.
36. Wall mountable unit of any of Claims 30 to 35, wherein the wall mountable second wheel support includes a hole (eg. a screw hole) for use in mounting the wall mountable, second wheel support on a wall.
37. Wall mountable unit of Claim 36, wherein the wall mountable second wheel support includes a cover for covering the hole (eg. displaying a screw head) after the wall mountable second wheel support has been mounted on a wall.
38. Use of the wall mountable unit of any previous Claim to store a bicycle.
39. Use of Claim 38, wherein the bicycle is a Dutch style bicycle, a child's bicycle, a folding bicycle, a tandem, a full suspension mountain hike (MTB), a monocoque composite frame bicycle, or a step-through bicycle.
40. A composite wall mountable unit comprising a first wall mountable unit of any of Claims I to 23, and a second wall mountable unit of any of Claims 1 to 23, integrally formed.
41. A kit of parts for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the kit of part including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, the kit of parts mountable on a wall to provide a unit for storing the bicycle, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal, wherein the body is arranged to contact the pedal, and wherein, in use, the kit of parts is wall-mounted and the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal, and the first wheel support supports a first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support supports a second wheel of the bicycle, such that the bicycle is stored.
42. Kit of parts of Claim 41, wherein the aperture is a through hole, a recess, a rabbet, or is included in a hook.
43. Method of mounfing a wall mountable unit for storing a bicycle, the bicycle including a pedal, a first wheel and a second wheel, the wall mountable unit including a wall mountable body, a wall mountable first wheel support and a wall mountable second wheel support, wherein the wall mountable body includes an aperture arranged to receive the pedal. the method comprising the step of mounting the wall mountable body, the wall mountable first wheel support and the wall mountable second wheel support on a wall such that in use the aperture receives the pedal and the body contacts the pedal, the tirst wheel support suppor the first wheel of the bicycle, and the second wheel support supports the second wheel of the bicycle such that the bicycle is stored.
44. Method of Claim 43, wherein the aperture is a through hole, a recess a rabbet, or is indudcd in a hook.