Method and arrangement for locking bicycles, in particular during transport

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure attachment of Bicycles, particularly in the transport with motor vehicles or trailers of all kinds. They can also be a reliable anti-theft device with parked bicycles be used.

The bicycles are on today with a variety of devices and mounted on motor vehicles, but also on trailers. In by far the most common Applications are the bikes at one point of its frame with a mechanical Fixed device (for example, in EP-A-0147384). With the development of ever more exclusive bicycles impossible the variety of frame and whose cross-sectional shapes using a unitary retainer. Furthermore, the ever thinner walls are the frame tubes also sensitive to any type of clamping forces.

A common method is also securing the bicycles with straps, belts or belt. This rather time-consuming nature requires that the user often also some Knowledge of how and where the straps must be attached.

The object was thus to develop a transport device including the take all the variety of bicycles reliably and without matching or retrofitting can. Further was required that the device without any prior knowledge of each Users can be operated quickly and safely.

The object has with the process described in the claims and the derived devices are solved. The approach is based on the fact that each bicycle two pedals (4a) and two extremely stable cranks (4b). Hereinafter, these elements are also an active pedal mechanism (4) referred to. If the latter on both sides to a suitable support and blocks, unnecessary, except for a simple management of the two wheels, each additional Fixing the bike.

The various dimensions and models of bicycles are only small Differences in the size of the active pedal mechanism (4) and capable of its Fulcrum (4c). The invention described with reference to the drawings invention utilizes this Advantages for an easy and safe practical application. Show it:<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>Principle of fastening a schematic representation at an oblique or even vertical mounting position of the bicycle</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>Principle of fixing in a schematic view in a horizontal or nearly horizontal installation position of the bicycle</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>Embodiment for mounting in almost vertical position</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>Variant to Fig. 3</dd></dl>

Fig. 1 shows schematically the basic mounting method for the case that the Bicycle (1) is transported obliquely or even vertically. Before attaching the bicycle the clamping device (12) is pivoted into its open position. The bike will be lifted by the user and with the active pedal mechanism (4) on both sides placed on the support beams (11). Both wheels (2) and (3) are in the - for the invention no further interest - guide (10). Already, the user has both hands free for other handles. With the closing of the pivotable Clamping device (12) is clamped on both sides of the active pedal mechanism (4). The Lock (13) prevents particularly when strong vibrations - such as when Transport can occur - the unintended opening. With the one shown as an example in Fig. 3 Security lock (14) can be protected the bike against theft.

Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the basic method of attachment, for the case that the Bicycle is transported horizontally or almost horizontally. The bicycle (1) is on its two wheels (2) and (3) in one - of the invention of no further interest - Guide (10). Side of this guide is on both sides of the oblique support carrier (11). The bike is so placed that its active pedal mechanism (4) both sides of the support beams (11). With the closing of the clamping device (12) the active pedal mechanism (4) of the bicycle is clamped at both ends. The lock (13) prevents unintentional opening during transport. As described for Fig. 1, the bicycle can against a security lock (14) Theft are protected.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment, wherein the bicycle (1) is suspended almost vertically and is fixed. The bicycle is with the two wheels (2) and (3) in a Guide (10). The active pedal mechanism (4) lies with the pedals (4a) and / or the Pedal cranks (4b) on the two adjacently arranged on both sides of support beams (11). The clamping device (12), the latch (13) and if used, the Security lock (14) in this embodiment, the left and right of the bicycle available in the same design. At this point, therefore, is only the in Fig. 3 located at the front side described. The point of rotation (15) mounted swiveling Clamping device (12) consists of the rigid part (12a) and the movable Part (12b). The rigid part (12a) with the lock (13) on the support carrier (11) located and secured. The movable part (12b) is by means of the spring (12c) of the required preload on the pedal mechanism (4), so that the bicycle also is held without play and safe with shocks of all kinds. The security lock (14), the clamping device secured against unauthorized opening and hence the bike are protected from theft.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment variant of figure 3, with the difference that the Pivotal movement of the one side of the clamping device (121) with the other side (12r) is rigidly coupled. The lock (13) and the anti-theft with a safety lock (14) are thereby required only on one side. In this example shown is the left side of the placing stand (111) and the clamping device (121) made shorter than the right side (11r) and (12r). In this case the user must indeed when loading or inserting of the bicycle in the correct orientation the pedal mechanism (4) pay attention, but it is the retraction itself easier as it can also take place laterally.