SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION CASE

Description

This nonprovisional utility patent application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/737,463 filed on Dec. 20, 2025, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a bicycle transportation case, and in particular, to a bicycle transportation case that does not require disassembly of the bicycle in order to transport the bicycle.

It is often desirable for bicycle riders to have the need or desire to transport their bicycle in order to use it at a different location. In particular, most current bicycle transportation cases require that as a minimum, wheels and handlebars be removed.

Some prior art bicycle transport cases include U.S. Pat. No. 4,438,606 to Chardon et al., which discloses a shelter for protecting large objects. The shelter can be used for such objects as air machines, cycles, motorcycles, windsurfers, etc. The shelter includes a front door for access to the interior and a flooring on which the object to be held is placed. The shelter includes a compartment beneath the flooring that includes a heavy mass or ballast to increase the total weight of the shelter and “prevent” easy handling or theft thereof. The present invention, on the other hand, is designed to facilitate easy transport.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,734,272 to Galen discloses a protective enclosure for a bicycle. The enclosure claims to be suitable for use as a storage locker or shipping container for a bicycle and includes a door at one end, a channel on its bottom wall for guiding wheels of a bicycle as it is rolled into the container. The door and opposite end walls also include wheel engaging channels to support the bicycle in an upright position. The enclosure also includes a retaining device that is adjustable and includes locking knobs to lock the retaining device in place to hold the bicycle or to loosen the retaining device for removal of the bicycle. The container includes caster wheels for movement thereof. The case has a generally rectangular configuration.

French Publication 2,535,291 to Cadic et al. discloses bicycle transport case having two half-shells: a rolling cradle is obtained inside which the bicycle is housed. The latter is held at the front by its wheel in the support groove and placed at the same height by its rear wheel by means of a flexible batten; it also suffices to locate the lid and to close the assembly using fasteners. The assembly is then maneuvered by means of handles. The top of Cadic is separate from the clam shell bottoms. Cadic also discloses a case with just two parts, a top and bottom, but this version requires removing the wheels. The container may be made from reinforced polyester, steel sheet, aluminum sheet or wood. The flanges of the clam shells are attached by fasteners such as screws.

WIPO Publication No. WO2017213 to Hutcheon et al. discloses a device for protection and transport of bicycles. The device is a flexible bag and a rigid or reinforced bottom wall. The bag also includes insertable sidewalls having strengthening ribs. The bag is collapsible and also includes pods for receiving handlebars without the need to remove them. The wheels of the bike are removed from the frame and stored in the bag.

Korean Publication No. KR200485578U Y1 to Kim discloses a bicycle delivery box for shipping and delivering a fully assembled bicycle. The box includes a wheel holding structure and an upper holding structure to secure the bicycle in the box.

Japanese Publication No. JP3210642U to Yamashita discloses a packaging material or box for transport and delivery of fully assembled bicycles. The box by Yamashita is similar to that of Kim.

French Publication No. FR2874209 A1 to LaCaille discloses a shipping/transporting container for a motorcycle.

None of the prior art either by itself or in combination with one another disclose nor render obvious the subject invention as described in the detailed description and attached drawings

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment of the invention, a bicycle transportation case is provided that is configured to hold and transport a fully assembled bicycle. The bicycle transportation case has a clam shell configuration including a first body section and a second body section, the first and second body sections being releasably connectable to one another along a seam that runs around at least a substantial portion of both the first body section and the second body section and configured to hold a bicycle in a cavity formed when the first body section and the second body section are fully connected to one another; a handlebar protector configured to surround and protect the handlebars of a bicycle contained in the transportation case; pedal protectors configured to surround and protect pedals of the bicycle contained in the transportation case; at least one set of wheels that can be used to roll the case containing the bicycle on; and at least one handle attached to an exterior side of at least one of the first body section or second body section configured for carrying the bicycle transportation case or picking up a portion of the bicycle transportation case and rolling the bicycle transportation case on the set of wheels.

The bicycle transportation case can be configured wherein the first and second body sections are the same width.

Alternately, the bicycle transportation case can be wherein one of first body section or the second body section is wider than the other.

The bicycle transportation case may also be configured wherein the body sections are completely separable from one another.

The bicycle transportation case may also be configured wherein the body sections are partly separable from one another along a hinge.

The bicycle transportation case may further include at least one personal belonging case attached to the bicycle transportation case. The personal belonging case can be attached inside the bicycle transportation case. The personal belonging case can be removable from the bicycle transportation case. The personal belonging case may be held by straps and includes a handle for easy removal therefrom. The personal belonging case can include openable panels to access the personal belongings case without opening the bicycle transportation case along the seam.

The bicycle transportation may be provided within the handlebar protectors extending outwardly beyond a major portion of the bicycle transportation case.

The bicycle transportation case may also include braces to prevent the bicycle transportation case from collapsing on the bicycle when an exterior force is exerted thereon. The braces can include brace supports and a brace body. The brace supports can include flanges and a cylindrical extension and the brace body can have a cylindrical configuration.

In another embodiment, a bicycle transportation case is provided that is configured to hold and transport a fully assembled bicycle. The bicycle transportation case can be foldable about a fold line for ease of storage or transport, when not holding a bicycle. The bicycle transportation can include: a body section having a fold line and a closable opening for receiving a bicycle; and a rail and hinge assembly having an extended position for when the bicycle transportation case is holding a bicycle and a folded position for folding the bicycle transportation case when not holding a bicycle.

The bicycle transportation case can be configured wherein the rail and hinge assembly includes a pair of rails that are aligned with one another when the rail and hinge assembly is in the extended position and a hinge member including hinge attachment members and hinge links.

The rails may include slots along a top side thereof and the hinge attachment members can be attached in respective slots. When the rail and hinge assembly is moved to the folded position, the rails are parallel to one another and offset by the lengths of the hinge links and hinge attachment members.

In an alternate embodiment, the hinge attachment members are attached to ends of respective rails. The rails may be parallel and adjacent to one another when the rail and hinge assembly is in the folded position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a translucent perspective view of one embodiment of a bicycle transportation case in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 2 is a translucent side view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a translucent front view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a translucent top plan view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a one embodiment of a hinge and rail that can be used to fold a bicycle transportation case;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged perspective view of a another embodiment of a hinge and rail that can be used to fold a bicycle case;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the hinge and rail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the hinge and rail of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 is a side view similar to FIG. 6 except with the hinge opened up to fold the rail;

FIG. 7A is a side view similar to FIG. 6A except with the hinge opened up to fold the rail;

FIG. 8 is a full perspective view of the hinge and rail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8A is a full perspective view of the hinge and rail of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hinge and rail of FIG. 8A with side supports to maintain the rail opened up;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a metallic frame for use with the bicycle transportation case shown in FIGS. 11,12, 13, and 14 or use with the folding hinges;

FIG. 11 is a translucent rear perspective view of another embodiment of a bicycle transportation case in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 12 is a translucent front perspective view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a translucent front perspective view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 11 with showing the case opened up;

FIG. 14 is a translucent front view of the bicycle transportation case of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a solid front view of the bicycle case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a solid side view of the bicycle case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a solid perspective view of the bicycle case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an adjustable and removable handlebar enclosure for use with a bicycle transportation case;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate removable handlebar enclosure for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 1-14;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pedal cover for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an adjustable tire/wheel holder for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a pedal cover as shown in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an adjustable tire/wheel holder shown in the bicycle transportation case of FIGS. 11-14 for receipt of a wheel/tire;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the adjustable tire/wheel holder of FIG. 21 shown expanded for receipt of a wheel/tire;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a brace support for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a brace and brace supports for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a removable and carriable personal belongings case for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14; and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a another personal belongings case for use with a bicycle transportation case as shown in FIGS. 11-14.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention, which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 15-17, a first embodiment of a bicycle transportation case is shown generally as 10. Bicycle transportation cases may be made from a variety of materials such as a metal like aluminum, molded plastic, or known materials that are light weight but strong, such as other materials used to make suitcases and transportation cases from. In the embodiment shown, bicycle transportation case 10 has a clam shell type configuration including two mating halves 12a and 12b. The halves can be releasingly held together using well-known latches such as are commonly used on suitcases and transportation cases, hook and hoop materials, snaps, zippers etc.

Bicycle transportation case 10 has a generally oval shaped body portion 14 in the embodiment shown (although the design is not restricted to such embodiment and could be rectangular or utilize other shapes). Bicycle transportation case 10 also includes an extension 16, which is configured to receive the seat of a bicycle therein and a generally T-shaped handlebar extension 18 for receiving the handlebars of a bicycle as shown in FIGS. 1-4. Bicycle transportation case 10 also includes a pair of handles 20, one toward the front of the case and one toward the rear of the case for holding, carrying and moving the case. Bicycle transportation case 10 includes a pair of wheels 22 at the bottom, rear of the case, such that the front of the case can be picked up with front handle 20, and the case rolled easily on the wheels like a wheely suitcase. Such wheels can be mounted using known techniques as is common on suitcases. Handles 20 can also be extendable as is commonly used on suitcases for ease of moving and rolling bicycle transportation case 10. In FIGS. 1-4, it is apparent how snuggly and efficiently a bicycle 24 fits in case 10 for transportation of the bicycle.

Now referring to FIGS. 10-14 and 19-26, another embodiment of a bicycle transportation case is shown generally indicated as 110. Bicycle transportation case 110 also has a clam shell configuration and includes two halves 112a and 112b. In this embodiment half 112a is significantly wider than half 112b. Halves 112a and 112b are detachable from one another for most of their lengths, but are connected together at the bottom by a hinged type of connection point or hinge 113. Hinge 113 can be a length where the materials of 112a and 112b are connected from the same materials or hinge mechanisms may be utilized. When the two halves 112a and 112b are folded together for holding bicycle 24, the remaining lengths can be connected with a zipper, snaps, hinge and loop fastening materials, latches or other known connecting means. A frame 258 is shown in FIG. 10, which is preferably metal, but can be made from other suitable materials that can be used to support transportation case 110 or 210.

Bicycle transportation case 11 includes numerous features for securing and protecting bicycle 24. For example, adjustable wheel/tire holders 115a and 115b are located in the bottom of bicycle transportation case 110. Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 adjustable wheel/tire holders are shown removed from bicycle transportation case 110. Adjustable wheel/tire holders 115a, b bare shown in an extended position in FIG. 22, wherein holding blocks 117a, b are separated from one another as extended outwardly on sliding mechanism 119. This makes the wheel/tire holders able to receive a wheel/tire of any width. Blocks 117a, b can then be slid together as shown in FIG. 21, to snuggly hold the wheels/tires of bicycle 24. Wheel tire holders 115a, b can then either just rest in the bottom of bicycle transportation case 110 or they can be attached in place with hook and loop fastener materials or other suitable known means of attachment.

Bicycle transportation case 110 also includes a handle bar protector 118, which is shown removed from the case in FIG. 19. In the embodiment shown, handlebar protector 118 has a partially rolled or partial cylinder configuration. The handlebars are secured therein by a latch 121 and/or hook and loop (or other known type) of adjustable straps 123.

Referring now to FIG. 20, bicycle transportation case 110 also includes pedal protectors 125 as are also shown in FIGS. 12-14. In the embodiment shown, pedal protector 125 has a molded body 127 including a split 130, allowing the pedal protector to be adjustable for different sized pedals. Pedal protector 125 also includes a hook and loop (or other known type) of adjustable strap 132 to securely fix the protectors to the pedals of bicycle 24 as shown in FIGS. 12-14.

Now referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, transverse braces 140 are shown, which include brace supports 142 and brace bodies 144. Brace supports 142 include flanges 146 and cylindrical extensions 148. Cylindrical extensions 148 are configured to receive brace bodies 144, which in the embodiment shown also have a cylindrical configuration. The brace supports 140 and components 142 and 140 are shown installed on bicycle transportation case 110 in FIGS. 11-14. As shown in FIG. 13, when halve 112b of bicycle transportation case 11 is opened on hinge 113, the brace supports 142 attached thereto are pulled away from brace bodies 144 as the brace supports 142 are attached to the respective halves of the cases. When halve 112b is closed, the brace bodies are received in the cylindrical extensions 148 as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 14 to protect bicycle 24 inside of case 110 and prevent any collapsing of the case on the bicycle.

Now referring to FIGS. 25 and 26 personal belongings cases 150 and 152, which are shown installed on bicycle transportation case 110 in FIGS. 11-14. Although shown attached to the interior of bicycle transportation case 110, it should be appreciated that cases 150 and 152 can be attached to either the inside of the transportation case or to the exterior depending on design choice or some may be attached to the inside and some to the outside. Cases 152 may be permanently attached or removably attached using hook and loop fasteners or similar known means. In the embodiment shown, case 150 is held in transportation case 110 using securing straps 154, which can be attached to the transportation case with hook and loop fasteners, by sewing, snaps or other known temporary or permanent securing means. It should also be appreciated that a one-piece flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid material pouch or brackets could also be used to secure personal belongings case to the bicycle transportation case 110 instead of securing straps 154. When the half 112b is opened as shown in FIG. 13 or partially opened, personal protective case 150 may be removed from bicycle transportation case 110, simply by pulling out from securing straps 154 using handle 156. Transportation case 110 may also include separate panels that are openable to access the personal belongings cases without fully opening the transportation case as best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. See panels 155 and latches 157 as shown.

Now referring to FIGS. 5-9, folding parts for a bicycle case are shown. In particular, bicycle case 210 is designed to be foldable to reduce the size for transportation or storage, when a bicycle is not in the case. Bicycle case 210 can be made from soft materials such as vinyl or fabric or could be made from molded plastic or a lightweight metal. In one embodiment, bicycle transportation case utilizes a rail and hinge assembly generally indicated as 260 (see FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8). Rail and hinge assembly 260 includes a pair of rails 262a, b, a hinge member, generally indicated as 264, hinge attachment members 266a, b, and hinge links 268a, b.

It should be appreciated that bicycle transportation case 210 can be folded in half along fold line 258 via rail and hinge assembly 260. In the embodiment shown, hinge attachment members are mounted to and inserted in respective slots 269a, b on a top side of rails 262a, b. Rail and hinge assembly 260 can be mounted in bicycle transportation case such that the case can be folded along a vertical line extending upward of fold line 258 or mounted to fold downwardly about fold line 258. Rail and hinge assembly 260 is shown FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 with the rails in an extended position, wherein the bicycle transportation case will be in a fully open position as shown in FIG. 10. In the extended position rails 262a and 262b are but up against one another and aligned together as shown in the figures. In FIG. 7, the rails are folded together for folding bicycle transportation case 210. When folded thusly, rails 262a, b will be parallel to and offset from one another by the length hinge links 268a, b and hinge attachment members 266a, b as shown in FIG. 7.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a rail and hinge support 280 is shown that can be used to secure the rail and hinge assembly in the extended position. The support plate shown can be placed on just one or both sides of rails 272a, b. The rail and hinge support 280 includes fasteners to hold it firmly to the rails, which in the embodiment shown includes screws 282 and wing nuts 284. Screws 282 are positioned in a hole that extends through rails 272a, b.

Now referring to FIGS. 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 9, an alternate embodiment rail and hinge assembly is shown generally indicated as 270. Rail and hinge assembly 270 includes a pair of rails 272a, b, a hinge member, generally indicated as 274, hinge attachment members 276a, b, and hinge links 278a, b. Rail and hinge assembly 270 functions similar to rail and hinge assembly 260, but hinge attachment members 276a, b are attached to respective ends of rails 272a, b rather than to slots in tops sides of the rails as with hinge attachment members 266a, b. Accordingly, when the rail and hinge assembly is moved from an extended position wherein rails 272a and 272b are aligned with one another as best shown in FIG. 8A to a folded position as shown in FIG. 7A. As can be seen, with the design of rail and hinge assembly 270, rails 272a and 272b are not separated from one another in the folded position as with rail and hinge assembly 260, but rather are parallel and adjacent to one another.

While the invention has been taught with specific reference to these embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, and of the embodiments of parts such as handlebar and pedal protectors, braces, personal belongings cases etc., can be interchanged between the embodiments. The shapes thereof and method of attachment can also be varied as desired and are not limited to the shapes and attachment means shown. The described embodiments are to be considered, therefore, in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, the scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the description.