Claims:1. A bicycle parking system (10), comprising:
a plurality of layers (20, 30, 40), wherein each of the plurality of layers are stacked above a preceding layer of the plurality of layers;
a plurality of bicycle guides (50) mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40), and configured to provide guiding operation for one or more bicycle (80),
wherein each of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is placed at a pre-determined distance apart,
wherein each of an alternate bicycle guide (50) of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is fabricated in an inclined platform from a base level;
a door (130) for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) mechanically coupled to the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40), and configured to at least one of lock and unlock one of the one or more bicycle (80) by an actuator (140); and
one or more horizontal rods (180) mechanically coupled to the plurality of bicycle guides (50), and configured to provide holding operations in each of the plurality of bicycle guides (50).
2. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) are stacked above the preceding layer of the plurality of layers in a predefined pattern, wherein each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) are configured to lift to a pre-defined height by a lifting means.
3. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding operation for the one or more bicycle comprises pushing and pulling of the one or more bicycle (80) along the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50).
4. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door (130) is fabricated in a pre-defined pattern for the guiding operation of the one or more bicycles (80).
5. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding operation enables fixation of one of the one or more bicycle (80) in the one of the plurality of bicycle guides (50).
6. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) is stacked above a preceding layer of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) by a sensor and a switch.
7. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least one of a light indicator and an alarm indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40), and configured to indicate a state of the bicycle storage system (10).
8. The bicycle parking system (10) as claimed in claim 7, further comprises a processing subsystem (280), comprising:
a detection module (270) configured to detect the state of the bicycle storage system; and
a notification module (300) operatively coupled to the detection module (270), and configured to notify the user about the state of the bicycle storage system.

Dated this 17th day of May 2019

Vidya Bhaskar Singh Nandiyal
(IN/PA-2912)
Authorized Signatory

, Description:[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relates to bicycle parking management, and more particularly to a bicycle parking system in a compact space.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bicycle parking systems such as racks, stands and the like are a range of facilities allowing cyclists to park their bicycles safely, conveniently and in an orderly way. Storage facilities such as lockers, cycle centres and the like may be used in similar fashion. As such bicycle parking systems and storage facilities may contribute to a well-organized public space and increase the attractiveness of cycling. Theft of bicycle may be also controlled by usage of such bicycle parking systems and storage facilities.
[0003] In one approach, multiple-level bicycle storing system is provided. Such multiple-level bicycle storing system includes a framework with a vertical support and a mounting frame defining upper and lower storing spaces. Here, the upper storing spaces are slide or pushed above the lower storing space after usage. More effective way would be to provide motor controlled lifting storage layer one above another. Such automation requires less effort from a user.
[0004] In another approach, a bicycle storing uses various clamping mechanism to hold a bicycle. Clamping the bicycle wheel without damaging spoke of a bicycle may be more effective in providing security for the bicycle. Sensor enabled clamping mechanism enable easy locking and unlocking of the bicycle in the bicycle storage system.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for an improved bicycle parking system and therefore address the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a bicycle parking system is provided. The bicycle parking system includes a plurality of layers. Here, each of the plurality of layers are stacked above a preceding layer of the plurality of layers.
[0007] The bicycle parking system also includes a plurality of bicycle guides. Here, the plurality of bicycle guides is mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of layers. The plurality of bicycle guides is configured to provide guiding operation for one or more bicycle. Here, each of the plurality of bicycle guides is placed at a pre-determined distance apart. Further, each of an alternate bicycle guide of the plurality of bicycle guides is fabricated in an inclined platform from a base level.
[0008] The bicycle parking system also includes a door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides. The door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides is mechanically coupled to the plurality of layers. The door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides is configured to at least one of lock and unlock one of the one or more bicycle by an actuator.
[0009] The bicycle parking system also includes one or more horizontal rods. The one or more horizontal rods is mechanically coupled to the plurality of bicycle guides. The one or more horizontal rods is configured to provide holding operations in each of the plurality of bicycle guides.
[0010] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representation of plurality of layers of a bicycle parking system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram representation of the plurality of layers with one or more parked bicycles of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representation of one of a plurality of bicycle guides of the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram representation of the plurality of bicycle guides of the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram representation of the plurality of bicycle guides with the one or more parked bicycles of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram representation of one or more bicycle placed on bicycle guides with a door placement of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram representation of an actuator for the door of the one of the plurality of bicycle guides of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram representation of placement of the actuator for the door of the one of the plurality of bicycle guides of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram representation of the one of the plurality of bicycle guides of the bottom floor of the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram representation of one or more horizontal rods connecting the plurality of bicycle guides of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram representation of the one or more horizontal rods connecting the plurality of bicycle guides of the first floor and ground floor of bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram representation of the one or more horizontal rods connecting the plurality of bicycle guides of each of the plurality of layers of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram representation of the one or more horizontal rods connecting the plurality of bicycle guides of three floor bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram representation of position of a bicycle pedal in the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram representation of one of the one or more bicycle placed in the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a block diagram representation of the bicycle parking system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated online platform, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0030] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, subsystems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional subsystems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0032] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a bicycle parking system. The bicycle parking system includes a plurality of layers. Here, each of the plurality of layers are stacked above a preceding layer of the plurality of layers.
[0034] The bicycle parking system also includes a plurality of bicycle guides. Here, the plurality of bicycle guides is mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of layers. The plurality of bicycle guides is configured to provide guiding operation for one or more bicycle. Here, each of the plurality of bicycle guides is placed at a pre-determined distance apart. Further, each of an alternate bicycle guide of the plurality of bicycle guides is fabricated in an inclined platform from a base level.
[0035] The bicycle parking system also includes a door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides. The door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides is mechanically coupled to the plurality of layers. he door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides is configured to at least one of lock and unlock one of the one or more bicycle by an actuator.
[0036] The bicycle parking system also includes one or more horizontal rods. The one or more horizontal rods is mechanically coupled to the plurality of bicycle guides. The one or more horizontal rods is configured to provide holding operations in each of the plurality of bicycle guides.
[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representation of plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) of a bicycle parking system (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “bicycle” refers to a vehicle consisting of two wheels held in a frame one behind the other, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars attached to the front wheel. In one embodiment, bicycle parking indicates leaving the bicycle in a convenient place with security until required. In such embodiment, one or more bicycles (80) are placed in such a way that physical damage to the one or more bicycle (80) are minimised.
[0038] The bicycle parking system (10) includes a plurality of layers (20, 30, 40). Here, each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) are stacked above a preceding layer of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40). (as shown in FIG. 1) The plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) is surrounded by one or more walls from each side. In such embodiment, the front side comprises of a door (130) for locking and unlocking. The layers are fabricated with one of galvanised iron, stainless steel and the like.
[0039] In one embodiment, the vertical placement of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) enable compressed parking space. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) may be more than three layers. In another embodiment, the distance between two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) placed vertically is predetermined. Upward and downward movement of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) is controlled by inputs from a user. In such embodiment, the Upward and downward movement of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) is motor controlled and operated by a user according to the need.
[0040] In continuation with FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram representation of one of a plurality of bicycle guides of the bicycle parking system (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of bicycle guides (50) is mechanically coupled to each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40).
[0041] In one embodiment, the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is configured to provide guiding operation for the one or more bicycles (80). In such embodiment, the guiding operation for the one or more bicycle (80) comprises pushing and pulling of the one or more bicycle (80) along the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50). The plurality of bicycle guides (50) is fabricated in the shape of horizontal rail. Here, the horizontal rail extends substantially perpendicular to the sides of fabricated rail base (90) for easy usage.
[0042] The plurality of bicycle guides (50) in each one of corresponding plurality of layer (20, 30, 40) is placed at one centimetre offset compared to vertically placed bicycle guides (50) of below layer of the corresponding plurality of layer (20, 30, 40). It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that due to such offset arrangement, two vertically placed bicycle guides (50) never overlap with each other. Moreover, the bicycle guides (50) also comprise extended vertical guides (70) at the end of the horizontal rail to protect the spokes of the bicycle.
[0043] Furthermore, the plurality of bicycle guides (50) reduces the space required for parking. Moreover, a user needs to push and pull without physically moving inside the parking area. In such embodiment, the tilting of the one or more bicycles (80) while parking is avoided by the use horizontal rail mechanism. In one embodiment, the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is fabricated with material such as galvanized iron, stainless steel and the like.
[0044] In continuation, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram representation of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) of the bicycle parking system (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is placed at a pre-determined distance apart. In such embodiment, the width covered by the one or more bicycles (80) placed on the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is 40 centimetres.
[0045] In another embodiment, each of an alternate bicycle guide (60, 110) of the plurality of bicycle guides (100) is fabricated in an inclined platform from a base level. In one embodiment, the fabrication is provided for easy push and pull of one or more bicycles (80) without damaging body of bicycles. In such embodiment, the inclined fabrication of each of the alternate bicycle guide (60, 110) enables no overlapping of two adjacent bicycles.
[0046] Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram representation of one or more bicycles (80) placed on bicycle guides (50) with a door (120) placement in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bicycle parking system (10) also includes a door for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50).
[0047] The door (130) for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) is mechanically coupled to the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40). The door (130) for one of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) is specifically fabricated with 4 gaps such as top left gap, top right gap, bottom left gap and bottom right gap. Here, the bottom left gap and the bottom right gap is fabricated for providing space for bicycle pedal. Moreover, the top left gap and the top right gap is fabricated for providing space for bicycle handle.
[0048] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the bicycle pedal (230) and the bicycle handle is protected while the one or more bicycle (80) is placed in the plurality of bicycle guides (50). In one embodiment, the door (130) for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) is mechanically coupled to the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) by spring hinges. In operation, the door (130) of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) are fixed at a particular position when opened. Here, the spring hinges enables rigid mechanical coupling during opening and closing of door (130).
[0049] In continuation with FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram representation of an actuator (140) for the door of the one of the plurality of bicycle guides (50) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the door (130) for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) is configured to enable/ perform at least one of lock and unlock one of the one or more bicycle (80) by an actuator (140). As used herein, the term “actuator” is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve.
[0050] Moreover, in one embodiment, locking and unlocking of the door (130) for each of the corresponding plurality of bicycle guides (50) is controlled electronically. In one exemplary embodiment, limit switches (240, 250) are being used to control locking and unlocking of the door (130). As used herein, the term “limit switch” refers to a switch preventing the travel of an object in a mechanism past some predetermined point, mechanically operated by the motion of the object itself.
[0051] In one alternative embodiment, pressure buttons like a plurality of push buttons (240, 250) or a plurality of limit switches are enabled to sense the presence of bicycle. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of push buttons (240, 250) are placed in certain specific location in the each of the plurality of bicycle guide (50) to lock and unlock the actuator (140) on the door (130). In one embodiment, the bicycle parking system (10) also includes at least one of a light indicator and an alarm indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40). The light indicator and the alarm indicator are configured to indicate a state of the bicycle parking system (10).
[0052] Furthermore, the bicycle parking system (10) further comprises a processing subsystem (280). The processing subsystem (280) includes a detection module (270). The detection module (270) is configured to detect the state of the bicycle storage system. Here, the detection of the state of the bicycle storage system is enable by a plurality of push buttons or a plurality of limit switches. The processing subsystem (280) also includes a notification module (300). The notification module (300) is operatively coupled to the detection module (270). The notification module (300) is configured to notify the user about the state of the bicycle storage system. Here, such notification may be received by at least one of handheld devices or text message. In such embodiment, a memory subsystem (290) is operatively coupled with the processing subsystem (280). The memory subsystem (290) stores the detected information for usage. The storage may be remote storage or local storage. (as shown in FIG. 16)
[0053] In operation, the plurality of push buttons (240, 250) are pressed when front wheel and rare wheel moves within one of the plurality of bicycle guides (50). The user is indicated whether the one or more bicycle (80) is parked correctly or not. Here, the door (130) of the particular bicycle guide (50) is closed when the bicycle (80) is parked correctly. In another embodiment, the push buttons (240, 250) also generate signals that the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) are brought down or lifted up safely. In an alternative embodiment, alarm sounds may also be enabled for indication related to parking of the bicycle (80).
[0054] In correspondence with FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram representation of one or more horizontal rods (180) connecting the plurality of bicycle guides (50) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bicycle parking system (10) also includes one or more horizontal rods (180). The one or more horizontal rods (180) are mechanically coupled to the plurality of bicycle guides (50). In one embodiment, a ground floor layer (20) of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) of the bicycle parking system (10) provides a gap (160) for retrofitting the horizontal rod from the above horizontal floor (30) of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40).
[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, the top floor (40) of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) is used for parking bicycles. Here, the top floor (40) is lifted up by lifting means as the plurality of bicycle guides (50) are filed with the bicycles. In such embodiment, the lifting means involves motor-controlled lift. In an alternative embodiment, hydraulic lifting means may also be used. In such embodiment, the next below floor (30) is used for parking. Lastly, the ground floor (20) will be filled by bicycles.
[0056] Here, during removable of bicycle, one of the one or more bicycles (80) are first removed from the bottom floor (20) that is ground floor, then first floor (30) is moved down and bicycles from the first floor (30) are removed out, then second floor (40) is moved down and bicycles are removed out from the second floor (40).
[0057] Furthermore, FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram representation of the one or more horizontal rods (200) connecting the plurality of bicycle guides (50) of each of the plurality of layers (20, 30, 40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The one or more horizontal rods (180) is configured to provide holding operations in each of the plurality of bicycle guides (50). In one embodiment, the holding operation enables fixation of one of the one or more bicycle (80) in the one of the plurality of bicycle guides (50).
[0058] In operation, the one or more horizontal rods (180) connecting the plurality of bicycle guides (50) from the first floor penetrates the gap (160) present in the plurality of bicycle guides (50) located in the ground floor. Likewise, the one or more horizontal rods (180) connecting the plurality of bicycle guides (50) from the second floor penetrates the gap (170) present in the plurality of bicycle guides (50) located in the first floor. In such embodiment, the parking system becomes compact and properly mechanised.
[0059] Furthermore, the one or more horizontal rods (180) are fabricated to not allow the one or more bicycle (80) to tilt on either side. In such embodiment, the one or more horizontal rods (180) are fabricated in a predetermined length and breath for preventing additional damage to spokes as well as tyres of the one or more bicycles (80).
[0060] In correspondence with FIG. 1, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram representation of position of a bicycle pedal (230) in the bicycle parking system (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, small portion of the plurality of bicycle guide (50) is fabricated in pre-defined height. In such embodiment, such fabrication is provided for safety to spokes of wheels. Moreover, the bicycle guides (50) should not touch the pedals (230) of the one of the one or more bicycles (80).
[0061] In accordance with FIG. 1, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram representation of one of the one or more bicycle placed in the bicycle parking system (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, a bicycle holder (260) is placed behind the bicycle. The bicycle holder (260) serves may purpose such as easy moving in and out of the bicycles by catching it, stopping any person from sitting behind the bicycle, and lastly anti-theft safety.
[0062] Here, the bicycle holder (260) is wielded at the seat stay for proper usage. In another embodiment, the bicycle holder (260) obstructs the movement of layers during rough usage. And thereby the bicycle holder serves anti-theft purpose.
[0063] Present disclosure of bicycle parking system provides anti-theft bicycle parking system. The disclosed bicycle parking system contributes to a compact, safe bicycle storage system. Here, the bicycles are stored one above another over docking platforms. The system is fabricated in a fashion to provide physical safety for bicycle of specific shape and specific size.
[0064] Moreover, the processing system attached to the disclosed parking system monitors the state of bicycle parking. Automation of the parking system provides a system with minimum input from a user. And lastly locking and unlocking actuator provides maximum security for the stored bicycle.
[0065] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0066] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.