U.S. patent application number 11/205519 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-22 for bracket for vertically suspending common household terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters.
Invention is credited to Michael K. Barron.
Application Number | 20070040087 11/205519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37766596 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070040087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barron; Michael K. |
February 22, 2007 |
Bracket for vertically suspending common household terrestrial
transportation devices, such as scooters
Abstract
A bracket useful for suspending terrestrial transportation
devices, such as scooters, from a vertical support contains a
vertical flange, a horizontal flange, and a support arm. The
vertical flange is connected to the horizontal flange, which in
turn is connected to the support arm, each preferably perpendicular
to the other. The vertical flange of the bracket is connected to
the vertical support. One or more scooter supports are located on
the support arm. The scooter supports include one or more notches.
The necks of suspended scooters nest in the notches of the scooter
supports. Scooters are suspended from the bracket by draping the
scooters over the support arm, with the deck and steering unit on
opposite sides of the support arm. The bracket may be covered with
a soft, preferably polymeric, coating to prevent scratches to the
terrestrial transportation devices supported by the bracket.
Inventors: |
Barron; Michael K.; (Darien,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William P. Oberhardt
2100 Three First National Plaza
Chicago
IL
60602
US
|
Family ID: |
37766596 |
Appl. No.: |
11/205519 |
Filed: |
August 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62H 3/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A bracket for suspending one or more terrestrial transportation
devices from a vertical support comprising: a vertical flange for
attachment to said vertical support; a horizontal flange having a
first end and a second end, with said first end of said horizontal
flange being attached to said vertical flange; and a support arm
attached to and extending substantially horizontally from said
second end of said horizontal flange, said support arm having a
vertical direction and a horizontal direction, said support arm
further having an upper surface, and said support arm further
including one or more scooter supports, with each of said scooter
supports including a first notch located on said upper surface of
said support arm.
2. The bracket of claim 1 wherein each of said scooter supports
includes a second notch in said upper surface of said support
arm.
3. The bracket of claim 2 wherein: said first notch is located
below said second notch in the vertical direction of said support
arm, and said second notch is wider than said first notch in the
horizontal direction of said support arm.
4. The bracket of claim 3 wherein: each of said scooter supports
further includes a third notch located on said upper surface of
said support; and said second notch is located below said third
notch in the vertical direction of said support arm, and said third
notch is wider than said second notch in the horizontal direction
of said support arm.
5. The bracket of claim 3 wherein the entire bracket is a unitary
construction.
6. The bracket of claim 3 wherein: the width of said first notch
measured in the horizontal direction of said support arm is
approximately 7/8 inches; and the width of said second notch in the
horizontal direction of said support arm is approximately 1 13/16
inches.
7. The bracket of claim 6 wherein: the width of said third notch in
the horizontal direction of said support arm is approximately 21/8
inches.
8. The bracket of claim 7 wherein: said first notch is formed
having substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of
said semi-circle oriented in the downward direction of said support
arm; and said second notch is formed having two oppositely disposed
substantially L-shaped structures located above said first notch in
the vertical direction of said support arm, with said oppositely
disposed L-shaped structures of said second notch each being
located outwardly of the outwardmost edges of said first notch in
the horizontal direction of said support arm.
9. The bracket of claim 8 wherein: said third notch is formed
having two oppositely disposed substantially L-shaped structures
located above said second notch in the vertical direction of said
support arm, with said oppositely disposed L-shaped structures of
said third notch each being located outwardly of the outwardmost
edges of said second notch in the horizontal direction of said
support arm.
10. The bracket of claim 9 wherein the entire bracket is a unitary
construction.
11. The bracket of claim 10 wherein each of said scooter supports
are covered with an elastomer.
12. The bracket of claim 11 wherein said vertical flange further
comprises one or more attachment holes for accommodating attachment
devices for attachment of said vertical flange to said vertical
support.
13. A bracket for suspending one or more terrestrial transportation
devices from a vertical support comprising: a vertical flange for
attachment to said vertical support; a horizontal flange having a
first end and a second end, with said first end of said horizontal
flange being attached to said vertical flange; and a support arm
attached to said second end of said horizontal flange and extending
therefrom substantially in a first horizontal direction, said
support arm having an upper surface, said support arm having a
vertical direction and a horizontal direction, said support arm
further including a first scooter support on the upper surface of a
portion of said support arm extending in said first horizontal
direction, with said first scooter support including a first notch
located on the upper surface of said support arm.
14. The bracket of claim 13 wherein: said first scooter support
includes a second notch located on the upper surface of said
support arm, said second notch of first scooter support being
located above said first notch of said first scooter support in the
vertical direction of said support arm, and said second notch of
said first scooter support being wider than said first notch of
said first scooter support in the horizontal direction of said
support arm.
15. The bracket of claim 14 wherein: said first scooter support
includes a third notch located on the upper surface of said support
arm, said third notch of said first scooter support being located
above said second notch of said first scooter support in the
vertical direction of said support arm, and said third notch of
said first scooter support being wider than said second notch in
the horizontal direction of said support arm.
16. The bracket of claim 15 wherein: said support arm extends from
said horizontal flange substantially in a second horizontal
direction different from said first horizontal direction and having
a second scooter support on a portion of the upper surface of said
support arm extending in said second horizontal direction; said
second scooter support including a first notch, a second notch, and
a third notch located on the upper surface of the support arm; said
second notch of said second scooter support being located above
said first notch of said second scooter support in the vertical
direction of said support arm, and said second notch of said second
scooter support being wider than said first notch of said second
scooter support in the horizontal direction of said support arm;
and said third notch of said second scooter support being located
above said second notch of said second scooter support in the
vertical direction of said support arm, and said third notch of
said second scooter support being wider than said second notch of
said second scooter support in the horizontal direction of said
support arm.
17. The bracket of claim 16 wherein: said first notches of said
first and second scooter supports are approximately 7/8 inches wide
measured in the horizontal direction of said support arm; said
second notches of said first and second scooter are approximately 1
13/16 inches wide measured in the horizontal direction of said
support arm; said third notches of said first and second scooter
supports are approximately 21/8 inches wide measured in the
horizontal direction of said support arm; and said vertical flange,
said horizontal flange, and said support arm are all constructed
from the same unitary piece of metal.
18. The bracket of claim 15 wherein: said first notches of said
first and second scooter supports are each formed having
substantially the shape of a semi-circle with the arc of said
semi-circle oriented in the downward direction of said support arm;
said second notches of said first and second scooter supports are
each formed having two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures; and
said third notches of said first and second scooter supports are
each formed having two oppositely disposed L-shaped structures.
19. A bracket for suspending one or more terrestrial transportation
devices from a vertical support comprising: a vertical flange for
attachment to said vertical support; a horizontal flange having a
first end and a second end, with said first end of said horizontal
flange being attached to said vertical flange; a support arm
attached to said second end of said horizontal flange and extending
therefrom in a substantially horizontal direction, said support arm
having an upper surface, said support arm having a vertical
direction and a horizontal direction, and said support arm further
including one or more scooter supports, with each of said scooter
supports being located on the upper surface of said support arm and
each of said scooter supports having a first notch, a second notch,
and a third notch; wherein each of said second notches of said
scooter supports is located above said first notches in the
vertical direction of said support arm, and each of said second
notches is wider than each of said first notches in the horizontal
direction of said support arm; wherein each of said third notches
of said scooter supports is located above said second notches in
the vertical direction of said support arm, and each of said third
notches is wider than each of said second notches in the horizontal
direction of said support arm; and wherein said vertical flange,
said horizontal flange, and said support arm are all constructed
from the same unitary piece of metal.
20. The bracket of claim 19 wherein: said vertical flange includes
one or more attachment holes for attachment of said vertical flange
to said vertical support; and said first notches of said first and
second scooter supports are approximately 7/8 inches wide measured
in the horizontal direction of said support arm; said second
notches of said first and second scooter supports are approximately
1 13/16 inches wide measured in the horizontal direction of said
support arm; said third notches of said first and second scooter
supports are approximately 21/8 inches wide measured in the
horizontal direction of said support arm; and each of said scooter
supports is covered with an elastomer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to brackets for attachment to
vertical supports, such as walls, or studs, that are adapted for
suspension of one or more terrestrial transportation devices, such
as scooters, commonly found in households or garages. The
invention, in particular, pertains to a relatively inexpensive
solution for suspending scooters above floors and walkways, where
they are commonly found and often become impediments to walking or
driving. The invention conveniently, space efficiently, and
economically suspends scooters from a wall, stud, or other vertical
support, where the scooters will be less of an impediment. The
unique and economical design of the single-piece bracket of the
preferred embodiment of this invention is such that the scooters
nest within one or more notches in the bracket, in such a manner as
to suspend securely various different models of scooters off of the
floor. The bracket of the invention does so in a manner wherein the
suspended scooters protrude minimally from the wall so as not to
impede walking or driving adjacent to the bracket. On the other
hand, the bracket offsets the scooter or scooters from the wall
sufficiently so that the scooters will not to cause damage to or
mar the wall on which it is mounted.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0004] In recent years, many homes have experienced a proliferation
of terrestrial transportation devices, such as scooters. The use of
such devices has grown for purposes of entertainment and exercise,
as well as for environmentally friendly and inexpensive personal
transportation. Conveniently storing such devices in homes and,
often, garages, has become a particular problem.
[0005] This is especially true of scooters which, because of their
rather large and unwieldy shape, occupy a relatively large amount
of space. The deck and steering unit for a scooter are both
relatively lengthy, and are oriented perpendicularly to each other
(when not folded), making them somewhat ungainly. The deck and
steering unit both tend to occupy a relatively large amount of
space, and can serve to trip walkers when the scooter is left on
the ground, and the steering arms (which protrude perpendicularly
from the steering unit) can impede walking adjacent to the scooter
even when the scooter is stowed is an upright position. In a garage
environment, one or more scooters also can become a hazard for
vehicles--collisions between the vehicles and scooters that are
left on the garage floor or otherwise improperly stowed can damage
both the vehicle and the scooters.
[0006] While many scooters have foldable steering units which pivot
adjacent the scooters' decks, they still represent challenges for
easy, adequate, and inexpensive storage. This becomes a particular
problem in homes where, for example, there are multiple children
owning multiple scooters. Scooters can be a storage problem because
they often are stowed in a "wheels down" position wherein they have
a propensity to tip, to roll, and, when stepped upon, to roll
further, which could lead to injury. There is a further propensity
in the "wheels down" position for improperly stowed scooters to
roll under other objects such as cars, trucks, or other motor
vehicles (collectively "cars"), where they can be damaged by the
cars, or cause damage to the cars. In addition, the clutter in the
home or garage resulting from inadequately or improperly stowed
scooters and the like is simply undesirable for many people, and a
cost-efficient solution has not yet been developed for adequately
and properly storing such devices.
[0007] Ordinary shelving units commonly used in homes and garages,
while capable of suspending scooters above the floor where they
will not be tripped over by people or crushed by cars as readily,
are undesirable for several reasons. Scooters, when laid flat on a
shelving unit, take up a disproportionate amount of horizontal
shelf space. When attempts are made to stack more than one scooter
on an individual shelf to economize on space, the scooters (the
bottom scooters especially) become buried in a maze of scooter
components, making it difficult, if not impossible, for a person to
locate and remove a single scooter (especially a scooter that is
underneath other scooters) without first removing and disentangling
one or more of the other scooters. It is especially difficult for
younger children to do so. Furthermore, purchasing and erecting an
entire shelving unit to store one or more scooters is neither cost
effective, space efficient, nor easy.
[0008] Another problem with shelf storage is that scooter
components, including steering units and steering arms, tend to
protrude off of the shelf. Depending on the height of the shelf and
the traffic pattern in the garage or home, a labyrinth of
protruding scooter components can make walking close to the shelf
difficult or dangerous, and make removal of items (including
scooters) from adjacent shelves problematic. Parking next to such
scooter storage can result in scratches or other damage to the car.
Such an arrangement, moreover, can be offensive to the
sensibilities (messy).
[0009] Another common storage technique is simply parking the
scooter adjacent a wall in the "wheels down" position, and leaning
the scooter against the wall for support. This technique often
results in the scooters rolling out of their stowed position,
tipping, or being knocked over, and thereby obstructing walkways.
This method of storage takes up an inordinate amount of horizontal
wall space, is unstable, is likely to mar the wall, and is
messy.
[0010] A further storage method has using pegboard and hooks to
suspend the scooters. While this does possess the advantage of
removing the scooters from the floor, hooks become easily dislodged
from pegboard when scooters are removed from the hooks, and are
seldom replaced in the same place where they belong. It is
problematic, especially for younger children, to negotiate the
removal or replacement of scooters or the like from hooks in
pegboard without dislodging the hooks and disrupting the system.
The result, often, is that the children (and even adults) simply
give up on the system, and the scooters are disposed of on the
floor once again. Pegboard hooks, moreover, are not specifically
designed for suspension of scooters, and can bend, splay, or break
under the weight of a suspended scooter. They also tend to suspend
scooters in awkward and less than optimal positions, and the hooks
often extend well beyond the stored scooters and into adjacent
walkways. Furthermore, many people disfavor pegboard, especially in
the home, because of its relatively unattractive appearance.
[0011] One device that has been used in conjunction with
transportation devices, including scooters, is set forth in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,640,978 B2, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference. There, a theft protection device is
disclosed that may be used to clamp onto scooters in order to
prevent them from being stolen. The device is constructed of
multiple parts, including moving parts, so as to securely clamp and
prevent easy removal and theft of, among other devices, scooters.
The theft-protection device requires a relatively complicated
process and a relatively long time to mount, suspend, clamp, and
lock the suspended scooter or other device. Because of the multiple
components, including moving parts, it is relatively expensive to
manufacture. The anti-theft construction is also, by necessity,
relatively heavy, requiring extensive metal parts. While the device
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,978 B2 is said to be suitable for
use by institutions, such as schools, for theft prevention, it
would be less than desirable for the home and garage environment
where its relative expense and more complicated use would render it
relatively unattractive for simple home storage. Put simply, the
more complicated or time-consuming the device is to use, the less
likely it is that a scooter owner (especially children) would use
it consistently. Furthermore, while a relatively expensive theft
prevention device might be appropriate in an institutional
environment, such as a school, it is unlikely to be purchased by a
home owner for simple home or garage storage of a scooter (where
the home or garage can be locked to prevent access to the
scooters), especially as the cost of theft prevention device
approaches the cost of the scooter. The device, moreover, is
heavier than many home or garage walls (especially the drywall/stud
construction or plaster/lath construction commonly utilized) would
accommodate without utilizing extraordinary attachment techniques.
While such extraordinary attachment techniques may be appropriate
for an anti-theft device in an institutional environment, they
would be generally viewed as undesirable for home or garage
use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the described
embodiments of the invention described herein to provide a
lightweight bracket for suspending scooters from vertical support
structures, such as walls, studs, or the like, in such a manner as
to overcome the disadvantages of prior art systems. It is, for
example, an object of the specifically described embodiments of the
invention to suspend scooters without taking up an undue or
disproportionate amount of horizontal wall space, leaving room for
other items to be stored.
[0013] It is further object of the described embodiments of the
invention to provide a bracket to store multiple scooters in such a
way as to avoid components of the scooters from interfering with
each other and becoming entangled, and permitting quick and easy
removal or replacement of individual scooters without the need to
disturb or remove other scooters.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a bracket
to store scooters a sufficient distance from the wall or vertical
support structure to avoid damage to the wall or vertical support
structure, while simultaneously storing scooters in a manner such
that they do not protrude into walkways or traffic patterns.
[0015] It is yet another object of the described embodiments of the
invention to provide a bracket that can support multiple scooters,
and multiple makes or models or scooters, using the same
bracket.
[0016] It is another object of the described embodiments of the
invention to have a bracket that is fixedly attached to a wall or
vertical support (using screws, nuts and bolts, screws and mollies,
rivets, nails, adhesive, or other common uncomplicated and
inexpensive fastener systems) so as not to become dislodged from
the wall when removing scooters from the bracket or replacing
scooters on to the bracket.
[0017] It is further object of the described embodiments of the
invention to provide an inexpensive and cost-effective scooter
suspension bracket, having an elegant and relatively lightweight
one-piece construction and no moving parts, suitable for household
purchase and installation, and further suitable for use by even
small children.
[0018] The disclosed embodiments of the present invention achieve
the aforementioned objects and others because they include features
not found in prior art storage systems for scooters. In the
described embodiments of the present invention, a scooter storage
system includes a bracket for suspending one or more scooters. The
bracket is lightweight, durable, compact, versatile, strong, and
importantly, inexpensive. It is capable of organizing and
suspending one or more scooters in a manner whereby they are above
the floor, disentangled, and no longer an impediment to walking or
driving. It is also aesthetically pleasing, being neat and sleek in
appearance when in use. The bracket's lightweight unitary design
makes it suitable for easy use and easy mounting (encouraging
continued use) in a home or garage environment. In preferred
embodiments, its unitary construction is simple to use and strong
as compared to storage systems having multiple parts and, perhaps,
moving parts.
[0019] The bracket is attached to a wall, stud, or other vertical
support. The bracket preferably utilizes a relatively horizontal
support arm for suspending one or more scooters, preferably in a
folded position. The support arm includes one or more scooter
supports spaced apart sufficiently such that, when stored, the
scooters do not interfere with each other. The scooter supports
include one or more notches. When stored, the neck of the scooter
fits snugly within the notches and is suspended therefrom. In the
stored position, the neck of the scooter remains suspended from the
scooter support on the support arm. The deck and steering unit of
the scooter are draped over the opposite sides of the support arm.
Storage and removal of scooters from the bracket, as described
herein, is extremely straightforward, quick, and easy, encouraging
continued use even by children. The scooter is simply draped over
the support arm for storage (the neck of the scooter will virtually
automatically nest in the most appropriate notch in the scooter
support), and lifted off of the support arm for removal.
[0020] The support arm is attached to a horizontal flange which
both upholds the support arm and provides sufficient clearance
between the support arm and the wall or vertical support so that
the scooter or scooters, when stored on the bracket, can be draped
over (and removed from) the support arm as described above without
the scooter damaging or marking the vertical support. The
horizontal flange is connected to a vertical flange, which, in
turn, is attached to the wall or other vertical support. Attachment
holes are provided in the vertical support so that screws, screws
and mollies, rivets, nails, or the like may be used to attach the
bracket, using the vertical flange, to a wall or other vertical
support. Adhesives may also be used to attach the vertical flange
to a wall or support.
[0021] The invention is preferably constructed of metal, and more
preferably A36 mild steel. Moreover, the invention is preferably
formed of single piece of metal. This preferred unitary
construction of the bracket makes the invention more economical,
and adds to the strength of the bracket as compared to multi-part
constructions.
[0022] The bracket, or a portion thereof (for example, the scooter
supports), may be covered with an elastomer, preferably in the form
of an elastomer paint, to provide a softer surface and prevent
scratching of the scooters by the bracket when the scooters are
stored on and removed from the bracket. Other common coatings, such
as primers and paints, may be used to prevent corrosion or rusting
of the bracket, and to make the bracket more aesthetically
pleasing.
[0023] Although the invention is particularly useful for storing
folding scooters, it is also useful for storing other personal
terrestrial transportation devices, such as non-folding scooters,
skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
bracket of the invention for storage of two scooters, further
illustrating the scooters in phantom in the stored position.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the bracket of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
bracket of the invention for storage of a single scooter, further
illustrating the scooter in phantom in the stored position.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the bracket of FIG.
5.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 5.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a further perspective view of a support arm of the
bracket of FIG. 1, showing the scooter supports, and illustrating
how the neck of the scooters illustrated in phantom are upheld by
the scooter supports when the scooters are in the stored
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to a first embodiment of the invention as
shown in FIGS. 1-4, bracket 2 includes vertical flange 4 attached
to horizontal flange 18, preferably at the bottom of vertical
flange 4 and the innermost end of horizontal flange 18, so as to
form a generally L-shape (see, in particular, FIG. 4), with
horizontal flange 18 extending generally horizontally from and
generally perpendicular to vertical flange 4. Horizontal flange 18,
in turn, is attached to support arm 20, also in an L-shaped manner
(see, again, FIG. 4). While the vertical portions of the L-shapes
for either or both of the attachments to the horizontal flange 18
described above may extend either upwardly or downwardly, it has
been found for purposes of ease of manufacture, installation, and
use that having the vertical flange 4 extend upwardly in an L-shape
from the horizontal flange 18, and having the support arm 20 extend
downwardly in an L-shape from horizontal flange 18, as illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 4, is advantageous.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, vertical flange 4 preferably
includes one, and more preferably a plurality, of attachment holes
6 of suitable diameter to accommodate screws, screws and mollies,
bolts, nails, rivets, or other attachment devices (not illustrated)
commonly known and utilized in the art. For example, two attachment
holes 6 oriented generally vertically, having a diameter of 13/64
inches, and centered 5/8 inch apart so as to accommodate two 12-2
sheet metal screws (not illustrated), have been found to be
sufficient for mounting the bracket 2 to a vertical support, such
as a wall (not illustrated). Adhesives known in the art may also be
utilized to attach vertical flange 4 to a vertical support.
[0035] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, support arm 20 extends
generally horizontally from, and generally perpendicular to, its
junction with the outermost end of horizontal flange 18. Support
arm 20 includes one or more (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, two)
scooter supports, namely, a first scooter support 8 and a second
scooter support 10, located generally horizontally outwardly of the
junction of support arm 20 and the horizontal flange 18. Both first
scooter support 8 and second scooter support 10 include one or more
(in the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 3, three) notches to
accommodate and suspend scooters, namely, a first notch 12, a
second notch 14, and third notch 16. The first, second, and third
notches 12, 14, and 16 preferably are different in size and shape
from each other, so as to accommodate a variety of makes and models
of scooters.
[0036] As illustrated in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, first notches
12 in first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 are preferably
formed in the general shape of a downwardly-oriented semi-circular
cutout. More preferably, the semi-circular cutouts of first notches
12 have an approximate radius of 7/16 inches. The first notches 12
having the dimensions disclosed herein are especially adapted and
useful for suspending folding scooters 52, such as those commonly
sold by Sharper Image.TM. retail stores, because the necks 64 of
such folding scooters 52 fit relatively snugly and securely within
the first notches 12 having those dimensions when stowed in the
manner described more fully below.
[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, second notches 14 are
located in first scooter support 8 and second scooter support 10,
and are preferably formed as two oppositely disposed L-shaped
structures located horizontally outwardly and vertically above the
semi-circular cutout structures of first notches 12. The generally
horizontal portions of the L-shapes of second notches 14 each
preferably extend horizontally outwardly from the upper edges of
the semi-circular cutouts of first notches 12 until reaching
approximately 29/32 inches outwardly from the vertical centerline
of the semi-circular cutout structures of first notches 12. The
generally vertical portions of the L-shapes of second notches 14
preferably extend approximately 1/4 inch above the top of first
notches 12. Second notches 14 having the dimensions disclosed
herein are especially adapted and useful for suspending folding
scooters 52 such as those commonly sold under the Razor.TM. brand,
wherein the necks 64 of such folding scooters 52 fit relatively
snugly and securely within the second notches 14 when stored as
described more fully below. (See FIGS. 1 and 9).
[0038] Referring once again to FIGS. 2 and 3, third notches 16 are
located in first and second scooter supports 8 and 10. The third
notches 16 are also preferably formed as oppositely disposed
L-shaped cutouts, in this instance located horizontally outwardly
and vertically above second notches 14. The generally horizontal
portions of the L-shapes of third notches 16 preferably extend
outwardly from the vertical edges of second notches 14 until
reaching approximately 1 1/16 inches outwardly from the vertical
centerline of the semi-circular cutout structures of first notches
12. The generally vertical portions of the L-shapes of second
notches 16 preferably extend approximately 1/4 inch above the top
of second notches 14. Third notches 16 having the dimensions
disclosed herein are adapted and useful for suspending many older
model folding scooters 52, as well as scooters other than the more
common brand name scooters referenced in connection with first and
second notches 12 and 14. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the number, shape, and dimensions of the notches utilized in
connection with the first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 may
be varied to accommodate scooters and the like of varying makes,
models, shapes, and sizes without departing from this
invention.
[0039] While the bracket 2 may have various dimensions and may be
made with various materials and still be within the scope of this
invention, it has been found that 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36
mild steel is a sufficiently strong and economical material for
carrying out the invention.
[0040] Referring once again to FIGS. 2-4, consistent with this
invention, vertical flange 4 of bracket 2 preferably is
approximately 11/2 inches high and 11/2 inches wide so as to
provide adequate support for mounting the vertical flange 4 to a
wall, stud, or other vertical support (not shown). Attachment holes
6 are located sufficiently inwardly of the outer edges of vertical
flange 4 so as to avoid the propogation of cracks migrating to the
outer dimensions of vertical flange 4, as can be caused by loading
stresses. Using two attachment holes 6 with the dimensions set
forth above and horizontally centered in vertical flange 4, with
centers disposed 5/8 inches apart, and with the topmost attachment
hole 6 located inwardly 1/2 inch from the top of vertical flange 4,
has been found to provide adequate support when used with two 12-2
sheet metal screws.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, while the length and width of
horizontal flange 18 may vary, it has been found that a horizontal
flange 18 having approximately a length of 31/2 inches and width of
11/2 inches provides adequate support and clearance from a wall or
other vertical support for suspending two folding scooters 52. A
horizontal flange 18 having approximately those dimensions results
in the folding scooters 52 being suspended a sufficient distance
from the wall or vertical support surface (not illustrated) so that
the suspended folding scooters 52 do not damage or mar the wall or
vertical support surface when storing the folding scooters 52 on,
and removing them from, the bracket 2. At the same time, such
dimensions do not cause the scooters to be suspended an unduly
large distance from the wall or vertical support so as to waste
space or extend the suspended folding scooters 52 into adjacent
walkways, driveways, or traffic patterns. No part of the bracket 2,
moreover, extends perpendicularly from the wall beyond the stored
folding scooters 52 into adjacent walkways, driveways, or traffic
patterns so as to become an impediment.
[0042] While dimensions may vary, it has been found that a support
arm 20 having a horizontal dimension of approximately 9 inches or
more and a vertical dimension of approximately 11/4 inches is both
sufficiently strong to support two folding scooters 52, and can
provide sufficient separation between the folding scooters 52, so
that components of the adjacent folding scooters 52, such as
steering units 54 or the decks 58, do not significantly interfere
with each other or become intertwined. In such embodiments,
preferably the outermost vertical edges of third notches 16 of
first and second scooter supports 8 and 10 are located inwardly 3/8
inches from the outermost vertical edges of support arm 20.
Preferably, the bottoms of first notches 12 of first and second
scooter supports 8 and 10 are located inwardly approximately 1/4
inch from the bottom of support arm 20.
[0043] The bracket 2 described above can be relatively easily and
inexpensively manufactured by stamping the bracket having
dimensions as described herein in flattened form (not illustrated)
out of a sheet of 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) metal, especially
A36 mild steel, as is known in the art, and then bending (as is
known in the art) the previously flat stamped bracket (not
illustrated) at the juncture of the vertical flange 4 and
horizontal flange 18, and at the juncture of the horizontal flange
18 and support arm 20, to form a unitary construction as described
above and illustrated herein. Forming the bracket 2 using a unitary
construction also has the added benefit of providing additional
strength to the bracket 2 as compared with similar structures made
of multiple components which would need to be attached to each
other.
[0044] In order to avoid scratches to the folding scooters 52, and
to improve aesthetics, a soft, preferably polymer covering, such as
thin polymer coating or paint, may be applied to some of bracket 2
(especially to the support arm 20 adjacent to the first and second
scooter supports 8 and 10) or to the entire bracket 2. Rust or
corrosion inhibiting coatings, such as primers and paints known in
the art, may also be applied in lieu of or in addition to the
elastomeric paint.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, an additional embodiment of the
invention is disclosed that would support a single folding scooter
52. Bracket 102 includes vertical flange 104, which is attached to
horizontal flange 118, preferably at the bottom side edge of
vertical flange 104 and the innermost end of horizontal flange 118,
so as to form a generally L-shape (see, in particular, FIGS. 6 and
8), with horizontal flange 118 extending generally horizontally
from and generally perpendicular to vertical flange 104. Horizontal
flange 118 of bracket 102 is oriented somewhat differently than
horizontal flange 18 of bracket 2, in that horizontal flange 118 is
attached to the side of vertical flange 104, and has a greater
thickness in the vertical direction (and a narrower thickness in
the horizontal direction) than horizontal flange 18 of bracket 2 in
the first described embodiment of the invention.
[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, vertical flange 104 of
bracket 102 preferably includes one or more attachment holes 106
for accommodating attachment devices such as screws, bolts, rivets,
screws and mollies, nails, and the like commonly known and utilized
in the art (not illustrated). Such attachment holes 106 may be of
the same size and location as attachment holes 6 described above
for bracket 2, and attachment of the vertical flange 104 to a wall
or vertical support occurs in the same manner.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, support arm 120 extends
generally horizontally from, and generally perpendicular to, its
junction with the outermost end of horizontal flange 118, but
unlike support arm 20 for bracket 2, support arm 120 extends
outwardly only in one direction from horizontal flange 118. Support
arm 120 includes one scooter support 108 having first, second, and
third notches 112, 114, and 116 that are dimensioned in the same
manner as first, second, and third notches 12, 14, and 16 for
bracket 2.
[0048] While the bracket 102 may have dimensions that vary, and may
be made with a variety of materials while still being within the
contemplation of this invention, 12 gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36
mild steel once again has been found to be a strong and economical
material for bracket 102.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 6-8, vertical flange 104 is preferably
approximately 23/4 inches-high and 11/4 inches wide so as to
provide adequate mounting support to a wall or vertical support
(not illustrated). Attachment holes 106 illustrated in FIGS. 6 and
7 are preferably located on the vertical centerline of vertical
flange 104, with centers 5/8 inch apart, and the topmost attachment
hole 106 located inwardly 1/2 inch from the top of vertical flange
104.
[0050] Horizontal flange 118 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 may have a
variety of dimensions, but preferably has a length of approximately
31/2 inches and width of approximately 11/4 inches for adequate
support and clearance as previously described. Support arm 120
likewise could have various dimensions, but it has been found that
a horizontal dimension of approximately 33/4 inches and a vertical
dimension of approximately 11/4 inches is sufficiently strong to
support a folding scooter 52. Preferably the outermost vertical
edge of a third notch 116 of scooter support 108 is located no less
than 3/8 inches from the outer vertical edge of support arm
120.
[0051] Like bracket 2, bracket 102 can be made relatively easily
and inexpensively by stamping the bracket having dimensions as
described herein in flattened form (not illustrated) out of a sheet
of material, such as metal, and preferably out of a sheet of 12
gauge (0.105 inches thick) A36 mild steel, as is known in the art.
The stamped material is then bent at the juncture of the vertical
flange 104 and the horizontal flange 118, and bent again at the
juncture of the horizontal flange 118 and support arm 120, to form
a unitary construction for strength and economic benefits.
Coatings, primers, and paints may be applied to bracket 102 in the
same manner described for bracket 2.
[0052] In use, bracket 2 or bracket 102 are attached to a wall,
stud, or other vertical support as previously described. Folding
scooters 52 are stored on either bracket 2 or bracket 102 in the
same manner; therefore, storage of folding scooters 52 on the first
scooter support 8 of bracket 2 will be discussed with the
understanding that the same storage procedure would be used for
bracket 102, with the exception that part numbers for bracket 102
would be different in that part numbers for bracket 102 would be
obtained by adding one hundred to the part numbers for
similarly-named corresponding parts for bracket 2.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 (and similarly to FIG. 5), folding
scooters 52 are stored on bracket 2 by placing folding scooter 52
with steering unit 54, neck 64, and front wheel assembly 56
oriented upwardly. Deck 58 of folding scooter 52 is preferably
inserted between vertical flange 4 and support arm 20. Neck 64 of
folding scooter 52 is supported by either first or second scooters
support 8 and 10 on support arm 20 in the same manner, and will
hereafter be discussed with reference only to first scooter support
8. The size and shape of neck 64 for folding scooter 52 depends on
the make and model of folding scooter 52. Referring to FIGS. 1, 5,
and 9, depending on the size and shape of neck 64, the neck 64 of
folding scooter 52 nests in either first notch 12, second notch 14,
or third notch 16 of first scooter support 8, suspending the
folding scooter 52 from the bracket 2. As illustrated in more
detail in FIG. 9, the neck 64 of the folding scooter 52 illustrated
therein is nesting in second notch 14 of first scooter support 8,
suspending this particular folding scooter 52 from the bracket 2,
but it would be understood by skilled artisans that other makes and
models of folding scooter 52 might have a neck 64 of a different
size and shape that would more appropriately nest in either the
first notch 12 or the third notch 16.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, while the deck 58 of the folding
scooter 52 is inserted between the vertical flange 4 (attached to
the wall, stud, or other vertical support) and the support arm 20,
the steering unit 54 for the stored folding scooter 52 is located
on the opposite side of the support arm 20 from deck 58. Steering
unit 54 is preferably stored on bracket 2 with the steering unit 54
folded so as to be substantially parallel to deck 58, and thus more
compact. Folding of steering unit 54 occurs around steering unit
pivot 62 for folding scooter 52. Folding preferably occurs before
mounting the folding scooter 52 on the bracket 2, but can occur
afterward.
[0055] Folding scooter 52 may alternatively be stored on bracket 2
by having steering unit 54 placed between the combination of the
vertical flange 4 and wall or vertical support, on the one hand,
and the support arm 20 on the other hand (in other words, inside
the support arm 20), with the deck 58 being placed on the opposite
side of the support arm 20 (in other words, outside the support arm
20), with the neck 64 being supported by the first notch 12, second
notch 14, or third notch 16 of first or second scooter supports 8
or 10. In sum, in the stored position, the folding scooter 52 is
draped over the support arm 20, with the neck 64 of folding scooter
52 being supported by the first scooter support 8, and the deck 64
and steering unit 54 being located on opposite sides of support arm
20. Removal of folding scooter 52 from bracket 2 occurs by
reversing the process, namely, by lifting the folding scooter 52
off of the bracket 2 until the neck 64 disengages from the first
scooter support 8, and the deck 58 and steering unit 54 clear the
support arm 20, thus releasing the folding scooter 52.
[0056] While the above dimensions and materials have been found to
be useful and preferable in certain applications utilizing the
invention in connection with folding scooters, skilled
practitioners will recognize that other combinations of dimensions
and materials can be utilized without departing from the invention.
Furthermore, while this invention has been found to be particularly
useful for storing folding scooters 52, skilled practitioners will
recognize that other items, particularly terrestrial transportation
devices such as non-folding scooters, skateboards, roller skates,
and roller blades may be stored with little or no modification to
the preferred dimensions of the bracket 2 or bracket 102, and while
still utilizing the invention disclosed and taught herein. Skilled
artisans will also understand that, while embodiments for storing
one or two scooters are specifically described herein, embodiments
for storing other numbers of scooter (3, 4, or more) are
contemplated as being within the scope of this invention.
[0057] Moreover, although certain embodiments of the invention have
been described by way of example only, it will be understood by
skilled practitioners that modification may be made to the
disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention, which is defined by the claims.
[0058] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the
invention, that which is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is
claimed below.
* * * * *