U.S. patent application number 17/471229 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-17 for bicycle receptacle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Canyon Bicycles GmbH. Invention is credited to Stefan Neuhofer.
Application Number | 20220081197 17/471229 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220081197 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neuhofer; Stefan |
March 17, 2022 |
Bicycle Receptacle
Abstract
A bicycle transport container including a wall element which is
divided into two parts. The wall element has an upper part and a
lower part. The upper part can be opened along a bending edge.
Connected to the upper part are two side tabs which, when the upper
part is closed, rest against inner sides of the side walls of the
bicycle transport container.
Inventors: |
Neuhofer; Stefan; (Koblenz,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Canyon Bicycles GmbH |
Koblenz |
|
DE |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/471229 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2021 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/68 20060101
B65D085/68; B65D 81/05 20060101 B65D081/05 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 11, 2020 |
DE |
202020105241.1 |
Claims
1. The bicycle transport container, comprising an outer container,
a fork receiving element arranged inside the outer container, the
fork receiving element having a receiving element adapted to be
arranged between dropouts of a bicycle fork in order to receive the
bicycle fork, wherein the receiving element is substantially
arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the outer
container so that the bicycle fork mounted to the receiving element
is also arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the
outer container in a packaged state.
2. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the receiving element has a recess for receiving a fixing element
connectable to the bicycle fork.
3. The bicycle transport container according to claim 2, wherein
the recess is formed as a passage opening through which the fixing
element is insertable.
4. The bicycle transport container according to claim 2, wherein a
front axle, which is designed as a quick-release axle, is used as
the fixing element.
5. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the receiving element has several cardboard layers which are
arranged parallel to each other.
6. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the fork receiving element has an adjustment element for a defined
arrangement of the fork receiving element in the outer
container.
7. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein
the adjustment element is connected with the receiving element.
8. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein
the adjustment element has a base element resting against an inner
side of a bottom element of the outer container, whereby the base
element has a width which substantially corresponds to the width of
the internal dimension of the outer container.
9. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the fork receiving element has a stabilizing element connected.
10. The bicycle transport container, comprising an outer container,
a handlebar receiving element arranged inside the outer container
for a handlebar arranged in the outer container in the longitudinal
direction thereof, the handlebar receiving element having a contact
element which, in the packaged state, rests against an upper side
of a top tube of the bicycle frame or is arranged on a lower side
of a handlebar center part.
11. The bicycle transport container according to claim 10, wherein
the contact element is connected with a protective element which is
arranged on a front side of the handlebar center part in the
packaged state.
12. The bicycle transport container according claim 10, wherein the
handlebar receiving element has a packaging element for handlebar
ends separated from the handlebar center part, whereby the
packaging element is connected with the contact element.
13. The bicycle transport container according to claim 12, wherein
the packaging element is arranged laterally adjacent to the top
tube and a down tube of the bicycle frame in a packaged state.
14. The bicycle transport container according to claim 12, wherein
the packaging element has at least one packaging space in which the
handlebar ends are arranged in the packaged state.
15. The bicycle transport container according to claim 11, wherein
the packaging element is opposite the protective element.
16. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the outer container is of cuboid shape.
17. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the receiving element has several cardboard layers which are
connected to each other via bending edges.
18. The bicycle transport container according to claim 6, wherein
the adjustment element is integrally formed with the receiving
element.
19. The bicycle transport container according to claim 1, wherein
the fork receiving element has a stabilizing element connected with
the base element.
20. The bicycle transport container according to claim 10, wherein
the packaging element is connected and integrally formed with the
contact element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to German Patent
Application No. 20 2020 105 241.1 filed Sep. 11, 2020, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The disclosure relates to a bicycle receptacles, in
particular a bicycle cardboard box.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Bicycle receptacles such as bicycle cardboard boxes are used
for shipping bicycles. The bicycles are arranged inside the
corresponding bicycle receptacles in a partially disassembled or
entirely assembled state. In particular, it is known to partially
disassemble the bicycle such that the front wheel is not mounted,
but the real wheel is mounted. Optionally, other components such as
saddle or handlebar may also be disassembled. The transport with
mounted rear wheel has on the one hand the advantage that it does
not have to be mounted by the customer and on the other hand that
thereby a good protection for the chainstay and also the bottom
bracket can be realized in a simple way.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In known bicycle transport containers, in particular bicycle
transport cardboard boxes, the object is to reduce the risk of
damage during transport and/or to simplify packaging and/or to
simplify removal of the bicycle elements from the transport
container.
[0005] According to the disclosure, at least individual ones of
these objectives are solved by a bicycle receptacle according to
claim 1 and/or according to claim 11 or 10.
[0006] A first disclosure relates to a bicycle transport container,
in particular a bicycle transport cardboard box, which is
configured such that the removal of bicycle elements is simplified.
Such a bicycle transport container, which in particular has a
cuboid outer contour, comprises a bottom element. The bottom
element has a rectangular cross-section, in particular. Two
opposite side elements are connected with the bottom element. In
particular, these are the two narrow side elements which, in a
particularly preferred embodiment, are integrally formed with the
bottom element so that a bending edge is formed between the bottom
element and the side elements. In addition, two opposite wall
elements are connected with the bottom element. The two wall
elements can also be integrally formed with the bottom element so
that a bending edge is again formed between the wall element and
the bottom element. In addition, the two wall elements can be
connected, at least partially, to the side elements. An integral
design is again preferred here, so that there is again a bending
edge between the side elements and the wall elements. It is
particularly preferred that one of the two wall elements is
connected, in particular integrally formed with both side elements
over the entire height or over the entire length of the edge.
[0007] One of the two wall elements is formed in at least two
parts, so that it has an upper part and a lower part. The upper
part is connected with the lower part in a foldable manner. It is
preferred that the upper part and the lower part are integrally
formed so that they are connected with each other via a bending
edge. Here, it is preferred that the lower part is connected, in
particular integrally formed with both side elements over the
entire height of the lower parts. Thus, in a preferred embodiment,
the upper part can be unfolded outwards from a closed state in
which it forms substantially one plane with the lower part. In
particular, this allows a customer to easily remove the bicycle or
individual bicycle elements from the bicycle transport container.
Also, the transported bike is immediately visible to a customer in
a simple way.
[0008] The upper part comprises at least one side tab. When the
upper part is closed, the side tab is arranged such that it is
covered by a side element, in particular completely. The side tab
is in turn preferably connected with the upper part via a bending
edge and is particularly preferably integrally formed with the
upper part. By providing at least one side tab, the stability of
the bicycle transport container and in particular of the openable
upper part of the wall element can be improved. Furthermore, it is
ensured in the closed state that there is no slot or opening
between the upper part and the corresponding side element of the
bicycle transport container. It is particularly preferred that two
side tabs are provided so that no such slot or opening can occur on
both sides of the upper part. Such a slot would be disadvantageous
for transport since an unintentional tearing open of the bicycle
transport container can occur. In addition, the form stability of
the transport container is significantly improved by providing at
least one side tab.
[0009] Furthermore, the bicycle transport container according to
the disclosure preferably comprises a cover element. Said cover
element is preferably connected with at least one of the two wall
elements and serves for entirely closing the bicycle transport
container.
[0010] Preferably, the upper part has two side tabs, which, in
particular, are each arranged on the side edges of the upper part
which run substantially parallel to the side edges of the side
elements when the upper part is closed, i. e. run substantially
vertically when the bicycle transport container is standing on the
bottom element. In the closed state it is preferred that in
particular both side tabs are covered by the respective
corresponding side element. It is particularly preferred that both
side tabs in particular rest against the inner side of the side
element when the upper part is closed. When closing the upper part,
the at least one side tab is thus guided along the inner side of
the side element, in particular in a sliding manner.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the upper part itself is formed
without the provided side tabs such that it has a rectangular
cross-section. Preferably, the lower part is also formed such that
it has a rectangular cross-section. The upper part and the lower
part together have a size that forms the entire wall element in a
preferred embodiment, in this respect extending over the entire
length and height of the bicycle transport container. It is
preferred that the upper part has at least one dimension in
vertical direction which is at least 25% of the total height of the
bicycle transport container. Preferably, the vertical height of the
upper part is at least 50% of the total height of the bicycle
transport container.
[0012] In a preferred further embodiment of the disclosure, the
lower part is in particular firmly connected with the respective
side element at both side edges. It is particularly preferred that
the lower part is integrally formed with both side parts, and that
respectively one bending edge is provided.
[0013] In addition, it is preferred that at least one of the side
tabs has a bevel. Such a bevel or beveled outer edge has the
advantage that the upper part can be closed more easily, i. e.
folded into the closed position. In particular, that edge of the
side tab is beveled which, when the upper part is closed, points in
the direction of the interior of the bicycle transport container.
Preferably, both side tabs are formed in this way.
[0014] Preferably, the upper part and the lower part, which in
particular each have a rectangular cross-section, are integrally
formed with one another. The connection is particularly formed as a
bending edge. With the aid of this bending edge, it is possible to
fold the upper part forward or outward, respectively, in order to
open the bicycle transport container. In particular, the upper part
can be unfolded by approximately 180.degree. so that it rests
against an outer side of the lower part in the unfolded state.
[0015] The cover element of the bicycle transport container can be
formed as a separate element. It is preferred that the cover
element has a cover part which is connected with the upper part. It
is particularly preferred that the cover part is integrally formed
with the upper part, wherein it is also preferred that the
connection is made via a bending edge. In the closed state, said
bending edge corresponds to one of the outer edges of the, in
particular, cuboid bicycle transport container, said bending edge
particularly extending in longitudinal direction of the bicycle
transport container and horizontally.
[0016] Preferably, the cover element has a further cover part. In a
preferred embodiment, said further cover part is connected with the
further wall element. The further wall element is opposite to the
wall element comprising an upper part and a lower part. Preferably,
said cover part is integrally connected with the wall element,
wherein a bending edge is also formed in a preferred embodiment.
Said bending edge is preferably parallel to the bending edge
between the cover part connected with the lower part. It is
preferred that, when the bicycle transport container is closed, the
two cover parts lie flat against each other and, in particular,
form the upper outer side of the bicycle transport container.
[0017] For the arrangement of a mounted or partially assembled
bicycle or bicycle elements inside the bicycle transport container,
receiving, holding and/or protective elements or the like may be
arranged therein.
[0018] A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle
transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard
box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or
bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is
reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may
be combined with the above-described disclosure, in particular with
the described individual preferred further embodiments.
[0019] The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure
comprises an outer container. Said outer container can be formed in
particular corresponding to the above-described bicycle transport
container and in this respect have a wall element with an openable
upper part. Regardless thereof, the bicycle transport container has
receiving elements for a bicycle element which are arranged inside
the outer container. For example, such receiving elements serve for
receiving a chainstay, a rear wheel, a bicycle fork, a handlebar, a
saddle, running wheels, further additional components and the
like.
[0020] According to the disclosure, a length compensation element
is arranged between one of the receiving elements and an inner side
of the outer container. This makes it possible to ensure that the
receiving elements do not shift during transport, particularly in
the longitudinal direction. For example, a rear wheel receiving
element and a fork receiving element can be provided in a partially
assembled bicycle. If the receiving elements are firmly connected
to the rear wheel or fork, the position of the two receiving
elements relative to each other is fixed. By providing a length
compensation element according to the disclosure, for example
between the fork element and the inner side of the outer container,
or the rear wheel receiving element and the inner side of the outer
container, slippage of the entire partially assembled bicycle
arranged between the fork receiving element and the rear wheel
receiving element can be avoided.
[0021] A particular advantage of providing such a length
compensation element according to the disclosure is that an outer
container with the same external dimensions can be used for
different bicycle sizes or bicycle types. For example, an outer
container with the same external dimensions can be used for
different bicycles with various frame sizes. Depending on the frame
size, the fork receiving element and the rear wheel receiving
element have a different distance to each other in the above
example. Since the internal dimension of the outer container is the
same, the difference can be compensated by the length compensation
element. It is therefore not required to provide different outer
containers for different bicycles sizes or bicycle types.
[0022] In particular, the length compensation element is arranged
in longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container. The
longitudinal direction of the bicycle transport container
corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle or bicycle
frame arranged inside the bicycle transport container. Thus, the
length compensation element particularly avoids slippage in
longitudinal direction during transport.
[0023] Optionally, two length compensation elements may be
provided, each arranged opposite the other on an inner side of the
preferably narrow side elements of the outer container. In this
way, on the one hand, greater length compensation can be realized
in a simple manner and, on the other hand, the two length
compensation elements can also serve as damping elements in order
to avoid the risk of damaging the bicycle or the corresponding
bicycle elements arranged in the bicycle transport container.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the length compensation element
is configured to be variable in length. Alternatively, depending of
the frame size or the like, different length compensation elements
may be provided which are optionally not variable in length.
[0025] It is preferred that the length compensation element being
variable in length has opposite contact elements whose distance to
one another can be varied. Preferably, one of the two contact
elements is located at the inside of the outer container, in
particular on the inner side of a side element of the outer
container. The other contact element rests against the receiving
element, which is in particular the fork receiving element or the
rear wheel receiving element.
[0026] It is particularly preferred that the length compensation
element is made from a flat starting material, in particular a flat
cardboard element. In a simple embodiment, the length compensation
element could be, i. e., for example, have several layers of
cardboard lying on top of each other. Depending of the number of
layers, the length of the length compensation element can be varied
in a simple manner. The individual layers of cardboard can be
joined together, in particular via bending edges.
[0027] Preferably, the length compensation element has three
bending edges, wherein it is particularly preferred that individual
parts of the length compensation element are not parallel to each
other. In a preferred embodiment of the length compensation
element, the latter has an upper contact part and a lower contact
part which are connected to each other via a connecting element.
Preferably, one, or in particular both of the contact parts form
one of the contact elements. It is particularly preferred that one,
or in particular both contact parts rest against the inner side of
the outer container. Here, a flat contact is particularly
preferred.
[0028] The connecting element is preferably configured such that,
starting from the upper and/or lower contact part, it extends in
side view, in particular wedge-shaped, into the interior of the
bicycle transport container, i. e. points in the direction of the
receiving element. The connecting element preferably forms one of
the two contact elements. Preferably, the connecting element forms
a contact edge or contact surface facing in the direction of the
receiving element, which forms the contact element.
[0029] It is particularly preferred that the connecting element has
two connecting parts which are connected, in particular integrally
formed with each other and. The two connecting parts are preferably
connected with each other via a bending edge. Here, it is
particularly preferred that said bending edge is spaced apart from
the two contact parts, wherein the bending edge can then form the
corresponding contact element that rests against the receiving
element.
[0030] It is further preferred that the connecting element, in
particular the two connecting parts and the two contact parts, are
integrally formed and, in particular, are connected with each other
via bending edges.
[0031] It is particularly preferred that individual and, in
particular, all above-described components are made of
cardboard.
[0032] A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle
transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard
box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or
bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is
reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may
be combined with one or both of the above-described disclosures, in
particular with the described individual preferred further
embodiments.
[0033] The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure
comprises an outer container which may be formed according to the
bicycle transport container described above according to the first
disclosure. Regardless thereof, the bicycle transport container has
receiving elements for a bicycle element inside the outer
container. Here, a fork receiving element is configured according
to the disclosure. The fork receiving element according to the
disclosure has a receiving element for receiving a bicycle fork,
the receiving element being arranged between dropouts of the
bicycle fork, i. e. between the fork legs, in a packaged state.
With the aid of the receiving element, a connection with the
bicycle fork is thus possible when the front wheel is mounted.
[0034] The connection between the receiving element and the bicycle
fork can be made by separate holding elements, straps, Velcro
fasteners or the like. Is is preferred that the front wheel axle,
which is particularly formed as a quick-release axle, is used as
the fixing element for connecting the receiving element to the
bicycle fork. For this purpose, an opening can be provided in the
receiving element, in which opening the quick-release axle is
arranged. For example, the opening can be formed as an upwardly
open slot so that the front wheel fork can be inserted into the
slot from above together with the mounted quick-release axle. It is
preferred that the opening is a passage opening, in particular of
substantially circular cross-section. The fixing element, which is
particularly formed as a front wheel axle, can thus be inserted
through the opening and fixed to the dropouts of the fork in a
manner corresponding to the fixing of a front wheel.
[0035] Regardless of the connection of the bicycle fork to the
receiving element, the receiving element of the fork receiving
element is arranged in the outer container in a packaged state
substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the
outer container. In the packaged state, the bicycle element or, in
particular, the fork-receiving element is arranged inside the outer
container. By arranging the outer element transversely to the
longitudinal direction, the bicycle fork fixed to the receiving
element is also arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction
of the outer container. In relation to the longitudinal direction
of the bicycle, the handlebar is thus rotated 90.degree. with
respect to the direction of travel.
[0036] It is particularly preferred that the receiving element of
the fork receiving element has several cardboard layers arranged
parallel to one another. This can be individual layers of cardboard
or a folded cardboard so that at least some of the cardboard layers
are connected to each other by folded edges.
[0037] In a particularly preferred further embodiment of the
disclosure, referring to the fork receiving element, the fork
receiving element has an adjustment element. The adjustment element
defines the arrangement of the fork receiving element in the outer
container so that an exact position in the outer container is
defined such that the fork and also components connected to the
fork are at a distance from the inner side of the outer container.
Thus, the risk of damages is reduced. The adjustment element is
preferably connected, in particular integrally formed with the
receiving element. It is further preferred that the adjustment
element is arranged in front of the bicycle fork and thus in front
of the receiving element in the longitudinal direction of the
bicycle frame arranged inside the outer container. In this respect,
the adjustment element also serves as a spacer to a narrow side
wall of the outer container.
[0038] Preferably, the adjustment element has a base element
resting against an inner side of the bottom element of the outer
container. Here, the base element particularly has a width which
substantially corresponds to the internal dimension of the outer
container in width. At least the base element prevents the fork
receiving element from slipping transversely to the longitudinal
direction of the outer container. In particular, the base element
can have a rectangular cross-section. In addition, the adjustment
element can have a stabilizing element which is in particular
connected, preferably integrally formed with the base element. The
stabilizing element can be formed as a cardboard layer which is
arranged obliquely upwards in relation to the base element. Thus,
the stabilizing element has an angle of preferably 30-60.degree.
with respect to the base element and is arranged in front of the
receiving element with respect to the frame longitudinal direction.
In this way, the stability of the fork receiving element can be
improved.
[0039] A further independent disclosure relates to a bicycle
transport container, in particular a bicycle transport cardboard
box, in which in particular the risk of damage to bicycles or
bicycle elements arranged inside the bicycle transport container is
reduced. In a further embodiment, this independent disclosure may
also be combined with one or several of the above-described
disclosures, in particular with the described individual preferred
further embodiments.
[0040] The bicycle transport container according to this disclosure
comprises an outer container which may be formed according to the
first disclosure. A handlebar receiving element for a handlebar is
arranged inside the outer container. The handlebar is arranged
inside the outer container with the aid of the handlebar receiving
element according to the disclosure such that the handle-bar is
arranged in longitudinal direction of the outer container. In
relation to a direction of travel of the bicycle, the handlebar is
thus rotated by 90.degree.. Although the disclosure relating to the
handlebar receiving element is an independent disclosure, it is
particularly preferred to combine said disclosure with the
above-described disclosure relating to the fork receiving element.
Since the fork and handlebar are preferably at least partially
mounted and packaged together, the fork and handlebar have the same
orientation in the outer container when the two disclosures are
combined.
[0041] The handlebar receiving element according to the disclosure
has a contact element. In a packaged state, the contact element is
arranged such that is rests against an upper side of the top tube
of the bicycle frame. Furthermore, the contact element is arranged
such that it is arranged on a lower side of a handlebar center
part. The handlebar center part is the center part of the handlebar
which is connected to or integrally formed with the stem and is
positioned transverse to the direction of travel when riding
straight ahead. The two handlebar ends are connected with the
handlebar center part. The handle-bar ends can be designed
differently depending on the type of handlebar. It is particularly
possible that the handlebar ends are formed as separate components
and can be separated from the handlebar center part. This is
particularly advantageous for the transport of a partially
assembled bicycle, since it is then possible to mount the handlebar
center part. This is particularly advantageous if the handlebar
center part is integrally formed with the stem or a cockpit,
respectively. In particular, this has the advantage that the
steering head bearings can be pre-assembled, as they have to be
precisely mounted due to the pre-load to be set.
[0042] In particular, different handlebar receiving elements can be
designed so that different bicycle handlebars, such as a racing
bicycle handlebar, a mountain bike handlebar or a triathlon
handlebar, can be arranged inside the bicycle transport container,
wherein the same bicycle transport container can be used.
[0043] In a preferred further embodiment of the disclosure, the
contact element is connected, in particular integrally formed with
a protective element. In a packaged state, the protective element
is arranged at a front side of the handlebar center part. The
protective element is thus located between the handlebar center
part and an inner side of the outer container, in particular a wall
element of the outer container. Thus, in particular the center park
of the handlebar is protected from damages during transport.
[0044] Preferably, the receiving element has a packaging element.
The packaging element serves for receiving both handlebar ends
separated from the handlebar center part. Here, it is preferred
that the packaging element has at least one receiving pocket or at
least one packaging space, respectively, in which the handlebar
ends are at least partially arranged in a packaged state. The
packaging element also protects the handlebar ends from damages
during transport.
[0045] In a packaged state, it is particularly preferred that the
packaging element is arranged laterally next to the top tube and
next to the down tube of the bicycle frame. The packaging element
is thus arranged between the bicycle frame and on the inner side of
the outer container, in particular on an inside of a wall element
of the outer container. Preferably, the packaging element is
arranged opposite the protective element.
[0046] A further independent disclosure relates to a saddle
receiving element. This is a packaging for a saddle, in particular
together with a seatpost connected with the saddle. A corresponding
saddle receiving element can be arranged inside a bicycle transport
container or in the outer container, respectively. The bicycle
receiving element according to the disclosure is configured such
that a saddle can be arranged together with the seatpost in two
different positions. It is thus possible to arrange a saddle in
different position inside the bicycle transport container with the
same packaging element. This has the advantage that with different
bicycles arranged in the bicycle transport container, the bicycle
saddle must be arranged differently due to the small storage space
inside the bicycle transport container.
[0047] The saddle receiving element according to the disclosure
comprises a saddle receptacle which has a passage opening on the
one hand and a slot on the other hand. The seat post can be
inserted into the passage opening. A front end of the saddle, the
saddle nose, can be inserted into the slot so that the seatpost
lies on an upper side of the saddle receptacle.
[0048] Preferably, the saddle receptacle is connected, in
particularly integrally formed with one or several protective
elements. The protective elements are arranged such that they
protect both the saddle and the saddle tube from damage, in
particular in both positions in which they can be arranged in the
saddle receiving element. Furthermore, the protective elements
ensure protection of elements arranged next to the saddle or the
saddle tube, such as a bicycle frame.
[0049] In accordance with the elements described above, the saddle
receiving element is also made of cardboard in a preferred
embodiment.
[0050] For further protection of a bicycle transported, in
particular partially assembled, in the bicycle transport container
or in the outer container, a spacer may be provided, which is an
independent disclosure. The spacer is used to bridge a distance
between the bicycle frame, in particular the top tube of the
bicycle frame, and an inner side of the cover. The spacer prevents
the bicycle or bicycle frame from moving in a vertical direction
during transport. The spacer is preferably made of a cardboard
element. Preferably, the spacer has three flat elements, in
particular cardboard layers, connected via bending edges. These are
joined together to form a triangle in side view. A first flat
element has several slots into which a tab connected to the third
flat member can be inserted in different positions. It is thus
possible to vary the size of the triangular spacer.
[0051] To protect the frame, it is possible to provide a frame
protector made of paper or thin cardboard, independently of the
disclosures described above. The frame protection is configured
such that in the unpacked state it is a flat planar element that
has an adhesive strip. The frame protection can thus be placed, for
example, around a top tube or other frame components and connected
by the adhesive surface. Preferably, the frame protection has a
perforation preferably parallel to an adhesive strip so that the
frame protection can be removed easily.
[0052] The bicycle transport container can be closed for transport
by using separate closing elements. This can be plastic elements
which are inserted into corresponding recesses and are fixed by
twisting, for example. The cardboard box can also be safely closed
by an adhesive tape or the like. Before shipping, the cardboard box
may need to be opened again. This is done, for example, for final
inspection or to pack additional products ordered by a customer,
such as bicycle accessories or the like, into the bicycle transport
container.
[0053] According to an independent disclosure, it is thus preferred
that for closing the transport container, tabs are provided on
cover elements or the like, which are inserted into slots.
According to the disclosure, the slots are designed such that they
have at least partially a smaller width than the thickness of the
tab. Due to the occurring friction, the tab is held in the slot in
a clamped manner.
[0054] All of the above-described parts of the packaging for a
bicycle, in particular a partially assembled bicycle, are made of
cardboard in a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] In the following the individual disclosures described above
are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective greatly simplified view
of a bicycle transport container,
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view along line II-II in
FIG. 1, wherein the bicycle transport container is closed,
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the bicycle cardboard
box, wherein the front wall element is not shown in order to
illustrate the elements disposed inside the bicycle transport
container,
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the length
compensation element,
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a fork receiving element
and a handlebar receiving element,
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a schematic plan view of the handlebar
receiving element,
[0062] FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a saddle
receiving element,
[0063] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a spacer,
and
[0064] FIG. 9 shows a schematic plan view of a holding slot for a
closing tab.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] FIG. 1 shows a bicycle transport container being cuboid in a
closed state, which is in particular a bicycle transport box made
of cardboard. The bicycle transport container has a bottom element
10 having a rectangular cross-section. Two opposite side elements
12 are connected with the bottom element 10. Since the side
elements 12 are preferably integrally formed with the bottom
element 10, the edges 14 are formed as bending edges. In addition,
two wall elements 16, 18, which are also opposite each other, are
connected with the bottom element 10. The rear wall element 16
shown in FIG. 1 also has a rectangular cross-section and extends
over the entire rear side of the bicycle transport container. In
this respect, the rear wall element 16 is connected at the edges 20
with one of the two side elements 12, the edges 20 preferably also
being bending edges.
[0066] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the front wall
element 18 is formed in two parts and has a lower part 22 and an
upper part 24. The lower part 22 and the upper part 24 each have a
rectangular cross-section. In particular, the two parts 22, 24 are
integrally formed and connected with each other via a bending edge
26. The bending edge 26 allows the upper part 24 to be moved ore
opened into the position shown in FIG. 1. The upper part 24 can
also be folded upward into the closed position (FIG. 2) about the
bending edge 26.
[0067] The lower part 22 is firmly connected to the respective side
part 12 at edges 28 which may also be formed as bending edges. The
upper part 24 is not connected with the side part 12. In the
illustrated exemplary embodiment, the upper part is rather
connected with two side tabs 30. The two side tabs 30 are
connected, in particular integrally formed with the upper part 24
via bending edges 32.
[0068] In addition, the bicycle transport container comprises a
cover element consisting of two cover parts 34, 36 in the
illustrated exemplary embodiments. In relation to a longitudinal
direction 38, the cover part 34 is connected at a longitudinal edge
40 with the upper part 24, the longitudinal edge 40 preferably also
being a bending edge. The cover part 26 of the cover element is
connected with the wall element 16 by the longitudinal edge 42
which preferably also is a bending edge.
[0069] In an opened state, i. e. when the upper part 24 is folded
forward, the interior of the bicycle transport container is easily
accessible and easily visible. In this respect, individual bicycle
elements or even the entire bicycle can be removed more easily from
the bicycle transport container.
[0070] The bicycle transport container is closed by folding the two
side tabs 30 inwards or upwards so that the side tabs 30 form an
angle of approximately 90.degree. with respect to the inner side of
the upper part 24, which faces inwards in the closed state. The
upper part 24 is then moved upwards to the position shown in FIG. 2
so that the upper part 24 is arranged in one plane with the lower
part 22. In this case, the two side parts 30 each rest against
inner sides 44 of the two side elements 12.
[0071] Thus, the bicycle transport container is closed in the open
area 46 of the edge 28, i. e. in the area in which the upper part
24 is not connected with the side parts 12. The edges are closed by
the tabs 30.
[0072] In order to allow the side flaps 30 to be closed as easily
as possible and to prevent them from canting or clamping, the side
flaps 30 each have a bevel 48. The bevel 48 extends such that the
distance between the bending edge 32 and the bevel 48 decreases,
starting from an area located in the direction of the bending edge
40, an area located in the direction of the edge 26. The width of
the tab thus decreases at least partially starting from the upper
side or starting from the cover part 34 downwards or in the
direction of the lower part 22.
[0073] To further close the bicycle transport container, after
folding up the upper part 24, the cover part 36 connected to the
rear wall element 16 is folded forward in the direction of the
upper part 24 into the position shown in FIG. 2. Subsequently, the
second cover part 34 is folded inwards around the edge 40, also
into the position shown in FIG. 2, so that the cover parts 34, 36
overlap or rest against each other.
[0074] Tabs can additionally be connected to upper edges 50 of the
two side elements 12, which are folded inwards to close the bicycle
transport container and are then also aligned parallel to the two
cover parts 34, 36. The corresponding tabs, which are particularly
connected via bending edges with the side elements 12, are not
illustrated in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity.
[0075] The bicycle transport container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can
be an outer container in which receiving elements and the like for
a bicycle, bicycle elements etc. are arranged.
[0076] FIG. 3 shows a side plan view or front view of a bicycle
transport container in which the front side wall 18 has been cut
away so that elements arranged inside the bicycle transport
container are visible. In addition to the illustrated elements,
further bicycle elements, transport container, supplementary
elements etc. can be arranged in the bicycle cardboard box. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bicycle cardboard box
illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown,
wherein in principle, another bicycle cardboard box or another
bicycle transport container can also be used to realize the
disclosure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0077] A partially disassembled bicycle is arranged inside the
bicycle transport container. It has a bicycle frame 52 on whose
chainstay 54 a rear wheel 56 is mounted. Furthermore, a bicycle
fork 58 is connected with the bicycle frame 52. The rear wheel 56
is arranged in a rear wheel receiving element 60. The rear wheel
receiving element 60, which is also produced in particular by
correspondingly folded and bent cardboard, fixes the rear wheel 56,
for example, in a slot-like recess, so that the rear wheel 56 is
firmly connected to the rear wheel receiving element 60 in the
longitudinal direction 38, and also in particular transversely to
the longitudinal direction 38.
[0078] The bicycle fork 58 is fixed in a cable receiving element
62. For this purpose, the fork receiving element, which is also
made of cardboard, can have opening through which the quick release
for the front wheel can be inserted, for example. Thus, the
dropouts of the bicycle fork 58 can be fixed to the fork receiving
element 62.
[0079] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a relatively small
bicycle frame is arranged in the bicycle frame cardboard box. This
results in a distance 66 between the fork receiving element 62 and
an inner side 64 of the side wall 12. A length compensation element
68 is arranged in this area to bridge the distance 66. A
corresponding length compensation element can also be arranged
additionally or instead of the illustrated length compensation
element between the rear wheel receiving element 60 and the inner
side of the opposite inner wall 12.
[0080] In the exemplary embodiment, the length compensation element
68, which is preferably also made of cardboard, has an upper
contact part 70 and a lower contact part 72. The two contact parts
70, 72 are connected with each other via a connecting element which
has two connecting parts 74, 76 is the illustrated exemplary
embodiment. The length compensation element 68 is made of one part,
in particular of cardboard. In this respect, the upper contact part
70 is connected to the connecting part 74 via a bending edge 78,
the two connecting parts 74, 76 are connected via a bending edge
80, and the connecting part 76 is connected to the lower contact
part 72 via a bending edge 82.
[0081] If the length compensation element 68 is arranged in the
bicycle transport container, side surfaces 84 of the upper contact
part 70 and of the lower contact part 72 rest against the inner
side 74 of the side element 12. Thus, a first contact element is
formed. A second contact element is formed by the bending edge 80
located between the two connecting parts 74, 76. This contact
element, which is formed as an edge 80 and is opposite the first
contact element 84, rests against an outer side 86 of the fork
receiving element 62.
[0082] Optionally, a cardboard extending, for example, over the
entire height of the bicycle transport container or a further
receiving or fixing element can be arranged on the outer side 86.
This can be used, for example, to receive or fix a handlebar.
Accordingly, the contact element 80 would then rests against a
corresponding outer side of this intermediate element.
[0083] To prevent the entire bicycle from shifting in the
longitudinal direction 38 of the bicycle transport container, the
length compensation element 68 is inserted into the bicycle
transport container from above in the direction of an arrow 88. Due
to the flexibility provided via bending edges 78, 80, 82, the
length compensation element 68 can be inserted into the transport
container until the bicycle is fixed in the longitudinal direction.
The upper contact part 70 can then be cut to length. For this
purpose, several perforation lines can be provided 90 It is thus
possible to provide a length compensation element for compensating
different length differences. The length compensation element 68
can thus be used to easily compensate for different distances 66 so
that it is possible to arrange, for example, different bicycle
types, bicycle frames of different sizes and the like inside the
bicycle transport container. It is thus possible to use a bicycle
transport container of identical size for different bicycles
etc.
[0084] A further length compensation element 68 is provided on the
opposite side, which is between the rear wheel receiving element 60
and the side wall 12. The function is identical to the
above-described function of the length compensation element 68
arranged between the fork receiving element 62 and the left side
wall 12 shown in FIG. 3.
[0085] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a fork receiving
element 92 and a handlebar receiving element 90 in a packaged
state. Compared to the fork receiving element 62 shown in FIG. 3,
the fork receiving element 92 is configured such that the fork 58
is arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction 38 in the
bicycle transport container. For this purpose, the fork receiving
element 92 has a receiving element 94 which is made of several
cardboard layers, in particular. The receiving element 94 is
arranged between the two dropouts 96 of the bicycle fork 58. The
receiving element 94 has a passage opening or a bore so that the
quick-release axle can be inserted therethrough and connected with
the dropouts 96 of the fork 58.
[0086] Transversely to the longitudinal direction, it is preferred
that the receiving element 94 has a width corresponding to the
inner width of the receiving container, so that the fork 58 cannot
be shifted transversely to the longitudinal direction 38 inside the
receiving container, but is arranged in a defined position. In
longitudinal direction 38, which corresponds to the longitudinal
direction of the frame, in front of the receiving element 94, an
adjustment element 98 is connected thereto, the adjustment element
98 also being made of cardboard and being integrally formed with
the receiving element 94. The adjustment element 98 has a base
element 100. The base element 100 is formed as a cardboard layer
having a rectangular cross-section. The width of the base element
100 also corresponds to the width inside the bicycle transport
container or the width of the receiving element 94, respectively. A
stabilizing element 102 is connected with the base element 100 via
a bending edge. It extends upwards at an angle of about 30.degree.
from the illustrated exemplary embodiment to the base member 100.
The stabilizing element 102 is thus arranged in longitudinal
direction 38 in front of the receiving element 94.
[0087] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the handlebar
receiving element 90 is used to receive a multi-piece handlebar.
The handlebar has a handlebar center part 104 which is integrally
formed with a handlebar stem 106 or a handlebar cockpit in the
illustrated exemplary embodiment. The handlebar stem 106 is mounted
with the fork steerer. The handlebar further has two handlebar ends
108 that can be removably connected to the handlebar center part
104 by inserting the handlebar ends 108 into the side openings of
the handlebar center part 104. In the illustrated exemplary
embodiment, the handlebar end 108 are formed a racing bicycle
handlebars, wherein the shift and brake levers are already
connected to the handlebar ends 108.
[0088] The handlebar receiving element 90 has a flat contact
element 110 preferably also made of cardboard. The contact element
is arranged such that, on the one hand, it rests against an upper
side 112 of a top tube 114 of the frame and, on the other hand, it
is arranged below the handlebar center part 104. A protective
element 116 is connected with the contact element 110. The
protective element 116 can be arranged over a bending edge 118 such
that the protective element 116 is arranged substantially
perpendicular to the contact element 110. With the bicycle disposed
in the bicycle transport container, the protective member 116 rests
against an inner side of one of the wall members 16 or 18 (FIG.
1).
[0089] Opposite the protective element 116, the handlebar
receptacle 90 includes a packaging element 120 for receiving the
two handlebar ends 108, the ends being at least partially arranged
in a packaging space 122 formed by the packaging element.
[0090] The packaging element 120 rests laterally against the top
tube 114 and optionally against the down tube. An outer surface 124
(FIG. 5) rests against the inner side of one of the two wall
members 16 or 18 when the bicycle is disposed inside the bicycle
transport container.
[0091] A saddle receiving element 126 (FIG. 7) has a saddle
receptacle 128. The saddle receptacle 128 has a round opening 130
in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The saddle tube can be
inserted therethrough so that the saddle itself rests against an
upper side 123 of the saddle receiving element 128 and the saddle
tube protrudes downwards. The saddle receiving element 128 also has
a slot-shaped opening 134. The saddle tip can be inserted into said
slot so that the saddle tube is arranged in the direction of the
opening 130, starting from the slot 134, and is arranged on the
upper side 132 of the saddle receptacle 128. Thus, a saddle can be
arranged together with the saddle tube in two different position
inside the saddle receiving element.
[0092] In order to protect the saddle as well as the saddle tube
and to protect other components arranged inside the bicycle
receptacle, in particular the bicycle frame, two protective
elements 136, 138 are connected to the saddle receptacle 128 in the
illustrated exemplary embodiment. In particular, both the
protective elements 136, 138 and the saddle receptacle 128 are made
of cardboard and are integrally formed.
[0093] Inside the bicycle transport container, the receiving
element can be arranged in particular such that an upper side 140
of the protective element 136 rests against an inner side of a wall
element 16 or 18 (FIG. 1).
[0094] Optionally, further protective elements can be provided so
that below the opening 130 a receiving space is formed in which the
saddle tube can be arranged in a protected manner.
[0095] A spacer 142 (FIG. 8) may be positioned above a top tube or
another frame member to compensate for size. In the illustrated
embodiment, the spacer 142 is integrally formed of cardboard. Three
flat cardboard elements 144, 146, 148 are formed by folding the
cardboard appropriately. A spacer 142 having a triangular
cross-section in side view can be formed by a tab or lug 150
provided on the cardboard element 148 by inserting the tab 150 into
one of the slots 152. Depending on which of the slots 152 the lug
150 is inserted into, the spacer has different dimensions to a
different height and can thus be adapted to the corresponding
bicycle element arranged in the bicycle transport container, in
particular in the partially mounted bicycle frame. This ensures
that the bicycle frame cannot move inside the cardboard box, as the
spacer 142 is disposed between an upper side of the bicycle frame
and the cover element of the bicycle transport container and fills
the corresponding space.
[0096] In order to be able to close the bicycle cardboard box
easily and to open it more easily, for example, for final
inspection or for packing further parts, corresponding closing
tabs, which are provided for example on the cover parts 34, 36
(FIG. 1), have tabs which are inserted into slots. The slots can be
formed such that they are formed at least in a partial area,
corresponding to the slot 154 shown in FIG. 9, which at least in
the central area has a width B that is less than the thickness of
the tab. This holds the tab clamped in the slot 154. To prevent
tearing or fraying of the slot 154, the end portions 156 are
rounded.
Further Aspects are:
[0097] Aspect 1. A bicycle transport container, in particular a
bicycle transport cardboard box, comprising [0098] a bottom element
(10), [0099] two opposite side elements (12) connected with the
bottom element (10), [0100] two opposite wall elements (16, 18)
connected with the bottom element (10) and at least partially with
the two side elements (12), and [0101] a cover element (34, 36)
preferably connected to at least one of the two wall elements (16,
18), [0102] wherein one of the two wall elements (18) has an upper
part (24) foldably connected to a lower part (22), [0103]
characterized in that [0104] the upper part (24) has at least one
side tab (30) being covered by a side element (12) when the upper
part (24) is closed.
[0105] Aspect 2. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 1,
characterized in that the upper part (24) has two side tabs (30),
each being covered by one of the two side elements (12) when the
upper part (24) is closed.
[0106] Aspect 3. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to one of aspects 1 or 2,
characterized in that at least one side tab (30) rests against one
of the side elements (12), in particular an inner side (44) of the
side elements (12), when the upper part (24) is closed.
[0107] Aspect 4. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1
to 3, characterized in that the upper part (22) is connected with
the two side elements (12), in particular is integrally formed
therewith.
[0108] Aspect 5. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1
to 4, characterized in that at least one of the side tabs (30) has
a bevel (48).
[0109] Aspect 6. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1
to 5, characterized in that the upper part (24) and the lower part
(22) are integrally formed, wherein a bending edge (26) is formed
between the upper part (24) and the lower part (22).
[0110] Aspect 7. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1
to 6, characterized in that the cover element has a cover part (34)
which is connected to the upper part (24) and is integrally formed,
in particular.
[0111] Aspect 8. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects 1
to 7, characterized in that the cover element has a cover part (36)
which is connected to the further wall element (16) and is
integrally formed, in particular.
[0112] Aspect 9. The bicycle transport container, in particular the
bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 7 or 8,
characterized in that the two cover parts (34, 36) lie flat against
each another when the bicycle transport container is closed.
[0113] Aspect 10. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects
1 to 9, characterized in that receiving, holding and/or protective
elements (60, 62) for a bicycle frame (52) and bicycle elements are
arranged inside the bicycle transport container.
[0114] Aspect 11. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box, comprising [0115] an outer
container, in particular of cuboid shape, and [0116] receiving
elements (60, 62) for a bicycle element (52) which are arranged
inside the outer container, [0117] characterized by [0118] a length
compensation element (68) arranged between a receiving element (62)
and an inner side (64) of the receptacle.
[0119] Aspect 12. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 11,
characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is
arranged in longitudinal direction (38) of the bicycle transport
container between one of the receiving elements (62) and the inner
side (64) of the outer container.
[0120] Aspect 13. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 11 or 12,
characterized in that the length compensation element (68) is
arranged between one of the receiving elements (62) and the inner
wall (64) of a side element (12) forming a narrow side of the
bicycle transport container.
[0121] Aspect 14. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects
11 to 13, characterized in that the length compensation element
(68) is variable in length in longitudinal direction (38) of the
bicycle transport container.
[0122] Aspect 15. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 14,
characterized in that the length compensation element (68) has two
mutually opposite contact elements (84, 80) whose distance to one
another is variable.
[0123] Aspect 16. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects
11 to 15, characterized in that the length compensation element
(68) is made from a flat starting material, in particular a flat
cardboard element.
[0124] Aspect 17. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects
11 to 16, characterized in that the length compensation element
(68) in particular has three bending edge (78, 80, 82).
[0125] Aspect 18. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to any one of aspects
11 to 17, characterized in that the length compensation element
(68) has an upper contact part (70) which is connected with a lower
contact part (72) via a connecting element (74, 76).
[0126] Aspect 19. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 18,
characterized in that the two contact parts (70, 72) form one of
the two contact elements (84) and preferably rest against the inner
side (64) of the bicycle transport container.
[0127] Aspect 20. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to one of aspects 18
or 19, characterized in that the connecting element forms one of
the two contact elements (80) and preferably rests against one of
the receiving elements (62).
[0128] Aspect 21. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 20,
characterized in that the connecting element has two
interconnected, in particular integrally formed connecting parts
(74, 76) which are preferably connected to each another via a
bending edge (80).
[0129] Aspect 22. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to aspect 21,
characterized in that the bending edge (80) forms one of the
contact elements.
[0130] Aspect 23. The bicycle transport container, in particular
the bicycle transport cardboard box according to claim 21 or 22,
characterized in that the two connecting parts (74, 76) and the two
contact parts (70, 72) are integrally formed and connected to each
other via bending edges (78, 80, 82).
* * * * *