Securable hanger for personal transportation vehicles and accessories

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/232,002 filed Sep. 12, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to theft prevention devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to theft prevention devices for folding scooters, skateboards, other personal transportation vehicles and their accessories.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

School-aged children frequently use skateboards and, more recently, folding scooters for personal transportation. It is impractical to require students to carry a folding scooter or skateboard from classroom to classroom, most likely in addition to a backpack containing a full day's supply of books. Folding scooters and skateboards also present a safety hazard if not properly stowed. For instance, the scooter or skateboard may be tripped over if left on the floor or underneath desks.

While transportation alternatives to the automobile, such as folding scooters, skateboards and inline skates, have historically been relied upon by children below the driving age, increases in traffic congestion, fuel costs and parking shortages, combined with an increased concern over environmental problems linked to motorized vehicles, have resulted in an increased use of these vehicles by older children and adults. The generally compact nature of folding scooters, skateboards and inline skates adds to their convenience but also makes them susceptible to theft.

Various devices have long been utilized in an attempt to prevent the theft of personal property. Theft prevention devices can be of a general nature, such as a combination of a chain, or a braided steel cable, and a lock, or can be of a very specific nature, such as an automobile steering wheel lock. Theft prevention devices are desirable in public places, especially schools, where personal property may be left unattended for substantial periods of time. An example of a general theft prevention device typically provided in schools is an enclosed locker paired with a key-actuated or combination-type lock. A standard locker has the advantage of being able to provide for the relatively safe keeping of a wide range of items; however, it may also be used for the undesirable purpose of storing dangerous objects, weapons or contraband.

Increasingly, concern over personal safety of students has so outweighed concern for protection of personal property that many schools have eliminated the use of enclosed locker facilities entirely. As a result, students are forced to keep their personal belongings with them in order to prevent theft. Thus, students may have to carry their books and other class materials with them throughout the school day. Additionally, the same disadvantages presented by enclosed locker use in public schools apply to their use at shopping centers, beaches, parks and other public places.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Preferred embodiments of the present securable hanger provide a theft prevention and storage device specifically for folding scooters, skateboards, and other objects, such as motorized scooters, skis and snowboards, for example. Such a hanger also may be utilized to secure other personal belongings, such as backpacks, helmets, protective equipment and the like. Preferred embodiments are capable of separately stowing both a folding scooter and a skateboard without necessitating adjustment of the storage device. This advantageously promotes ease of use, eliminates the need for extraneous adjustment pieces that may be lost or stolen, and allows for efficient utilization of space by conveniently providing generic parking for more than one type of personal transportation vehicle.

One aspect of the present invention thus provides a storage device for supporting either of a scooter and a skateboard. Each of the scooter and the skateboard includes at least a pair of spaced apart wheel assemblies and a deck portion at least partially extending between the wheel assemblies. The storage device includes a first portion defining a mounting surface and a second portion defining a first surface. The first surface is non-removable and non-adjustable with respect to the mounting surface. In addition, at least a portion of the first surface is spaced from the mounting surface. The storage device also includes a third portion defining a second surface, which is spaced from the first surface. The first surface and the second surface define a first space therebetween. The first space is configured to loosely receive the deck portion of the scooter and prevent the wheel assemblies of the scooter from passing therethrough. The first surface and the second surface additionally define a second space therebetween. The second space is configured to loosely receive the deck portion of the skateboard and prevent the wheel assemblies of the skateboard from passing therethrough.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of manufacturing a storage device for supporting each of a scooter and a skateboard. Each of the scooter and the skateboard includes at least a pair of spaced apart wheel assemblies and a deck portion at least partially extending between the wheel assemblies. The method includes providing a first work piece and processing the first work piece to form unitary first and second portions. The first portion defines a mounting surface and the second portion defines a non-removable first surface, which is non-adjustable with respect to the mounting surface. At least a portion of the first surface is spaced from the mounting surface. The method also includes providing a second work piece and processing the second work piece to form a third portion, which defines a second surface. The first work piece and the second work piece are connected in such a manner to permit the second surface to be selectively fixed in a closed position of the storage device such that the second surface is spaced from the first surface to define a first space therebetween. Additionally, the first space is configured to loosely receive the deck portion of the scooter and prevent the wheel assemblies of the scooter from passing therethrough. The first surface and the second surface additionally define a second space therebetween. The second space is configured to loosely receive the deck portion of the skateboard and prevent the wheel assemblies of the skateboard from passing therethrough.

A preferred embodiment of the secured hanger assembly does not contain any substantial enclosed area or comers in which larger objects, such as weapons or contraband, can be hidden. Additionally, the hanger may be used to securely store snow skis, or in conjunction with a chain or cable-type lock, to secure inline skates, helmets, protective padding and other items of personal property.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a method of mounting a storage device for securely retaining a pair of snow skis. Each ski has a ski body and a ski boot binding assembly connected to the ski body. The ski defines a fixed length from a rearward edge of the ski body to a leading edge of the binding. The method includes providing a storage device having a first portion, which defines a mounting surface, a second portion, which defines a non-adjustable first surface spaced from, and non-adjustable with respect to the mounting surface, and a third portion, which defines a second surface. The storage device has a closed position wherein the second surface is spaced from the first surface. The first and second surfaces are configured to loosely receive the ski bodies therebetween and prevent the binding assemblies from passing therethrough. The method also includes providing a substantially horizontal base surface and a substantially vertical surface adjacent to the base surface. The storage device is mounted to the vertical surface at a fixed height from the base surface such that the height is greater than the fixed length.

Other features of the present invention include that the preferred embodiments are easily manufactured, may be of a multiple unit assembly, provide durability and require little maintenance. Of course, each of the above-described features and advantages are not necessarily present in every embodiment. That is, some features or advantages may be exemplified in certain embodiments, while other features or advantages are exemplified in other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the storage device will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments of the storage device are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the invention. The drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a storage device in a closed position;

FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

in an open position;

FIG. 3

is a top view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 4

is a perspective view of a pair of multiple storage devices, each including two holders, as mounted for use;

FIG. 5

is a cross-sectional view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

securely storing a folding scooter, which is illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 6

is a cross-sectional view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

securely storing a skateboard;

FIG. 7

is a front view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

mounted for securely storing a pair of snow skis;

FIG. 8

is a front view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 9

is a left side view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 10

is a right side view of the storage device of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 11

is a rear view of the storage device

FIG. 1

; and

FIG. 12

is a bottom view of the storage device of FIG.

1

.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to

FIG. 1

, a presently preferred embodiment of a securable hanger

100

is shown. The illustrated hanger

100

generally comprises a mounting plate

10

, a locator plate

12

and a gate

14

. The hanger

100

is adapted to be securely mounted to a wall or other solid object by any suitable method. For instance lag bolts, machine screws or anti-theft screws may be used to secure the mounting plate

10

to the wall or other object. For instance, the hanger

100

may be mounted to a stationary object, such as a wall or hitching post construction. Alternatively, the hanger

100

may be mounted to a movable object, such as a school bus or other vehicle. The illustrated mounting plate

10

further includes a hinge plate

16

and a tab

18

, both extending substantially perpendicularly outward from the mounting plate

10

.

The outer surface

11

of the locator plate

12

preferably lies in a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the mounting plate

10

and is spaced outwardly therefrom. The illustrated locator plate

12

includes two centrally located angularly disposed members

13

that serve to attach the locator plate

12

to the mounting plate

10

. The outer surfaces

15

of the angular members

13

define a cavity

20

in the locator plate

12

.

Referring to FIG.'s

1

and

2

, the illustrated gate

14

is generally L-shaped, the long leg of which, when in a closed position, lies in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the mounting plate

10

. Preferably, at least a portion of the inner surface

32

of the gate

14

is disposed above the upper surface

34

of the locator plate

12

. The long leg of the illustrated gate

14

includes a centrally located bend which defines a recess

22

. The recess

22

is substantially aligned with the cavity

20

when the gate

14

is in its closed position.

One end of the gate

14

is preferably connected to the forward end of the hinge plate

16

by a hinge shaft

24

. The hinge shaft

24

extends through hinge shaft passages formed in the hinge plate

16

and the gate

14

and preferably is adapted to prevent removal of the hinge shaft

24

once assembled. The hinge shaft

24

allows pivotal movement of the gate

14

about a vertical axis. In some arrangements, the hinge location can be rearward of a plane extending through the gate in the closed position. For instance, the hinge can be disposed between the outer surface

11

and the plane of the mounting plate

10

.

A biasing member

26

may also be provided that biases the gate

14

to a closed position. In the illustrated arrangement, the biasing member

26

is a torsion spring that engages the hinge plate

16

and the gate

14

. This arrangement reduces the likelihood that the gate

14

accidentally remains in an open position when not in use. The short member of the gate

14

is of approximately the same size as the binge plate

16

in the illustrated arrangement. Thus, when the gate

14

is in a closed position, the short member of the gate

14

advantageously contacts the mounting plate

10

and causes the long member of the gate

14

to be approximately parallel with the locator plate

12

and the mounting plate

10

. Of course, although the present arrangement utilizes a binge connection, any suitable method for positioning the gate

14

within an appropriate distance from the locator plate

12

, and inhibiting its removal, may be used.

The short member of the gate

14

and the tab

18

preferably have complementary apertures

28

,

30

of any suitable size and shape. In one arrangement, the aperatures

28

,

30

are sized to accommodate a standard padlock when the gate

14

is in a closed position. In another arrangement, the gate

14

and the tab

18

may be permanently or semi-permanently connected to limit the range of motion of the gate when the hanger

100

is unlocked.

The long member of the gate

14

preferably is of a length so that when the gate

14

is in a closed position, the short member of the gate

14

is outside the tab

18

and within sufficient proximity to allow a standard padlock to pass through their respective apertures

28

,

30

, thus securing the gate

14

in a closed position. This construction provides reinforcement to the smaller tab

18

and reduces the likelihood of damage to the tab

18

when the gate

14

is locked in position.

With reference to

FIG. 2

, the securable hanger

100

of the present invention is shown in an open position. It should be noted that the hinge plate

16

, the locator plate

12

and the tab

18

preferably are formed from the same work piece that comprises the mounting plate

10

for both manufacturing purposes and aesthetic appeal. However, any one or combination of these components may be formed separately and attached by any suitable method to the mounting plate

10

. For instance, by bolting, riveting or welding. Additionally, many of the shapes (i.e., the angled surfaces

13

, the round ends of the locator plate

12

, etc.) are only one of a variety of suitable shapes. Thus, other shapes will create a different aesthetic appearance.

With reference to

FIG. 3

, a top view of the hanger

100

illustrates a pair of spaces S

1

, S

2

. The space S

1

is generally defined between the outer surface

15

of the angular members

13

and the inner surface

32

of the gate

14

. The space S

1

is generally triangular in shape when viewed from above. The space S

2

is generally defined between the outer surface

11

of the locator plate

12

and the inner surface

32

of the gate

14

. The space S

2

is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The spaces S

1

and S

2

are configured to loosely receive a scooter and a skateboard, respectively, as will be described below. Loosely receiving the vehicles allows variously sized and shaped vehicles to be securely accommodated without requiring adjustability.

Advantageously, a preferred embodiment of the hanger

100

constructed in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention provides secured storage for a multitude of objects, including folding scooters and skateboards, without the disadvantage of providing concealed areas in which to hide dangerous objects, weapons or contraband. This feature of the preferred embodiments is advantageous when the hanger is used in schools, shopping centers, parks and other public places; where hidden, dangerous objects may pose a threat to the safety of many persons.

FIG. 4

depicts a pair of exemplary commercial embodiments, each having two securable hangers

100

mounted for use on a wall

40

. The two hangers

100

of each commercial unit are constructed from a single mounting plate

10

. The number of securable hangers produced from a single work piece and provided on a common mounting plate

10

can be varied from the singular, for use in the home, up to any reasonable number that would be feasible for a given mounting structure.

The securable hanger

100

of the present invention is shown securely storing a folding scooter

80

in

FIG. 5. A

typical folding scooter

80

has two inline skate-type wheel assemblies

57

on either end of a body section, or deck,

55

. The user stands upon the upper surface of the body section

55

of the scooter

80

and utilizes a two-piece, T-shaped handle that projects upwardly from the front end of the body for steering. The body and the handle are joined with a bracket

56

that allows the handle to be folded toward the body and locks the scooter

80

in a compact storage mode. Additionally, the top portion

54

of the two-piece handle is capable of retracting inside the bottom portion

50

and is held in its desired position at their junction by a quick-release handle clamp

52

. This allows for adjustment in the height of the handle to accommodate users of different size and for the complete retraction of the top portion

54

of the handle into the bottom portion

50

for the compact storage mode.

When in the compact storage mode, as depicted in

FIG. 5

, the deck

55

of the scooter

80

can be placed in the securable hanger

100

between the inner surface

32

of the gate

14

and the outer surfaces

15

of the angular members

13

. In this manner, the scooter deck

55

can be secured within the cavity

20

and recess

22

, or the space S

1

. When the gate

14

is closed, the scooter

80

can be lowered such that it hangs from the top surface

34

of the locator plate

12

, by its own weight, on bracket

56

.

FIG. 5

illustrates one example of how a scooter

80

may be secured by the hanger

100

. However, other suitable arrangements for storing the scooter may also be utilized.

The space S

1

is advantageously sized to allow clearance between the scooter deck

55

and the surfaces

15

and

32

in order to prevent damage to the scooter

80

from undesired clamping pressure. Desirably, the space S

1

has a depth between 1.75 and 2.0 inches. Preferably the depth of the space S

1

is between 1.9 and 2.0 inches and more preferably is approximately 2.0 inches. Desirably, the angle &thgr; is between 80 and 100 degrees. Preferably the angle &thgr; is between 85 and 95 degrees and more preferably is approximately 90 degrees.

When the gate

14

is secured to the mounting plate

10

, such as with a padlock inserted through the complimentary apertures

28

and

30

, the scooter

80

is secured from being removed in an upward or downward direction due to the prohibitive size of the bracket

56

and wheel assembly

57

in comparison to the space S

1

. Advantageously, this allows for secure retention of the scooter

80

, without necessitating undesirable clamping pressure. A motorized scooter may be securely stowed in a similar manner.

FIG. 6

shows the securable hanger

100

used to securely store a skateboard

90

. With the gate

14

in its open position, the skateboard

90

is placed between the gate

14

and locator plate

12

, or space S

2

, with the top riding surface

62

of the board facing the locator plate

12

. The locator plate

12

preferably is spaced forwardly from the mounting plate

10

a sufficient distance to accommodate the curved tail section

68

of a standard skateboard

90

. Desirably, the locator plate

12

is spaced between 1.0 and 1.125 inches from the mounting plate

10

. Preferably the locator plate

12

is spaced between 1.065 and 1.125 inches and more preferably is spaced approximately 1.75 inches from the mounting plate

10

.

The enclosed space S

2

between the inner surface

32

of the gate

14

and the outer surface

11

of the locator plate

12

advantageously is sufficient to accommodate a typical skateboard

90

without exerting clamping pressure upon it, thereby preserving the structural integrity and the outward appearance of the board

90

. Desirably, the distance between the surface

11

and the surface

32

is between 0.50 and 1.00 inches. Preferably the distance between the surface

11

and the surface

32

is between 0.625 and 0.75 inches and more preferably is approximately 0.75 inches.

When the gate

14

is closed and secured to the mounting plate

10

, the skateboard

90

preferably lowers and rests with its upper wheel and axle assembly, or truck

64

, positioned on the upper surface

36

of the gate

14

. The recess

22

of the illustrated gate

14

advantageously provides clearance for the protruding portion

66

of the upper skateboard truck

64

. The skateboard

90

is secured in position within the locked hanger

100

by the upper and lower trucks

64

,

70

. Additionally, the hanger

100

may securely stow a snowboard, in a manner similar to the securing of a skateboard

90

, as described above.

With reference to

FIG. 7

, the securable hanger

100

may also be used to securely store a pair of snow skis

67

. The hanger

100

is mounted to a vertical surface, such as a wall

65

, at a height H. The height H is preferably greater than a length L of the rear edge of the ski

67

to the leading edge of the binding

69

. The skis

67

may be positioned in the space S

2

between the locator plate

12

and the gate

14

in a manner similar to the secured storage of a standard skateboard (FIG.

6

). The skis

67

so mounted are inhibited from being moved in a downward direction by the floor or the ground

71

, and inhibited from being moved in an upward direction by the ski bindings

69

.

FIG. 8

is a front plan view of the hanger

100

in a closed position.

FIG. 9

is a left side plan view and

FIG. 10

is a right side plan view of the hanger

100

.

FIG. 11

is a rear view of the hanger

100

.

FIG. 12

is a bottom plan view of the hanger

100

.

The securable hanger

100

also can advantageously be used as a storage device for a backpack (not shown). With the gate in an open position, each strap of the backpack may be placed over opposite ends of the locator plate

12

. The resistance of the biasing member

26

will then close the gate

14

, thereby assisting in holding the backpack in place. This feature allows the illustrated embodiment of the present invention to provide a safe alternative to enclosed locker use, especially in schools.

The securable hanger

100

may be used to secure any number of articles that may slide over the gate

14

or be positioned securely between the gate

14

and locator plate

12

. For example, elbow or knee pads may be slid onto the gate

14

through their openings or roller skates may be secured in a similar manner to a skateboard, as described above. Additionally, in its closed and secured position, the securable hanger may be utilized in a similar manner as a conventional bicycle rack. Moreover, a cable or chain-type lock may be used to secure a number of items to the hanger, such as inline skates, helmets, protective padding and the like.

Preferably, the securable hanger is made from a common variety of steel and then zinc-plated, both for increased durability and ease of maintenance. However, the present invention could also be produced from any type of solid material, such as steel, aluminum, plastic or wood. Additionally, any number of finishing materials could be utilized, such as painting, powder coating, anodizing or other varieties of plating. In some arrangements, plastic materials, foam materials or other surface coatings can be placed over the surfaces that will contact the stowed vehicle to reduce the likelihood of scratching, scuffing or marring the finish of the vehicle.

Preferably, the present hanger

100

is manufactured by stamping, a combination of laser cutting and stamping, or other suitable methods. Additionally, the securable hanger can be mounted to the desired wall or other suitable structure utilizing any suitable anti-theft attachment method, such as using MCGUARD brand one-way fasteners, for instance.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. For example, the components of the invention may be of alternative shape or form while nonetheless serving the intended function, and are considered part of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims that follow.